Fine Silver focal piece...

This pendant has a Fine Silver focal piece, from
which I have suspended one of my Lampwork
beads,complete with murrini, silver leaf, and
some special colored stringer. There is a double
strand of both Silver chain and peacock dyed
freshwater pearls. Two cobalt beads with silver
leaf and glass frit complete the piece. Again this
piece is available at Bassett Jewelers.

Freshly Patina'd Fine Silver

This pair of earrings is made entirely of Fine Silver (.999) It's a step above Sterling as there are no other metals added. They have been immersed in Liver of Sulphur for just the right amount of time to create that slightly golden color. Currently residing at Bassett Jewelers, they are awaiting your perusal.

Back From Vacation and Ready to Go....

Freshly renewed from vacation, I was back in the

studio today, photographing the pieces I made

before I left. While in Madison not long ago, to take

a class in Riveting with Jeff Barber , I discovered

some hand colored silk ribbons. The colors were beautiful and I'm so glad they photographed well. Also in this piece is a large Fine Silver circle suspending a glass bead to match some of the colors in the ribbon. The headpin on which the bead sits is also handmade of Fine Silver. This piece is available at Bassett Jewelers in Minocqua. I will be posting more pieces destined for Bassett's the rest of this week.

Micky's on You Tube!!

My good buddy Micky has made his debut on You Tube! Sharon Larsen who works in Dog Training and Grooming recently had a Tricks Class for fun during the heart of winter. So Micky and I thought it would be great fun to attend. And so it was. Sharon took some video of the dogs there, strutting their stuff and sent it to all of us, so I decided it would be fun to post it here. We've been practicing since then and have nailed a few more tricks. Mick is looking forward to warmer weather so we can get the Hula Hoop back out and jump to our hearts content. That turned out to be his favorite and mine too. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOPHUJ3jqcs

More Bassett pieces...

Here's a couple more pieces that are currently available at Bassett Jewelers in downtown Minocqua, WI. The first one is a double strand of bronze Freshwater Pearls that meets with a front toggle clasp closure. Perched on the clasp are 2 of my Lampworked beads, one Hollow and one flat tab bead decorated with a multi -colored glass frit. There's also a Raku ceramic bead and a Karen Hilltribe sterling flower charm that is a Fair Trade bead.

This pair of earrings has handmade Fine Silver squares with coin shaped Iolite and white Freshwater Pearls hung on Sterling Silver ear wires.

More Photos as promised....

This piece is a little something different, it's called a puzzle bracelet. It's a long strand that weaves through a center open ring and connects there again by a hook clasp. It has 2 clear hollow beads with dots, Peacock Freshwater Pearls, Faceted Labradorite and white Freshwater pearls. A Fine Silver handmade heart charm makes it complete.

I love the green and blue combination in this pendant. The heart is a lampwork glass bead with Silver Leaf and scroll work in a silver laden glass that turns warm shades of blue on a gray green base glass. It 's suspended from a strand of faceted pear-shaped Green Garnets with a single chunky piece of Lapis Lazuli on the side. The dangle is a handmade Fine Silver charm.

New pieces for Bassett Jewelers....

Here's a pair of earrings that will be going up to Bassett Jewelers in Minocqua next week. I'll have more pieces to add and will be back later to post them. These have handmade Fine Silver circles with a softly etched cone shaped lampwork bead with silvered ivory dots and Freshwater Pearls.

Woody the Woodpecker...

Yes, Woody the Woodpecker, (otherwise known as a Pileated Woodpecker) has been spending time at my house. He's been around since Christmas and I finally got some decent pictures of him. He is a big guy! And pretty too.

So Who Loves the DOG Show???

My Mickey does , that's who. I finally caught him on camera watching one of his favorite TV shows, The Westminster Dog Show. Apparently he thought this dog had a good chance of winning it all. Frequently he gets animated, barks, and likes to jump up and get a closer look. While watching Cool Runnings, one night, I actually had to put him in the entry way an close the door, because he just could not contain himself! When set free he made a beeline for the TV room and was deeply disappointed that the movie was over. Other favorites are the Animal Planet network and recently Bronco Busting. DOGS RULE!!!

So....what does a clean studio look like??

Well, here's my drawing table. It's actually an antique and nice and big for when you need that extra space for big glass designs. I've put away all the stuff except the things I need for the moment. As you can see, there's a window that overlooks the lake and gives me plenty of inspiration. Unfortunately, it's frozen right now, but you never know when deer will walk right by or a wild turkey will pop up and look in the window. It gave me a real start the first time that happened.

My bead table where all the "putting together" takes place. You can actually see the table again! Something you couldn't do before Christmas! When beads and fine silver pieces are completed they are brought here to be inspected and completed as finished pieces of earrings, bracelets and pendants

And here is where the flat glass gets scored and cut before it's taken to the grinder. If I'm working in Fine Silver then I usually work here too. You can see the tumbler sitting on the edge of the table.

And here is lots of glass rod ready to make into some new and interesting beads. I use PVC pipe that's been cut and glued to a base to help store it.

And last, is my Torch station and kiln where I can sit and make beads to my hearts content. The handlebars are to rest my wrists on to steady the work.

OK......now to dirty it up again!