Sunday, January 16, 2011

Key to My Goth Heart

So, I'm experimenting in weaving with wire. And, I'm having a total blast. I'm currently using parawire and copper wire because of the exorbitant price of sterling wire. I created this heart using silver and black parawire. My new addiction may be making keys, hopefully I'll go back to the dragons soon! I have one all wrapped waiting for beads...

Key to My Goth Heart

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

So, I'm working on posting more often

So, I'm working on posting more often but my mind is drawing a blank today on what to post about. :) Isn't that just the way it goes? I've been working on items for the art gallery that carries my work the past few days. I finished 2 bracelets and 5 pairs of earrings. And, I finished the bracelet I'm making for this:
Keith is my friend and I'm hoping that this works out very well for him!

Auctions for Artists
Auctions for Artists

Meet Our First Artist: Keith

I'd like to introduce you to Keith, the inaugural artist for this endeavor.  Grab a cup of coffee and learn a little about this fantastic guy!

***

In 2007, Keith was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of skeletal tissue cancer rarely found in adults. In 2008, he managed to beat it back and hoped to live cancer-free but it returned in 2009 and spread further into his system. Undaunted, he continues to fight while raising his two little girls.

An artist as well as an experienced IT leader, Keith has been diligent about looking for full-time employment but has been hampered by his battle with cancer. Because full-time work has been elusive, Keith tapped into his abundantly creative side and has been sharing his artistic talents with the world through his shops online while continuing to focus on spending time with his daughters.

The costs of fighting cancer are astronomical. Radiation treatments are thousands of dollars per treatment. Boosters for the immune system cost $1,100 per treatment. The cost of the oral chemo regimen he is on (his heart cannot handle the stress of IV sessions) is $56,000 per year and while a large part of that is covered through charitable organizations, he is still being asked to absorb almost $2,000 a month in medication costs. There is also the cost of therapy, as the emotional burden of fighting cancer and the other issues it raises are hundreds of dollars each month.

Every month, Keith has to choose between his medical needs, basic necessities such as groceries and clothing, and providing a place for he and his daughters to live. The financial and emotional burden is very high, yet Keith still does what he can to help out others in his own way whether it be assisting them with design work or sending leftover supplies he can't use to those who can put them to good use.

***

So, now the good work begins!  As stated before, this site will depend on donations from people for items to sell and lots of high bidders to buy all the goodies put up for auction.  Please contact me at auctionsforartists@yahoo.com if you have an item you'd like to donate.  Keith's personal auction will take place from 8:00 a.m. (central) on Monday, January 24th through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 30th.

More details will be forthcoming, but for now, let's see what you've got!

If any of you would like to make a monetary donation directly to Keith through PayPal, please e-mail me and I will give you his address.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Cold weather

I won't be spending much time on the computer today,  it's 19f here in northeastern NC, and I live in a 200 year old house that I'm trying to heat 2 rooms of with portable heaters. It just doesn't work that well when it gets this cold. I'm going to be spending most of my day snuggled under my electric blanket that I'm very grateful I purchased last month. :)
By the way, this weather just ain't right for NC! Where's my warmer weather? We had snow once, I'm happy. Come back warmer weather! I miss you!

Have a good one y'all!

(Hugs)
Kitty

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Book Review Weave, Wrap, Coil: Creating Artisan Wire Jewelry

Well y'all I am truly blessed with amazing friends. I was emailed after I posted asking about this book on the about.com forums saying I would be able to give a review for this book because it was being sent to me. :)

I received it in the mail today. I will say that there are only a few tutorials I would not be interested in trying. That is way above average for me. The instructions are illustrations that are done very, very well. They go into enough detail for a beginner, but the designs are still interesting enough for a more experienced wire worker to create. I am so happy to have this one, and I can't wait to start creating!

(Hugs)
Kitty

Friday, January 7, 2011

Amethyst ring

So, I haven't created many rings for my shop. I made this one a little while back, but could never get a good picture of it. I took new pictures of it yesterday, when I was trying to upgrade some of the photos in my shop. I'm rather pleased on how well it came out. This is a very small, delicate ring, and will fit a size 5 best. It would make a great pinky ring! :)
Size 5 Amethyst Ring

Thursday, January 6, 2011

New Pictures!

So, I'm doing my best to try to upgrade some of the pictures in my shop. I'm taking millions (okay, maybe not millions, but it sure feels like it) of pictures to hopefully get one right. I'm rather happy with the way the ones for my smokey quartz necklace came out. I'm hoping to get some more good pictures this week!
Smokey Quartz Necklace

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Garnet Dragon Pendant

Wire wrapped garnet dragon pendant
So, what's better than one dragon? Lots of dragons. They're my favorite new thing to create. :)
I'd like to present Rose, Queen of Dragons. There may be other dragon queens out there, but I would tell Rose. I'm not sure if she breathes fire or not...
Rose is rather found of her namesake. She loves the deep red roses and pink roses the best. Who could blame her? She's also awfully fond of any gemstones of these same hues, like garnets and rhodonite.
Queen Rose wants to come home with you, and just possibly take over your jewelry box. She might share your gems with you...might!
Rose is made from raw red brass wire and will age to a lovely patina.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Ready for Valentine's Day?

I'm starting  making things for valentines day. Are you ready?

Simple Heart Pendant