love & a .45

it seems that much of my family, actually more like everyone except myself, has gotten on a handgun kick and has begun making frequent trips to the shooting range. while i really don't have any interest or experience in shooting, i have profited from their exploits in the form of spent bullet casings. i asked my sister to rescue a few for me on her last visit to the range. while i didn't have any specific design plans for them, i knew these spent bullet casings were destined for jewelry. this is my first attempt at incorporating the casings and i was really excited with how it turned out. it also gave me a chance to practice setting small faceted gems, something i hardly ever do. i already have a list of new stones to order and plan to expand this concept into an entire line that will include some great new designs for guys. silver, 10k gold, diamond, .45 caliber spent bullet casing

ring in the new year

new rings
Originally uploaded by [metamorphosis]

this week marks the start of a new year and a new decade. which means that once again its time for new years resolutions. i have quite a few resolutions this year:
1. keep up with my bookkeeping monthly (instead of throwing all my paperwork and receipts into file folders and putting it off until the end of the year- scary!)
2. list at least one new design on etsy each week.
3. start a mailing list
4. build a larger backstock of supplies and components
5. keep my desk and work bench clean (this one probably won't happen but i give it an attempt each year)
6. make a schedule each week and stick to it
7. take some small business workshops at the local community college
8. update my blog and website more often
9. put my work in a few new stores.
#2 is the first one i plan to tackle, so be on the lookout for lots of new styles arriving in my etsy store over the next few weeks. here is a sneak peak of a few new ring designs.

holiday hoopla

well, the 2009 holiday season is in full swing and as busy as ever. this past weekend i participated in {holiday hoopla} hosted by {circa gallery}, one of my amazing stockists, in asheboro, nc. i went up a little early and turned the trip into a much needed mini getaway.
if you've never been to asheboro, i highly recommend making the drive and spending the day or the weekend. in addition to the nc zoo, which makes for an amazing day trip, there are several great antique stores and other fun shops in the downtown area. i loved the antique mall. its huge (don't forget the upstairs) and the staff is super friendly. i stocked up on supplies for some new designs as well as picking up some amazing christmas gifts for friends and family. i've already made plans to go back in the new year when i have more time to spend searching for treasures.
i made the trek to seagrove, which is just a few miles away, and is a major hub of traditional and contemporary potters. i have been wanting to make it up there for some time and this trip was the perfect opportunity to do so. the area has a long tradition of pottery making that began over 200 years ago. there are two small museums the exhibit regional work, historical pieces, and educational exhibits. you can just pick up a map at the nc pottery center and spend the day visiting your favorite potters studios. while i was out, i stopped at the pisgah covered bridge. it was cold so i didn't stay long but if the weather is nice this would be a great place to stop for a picnic or a hike along the walking trails.friday night was {christmas on sunset} in downtown asheboro, so i went down to check it out and to scout out the area for the following day (my sense of direction is not very good at 6:30 in the morning). it was a fun event and put me in a festive mood, there were carolers, horse pulled wagon rides, cider & gingerbread stands, and of course santa was there. it was a quite cold so i went back to the hotel to relax in the hot tub and attempt to get to bed at a reasonable hour.
after a fun and relaxing day it was time to get to work. saturday was a cold and we were outside, so everyone was bundled, gathered around the heaters and drinking tons of coffee, cocoa, & cider to stay warm. there were some great vendors and i was able to finish the last of my christmas shopping. some of my favorites were paintings and collage by {cori cagle}, jewelry by {bSIDES metal}, ceramic tile panels by {jessica capps} and pottery by {michael kim burroughs}. thanks to amy and mandy at {circa gallery} for all their hard work putting the show together. make sure you stop by and visit their lovely shop if you're in the area.
this week i'm getting ready for the {rock & shop} on december 19, at all saints chapel in downtown raleigh. come out and finish your holiday shopping, enjoy live performances by {schooner}, {starmount} and {dj melissa york}, and grab lunch or a beer which will be provided by {only burger} and {aviator brewing co.} if you can't make it out there is still time to catch {brand fandango} at {design box} until it closes on the 23rd and to grab a coffee or bakery treat from {shot box}.

button love

i made a trip to the flea market and my favorite local antique store over the weekend. i picked up five mason jars (among other things) which are now housing various collections around the house. while reorganizing my button collection i came across this beautiful faceted, clear glass button and was inspired to make this ring. its quite different than my normal style and provided a nice challenge and change of pace. i'm very happy with how it turned out, and am quite tempted to keep it for myself, however i had the forethought to know this would happen and went ahead and made it one size too big. since the rain finally decided to move on and the sun made an appearance today, i was able take some pictures and get it listed on etsy.

november news

:: so far november is shaping up to be quite a busy month. yesterday was The Handmade Market which is always a fun but exhausting day. i was lucky enough to have two helpers this time which allowed me to walk around, enjoy the market and to do a bit of shopping. i got this amazing print, "Tengu" from Jamie Zollars which is going to hang beside the reading chair in our bedroom as soon as i get a frame for it.below is a picture of my booth and a montage of shoppers (i appologized for the poor quality of the photos, as usual, in the mad rush to get everything packed i forgot my camera and had to resort to using my phone)

:: be sure to come out tuesday evening for Handmade on the Hill. get a start on your holiday shopping or a treat for yourself and help support a great cause, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Shoppers are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the Food Bank or to make a monetary donation and each vendor is donating a portion of their sales. The show runs from 6:30 until 8:00 and each guest will receive a glass of wine compliments of the West End Wine Bar.

:: in other news i have a few pieces in Garth Johnson's new book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse which is out this month. i already got my copy and its beautiful and filled with tons of inspiring pieces. i am numbers 330, 378, 379, & 385, you can check them out below.

happy halloween

just a few more hours and its officially halloween... my very favorite holiday. unfortunately we don't have any exciting plans this year because jackey has to work. i think i will stay in, hand out candy, watch a scary movie or two (any suggestions?) and enjoy the last of my roasted pumpkin seeds.
we picked out our pumpkin the other day and i couldn't wait to carve it and to roast the seeds (most of which are already gone). i found so many delicious sounding recipes for roasted pumpkin seeds that it was difficult to settle on just one. in the end i choose simple and basic: coat seeds with 2 tbls of melted butter, add a little salt and some garlic. spread on a cookie sheet and roast at 300 deg F for 20-25 min.
this years pumpkin carving was based on "the scream" by edvard munch.

Rock & Shop Vintage Market this Saturday!

The Rock & Shop Vintage Market is almost here and I'm so excited! The Rock & Shop is one of my favorite local shows to do and this one will be so much fun because it has a vintage twist. There will be around 50 vendors selling vintage goods or handmade goodies from repurposed materials and vintage embellishments. The show is held in Durham and will take place from 1-5 in the Cotton Room at Golden Belt. In addition to great shopping there will be live music from local bands Lonnie Walker and Mount Weather as well as a fashion show featuring local clothing and accessory designers. Its sure to be a fun and action filled day. Hope to see you there.