Friday, October 3rd

Wow, so proud of myself. This is really working nicely. I've posted consistently for several weeks, progressed toward trying some different outlets for jewelry, and managed to make something new. I've even continued "flying" and getting my house and office and in effect or maybe as a consequence - my life is more organized and less anxiety ridden.


But that's not why you're tuning in today, you want to know who won the earrings. Well, 8 people signed up and I went to http://www.random.org/ to generate a number from 1-8 for the winner. The winner was number 1 - Terri Durden. So - Terri - you will be receiving the earrings posted for the September blog candy!!


Now on to October. What can you win in October? I offer up your pick of one of my cuff bracelets. These are stitched in two drop peyote and since the drawing will be on October 31, I thought the colors were appropriate. Your choice is between an "ALIEN" green bracelet embellished in green, teal and blue, and a lavender bracelet embellished in purple and topaz. All you have to do is leave an entry on this post with which bracelet you like and your e-mail address so I can let you know you've won. The bracelet will be sent to you if your number is picked and I will send you the bracelet you picked postage paid by me.



So here are your picks - which one do you choose?

Tonight you can find me at the DREAMS event featuring entertainment and fashion at The Bird's Nest 10 S. Prince Street from 6-9PM. It is First Friday downtown, there's lots going on and this event is going to feature music, fashion and a little bit of everything for everyone.

I am also participating in a group open house in Mount Joy on November 14th and 15th. Hostess is Pam Barto of Olde World Collectibles. She makes the most amazing soft sculpture Santas. As a former soft sculpture and doll artist (something I hope to pursue again some day) I can attest to her creative and fine stitchery. Each Santa is a work of art. Her address is 215 Birchland Ave and the Hours are Friday 11-7 and Saturday 10-5. Stop by, I plan to do some Christmas shopping there for sure. Fifteen of us are exhibiting at her house and everything is guaranteed hand made as she knows each and every one of us exhibiting.

As the holidays approach, if you've been putting off ordering some special piece of jewelry, order it now. Things get tight as the holidays approach as they do in all our lives and I'd hate for anyone to be disappointed. I welcome your custom orders, making something especially for that special outfit for all those events we have coming up, holiday parties, work functions, homecoming dances and even New Year's Eve.

So long for now, and will be in touch next week!!

New Booth Set up!!

Okay, got to try out my new booth set up today, and I think it looked really nice. Let me know opinions. And don't forget, only 3 more days to sign up for the monthly blog candy by making comments on this blog by September 30th!!

One of the new things in my booth are plexiglass shelves, held up by glass block. I bought 7 glass blocks, on sale at Home Depot for 2$ each, they were on clearance, weird shape but it worked for me. I bought a big piece of plexiglas, and they don't cut it. Tried to do it myself, but it didn't go well. Note to self - it's not as easy to cut plexiglas as the guy made it out to be. I took it to the local hardware store and they cut it. Note to self - buy it at home depot - it's cheaper, but pay them to cut it at the local hardware store.

Also, used little bowls with nifty electric tealight in it covered with rocks. Looked really cute. Also put tealights behind glass block, really really cute. All in all, had a lot of positive comments on the set up and great sales as well until it started pouring rain. Oh well.

In the center I have a picture frame to protect some of my more valuable items and really show them off. Special items I'm either really proud of or took a lot of time or made of precious metals.

I really like this set up, easier to set up, a cinch to break down (did I mention rain?) and I really think it showcases my work. Let me know if you have any comments, what things you like to see at shows, what kinds of booths attract you and so on. Thanks for looking!!

Friday, September 26

Tomorrow, I will be out, in the rain all day at Landis Woods in Neffsville. Landis Woods is a lovely little park off 501 and Landis Valley Road. Stop by and see me. And bring chai from Wawa. Lots and lots of hot chai. Dress warm, bring an umbrella and wear sturdy shoes. I'm guessing the ground will be soft. This is a great show, lots of fantastic art and it's a shame that the weather will be less than cooperative.

On a brighter note - - - TADA - - -Finished the previously mentioned fringe necklace which I have so named "Gift from the Sea." Gosh it's beautiful (if I do say so myself.) I love when I finish one of these. If you want to see it in its lovely entirety, please check out my new shop at http://www.wjewelry.shophandmade.com/. Purchase information is there as well.

I'm just testing the new shop, but the really nice thing, well lots of nice things, is that there's no listing fee, you can donate proceeds to the rain forest, and it's underwritten by http://www.addictedtorubberstamps.com/. One of my favorite rubber stamp sites. I've gotten some really great supplies from them as well.

I will still be updating my web site, and am investigating different options for photographing my work. Luckily I have some guidance from my sister the photographer, and I some background on my end as well. Here's a closeup of my new necklace, enjoy your weekend.

Friday Post

Well, it's Friday again. We have, as of this writing, 7 entries for the earrings. That's pretty good odds. I wish you all well and thanks for posting. Contest ends September 30th and anyone can enter up to then. I've added a couple of things to my blog, tweaking and changing it around. If I missed putting anything up that I had before, please let me know. It was kinda wonky trying to get it all back together.

Below you can see what I'm working on now - a new fringe necklace called "Gifts from the Sea." It's all done in blues and whites with pearls and Swarovski in blues and crystals for accents. I'm lovin' it. Really pretty. In this picture I have about 2/3 of one more row of embellishment to do and should finish it by next Saturday for the Landis Woods art show. Anyone wanting to see what a finished "branched fringe" necklace looks like can check my web site. This is the third one I've made and if you've never seen one in person, it's because once I finish one, it doesn't stay on the display too long - 1-2 shows and someone snaps them up.

Booth display photos - I am working on a new booth display and it is evolving, let me know what you think . . . which booth would you be most tempted to stop into?

Flylady update. I'm still cleaning out the house. Filled up the van last night for goodwill and we have another van load ready to go. Man, we have a lot of stuff we don't need! And that's just this week, less than 15 minutes a day. Other things I have done this week - cleaned the counter and sink in bathroom, cleaned out the kids and my sock drawers, washed the floor in the kitchen, washed the bottom and back of the toilet, cleaned the stove, and began cleaning out the "craft closet." The work is starting to show. It's so much easier having someone give me an assignment every day. This I can deal with. The house is still a mess, but it's better than it was before. And my favorite flylady saying - a chore done wrong still blesses your home. Wow, you mean it doesn't have to be perfect??? Ths kids are pitching in and learning how to keep things clean. My older one is fussing about it, truth be told, she's very neat - but has too much stuff and won't let go of any of it. My younger one is jumping right in, would rather give away stuff than have to put it away. Go figure.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Dianne

Friday News and Blog Candy

This is my first Friday update. The plan is that each Friday I will be updating my blog - barring weeks that I'm off Monday and have to work my other J.O.B. on Friday. Even then, I plan on at least planning the update into my day.

Heres the real news - Blog Candy is coming. What is blog candy you ask? Will it make me fat? Inquiring minds want to know!! Blog candy is a free giveaway on a blog. ON some blogs it may indeed be fattening, but on mine, the giveaway will be jewelry, and since my jewelry sometimes has sharp pointy bits, I don't recommend eating it. Now I know that many of my dedicated followers are not computer savvy, but here's your chance to find out what blogging is all about, get updates on W Jewelry Designs, and say Hi and let me know you are out there.

I will begin posting my blog candy today with these earrings pictured above. A fun, fall frolic-y kinda earring with vintage tulip, czech glass and pearl beads that swing from a sterling french hoop ear wire.

How do I get these earrings? Post a comment to my blog below this entry with your e-mail so I can contact you if you win. Tell me what you like on my blog, what you want to know more about, what colors you are looking for in jewelry, what you think of the fact that I own ferrets, cats and a rat, how you know me or what you had for breakfast. Or just say hi!! It's easy. On September 30th, I will take all the names and pick a winner using a randomizing program. So, e-mail all your friends and family and tell them about blog candy!! I am planning on offering a prize a month. Also, if you're local to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania locale, take a minute to e-mail me your home address and I'll put you on my mailing list to receive an invitation to my open house in November. Ths invitations are cute and give you a discount on your purchase during the open house.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I will be in Hummelstown at their annual Arts Festival 9:30 AM until 5 PM. This is a lovely show along the main street in Hummelstown. Can't find me at the festival? Call my cell 717-371-3726, I'll have it on all day and I'll guide you to me.

I'd also like to share a link that is helping to get my house clean.

www.flylady.net

I am not a BO (born organized) person. Those of you who have been to my house can attest to this, but this web site is helping me to de-clutter, clean and organize my house. I am only on day 4, taking baby steps toward this, but already I have a spotless sink - no really, it's spotless!! The kitchen counter on 3 ft either side is CLEAN and today I polished the stovetop and vacuumed the floor. I still have lots to go, but by taking these baby steps I think I can do this and finally have the home I've dreamed of, still leaving lots of time, more time even for my creative mind to play. Best of all, it's free. It's like instant blog candy for the soul!! I'm telling you, if you're like me - and I know I'm not the only creative - unorganized - house always needs to be cleaned - stressed out person - this web site will change your life, your home, your family!

Best to all of you,

Dianne

What's New

Okay folks. Time for me to get serious here. The jewelry thing has been a lot of fun, but now it's time for me to knuckle down, promote, create and overhaul. What this entails is more office time for me. I will be following up on alternative ways to promote my art over the next 6 months. Internet, salons, shows, exhibits, galleries - anyway I can get out there. This includes completely redoing my web site, pictures of new jewelry, and hopefully some fun stuff too. So watch this space. My goal is a weekly update of where I am, where I'm going and how I'm getting there.

September is my busiest month. Which I actually consider starting yesterday. I was at Roots in Lancaster for their annual craft show. It was very hot, sticky, humid but I had a great time as I got to see lots of my friends and customers that I hadn't seen in a long time.

On September 13th I'll be in Hummelstown at the Arts festival. Lovely show, really cool town if you can make it. Show hours are 9:30 AM till 5 PM.

On September 27th I'll be in Lancaster at the Landis Woods Outdoor Art Show in Neffsville. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. This is one of my favorite shows to do each year. The park setting is fabulous and the art is amazing. This is a not to miss event.

I'll have a rest after that till November, but I will be busy making jewelry, seeking out venues and cleaning my studio. After all, the open house will happen in November and it's the one time a year you can guarantee the studio is clean. If you stop by any other time, well, you're on your own. I'm not a great housekeeper. Who has the time?

My best to all of you!!
Dianne

Queen Street Block Party

I will be exhibiting at the Queen Street Block Party in downtown Lancaster, PA on Sunday June 1st 11-5pm. The block party is on the 3oo block of North Queen Street. Not sure exactly where I will be on the block, but it was lots of fun last year despite a slight drizzle and I expect the weather will be much better this year. Stop by and say hi!

Elizabethtown Arts in the Park

Come see me tomorrow, May 10th in Elizabethtown Pennsylvania at their annual Arts in the Park celebration. Consistently this show has high caliber crafters and artists as well as cool stuff for the kids. Last year a local alpaca farmer was there with the alpacas as well as the cool wool sweaters and goods made from their fur. This was one of the highlights for me as i got some pretty cool pictures.

I have some great new jewelry designs, lots of viking knit bracelets in cool colors and some for you men as well. I know you guys are always asking me for jewelry so I made a couple of the bracelets with you in mind. I also have a lot of silver wrapped and forged work for you to oogle. Let me know what you think of the direction I'm taking with my work.

I'm in space number 18 so look for me!

The show runs from 9 AM to 5 PM in the park right in the middle of Elizabethtown, it's free and there will be food available for sale there. It's a lovely park with ample parking across the street.

Thanks so much for all your support.

Christ is Risen

Just wanted to wish all my family and Eastern Orthodox friends a happy Easter! Christ is Risen!

Frida Kahlo from the eyes of a Jewelry Artist, Physical Therapist and Rheumatoid

My thoughts after viewing the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum today:

Although Frida bared all in her paintings, one is left with the feeling that she would only allow you to see those parts of her she wishes you to see. There are parts of her kept hidden. She will bare her breasts but never let you see the wasting of her right leg and foot. She allows you to see her innermost secrets, struggles in her relationships, and physical pain but still reserves the deepest part of her. Her sexuality is put on display because that is not what makes her vulnerable. She paints herself crying, unibrowed and mustachioed, but that is not what makes her vulnerable. What makes her most vulnerable is that which is beyond her control. Never once is a visual image of her legs revealed. Always directing attention upward, her hair ornately braided and coiffed. Ears and neck adorned in jewelry. Hands dressed in rings on every finger. Breasts bared, nipples erect but our Frida only rarely depicted from the waist down, shrouded in layers of skirts, pants or a shroud of white. A limp out of view from prying eyes.

My answer to why she painted herself with such a prominent unibrow and mustache in some paintings has nothing to do with wanting to appear masculine. It is the simplest of feminine afflictions. It has to do with what all women see in the mirror each day. Our flaws magnified when we are sad, have pain or just feel run down. On good days we are Goddesses, on bad days, merely mortal and sometimes both in the same moment. Perhaps this is the real story of Frida’s work. Her subconscious view of herself on the day she painted, ugly or beautiful and an acceptance of herself. How what she saw in the mirror revealed her mood and level of self confidence on that day, and that day only. In all of us it waxes and wanes day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. And so, we find Frida. She is real and makes no apologies. Some days she overcomes the pain, some days she is "ugly" with it. Exaggerating her physical attributes as a barometer of her inner demons.

Frida in her paintings becomes every woman, not afraid to experiment, not afraid to reveal her feelings, not afraid to criticize, not afraid to try different things and new mediums. But she still keeps some things to herself.

More new jewelry and Class announcements

More new classes being offered through the Lancaster County Art Association for Summer!! Check them out at http://www.lcaaonline.org/. The new classes may not have been added yet, but they will be soon. Their webmaster, Ginny is really FAST! Well, besides the fact that I was the last teacher scheduled. Thank goodness I'd been thinking of this and planning for my next classes. I will be doing an extended workshop in the fall. I'm still mulling over ideas and getting my act together on that one.

Earrings Earrings Earrings Wednesday June 25 6-8 PM. Learn to make at least four different designs, learn crimping, working with silver and gold filled square wire, silver plated beading wire, and wire wrapped loops. All the techniques to make anything you want.

Pearl Bracelet with Vintage Button Closure Wednesday July 30 6-8 PM. Learn how to make a triple bracelet with a button closure. Learn crimping and stringing with beading wire. Simple design, elegant effect.

Two drop Peyote Cuff Saturday August 2 9-12. Learn the two drop peyote stitch and how to embellish after creating the cuff bracelet. Use a button or traditional clasp for the bracelet, your choice!!

New jewelry


I have just been in love with wire lately and was trying to design something inspired by the Frida Kahlo Exhibit in Philadelphia at the Art Museum that I will be attending this Friday. I am a big big big Frida groupie. Wierd, I know, check out her art though. It is so raw, so real, so inspiring in color and content for me. So, I needed new jewelry. Here are some earrings and a necklace I made. The earrings are so big that I really can't wear them with the necklace so I'm making new earrings that will be a little smaller so that I can wear them together.

My Babies

Okay, totally self indulgent here - I just wanted to share a couple of pictures of my new kitty Nyssa and my ferret Kyra. First Nyssa, she's a rescue from Castaway Critters, she couldn't have been more than 12 weeks when I got her, she was so tiny, but she's sure growing now. She's definitely a maine coon mix, more maine coon than mix I believe.

now, here's Kyra, our ferret who never stands still but managed to pose for me just this once. Thanks so much for indulging me.

More New Work

A fairly new collar to my collection that I have not yet posted. Bead embroidery on Lacy's stiff stuff,then backed on leather. Herringbone neck in varying bead sizes to give it that gentle curve, toggle beaded clasp.

Latest Work

Can't stop playing with wire lately. Learned Viking knit this weekend at Wire Fest in Phila. I'm addicted. NEED MORE WIRE!! Want MORE COLORS!! Should have stocked up at parawire. Will have to order off the internet now.

Web site updated

okey dokey folks - i have finally gotten the web site updated for 2008, not that things won't change but tis done for now.
Classes begin in April, the first Saturday of each month at the Lancaster County Art Association, April May and June. Check their web site for details - www.lcaaonline.org
So check in with www.capitalwjewelry.com for the new jewelry, and the new classes - and I hope to see you soon!

Classes coming soon

Stay tuned, information on upcoming beading classess coming soon!

Last weekend for holiday shopping

Okay, last call friends! The W Jewelry Designs holiday shop will be closing after this weekend. Call to make your appointment now! 717-371-3726 or e-mail me at meleenia@aol.com.

OOPS

Oh how silly, for those of you who received an e-mail from me about my open house, I messed up the dates. Please refer to the post below. I'm such a goober and have been so tired, I really shouldn't have tried to send out e-mails after a big show last weekend until I had fully recovered.
So the dates are November 16-18, not 17-19. Duh me!

W Jewelry Designs - Open House

Open House and Holiday Sale!

Friday November 16 4-9 PM spend Happy Hour with Dianne Miller

and her newest jewelry designs with a wine and cheese reception.

Saturday and Sunday November 17-18 12-5 PM, shop for Holiday gifts

for yourself or others, hot drinks and sweets will be served.

Anytime up until December 15th - call for your very own private

jewelry show and shopping appointment.

Guarantee yourself no crowds and plenty of parking.

Directions and details at the web site - http://www.capitalwjewelry.com/

or e-mail meleenia@aol.com

I live in Leola, Pennsylvania, just east of the city of Lancaster.

W Jewelry Designs - Latest Show Update

Oh my, so much to tell, so little time -

#1 To those who I have told about the Conestoga Valley Community Center Great Escape for Women night on November 10th, I have just been sadly informed that this event has been cancelled.

#2 Now I really don't know what to do about my open house, I will be moving it from the first week of December to either Thanksgiving weekend or the weekend before. Does anyone have a preference? Feel free to post here.

#3 I've been doing some really cool wire work lately, I'm also working on some items that will be available for special order.

#4 If anyone has any November or December events that they know about that would like to have me as a vendor - please let me know. The first weekend in November is taken as I will be in Philadelphia at the Unitarian Society of Germantown's festival of the Arts.

#5 I am now set up to do trunk shows in your home with you and your friends, at your place of business or at bridal salons, fashion boutiques, etc. Call for an appointment. There are rewards for such an arrangement! Does free jewelry interest you?

Feel free to e-mail me at meleenia@aol.com or call at 717-371-3726.

Animal Photo Shoot

Some photos I did for an animal photo swap on swap-bot
Top to bottom
an Amish workhorse team
the cutest hairless rat I've ever seen
a nest of robins
Howie, my SIL's Conure
a sweet cow face.

I really credit Swap-bot for reawakening my love of photography.

More workshop from Bernie Berlin

The first is the stencil technique. First problem, didn't really have any stencils. So, I found some mesh, and used that in a couple of colors for the background, then i had a heart stencil that I used on the top. Surprisingly simple and loved the effect of layering the stencils.

Next is the inky papers. Well, I love layering papers. I did a whole cardstock sheet and then cut it up into ATC size. More bang for the buck and i'm all over that. Next with the glazing, i just mixed acrylics in with gel medium. Then some ink and whala! Add some images, stamp some keys, add a few letter and fiber -and you're done. This technique was right up my alley.

Next, the leafing pen resist. I (and my son) tried several different pens. For me, the paint pens, the sharpies and a fiskars pen in metallic did not work. Had to use the leafing pen. But, some of the pens sort of worked and had they been new may have worked better. That being said, I drew some swirls added the watercolor paint and stamped the dragonflies. I loved this. My son who is seven had very good results with this technique too. Cool technique for you AND the kids! what more could you want. My son always wants his cards to look as good as mine and may i say, his (with more vibrant color choices) were really cool.

I will do some more cards like this for sure.

One techie note - it seemed that the resist did not work too well the wetter you get your paper, and i tend to work really wet with watercolors. Note to self, dry off the brush a little!

Painted Paper Towel Examples

Painted Paper Towel Examples from Bernie's ATC Workshop

For the paper towel i did both the Lumiere paints and the Watercolor Mists (on different towels, this example is with the mists). The metallic watercolor mists did not have enough color alone to color anything, but it was nice to add a sheen on top. I really liked them on the paper towels because they didn't get as bulky to collage with my gel medium. I brought in some c-fold towels from work and redid the lumiere paints and liked it on those towels a lot better.

For the intuitive watercolor on my last post i used my twinking H2O's just cause they get kinda neglected in a lower corner of a cabinet. So they have a sheen you can't see as well.

ATC Workshop

I am participating in the ATC Workshop based on Bernie Berlin's Book. These are some of the results.

These are "intuitive watercolors." Basically you "find" the picture." I'm not really sure I like them all that much, just not my cuppa tea. I do really like the purple and red lady though.

These are more backgrounds - baby wipes spritzed with watercolor

sprays.

I like these and can't wait to turn them into cards.

Next we have a paper towel painted with lumiere paints, which, by the way, if you're looking for them, i found them at AC Moore with the FABRIC paints and TYE DYE, why the heck they are there, i have no clue!

Queen Street Block Party Info

Update: I will be near Art and Glassworks, East side of the street, 319 N. Queen Street. Stop by and say "hi."

Queen Street Block Party

Hey everyone - I will have a tent at the Queen Street Block party next Sunday, June 3, 11AM to 6PM selling my jewelry. The bike race is that day too! Double your fun! All the stores will be open and there will be other crafters and artists. Promises to be a great time. Hope you'll stop by!
Location - Downtown - Queen Street - Lancaster PA.
For more information go to W Jewelry Designs web site - over in the link section, in the right sidebar.

May ATC Technique
This is the first ATC technique I ever tried. I can’t find the link, so I can’t credit the originator.

Materials needed
Acrylic paint, 3 colors
A playing card for a base
a page from a book, dictionary – any text will do
a rubber stamp - focal image

rubber stamp - background text or script
black pigment ink
a cosmetic sponge

Directions: Smush your acrylic paint on your playing card, lightest to darkest in this manner – lightest in the center, darker on left, darkest on right, don’t clean the sponge in between and don’t worry if the card shows through. Add paint till you’re happy with it. Feel free to blend paint together over each other or whatever. Let dry.
Add a piece of text from the dictionary, book or even a phone book to the left side, angled up toward the right. Use a glue stick or whatever your favorite adhesive is.

Add text to the right side, angled up toward the left

you may want to add a background text stamp here in a subtle color, or maybe a metallic

Ink up your focal stamp and stamp slightly above center and to the right or left
Let dry and add some decorative tissue paper, vellum or napkins work great too.
Add more text if you feel like it needs it.
Embellish with a charm or fiber.
Feel free to experiment and substitute different materials, put the text in a different place, use an image instead of rubber stamping one. Post about your difficulties and successes, your experiments and your ideas. This is a starting place. Have fun.

Pages from an altered book round robin through swap bot. the theme of this book is neverwhere. A place where fantasy meets reality, but my fantasy is reality. This is where my soul lives even though i visit just a few times a year. Cape May, NJ. The two pictures on the left are the left hand page with a pocket for an atc with it in place and removed.