About how I miss the Iris and Purple Tiger Tears!

I love really dark purple iris flowers. I had some growing at my last house and I haven't planted any here at my new home yet. So as many know flowers carry a great deal of symbolism with them. When I researched the iris flower I discovered that the name Iris means rainbow, after a goddess who cloaked herself in dewdrops to reflect the stars and then communicated between heaven and earth via rainbows. I also read that the iris is also a symbol heroism. Rainbows and heroism...who could ask for more! Here's a little necklace I carved up the other night featuring three iris blooms and a dragonfly.

As far as amethyst goes...what a beautiful story:

According to Greek mythology, Bacchus was insulted by a human and swore revenge (via a tiger mauling) on the next human he saw. Diana saw this poor human woman named Amethyst heading towards Bacchus so Diana took pity on her and turned her into a quartz statue to protect her from the tiger. Bacchus was so regretful of his actions that he cried tears of wine on to the beautiful Amethyst, hence the gems beautiful color!

The Lotus Blossom

Did you know the lotus was a symbol of femininity? The lotus is also a symbol of enlightenment and mental purity.

1. First rolled out some polymer to a uniform thickness.


2. Used my sculpting knife to carve the design. This is the fun part because sometimes you can literally see your design in the clay itself.


3. Baked my design


4. Tested the design on another piece of scrap polymer


5. Cast the design in fine silver!


6. Once the patina was on I was astonished! Adding the patina is by far my favorite part because it brings out every little detail!


7. Then I added my ever so cherished and long awaited for carnelian beads! POP! There it was. The necklace I had envisioned!

Here's a pic:

Alice in Wonderland Fine Silver Necklace -ooak!

I love Alice in Wonderland Memorabilia. I have collected snow globes, ornaments, and cookie jars to mention a few. However, I just had a desire to try my hand at making the White Rabbit. So here he is! He is a one of a kind piece. I don't think I could make another one exactly like this if I tried. I was definitely "in the zone" when sculpting him. I wanted him to be quite detailed even down to the numbers on the clock and whiskers on his cheeks.

So I was thinking about how art tends to slow things down for me. It's quite different than running through life at the frantic pace of the White Rabbit. Maybe thats what draws people to art. The White Rabbit is a reminder to me. He reminds me to slow down and enjoy things. Enjoy what inspires you. Enjoy the process of creation. Enjoy learning and experiencing new things. Enjoy the moment of now. Enjoy!

Ooops I fogot to add...

Oh goodness! I added beads to some of my silver work and it just makes it pop! I mean POP! I love jade, peridot, and pearl. Greens and whites how beautiful! Did you know that jade is a symbol of serenity and purity. Pearl is symbolic of purity, spiritual transformation, honesty, wisdom and charity. Peridot is symbolic of clarity of well being, the understanding of life, and clarifying of the heart. Amazing...I had no idea that gemstones carried so much meaning! Well there you have it. I should add that I also donated these two pieces to the St. Benedict's 2nd Annual Funds of Love Event:

St. Benedict's Foundation Pin for the 2nd Annual Funds of Love Event

The Nativity Pin is complete!

Completely hand sculpted in polymer and then cast in fine silver. This piece was extremely complex to complete but well worth the final result. It is a donated piece created specifically for this event! It will available at the fundraiser. Featured from left to right in the picture: Joseph (kneeling with his hand lovingly on the head of Jesus), Jesus (swaddled securely), and Mary (who is kneeling and praying).

I am just thrilled that I was given the opportunity to donate an item for this years Holiday Boutique for the St. Benedict's Foundation fundraiser. If you would like to find out more about the wonderful work that the foundation supports please visit: http://www.mbmutah.org/StBenedictsFoundation.htm.

Here's a link regarding the Funds Of Love Event including time and location: http://www.mbmutah.org/Activities/fundsoflove.htm

"Rilo" the Fox - Fine Silver Pendant

I have to apologize I have been trying to get some video demonstrations up on my blog but my upload rate is so slow! Which just means I'll have to put the project on the backburner for a little while. Sorry :(

Lately I have just loved a song by Rilo Kiley called "Portions for Foxes" and I have caught myself loving foxes in artwork and photography lately. So I decided to try my hand at sculpting one! Below is a picture of my little red fox sculpted out of polymer clay.

After sculpting my little fox out of polymer I cast him in fine silver! Then I refined him a bit more brought out more detail and made some adjustments. Next I fired him and then gave him a little patina. He'll be available soon in my etsy shop if I can bare to part with him!

Fawn Love

This is probably one of the most difficult pieces I've had to create. I really had a fear of commitment when putting the final necklace together. I don't usually add beads to my pendant. I usually like the piece to stand on its own, but lately I'm finding that adding additional elements can enhance the piece. I am currently loving the deer motif that is showing up in modern design, it has definitely added to my inspiration.

Technique: I sculpted/carved the fawn using a sculptors knife (?) At least I think that is what the tool is called. On one side it has a pointed spade type blade and on the other it has a curved blade. I'll have to start making some video clips.