running in place

This week seems to be all about running in place. I am so frustrated because I am getting nothing done. I did get a pour in today. You can see the new buckles in the photo and the other items are on the far side on the board. Really, it wasn't very productive. Usually pours give me great sense of accomplishment. Not today. I felt quite ambivalent. And all the excitement is gone for me right now. Hmmmm. I'm sure it will all pan out for me. Probably just need a new type of project- fiber, silversmithing, letterpress, something other than this. At least for a little while. I just get so bored!!! Definitely time for the press! Now that's exciting! Whew! I was getting worried...

I can't move on too quickly though. I want to get everything in my house out of it. RIGHT NOW! I can't take it anymore. Maybe if I give everything away the kids won't have anything to fling about. Maybe we could eliminate fans draped with clothes, floors scattered with airsoft BBs and that nagging sense of doom I feel upon entry. Ah....pipe dreams. They're great!

Tuesday was all about Jack!

On Tuesday I spent the day with one of the happiest little dudes around. Keith and Jenger's youngest son, Jack, came to play. It was great fun but it was all I needed to reinforce the idea that I am definitely all done with having children. I got absolutely NOTHING done. And I was soooo tired at the end of the day. Where do they get all that energy? But even all that energy can't deter me . I love him!

Better photograph of the ring from this weekend.

You can actually tell that it is an amethyst. Who'da thunk?

look what i did!

Amethyst set in sterling silver.

It is impossible to get a decent photograph in our house. This is why I have to make special trips to the barn for photos. But, when I am not working on other things, I am disinterested in trekking across the fields for one photo.

This weekend was used on a silversmithing class. This is what I made. It's a little large embellishment-wise for me but I stuck to the rules and I am pretty happy with the end result. I did fudge a little. No wire curlicues but I did go along with two of the rules- balls and castings. I just had to stop there. That was pushing it enough and, while I wanted to learn all the different facets of the game, I also wanted a piece I wouldn't have to hide or give away. So, I was a bit caught. I went as far as I could push myself and decided to stalk the girl next to me during the info on the curlicues.

The floors are done in the addition. And they look AWESOME! So today was about putting the room back together and trying to get ahead of the game. Really, I just felt like a slacker. I had plenty to do work-wise. But I can't ignore the home (cleanliness, organization, etc.) part of my life- contrary to my idea of a perfect life! And now, with the class this weekend, I have even more to do. Ideas aplenty!

wrap up

well, that's it. another week down. above are the new additions for the board. more belt buckles and buttons. some prep for colored resins are also included. there are the ones with bezels within bezels to create a dotted effect. and there are domes also. not as productive of a week as i had hoped. oh, well. maybe next week?

the floors in the addition are looking awesome! and now we are headed into a weekend of chaos. ethan has left for a church retreat with levi. max rode home with a friend. maggie has a birthday party tonight as well. tomorrow, there are three parties and the flooring continues. luckily, it should be done tomorrow. i cannot take the wall to wall mess we've got going on here. i am also taking a class all day on saturday and sunday. i'm gonna need a vacation from the vacation! or a weekend after the weekend, as the case may be.

i repent....

ok, i repent! i'm changing desdemona's name......

she is now "holly." she will be smart, beautiful and a hardworker. once her makeover is complete, we're going to make magic together!

Meet Desdemona

Meet Desdemona Lamia Sloan.

Desdemona means "of the devil." And Lamia is a Greek mythical name of an evil spirit who abducts and devours children, meaning "large shark." The name means "vampire" in Latin and "fiend" in Arabic. Why would we be so mean to Desi, you may ask? Because she is "of the devil." She is shocking and scary and eery and all other dark, foreboding things.Though it may be wiser for us to fear her, we are daring to test the spirits. Fingers crossed... we live.

Packages head to the post tomorrow!

Yay!

Overall good day. Not much work progress but can't complain. I had a great lunch and hangout with a friend and got some gifts ready for the string of parties coming this weekend. The rainy weather left me hoping for naptime but, alas, there was no time. As far as I'm concerned, rainy days were made for naps. They are the only days I sleep or slack without shame. Maybe it will rain tomorrow? I don't have anywhere to be so it would be OK. Just this once.

Oh, and flooring goes in to the addition tomorrow. We're moving on up. Not to the east side but at least out of the ghetto! Cause for celebration! No more concrete floors in our bedroom.

new fabrics and filling the board

So, I sat down to work this morning and after about an hour or two, I found myself getting bored. This is a common problem for me. And this is why I am always making something different and learning new things. Another problem I have is being a hermit. I always say for every minute I spend with people, I need five to myself. I'm rarely lonely when I'm alone. So, I pulled myself together (drew a line at the matted hair plastered to the side of my head- oh, my lucky husband- and smudged mascara), got in the car and ran around town doing errands. I stopped in at textile fabrics and got some really cute stuff. I was unable to find the fabrics that I went to replace. Isn't that always how it is? So, there will be new fabrics coming out in both the jewelry and the button lines!

I also spent some time working on filling the board. I am revving up to begin making samples to be sent out to additional stores. The catalog is in the works, the samples are being considered and prepared, and the new business cards are due to arrive any day now. I do still have a few things to consider. I am focused on sample presentation right now. I know what I want but bringing it into reality- well, that's a different issue.

As with last week's feeling of working and having nothing to show.....it will all come together. It always does. It's funny how that works.

Misc. Info: New supply shipments came in today. I am really excited to work with some of the new stuff! And the mannequin head arrived. I absolutely hate photo time and I do need a way to be able to show exactly where a necklace or pair of earrings fall. So, I got the mannequin. It may have been wasted money. She is eery. Each of kids jumped when they saw her. Max said, "Can you please put her away when you are not using her? Please?" I've had to put her on the floor under the table so as not to scare my poor children and, if I am honest, myself. When you see her from the corner of your eye she does have a startling effect.

slowly adding to the board

I am slowly beginning to fill the board again for another pour late this week or early next week. All of the items with multiple bezels will be filled with colored resins. There is another tiny necklace bezel that is filled with watch parts only and no background image (hard to see in photo- very small). We'll see how that goes. And more belt buckles! Buckles are very hard to get perfect. They are slightly curved and the resin loves to run down the image and pool in the corners. Very frustrating...but doable. It's happened before.

The watch parts pendant is now complete. I know I said I was keeping this for myself. I like it but think I want a little mini version for myself. I just don't wear large jewelry. And though this piece is not very big it's always the smaller the better for me.

An overview of today's work.

•new buckles

•more fine silver pieces

•a few more yarn items that were overlooked

•finishing of the little bumblebee pendant

•3 new molds for fine silver

(they are the purple-ish blobs)

•more colored resin fun prep

•salvage day- recovering mess up supplies

It all looks so small. But that is what salvage days are like- tedious and boring. Luckily, my loss rate is pretty low so salvage day doesn't have to happen often (yay!). It went up a bit after my return...too long away from pouring. But ultimately, I'm back in the zone and shouldn't have to worry about that anymore.

I found this today. This was one of my first fine silver, self-directed projects. Not perfect but I do like the idea. The back of the bezel is dotted with raised and impressed circles and little round balls. Hmmm. Gears a-movin'.

progress and misc.

Jewelry

The rings were added to a few of the pure silver pieces. The rings are sterling silver and adjustable. Super comfy- I have been loving these rings! And the small watch gear earrings are complete. Ear wires have been added and I have been wearing these all weekend and loving them! I'm quite pleased with these pieces.

Fiber Catchup Continued

These are projects made for the house and the kids.

•The owl was made for me as I have owl fetish issues.

•The mini lion belongs to Maggie. It's approximately 6" and has a little purple flower.

• The pony also belongs to Maggie. The kids went to animal camp last summer. Each week they "adopted" a different animal each week. So, I sent the animal that they had chosen to adopt for the week in their care packages. All of these were mini as well, measuring approximately 6"-10".

• The acorn is a little container. The lid of this container was the basis of the acorn hats.

And most the important task for today was......

Studio Cleanup!!!

I had a show the night before we headed to San Francisco and on to Australia. I got home late, had not packed anyone's bags, had a car full of show gear and an early morning flight. Oman was nice enough to take all my boxes of supplies and deliver them to the barn/studio. And because he was so nice, I told him to throw it in the door and not look back.

Since our return from Australia, the studio has been in shambles. Between all the boxes and miscellaneous being thrown in the door and having three months to forget about all of it, it has not been fun to recover. It has been total havoc trying to find bits and pieces frantically while trying to hit deadlines. I have wasted so much time hunting. So, in an effort to have a little freedom and gain some time, I cleaned the studio. I was not able to bring myself to vacuum the floor as it will be covered in new paper bits in no time (probably tomorrow). Now I have to start working on the common areas of the barn. There's is always an endless list when trying to keep things orderly. It's hard for me to work when I am surrounded by chaos. Today we are one step closer to cleanliness!

we made it out alive...

It has been a good weekend. We made it out of the sleepover alive and actually had a day to recuperate to be ready for the week. This panda is the only creative accomplishment for the weekend though I did begin and complete one little elf shoe for a baby gift. Hopefully the next one will be done tonight.

And, as an update on the Bliss yarns order.....they have decided to carry the buttons long term. So anytime you need buttons and you live in the Nashville area, check them out. There's something for everyone!

whoop. there it is.

Okie dokie. All yarn paraphernalia delivered! And I'm so happy because they were very happy! Now I am going on hiatus until Monday. I'm sure I'll still be piddling around but not in production mode. Oman will be home tomorrow and I want to hang out with him as much as possible. Ethan has a very belated birthday sleepover on Saturday night and, because of the sleepover, Sunday will be lost feeling hung over from the mass of children in the house. It's so hard for me to stop working. I have so many ideas and sometimes I just want to drop out of my life and make stuff! Oh, well.

isn't it funny......

I have this feeling sometimes...I am very busy but seem to have no finished product. And then, out of nowhere, everything comes together and I find that all is complete. This is the case for today. It all came together out of nowhere.....and that is why today is a picture-a-thon.

Studs for Bliss.

Part of the last minute add ons. Still testing to see what people want in store. Necklaces went off well last time.

New fine silver (.999) rings with adjustable bands.

I am loving these adjustable bands. They are really nice and sturdy. They also give a little flexibility. You know.....summer, winter, changing hand size...

Watch Parts!

These are some new items I've been playing with. Obviously they still need finishing. Each piece is oxidized to add an antique look. There are also little watch parts suspended in the resin. Love them! And I'm keeping these for myself. I guess I'll offer them as a custom order.

Buttons

A few more buttons and button sets.

Ready for packaging...

Keychains

Unfinished...obviously.

Tomorrow morning's work.

Necklaces

More necklaces also in need of finishing.

More of tomorrow morning's work.

SWEATER!!!(hard to see - sorry)

This is the sweater/shrug/cardigan I just completed. This is a very bad photo. But many thanks to Maggie for helping out and being understanding about the poor lighting conditions.

For Karen, as promised.

When we were in Australia, Karen and I took a glass bead making class-ish thingy. We bought a bunch of stuff from the girl who taught us and this was one of Karen's favorites. I told her about my awesome adjustable rings and promised to make one and return it with the broken bead attached. So 5 weeks later, we have completion. Off to the mail once William's panda is done.

Fabric Button Rings

So, I love little do-dads. I made a bunch of plastic and wooden button rings for my fall shows. I wanted something for the younger set...something on which they could spend their own money. Now Maggie is sporting the first fabric button ring prototype. Not sure I'll pursue this but it's still kind of cute.

Button Barrettes

Model: Maggie

Button Bobby Pins

Model: Maggie

And tomorrow is delivery day!

That's it. Think it's enough for one day?

Loose Ends

Today has been all about catching up on paperwork and online stuff. I added items to my etsy page. I got my facebook page ready (http://www.facebook.com/pages/tactile-design-and-press) . I may have even sent out requests. If so, become a fan! I added photos to my flickr page (www.flickr.com/tactiledesign). And I added some photos to the blog from the backlog of projects I have to show. I also finished the packaging for the Bliss items and the new hair accessories. And I am looking to get this sweater finished and get ready to move on to some promised gifts I need to get done. I really want to get some photos of this sweater which I am so excited about posted. But no photos possible until they are off the needles.

Photos of hair accessories and packaging for Bliss.

Breaking News:

This just in.....I am casting off on the sweater!!! I can't say/ write exactly how excited I am! We'll hope for pics tomorrow.

Older Items- still catching up...

This is a gift I made for my nephew for his first birthday. It didn't turn out exactly as I had intended (after all it was supposed to be a zebra). But I thought it looked more like a mouse and so I went with it and changed the facial features. And because it was for a first birthday, we wanted it to be special and this is why I added the little label on the back. I thought he was a pretty cute little guy!I made this lion for "Baby Jack" when he was born. I was going to put a rattle in until I remembered Oman's and my motto when our kids were babies- no toys with noise!!! If anything can make you crazy in record time, it's toys which feature annoying sounds. I was happy with this project as well. He was much cuter in real life though he's still pretty cute here...

Another Busy Day

Today was all about the last pour of the week, photographing finished products and packaging. I got a lot done and if the time change didn't have me discombobulated I would have gotten more done. Oh well...

The photos today are some of the buttons that will be headed to Bliss Yarns this week. There are still a few items still curing on the board that will get packaged on Wednesday. All would be done if I hadn't decided to add more items.

I also played around with colored resin buttons and concrete filled buttons. We'll see how those turn out. They may have to remain top secret. I still have a way to go with getting ready to crank anything out on that.

I also got the new hair accessories packaged. So that is good. All in all I can't complain.....good day. Productive.

Back in the Saddle

So, work has been at a stand still for over three months now. It has taken much longer for me to regain control of reality than expected. Though I have been hard at work on my own personal projects, the lack of work progress has left me with the feeling of aimlessness and wandering. Because of this I must say that today was super exciting! I had a nice, full day of work. I got a ton done and am ready for a final pour on all of the items to be delivered to Bliss Yarns. I would have been done last week but I have since decided to add more items.

While we were gone, I had plenty of time to gather some new ideas. And this year there will be a bunch of new ideas coming from Tactile. The above image is another item I was able to make good progress on today. I always forget my good camera when headed to work and so all photos in the studio end up being taken on my iphone. I love my phone but I won't lie and say the photos are top notch though they do get the job done nicely. (I love you, my little phone...bff! Please....don't be mad at me.)

Here's some of the new stuff I have been working on this past week and today:

1. buttons galore. there's a new button line. it's super cute. i've even been adding them to my own knitting and crocheting. they are currently for sale at bliss yarns in brentwood, tn. new styles will be arriving this week! i will also be posting the buttons to the etsy site soon.

2. lots of fine silver jewelry. the above photo is an overview of a few pieces in progress. very exciting!

3. colored resin filled bezels. from jewelry to accessories to button to who knows what else i'll think up.

4. concrete filled bezels. same as the colored resin explanation above.

5. several custom orders are now complete and ready for delivery! yay (and whew! check.)

I only hope for another productive day tomorrow...and the day after that...and the day after that. Productivity...for he's a jolly good fellow!

Australian Busy Work

So, Australia was fantastic! We saw so many cool things. It was absolutely beautiful. And the best part was that we missed a pretty brutal winter at home by the sound of it (though not enough for me). Though there wasn't much time in the beginning of the trip to accomplish much in the way of projects, we did have a two week road trip that allowed for a lot of piddling around with craft projects. Unfortunately, for me, I made no real progress. Most of the projects ended unhappily with no real product- at least not one I'd show in public.

The second half of the trip (the half where half of the family went home and Max and I stayed on for an extra month and a half) was quite fruitful! I do not do well without progress and, let me just tell you, I made up for some lost time.

Here's the run-down:

1. panda for Ethan

2. rabbit for Max

3. bear for Maggie

4. acorn hat for Max

5. felt wall hanging- (very time consuming)

6. Marie Antoinette doll

7. fairy doll

8. began a silk alpaca chocolate brown cardigan