I can't wait to wear this!

I don't even know the hours I spent making this, but I really love it. It makes me want summer NOW! The pendant part is about the size of my fist. Big and bold...the way I like it!

Luis and Clark Carbon Fiber Cello

Ahhhhh...technology. This carbon fiber cello by Luis and Clark has a truly remarkable sound quality. The tone in undiscernable from that of a natural wood cello.

I love my gorgeous Nicoli Tambovsky cello. He said it took him over a year to make it and it is made with 100 year old European maple and spruce. It's deep, rich, bold sound in the lower register is powerful and robust. The upper register is filled with the same richness and depth of tone quality. It has been an honor to own it...but I have to sell it. I have some very expensive dental work coming my way, and no way to pay for it.

I am planning to go modern and buy this carbon fiber cello. It will still give me a full enough tone to be able to solo and perform in small ensembles. The sound is incredible for the price, and just so much more practical for my needs. Please read about it on the website, and listen to the samples. As soon as I figure out how to do it, I'll put a sample of me playing the Tambovsky on the blog. I will be listing it for $30,000. I have all of the papers on it, and I am the original owner. It's a sad day, but I have to do it.

Cherry Quartz pendant

Here's my latest. The red and burgundy wire are affected in an interesting way by the bright coral pink of the cherry quartz. It never ceases to amaze me how colors affect each other. I will probably make a red collar that has some extra whimsy for this pendant.

Sleep Deprivation

Burning the candle at both ends. That's what I am doing...and burning the candle sitting next to it...and the propane tank next to that. Sound familiar? I had a chance this weekend to exchange pathetic stories of sleep deprivation with my friend Amy. It went something like this, "Oh my God, I haven't had a shower since Friday," " I've had the same clothes on all weekend", "I daydreamed about quitting my job, so I can sleep." "My cat is like the three year old who wants attention, even if it is negative attention." I am trying to juggle my full time job at the library, my gigs, and my new jewelry business....and housework, and laundry, and paying bills...and having a happy disposition. This is much more difficult than I thought it would be. And, I am doing it ONLY with the support of many generous friends, my very talented apprentice Kassie, and LOTS OF CAFFEINE. There are so many things I want to do. Will I ever get to do them all? Everything is a process. I have to go with the natural flow of things and not push to fast. It is really amazing watching the way my life has unfolded. At 37, I still believe in romance and love, and still want to find a husband to be my companion and share my life with. Like my business, love in my life will happen only when it is supposed to. For the first in my adult life, I see that I am doing what I am meant to do in life. And I have excitement and a sense of adventure. I can't wait to see what is around the corner, what new thing I am going to come up with. I am really enjoying meeting all of you who read my blog, and contribute your unique talents that inspire all of us to be more creative. Those of you who are new artist/business owners, please email me and tell me about your experiences. I have much to learn as I am out here in Kansas alone trying to work my way through the maize. I will be doing some outdoor shows this summer, and I could use some advice about my booth display. Email me at cellocarrots@gmail.com. I wouldn't have made it to this point in the journey without all of your help and great advice. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz......................Time for another coffee

Hot Hot Color

I should be sleeping right now, but I just had to take some pictures of what I made tonight. CLICK ON IMAGE TO ZOOM!

Pogo Togo

These cute little necklaces are made from wood and paper. Today is the Grand Opening of Esty shop Pogo Togo. I just stumbled upon it while looking at random jewelry pages. Anna and her daughter teamed up the develop these collectable pieces. Each one is reversable. Please visit their store and give them a cheer!

Sir Nigel

Nigel is having a cow because I haven't given him enough air time. He is in charge you know.

Backgrounds

As I experiment with the light box using different background colors, I am amazed at how much the background influences your perception of the colors in the jewelry.

The new light box

Tonight was my first experience using a light box to photograph a piece of jewelry. I made this piece tonight after dinner. I am happy with the piece, but thrilled with how much easier it is to get a good picture with accurate color. Definitely, money well spent!

Classy Shammy

I found this beautiful shamrock pendant on Glass Cat, an Etsy Shop. Glass Cat has fun stained glass pieces as well, including shamrocks. Check it out! Hope you all are wearing green today!

Happy St. Patty Day

Here's a sea shanty by the sea shore to kick off the day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5IdBWmWGc

Pillowcase Dress

Now, isn't this the cutest idea ever?! Jen of Red Instead created this darling dress. With Easter and spring on it's way, I am thinking of rick rack, flowers, and picnics. I saw on another blog that this can also be worn as a sun top by an adult of small or medium size. I might be a little bigger than a medium, but I am going to try to make this for myself anyway. Jen has the pattern and instructions on her blog. Thanks Jen!

After much searching...

Well, I looked at lots of mineral gems online and found a leopard skin jasper that was of the same coloring and marking as my mystery stone pendant. I have never seen it in any color palette than the traditional brown, black, taupe, and golden sand. I hope to find it in large faceted nuggets for some powerful designs. I am very happy to have found out what it was.

Oh, the YUMMYNESS!

Today, I was checking out what's new on the Craftzine Blog, and I found this picture of delicious, gooey monkeybread. When my brother and I were little, my mother used to make a monkey bread that looked exactly like this. Looking at this picture brings back memories of the house being filled with that warm, cinnamon caramel goodness. Matt and I would pull off the pieces and make a big mess, but it was so fun. This picture and the recipe with instructions can be found at Bake and Shake. If someone wants to make this for me, I'll pay good money for it. http://www.cellocarrots@gmail.com. Must live in Northeastern Kansas.

Can anyone guess what kind of stone this is?

Really...I don't know. Maybe a type of jasper? I bought the stone because it was pretty and made this lovely pendant with it. I will likely make more pieces with this stone, once I find out what it is.

Second journey

I can't put into words the perfect description of Cyclona's work the way she has in her Etsy profile. The designer and maker of these cool pieces says of her work, "I love the creative process of handcrafting Cyclona's bike art - each piece is a satisfyingly unique composition. The worn out bike parts achieve a new life - after traveling hundreds of miles on highways, byways and soft woodland trails, I like the idea of them traveling hundreds more as art." Please visit her website to see the rest of the cool pieces in her collection. www.cyclonadesigns.etsy.com