Learning to Use The Wood Stove

My house came with a cute little wood burning stove.
Being the middle of summer I didn’t give it much thought. Coming from Florida, all I know about is air conditioning. But burning wood for heat? That means buying firewood, getting it home, cutting it up, and then stacking it. It means sweeping and cleaning ashes, and the figuring out what to do with the ashes. I needed to collect newspaper and kindling, and learn how to light a fire. Oh yes, and then there is the essential sweeping of the chimney.
My pioneer skills are poor at best. But, I am determined to make friends with my stove.

Midnight Fire Coral Resin Ring

Elegant and Dramatic in Design.

Simple, Harmonious Forms

Mesmerizing Black and Fire Opal,

Pure Fun and Fantasy

Another new ring, and this one was really fun to make. 

The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral.  An elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Embedded in the "coral polyps" are tiny, 1.7mm, Hyacinth Red Swarovski rhinestones. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Fire Opal Swarovski bicone "sponge". The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger.

This cast resin ring is simple, elegant black. The Swarovski rhinestones and bicone are fiery combination of red, orange and yellow. Stunning! Available here In Art Studio on Etsy

Observatory Progress

This week I have been lending a hand to get the new observatory build before winter sets in.  It will house the big telescope and astro imaging equipment. Building this observatory has been Tom's dream for many years. The dome will go up next. Tom will be able to control the dome, telescope and cameras, remotely, from within his "warm room". All very high tech and interesting.

Building this observatory is much like creating jewelry. You start with an idea, and then refine that idea into a do-able design. You gather the materials, and working with your hands, you turn that idea into reality. Different tools, different materials, but the process is the same.
I love taking something from my imagination to finished product. I enjoy solving the problems that crop up along the way, making adjustments to the design or materials. I find the whole creative process exciting and rewarding. With each new jewelry design, comes a chance to learn something new.
Snow is predicted for today, so I am back to work in my studio. I have enjoyed working outside in the beautiful fall weather and getting to use the power tools. Building with wood has been fun and a nice break from the studio.

Another New Resin Ring Design

I just finished this ring today, and an delighted with the way it turned out.

Neptune's Moon Coral Ring

Elegant and Dramatic in Design.
Simple, Harmonious Forms
Mesmerizing Ocean colors,changing from Blues to Greens to Gold.
Pure Fun and Fantasy

The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral.  A elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Swarovski bicone "sponge". The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger. Stunning! 
This cast resin ring incorporates colors that change from blue to green to gold on a black base. The colors change depending on the viewing angle, lighting, and background.