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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Crafty Resolutions

All right, it's that time- time to make some serious craft resolutions for 2009! My resolutions are all based on kicking my crafty butt into high gear and taking my jewelry business to the level. Here's what I have in mind:

1.) Back on the Etsy Train- I was actually starting to make some real progress with Etsy when I let it all fall apart. I haven't listed anything in ages, or promoted in a million years. This year, I'm determined to list often, and promote, promote, promote!

2.) Pimp My Blog- This means posting far more often, and once again, promoting, promoting, promoting.

3.) Line Up more Craft Shows for '09- Now that I've gotten to know some of the bigger and better craft shows in the area, I'm going to make sure I get out there more in '09. Craft shows may be a lot of work, but usually they're well worth the investment.

4.) Get the Website Going- My website is pretty much non-existent at the moment. I need to get it looking good and get it functional.

5.) Create, Create, Create!- Most importantly, it's time to get working. I need more items. if I'm going to achieve all of my goals. I need to create new things and develop new techniques. Time to get busy!

Happy New Years!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Looking Ahead

The holidays are fast approaching, and I'm glad that they're almost over. The Christmas craft shows are done, the custom orders completed, and all of my gifts, handmade with love, are ready to be opened.

With a little down-time, I've been able to get creative and branch out by learning a few new techniques, and experimenting with some designs that have been idling in my brain. Some have worked out really well, and I can't wait until I can show them off on my Etsy site and my home site.

All ready I'm looking ahead to what I'll be doing this year when it comes to crafts. My knitting continues to develop. I'm working with beading, and developing some great things with wire work. I get so excited just thinking about all of the projects I have lined up to tackle in the new year.

My main focus this year will be working on listing on Etsy once again, and working on my own website. I've been horribly lazy when it comes to photographing and listing my items.

Has anyone else got any crafty New Year's resolutions they're pondering?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Happy Holidays!

I'm finally feeling the holiday love in the craft department! Yeah! I just had a holiday craft show that went spectacular, with another one this Saturday, and the custom orders have been rolling in. Just by bringing some jewelry in to work today, I managed to make enough to cover my Christmas tree. Good Times.

I'm hoping to get my new website up and hopping in time to catch the holiday rush. I know it won't be as fancy as the last one, but I just couldn't afford the hosting any more. Ah well.

So, how is everyone elses holiday craftiness going?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Holiday Buzz

The holidays are such a great time to be artist/crafter. I love knowing that the gifts that I create for my friends and family will be one-of-a-kind and strait from my heart and my hands.

The holidays also mean a (hopefully) busy time for those of us who sell our artistic wares. This year especially, people seem more inclined to buy handmade gifts. I like to think it's because with such a lousy economy, we're being more conscious of spending our money with our neighbors, rather than corporations that are running their own companies into the ground and expecting us to bail them out. But who knows.

I'm glad that things have picked up on my end, and I'm excitedly preparing for two upcoming craft shows. What are you doing in your crafty world this holiday season?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Back On The Horse

After a very prolonged creativity/productivity block, I'm finally starting to get back up to speed with my jewelry making, while still progressing with some new knitting projects.

Now that I've reestablished my contact with the first shop my jewelry is carried at, I'm already buried in FOUR commission pieces! What a way to dive in face first. I"m pretty nervous, but they sound like smaller jobs, so I'm praying it won't be too overwhelming.

The other shop that my jewelry just recently got into has sold one of my pieces, and the owner is offering to give me private lesson time if I'll work a few hours on Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Since this man is my original silversmithing instructor, and he's super talented, I'm VERY excited. This is a great way to pick up some new skills and get moving again.

What really got me moving though, was spending a day making jewelry with my mom. She came up from Vermont to visit for the weekend, and we spent some time shopping for jewelry supplies (which I hadn't done in ages) and then putting together some jewelry. Since she is a real novice, I got to help her with some basic skills, and her excitement and enthusiasm was contagious. I've caught the creativity bug once again!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Inspiration

In the midst of my recent (and still ongoing) severely long jewelry creativity-block, I rediscovered knitting. I did a few simple things that were quick, easy, and extremely relaxing. Knitting has been a good way to keep my craftiness going, my hands moving, and my creativity from completely stagnating.

During this time, I also got myself a new puppy:



Isn't he a doll?

Anyways, one of the many things my new puppy has given me, is creative inspiration. I'm taking my knitting to a whole new level by attempting to knit doggie sweaters (I'll let you all know how that turns out). Not only that, but he's given me a lot of inspiration in the direction of my jewelry as well. He's really made me think about what other people are passionate about, what moves them.

So, what is your biggest source of creativity?

Monday, September 15, 2008

Artist vs. Crafter

I did a local craft show a week or so back, and ended up running into a situation that I had never thought I'd have to deal with.

My craft buddy and I had just finished setting up our tent in the drizzling rain, so I made my way over to the welcome tent where they were having free coffee and muffins. As I poured myself a warm, wonderful cup of coffee, I heard the woman next to me complaining loudly to the art fair organizers.

"I didn't know there would be jewelry makers here. You just didn't make that clear in any of the literature you sent me. If I had known there would be jewelry makers here, we probably never would have done this show. I don't think it's fair that my husband's $4,000 paintings should have to be next to a booth selling $14 dollar earrings!"

Trying not to choke on my coffee, I calmly looked at the woman and said:

"Excuse me, I actually happen to be a jewelry artist with a booth here. I just wanted to say that I am an artist, and some of my smallest pieces take hours to complete. It took me years to develop my techniques, just like your husband, I'm sure. And, obviously I managed to find the jewelry category on the registration form, so if you couldn't find it, you must not have been looking very hard."

The Artsy Farsty Lady huffed a bit and left the tent. I quickly apologized to the registration ladies if I had seemed out of line. I told them that I just couldn't keep quiet. They assured me that I was in the right, and I scurried back to my booth with my hot coffee.

Later that morning, I realized Artsy Fartsy Lady and her husband had there booth only one over form ours. I couldn't help but watch Artsy Fartsy Lady throughout the day as she tried to hawk her husband's overpriced paintings in her filthy, cut-off, denim shorts and grungy tank top. I couldn't help thinking that she could really benefit from a $14 pair of earrings....

So, my question to my fellow jewelry makers is, do you consider yourself to be artists? I know I do, but I see a lot of people labeling jewelry design as strictly craft. What do you think?

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Riverbank Art Festival This Weekend

RavenWorks will be at the Riverbank Art Festival this Saturday, in Westbrook Maine. Please come and visit! There should be lots of great local artists, food and general goodness for all.

My name is even featured on this blog! I'm very excited :

Also, RavenWorks may be mentioned in an article in tomorrow's local paper in regards to the art festival. I'll be sure to share if there's a mention :)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Craftin Burn Out

Every so often, I hit a major crafting wall. All of the sudden my brain is empty of creativity, and I can't force my hands to do what I want them to.

This has happened to me recently with my wire work. All of the sudden, the thought of weaving any wire is daunting, and my stones just aren't calling to me. I can't seem to get the energy together to even think about doing a craft show.

Perhaps it's the urge to enjoy the last few lazy days of summer that keeps me from putting my nose to the creative grindstone. Perhaps I'm just lazy. Who knows.

In the meantime, I've been knitting some winter hats, just to keep my hands busy, and my craftiness flowing, even if it's minimally. What do you do to help get yourself over a crafting roadblock?

Friday, August 15, 2008

I've Been Tagged With Love!

I've been tagged by BeaderJojo over at Unique You to help spread the bloggy love!
I'd like to tag LWGodsil's Jadis Jewelry, MaryLou's Art (Ad)Venture, and The Best of DIY. Spread the love crafty people :)

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Stone Souls- Lapis Lazuli

The next stone featured in my Stone Souls series is Lapis Lazuli.


Blue Empress www.ravenworksstudio.com

Lapis Lazuli is a stone with a very colorful history. It's rich blue color has always made it an attractive stone to feature in jewelry, and has been used in such since prehistoric times. Later on, it's vivid blues were used as a paint, and to color cloth.

Lapis is a highly spiritual stone, and is used often in meditations or any any activities that connect to spirituality or the divine. This is also a stone that promotes peace and serenity. This makes it a good stone to foster harmony and friendship in all relations.

In terms of healing the body, Lapis is most often said to help boost the immune system, to help with conditions of the throat and provide aid with insomnia.

Monday, July 21, 2008

First Boston Show Down

My best friend and I did our first Boston South End Open Market for this season this past Sunday. It was great to be back in Boston, and despite the crazy heat and humidity, the crowd was steady.

We were really surprised to discover that the number of vendors was almost half of what it was last year. I'm not sure why the number was paired down so much, but it didn't seem to deter the people walking through.

Unfortunately, toward the end of the day, we were hit with a hurricane-like storm, that threw thunder and lightning around our heads, and drenched us and all of our jewelry, while we frantically bailed water from the top of our tent to keep it from collapsing. Our neighbor's tent did end up collapsing, and several vendors had merchandise ruined by the rain.

Despite the tragic end to our day, we're looking forward to our next trip to Boston on August 3rd. We'll be keeping our fingers crossed for no rain.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Stone Souls- Amber

Even though Amber is not a stone, I still think it's a predominant jewelry element with a lot of great metaphysical properties. With that said, I bring you Amber as the next instalment in my "Stone Souls" series:


"Suspended" www.ravenworksstudio.com

Amber is resinated tree sap, which usually contains small bugs, or bits of plants, preserved eternally in the honey colored material. Amber is pretty easy to find, and is used often in jewelry design. The warm earthy colors, go well with both silver an gold.

Because Amber is derived directly from trees, it is a "stone" that has strong connections to the earth, and gives it powerful grounding properties. Amber is also a powerful cleanser and healer, absorbing negative energies and transmuting it into positive healing energy. This applies to mental health as well, as its warm energy promotes stability and a positive demeanor.

For healing, Amber works best with the throat in particular, as well as ailments dealing with the stomach, spleen, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder and joints.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Stone Souls- Snowflake Obsidian

The second stone I'd like to highlight in my "Stone Souls" series is Snowflake Obsidian:


"As The Fallen Snow" Pendant www.ravenworksstudio.com


Snowflake Obsidian is another well known, and well used stone, and is easily obtained all over the world.

Metaphysically, Snowflake Obsidian falls under the sign of Sagittarius. It is a stone of purity that balances the mind body and spirit. Snowflake Obsidian steers the wearer away from bad frames of mind, and stressful mental patterns. It also helps the wearer to recognize the value of their mistakes. Snowflake Obsidian is also calming and soothing.

For healing purposes, Snowflake Obsidian works best with the skeletal and circulatory systems.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Stone Souls- Amethyst

Lately I've become very interested in individual stones and there mataphysical meanings the more and more I work with them. Stones have a lot of influence of their wearer, and I wanted to be able to share my findings.

The first stone I'd like to explore is: Amethyst


www.ravenworksstudio.com

AMETHYST-

Amethyst is a very common stone used in jewelry making. It comes in several lovely shades of purple, and is mined in several different countries. It's a beautiful and an affordable stone, which makes it appealing to both jewelry makers and jewelry buyers.

Metaphysically speaking, Amethyst is a very "mental" stone, both stimulating, and calming as needed by the wearer. It is especially good at protecting its wearer from negative energy, and has even been said to have a sobering effect, which makes it useful if you are trying to overcome any type of addiction.

Amethyst is also a very spiritual stone, connecting one to the more divine energies. In this vein, it also helps the wearer to remember and interpret their dreams, and to have more intense visualization. Placed under your pillow, it can aid with insomnia or nightmares.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

New Website!

I've just created a new website for my fine jewelry work. I'm so excited I can't stand it! Please take a look at www.ravenworksstudio.com

While I've enjoyed using Etsy, I just don't think it's the right forum for my fine jewelry work now that it's really come to the next level. Plus, between the Etsy fees, and the PayPal fees, it just makes sense to put more high end work on a separate site.

So, after waiting and eon for my loving sister to create me a website, I decided to bite the bullet and create my own site through www.ArtSpan.com. It was really easy, and I love the way it's turned out. The fees are reasonable, and so far, so good.

I will continue to keep my "craftier" items on Etsy, because I do love the community, and the site in general. But, for the finer silver work, it's my own site from now on. Don't forget to visit! www.ravenworksstudio.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Summer Show Dates Confirmed

Summer may seem far away, but I've already been lining up some great craft show dates. I'm happy to say I've now had confirmation on seval dates for some great shows.

OLD PORT FESTIVAL- Portland, ME- June 1st
RavenWorks will have a booth at the Old Port Fesival this year, in the section reserved especially for Maine crafters. This is the first year they're doing this, so we're very excited to be participating in promoting Maine crafters. If you're going to be in the area, please come visit us from 11am-5pm.

South End Open Market- Boston, MA
RavenWorks was a vendor at the Boston South End Open Market, and enjoyed it so much we've signed up to do several spots there again this year. We will be at the Market on July 20, August 3, August 17, September 7, and Semptember 21. The market hours are 8 am- 4 pm. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Sea Glass

Since we're firmly in the heart of winter now, I've found dipping into my collection of sea glass more and more. It reminds me of combing the beaches with the kids, tasting the saltwater, and basking in the sun.

Recently I've created these three necklaces:

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I'm sure matching bracelets and earrings will emerge soon. It's all a matter of sorting through the wonderfully smooth pieces and finding the right sizes, the right feel. Until then, I'm pleased with the necklaces that are getting done.

I have yet to dip into the new jewelry supplies, but I'm sure I will soon. Right now there are just too many ideas bubbling around.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

New Supply Shopping!

Well, my doll making day didn't end up happening. It's a shame, but my doll making partener did swing by some really cool new patterns for me to contemplate.

My most exciting news right now, is that thanks to my tax refund, I was able to indulge in some new jewelry making supplies that I've been coveting FOREVER. I can't wait to play with them, and make some really new jewelry.

Though I won't share all of great new supply finds, I will spill one, since she is a fellow Etsian, and a supremely talented artist. The name of her shop is Caliente Art Glass, and can be found at www.boobie beads.etsy.com or on her blog at www.calienteglass.com. If you love amazing, handmade glass beads, be sure to check her out. Her work is fabulous, and ever since I recieved my first beads from her, I've been absolutly salivating to buy more.

So, for now I will be checking the mail box like an excited puppy until my new goodies arive. Then it's play time!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Art Dolls

For a while now I've been studying the craft of doll making. I've purused sites of other artists, poured over patterns, and read ever book I can get my hands on. It's become my newest craft obsession, but one I"ve been hesitant to jump into.

While certain art dolls can be wildly abstract, I'm more drawn to the fantasy figures, the ones that look perfectly real, in fantastic costumes. Creating something like that is an intense undertaking, from proper body proportions, to carefully constructed faces, to tiny, detailed costuming.

I have began creating one cloth doll, and have created a few faces out of polymer clay. I've also invested in an air dry clay made specifically for doll making. It's just hard to take the plunge and try to create an entire doll.

Tomorrow, a fellow crafter and doll devotee will join me at my house, and we've agreed to share materials and ideas, and attempt to create some preliminary dolls. My friend is eager to produce a line that can be ready for summer craft shows. I'm not sure if we'lll be ready by then, but I am excited to finally get my hands dirsty and try to piece together an entire doll. I'll be sure to post photos of the process :)

Monday, January 28, 2008

Back Again

With a new year comes new resolve, new promise, and new hope. This year I'm going to be working harder on my blog and exposure for my work in general. I've recently opened a Flickr account, where I can be found under the name RavenWorksStudio. I've also been listing new items on Etsy, and working to list consistently, and only once a day in order to spread out my listings.

Perhaps the biggest news is that I will be bringing my work to bigger and better shows this year, with far more inventory and a better displays than before.

One of the newest additions to my inventory is beaded rings. Here are samples of my newest ones:

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I'm very happy with them, and expect them to evolve as show time approaches for the 2008 season. I'll be sure to post photos as the designs change.

Expect more for 2008. RavenWorks will make it happen :)