Fellow rag-rug maker, Erik, wanted to see some of my metalwork–

Well…I wish I had something exciting to share, but…

Behold the Mighty Practice-Bezel!!

I’ve been practicing my bezel-setting skills of late. I thought I had good hand-strength from my piano practice. That is all obviously in the past because these bezels are kicking my arse! It reminds me of stretching a canvas–press the metal at the top, bottom, left, right, diagonals, etc. Except once you have everything pressed-in, you then have to go back and burnish the sides. On something small, it can be challenging, but I am determined to learn how to do this well.

Because all work and no fun makes me a sad panda, I thought I’d spend some time this weekend playing with acid-etching. I saw some work in the studio today that was so inspiring–photos, soon!

My parents will be up this weekend, as well, so I’m hoping fun fun fun all around–

My original intention when I started photography back in 2003, and then metalworking just this year was to gain enough confidence to learn how to paint and draw. Having success in other art and craft fields help–I feel like I am better able to articulate what I am trying to convey (can’t be shy about it). That said, picking up a pencil or paintbrush or pastel still leaves me a bit catatonic. I sometimes wish I were 8 years old again with no reservations. I wish I could find artwork from that age, but that’s wasn’t the sort of thing that was nurtured or saved in my childhood home. I don’t feel sorry for myself, just…a bit delayed.

Oh well…try try try try try…and I have to remember to say “thank you” for what I AM able to do! So, Out There,

Thank You!!

(oh, and for those of you who notice this sort of thing, yes, I posted this at 4:30 am. I’ve been awake since 2:30–oye!)