Busy In The Beehive

When I think of summer, images come to mind of lazy, peaceful, warm and endless days....

Where's MINE???!!!

Don't get me wrong ~ I'm not complaining because it's all good and I'm so busy in the hive, but summer is fleeting!

Second session for Artful Gathering 2012  has begun,

and I'm already thinking about registration for Art Retreat in The Desert 2013!

So, let me share a few things with you that have been happening in my studio since we last visited.

One of the classes I'm taking is Soldering Flambe with artist Kecia Deveney.  After taking Riki Schumacher's "Overcoming the Fear of Fire," I was ready to dig in ~ micro torch and all....
Here is a trio of practice pieces in the beginning stages...

They will be "foofed up" with resin, vintage images, vintage rhinestone, etc.  I'll be posting finished results next week.  I think it's a good beginning, even though I have a long way to go with technique.  Kecia is great and so encouraging and torching is really not scary at all!

My second class is Etched and Layered with artist Diane Cook.  The newest technique I've learned is how to etch metal ~ a bit daunting as you get to work with some big girl chemicals.  Diane's video and instruction are hands down amazing.  

So, on Sunday I was ready to give it a go....I etched these 4 cuffs and a piece of brass that will be repurposed into jewelry. The cuffs went from this stage....

  to this.....

But, you see, these are just the "bones" of the cuffs ~ just the beginnings.  I hope to have them finished by the end of the week so I can show you next Monday!

Last weekend was our Scrap Happy Retreat ~ 3 days of dedicated art time with amazing women, food, and fellowship ~ who could ask for more?!!

Here's a peak at some of the bracelets I completed...

And a pendant...

detail

And a collar necklace...

And if that wasn't enough ~ we had our Tucson Swap Queens on Monday night!!  The theme this month was Patriotic ATC's ~ take a peak!

artist ~ Sandra

And our Tucson Swap Queens turned 1 year old this month!

What a rockin' group of ladies!!

As for me, I'm recovering from a nasty bout of bronchitis and still have 4 more days of antibiotics to finish.  So, I will leave you now as I'm a little worn out and should rest.  I still owe you some pix of the Flea Market finds, but those will keep till next Monday.

Have a beautiful week and enjoy what's left of summer - you know those Big Burger Holidays are right around the corner!!

Stay well and be safe....blessings!
xoxo
Karen