gifts with thought and made with love

I've always had an appreciation and love for hand crafted goods and being in art school has definitely increased my desire to make more gifts not just jewelry.

So this season and in the future I am making more handmade gifts, and I know the people in my life will enjoy them even more. I made potpurri scents for friends, cloves and oranges. And for my family, mini-terrariums, of which I got the idea from Design*Sponge (they have an awesome DYI section).

I would estimate that it cost me less than $15 to make 6 terrariums and 12 clove oranges.

oh and here is a cute picture of my cat Squints napping in one of my bags. She is rarely NOT cute. Pin It

senior shows

I've just discovered another fun and wonderful way to connect and learn from other artists.

Senior shows! As you may infer, graduating seniors (both BFA and MFA) exhibit their work at a local gallery, bar, restaurant. They represent themselves, print postcards and gain an understanding of showing their work. This past month I've been to several; metals, painting, sculpture and fiber.

It's gratifying to celebrate others artwork; to congratulate and share with them the wonder of art. This past weekend I went to a painting/sculpture show (combining shows saves money and energy). And it was so much fun, many of my fellow metalsmith students came as well as other department students. There was great music, even painting for yourself and food!

Here are some pictures.

1. Jon Graham painting

2. Myself, Laura Wood and Kat Cole Pin It

quote of the day

"you know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams"

dr. seuss Pin It

preparing for the next sale!

ECU's School of Art and Design just had our Holiday sale and most of the grad students made bank! So I'm on a mission to crank up my own productivity, I sold several pieces but not enough to leave a big cushion in my bank account. Not only that, I really need and want to push myself in creating my brand, style and look.

So I got started last night preparing my first hydraulic press dye for my shattered heart pendants and other jewelry.

Here are several shots from my bench and sketch book. Pin It

lichen

a little lichen on my porch, where little worms like to crawl. Pin It