Why Do I make Jewelry?

This month's Blog Carnival question is "Why do you make jewelry?"

I have always been an artist, and have never worn a lot of jewelry. Sculpture was one of my favorite classes in college. I tried clay, wood, stone, but my favorite medium was metal. Old, rusted metal I found and welded into sculptures.

It took me some time to realize jewelry did not necessarily mean the classic diamond on a prong setting, but could be more sculptural like art jewelry. I took a class and was hooked.

Seed Pod Pendant

Seed Pod Pendant

Blackened Mini Rose Earrings

Click on the following links to find out other EtsyMetal member's interesting reasons for making jewelry:


Laura Jane Bouton - http://laurajanebouton.blogspot.it/
silentgoddess http://silentgoddess.blogspot.com
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Peculiar Forest http://peculiarforest.blogspot.com
Tosca Terán http://www.nanopod.me
Nodeform http://nodeform.blogspot.com
Mary Anne Karren: http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/
My Precious Studio: http://mypreciousstudio.blogspot.com/
Deborah Lee Taylor: http://www.e5jewelryblog.com
Anne Walker: http://www.creativeinclinations.blogspot.com
Andrea Ring http://www.amuckdesign.blogspot.com
Gracebourne Design http://www.gracebourne.blogspot.com
Danielle Miller http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Evelyn Markasky http://markasky.blogspot.com
Inbar Bareket http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
Jewellietta http://www.jewellietta.blogspot.gr/
Abella Blue - http://www.abellablue.com/blog

A Picture Tells a Thousand Words

Etsymetal Blog Carnival:

silentgoddess ~ http://silentgoddess.blogspot.com
kate jones - www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
Rebecca Bogan: http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog

Let's Talk About Food!

This Month's EtsyMetal blog carnival topic is Food. So, what is a Blog Carnival? It is EtsyMetal members who write an article on the same topic on the first Monday of each month. This month's EtsyMetal blog carnival topic is: "Lets Talk About Food!" 
"The weather is cooling, Fall cooking season is 'round the corner. Tell us about some of your eating habits, philosophies, favorite foods and share a seasonal recipe!"

Preparing stuffed Achojchas with different mixtures of vegetables, grains and cheeses.

Achojchas ready to be put in the fire oven. These are filled with my interpretation of  pico de gallo salsa.

Achojchas filled with quinoa, vegetables and cheese.

Ready for the oven.

Always tasty. Never boring.

Zucchinis with olive oil, cheese and something else I had at the moment but can't remember what (looks like tomatoes?)

Tomatoes stuffed with rice and tuna.

Zucchinis topped with olive oil and cheese.

My vegetable garden

A crop from last summer.

Apple crop (I had to pick these before the parrots did).

Figs

Fig preserve.

Zucchini and peppers

I've had a serious vegetable garden for the past three years, so vegetables have been a large part of my diet lately. I eat a lot of salads, stir-fries and frittatas in the summer,  and a lot of spicy one pot dishes in the winter. Since I live in the country, a few miles from the nearest market, I try to minimize trips to town for groceries. This means I should probably be more organized and structured and plan ahead when it comes to cooking, but I have a hard time with that, so I need to be resourceful and improvise for a tasty meal, which makes it so interesting and a lot more fun.


If you read this far, you're probably wondering what these "achojchas" are. So did I until just recently. My sister in law visited Bolivia last summer and brought me these really interesting looking seeds. We had no idea what they tasted like and how they grew. Well, at the end of summer the 2 plants had practically overtaken my vegetable garden, and I had achojchas to feed a nation. I hate to see things go to waste, so I came up with a lot of recipes and excuses to invite people for lunch :)


I owe you some recipes. Maybe next week, or when I have some extra time in my hands.


Thanks for reading!


For other metalsmith's food stories and recipes, be sure to click on the links below:


Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
kate jones - http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
nova of sweden - http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Panicmama Jewelry - http://panicmama.blogspot.com
Evelyn Markasky  http://markasky.blogspot.com/
2Roses: http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Jenny Baughman (Gecko J): http://ridgeschool.blogspot.com/

Buying Handmade Jewelry

This month's theme for EtsyMetal Blog Carnival is: "A Few Tips On Buying Handmade Jewelry" 
Share a few of your personal tips when it comes to the purchase of handmade art jewelry.

First of all, let's think about why we buy handmade in general. A handmade item, whatever it is, is a product of love, inspiration, value and joy for the maker. There is a special connection between the maker and the item and later the wearer of the piece. However, this is not true for all handmade things. There is a difference between a handmade item that was created by a worker in bad conditions and for a lousy salary. These items are just like mass produced, the only difference is that they were made with human hands. Sometimes even children's hands. We need to be aware of the difference. Buying directly from the artisan ensures this is not the case. Nowadays with e-commerce, and especially with Etsy, we can buy directly from the craftsperson even when they are on the other side of the planet. 

Some things to consider when buying handmade jewelry (or any handmade item for that matter) are design, uniqueness, and craftsmanship. Nowadays there is a trend in jewelry were the design on a piece is more valuable than the cost of the materials itself. This is because people are looking for uniqueness and personality and a handmade spirit that only creative hands can make. Time, lots of time go into this creative process. This usually begins with an inspiration from the artist, choosing materials for the piece, as well as a suitable technique, designing, and working for many hours, many times through experimentation, failure, trial and error to complete their vision. Sometimes this piece ends up being a one of a kind, and sometimes they become part of our "production" pieces, which means we will be making more (on a limited or small scale edition, after all, it's only our two hands).  This means that the time it took to design and experiment will be divided among the various pieces we will be selling of the design in the future. This is why one of a kinds usually cost more. And very often the piece ends up in the scrap metal container. Some jewelry makers will decide to use more expensive materials and less time designing. These are usually more traditional pieces, where the design is not as unique and original. So, when we buy jewelry we are paying (or should be, in my opinion) for a combination of these, depending on the piece:

• art/design (how much thought was put into the idea/piece?)
• materials (how expensive are the materials used?)
• time (how much time did it take to make the piece?)
• knowledge/expertise (what is the level of difficulty on the techniques used?)
• craftsmanship (How well is it made?)
• overhead (we have to pay for/replace/buy new tools, etc. -and we need LOTS)

I've heard many sellers complaining about what Etsy calls handmade. They feel that their craft is being unfairly compared to assembled jewelry rather than handmade from sheet metal and wire (some metal smiths even go as far as making their own sheets and wires, or cutting their own stones). I think it is just different, and while some buyers might not be aware of the difference, or not care about it, I think most do. There is a niche market for everyone out there, we just have to find it or let it find us.  

So when you see a piece of art jewelry made of found objects or recycled material, with simple techniques, don't think "Oh, I can do that" or "Oh, my kid could do that!", because you, or your kid DID'NT do that. The artist made it because he/she has the art background, the creative idea, the experience, the tools and the urge to make it. And that is why it is special.

There is this story where a guy takes his car to the mechanic, and the mechanic fixes the problem with a blow of a hammer. The car owner watches the whole thing. The mechanic hands over the keys to the car owner and says "that's it, you owe me 100 dollars". The car owner, in amazement says "you're going to charge me 100 dollars for a blow of a hammer?", the mechanic says: "no, it's 1 dollar for that, 99 dolars for knowing how and where to place the blow."

To read what other EtsyMetal members have to say about this topic, click on the following links:

1. Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
2. Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
3. Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
4. 2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
5. Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
6. Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/

Blog Carnival "Roots"

Today's Etsymetal blog carnival is about our creative roots.

"Etc" first band
Santi Navarro, Peter Del Giudice and Matias Del Giudice
(they were so young)

"Arbol, Manos, Tierra" by Florencia Del Giudice

"Caminito" Detail by Veronica Del Giudice

I have to admit I  almost did not participate this time because I wasn't really immersed in a family of artists growing up. My father was a high school teacher, and my mother a housewife who couldn't draw a stick figure. I did, however have two aunts Marite Podesta, and Ines Podesta, who were painters, and I was fascinated by their talent. Especially Ines', whose main chosen subject was my favorite: horses. So I realized I was, and still am very much surrounded by artists in my family. Although my father was not an artist, he was an art appreciator. Now retired he has started exploring his artistic streak with pastels. My youngest sister Catalina Hannon is a wonderful actress, singer, bilingual Spanish/English Voice over Talent. She has recorded commercials, narrated documentaries, animations and various videos. She can basically imitate any English accent, as well as a neutral Spanish accent for a worldwide Spanish-speaking audience. My oldest sister Frances Hannon is also a teacher, but has been drawing and painting on and off. She recently won a mention in an art competition. My daughter Florencia is a very creative artist, she is a wonderful illustrator and painter. She started very early. And my two sons are fabulous musicians. Peter has a punk band called Licuado de Panchos, and Matias is the rhythm guitar on 42 Decibel, an AC/DC inspired band.  And there is also other musicians nephews: Santi Navarro, and Fermin Aguirre. My Brother's little girls are actresses and video producers (they have filmed homemade films and act in our local theater). My husband is a woodworker whose work has been featured in magazines and books and has been called an artist by several of his customers, and I would have to agree with them.  My sister in law Veronica Del Giudice is an accomplished and well known watercolorist here in Argentina. Virginia, my other sister in law is a photographer. She specializes in still life, interior design and food. Her husband Victor Wolf is a fashion photographer.

This box was a gift from my husband
"Jewelry box" by Lucas Del Giudice
Zebra wood, beech, cedar, oak
Inlaid

My U.S.A. side of the family:
My uncle Philip Hannon is a retired graphic designer, and a wonderful painter. So is my cousin David Holmes, who makes these hyper-realistic paintings of common urban scenes using acrylic paint. "I am fascinated by the urban landscape and how people exist within it. There's a lot of drama and tension involved in even the most common daily experiences." And my cousin Constance Baldwin who is also a wonderful illustrator. I also have to add my cousin Gregg Hannon to the list. We visited his family in the States a very, very long time ago. He had an electric guitar, and he introduced my siblings and I to Led Zeppelin. Fond memories!

Broadway Hustle, 2005
by David Holmes
Acrylic on wood
80" x 32"

And of course, I don't need to mention this because it is obvious, but I LOVE all these people! They have been an inspiration and support. 

xoxo

To read about other EtsyMetal member's roots, check out their blog posts:

1. Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
2. Erin Austin - http://metalmusing.blogspot.com
3. Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
4. Elizabeth Scott - http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
5. Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.net/
6. Cynthia Del Giudice - http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
7. 2Roses - http://jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
8. Evelyn Markasky - http://markasky.blogspot.com/
9. Twigs and Heather - http://twigsandheather.blogspot.com
10. http://www.artigianojewelbox.com/category/blog
11. Danielle Miller-Gilliam - http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/

An Artist Work that has Influenced My Own

One of the many artists that has influenced my work is Franz Kline.

Franz Kline was an American painter from my favorite Art Movement: Abstract Expressionism. Abstract Expressionism was born in New York in the 40's and 50'. It was the first art movement accepted world wide which later influenced other movements, which up until then was exclusively a role played by Paris.

Painting Number 2, 1954,

The Museum of Modern Art

I love Kline's use of black and white, with thick brushstrokes and texture. He used a lot of diagonal lines which make his paintings very dynamic, intense, yet soft and sensitive. They imply expression of ideas concerning the spiritual, the unconscious, and the mind.

Franz Kline
Untitled

Franz Kline at his studio

"You paint the way you have to in order to give.
That's life itself, and someone will look and say it is the product of knowing,
but it has nothing to do with knowing, it has to do with giving."Franz Kline 

To find out what artists are influencing these other Etsymetal members, click on the following links to their blogs:

1. Theresa - http://tkmetalarts.blogspot.com
2. Kate Jones - http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
3. Fluxplay Jewellery (Maria Whetman) - http://www.fluxplay.blogspot.com
4. 2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
5. Elizabeth Scott - http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
6.Andrea Ring- http://www.amuckdesign.blogspot.com
7. Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
8. Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
9. Inbar Bareket http://www.inbarbareket.net
10. Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
11. Evelyn Markasky: http://markasky.blogspot.com/
12. AdobeSol - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
13. Quercus Silver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com/

Etsy Metal Studio Tour

"EtsyMetal Blog Carnival"
Topic: "Etsy Metal Studio Tour"
Show us where you work!
Describe what you love about your work space and/or any changes you would like to make in the future. 


I have a home studio. I live in the country, in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I love where I live, and I love what I do. My studio is a wonderful place to work in. I think the best part is its location. I am surrounded by inspiring things outside. Anything from landscape, sky, plants, and animals. I often brings little treasures I find outside. Anything from a feather, to a seed-pod, to a dry branch. 

My workbench is a long countertop my husband bought from an old general store in town which was being remodeled.  It is beautiful solid wood with moldings. It is the perfect height for sawing, but too high for just about everything else. I usually end up doing most of my work standing, so I am planning on buying a tall chair right now, or I might add an extra table, standard height, to the side. 











I have a bookcase filled with all sorts of books and magazines. Art, design, and jewelry technique books are what I have within easy reach for reference and inspiration. There is a desk with my computer and printer on the opposite wall of the workbench. There is also an Ikea modular piece of furniture where I keep all my boxes, tissue paper and envelopes for shipping and an amplifier with speakers for the computer. 


I have a beautiful little shelf on top of my workbench that our friend Tom made while he was visiting us from the States. It's very convenient because I can put smaller things like jars and small containers so they are visible and within easy reach. He also made me a really nice bench pin and a wooden block to organize my pliers. My father in law made me a wooden organizer for my files which I keep inside my rolling toolbox. All these things are super important for me because I tend to be very unorganized. I can't imagine my workspace being more chaotic than it is, but I know it can!

So, besides the table or tall chair, I would love to own a rolling mill. Better overall lighting and a good heating system wouldn't hurt either. Of course, now I remember, because it's starting to get cold! (winter is coming here in the Southern Hemisphere).

For other EtsyMetal Studio Tour posts, please follow the links below:

1. Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog 2. Shirlee Grund - http://lichenandlychee.com/blog/ 3. Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com 4. Elizabeth Scott http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog 5. Cynthia Del Giudice http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com 6. Michele Grady http://www.michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com 7. Erin Austin - http://metalmusing.blogspot.com/ 8. Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/ 9. Evelyn Markasky -- http://markasky.blogspot.com/ 10. Kathryn Cole - http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com 11. 2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com 12. Lauren Anabela Beaudoin/Creative Dexterity - http://creativedexterity.com/Blog/main.html

Food for Thought

Today's EtsyMetal blog carnival topic is about food.

Well this could be a very long post, but I promise to keep it as short as I can. I love food, and love to cook. I feel very fortunate to live in the country, where we grow most of our food. We have an organic vegetable garden, a dairy cow, chickens, and bees. I live in Argentina, the world's leading beef consumer, so we do eat a lot of red meat, but since we've had more time to work on our vegetable garden we have been making it bigger and bigger each season we are slowly weaning out of meat, and we feel great. I love to do stir fries and one pot dishes. I don't like deep frying anything, and I find it difficult and boring to follow step-by-step recipes. I usually look at recipe pictures and get inspired with my own ingredients, flavors, and tastes. I rarely measure anything. My cooking is very creative and I am usually very resourceful.

But today I want to talk about our latest project: an adobe oven. These ovens are very old, and part of our tradition. Gauchos have been making and cooking on these ovens for centuries. This construction was inspired by a native bird we have in the pampas called the "Oven Bird", of course. These birds construct their nests out of mud and grass, because that is what was available before Europeans brought trees to the grasslands. 

Oven Bird Nest where the gauchos got the idea.

Using the string to measure the distance

As the wall gets taller, the string pulls the walls closer forming a dome

Mud is placed between half bricks.

Peter mixing the mud, straw and horse manure for stuccoing

There are different ways of constructing these, but in our case, my son, Peter was the architect and constructor. He decided to build it with bricks, mud, horse manure, and straw. He first bilt a wooden structure with wire mesh, to which he added the straw and mud. He then broke about 40 wine bottles to place on the bottom of the oven for better insulation. A brick floor was placed on top of the broken glass and a string was secured in the middle of this floor. The string was used during the laying of the briks to make it into a dome. As the oven got taller, it also got narrower. The bricks were layed with the mud, straw and manure mixture instead of mortar or cement. An old iron door and a vent (he used a clay pot with its bottom sawed off) was placed in the process. After the last brick was layed he smoothed out and gave it a little more volume to the walls with more of the mixture. The oven was left to dry for about a week, and then my husband cooked some homemade bread.

Before final stucco

Heating the oven with a fire

All fire must be extinguished, but bright coals must be hot.

Last week I made a homegrown pumpkin with a roast, potatoes and sweet potatoes. It was delicious!

For other food for thought stories, check out these Etsymetal member's blogs: 
nina gibson
victoria takahashi
stacey hansen
thomasin durgin
inbar bareket
lauren anabela beaudoin
maria whetman
beth cyr
ann Hartley
caitlyn davey