Category Archives: Inspiration

I didn't come up with the line "fuck cancer," but I wish I did.  A good friend of mine from high school was diagnosed with bile duct cancer a month ago and one of her friends made her a necklace that displays this defiant message. I may not have thought of it, but it's definitely a message that I, and the rest of her friends and family, can get behind.

The cancer has compromised much of my friend's bile ducts and liver–so much so that removal of the tumor is not an option.  Her treatment for now will be radiation and chemotherapy to stop the growth and shrink the tumor, with the possibility of a living donor liver transplant in the future.  She is 40, has three wonderful kids, and a great husband. 

Who hasn't heard a story like this before?  They are everywhere, and every time I hear one like it I feel a pang of sympathy and then I move on to the very next thing–like what to write as my Facebook status or looking for knit patterns on Ravelry.  Certainly I knew these stories could be filed in the "Sometimes Life Really Sucks" category.  I just didn't know how much it could suck until I heard that someone I cared about had a life-threatening illness.

Not that I'm berating myself for the many superficial things I do every day.  Life is to be lived, and a big part of life is the little things we do that give us pleasure.  But aside from the obvious fear and pain that comes from learning about a diagnosis like this, there is the equally obvious reminder that life is short.  Perhaps it's time to spend a little less time doing the little stuff and put some more effort into the things that really mean something to me.  Ironically, these are feelings I've had a lot lately since I turned 40 this year–but it took this news for me to realize it was time to stop moaning and do something about it.

At this point, I'm feeling very optimistic that my friend will beat this cancer and resume her happy, healthy life.  But her life, and the life of her family, has been rudely interrupted.  I have a luxury she doesn't have at the moment–my health–and damn it, I am thankful for that luxury.  I'm gonna milk it for all it's worth.  This, more than anything, is what I have been taught by this.  This cancer is not happening to me, but FUCK if I'm going to waste more precious time when I have the gift of living life uninterrupted.  It is time to write.  Eleven thousand words later and I'm finally feeling like I am the writer I've wanted to be since I was a child.

This is the way I will personally "fuck cancer."

In the mean time, I will also do everything I can to help support my friend during this interruption in her life.  She, and all of her friends and family are standing together, fists in the air, shouting "FUCK CANCER!" 

I’m not sure what triggered it, but today I did a search on YouTube for my former choir director, Paul Salamunovich, and found this:

Okay, I’m not asking you to look at almost 10 minutes of video of a boring chorale/orchestral performance (or am I)?

I just had to post this because I totally remember this performance (I am somewhere on the middle-left, about three rows back) and it brought back such vivid memories of a very important time in my life.

At the time, 1987, I had a very good, clear, soprano voice.  By the time I graduated I was a second soprano.  Now I can hardly sing at all.  Must be all the whiskey and cigarettes.

But most importantly, I want to say that Paul Salamunovich was a very important man in my life.  He was inspiring, unyielding, and completely unforgiving if you missed a note (and if you couldn’t sight sing, forget it, get the fuck out of here).  And he could coax the sweetest of sounds out of the most clueless of freshmen.  I know, because I was one of them.  Every rehearsal was a performance, and he explained the music in such a way that it felt like theatre–you weren’t just singing, you were acting, you were being the music.  Sound poetic, and in a way I’m sure it is–you know the memory of an eighteen year-girl.  Always romance and flowers.

He is, to use a very tired cliche, the real deal.  And I am so very proud to have been able to work with him.

I’ve been home from Oregon less than a week and I’m feeling, well, less than motivated to do anything.  I did plant some veggies in my balcony garden yesterday, but that’s about it.

These are salad greens.  I also planted a Celebrity tomato plant, a zucchini, and a Japanese eggplant.  I have not had great luck in the past with growing vegetables of any kind, but I think I’ll at least have some salad greens to harvest at some point.

I also have an Aerogarden and last week I planted some cherry tomatoes:

Yesterday I was excited to see that they had sprouted.  I had some luck with growing herbs in the Aerogarden, but at the time I wasn’t cooking enough and a lot of them got wasted.  I’m hoping to get more use out of the cherry tomatoes.

On the knitting front, I’ve smack dab in the middle of knitting Coachella, which was featured in last summer’s Knitty.

 
I’ve loved this design since I first saw it, but only recently got around to knitting it.  It doesn’t look particularly bra friendly, which is a must for me, but I’m willing to take a chance on it.  Also, it looks like it would be flattering on a variety of figures, as long as the wearer was comfy with showing a little skin, no matter what her size.

I’ve gotten to the “optional bust shaping,” which I’m including.  I’m a little confused though, because it says to do the shaping two times for a D cup.  It seems like that would create a weird double-darting, however, instead of one long dart on each side, which is how you normally see darts in clothing.  I’m thinking I might tear out the short rows I’ve already done and modify the pattern to do just one dart on each side, only longer.  I’m certain I am not making any sense here, but I know what I’m trying to say.

At any rate, this has been a fun pattern to work on, and I look forward to the finished garment.

Some Quick Links for your browsing pleasure:

Alkemie Jewelry
When I first looked at this jewelry I said “meh.”  But as I explored their work further I kind of started liking it, Octopus cuffs notwithstanding (go to the link and hit “next” about three times to see what I’m talking about).

Found Magazine
A friend of mine just sent me this link and it has some funny stuff on it.  Reminds me a little bit of Post Secret, but much less intense.

Recycle a Tank Top to Make a Toddler’s Onesie
Don’t know why I love stuff like this, but I do.  Reminds me once again that I need to learn to sew.

Summer ’08 Knitty Patterns
I want to knit Gigi and Tank Girl.

Last week I went to my first book signing.  I was in the middle of reading Certain Girls, the new novel by Jennifer Weiner, and consequently visited her website, which announced she was coming to the Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica.  It was fun!  I find Jennifer Weiner inspiring, which is the main reason I wanted to go.  She kind of makes me feel like “if she can do it, I can do it.”  Much like my former dream of being on Oprah, I fantasize about going on my own book tour.  Listening to her talk about her process and experiences with publishing, the movie business, etc. was really interesting for me, especially during this time when I am seriously attempting my own novel.  I will blog about that eventually, but for now I’m keeping mostly quiet about it.  It also explains why I haven’t been around much lately.

Most people get books signed when they go to book signings, hence the name.  In this case (and in most cases from here on out) I had purchased the book on my Kindle.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my Kindle and don’t miss print at all (turning pages is for losers, dude).  But for a book signing, it’s not so convenient.  I jokingly told Mick I should have her sign the back of my Kindle and he said, “why not?”

I have to admit I felt a little silly asking her to do it and found myself saying “I really did buy your book, it’s just on here!”  When I gave it to her she said, “It’s so light!” but I could tell she was not convinced it was the wave of the future (as Mick says, print is dead).  Still, she signed it and I walked away happy to have gone to the signing, and happy to have her signature.

Even though I love reading, there aren’t many authors I’d actually go to a book signing for.  This was fun though, so maybe I’ll keep my eye out for appearances of my other favorite authors.  Afterall, I don’t want Jennifer’s autograph to get lonely.

My friend Erin and some colleagues created a video for Moveon.org’s contest “Obama in 30 Seconds.“

direct link:  http://obamain30seconds.org/vote/?v=view-1703-K3sAHz

Unfortunately, Move On’s got it set up so that if you go to the link for an individual video you can’t rate it (because they don’t want people to send the link to all their friends and ask them to vote for them) but I’m posting this link because of the positive message, the creativity of the video, and ’cause my friend made it.  If you go to the main website for “Obama in 30 Seconds” you can rate videos in random order.

I know I’m always talking about the talented artists on Etsy, but I recently found one that I feel is truly exceptional.  Danielle Miller opened her shop in December 2007 and her work is some of the best I’ve seen on Etsy.  I love it when I find an artist whose work inspires me to take my own to the next level.  I am pleased to say she agreed to answer my questions and post some photos of her work on my blog.  Enjoy!

Where do you sell or display your work?
I am represented by about 50 galleries/retail stores.  I also do one or two retail craft shows a year. I used to do more shows but since I had my children, I have had to cut back. Traveling and logistics is very difficult with toddlers! As a result, recently set up a shop on Etsy.

How long have you been making jewelry?
I made my first piece of jewelry in high school art class…22 years ago. But I HATED it! I despised the tedious work of sawing and filing. My teacher wouldn’t let us solder, so I missed out on all the fun! While at a summer art program, I had the opportunity to make a welded steel sculpture. That is where my passion for metal began. I began making (and loving) jewelry/silversmithing a few years later while in college. Then, I started my business 13 years ago and went to work full-time for myself 10 years ago.

How did you learn to make metal jewelry?
I learned many jewelry making techniques in college. First, I attended Moore College of Art & Design…I took an intro to jewelry class as a freshman and I fell in love, despite the fact that I hated it a few years previous. A year later, I transferred to Tyler School of Art, Temple University  to enroll in their well-known jewelry program.  After college I worked for a master goldsmith…That’s where I learned how to work with gold and platinum.

What is your favorite metal to work with?
I guess my favorite metal would be sterling silver. I like the white-white color (opposed to the yellow-white of white gold), it’s malleable nature, that it can take a black patina and can take a fair amount of heat. Since it is relatively inexpensive (when compared to gold or platinum) my design possibilities can be more experimental. I also like 18k gold. The color of 18k is so rich. I often combine sterling and 18k in my jewelry designs.

What are some of your other favorite materials?
I wouldn’t call it a favorite, but I use a lot of pearls and colored stones. I would love to come up with a unique, non-traditional material to incorporate into my designs to add color and texture… but I always go back to stones for color.

What is your favorite tool/equipment to use in your work?
There are several tools in my studio that I constantly use and love. But, I think my Smith “Little Torch” is my favorite. I was introduced to this torch while working for the goldsmith. At the time, I was using a Presto-lite torch (acetylene mixed with air). After using the Little Torch at work, I immediately bought one for my own studio and it changed my life! It sounds strange and dramatic, but it’s true! It allowed me to do things that my old torch wouldn’t…My work evolved using it. To continue with the dramatics…I also love, and would be LOST without, my Foredom flex shaft and my tubing jig.

Is your studio at home or do you rent/own separate studio space?
My studio is a building in my backyard. I love that it is so close to home but not IN my home…especially because I now have 2 young children. It is about 550 sq/feet and VERY messy…I’m a bit of a slob!

What is your dream piece of equipment?
This is a tough question because I’m a tool junkie. There are lots of tools I want…but I would say the DREAM piece of equipment would actually be a CAD program. I’ve been intrigued with Matrix 3D Jewelry Design Software by Gemvision. I think it would be great to have for custom engagement rings and more traditional jewelry designs.

What is your least favorite technique?
I didn’t like tedious sawing when I was introduced to jewelry in high school and I STILL don’t like it! I consider myself a fairly patient person, but when it comes to piercing and sawing…I loose all patience! I break so many sawblades! I am in awe of those who have beautiful pierced designs.

What technique do you find most challenging?
Challenging but gratifying: Complex, hand fabricated clasps and mechanisms. I have to change gears and slow down when it is time to make precision mechanisms. I love doing it, it just takes a certain frame of mind for me.
Challenging and frustrating: Carving wax. I am very much an additive not a subtractive artist. If I practiced more or took a workshop, I’m sure I’d get the hang of it. I just don’t do it often and as a result, am not very good at it.

Is there a technique you don’t know yet that you’d like to learn?
I’d love to take an intensive workshop on advanced stone setting. I would like to be more efficient at channel setting and would like to learn how to pave and bead set.

How does the design process work for you? For example, do you sketch your ideas first, or do they just come to you as you work?
I use simple geometric forms as the building blocks for most of my designs, which are inspired by architecture, machines, toys and nature. When I get a new idea I try to get a quick sketch down on paper. Many of my designs are modular…so as I make the parts I start to move things around before things are completely assembled. As a result, sometimes the design evolves or completely changes, many times it grows into a whole collection of jewelry (eg: bracelets, earrings and necklaces). Since I do so much wholesale, I try to make complete, cohesive collections and add 10-30 new designs per year.

Do you have any resource recommendations (books, websites, etc) for people who want to learn to make metal jewelry?
My husband is also a metal artist (he teaches jewelry and metals) and we are constantly buying jewelry books. We have a fairly extensive library of how-to books and picture books. Tim McCreight’s “The Complete Metalsmith” is a must have for any beginner! It has a little bit of everything in it and it is easy to read/use. I always have my old paperback copy by my bench for quick referencing. Any of Lark Books’ 500 series are great for eye candy and inspiration. For specific techniques and inspiration, my new favorite book is “The Penland Book of Jewelry: Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques.”

Here is an example of Danielle’s husband, Ben Gilliam’s work:

Ibex Vase

You can view more of Danielle’s work here:

Danielle’s Trunkt Page
DanielleMiller.com
DanielleMiller.net

Julia Catherine is fellow seller on Etsy who makes lovely handmade metal and gemstone jewelry.  She was one of the first metal artists to answer my call for interviews and since I loved her work, I sent her my list of questions.  Here are her answers!

Where do you sell or display your work?
I sell my jewelry on Etsy at http://juliacatherine.etsy.com and at our jewelry store in Hamburg, NJ, called North Church Jewelry.

How long have you been making jewelry?
I have been making jewelry since I was a child. At a young age I would make jewelry from anything I could find, as I grew older my mother purchased supplies like headpins, ear wires and beads for me to create jewelry. It was always so exciting to find out we were getting in supplies for making jewelry! I sold these simple creations in her store.

How did you learn to make metal jewelry?
I learned to make metal jewelry while apprenticing for a master jeweler (my mother) at the young age of 14. I made my first fabricated metal piece when I was 16 years old. This was the age my mother thought it was ‘ok’ for me to handle a torch-with supervision of course! The ring I created is a classic twisted/snake design ring that I still wear. Its very meaningful to me! Other sources of knowledge have been the books my mother learned jewelry making from.

What is your favorite metal or material to work with?
I think my favorite material to work with would be sterling silver, its very malleable and seems to ‘work’ with me. It’s like an old friend, I have worked with it so much and for so long I can almost predict what it will do next. I also love working with karat gold (10kt-14kt) metals although sterling is my favorite because the price lends it to be available to experimentation.

What are some of your other favorite materials?
I would have to say my most favorite materials other than metals are pearls! They are available in so many different colors and shapes and sizes now. Others include vintage beads, faceted glass and czech glass beads. I love making things with faceted stones when my time allots for fabricating settings.

Is your studio at home or do you rent/own separate studio space?
My studio is in the back of our jewelry store, my mother and I have two jewelers benches right next to each other. We usually sit there and BS a lot, it’s how I come up with some of my best ideas!

What is your favorite tool/equipment to use in your work?
My favorite tool would be my hammer! I love my ball peen hammer. My next favorite I think would fall under the ‘equipment’ category, that would be the torch.

What is your dream piece of equipment?
I’m a minimalist, I’m currently wanting a new ball peen hammer with a larger round area and maybe some new pliers.

What is your least favorite technique?
I would have to say saw cutting things like nameplates always starts out my least favorite but when I see the end result I’m always pleased with it.

What technique do you find most challenging?
I would say fabricating settings like wire basket settings and bezel settings are the most challenging. They are very time consuming and need to be created very meticulously and measured very carefully. Not much room for error, especially with bezel settings.

Is there a technique you don’t know yet that you’d like to learn?
A technique I have been wanting to learn is metal etching . It looks so gorgeous every time I see a design etched out with the different relief. I’m working on learning though!

How does the design process work for you? For example, do you sketch your ideas first, or do they just come to you as you work?
My design process is different for almost everything I create. Most often I have a design in my mind and scribble down the details so I wont forget or to figure out what materials I will need. A lot of times I will just sit at my bench with materials in front of me and ideas come to mind. I create a ‘recipe’ for the design so I can recreate it. Some more complex designs that include gemstones I usual do a sketch to prevent any mishaps or wasted materials.

Do you have any resource recommendations (books, websites, etc) for people who want to learn to make metal jewelry?
Your biggest asset to learning to create metal jewelry would be to take the time to apprentice for a master jeweler. If you are truly dedicated to learning this is something you will try to do. One of my favorite books is ‘Jewelry Making’ I think its by Murray Bovin. Its always nearby. It maybe out of print though, its an oldie!

I know it sounds weird but jewelry making is almost something that defines me. Its not a hobby or a job, its both but in itself its so much more for me.

You can view more of Julia Catherine’s work at her Etsy store and her blog.