Jewelry Inspired From Famous Art

I was really happy that my necklace, "Head in the Clouds" was chosen for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers' Convergence III show.  The juried show features jewelry inspired by art, and I have loved this painting, The Son of Man by Rene Magritte for a long time.  So obviously, this is what I chose.

I guess the painting received a new audience in the movie, The Thomas Crown Affair.  I didn't see the movie, but I'm glad more people know about it.  According to Wiki, this is a self portrait of the artist.

 Perhaps some day I might do a parody self portrait with a piece of fruit in front of my head.   A pineapple or something larger than an apple would better hide my face.  Do you have an idea of a better fruit?

Hope you like the necklace.  I'm not sure of where it will tour, but I do know that it will be for sale at the show.  Oh, and I made matching earrings for it...two pairs.  One is of the green apples, and the other is of the hat.  Which do you think I should include?

What Robin Learned

Two of my out of state friends, Beth and Robin came by my studio a few weeks ago, so Beth could have some private lessons and Robin joined in to keep both of us company. Beth had the torch time, but observant Robin apparently got a lot out of it too. I'm so glad. That was part of the plan.

Some come visit Robin's blog and see what she picked up from watching. And I'm sure there are posts about the bead series she's recently been doing, which I just love. Kind of a retro/graphic type vibe that are delightful.

Glass Pinecones...Collaboration with Mother Nature

Pine cones have always intrigued me. Whether it's picking them up and just admiring their symmetry and form or the cinnamon scented giant ones scattered around the house during the holidays. (I have to admit, I do buy those and like them)

So it was no surprise to me, that I decided it was time to figure out how I wanted to make them. Maureen McRorie from FlameTree Glass asked that I teach a half day "Autumn" class and the subject matter was up to me and pine cones seemed like a natural fit. (By the way, the class still has a few spaces left- here's the info) And of course, I wanted to try my hand at coming up with some slightly different fall leaves. The final item, was up in the air...."pumpkins" seems like the typical choice, but they might be taught in a Halloween class, so I added acorns with a different twist as well. Their little chubby shape always delights me. (oh it is so hard refraining from making them into little faces with the caps as hats).

So here is a sample of my glass pine cone bead. I am now stocking them in my Etsy shop and they come in different sizes and with a slight variation in shapes, colors, etc. They have a 1/16th hole and different configurations for custom orders are always welcome.

Stay tuned for another post on the bails that look like tree branches that I designed for them. Versatile and fun, if I do say so myself!