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!

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:







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.

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!

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 :)

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:








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 :)

Featured Blogger

In the midst of preparing for my next craft show (next weekend) and trying to ready a new line of products for the holiday season, it's hard to keep up on blogging.

No matter how far behind I may get however, there is one blogger out there who manages to post fantastic articles related to jewelry artists, and who I try to read as often as possible. Please check out The Jewelry Sweet Spot for all of the wonderful jewelry related posts I wish I had the time to write :)

New Listings

Finally, after quite a long hiatus, I've managed to get some new jewelry listings up on my Etsy site. I'm especially proud of the "Enchantress" pendant.

www.ravenworks.etsy.com

More will be coming along in the next day or two as well, so be sure to keep checking in.