The past six weeks have been bursting full with life changes, which as you know, can be most encompassing. So the handful of “free hours” I had been guarding as “studio time” began rapidly slipping through my fingers to make room for the increasing demands of work, chores, and life maintenance. But I think we have finally reached a plateau of stasis in our household, which means there is light at the end of the tunnel, afterall.

I decided there was no better way to celebrate my reunion with my creative self than by treating myself to a long-desired tool - a metal tumbler. Recommended by a friend, I just purchased a new Lortone tumbler from PMC Supply, so I can consistently achieve a smooth, shiny finish, and work-harden my jewelry at the same time.

I used to brass-brush finish all my jewelry, giving the silver a whitish color, but I have to admit, not only is it easier on my hands and wrists to let the tumbler do the polishing, but it’s nice to be able to walk away and work on something else, while the tenacious little tumbler does it’s job. Now that’s efficiency!

Claire, over at ‘So Sweet and So Cold: Handmade Cravings’ featured my ‘Midnight Fire’ enamel earrings on her blog on Monday, August 27. She described them as “urban decay/prettyish”. I’ve never heard those three words used together, so I’ll take it that the earrings are unique. Thanks, Claire!

If you haven’t seen the 2007 member’s show at Art6 Gallery yet, you better get your little tushy in there to see it! The show comes down at 4:00 on Sunday, August 26. It features an eclectic mix of talent in multiple media from metal, to paint, glass, fiber, digital photography, and more! I have 3 brand new 6×9 wall pieces on display, in addition to 2 copper vessels, and a small scale sculpture in exploration of ‘Fertility’.

To find out about the latest happenings at Art6 gallery, a completely member-run, not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting the arts in the Richmond community, please visit the Art6 website and read the Art6 blog.