Tap tap tap, is this thing on?

Well hello there! I've been a neglectful blogger but certainly not because I haven't had loads to say (I always have too much to say, you know).  I've just been a busy bee and it has been very good for my tired soul, lemme tell you.  As an artist* if I don't get to create something daily, I start to get twitchy and cranky.  Add the pressure of creating for a living and well, that cranky gets right dangerous.  Let's just say that last week was devoid of any creations and I was full-tilt cuckoo for cocoa puffs.  Enough of that, let's get on with the happy stuff shall we?

I have one last show this weekend and it is one of my most favorites so I've been knee deep in solder, beads and wire this week.  This will be my fifth year doing the show and my fourth as a Handmaiden.  There isn't much better than a gorgeous old neighborhood (I've lived here twice!), local artists set up on porches and yards and a great atmosphere of friends and fun.  Here's a peek at a few things I've been working on:

New Storybook Charms with a lovely touch of childhood immaturity.  More are coming soon to the shop.

And oh boy, looky looky.  I've taken my stash of lenses and picked out some of my favorite vintage photographs from a collection I've had waiting for just this kind of project and backed them with postcards that date from the 20s and beautiful etched clear glass.  They all hang on hand-dyed bias cut silk ribbons and are accented with sweet vintage copper flower beads.  These will be available this weekend and then they'll head over to the Collector's Gallery on Monday.

Also coming this weekend and heading over to the same gallery is more of my collaboration with Elizabeth Galecke which is sort of similar to the pretties above except with her stunning photography.  Pictures are coming!  Elizabeth is a very dear friend whom I wish I could keep in my pocket and carry with me daily.  We've temporarily named our line "Jewelry so awesome it makes you wanna get naked and cuss."

So if you're in the area, drop by Boylan and say hi.  I'll be the cold but happy girl in the corner all bundled up with her friends.

Coming next week: getting caught up with loads of True Love jewelry that is long overdue, stores that need restocking, a show recap in pictures, new trinkets for the shop and decorating the house & tree with the kids.  Look out Buddy the Elf, we're aimin' to match your over-the-topness this year.  Okay, maybe not match...

 *I feel very pretentious using that word and don't feel that I am an artist.  I guess I should work on that.  Or not.  Whatevsky.