Libellula comanche

I got it done. Just in the nick of time! Submitted my photos about 15 minutes ago for the Metal Clay Artist Magazine (www.metalclayartistmag.com)/Metal Clay Findings (www.metalclayfindings.com) collaborative contest. This is submission #2. I call it "Libellula comanche" which is the fancy name for a type of dragonfly, the Comanche skimmer. It was the most like the one in my specimen box! Silver-blue body and transparent wings.

The wings were made using a syringe. I am pretty happy with them, but I feel like they could be a lot more crisp.



I love the way Carlton photographed the back of the piece, so you can see light shining through the faceted stone. I typically wouldn't have set a stone like this in a piece, but the contest forced me to step outside my "normal" procedure a little bit.

I like both of the pieces I made for the contest (the Forget-Me-Not Locket and the specimen box), and they have really gotten the creative cogs turning in my brain. Neither of them is "good enough" in my mind but I had a great time making both and I can't wait to make more along those lines. The first specimen box I made was of a little butterfly, and I'm SO into the specimen boxes right now, I plan to make a few more before I burn out!

I'm also inspired (and terrified!) to get started on my Masters Registry projects (www.mastersregistry.com) . I do not take criticism all that well, (because I take it SO personally) so I will want the pieces to be flawless, but I know I also have to gear up for some negative feedback. I can't decide where to start, but I've got to complete 10 projects before I can even submit, so I've got to get crack-a-lacking. I will keep you posted on my projects, complete with photos!

It's so silly, but I feel like the first piece I attempt for the Masters Registry is really important, because it will always be "the first piece I made" for the program. I should probably start with something simple, or within my comfort zone, but I'm really tempted to try the "Bracelet with Frames". Here's the description:
"Make a wearable silver bracelet that contains five or more frames joined so they articulate. The connection can be with jump rings, split rings, hinges, partial hinges, or any other metal-based arrangement that makes a viable bracelet. Stringing on cords or attaching to leather or fabric, for instance, will not qualify. Each frame will use cold connections to include a graphic element such as a photo, drawing, or print, either found or made by the artist. Examples could include calligraphy, advertisements, currency, stamps, labels, etc."

I've got a great idea kicking around in my head for this piece, and I'm anxious to get working on it. I just hope I can get what is in my head into metal clay! I've gotten a lot better about sketching my projects out first, which does help in implementing them.

So I'm very excited to report that my good friend Courtney has started a blog at my prompting. As a matter of fact, I think I might have "shoulded" her about it. But so far, she seems to be enjoying the process. See what she has to say about the delicacies she's been creating: http://finedayforapicnic.wordpress.com/

I want a Schrute sandwich!