I Took The Plunge!!

Yep, I took the plunge and didn't burn down the house, or me!  What's that you say?  Oh,  I dusted off the soldering kit,

which sat UNOPENED since December, and told myself "just do it!"  

I have to qualify my reticence with this explanation....it's not that I didn't want to learn how to solder, it's just that I've always had a deathly fear of fire and hot, melted stuff.  So, this was kinda scary.  

I watched the video 3x and re-read instructions 4x and here's the results....

Halloween Charmers - Front

Halloween Charmers - Back

Completed Pendant - front

Completed Pendant - back

Sweet Serendipity Charmers - front

Sweet Serendipity Charmers - back

I've only completed one pendant as shown, so I still have bead dangles and ribbons to attach to all  the rest.  I'll be selling these by private order and at the Arts & Crafts shows this October.  I'm pleased with the results and especially happy that I fashioned my own bails!

I'm not stopping with the little ole' soldering iron ~ Now that I've had a taste, I'm ready for the BIG stuff....
We're talking micro torch, propane torch, mixed gases ~ the sky's the limit!  BUT, none of that will happen until I've completed Riki Schumaker's Getting Over The Fear of Fire class at AG 2012.  This takes place July 15th -August 25th, online.

I can't tell you how excited I am to be taking her class.  It's purely instructional, but I know I'll be ready to step out on my own with this knowledge!

In the meantime, I'm still completing necklaces from our current AG 2012 session and promise to have them for show, tell, and sale by my next blog post.

Remember Grete?

She now resides in MAC corporate offices in LA, but she was the art piece that helped Melissa win the trip to Berlin, last September.

Well, it's contest time again and our Schotzie's (aka Melissa) been hard at work on this year's challenge..."Turkish Delights" ~ can you guess where the winner will be going?
                                                           ~ISTANBUL~

Participants are required to use this piece in their creation...

Schotz took one of my filigree pieces 

scanned it, enlarged it, and then collaged pix from MAC events.....

Eastern silk ribbon, tying together the mission of MAC

and slowly, the pieces

fabric covered canvas - color reminiscent of the Turkish sunset

began

coins, flowers, inspiration image

to come together

Where's Grete????

until the concept

was complete!

Inspiration image copied on transparency - a focal point

Final piece measured 22" x 28"

I know that no matter what the contest results are to be, our girl is quite proud of her artistic piece and her team and store accomplishments this year!  Our Schotzie rocks!

I know you've been patiently waiting to hear all the details of my "100th Follower Giveraway," so here it is!

I'm so happy to be celebrating with this giveaway ~ I never thought I'd ever have 100 people interested in my little old blog!  So, I'm giving away this little wooden box...

AND this sweet dollie!

Here are the deets:

• leave a comment on this post OR if you prefer to email me with your comment, I will add your name to the list in the order received
• if you are a follower and your picture or avatar is in the "group portrait" at the bottom of my blog, let me know and you may post a second time
• if you have a blog and grab my special button and post on your blog OR mention my giveaway on your blog, let me know by posting on my blog, for a third time
• you will be eligible for BOTH drawings, (unless you've already won the first drawing!)
• you have until July 15th to enter!

I'm taking some time out for some summertime fun and will be returning with the winning results on Monday, July 16th.  

Thank you so much for making it possible for me to have this little event.  You know I love you and you're the best there is!!

Have a beautiful week ~ Happy 4th of July ~ and Blessings!

xoxo

Karen