Taming the Tangle

Oh the places I'll go... upcoming show worries

Well, this year is the year that I'm going to try out some Florida shows since my application was finally accepted to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Since I just updated my website, you can see my show schedule online as well.

I'm less than 3 weeks away from my Florida trip. My boyfriend and his dad left a week ago to drive since they are sculptors and are doing more shows to make the whole cross country trip worthwhile. I'm lucky enough that part of my display could fit in their van, mainly my booth, weights, signs, drapes, and 3 small folding tables (which are rather short), which means that I can fly with the rest of my display, inventory, and other sales and clothing essentials.

In early November I did a show in Sacramento where I set up my booth like this, where the jewelry was pushed out close to the aisle:

This sort of setup would be possible to replicate with folding tables and drapes, although I won't have my cases. Honestly, I really didn't like being behind the wall of cases. I couldn't figure out how to naturally hand jewelry to someone looking. I also just didn't like being separated from my customers; in general I like standing near them and pointing out things so we can engage together. And it's easier to access mirrors in an open booth.

I modified my booth for a show in San Francisco, which was much more successful, but I'm afraid that without my columns, shelving, and cases, trying to recreate this setup with folding tables will look too much like a yardsale.

So I'm thinking of creating an island of tables with some hanging panels in the middle of my booth that I can display jewelry on. I want some of it to look like art pieces yet not be daunting on display. I have no idea quite how to achieve this (I'm thinking frosted plexi to not block too much light?), but it's all I can come up with as an interesting concept that would be easy to fly with. I'll have to make sure I don't block the visual on my jewelry too much if I'm going back to no cases... I want the jewelry to be touched, enjoyed, and tried on but not stolen.

My first step will be to make a mockup panel as a test... I'll keep you posted. Then I will have to create drapes for the tables or some sort of simple covering... Not sure if it should just be the cinnabar color from the sidewalls in my booth or if I should mix in some of the colorful print as well because that's so eyecatching yet not distracting once people are engaged with the jewelry. It adds some fun and flair I think but am open to opinions. Let me know what you think! Do you like the print? Or do you think simple is better?

For the love of earrings!

Lark Books put out a new book -- A Bounty of Bead + Wire Earrings -- compiling several bead and wire earring projects under one cover. It's fun to see the different styles and approaches that each creator has to wire. There are 50 earring projects, all with instructions and photos. This book makes a great gift if you don't know someone's design style... with so many artists, they will be sure to find projects they love.

Most of the projects are great for beginners or anyone who wants help with design ideas. You can personalize any of the projects just by using different beads and colors. One of my earring designs from "Elegant Wire Jewelry" (Dancing Branches) is included. To see other books where my work is featured, check out the Press :: Books section of my website. Happy making!

The books are back in stock!

This year I'm tackling a new system of organization, which is somewhat similar to one of last year's resolutions. I loved my paper tracking system of to-dos and such, yet there's an appealing aspect to going digital. More about that in a later post (especially since they might co-exist).... that's just a little lead in to explain why I was out of stock of "Elegant Wire Jewelry" for so long. Simply, I kept forgetting to order them!

I had jotted that reminder down onto a scrap of paper during a show when I sold the last copy. That paper then got mixed in with receipts, business cards and other post-show scrapple. It did not get thrown away, yet I've never had a place to put all those notes or transfer what's written on them. Then, maybe a week before my next show, I would think -- oh no! I need more books! -- yet there wouldn't be time to have them shipped and I would then shove the thought to procrastination land.

This photo is actual proof that my books are back in stock! You can order them from me in my Etsy shop where I will send you a signed hardback copy. If you would rather have a paperback (unsigned) copy, you can purchase those elsewhere online since I don't carry those at the moment.

Hopefully I will have books with me at my next round of shows... can't say for certain since I'll actually be flying (gasp!) so will have to gauge it based on weight, so order now while I'm in town and ready to ship to you! Winter is my favorite crafty time of year... it's a great time to hibernate inside.

If you already have my book, it would be GREAT if you would review it online (either at Amazon or Barnes and Noble), it really makes a difference to people who don't know me or my work. And, if you aren't happy with the book, drop me a line and let me know why. I've started to get requests for a more advanced book but haven't quite wrapped my head around what types of projects would call out to people and how I could present them in a way that appeals to you. All feedback is appreciated.

Food for thought on MLK via WTF

Hello, patient readers... I'll get caught up on all the goings on over the past couple of months (maybe... if it seems pertinent...). For now I'll just hide behind the "I've been busy" excuse, which means on days like today when I'm finishing a big order and have to just hunker down and get it done, I plug in and listen to something. Some days I enjoy an audio book (if you want to know the geeky side of me, I will reveal that I'm listening to George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series... I've read them previously, but it's been so long that I wanted a refresher before jumping into the newest "A Dance with Dragons." The audio books are more performance, and a great way to re-experience the books).

Other times I listen to podcasts when I want a change or have tasks that take an hour here, an hour there... they keep me going for shorter-term attention spans. I have a list of about 16 favorite podcasts that I keep track of on Stitcher, although my all time favorite one is WTF with Marc Maron, which I discovered maybe 6 months ago. Marc is a comedian, and his podcast is based around his interviews with fellow comedians yet we also get to know about him through his periodic monologues. The show is always thought provoking, and it has enlightened me in many ways, and re-opened my love for comedy. I really got hooked on the show when he spoke with Lisa Lampanelli ("The Queen of Mean"), whose comedy I always had a hard time with because I don't generally find mean-spirited humor funny. What a difference to get a glimpse behind the performance image, though... she seems so nice, sincere, and open. I have since heard her tell a story on the Risk podcast (a new fave that I was just introduced to), which was hilarious, poignant and touching.

When a podcast or program can help me to be more open minded and truly re-evaluate my own perceptions, while also entertaining me, then I'm in. I've also become obsessed in my dream world with the idea of imitating WTF slightly by starting a podcast of conversations with art fair artists, since, like comedians, we are also performers in a way... sharing our perspectives and experiences in a visual manner. We have our pack mentality, we understand road life, we celebrate highs and lows, and we have jealousies and rivalries with those who "make it." It could be nice to put some words to that and get to know the people as just people, where it's not so daunting to approach an artist as a person and start a discussion.

Today was a slightly different WTF than what I had experienced before. Comedian Todd Glass, who apparently had been on the show before, asked to be invited back specifically so he could come out of the closet publicly while simultaneously having an interesting discussion. The conversation was riveting, and I learned so many things and gained a level of understanding that never sunk into my head during PC training at Smith College. It has been ingrained in me over the years to be sensitive to what people want to be called, referred to, etc. etc. Which still boils down to naming and classifying, which, yes, has its purposes at times as an easy handle. Yet what Todd wanted to get across was that rather than focusing on that minutiae (albeit important) to "prove" your open-mindedness was rather to prove it with actions of another sort. On a small level, we can improve our vocabulary... rather than call something "gay" or "retarded," think about what you really mean and then say that.

On a larger scale, if you are around someone who refers to something as "gay" (I mean the slang usage here), rather than singling them out and putting them on the defensive about their usage, maybe make a passing remark such as "I'm not sure why our sexuality entered into this. Why do you really not want to go to the party?" or whatever it is that was being slandered. Todd felt frustrated at times during the interview, like he wasn't making his points clear, and now I understand with trying to paraphrase. By all means, listen to the WTF podcast rather than just rely on my feeble attempt to explain the monumental shift this made for me in my head.

One of my favorite stories was how to deal with a heterosexual guy who says he just can't imagine sleeping with a guy or the idea of two guys having sex. Todd brings up the notion of imagining the guy's sister or Mom having sex, which of course is followed by more extreme cringing, and then driving the point home that in general none of us thinks about the details of other people having sex. It's not something we have to think about or even talk about unless we want to (and, in general, that's the role that porn plays)... there are so many other things to discuss about relationships other than the details of sex (which are also okay to discuss if desired... Sex with Emily is another favorite podcast that I follow to get different sex perspectives since it can often be taboo to discuss in detail with friends). I just like how he made that point in a way just about anyone can understand.

My whole purpose in writing this post was to rejoice in the fact that on today, Marting Luther King, Jr. Day, it was truly refreshing to feel like my mind was opened to another's perspective. To see that I can broaden my horizons and make changes within myself that might help to move us as a culture forward. Especially on a topic that I don't understand why so many people get so up in arms about it... as adults, we deserve to give and receive love with whomever and however we want.

Crazy plant inspirations

Last month I was in Hawaii for a week. I could've just photographed plants the whole time... they are like an alien life form! It was amazing to see how green everything was, and how weird most plants were. And the scale... many plants had leaves that would make great umbrellas. But time was short and there were other things to see (and, sadly, I'm a horrible photographer! all of these photos are by my boyfriend Sky... none of mine came out clearly... I'm telling you, I just see the world differently than a camera does).

To prove my point, this is my blurry fern. I'll only share one of the many photos I took. Ferns are always intriguing, and each leaf on this one was taller than I am so the fronds were extra creepy and caterpillar-looking.

It's been a while since I've designed jewelry with things sticking out of it... this lily and several other plants make me want to tackle some new ideas!

The above two images are the same plant. Sky and are were both taken by this plant, probably because it was growing in fields of lava, so the color and shapes were especially dramatic and intense against the stark black. It was great to see it in so many different forms of its being... I loved all aspects of it from soft blooms to crusty husks. So many contrasts of shape, color and texture.

These green tubes are a different kind of spiky... I like 'em, especially clustered up like that. Great texture.

This is a humble coconut, yet check out where it's growing! Surrounded by sea water and lava... not sure how it's surviving but I love it's will to live as well as the general theme of "emerging" and "bloom where you are planted."

All of the palms on the island were incredible with their ability to grab our attention with unusual fanning and pleating techniques, but this "albino palm" (as we called it) grabbed our attention for being so darned white while surrounded by such lush color. Dare to be different!

Hawaiian memories

Today a client sent me an email asking how my vacation was... it's funny to think "what vacation?" when it was less than a month ago! My boyfriend Sky just shared the photos with me, so here are a few to share with you. We went to Hawaii on the Hilo side, essentially to crash a couple's wedding since they don't have a strong memory of inviting us... but fun was had by all nevertheless! It was a short trip, so we stayed on the Hilo side and enjoyed the natural wonders looking for isolated adventures whenever possible.

This photo is the "backyard" of the place we stayed in. Super gorgeous!! The snorkeling was incredible although both Sky and I got a little freaked out in the water for various reasons.

My adventure of choice one day was to go see waterfalls. We sought out several along with large busloads of other people, so we snapped some pics and moved on our way since the crowds weren't our thing.

This banyan tree was at one of the waterall areas, so even though hundreds of other people were photographing it, we had to as well because look at it! It's gigantic and weird! Definitely unlike other arborean species I've seen.

Sky's adventure of choice was lava and the volcano... we went to several spots. This is a lava field that swallowed tons of houses. Isn't it impressive how much life emerges from such a weird substance?

The gigantic lava bulges made us nervous... actually we were not allowed to walk on the lava in this area. Some of the cracks were really deep and usually filled with ferns and other plants... a bizarre contrast to all the hot blackness.

We also embarked on a jungle hike that led us to natural lava steam rooms (actually it hid the lava steam rooms). This space is hotter than a suana! And look at the orchid growing through a bench that someone installed. We only found this crazy space because a pair of underwear were hanging on a bush which caused us to look around. The hike would've been more enjoyable if we had known there were no snakes on the island, which we only learned afterward so we were super paranoid the whole time.

A lava adventure day would not be complete without a black sand beach... really cool to see. The surf was a little rugged for us to swim so we got soaked just standing next to it.

This beautiful jungle path is what we walked on when hiking to a volcano. The whole island felt like we were driving through jungles like this. It was amazing to see larger-than-life-sized plants that I've owned as sad little houseplants before... now I understand the moist climate they enjoy.

We made some new friends (also wedding attendees), and this was their "backyard" for the week. I was brave enough to snorkel here while holding hands with my friend Karen... we saw a cool purple eel and tons of rockin' fish but not the sea turtles we were hoping for.

Thanks for looking back with me! I'll share some crazy plant images in another post... really hoping they will inspire some new work explorations!

Spiky seedpod sculpture: my new fave!

A couple weeks ago at the Historic Shaw Art Fair, I had the luck to be next to ceramic sculpture artist Andy Rogers. We have been neighbors before, but it had been a few years. As synchronicity would have it, I had just been thinking about his work the week before when hanging out in Hannibal. Somehow a group of us were trying to remember various ceramic artists who create cool spiky seedpod sculptures... Andy was the one that popped into my mind (although not his name, so it was extra exciting to be next to him to stop my mind wheel from spinning).

One of the fun special treats about being an artist is that if you like a fellow artist's work, you can always suggest the idea of a trade. It's especially great if you both are already familiar with each other's work and are mutually excited by each other's work. We have all made the mistake of doing a one-sided trade, and all I can say is only do a trade if you would also be willing to buy the work outright... this goes for if the work is for your own collection or for a gift.

 

So when Andy mentioned the idea of a possible trade, I jumped at the idea. His wife loves interesting art jewelry, and I love adding to my art collection (and it had been more than a year since I'd done so, way overdue in my book). On day one of the show, I walked through his booth just to see what types of pieces caught my eye and to make sure price points seemed compatible. He did the same at my booth and then we waited till the end of day Sunday to finalize our decisions. He came to me first and picked out a necklace and earrings... some of my favorite pod/leaf pieces that are oxidized with white pearls. It felt right to trade pods for pods.

 

Oxidized Half Wrap Pod Earrings with interior pearl, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2011 Kathy Frey

 

Oxidized Leaf Pendant with Pearl Drop, photo by Grant Boyle, ©2011 Kathy Frey

 

I didn't even walk back into his booth... I asked him if he still had one piece that we had discussed and if he would be willing to trade it since it was his newest exploration. I couldn't get this piece out of my mind once I saw it, and I wasn't being too exact about price point since it was a trade I was happy to make (the difference was minimal in my mind).

 

Ceramic sculpture with crystals growing inside, ©2011 Andy Rogers

 

Isn't it fantastic? Andy was excited for his newest piece to go to a good home, and I told him to be sure to not forget about this exploration... I love the crystals growing inside, the raw crackly glaze, and the details of the little red tips. Everything about this piece makes me excited to explore and break out of the box more. Who says a ceramic artist can't grow crystals!! Kudos to Andy!

 

For the moment I have it displayed on a shelf next to my Gradient Anemone Branches brooch... maybe I will start an abstract sea creatures collection! I love how the spikes of each piece contrast with each other.

 

Gradient Anemone Branches brooch, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2011 Kathy Frey

Style: Fun dots for Fall from Boden

For fun style, Boden is one of my favorite catalogs. The designers have a penchant for mixing patterns and unexpected colors, and many of their pieces have ribbon trims and other lovely details.

When the current catalog showed up, I could've written about almost every piece offered. It's a good one! The photography is so charming, and little Q&As with the model accompanies each pic allowing us to see that models are people too.

Today I'm giving a thumbs up to the Cecily Dress because polka dots are fun but not always sophisticated, and I think this dress does it just right.

Cecily Dress $218, ©2011 Boden

This dress has a beautiful neckline which seems perfect for a necklace, yet with such a strong print I'd opt more for a bold earring/bracelet combo that doesn't compete. My suggestion would be some big silver earrings like my Scribble Loops which walk the same playfully sophisticated line as the dress.

Scribble Loop Earrings $118, photo by Audrey Keller, ©2011 Kathy Frey

To complete the look, stack up some Riverstone Bangles. To keep with the circular theme, they could be all irregular rounded shapes. All silver would look lovely or some oxidized mixed in works as well.

Riverstone Bangles $495 each, photo by Audrey Keller, ©2011 Kathy Frey

An outfit is not complete without great shoes... I love the ones suggested for this dress online. The eggplant/black combo is sumptuous for fall and winter.

Ribbon Trim Mary Janes $164, ©2011 Boden

I'll share more fun fall style when time allows... I'm just home from my last big road trip and have many things to write about, so stay tuned. One sneak peek: You may have noticed some new images above... I'm now working with Chicago photographer Audrey Keller in a first step towards a new online look and will be unveiling more new images in the coming weeks.

Designing asymmetrical earrings

I just discovered Jewelry Making Daily when Tammy from Interweave Press contacted me about featuring a pair of my earrings in her post about mis-matched earrings.

Black Silver Mismatch Pyramid Stack Earrings, photo by Katie Lime, ©2011 Kathy Frey

It's a great inspiration boost, and it reminds me of way, way back in the mid-90s when I did a huge series of mis-match charm earrings like she mentions (wine & corkscrew, scissors & thread spool, hammer & saw, etc. etc.).

Tammy did a great job of finding examples on Etsy. She shows earrings by Susan Dyer, an artist I know from the show circuit, and she also mentions Mia Montgomery, whose Etsy shop I immediately feel in love with for her truly asymmetrical/mis-matched earring designs.

Okay, I'm inspired... time to step away from the computer and sit in front of the jewelry bench!

Preventing tarnish on sterling silver

Even in our treat-the-symptom society, most of us know in our hearts that prevention is key... yet I'm never such an "in the now" person as when tempted by some tasty-tasty, whatever it may be. I guess that's my confession, to let you know that I am human too. Even as a jeweler, I do not always follow my own advice for preventing tarnish, although I'm pretty good about it. The rule? Store the pieces in a plastic bag, or a box will also work. It's really as simple as that.

Here are some earrings that I started and put in a small baggie to hold in place until I had time to finish them. Look at that tarnish on the part sticking out of the baggie after just 2 weeks! Whereas the metal in the bag looks totally brand new.

When creating work for sale, I'm religious about storing my pieces in plastic bags. They get enough exposure to air, oxygen, and humidity on display at shows, and I want to keep pieces as bright and shiny as possible. But for my own jewelry collection I can be spotty, although in general my pieces look pretty good. I store most things in a jewelry box, and the pieces that go on the road with me start out in baggies and end up in some chaos eventually making it back into baggies (at least they are also in a box). Just find a system that works for you.

Here's a closeup of the tarnish line, quite drastic in my opinion... hence the inspiration to share with you!

I've seen over-the-door jewelry hangers with plastic bag compartments and jewelry boxes of all types. The only things I don't suggest are the open hanging displays (racks or screens for earrings, necklace trees, etc.). Yes, they put the jewelry right where you can see it... a major bonus but it does not out-weigh the fact that everything gets dusty and all sterling will tarnish. And, really, none of us like to polish our jewelry all that much. You can use something like this for fun plastic, wood, or other inexpensive fashion jewelry if you desire. Just make it a habit to open your jewelry box and pick something new to wear at least once a week... it's fun to rediscover your own collection and feel different for a day.