tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229094452024-03-12T22:28:00.045-04:00handmade resin jewelry by Katherine SwiftHi! My name is Katherine and I create colorful, contemporary artisan jewelry in resin. In addition to using traditional metals like sterling silver and pewter, I like to experiment with color and include a variety of unusual items such as glass, candy pieces, found objects and vintage papers. I live in Florida and have been creating jewelry since 2001. This blog chronicles my creative processes, jewelry making techniques, life as a mom, obsession with good wine and the art jewelry business.Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-45295105471978824632012-04-11T19:08:00.001-04:002012-04-11T19:08:00.756-04:00Resin jewelry making classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kmsdesignsonline.com/shop/ccdata/images/smallMain_11_178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kmsdesignsonline.com/shop/ccdata/images/smallMain_11_178.jpg" /></a></div>Finally! I am ready to teach some resin jewelry making classes. I will be teaching classes in the <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/07/your-invitation-to-jewelry-open-house.html">upstairs loft of Florida landscape painter Linda Blondheim</a>, which is in the back (and upstairs) of Paddiwhack gallery. Paddiwhack is located at 4128 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, (next to Fresh Market). <br />
<br />
Here's a little bit of information about the classes:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>You can sign up and purchase the class through my online store. (It is under categories, resin jewelry making classes). You can also find it here: <a href="http://www.kmsdesignsonline.com/shop/viewcategory.php?groupid=11">Resin Jewelry making classes</a></li>
<li>Prices on the class will vary, but all your supplies will be included. Additional supplies will be available for purchase. </li>
<li>There is a limit of 6 per class. There must be at least 3 per class, otherwise the class will be rescheduled or cancelled.</li>
<li>Classes must be prepaid (unless prior arrangements have been made). Cancelling and/or rescheduling your class slot with less than 72 hours notice may result in no refunds or exchanges for the class. </li>
<li>The class is two hours. Since the resin project needs to cure, you (or someone else) will need to come back to pick up your project within 24 to 72 hours of class completion. While I won't be there when you pick up your project, I am happy to make myself available for follow up questions.</li>
</ol>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-72185738650480665582012-04-05T21:33:00.002-04:002012-04-05T21:46:26.947-04:00Studio Kitty does it againWhile my goal was to make an informative video about the resin bangle bracelet molds we sell on <a href="http://resinobsession.com/">resinobsession.com</a> (my other business), studio kitty Karma had other ideas. You can see her grand entrance about 30 seconds from the end of the video.<br />
<br />
Who's in charge here??<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AQ8T7gncZ4E?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-5347366778133852392012-03-29T10:51:00.000-04:002012-03-29T10:51:00.201-04:00Asian art jewelry - Harn museum of art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4swnL1SfCqwQcvMbaY5TUD_7jFtFmowbIoZJuMrIPMzT0AzMSa4MHwhyphenhyphenIhr20NBMJHeW8PXGXym_oozqc8-Zh3fi_ejIjsw2IUj-Zw3pk0eIVwF4gaVf6et33b5DYpZKvRhy/s1600/group+of+custom+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4swnL1SfCqwQcvMbaY5TUD_7jFtFmowbIoZJuMrIPMzT0AzMSa4MHwhyphenhyphenIhr20NBMJHeW8PXGXym_oozqc8-Zh3fi_ejIjsw2IUj-Zw3pk0eIVwF4gaVf6et33b5DYpZKvRhy/s320/group+of+custom+jewelry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spring is in the air! Part of what I've been working on for the past few weeks have been more than just scrabble tile jewelry. I've been working on custom scrabble tile jewelry for the <a href="http://www.harn.ufl.edu/">Harn Museum of Art</a>'s <a href="http://www.ufl.edu/2012/03/26/harn-asian-art/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=wall+post&utm_content=uf+home+page+Cofrin+Asian+Art+Wing">Asian art exhibit</a> (with its own wing!) which will be opening this weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW0MhL5WUIxEwYsByaZgAhGbqN2dg20kfyizOqxOQ0-jfQV-G2aamIkN-aHAwQMUBs1vEAXxYq2cbiQStbgpskuMYND0zMiNlgwNACmjiypDnSG8So6T90SDQuTKsqJ_mIt7F/s1600/custom+scrabble+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW0MhL5WUIxEwYsByaZgAhGbqN2dg20kfyizOqxOQ0-jfQV-G2aamIkN-aHAwQMUBs1vEAXxYq2cbiQStbgpskuMYND0zMiNlgwNACmjiypDnSG8So6T90SDQuTKsqJ_mIt7F/s320/custom+scrabble+jewelry.jpg" width="304" /></a><br />
These images were supplied to me by the curators at the Harn and I digitally enhanced them to reproduce onto scrabble tiles finished with a dome of resin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgSJSJ7FksePIRpT7-6FAaPc4WeR3NgDhLjb204AXRa_PdZIOy0M_KK4q6HIIAN6VJr71LwbOIolBFcgfHoWDH9IWvZCKAKG9gB8sfrUZQ8H7jZVWPJPIUNfM_tLLcwnXho_U/s1600/flower+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgSJSJ7FksePIRpT7-6FAaPc4WeR3NgDhLjb204AXRa_PdZIOy0M_KK4q6HIIAN6VJr71LwbOIolBFcgfHoWDH9IWvZCKAKG9gB8sfrUZQ8H7jZVWPJPIUNfM_tLLcwnXho_U/s320/flower+jewelry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The pendants will be available for purchase beginning this Friday (March 30, 2012), in the museum's gift store. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumgD8GgJP98VOytnaPFuk1gAr3PfQqp5IU6JxxEpzNJCL0Ws3JHzGoF08Z3KY4K94ZTGayefck040nvqMqHLhoybqmI3gLntDFsJ6BGKWBl6zcOUyNbEox3VAA-BEDnjRdG-E/s1600/harn+museum+custom+pendants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumgD8GgJP98VOytnaPFuk1gAr3PfQqp5IU6JxxEpzNJCL0Ws3JHzGoF08Z3KY4K94ZTGayefck040nvqMqHLhoybqmI3gLntDFsJ6BGKWBl6zcOUyNbEox3VAA-BEDnjRdG-E/s320/harn+museum+custom+pendants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
See the buddha pendants in the bottom of the picture of left? There was a neat little story about him and <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-innovations/buddha-goes-to-the-hospital-medical-scans-reveal-rare-documents-inside-17th-century-sculpture/2012/03/22/gIQADq96TS_story.html">his recent 'medical procedures'</a>. <br />
<br />
To learn more about the Harn Museum of Art and their new Asian Art Exhibit, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HarnMuseumofArt">become a fan of the Harn Museum on Facebook</a>.Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-61701394783212636612012-02-27T17:30:00.000-05:002012-02-27T17:30:00.379-05:00Studio kitty napping on the jobI went to ship out an order the other day and found studio kitty Karma guarding the pile of boxes. How kind of her. The problem is that she was napping on the job.<br />
<br />
I have the proof.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUseI0iQGHZ71W28W8BjS3XGjylJqtgoZwm-Ooyr8Ptd0URUvTWNqVLht4EFiIBqBHh7ab_W-dUd-DLNnrBjrQll9N9Jq6_0o2AjhiRJN6wDbneethiKfQnXJOJtiE1mSHNCK9/s1600/kitty+sleeping+on+stack+of+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUseI0iQGHZ71W28W8BjS3XGjylJqtgoZwm-Ooyr8Ptd0URUvTWNqVLht4EFiIBqBHh7ab_W-dUd-DLNnrBjrQll9N9Jq6_0o2AjhiRJN6wDbneethiKfQnXJOJtiE1mSHNCK9/s320/kitty+sleeping+on+stack+of+boxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She looks like she is dutifully pulling off "occupy shipping boxes".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A3_us4WuurXNiEOWf6yH15E4oP_3N5C4igw51yhIL9s4EkM-N8kFIWcADEEjSzeLJ_sh3E_c-ie3Vpoym0_aS0XslHNVGiPky2twIZRRxSx2_8rI151wBKUzCwh_OHigU2bb/s1600/kitty+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A3_us4WuurXNiEOWf6yH15E4oP_3N5C4igw51yhIL9s4EkM-N8kFIWcADEEjSzeLJ_sh3E_c-ie3Vpoym0_aS0XslHNVGiPky2twIZRRxSx2_8rI151wBKUzCwh_OHigU2bb/s320/kitty+sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, firmly entranced in her job. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ_FJ_V6mmahTXBQtVDhUmLUwqAMWB__8tfyftLRDlvCRXyGi5J__h3c8A-x1VlHREiYjqOi8c7JocKKOiAPExkZ41iaSigktksO7Y93ZkH_f5_me9nEFnK-VLlPaHWpALJlx/s1600/kitty+winking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ_FJ_V6mmahTXBQtVDhUmLUwqAMWB__8tfyftLRDlvCRXyGi5J__h3c8A-x1VlHREiYjqOi8c7JocKKOiAPExkZ41iaSigktksO7Y93ZkH_f5_me9nEFnK-VLlPaHWpALJlx/s320/kitty+winking.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Wait....wait....reposition.<br />
<br />
Yes, better view. Now I can see those who want to break up the "occupy shipping boxes" movement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hmm. Will have to ship out tomorrow I guess.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi9L06wZBuruhurDVadciJqwgiYDRuFHgK98mQgWHdW-zdgr0JEPor4DwXBCAOFAjYBq80Q8w1ftBa1PYTC6FvCXn6y6WMeWAWR2O8hKsrx5zqU_Vjim88NBgMyMfO8BmsRxE/s1600/kitty+eyes+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-57297766175652785582012-02-15T18:50:00.000-05:002012-02-15T18:50:00.348-05:00Valentine's Day treatsSo I decided not to be slacker 'wait until the last minute' mom this year and helped my kids make Valentine's Day goodie bags. (I was just trying to show up the other moms, but I digress....LOL)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia3fsmrsL1PWFaw3MU-2jV7S9VL8_ufvfJ039OPh-xDO8wzmU2_FvgyZZhcRA_UN05N0YFXQHfyyTMHDuBFkeCDL1xA1qkoQSqRwnqv7URt7yU4FPD3Q512nhAoGGHfyBr6FP/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia3fsmrsL1PWFaw3MU-2jV7S9VL8_ufvfJ039OPh-xDO8wzmU2_FvgyZZhcRA_UN05N0YFXQHfyyTMHDuBFkeCDL1xA1qkoQSqRwnqv7URt7yU4FPD3Q512nhAoGGHfyBr6FP/s320/valentine%2527s+day+labels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First, I started with an Avery label template. This uses a page template, NOT the label function on word.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o9wsr03qV288xpzJ0vOZcNm5LgE_rxizUtaiZrCVXBMSBk4ReUPst0er2DuCYENNBG6coHDnkpMDRGccEgyAt064nOL9HZkEELeSdkoygVUy8ku_0lKY_EiCHDSp9_dIrHDs/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+bubbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o9wsr03qV288xpzJ0vOZcNm5LgE_rxizUtaiZrCVXBMSBk4ReUPst0er2DuCYENNBG6coHDnkpMDRGccEgyAt064nOL9HZkEELeSdkoygVUy8ku_0lKY_EiCHDSp9_dIrHDs/s320/valentine%2527s+day+bubbles.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Go by your local craft store and get the small bubbles. (I was lucky they had them in pink and red.) The Avery labels size 5160 fit perfectly on these bottles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1GBl9VofkMwV1qBN6N-93blk0PL1cn176eqm6tF-6MLROUEdmwi2GAWt2MTH7YQJeQLgeSqyeu48lOKtPLTSm4m5q_Ca1VYnfLY8PL7r63mch94N82snP1EfPhW1SJpi3sgx/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1GBl9VofkMwV1qBN6N-93blk0PL1cn176eqm6tF-6MLROUEdmwi2GAWt2MTH7YQJeQLgeSqyeu48lOKtPLTSm4m5q_Ca1VYnfLY8PL7r63mch94N82snP1EfPhW1SJpi3sgx/s320/valentine%2527s+day+printables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I found a printable template for bag toppers (sandwich size bags to be exact). They came two to a sheet and I cut them nice and straight with my paper trimmer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO-zBc5hvxmTfokVl37l8vjlJi6ZchCmIpO1osBmmTyRoeX5aC0Ao8ykyANlssTxv7Rk1iwqqhD2dQfw3w-Uxv2y1FaB2wqazP7ymuhoA3RsPbNJW26exTMxAAxByUMQlFh-r/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+treat+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQO-zBc5hvxmTfokVl37l8vjlJi6ZchCmIpO1osBmmTyRoeX5aC0Ao8ykyANlssTxv7Rk1iwqqhD2dQfw3w-Uxv2y1FaB2wqazP7ymuhoA3RsPbNJW26exTMxAAxByUMQlFh-r/s320/valentine%2527s+day+treat+bags.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Add in the aforementioned bubbles and a couple of pieces of candy into a sandwich bag. (I used the cheap, non zippered ones.) Fold the printables in half lengthwise and staple to the bags.<br />
<br />
Instant cuteness!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Another-Valentine-s-craft-project.html?soid=1102701453917&aid=Zg4bAc8nJws">In case you want the links to the printables, you can find them in my e-news from last week</a>. I don't know how long the link will work (my emails only archive for so long), so get them now!Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-40287637690813807462012-02-08T17:01:00.000-05:002012-02-08T17:01:00.086-05:00ACRE Orlando jewelry boothA couple of weeks ago, I spent a few days in Orlando, Florida, meeting other gallery and boutique owners interested in my jewelry. Here are a few pictures from the event with my booth and jewelry:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz3r2cDGAOExohkB2IdidhPIKl7105Ptg-jlSRLucl5mE2_61Oi_8OpoMHk3WRXqNDJH6m55WeCaYU8dq-EmICbxwdZCvaGUoCNlG8rHa0X0dvQUqgjQWqxylM_ggxBp4ZiYj/s1600/KMS+Designs+Booth+ACRE+2012+Orlando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz3r2cDGAOExohkB2IdidhPIKl7105Ptg-jlSRLucl5mE2_61Oi_8OpoMHk3WRXqNDJH6m55WeCaYU8dq-EmICbxwdZCvaGUoCNlG8rHa0X0dvQUqgjQWqxylM_ggxBp4ZiYj/s320/KMS+Designs+Booth+ACRE+2012+Orlando.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My plan of pink, purple and green came out just like I wanted it to. My jewelry and style is all about color, fun and whimsy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvL33v6r7ZkVJlKo2p11KG2WUU3WRCOLjjgBVNlSrBF_Mk5bnDchEkaa-DdI2q-Tzt3__2VKNKrk92jpQBtzTdei98gAmVBo4JEQHnMg-nYL7v1JhRo3bVGkU2p15rvm-QVq7/s1600/scrabble+game+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvL33v6r7ZkVJlKo2p11KG2WUU3WRCOLjjgBVNlSrBF_Mk5bnDchEkaa-DdI2q-Tzt3__2VKNKrk92jpQBtzTdei98gAmVBo4JEQHnMg-nYL7v1JhRo3bVGkU2p15rvm-QVq7/s320/scrabble+game+jewelry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I displayed the scrabble tile pendants on what else, but scrabble tile racks! Who knew they would be a great fit for the pendants??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7AzoK0uuEDWTO1nnhDjfIKdhMGE3ITDJqBVWdNsll6ktfyvGj12j7tspTpPAECLw89h69igNHGG5RoVLD__VBzzPa6LQBLc5OSX9VDCNaL-z3wEV4jBKlFW7Yzr15tKb-0eV/s1600/recycled+plastic+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7AzoK0uuEDWTO1nnhDjfIKdhMGE3ITDJqBVWdNsll6ktfyvGj12j7tspTpPAECLw89h69igNHGG5RoVLD__VBzzPa6LQBLc5OSX9VDCNaL-z3wEV4jBKlFW7Yzr15tKb-0eV/s320/recycled+plastic+jewelry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is my new line of recycled plastic jewelry.<br />
<br />
On closeup, you might be able to recognize where they came from:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YD-GNZMobnM4dGBJjNGrxc6yuV2vPTCSnc9gvWyIA-y-V3sPNeX6l3YC5ATPoK_H390ic_T69H0FWnj8kPyPaW6UoibIijEp200ra1L-6dG5EVPKYQx_MEvddql98g1ka-gX/s1600/recycled+plastic+pendants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YD-GNZMobnM4dGBJjNGrxc6yuV2vPTCSnc9gvWyIA-y-V3sPNeX6l3YC5ATPoK_H390ic_T69H0FWnj8kPyPaW6UoibIijEp200ra1L-6dG5EVPKYQx_MEvddql98g1ka-gX/s320/recycled+plastic+pendants.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are recycled from plastic gift cards, credit cards and hotel room keys. Both the pendants and earrings are cut into perfect circles and finished with a splash of extra color where the jump ring or ear wire enters the piece. As you can guess, these are very light and easy to wear. (and no two pieces are alike!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuqiWmgkfbXUN3rT1tnKn-mDhVppPJxDrGNHffpBoJ4FgsVKjmtlEuhJzk_DieXEb-Id-VMyfynKYu55Hg8JMPtiEESmjst_waFv0FadWcOl9CTZCFW_jqi8UFjVCWzvBbPtN/s1600/resin+and+pewter+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuqiWmgkfbXUN3rT1tnKn-mDhVppPJxDrGNHffpBoJ4FgsVKjmtlEuhJzk_DieXEb-Id-VMyfynKYu55Hg8JMPtiEESmjst_waFv0FadWcOl9CTZCFW_jqi8UFjVCWzvBbPtN/s320/resin+and+pewter+earrings.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also had the resin and pewter pendant and earring sets at ACRE Orlando. I think store buyers and owners enjoyed getting a chance to see in person just how colorful these pieces are!<br />
<br />
<br />
I won't be going to ACRE Las Vegas this year, but am looking forward to next year's ACRE Orlando!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1177113168"></span><span id="goog_1177113169"></span>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-90193119727743613732012-02-07T13:22:00.000-05:002012-02-07T13:22:15.905-05:00Making fabric covered pedestalsBoy this post has been a long time in the making....<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, there was a jewelry artist. A jewelry artist who needed to create something splash for a booth at a wholesale art show. She played around with some ideas and eventually came up with <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-jewelry-booth-display.html">a booth involving pink, purple and green</a>. (Yes, those colors, but not necessarily in that order). <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/resin-jewelry-booth-at-acre-las-vegas.html">With the pink and green done</a>, the last thing to accomplish was the purple.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNMi2Gh0gG_BNpkGFUpV3OX1GJ-4qxE0g-Ub-tadeQaLjFf6lWeNNPk-2LDBypYVmRxIgdAfFfbGWD_3yQ5M5hST5suwH23o3xawk3q4YZ_7lVRzlloKF1c8hB608JPIT6sT/s1600/purple+bengaline+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNMi2Gh0gG_BNpkGFUpV3OX1GJ-4qxE0g-Ub-tadeQaLjFf6lWeNNPk-2LDBypYVmRxIgdAfFfbGWD_3yQ5M5hST5suwH23o3xawk3q4YZ_7lVRzlloKF1c8hB608JPIT6sT/s320/purple+bengaline+fabric.jpg" width="305" /></a><br />
I chose a rich purple fabric in bengaline. I ended up spending more on the fabric than I wanted to, but I wanted to make sure I had something heavy enough to cover the pedestals and wrinkle resistant as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TJfIBUydPlKIE-wmqtmlGkWQuzaLo35_D097kvp_0J4uuNQrfFwD8c9wDay81VRke-YzfeZNXHABdyyb_aZSbyroxfr1wCD5yvdSd9QHhrsxRcKqhwrn9D3xwAN_aa80EVIK/s1600/cardboard+pedestal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TJfIBUydPlKIE-wmqtmlGkWQuzaLo35_D097kvp_0J4uuNQrfFwD8c9wDay81VRke-YzfeZNXHABdyyb_aZSbyroxfr1wCD5yvdSd9QHhrsxRcKqhwrn9D3xwAN_aa80EVIK/s320/cardboard+pedestal.jpg" width="181" /></a><br />
The cardboard pedestals I had already made out of cardboard boxes. The white stripe around the top is a velcro strip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnAe_xoJ4SVqnn7_oQDnsB-yY6xz9Hlm1mPGH6hv_XGT6FBxxVsf-n4Zfdu9IiQkSETxtlH6HXIFX7Nx7u7wWB_GYTHKVJxSYLkrazex7CM4T4CkowCjJVlwlVuxSJxNke5qU/s1600/ironing+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnAe_xoJ4SVqnn7_oQDnsB-yY6xz9Hlm1mPGH6hv_XGT6FBxxVsf-n4Zfdu9IiQkSETxtlH6HXIFX7Nx7u7wWB_GYTHKVJxSYLkrazex7CM4T4CkowCjJVlwlVuxSJxNke5qU/s320/ironing+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Don't tell my home ec teacher mother, but I just eyeballed the edge and pressed down the seam with the iron.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_N012NCPAO9C9ZDUXOtKfcZ8sPs_vAKv_O8hKDCC1lKgaNjbT9T6xnn2gTB2pMg8Z_cRlX-EtrYCHFyC96hyVVxJPCB0xL6bGXpsjtDsrOQO7TWrarxC677eeCxZYBqVYLUS/s1600/sewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_N012NCPAO9C9ZDUXOtKfcZ8sPs_vAKv_O8hKDCC1lKgaNjbT9T6xnn2gTB2pMg8Z_cRlX-EtrYCHFyC96hyVVxJPCB0xL6bGXpsjtDsrOQO7TWrarxC677eeCxZYBqVYLUS/s320/sewing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1O0JuL6XRQrZjWGXyo4iADQE_NC5CJY7ai0wQ3Xe7LkUcpwDO6_a0j2Bn0IXzZU9Lj3D_HaATNTTCGXIdekC_za2-YEHAoBlGIUvl7dTL6hK6VqLA7fzwRDPitCXljmf2DUl/s1600/sewing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1O0JuL6XRQrZjWGXyo4iADQE_NC5CJY7ai0wQ3Xe7LkUcpwDO6_a0j2Bn0IXzZU9Lj3D_HaATNTTCGXIdekC_za2-YEHAoBlGIUvl7dTL6hK6VqLA7fzwRDPitCXljmf2DUl/s320/sewing+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I sewed down the edge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I sewed down the edge with the other half of the velcro tape.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHSyYAor3O7zwcJ2-IeICUhpIhAoZbmOXovtDWNYahiqDihzuhdYfcNAHkNm6zNdRh5M06XKaWhKWp0wl-v4B3SqAqb9S8kRsh5qhJLM_lRxF8D1pXSF0MmJmMikBvQUVuxFE/s1600/finished+pedestal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHSyYAor3O7zwcJ2-IeICUhpIhAoZbmOXovtDWNYahiqDihzuhdYfcNAHkNm6zNdRh5M06XKaWhKWp0wl-v4B3SqAqb9S8kRsh5qhJLM_lRxF8D1pXSF0MmJmMikBvQUVuxFE/s320/finished+pedestal.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The velcro along the top sticks to the velcro on the box and presto! -- instant cover for the pedestal. (And by the way, the boxes collapse and travel flat as well.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Part two of this post will show you what they looked like at the ACRE Orlando show!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-956646548606891192012-01-11T19:20:00.000-05:002012-01-11T19:20:00.668-05:00Resin jewelry and my new Resin Obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.resinobsession.com/Sites/4/Templates/ResinObsession-Cart-004/en/LayoutMedia/weblogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.resinobsession.com/Sites/4/Templates/ResinObsession-Cart-004/en/LayoutMedia/weblogo.gif" /></a></div>
Seriously. I'm not making that up. My new resin obsession is the business, <a href="http://www.resinobsession.com/">Resin Obsession</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Hmm. Like didn't you have enough to do lady? Why would you want to do this??</i><br />
<br />
I would counter that statement with why <i>wouldn't</i> I want to do this.<br />
<br />
I've been making jewelry since 2001 and started making resin jewelry in 2006. I found that working with resin allowed me to take care of my 'color' obsession with jewelry. I no longer had to find stones and minerals with colors I liked, I could make my own. After doing some experimenting, I found a way to make jewelry I liked (and customers liked too). <br />
<br />
Along the way, you meet other resin artists. Cindy Carter happened to be one of them. I always enjoyed reading her blog and had bought a few of the Resin Obsession products. She was incredibly helpful and very easy to work with.<br />
<br />
As luck would have it, when she posted that she was looking to sell the business, I was ready to do "something else". Now mind you, I didn't have my mind made up that this was the perfect opportunity for me, but it was the perfect opportunity to explore.<br />
<br />
I'm a big believer in Karma. (Yes, that's where <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-birthday-karma.html">my cat's name came from</a>) Cindy sent me information and we started talking. It was a good talk. A good, we must have been friends in another life, honest sharing, immediate good feeling talk. Once the business side of me got done analyzing the business and decided it would work, the personal side of me already knew it would. That was mid October 2011.<br />
<br />
We started the transfer of the business in mid November. The thing I remember the most was when the 30 or so boxes showed up and I immediately thought, "What was I thinking???? Like seriously, where am I going to put all these resin materials????" (Pause the business for a few days while I tell hubby that we have to move all three boys into one bedroom so I can have the other.)<br />
<br />
Trying to reopen a business during my normal busy time (art shows and holiday gifts anyone?) would not have been my first choice, but it's the way it happened. Since there were only so many hours in the day, the blog got put on hold. (Now you know why I didn't post for 6 weeks.)<br />
<br />
Things are going well and I am touched by how many people have sent well wishes. Cindy truly built a resin community and I will do everything I can to love and nurture it the way she has. <br />
<br />
(And by the way, you can stop and see the newly reopened Resin Obsession at <a href="http://www.resinobsession.com/">www.resinobsession.com</a>)<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-46273619597590138972012-01-10T15:25:00.000-05:002012-01-10T15:25:26.483-05:00Happy Birthday KarmaOkay, so it's been a while since I've posted (that will get discussed in tomorrow's post), but I wanted to share what I got for Christmas. This year, I put something on my list that I would never buy myself, but thought maybe my Secret Santa would.
Luckily, I guessed right.<br />
<br />
I wanted a cake pan in the shape of a bread slice.<br />
<br />
<i>Uh, really? Like why would you want something like that? </i><br />
<br />
Maybe because my kids have taught me that you can never have too much fun with your food.<br />
<br />
Every January 1, we celebrate Kitty Karma's birthday. What better than to use the new cake pan to make a pumpernickel and mayonnaise look alike sandwich?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BBSPMb78oLe4cfCMWUfQ6_c-k3aA2GktytnQ8cskK_kvhG_rRJ4X7c_js_DpsctpuIUxbKrGCqPvETUIpOqLB9XG7mkUiKiZVL3Xo6fXyEzFjqlWFAIgueV3sU1Vb4hHgoFy/s1600/pouring+cake+batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BBSPMb78oLe4cfCMWUfQ6_c-k3aA2GktytnQ8cskK_kvhG_rRJ4X7c_js_DpsctpuIUxbKrGCqPvETUIpOqLB9XG7mkUiKiZVL3Xo6fXyEzFjqlWFAIgueV3sU1Vb4hHgoFy/s320/pouring+cake+batter.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I completely cheated and used a box cake mix. (and remembered why I quit using them to begin with -- they taste like the box they came in)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2PxlJfG02YhzLqTTdaUbTAcJOpOWfuvATlguujDP8-TVPgRTZPx1B4EeVw-t4_APcv-8d3GmvrDn1_iTUCwWzHgLJ0Cx5Ctvg2H6qDsVIhso4uI-zDNfxpees9QEjnfI8IBA/s1600/chocolate+cake+batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2PxlJfG02YhzLqTTdaUbTAcJOpOWfuvATlguujDP8-TVPgRTZPx1B4EeVw-t4_APcv-8d3GmvrDn1_iTUCwWzHgLJ0Cx5Ctvg2H6qDsVIhso4uI-zDNfxpees9QEjnfI8IBA/s320/chocolate+cake+batter.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The finished cake will come out looking like a slice of bread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VqajCHyil0frM29-SKVeey_BZTrierMMdi-iQH1SCgJ-Hadn6aO3ByPkXz-iQ49kuXFPUZ21Kw64T19gv90b8oxCpdjPaZ_X3nDTezuyqmmPROYb1Hr_DsrMOqIVjIXnL2XQ/s1600/baked+chocolate+cake+in+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VqajCHyil0frM29-SKVeey_BZTrierMMdi-iQH1SCgJ-Hadn6aO3ByPkXz-iQ49kuXFPUZ21Kw64T19gv90b8oxCpdjPaZ_X3nDTezuyqmmPROYb1Hr_DsrMOqIVjIXnL2XQ/s320/baked+chocolate+cake+in+pan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Finished chocolate cake: very poofy in the middle. It also took about twice as long to cook as a regular round or sheet cake pan.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iOtJzFum-zBlyAfXh6NIcW2Ky56Ps9nMFP3TUF0Cxr_KxPNKZwW3LjWsjeyViwEcFghoU1dHrxycZbmTuUXsr9YEphdQRdXsCRADoNJgaEzCTEuVtrD4zOeECjKNlrrZHMAh/s1600/baked+chocolate+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iOtJzFum-zBlyAfXh6NIcW2Ky56Ps9nMFP3TUF0Cxr_KxPNKZwW3LjWsjeyViwEcFghoU1dHrxycZbmTuUXsr9YEphdQRdXsCRADoNJgaEzCTEuVtrD4zOeECjKNlrrZHMAh/s320/baked+chocolate+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I used a long serrated edge knife to cut off the poof and slice the cake in half.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9jdeOHFdH4C7w_V_xHDwLMhSrKXT-Mq2Wu4QoB661xxZV9OtU1DXPCQYnXQhkHwgXKeSlynr1JaPQGduH0Pgu10Q7JeJvb1KfxU9qh7v6gYZbF4AxpCKuH1iBYlJ8tXhO0MA/s1600/sandwich+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9jdeOHFdH4C7w_V_xHDwLMhSrKXT-Mq2Wu4QoB661xxZV9OtU1DXPCQYnXQhkHwgXKeSlynr1JaPQGduH0Pgu10Q7JeJvb1KfxU9qh7v6gYZbF4AxpCKuH1iBYlJ8tXhO0MA/s320/sandwich+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
And here's the best part: the cream cheese icing. (I did make that. My icing beats anything in a can.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0d8pcfxHWHRjTE2ywT_17DZ5iXoU6FomH2APQLkkZXaHLH8FFF5r1YC_H0OMt_gjA6WArOszJScNxG0SgLZEAcdutB_vjoYPru3E4EoBR1cSq0BF3dbLF1sZrWH_0Fm6LocsZ/s1600/karma+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0d8pcfxHWHRjTE2ywT_17DZ5iXoU6FomH2APQLkkZXaHLH8FFF5r1YC_H0OMt_gjA6WArOszJScNxG0SgLZEAcdutB_vjoYPru3E4EoBR1cSq0BF3dbLF1sZrWH_0Fm6LocsZ/s320/karma+birthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So three little boys sang Kitty Karma 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' and I think she thought she was going to get whacked with a beater. I tried to tell her she had nothing to worry about as long as there was still icing on them. (No little boys were going to waste icing.)<br />
<br />
In case you're curious, Karma turned six. She asks that you do not send gifts, but instead make a donation to your favorite charity (or buy some of her mom's jewelry)Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-30881845512619788582011-11-23T13:29:00.000-05:002011-11-23T13:29:00.496-05:00Thanksgiving Centerpieces<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This is post was originally shared in November 2010 and is reposted as a reminder to myself on how to make the table look pretty.*</span></i><br />
<br />
I was browsing You Tube this week looking for Thanksgiving crafts to do with my kids. In the process, I found this 4 minute video that not only gives you ideas for Thanksgiving centerpieces, but it also shows you how to fold the napkins. Hooray! (However I fully expect I'm going to need to fold the napkins while I'm in front of the computer screen with the video on slow motion.)<br />
<br />
What do you usually do for your Thanksgiving table?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v0iSYXd09dE?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-26864440739072938112011-11-17T18:11:00.000-05:002011-11-17T18:11:00.275-05:00Gainesville Art festival picturesIt was a beautiful and busy time last weekend at the Downtown Festival and Art show! I enjoyed talking with so many people and getting the opportunity to help people with their holiday gift giving needs. Here are a few random pictures from the event:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD8aavIKzs9NNCeQeAKYfpPgyDgvXAQNOcF-0ORGcwJQdwmwBV22EupPwCiH78QdtA0I8m5ZT35dBxamivGFbugKylbiS-UQZOPNwlMj_rLGO1zbPVmiRJBmKfRGb6Yydfjwj/s1600/IMG-20111113-00301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaD8aavIKzs9NNCeQeAKYfpPgyDgvXAQNOcF-0ORGcwJQdwmwBV22EupPwCiH78QdtA0I8m5ZT35dBxamivGFbugKylbiS-UQZOPNwlMj_rLGO1zbPVmiRJBmKfRGb6Yydfjwj/s320/IMG-20111113-00301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/11/from-bulletin-boards-to-jewelry.html">painted bulletin boards</a> to be used as display pieces for the jewelry. I used those this time because I could load them with jewelry the days before the show then just hang them in my tent once I got there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3xYXZ2-UrSJfGRHus2d1j_nmKqLxs3NAJBL9lyh9oBQFVxjV6nsQ0QAXpVp-9LKcOLBFxL74QlJZT722uxNNGos7LN_5RLLVeiXuhJhfKBkQWuBiXY4ORjxlWoIT4LYVSG6k/s1600/IMG-20111113-00312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3xYXZ2-UrSJfGRHus2d1j_nmKqLxs3NAJBL9lyh9oBQFVxjV6nsQ0QAXpVp-9LKcOLBFxL74QlJZT722uxNNGos7LN_5RLLVeiXuhJhfKBkQWuBiXY4ORjxlWoIT4LYVSG6k/s320/IMG-20111113-00312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This time, I included a table out front for people to <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001beAL-N5vKfRPXrN8uP11JpznXCTk5TO-JynVpJKy-w80JuOr6nQrkmgxFqh1QguRoLDfQiElGSbTmfsChiDuLgCZ7jesQz6QR-NkaWIU3WAfdsaAmqmt6rZlMw15aG2a-YsW5qRdtZuEMEELumnu3NxE1NooLPrc">easily sign up for my mailing list</a>. I also had a basket of jewelry for people to peruse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYcG938fSuAz5oG295RaA8TXUR-rT5cR1jtwHzIgL6qLomBRhlNMdXcQK03s88WR1r4AWxpGrswotmYxEwTbHc7BKQKj85U7X6dK2HK7VsJjfsEGCyENJvN1DzgIVxm-yLwki/s1600/IMG-20111113-00303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYcG938fSuAz5oG295RaA8TXUR-rT5cR1jtwHzIgL6qLomBRhlNMdXcQK03s88WR1r4AWxpGrswotmYxEwTbHc7BKQKj85U7X6dK2HK7VsJjfsEGCyENJvN1DzgIVxm-yLwki/s320/IMG-20111113-00303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once again, I went without glass over the jewelry. It felt like I was 'nekkid' as I had used it for so long, but I think customers really enjoyed being able to see the jewelry without waiting for assistance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRmW6uwOVGNjDhukU5anKCqKrmnqifl5ydUnol0uBxBVmpvZsOU2gcu7Z0uZLu24cnadjSz4mjgNOcRG7XltQVuZxah7TnfS2WDPadeiHXHByFHbfw6qMB1d7aw8nOKazd8Zk/s1600/IMG-20111113-00304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRmW6uwOVGNjDhukU5anKCqKrmnqifl5ydUnol0uBxBVmpvZsOU2gcu7Z0uZLu24cnadjSz4mjgNOcRG7XltQVuZxah7TnfS2WDPadeiHXHByFHbfw6qMB1d7aw8nOKazd8Zk/s320/IMG-20111113-00304.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This show also marked the debut of the recycled bottle caps with resin. These cute little caps are the perfect refrigerator accessory. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEvpVOY5WrQgD4D8_hhAO4pZHR_9BiSp1MSo-m4IuB_o6fPvenLnftIOuHBHrQ1JvOuonvjK83vmGnpx6lEm26Jddg_IpnwknYuqTXLQSjzTU4nQjWyxWgAVMKSEfesXcWeVw/s1600/IMG-20111113-00307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEvpVOY5WrQgD4D8_hhAO4pZHR_9BiSp1MSo-m4IuB_o6fPvenLnftIOuHBHrQ1JvOuonvjK83vmGnpx6lEm26Jddg_IpnwknYuqTXLQSjzTU4nQjWyxWgAVMKSEfesXcWeVw/s320/IMG-20111113-00307.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I had more colors of the resin and silver pewter jewelry to show off. I've been going a bit crazy with the colors lately. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9t5xWWMRltjZS4RjuI23IUNgpHF_oqugp6E84-S3822afSzA0T7t23s5StKDCxSkjrkG_tIEB9WVIBnaZXTiULYuAEQM8GkCjcZsOvhixvnmFaukBndbzbKQ1zpv-eX7uNw/s1600/IMG-20111113-00309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9t5xWWMRltjZS4RjuI23IUNgpHF_oqugp6E84-S3822afSzA0T7t23s5StKDCxSkjrkG_tIEB9WVIBnaZXTiULYuAEQM8GkCjcZsOvhixvnmFaukBndbzbKQ1zpv-eX7uNw/s320/IMG-20111113-00309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While the earrings looked great on the colored flower trees, I displayed the pendants on the table. The displays looked a bit too crowded hanging on the displays. <br />
<br />
I'm working on a video of the event too, to give you the 'full effect' of the weekend. Thanks to everyone who stopped and shopped! <br />
<br />
P.S. I'll be a Linda Blondheim's loft studio at Paddiwhack this Friday evening, 5:30 PM to 9 PM and Saturday noon to 4 PM. Come and enjoy art, jewelry and Christmas cake!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-14203570782584451842011-11-09T16:05:00.000-05:002011-11-09T16:05:00.824-05:00From bulletin boards to jewelry displaysI'm trying something new for my art jewelry booth this weekend at the Downtown Gainesville Festival and Art show. Since I will be doing everything by myself this weekend (no hubby to help), I wanted something that I could easily set up myself. Part of the plan involves repurposing bulletin boards that could become jewelry displays that I could prepare <i>before </i>the show and hang that morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnSzSD4pgKYls72aw33FQcb8NOGBcX-LO7SvvdtZbTTkuiu-vaOQAhPmnH22zIyZNnuwEBHjadTskn987b7tQ4I4_qkmP8H9Yhh4IZwNiYT7ozxIZfTJAbH4qohg7XQ9lELno/s1600/bulletine+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnSzSD4pgKYls72aw33FQcb8NOGBcX-LO7SvvdtZbTTkuiu-vaOQAhPmnH22zIyZNnuwEBHjadTskn987b7tQ4I4_qkmP8H9Yhh4IZwNiYT7ozxIZfTJAbH4qohg7XQ9lELno/s320/bulletine+board.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I started with buying 4 el-cheapo bulletin boards. These are 36 inches by 24 inches. I bought them online and got all four for under $100.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzGYFqIczQdLEVAqVxHve4pZbo_UVW4gZnGXwSOveQSpC66sHPAQyVu8wUXuCA0nGnGYo8c01VX5ijdQ2mG0u9JmMMQ6ohj3cPvvGgw8GtujRRh9T35_deodnX2Ms5OoWomfe/s1600/painting+bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzGYFqIczQdLEVAqVxHve4pZbo_UVW4gZnGXwSOveQSpC66sHPAQyVu8wUXuCA0nGnGYo8c01VX5ijdQ2mG0u9JmMMQ6ohj3cPvvGgw8GtujRRh9T35_deodnX2Ms5OoWomfe/s320/painting+bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I got a garden variety off-white paint to coat the corkboard portion. (Notice the small paintbrush in the lower left? It is attached to a hand of a baby T-Rex dinosaur that insisted on helping me.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dijUTkmG8FEAh8eBdl8a8coNSdv8IG18Zuhb-UgvGYdSNdWexMDA2SS_qxtQrBEeHn51m9LN7PoTyWTQjlXODF8Dz4OQTXMFmeEhLNqNMpTPhzxBKgrZnw2SB89f7hUKqI65/s1600/painted+white+bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dijUTkmG8FEAh8eBdl8a8coNSdv8IG18Zuhb-UgvGYdSNdWexMDA2SS_qxtQrBEeHn51m9LN7PoTyWTQjlXODF8Dz4OQTXMFmeEhLNqNMpTPhzxBKgrZnw2SB89f7hUKqI65/s320/painted+white+bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This is what the board looked like after the first coat of paint. When I came to check on it in a couple of hours though, the paint had soaked into the corkboard pretty well, so I needed a second coat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZg7uy-FJsVQ_xlKJXjDNofHwcFQhseyama3ePcwaP5ujMu7i4lS7zp-C8ywDC2dAsFL_sTPpQka8HWa1481M5YhoRUxqfZqFVMVrAK-0MwxicQRPjUhyphenhyphenkmQfUNxkXM_Co9qX/s1600/second+coat+of+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZg7uy-FJsVQ_xlKJXjDNofHwcFQhseyama3ePcwaP5ujMu7i4lS7zp-C8ywDC2dAsFL_sTPpQka8HWa1481M5YhoRUxqfZqFVMVrAK-0MwxicQRPjUhyphenhyphenkmQfUNxkXM_Co9qX/s320/second+coat+of+paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see the difference here with a second coat of paint. The lower left quadrant has had its second coat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8ZSHD4mZ9l_pLjEM0w12OxRbi08CQQ9nPKWXGksbEfi_jiqSNDx1E-zZqrO0cKezPDysSC6UoRacgvM-gO50EWyPZkglIxaOC6WRrsvXMFT1KYfevqaU9uzEQaaYoTs-P-F/s1600/bulletin+board+with+painters+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8ZSHD4mZ9l_pLjEM0w12OxRbi08CQQ9nPKWXGksbEfi_jiqSNDx1E-zZqrO0cKezPDysSC6UoRacgvM-gO50EWyPZkglIxaOC6WRrsvXMFT1KYfevqaU9uzEQaaYoTs-P-F/s320/bulletin+board+with+painters+tape.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Once I let the paint dry, I put painters tape around the inside edge. I sanded the frame so that it would soak up the paint better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYq8r2D45LHm5bgyfmpFpykMRPYS2rlrqs-ntx-5ZlHYNVugchbXPmzI0RPqICuRcJh7snkBNXitf2_PwbGO1FE5nv7kGMaVRqs5StKY6tqSpcGuMFC8DPrJtFpBmmvbZqlmy/s1600/orange+border+bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYq8r2D45LHm5bgyfmpFpykMRPYS2rlrqs-ntx-5ZlHYNVugchbXPmzI0RPqICuRcJh7snkBNXitf2_PwbGO1FE5nv7kGMaVRqs5StKY6tqSpcGuMFC8DPrJtFpBmmvbZqlmy/s320/orange+border+bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the orange frame after the second coat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DN9O5NwV2VptMfGUVYCMoAiG1_i_zn9zN14ESdeoYvIyIH7Tj6xhguVG9WmhnbwhvGTYT8g3ONbavBmfJZ9suf8qtXZstVMYfrG_qKxGJdhKcmq2enzSb7GISn9t0yYzx5fG/s1600/bulletin+board+hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DN9O5NwV2VptMfGUVYCMoAiG1_i_zn9zN14ESdeoYvIyIH7Tj6xhguVG9WmhnbwhvGTYT8g3ONbavBmfJZ9suf8qtXZstVMYfrG_qKxGJdhKcmq2enzSb7GISn9t0yYzx5fG/s320/bulletin+board+hole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, when I removed the tape, it pulled a bit of the corkboard with it on one of the bulletin boards. A little spackling compound and some more paint hopefully will keep anyone from noticing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI74Zu8-ouPwCp68dw5mQnYpAy05Z2c4PdUAhE8F3xfR-3Eb4KIqVCYPHbW_LUPPdLr1HuohkZddf36bEkcj7dVfnx8WEbRmNXo_A3JVD7Gx6EnRj8coHgQf_M8_q-IewWzXX/s1600/yellow+bulletin+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMI74Zu8-ouPwCp68dw5mQnYpAy05Z2c4PdUAhE8F3xfR-3Eb4KIqVCYPHbW_LUPPdLr1HuohkZddf36bEkcj7dVfnx8WEbRmNXo_A3JVD7Gx6EnRj8coHgQf_M8_q-IewWzXX/s320/yellow+bulletin+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a finished board. I randomly put some squiggles on the board to give it more artistic interest. The hardware will get applied tomorrow and I will take jewelry up Friday. Then, all I have to do Saturday is to put up the boards. This will save me a lot of time!Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-3113313059033344382011-11-02T19:32:00.000-04:002011-11-02T19:32:00.809-04:00Random jewelry making picturesIt's a little hodge podge of everything going on in the studio right now. I snapped some random pictures yesterday.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB4OdRkH1lSw2e1R1hfMfSsdmcHoUhiHCkvQOPrgI4tLAOGy8sbwKZleMWCmF2cbNpVfcB2vJfTQQp7e5Fnij_cCi_z2eclS6WduJkjemwhSwR7axkN4rl_8X-I4p1HaAb12T/s1600/bottle+cap+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB4OdRkH1lSw2e1R1hfMfSsdmcHoUhiHCkvQOPrgI4tLAOGy8sbwKZleMWCmF2cbNpVfcB2vJfTQQp7e5Fnij_cCi_z2eclS6WduJkjemwhSwR7axkN4rl_8X-I4p1HaAb12T/s320/bottle+cap+magnets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These bottle caps have had their magnets glued and are drying. The magnets do look tiny, but these rare earth magnets can hold three pounds of weight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2lMBERSXk2QTv3JaxBLObKQs-CYDVlCvSFmIMLPvzKwH_biELaebXJKtEJWEU7CLp5PgtFHadWgdLZtZltIgCm7J9kLQaOynVJI7qS2GPduRb1ViFV4QyYApAop1aOUnV_jV/s1600/wholesale+scrabble+pendant+order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2lMBERSXk2QTv3JaxBLObKQs-CYDVlCvSFmIMLPvzKwH_biELaebXJKtEJWEU7CLp5PgtFHadWgdLZtZltIgCm7J9kLQaOynVJI7qS2GPduRb1ViFV4QyYApAop1aOUnV_jV/s320/wholesale+scrabble+pendant+order.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
(Future) resin scrabble tile pendants are drying. I've applied the images and the glue sealant. These are for a wholesale order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSoy2It0YSIyK_0fP8Wo6yFXi5JxYKm6Nuzr1kZqjkLlZwKMVZr4fjB7lGfnTYtt6qP351LLNymR26rySs9cdAyTMFnWvLCOvKmEmOTR8GzEMzvpRat_-4wcPYBK22jUvAH1o/s1600/finished+scrabble+pendants+wholesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSoy2It0YSIyK_0fP8Wo6yFXi5JxYKm6Nuzr1kZqjkLlZwKMVZr4fjB7lGfnTYtt6qP351LLNymR26rySs9cdAyTMFnWvLCOvKmEmOTR8GzEMzvpRat_-4wcPYBK22jUvAH1o/s320/finished+scrabble+pendants+wholesale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Same wholesale customer, but these are finished pendants. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7pQoJ8UjqORN1uT6uG21g-8jt-m0Lyl_pv1gKQ5TIgbw82lC1lOavb7B9l2k_CorrIpXezYPsp_t3s9Kda_R0AubuKo1m0EpP-T1f-qZqfg-fGgQzYNk9AOa38FMrsioPQKy/s1600/resin+and+pewter+pendants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7pQoJ8UjqORN1uT6uG21g-8jt-m0Lyl_pv1gKQ5TIgbw82lC1lOavb7B9l2k_CorrIpXezYPsp_t3s9Kda_R0AubuKo1m0EpP-T1f-qZqfg-fGgQzYNk9AOa38FMrsioPQKy/s320/resin+and+pewter+pendants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These resin and pewter earrings and pendants are halfway through sanding. They have three more grits of sandpaper to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHN-Y08xwcrl-fgMTI5eFRBklv7QRzuawZBs8VONf9tsmwvQ2g7Xx_1FFVFFIokbnRyA7A1KR7aYM7U1caAyfdVo1YM5ylYk4SJ8WNJyiz4LdIEzBmingTIRAtzM9oOpFbSTM/s1600/plastic+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHN-Y08xwcrl-fgMTI5eFRBklv7QRzuawZBs8VONf9tsmwvQ2g7Xx_1FFVFFIokbnRyA7A1KR7aYM7U1caAyfdVo1YM5ylYk4SJ8WNJyiz4LdIEzBmingTIRAtzM9oOpFbSTM/s320/plastic+jewelry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are some of the new pendants and earrings made from recycled gift cards. I need to make earwires and jump rings for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoeZyJAsif9v3AE7wfmPlpwuWiEqjcobAsSwKO7i7f5DoXVrcsOdTy-i0wgL38aQEKqS0LUpiAyaS8hgj3m0-CKTTv_2-IXE0Kig_-rK_z_3cmzD1lX7E2Ao7yVmYjxr7_7t4/s1600/plastic+jewelry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoeZyJAsif9v3AE7wfmPlpwuWiEqjcobAsSwKO7i7f5DoXVrcsOdTy-i0wgL38aQEKqS0LUpiAyaS8hgj3m0-CKTTv_2-IXE0Kig_-rK_z_3cmzD1lX7E2Ao7yVmYjxr7_7t4/s320/plastic+jewelry+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm anxious to see how these do next weekend at the Downtown Festival and Art show. That will be their first time available to the public. (Hope to see you there!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-58920601996429233552011-10-28T16:25:00.000-04:002011-10-28T16:25:00.053-04:00Twitter, DVR, soap operas and snarkWe all have a guilty little seemingly insignificant pleasure. I am no different. Curious as to what it is?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Theboldandthebeautifullogo2004.jpg/250px-Theboldandthebeautifullogo2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Theboldandthebeautifullogo2004.jpg/250px-Theboldandthebeautifullogo2004.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>It involves twitter, my DVR, and the afternoon soap "Bold and the Beautiful". </i><br />
<br />
I have to tell you that I have been a fan of the show since my college days, but since it was in the middle of the day, I didn't get to watch it much. I still don't have time in the middle of the day to watch, but since the invention of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_video_recorder">DVR</a>, I can set the machine to automatically record it and watch it later. Now throw in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter">Twitter</a> and some snarky remarks, and the entire combination makes for good entertainment.<br />
<br />
Before I can watch a new episode I have to search twitter for the #BoldandBeautiful tag to see what people are saying. People send out tweets describing the episode (and of course their opinions and interpretations). It's like having the cheat sheet version on what to watch out for while I watch the episode. My favorite so far have been the tweets exclaiming the confusion over what the character Ridge was wearing in Wednesday's show this week. It was pure joy, entertainment and guilty pleasure all in of itself. (By the way, what was up with him wearing the purple man scarf???)<br />
<br />
Who knew I was that easy to entertain?Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-5098672427116535662011-10-26T15:29:00.000-04:002011-10-27T16:48:08.454-04:00Visiting the Florida Aquarium<i>Warning! There are going to be LOTS of pictures in this post.</i><br />
<br />
I took a day with my peeps last week to take them to the <a href="http://www.flaquarium.com/">Florida Aquarium</a>. I had heard it was a super nice aquarium and the family was looking for a good day trip. These are random pictures from the day. (Disclaimer: I didn't take notes on what things were and I'm inept as a photographer. Proceed with caution....)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DXh6PjuJ9GegUa5exHBQUjVq2ZA1885qoM7GpXQjEE0j8Tbh1Ln3A3IHkgiHa0O1aYTaMGetRRd3wsR4DtJO9dcdFMXDREr1iWyN7OyDrltazy5RdjOLxe7amKtkBdkv8BAF/s1600/alligator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DXh6PjuJ9GegUa5exHBQUjVq2ZA1885qoM7GpXQjEE0j8Tbh1Ln3A3IHkgiHa0O1aYTaMGetRRd3wsR4DtJO9dcdFMXDREr1iWyN7OyDrltazy5RdjOLxe7amKtkBdkv8BAF/s320/alligator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A nice little 5 foot alligator. (We're looking down on him.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_PXeoeMOUqvV5dgYJ-6Y7o36lWrW0B74YHLehxav1mlqEp1_jva6dGdHmZE4F5S4bZyXwnZUsbtvTLmQ9ACXoI3aKwZYiZf8AitY1DVNrYMEn6lnh7QEvLnudiKe9r76OOA9/s1600/blue+crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_PXeoeMOUqvV5dgYJ-6Y7o36lWrW0B74YHLehxav1mlqEp1_jva6dGdHmZE4F5S4bZyXwnZUsbtvTLmQ9ACXoI3aKwZYiZf8AitY1DVNrYMEn6lnh7QEvLnudiKe9r76OOA9/s320/blue+crab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Blue crab. He was up against the glass and was trying to get us with his pinchers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-fnzsDbdQFrsWcX_W2a129wQyiQ8aNfXuFnAsw7DaS_ArjJKhKFwWgbpnxsz3sUR4PFV0-8yUOYen0S_JTz2F-HyedwIuwN7fAtXK8y8VZ5BneZucAI_aZogDAolBF6YW0jB/s1600/duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-fnzsDbdQFrsWcX_W2a129wQyiQ8aNfXuFnAsw7DaS_ArjJKhKFwWgbpnxsz3sUR4PFV0-8yUOYen0S_JTz2F-HyedwIuwN7fAtXK8y8VZ5BneZucAI_aZogDAolBF6YW0jB/s320/duck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A duck. Not really sure what kind. He wasn't the prettiest of the bunch, but was the only one that was cooperative in allowing me to take his picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTSJUw-I59ovSKzhJMH1OKVN7paJSQVEC4fnWhtXH0VSmSBCRrhs_SMAot9c-7fDTHpPF8xPLn0CcgYeB3xy5M5sRkLPjSCC2EJMHlXup6APEWJIAHIFhVarQyq2xdnEX7A2N/s1600/fish+habitat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTSJUw-I59ovSKzhJMH1OKVN7paJSQVEC4fnWhtXH0VSmSBCRrhs_SMAot9c-7fDTHpPF8xPLn0CcgYeB3xy5M5sRkLPjSCC2EJMHlXup6APEWJIAHIFhVarQyq2xdnEX7A2N/s320/fish+habitat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the things I loved about the Florida Aquarium was the number of exhibits at "eye level". My kids could get up next to glass and see the fish as you would expect to see them in nature. (And no, these fish didn't have blazing yellow eyes, it's just how I had to capture the picture so the flash didn't reflect on the glass.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipurGF68xX6Ck9s4i3uggW8QKQBMjbntFwrylURTS00IVrbwv0cDe7xZKdImibdhfOwU6j7wZ_HIC0KYuUrw_G28ep8dinu9i0GPGwZ1a2xXWkJTPSBiMpb7ff0f_4xlp192hW/s1600/fish+tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipurGF68xX6Ck9s4i3uggW8QKQBMjbntFwrylURTS00IVrbwv0cDe7xZKdImibdhfOwU6j7wZ_HIC0KYuUrw_G28ep8dinu9i0GPGwZ1a2xXWkJTPSBiMpb7ff0f_4xlp192hW/s320/fish+tank.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had super aquarium envy after seeing this salt water fish tank that was made to look like something that could easily go in your living room. (except at my house -- we're out of room -- not kidding)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0FrvWq9w19OmBq6UXwb-dJVoiJs34NoIo-I_B9KVX6Jpv0HFSgN0XRU7qPeT7LULlCIVKOHXPYsOM8BBkgL-NATCFKXSLfrNfaRDvMZbj3Bs5bPuiawSKUTOlOO4Pr596VZl/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0FrvWq9w19OmBq6UXwb-dJVoiJs34NoIo-I_B9KVX6Jpv0HFSgN0XRU7qPeT7LULlCIVKOHXPYsOM8BBkgL-NATCFKXSLfrNfaRDvMZbj3Bs5bPuiawSKUTOlOO4Pr596VZl/s320/fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Big fish, natural habitat. Hubby and I were tall enough to be able to look down over the top of the glass into the water.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D-8zJiewFCe8jxb47bF25h2mh2IRzE6_cICll5U3HF9RcDiPufdeIZiTYDS-jWuhpENUOrPLi3dB7DL8nBjit3i0mDe58g1wPq7NjoYUcs4hj62BPHqB_9_UqzxLDQi69C8J/s1600/Florida+aquarium+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D-8zJiewFCe8jxb47bF25h2mh2IRzE6_cICll5U3HF9RcDiPufdeIZiTYDS-jWuhpENUOrPLi3dB7DL8nBjit3i0mDe58g1wPq7NjoYUcs4hj62BPHqB_9_UqzxLDQi69C8J/s320/Florida+aquarium+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved how the aquarium went to great lengths to create a natural setting inside a building in downtown Tampa. There were lots of trees and natural light.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgs6GkLHaKpit-i17cbtSQKohQRoXIskeYTyCc38N4easGXJ8AUqbf4b5IbILPHvf_9AxdzhrgY3uKswPNW1MQv5utycrqtPofjUJy12vwY4gv2LE0sVCAklAaNjrpr1lqtjZ/s1600/goldfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgs6GkLHaKpit-i17cbtSQKohQRoXIskeYTyCc38N4easGXJ8AUqbf4b5IbILPHvf_9AxdzhrgY3uKswPNW1MQv5utycrqtPofjUJy12vwY4gv2LE0sVCAklAaNjrpr1lqtjZ/s320/goldfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love this goldfish. He looks really smart with that orange brain thingy on his head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8_KQ9CqSpC8MHuwCM5eOs5uTIC-sVc7Hy0JXPKS4-UmMSg4E3MZ99nspM49wNxVfx8oDDig0p8XNmtLbM4yDAuWeP8Z1NkY5m41hxkj1mOZcDugJ_3YSPM3aeM33a_hWPjro/s1600/lobsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8_KQ9CqSpC8MHuwCM5eOs5uTIC-sVc7Hy0JXPKS4-UmMSg4E3MZ99nspM49wNxVfx8oDDig0p8XNmtLbM4yDAuWeP8Z1NkY5m41hxkj1mOZcDugJ_3YSPM3aeM33a_hWPjro/s320/lobsters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Two lobsters. Is it wrong to share that my first thought was, "Where's the butter?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oeAEiIs2uU9o5EplwnIPaGzKvhDPUOyDKdl4MlwpuoQbvSCSbKc3Y2FhM5dZkbR6xOhqL4qPVEJa2g-WA6ZGqgDe_hZDggU6KlbDEQ2YdebgD3HqHwCdcXuKA44hk2zoAlO/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oeAEiIs2uU9o5EplwnIPaGzKvhDPUOyDKdl4MlwpuoQbvSCSbKc3Y2FhM5dZkbR6xOhqL4qPVEJa2g-WA6ZGqgDe_hZDggU6KlbDEQ2YdebgD3HqHwCdcXuKA44hk2zoAlO/s320/owl.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Barn owl. I never got a good shot of him looking directly at us, but I wish I had. He had that look on his face like he was trying to figure out which of kids to fly off with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gpNvOehRO5sfDy2LvmsVR7GOKcB3IB5DjAuMhdAnn00XE5A310DgfF5sA41PsvGLg58AExMHwHh7-NnwnWySqD6i4lH5AEnOKK_RBX_BW615vPuTMOxEF6KBitnRyoNLcM_R/s1600/penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gpNvOehRO5sfDy2LvmsVR7GOKcB3IB5DjAuMhdAnn00XE5A310DgfF5sA41PsvGLg58AExMHwHh7-NnwnWySqD6i4lH5AEnOKK_RBX_BW615vPuTMOxEF6KBitnRyoNLcM_R/s320/penguin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This little guy greeted us as soon as we got to the aquarium.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJgPm-1W-iKqs-g80IbppdJMBm6oSYePUZ0SPShWqAp9Nl6GwTp1yyl13UdAXjjAKpZZE0uc_7N4QssxEY1GNz9U57witNCgbV_MB0j4gv7xIPTBl-zlxvdIM3h-3wc2iJF3v/s1600/pink+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJgPm-1W-iKqs-g80IbppdJMBm6oSYePUZ0SPShWqAp9Nl6GwTp1yyl13UdAXjjAKpZZE0uc_7N4QssxEY1GNz9U57witNCgbV_MB0j4gv7xIPTBl-zlxvdIM3h-3wc2iJF3v/s320/pink+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pink bird. (An ibis maybe?? I don't think it's a flamingo.) Couldn't get her to look at the camera either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbte3opVu7iZwGdhoq5E1hFv-d8icOOuwPRr8dpQ4dynVPcD6htVG10PH8auq71YlTWUWWmwiow9-aSDGamU6WKlThutcIkOud-tPqynRUb1NM1mbqdFWJuxXTg2ekC9_vt22c/s1600/seahorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbte3opVu7iZwGdhoq5E1hFv-d8icOOuwPRr8dpQ4dynVPcD6htVG10PH8auq71YlTWUWWmwiow9-aSDGamU6WKlThutcIkOud-tPqynRUb1NM1mbqdFWJuxXTg2ekC9_vt22c/s320/seahorse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sea horse. This one left my peeps a little disappointed. I think they thought that sea horses were little ponies with scuba gear and lived in a pineapple under the sea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUuPukVzhOla4gSfO72-zz6Oc3R5kPknZCsa7MZRdQ9dcxEG1jp9RdGU64qmI8VaBkvoqfXGv7eTq8cek9WX1UcMCW0rporWh9VnDPbPd-86lU-mOIkPSDcEHN-mqxtlqtEZM/s1600/shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUuPukVzhOla4gSfO72-zz6Oc3R5kPknZCsa7MZRdQ9dcxEG1jp9RdGU64qmI8VaBkvoqfXGv7eTq8cek9WX1UcMCW0rporWh9VnDPbPd-86lU-mOIkPSDcEHN-mqxtlqtEZM/s320/shark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
SHARK! (Upper left quadrant) No visit to a body of water in Florida is ever complete without seeing a shark.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAUloos_AOTqfPZztND1LBo4q9C6jLLHhL3pwKE6g5ef_2phtzbcYN-x1b6AqdrfknmonkMu8HZdXvJOiPyT2YUe8TkptkoyatswrFzuggb-QDy018YdPMCOaec7ha6zBVQoc/s1600/single+starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAUloos_AOTqfPZztND1LBo4q9C6jLLHhL3pwKE6g5ef_2phtzbcYN-x1b6AqdrfknmonkMu8HZdXvJOiPyT2YUe8TkptkoyatswrFzuggb-QDy018YdPMCOaec7ha6zBVQoc/s320/single+starfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This starfish is actually prettier than the picture shows you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr1n7WBpphuFx8UbDyHWbZWU885Ujg0LvXOrrpxJ6S-DZvvPTqKTtZ_D2T-3Dw9FWcg8X0j61VuV_GHAGlg5YlcIR-4L9XOEFHoFn2lFS7Sk8Qc1jjgeayPmuGlZ5G_OCN6ge/s1600/starfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr1n7WBpphuFx8UbDyHWbZWU885Ujg0LvXOrrpxJ6S-DZvvPTqKTtZ_D2T-3Dw9FWcg8X0j61VuV_GHAGlg5YlcIR-4L9XOEFHoFn2lFS7Sk8Qc1jjgeayPmuGlZ5G_OCN6ge/s320/starfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the interactive area where you could actually touch a starfish or anenome. (I don't think I spelled that correctly.) This water was really cold. Kids didn't keep their hands in there long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVi6kJCUmVEYzbhchWq6W6BrEor00nI6fS-pkDe6s0wKJqWqFObmaeXuOAbaksGJZhoLiAIkJyewBc89qI-AwaIlCxa-xpAqhlizYpIhnPQceoaWaqhTv8C4rciInBtAhtuiY/s1600/stingray+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVi6kJCUmVEYzbhchWq6W6BrEor00nI6fS-pkDe6s0wKJqWqFObmaeXuOAbaksGJZhoLiAIkJyewBc89qI-AwaIlCxa-xpAqhlizYpIhnPQceoaWaqhTv8C4rciInBtAhtuiY/s320/stingray+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This area was meant to look like a beach. The keeper is feeding the sting rays and fish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fsZ7-eHJSG4L1DtEKI9Pt32mQBTqf6Yt8fMU8sgmcuDwrKz4ty2bNPBKbYQ30YdjTWzTWk-ZTYh_BPPrNL-ahfMRL8uY2TGjGeQqwczigs9w-9eiW0J-3oORk8V72dEZuQ-u/s1600/white+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fsZ7-eHJSG4L1DtEKI9Pt32mQBTqf6Yt8fMU8sgmcuDwrKz4ty2bNPBKbYQ30YdjTWzTWk-ZTYh_BPPrNL-ahfMRL8uY2TGjGeQqwczigs9w-9eiW0J-3oORk8V72dEZuQ-u/s320/white+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
White bird. An ibis I think.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnO2hH5GnzT5M2WptuKRx3d5KW5dq7ofqkCBW94shGOvyXKwGOBM10yb9l4pey0yqG6GcmFEFU46jtbR9LHSRCi0kZ2RuCBw7dmOuDrLI7cSo7xBu_dU7C1YKcfP3tG-j7ktq/s1600/touching+stingrays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnO2hH5GnzT5M2WptuKRx3d5KW5dq7ofqkCBW94shGOvyXKwGOBM10yb9l4pey0yqG6GcmFEFU46jtbR9LHSRCi0kZ2RuCBw7dmOuDrLI7cSo7xBu_dU7C1YKcfP3tG-j7ktq/s320/touching+stingrays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to touch the stingrays. I couldn't believe how social these girls were (I found out there were all girls in the tank. Apparently they get along better than a group of guy stingrays.) You could touch their wings, but couldn't feed them. The peeps were a little skeptical, but I thought it was cool. (Warning - you will smell like cheap cat food for a few hours after doing this activity.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRl1T7LyvQLhD4uAS5G33wlOo6RZlUZlZDPtiVRxHxqwOJueGL6lJxld0XzxUY0c0KPs8iHU2xsKmR05_s5H2zDkyRVW85d5y10_1u0xpS2qP5PB-2vQNAt4FdnC6QCsKoy-m/s1600/chunky+monkey+on+a+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRl1T7LyvQLhD4uAS5G33wlOo6RZlUZlZDPtiVRxHxqwOJueGL6lJxld0XzxUY0c0KPs8iHU2xsKmR05_s5H2zDkyRVW85d5y10_1u0xpS2qP5PB-2vQNAt4FdnC6QCsKoy-m/s320/chunky+monkey+on+a+fish.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My little <i>Chunky Monkey</i> riding a fish. (Not a real one silly. Although he would have liked that too.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FCkDORd7zz4dx4NY_okJZJechO0dpGFs1pXtcrK1usiUN0UrwuIicgJKNp6THWWzt4pA1zje9Rxd_PZ1rHDE_DyHsayp_ramvbSueUq5z5RRasqi4UDX-lyUD1nKoMuYIgX-/s1600/surfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FCkDORd7zz4dx4NY_okJZJechO0dpGFs1pXtcrK1usiUN0UrwuIicgJKNp6THWWzt4pA1zje9Rxd_PZ1rHDE_DyHsayp_ramvbSueUq5z5RRasqi4UDX-lyUD1nKoMuYIgX-/s320/surfing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All my peeps riding the surfboard on the playground. (And just for the record, their father got them dressed that morning.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So when I asked them what their favorite part of the day was, it would be this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09IvSdgfXhRczl4GCV8jMG5X7gSjkxfoaNjyhtHUnWSiJuDWquNC-2PTEsiRRbc1xPdrylx0lLXPX214lDlMXlDqNrX_Hs1S2G0WTNaONqsn4GV-djWMUtdhkm988NNqvDbf/s1600/pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09IvSdgfXhRczl4GCV8jMG5X7gSjkxfoaNjyhtHUnWSiJuDWquNC-2PTEsiRRbc1xPdrylx0lLXPX214lDlMXlDqNrX_Hs1S2G0WTNaONqsn4GV-djWMUtdhkm988NNqvDbf/s320/pirates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a play pirate ship that shot water out of the guns. Too bad I didn't get a picture of them surprising their father and the subsequent midday wet jeans he had to contend with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We've already made plans to go back sometime next summer. Great way to spend the day with my family.Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-18811307814719373312011-10-24T15:45:00.000-04:002011-10-24T15:45:00.483-04:00Recycling gift cards into jewelryIf you've been following me for a bit, you know earlier this year I asked you to <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/05/send-me-your-old-gift-cards.html">save me your used up gift cards</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56-kd23mjpvwO7-wiuKj9tbvKFHx6KU8WNqakJxPmMcthemXd7CEPHkFLWYFcTUrO6cscYHJj4sB6RsISSgryWAX5g5_zhEme5sRpeFlExsmBv0hZcwcpc5mspZv48momF2do/s1600/gift+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56-kd23mjpvwO7-wiuKj9tbvKFHx6KU8WNqakJxPmMcthemXd7CEPHkFLWYFcTUrO6cscYHJj4sB6RsISSgryWAX5g5_zhEme5sRpeFlExsmBv0hZcwcpc5mspZv48momF2do/s320/gift+cards.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I finally had the opportunity to get the collection of gift cards out and being making them into jewelry. I've been saving every and all plastic gift cards that I can find.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AcACVuBjY0YPd8vLyLNFKdwrz1RJXeyRIlHWCqklzkgkJgQCEFiEy_eosc5KlCyocPDgDldqispv3E-x_aUAdLXXrnGEhaUsZG3cdSyxRCmOYfaxAZkwalC41j6iZpaTpg26/s1600/hydraulic+press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AcACVuBjY0YPd8vLyLNFKdwrz1RJXeyRIlHWCqklzkgkJgQCEFiEy_eosc5KlCyocPDgDldqispv3E-x_aUAdLXXrnGEhaUsZG3cdSyxRCmOYfaxAZkwalC41j6iZpaTpg26/s320/hydraulic+press.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
My hydraulic press will come in handy for me to make these.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYHWdT8v7z3E68hGbEN7ZdXAyMpi_aWWygAOeKMCzNYdrfRO9hNQ9SkUMBUIDfVxELBb5LTLvdvCgY-_Im46n7XydqX4AMNRp2uaBM_DP3P7xc4OTqv4I1DsO39cwYG-expxN/s1600/punch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYHWdT8v7z3E68hGbEN7ZdXAyMpi_aWWygAOeKMCzNYdrfRO9hNQ9SkUMBUIDfVxELBb5LTLvdvCgY-_Im46n7XydqX4AMNRp2uaBM_DP3P7xc4OTqv4I1DsO39cwYG-expxN/s320/punch.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm using my disc cutter to get perfect circles out of the cards.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEhg-dlXQtE7Gse_oiAqte52_1isrUrM9OEKFwG5JbCItNU3oUdLNI8RcJHwAndMB_-EnHETaYGJeKrxj4d2pJBHQIwQqB2Z7GNPmJoMpCVbqNNkvFXpL3HjcPyoMJNUByDk/s1600/plastic+discs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEhg-dlXQtE7Gse_oiAqte52_1isrUrM9OEKFwG5JbCItNU3oUdLNI8RcJHwAndMB_-EnHETaYGJeKrxj4d2pJBHQIwQqB2Z7GNPmJoMpCVbqNNkvFXpL3HjcPyoMJNUByDk/s320/plastic+discs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some cards are better than others when it comes to patterns. The sets will never be "matchy-matchy" (in case you're looking for an <i>exactly</i> perfect match), but they will be complimentary.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmrXBgcKFBEenpgHD8sSSwcKWyMsqVHbjUFPXEsoFWA2gtsL9b_P6Of5oPgn0xph8hTMTW9Wh8O80HnSH5o7X1sSz32kTf80xmcODtlCbu3Sa9sYqBuXp6Vw-sy3d2U2xWSyf/s1600/black+and+white+plastic+earring+pendant+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmrXBgcKFBEenpgHD8sSSwcKWyMsqVHbjUFPXEsoFWA2gtsL9b_P6Of5oPgn0xph8hTMTW9Wh8O80HnSH5o7X1sSz32kTf80xmcODtlCbu3Sa9sYqBuXp6Vw-sy3d2U2xWSyf/s320/black+and+white+plastic+earring+pendant+set.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
This is one of the sets I got from a card. (Ear wires and pendant jump ring have yet to be added.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k7ExMKvdpHdd4a6SJvOFC02XJ3y_BPklVQXjwhZipOvH7HNEywWYW2AmmtYerr9_EuzxlLChuF2VkAbfm9ZK_vId0I5IlpX-_D-nbJnOhSClY9WL2RHommRZCnxfRVtXVqSd/s1600/green+and+white+plastic+earring+pendant+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k7ExMKvdpHdd4a6SJvOFC02XJ3y_BPklVQXjwhZipOvH7HNEywWYW2AmmtYerr9_EuzxlLChuF2VkAbfm9ZK_vId0I5IlpX-_D-nbJnOhSClY9WL2RHommRZCnxfRVtXVqSd/s320/green+and+white+plastic+earring+pendant+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another set, but this one is a bit more colorful. I try not to include anything that identifies the company as to try to avoid copyright and trademark issues.<br />
<br />
These will be available for purchase at the <a href="http://www.gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/DFAS/downtown_art_fest.html">Downtown Festival and Art show, November 12 and 13</a>! If you would like a reminder about the show, be sure to sign up for my email list (sign up box on the right side of this page).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-80980467791424495702011-10-20T15:21:00.000-04:002011-10-20T15:21:00.810-04:00Monkeys and chaosSometimes my kids are up and active when I'm trying to make jewelry (as opposed to how I used to do it -- when they were napping -- but those days are seemingly long gone). I do my
best to keep them occupied with something productive while also keeping
an eagle eye on them. If you're a parent, you know how quickly things
can go from perfect to pandemonium in a wee couple of minutes.<br /><br />In my life, it happens when I'm on the phone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJc9IQUuiu5fTQ_0zsg2VcS5dA61pCN9K8NtglwrbhlAXBP0jTvrLvoMHRrlCQbR0s-mUKXimiVj4UdY_6EmWrzlGAgEgTj66AejN8KwnM5Qw0iDMDxRqmPeqs16rA38-AUm/s1600/Heavy+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJc9IQUuiu5fTQ_0zsg2VcS5dA61pCN9K8NtglwrbhlAXBP0jTvrLvoMHRrlCQbR0s-mUKXimiVj4UdY_6EmWrzlGAgEgTj66AejN8KwnM5Qw0iDMDxRqmPeqs16rA38-AUm/s320/Heavy+D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Meet my youngest child.<br /><br />A serious flirt.<br /><br />And mischief maker.<br /><br />And he eats....A LOT. In fact, if you ask him, he will tell you his name is <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunky Monkey</span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0lEroCij9DJlBa6L5Q5bzsWm1NoTdamlccYK2seULDBxWxvG950dI9gGA-4oRYww-06JMrjFHzUNhXA2GOgEdPWHHkWp38VB8ImZNmTZkXrKUeIJWZa93yz8k3j55wTBLgPg/s1600/chunky+monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0lEroCij9DJlBa6L5Q5bzsWm1NoTdamlccYK2seULDBxWxvG950dI9gGA-4oRYww-06JMrjFHzUNhXA2GOgEdPWHHkWp38VB8ImZNmTZkXrKUeIJWZa93yz8k3j55wTBLgPg/s320/chunky+monkey.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
His father and I are completely prepared to get the phone call from school one day that he has run his underwear up a flagpole.<br /><br />(And is using his charm and good looks to get out of having to scrub the entire cafeteria floor as his punishment.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why am I worried about such things at such a young and sweet and tender age?</span> Because of what he can do with a couple of markers in just three minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-H2CXpBJXgtZK0lv_WYaP_XQz_gxu18iN5DFBukxdfepDK_wbn5WgSqX3ztqG9GH0Toeoeau5LJS07slVlp4tuyIu-RQXVSx6UN8MALSv4zOC-Jvxtw4RFcnsgnTsGngc43Q/s1600/purple+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-H2CXpBJXgtZK0lv_WYaP_XQz_gxu18iN5DFBukxdfepDK_wbn5WgSqX3ztqG9GH0Toeoeau5LJS07slVlp4tuyIu-RQXVSx6UN8MALSv4zOC-Jvxtw4RFcnsgnTsGngc43Q/s320/purple+hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Who knew that in the time it takes to take a phone order from a customer that you can paint your hands with a marker.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqkIyEGPyUNk-XVkHb84gtqJslqvPd7TS1N306_wAYku5xjAtQ-IcZCAGpj66fZUOQbRtNRn_xFn8qQ97oEPUpwepg6Y3IaUKoe3QFW9zzzCFDMYQhVRVBT3jPhx6cn1m0btI/s1600/orange+arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqkIyEGPyUNk-XVkHb84gtqJslqvPd7TS1N306_wAYku5xjAtQ-IcZCAGpj66fZUOQbRtNRn_xFn8qQ97oEPUpwepg6Y3IaUKoe3QFW9zzzCFDMYQhVRVBT3jPhx6cn1m0btI/s320/orange+arm.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
And if that wasn't enough, he wanted to show me his artistic talent and
could use the complimentary color orange on his arms to set off the
color purple on his hands. (If you're trying to calculate a score for
this masterpiece, using two colors in under three minutes does increase
the difficulty factor by 0.3).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYFJlA8a-FoUqQnDmEUlr6f_kfM4hkw3p6WYlYSCgBKme8bOY17SzKL-3NBVbpBqP3dR4m5Xe3wyVGCQfdtoHQspRuzXnkGkPCg89hClHRfaFUBo29TNUa78mW_j8mSvytgs5/s1600/purple+palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYFJlA8a-FoUqQnDmEUlr6f_kfM4hkw3p6WYlYSCgBKme8bOY17SzKL-3NBVbpBqP3dR4m5Xe3wyVGCQfdtoHQspRuzXnkGkPCg89hClHRfaFUBo29TNUa78mW_j8mSvytgs5/s320/purple+palm.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
So if you ever call to ask a question, place an order, or just otherwise chit-chat, remind me to check on <span style="font-style: italic;">Chunky Monkey</span> and make sure I have all marking elements (including my collection of 64 different colors of Sharpies) in my possession.<br /><br />(By the way, I can't wait to get a note from school today asking me to keep my child home until his fungus has resolved.)Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-66002936535204654882011-10-18T15:47:00.000-04:002011-10-18T15:47:00.859-04:00An art career in 15 minutes a day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJgoCZ5izTFgzdaV3AAPyujo12-ZzzB_nPN5YOK5hnB2lO1Rmc3IhywhBc5xj1EioulhIa3w6Rgwg-E3a4iZYkFogh6MXMdO7Vy8KBC1Kobp7UXN9AZpYdYRXXVQ3WqIvD6PF/s1600/MP900175492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJgoCZ5izTFgzdaV3AAPyujo12-ZzzB_nPN5YOK5hnB2lO1Rmc3IhywhBc5xj1EioulhIa3w6Rgwg-E3a4iZYkFogh6MXMdO7Vy8KBC1Kobp7UXN9AZpYdYRXXVQ3WqIvD6PF/s320/MP900175492.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>
I follow the <a href="http://www.artbizblog.com/">art business blog of Alyson B. Stanfield</a>. If you're an artist, regardless of the media, I think you can find value in the information she shares. One of my favorite blog posts to this day, is her post encouraging <a href="http://www.artbizblog.com/2010/01/15minutes.html">artists to spend at least 15 minutes a day on their art</a>. Ever since hearing that post as a podcast on my iPod, I make it a point to do just that. I try work on the part of my art daily that energizes me: pouring resin, working with digital art, planning colors, or anything similar. It's a bit crazy in my house so I don't always get it done, but I aim to do something fun with the art daily. It keeps me connected and focused on my art and quite frankly, gives me some sanity in this crazy circus of my house.<br />
<br />
I would challenge you (even if you're not artists) to find something that energizes you and do it for 15 minutes every day. (and comment below on what that is. I'm eager to find out what energizes YOU.)Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-49863546877130201402011-10-16T15:06:00.000-04:002011-10-16T15:06:00.303-04:00What food means in this house #BAD11 #FoodDay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a5mOz8NFIuZ6LveQqWtmGmNjzPIV-p1qDZYzz3wOk-rVwBeuHaZ9u_90FxMxcoJRea16SgVbI5gHEBltiWlwEThhn3QFhxCs6cy9MsGHuduCqm7kJqldgvep06bpBAkCDsy8/s1600/MP900444229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a5mOz8NFIuZ6LveQqWtmGmNjzPIV-p1qDZYzz3wOk-rVwBeuHaZ9u_90FxMxcoJRea16SgVbI5gHEBltiWlwEThhn3QFhxCs6cy9MsGHuduCqm7kJqldgvep06bpBAkCDsy8/s320/MP900444229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Food is more than just food in this house. It's been a way for me to connect with my family. I never would have guessed that 3 little boys would love helping their mom in the kitchen, but they do.... and I have found that I adore having them with me. I knew from when they were just crumb crunchers scooting around on the floor that I wanted them to learn how to cook so that they wouldn't starve when they went off to college, but I didn't know that it was going to be a fun time for us to bond and grow as a family. Who knew that teaching life skills would be just as valuable to me as it is to them. You can catch up with some of my food related posts here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/11/brownie-making-day-with-my-peeps.html">Brownie Making Day</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/03/starting-new-tradition.html">Breakfast Casserole Recipe</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/12/red-wine-recommendation.html">My favorite Malbec wine </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/death-by-chocolate.html">Death by Chocolate recipe</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/02/we-might-have-gotten-neighbors-talking.html">Iron Chef and foodporn</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/04/spending-more-time-in-kitchen.html">My review of Food Network Magazine</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-little-indulgence.html">My wine indulgence </a><br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-86661843176992433922011-10-14T17:17:00.000-04:002011-10-14T17:17:37.091-04:00Resin jewelry making challengesI've been working on a new resin project using <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-resin-project.html">bottle caps</a>. It appears as though the resin gods though I had forgotten the first rule of working with resin:<i> the resin always wins</i>. It doesn't matter how much I work with resin; I always have something MORE to learn about it.<br />
<br />
Last I left you, I had glued artwork into the bottom of recycled bottle caps with the plastic inserts removed. Here's a few of the snags I've encountered:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPiy7etwKzD9XtIfhNHZBuJExZPBIjCF8Ep4I2PcqQxHp_2OKw9TkSh6PWz1R1yd3YrLDtGLUZ59y7o0bjMM-AUGiQq9Jjwdd3QHDYYhYuUD6iZvu0sXG76GL2ErYyvPAAaaf/s1600/flat+bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPiy7etwKzD9XtIfhNHZBuJExZPBIjCF8Ep4I2PcqQxHp_2OKw9TkSh6PWz1R1yd3YrLDtGLUZ59y7o0bjMM-AUGiQq9Jjwdd3QHDYYhYuUD6iZvu0sXG76GL2ErYyvPAAaaf/s320/flat+bubble.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This is a 'flat' bubble. Why it chose to get squished horizontally is beyond me. The zoom in my camera actually allows me to see that it's a bubble. If I look at it with my 'everyday getting older eyeballs', it looks more like a big piece of glitter reflecting light back.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCUQJPs0rgeMePWjPr0J9IZo56m6WCmnTF8-ZkbMSzNMP_xDzfsxKliiB1XzpyhFbRCuAljJWt9cUYtTtEAtRyWwCA1Gm6OeIYI-pi9EVFMpWDm4xKl3Ko3h9VLFZBKI5iDao/s1600/large+bubble+in+resin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCUQJPs0rgeMePWjPr0J9IZo56m6WCmnTF8-ZkbMSzNMP_xDzfsxKliiB1XzpyhFbRCuAljJWt9cUYtTtEAtRyWwCA1Gm6OeIYI-pi9EVFMpWDm4xKl3Ko3h9VLFZBKI5iDao/s320/large+bubble+in+resin.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I also had just the garden variety large bubbles as well. The first time this happened, I thought I hadn't checked the resin very well after pouring, so I triple checked with the next batch. Everything was good, yet when I came back two hours later, two of the bottle caps had bubbles. When I poured a couple of batches today, I decided to use my <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/new-resin-jewelry-making-tool.html">hot air gun</a> instead of a straw to get the bubbles out. It got the bubbles out, but the force of the air also pushed up bubbles from under the paper. Apparently, I'm trapping air underneath the art which is escaping later.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvIZzS4ZByG5XINpy6C7RIj29A3Ek1wKn6tyS32jvnZO3ScPbdD9C-zzJA8DWJEK3-eohAC_lpHFBadcg5e1LizXwW2JVPb0i3SxwKGVWOPzmtBFDLyhi5mF2WzdTb9dJR7t7/s1600/small+bubbles+in+resin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvIZzS4ZByG5XINpy6C7RIj29A3Ek1wKn6tyS32jvnZO3ScPbdD9C-zzJA8DWJEK3-eohAC_lpHFBadcg5e1LizXwW2JVPb0i3SxwKGVWOPzmtBFDLyhi5mF2WzdTb9dJR7t7/s320/small+bubbles+in+resin.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I've also had a few with a lot of small bubbles. I don't know how this happened either.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtICjpxgcWuXhXq2hG74fpAB8que7H3jzOu9YQ4vc2EEsEjnoR1ZwjIrlCJM5Rxwo1YG8ThOfeZkH4DMjhYi3QI2p29AjVnS7TTTy0FqOS7xnBpKECaorDc_veg7zKC8T8kQjv/s1600/hair+in+resin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtICjpxgcWuXhXq2hG74fpAB8que7H3jzOu9YQ4vc2EEsEjnoR1ZwjIrlCJM5Rxwo1YG8ThOfeZkH4DMjhYi3QI2p29AjVnS7TTTy0FqOS7xnBpKECaorDc_veg7zKC8T8kQjv/s320/hair+in+resin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So for the few that have turned out well, I have to look for cat hair. <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/pictures-of-karma.html">Thanks Karma</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
To keep these mistakes from happening again, I poured a very thin layer of resin to cover the art. This should allow bubbles to escape easier in case they show up later. (I can always add another layer if I decide I don't like the thinness.) I'll let you know how that works out.<br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-38333753138607882612011-10-10T16:49:00.000-04:002011-10-10T16:49:00.624-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEiQrQ_uCUgZ7-avUvlplEkPJmCSjjZIXEX8br0MTSLSyLLMWCAuq13RDK-CsTSyJ5f8y-zl0zrwNCD0aEk2fncUDb-YXYhBF_sB2C43aKeNEb0M7CGxi-cxNbzkXlfckzZVB/s1600/orange+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEiQrQ_uCUgZ7-avUvlplEkPJmCSjjZIXEX8br0MTSLSyLLMWCAuq13RDK-CsTSyJ5f8y-zl0zrwNCD0aEk2fncUDb-YXYhBF_sB2C43aKeNEb0M7CGxi-cxNbzkXlfckzZVB/s320/orange+tree.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
Our new babysitter (whom we just ADORE) is a recent transplant from Colorado to Florida. She asked the other day if this (picture at left) was an orange tree. I said it was then realized it would be fun to share more pictures of my lovely little tree since it had been awhile since I had shown the <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/green-golf-balls.html">green golf balls</a>.<br />
<br />
It's a little hard here to get the perspective of the tree. He's probably about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. (The top gets lost in the oak tree behind it in this picture).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRn33T4PCQ0aqvq72x_S7eKpF-SS_ptFRBJTzz0DQ2jJuQkoSkLpJDMvWgtJEi_0nn0XJ7GMaRcAmDvq54HiTai6YEgFN_jDrvwoRFZpzWGqJqhdAZ3Dc7HoAJ5YyzR4AR47-/s1600/group+of+oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRn33T4PCQ0aqvq72x_S7eKpF-SS_ptFRBJTzz0DQ2jJuQkoSkLpJDMvWgtJEi_0nn0XJ7GMaRcAmDvq54HiTai6YEgFN_jDrvwoRFZpzWGqJqhdAZ3Dc7HoAJ5YyzR4AR47-/s320/group+of+oranges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The oranges are now about the size of tennis balls. They might grow a little bit more, but not much.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vVlc75EbAXBP7J1NUDBrwq5gKECNnSCmETZEi3QZGrr-Hd_aoU4zmxl7BT3Q5_4Qi55aMD38WGeV1a8Zau2al-TxYmn7pf99sMspoLXufQZyzqrDhuKX1BWs82yaxzivYLTt/s1600/orange+on+orange+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vVlc75EbAXBP7J1NUDBrwq5gKECNnSCmETZEi3QZGrr-Hd_aoU4zmxl7BT3Q5_4Qi55aMD38WGeV1a8Zau2al-TxYmn7pf99sMspoLXufQZyzqrDhuKX1BWs82yaxzivYLTt/s320/orange+on+orange+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The orange tree leaves are shiny on one side and dull on the other. The limbs have some sharp points too. I suppose the word would be thorns wouldn't it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWce_ytc39byWAQy20LpDENICdVkqySnB-b3uhf4zjnkARzo2oxs3Elg_FTFFVcTQ4qWPXoWKrLmuM4UIR2mnDE27X7X6mNAdCh6FglFHHRpfptVq6i5lORYVJE5sufKB3Tt3Z/s1600/green+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWce_ytc39byWAQy20LpDENICdVkqySnB-b3uhf4zjnkARzo2oxs3Elg_FTFFVcTQ4qWPXoWKrLmuM4UIR2mnDE27X7X6mNAdCh6FglFHHRpfptVq6i5lORYVJE5sufKB3Tt3Z/s320/green+orange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If this orange was orange and not green, wouldn't it be perfect just to put the straw in and suck it up??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCnesNBZ3UA3NZr73eDsWCYpbxL3l5gVvb_6e3H5AjrfL2jo4jrsKTVo6nixIzgX9f-2lO735l9OCW91V4huRDrYV-1PXjWZVzOqJc5a2SNCFJNZxOu-qW2ZegLPHZdNAbBO1/s1600/open+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCnesNBZ3UA3NZr73eDsWCYpbxL3l5gVvb_6e3H5AjrfL2jo4jrsKTVo6nixIzgX9f-2lO735l9OCW91V4huRDrYV-1PXjWZVzOqJc5a2SNCFJNZxOu-qW2ZegLPHZdNAbBO1/s320/open+orange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I was getting pictures, I noticed this orange was bursting with excitement. Literally. I've never opened up an orange this early, but it looks pale orange inside. Not quite appetizing yet.<br />
<br />
These should all be ready for juice in February. Yeah!Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-64768718848412024512011-10-07T15:29:00.000-04:002011-10-07T15:29:00.579-04:00The jewelry making books in my libraryI've decided we all have something we hoard. I just try to hoard stuff that's worthwhile (at least to me anyway). In looking at my bookcase this week, I decided I am a jewelry book hoarder. I LOVE LOVE LOVE buying jewelry books. Designing jewelry. Making jewelry. Fixing jewelry. History of jewelry. and on and on and on. I love reading about 42 different ways to make the same bezel. I love looking at a piece of jewelry and trying to figure out how the artist made it. I love looking at others designs and wonder how I can make it better. *smile*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYvGA6XaukyxJzqtN9ofQNbHeNuRA1BVf-QHwuTsKzaP1vyZKoyOHiumTxMVw56nXxaRHBZmhrtysM9aKMfSPG4UKoMd0T9uwQnsOUuw0tIWyy8H-R77JUu1aBBCCV6cREN-M/s1600/how+to+make+jewelry+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYvGA6XaukyxJzqtN9ofQNbHeNuRA1BVf-QHwuTsKzaP1vyZKoyOHiumTxMVw56nXxaRHBZmhrtysM9aKMfSPG4UKoMd0T9uwQnsOUuw0tIWyy8H-R77JUu1aBBCCV6cREN-M/s320/how+to+make+jewelry+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have books on everything. Even stuff I haven't done yet. (but intend to sometime before I die)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVcU6M7aUgjfz4xp7ABDNUF4m6ZpEkc_zklfAqIvPsgYCoQkiE3qgTf9SvsIvLkqDvb3_raTzaPPSx0ZjDwqO7J0HHQj1u-Z4Ez0kvG09OQXj9fIU-U1HEtSrQyUbKvWXdcrZ/s1600/resin+jewelry+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVcU6M7aUgjfz4xp7ABDNUF4m6ZpEkc_zklfAqIvPsgYCoQkiE3qgTf9SvsIvLkqDvb3_raTzaPPSx0ZjDwqO7J0HHQj1u-Z4Ez0kvG09OQXj9fIU-U1HEtSrQyUbKvWXdcrZ/s320/resin+jewelry+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can learn so much just by reading. It's a great way of introducing yourself to techniques and sparking ideas in where you want to go next.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Joxc0HNkCAY_5gh_ss96xCr6uVgpKN8s_1-PmugpwIzgvKExspIFlBr3-bs31PrvE14ZaiQjjmp6YDYJx6jI6Vdh-gyYAsXHg3cKp0ZV-KBcmKp_HfB6O3y8baJdcqIsmDYB/s1600/jewelry+business+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Joxc0HNkCAY_5gh_ss96xCr6uVgpKN8s_1-PmugpwIzgvKExspIFlBr3-bs31PrvE14ZaiQjjmp6YDYJx6jI6Vdh-gyYAsXHg3cKp0ZV-KBcmKp_HfB6O3y8baJdcqIsmDYB/s320/jewelry+business+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've even got a few business planning books too. Reading business information is my other obsession. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6WmFurSnTMs59HnxIMcGhXAMOjsCXUzuu8bH7gl1utD6SmKwPh92_5vhyphenhyphenchK6r6Y9YabYQj4UuuuUzx6p0tmYWC6IObXoGGupGr63Wzz7jaFEUBnTZWDkoao-aWL2qotLHHz/s1600/jewelry+making+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6WmFurSnTMs59HnxIMcGhXAMOjsCXUzuu8bH7gl1utD6SmKwPh92_5vhyphenhyphenchK6r6Y9YabYQj4UuuuUzx6p0tmYWC6IObXoGGupGr63Wzz7jaFEUBnTZWDkoao-aWL2qotLHHz/s320/jewelry+making+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a rule that all my books have to fit in one bookcase. As you can see, I make the most of all the space I can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL4rBZwxUX640wPpxnDg50TPubfO5i4eN47qTDqbMcRejpW_Vn1IJAIVunml7mhX3SysKGeO-IL52YEQYDjVwxckaD8geGqklpqjo33jk60VNFElkZGKlHBXExmRUFwhuofKB/s1600/jewelry+technique+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL4rBZwxUX640wPpxnDg50TPubfO5i4eN47qTDqbMcRejpW_Vn1IJAIVunml7mhX3SysKGeO-IL52YEQYDjVwxckaD8geGqklpqjo33jk60VNFElkZGKlHBXExmRUFwhuofKB/s320/jewelry+technique+books.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Sometimes the books don't even have to be 'how to' books. I love looking at designs from different periods in time and looking at the jewelry art of contemporary artists.<br />
<br />
<i>What jewelry books do you have on your shelf?</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-30772040948389950942011-10-04T20:36:00.000-04:002011-10-04T20:36:44.083-04:00New resin projectWhat happens when you hoard stuff without knowing what you're going to do with it, only to find it years later and have the perfect idea?<br />
<br />
Pure. Dumb. Luck.<br />
<br />
I found this stash of bottle caps that I have had so long I can't even remember why I started saving them to begin with. Ah, another lovely way to capture resin.<br />
<br />
<i>I amaze myself sometimes.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-GHWxUex-z7OND5ZUbgjiedUx7v-1p6YK8VzT4y0BlgTM7L5YZOCeaSFR4MOWTwjX2J3YE9CRn-c8TcJYMQ7hSVjNRLIjxtXIlAh9gwL2-qwUicw0p6pcLLHrPGHUPLNp2Ug/s1600/bottle+caps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-GHWxUex-z7OND5ZUbgjiedUx7v-1p6YK8VzT4y0BlgTM7L5YZOCeaSFR4MOWTwjX2J3YE9CRn-c8TcJYMQ7hSVjNRLIjxtXIlAh9gwL2-qwUicw0p6pcLLHrPGHUPLNp2Ug/s320/bottle+caps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So here they are. A lonely pile of bottle caps. They thought their days of being fun and interesting were over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaNi5tMRxYTmn4hZ_8hq0-nDFFBsbYVgqvdGGRhiYaaikdBTT9LftdYTFIGnBTY84fCv4KuO7DaJU9iVIVU2coSSKFZxNDrf0AjgSkHWtb8pE_7qB_nRsRkw6q4ZHL-g7AABx/s1600/bottle+cap+with+acetone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaNi5tMRxYTmn4hZ_8hq0-nDFFBsbYVgqvdGGRhiYaaikdBTT9LftdYTFIGnBTY84fCv4KuO7DaJU9iVIVU2coSSKFZxNDrf0AjgSkHWtb8pE_7qB_nRsRkw6q4ZHL-g7AABx/s320/bottle+cap+with+acetone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So this part was the biggest problem. How to get those little plastic inserts out of the caps? Otherwise, the papers wouldn't lie flat.<br />
<br />
The answer: industrial strength acetone. Let it soak for a few minutes, then pull out with tweezers (which I was worried about putting through my hand at some point).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzKXLk41isH-9iXlqdYZUO9aVbrBOPLXE6M4KW7bIUOUoXp3gu1dQC76JYM17VaPvifI48WIQCMZMZanDCsIPpXq3Xpy1fkaLcmNfGoISxNQyPe97C59szyZLczd8kQHUAseF/s1600/bottle+caps+without+inserts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzKXLk41isH-9iXlqdYZUO9aVbrBOPLXE6M4KW7bIUOUoXp3gu1dQC76JYM17VaPvifI48WIQCMZMZanDCsIPpXq3Xpy1fkaLcmNfGoISxNQyPe97C59szyZLczd8kQHUAseF/s320/bottle+caps+without+inserts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here they are now -- nice and clean. Some of them got scratched getting the plastic out, but it's no big deal. It will be covered up by the paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqTFlUizMO0drhY2dO9nQBx64OzW5QI06DktdcjEcYVHfWSLhZlRep0cBu-00w_GVMpvG2DibCzBmcMTT5R9UZHGlNlv8l3WIWT1RceYCx04jjK3bKIDVApATXPbjsug98CIh/s1600/bottle+caps+with+images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqTFlUizMO0drhY2dO9nQBx64OzW5QI06DktdcjEcYVHfWSLhZlRep0cBu-00w_GVMpvG2DibCzBmcMTT5R9UZHGlNlv8l3WIWT1RceYCx04jjK3bKIDVApATXPbjsug98CIh/s320/bottle+caps+with+images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I put cute paper in the bottle caps and sealed them like I do the scrabble pendants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78E5LKrYgM9Riqe0hWLdo1Abxv0XkE46wOirTV5sH2GH6VBPWYSq-l-CBlm_PePaVR5puBB06hkDCGpK9GD0UglCmrW7DKHyghRe1oRjIzPcE9k9EQwL9pkK2FVvpApbhTVhA/s1600/bottle+caps+for+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78E5LKrYgM9Riqe0hWLdo1Abxv0XkE46wOirTV5sH2GH6VBPWYSq-l-CBlm_PePaVR5puBB06hkDCGpK9GD0UglCmrW7DKHyghRe1oRjIzPcE9k9EQwL9pkK2FVvpApbhTVhA/s320/bottle+caps+for+magnets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So what are these going to be? You'll just have to wait. :) That will be another forthcoming blog post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-70769385944931354362011-09-30T14:59:00.000-04:002011-09-30T14:59:00.231-04:00My visit to Georgetown CupcakeI had to go to Washington, D.C., for the day last week for a non-profit group I'm involved with. I had a couple of hours from the time my flight arrived until I needed to be at the purpose of my visit, so I met a friend for a bit of indulgence (and pre-event carbohydrate loading).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xnm8cxBaqoeF4Tvg3rR7jixOhTkDkMBxIX-41-Lnqa_iGr4gs7ZjEpPag0w9_sku1QA4-SnWmL55u5nTYjWuNhAUBEgHM8s5HZ5NLC5uIKlGrHOPPH7BdJtsXiIALJ_wKM4K/s1600/IMG-20110922-00196.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xnm8cxBaqoeF4Tvg3rR7jixOhTkDkMBxIX-41-Lnqa_iGr4gs7ZjEpPag0w9_sku1QA4-SnWmL55u5nTYjWuNhAUBEgHM8s5HZ5NLC5uIKlGrHOPPH7BdJtsXiIALJ_wKM4K/s320/IMG-20110922-00196.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
My friend picked me up at the airport and we went to Georgetown Cupcake. In case it looks familiar, this is the cupcake bakery from the TLC show "DC Cupcakes". Kinda neat how it looked just like it does on the show. We were both fortunate that we didn't have to wait in line long at all to place our orders. My only complaint is that there is very limited seating to sit and eat your cupcakes at the bakery. We got ours to go and went to a group of tables around the corner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynn6eP67Kw4IKhC8UC6nXgX9bjoLILdhzfyYRctIyPp8Z22r0cV2wLZfiUFAzqkkFFm6QvUKU4ZlF9iANaJd0NanwqFkx0eVJD1WTvfzxRHSu3gunfazeUj818-oxmHyIF0gZ/s1600/IMG-20110922-00197.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynn6eP67Kw4IKhC8UC6nXgX9bjoLILdhzfyYRctIyPp8Z22r0cV2wLZfiUFAzqkkFFm6QvUKU4ZlF9iANaJd0NanwqFkx0eVJD1WTvfzxRHSu3gunfazeUj818-oxmHyIF0gZ/s320/IMG-20110922-00197.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
My friend got four cupcakes in a cute pink to go box. (She didn't think she could get away with going and not bringing any home to her family.) I had already forewarned mine that there was NO chance that cupcakes would be coming back on a plane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnnEEErShTJjIFNWFnbJej6Ve7yMl1Xhjrjv27Ka9cLEKMFO3fEy5N7sL7Eust8mgHei_aPUpGubGGMoAbWG8Ge7mXj2qb-RZIVO-CHQLmQjzZYEcjdo7LFedZ1eYdRhGQRbo/s1600/IMG-20110922-00198.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnnEEErShTJjIFNWFnbJej6Ve7yMl1Xhjrjv27Ka9cLEKMFO3fEy5N7sL7Eust8mgHei_aPUpGubGGMoAbWG8Ge7mXj2qb-RZIVO-CHQLmQjzZYEcjdo7LFedZ1eYdRhGQRbo/s320/IMG-20110922-00198.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
So what did I get? I got the red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. My take: the cake was good. Not great, but good. The frosting, however, was KILLER. Sweet, tangy, and perfect for the cake. I would definitely do this one again. (but who knows when that will be.)<br />
<br />
Have any of you been? What is your favorite cupcake (from here or any of your other favorite bakeries)?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22909445.post-10655453057693295532011-09-29T15:42:00.002-04:002011-09-29T15:42:00.144-04:00Thornebrook Festival picturesI am FINALLY getting around to getting pictures up from the Thornebrook Art Festival this past weekend. What I've been so busy doing the last few days will be in a few future blog posts.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwqlkRZou_5vlUC2M6-gHqPE37yxhWbUEeWLYws-tW0fHnRK8_RBiM88vK57lGJYnSJqVgWefwBDQBtQzXkbLSseHH77UC_ZN6g_7FaCX47lxYYzPS3R74eepOn8bLF2foCtz/s1600/IMG-20110925-00206.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwqlkRZou_5vlUC2M6-gHqPE37yxhWbUEeWLYws-tW0fHnRK8_RBiM88vK57lGJYnSJqVgWefwBDQBtQzXkbLSseHH77UC_ZN6g_7FaCX47lxYYzPS3R74eepOn8bLF2foCtz/s320/IMG-20110925-00206.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>I completely revamped my booth for the festival. While the wooden boxes with the glass were very artsy, I desperately needed something I could easily handle myself. I used two folding tables and covered them with ivory tablecloths. I used risers to bring them up to counter height. <br />
<br />
This festival also kicked off my once a year sale. You can see all the sale items in the basket on the right. (By the way, I'm working on getting more sale items on the <a href="http://www.kmsdesignsonline.com/">KMS Designs website</a>). Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmByce8gW8l3-yqm-2aEpe12YoZ7QQVmR66sG2dwhaz7kN6FQ4U4DBYaeWcHJBp59lNf0gw5t87zgMtoSDTPJ3CpLjlN6zh5t0tJv72me3cyS8xh-s3L-fa7QkbsgPwgcJLoS/s1600/IMG-20110925-00207.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmByce8gW8l3-yqm-2aEpe12YoZ7QQVmR66sG2dwhaz7kN6FQ4U4DBYaeWcHJBp59lNf0gw5t87zgMtoSDTPJ3CpLjlN6zh5t0tJv72me3cyS8xh-s3L-fa7QkbsgPwgcJLoS/s320/IMG-20110925-00207.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
The colorful wire flowers made another appearance. The picture doesn't really do them justice. The <a href="http://kmsdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-resin-jewelry-in-pewter.html">resin and pewter jewelry</a> looked great on them and they made a nice pop of color on the table.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQeWPi2miJrU3TAPIhyOZoyEk_y6l_tSgKQgfg5YB-1EZ8qX3NUHxZRwzdlMxRqdDw9xhqnU5t_Zi53X9aW8NKH-EcBa3TUE2oct-_2eji07lw-8AJJAis_G3nyfG-t7THSxF/s1600/IMG-20110925-00208.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQeWPi2miJrU3TAPIhyOZoyEk_y6l_tSgKQgfg5YB-1EZ8qX3NUHxZRwzdlMxRqdDw9xhqnU5t_Zi53X9aW8NKH-EcBa3TUE2oct-_2eji07lw-8AJJAis_G3nyfG-t7THSxF/s320/IMG-20110925-00208.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>Isn't if funny how the scrabble tile pendants display nicely on the scrabble game racks?? The flowers and circles are the little foam sticker types that you can get at a craft store. They were a last minute addition to break up the whiteness of the table.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k4AeiFWOciAgbUjTc9zMCIDEgti5sKE3pHzihaipmL0zgXtWBuJO8QTn_a35Cytb6fo8nujB23QRcyiktpxZanMvdtfGmbne-nBUV_Nm_uiggXIqsJUFZJrEsSX-Yh3I_SDT/s1600/IMG-20110925-00209.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k4AeiFWOciAgbUjTc9zMCIDEgti5sKE3pHzihaipmL0zgXtWBuJO8QTn_a35Cytb6fo8nujB23QRcyiktpxZanMvdtfGmbne-nBUV_Nm_uiggXIqsJUFZJrEsSX-Yh3I_SDT/s320/IMG-20110925-00209.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
There was Halloween jewelry galore! Get your ghost on and be ready for the holiday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoW31fnu2ei5RqvTb6VuMoO8xNS96Jh7v7wM0EwH2q0CV4GLsi9jQnQih6Pk21JW8eR8t4ryIBIjsauSqaVq736Zj_gCYJW5gsghfngfwpH23KPsWbQxg7qt3pycf1cmC8Pl5/s1600/IMG-20110925-00210.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoW31fnu2ei5RqvTb6VuMoO8xNS96Jh7v7wM0EwH2q0CV4GLsi9jQnQih6Pk21JW8eR8t4ryIBIjsauSqaVq736Zj_gCYJW5gsghfngfwpH23KPsWbQxg7qt3pycf1cmC8Pl5/s320/IMG-20110925-00210.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The funny part for me? Not a single customer said anything about the new display. Here I worry and fuss over the little details and no one said anything. Not that I was expecting people to oogle, but I was a bit concerned that people wouldn't know it was me since I had changed the display. I suppose this also turned out to be an interesting experiment in human behavior. (Although several customers said they were looking for me in this spot. Sounds like location is more important that appearance.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JsFv1FIef4PDZ5mFqjoI429pBi25pCBDNVqCZbQwLTZbiFQP7TvBZzw9GDXU9JJITNc_SRtp__Frgixk32nscw-BST-p2vM3A_Sg004c75zSYfRNGXVXx7bZ4eV4PhzrP1m5/s1600/IMG-20110925-00211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JsFv1FIef4PDZ5mFqjoI429pBi25pCBDNVqCZbQwLTZbiFQP7TvBZzw9GDXU9JJITNc_SRtp__Frgixk32nscw-BST-p2vM3A_Sg004c75zSYfRNGXVXx7bZ4eV4PhzrP1m5/s320/IMG-20110925-00211.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><br />
Overall, I really liked how the booth finished and it was MUCH easier for me to handle by myself. You will see this again at the <a href="http://www.gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/DFAS/downtown_art_fest.html">Downtown Festival and Art show in November</a>, but ramped up a bit more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Katherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00575972474509767197noreply@blogger.com0