DREAM SPIRAL ART » New Work

The “Tricky” Business of Shows

Dream Spiral Art — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:20:59 +0000

The weather played tricks on us today. We arrived at the Bethesda Artist Market this morning to shuddering clouds and a thick blanket of rain. Three weeks of total drought in the Northeast, but today it has to rain. Deliberating whether or not to set-up the tent and hope the empty streets would soon fill with passers-by and patrons, the Mister and I sipped Caribou Coffee and munched on donuts with neon pink icing.

The rain only intensified as we talked to our friends Michele Cormier and Sara Rivera, who had decided to set up and brave the soggy weather. I’ve been exhibiting with these fellow artists for the last three years at the Bethesda Artist Market – a small, juried festival that features just 25 artists per show. Many of us are regulars. This year marked the first year at a new location on Norfolk Ave. I had looked forward to testing it out.

Even as we talked under the white canopy tents, the rain seeped inside and drip-dripped on my shoulder. Artists around us were continuously draining the pregnant pools of water waiting to birth from the tops of their tents. The Mister and I weighed the pros and cons of setting up. The cons were obvious while the pros were all what-ifs.

Outdoor festivals are always a crapshoot, susceptible to wind and rain and a million other factors that can make or break a show. Booth fees are rarely refundable and shows are usually held rain or shine. Ten years of outdoor shows have taught me that there is never a guarantee of anything and certianly not of sales, even if there is a crowd. But it’s the what-ifs that keep you coming back time and time again. One or two great shows and you’re hooked like an old lady on a slot machine. The experience of sharing your work with others is highly gratifying, especially when your customers are as excited by your creations as much as you are. (It’s gets me higher than a regular Mountain Dew, if you can imagine that).

The 80% chance of rain forecasted all day was fairly persuasive, in the end (although I’m fairly certain it stopped raining an hour after we headed back to Richmond). (Mockery). The Mister had a time sensitive carpentry commission to attend to and I figured I could use some time to catch up on my poorly neglected blog and work on my new “Jetson” series.

Im so sorry to all those who came out this afternoon to support us and see the newest creations by Dream Spiral Art. I love my Bethesda customers! You have been good to me for many years. Be sure to look for my new “JETSON” series in my Etsy shop this week. And hopefully I will see you on Sunday, August 1 for the First Sunday Festival on West Street in Annapolis, MD.

Sneak peak of the “JETSON” series (these 3 have already SOLD).

Good News, Bad News

Dream Spiral Art — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:30:50 +0000

The GOOD NEWS is…

That I had a very productive day in the studio today! I finished a commission piece for the ever-patient, SR.

Several months ago (I won’t tell you how many because it’s too embarrassing) SR gave me two loose stones – a rectangular lapis and a facetted citrine teardrop – to turn into one-of-a-kind jewlery pieces. Until recently, I had taken a long hiatus from using colored stones in my work. But the lapis stone hit a perfect note with my latest work and became part of my newest jewelry chorus, that features colored stones, set in a silver frame and finished with a handmade chain!!

What do you think?

I think I might be tempted to keep it. Shhh! Don’t tell SR.

Now for the BAD NEWS…

I was expecting the arrival of a little brown package today.
But 6 p.m. rolled around, and there was still no package. Where in the world could it be?

I had my suspicions, so I checked my handy UPS tracking number again. It told me that my delivery was scheduled to be on time, but an “EXCEPTION” had occurred. An “EXCEPTION?”

Okay. So I read a little futher and it said that our address did not exist. Oh no, not again! Our house has an unfortunate habit of being transported to the twilight zone whenever the friendly UPS man comes around (I wish it would do that when the not-so-friendly gravel sleaseman… I mean… salesman honks his horn in my driveway at 8:00 in the morning).

About 70% of the time, deliveries reach our house without a hitch. The other 30% of the time reminds me of one of the few cons of living off the beaten path, as in, not in a neighborhood. Well, if it doesn’t come tomorrow, I will have to hunt down that truck with my hammer and torch – a mad jeweler on the loose, LOOK OUT!

So sorry for those of you who are waiting for the arrival of your Dream Spiral Art Jewelries or Supplies. Rest assured, as soon as I get that package, I can put the finishing touches on your pieces and zip them off to you in the mail! Oh, and I’m doubly sorry for my grumpy face in the photos. Hopefully you won’t have to see that ever again (I usually save those faces for my Sweetie Pie).

Earth-toned Beauties

Dream Spiral Art — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:47:56 +0000

In order to explore the color-painted world of enamels, I took a two-year hiatus from working with gemstones. But lately these earth-toned beauties have been finding their way back into my work again in a series of necklaces.

Each necklace is designed to showcase the lovliness of each stone as a work of art that is framed by sterling silver and my signaure hammered textures. The motif that frames the stone is continued throughout the necklace in a chain that is hand-fabricated by me to relate the design as a whole.

Just like the stones I use, each necklace is one-of-a-kind. Be sure to visit my Etsy Shop to find these new beauties.

There are three necklaces in the collection so far. What do you think?

A new ring to share

Dream Spiral Art — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:02:43 +0000

I just listed a new ring in my Etsy shop today. She’s a one-of-a-kind beauty.THE CORAL RING.

Pink coral blushes fervently amidst a bed of sterling silver in this ring, size 7. The oval cabochon measures approximately 8 x 6 mm. It is set on a unique U-shaped band that is ultra-comfy to wear. I’ve patterned the exterior of the band with a series of hatch marks, while the interior has been left smooth.

Perfect for a summer picnic, eating purple grapes on green grass at an outdoor concert, or for a wander through the art museum, I’m certain you will love this precious ring as much as I have loved creating it!

New Blumes in the Etsy Shop!

Dream Spiral Art — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:06:24 +0000

For the past four weeks SMB and I have been working hard to put the finishing touches on our flower beds that generously encircle half the house. With so much ground to cover, we’ve been planting in batches.

I am happy to report that after a trip to our local plant nursery (support the little guys), and a heavy dose of pine-bark nugget mulch, we are content to stand back and admire our hard work. Dare I say it’s finished? I guess gardens, like everything else in life, require tending, pruning, refining, but for sanity’s sake, let’s call it finished.

We took advantage of an unusually warm weekend back in April and were able to put the veggies in the ground early this year. We already have little green tomatoes bursting from the vines. I love the smell of tomato plants, rubbing the green leaves between my fingers. If there were a tomato-vine perfume or soap, point me in the right direction, and I’d buy it!

In addition to the tomatoes, we have sugar snap peas, eggplant, three types of squash, string beans, peppers, and we even built a little section for our herbs (basil, cilantro, dill), potted strawberries, and fig tree. If the critters keep out this year, we should have an abundant harvest!

I guess all of the green-thumbing, coupled with my latest mantra “BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED”, got me hammering out silver flowers in my jewelry shop. These little beauties are fresh off the bench and are for sale NOW in my Etsy shop today. I have four pair in stock.

Every flower needs a name, so after some pondering, I have decided to call them, “Modern Mums”. They are part of my ever-growing “Captured Collection”.

APRIL SPECIAL AND UPCOMING SHOWS

Dream Spiral Art — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:58:07 +0000

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, my newest jewelry line, the “Captured Collection” is marked 10% off for the entire month of April!!! Please visit my Etsy Shop to see the latest additions to the “Captured Collection” that include dried rose petals in deep red and springy yellow!

If you are in the area, I hope you will come visit my booth at one of these upcoming shows:

Richmond, VA

Fool for Art at John Tyler Community College
Saturday, April 18, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
http://www.jtcc.edu/foolforart/

Annapolis, MD

First Sunday Arts Festival on West Street
Sundays – May 3, June 7, July 5, and August 2
12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
http://www.goweststreet.com/

Bethesda, MD

Bethesda Artist Market – in Bethesda Place Plaza
(Corner of Old Georgetown Road and Woodmont Ave.)
Saturdays – June 13, July 11, and October 10
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
http://www.bethesda.org/arts/artistmarket.htm

Hope you are having a hippity-hoppity Spring and a Happy Easter!

Toodles!

- Ann

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH ARTICHOKES

Dream Spiral Art — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:44:42 +0000

Inspiration can be a peculiar thing. At times unconsicous and deep, whispering in your ear like the winter wind, leaving no footprints in the snow for you to track. Then again, sometimes inspiration is very straight-forward and easy to trace. Such is the case with one of my recent rings, inspired by the artichoke.

Artichoke Ring is a one-of-a-kind, art jewelry ring that grew from my love affair with artichokes.

I hand formed the Artichoke Ring out of soft wax and then cast it in solid, sterling silver using the lost wax casting method.

The Artichoke Ring is hardy (just like the vegetable) with a healthy weight to it. The band measures approximately 5 mm in width.

One-of-a-kind, size 6.

RICHMOND MAGAZINE WRITE-UP

Dream Spiral Art — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:17:45 +0000

In October 2008, I was thrilled to be featured in the Style section of Richmond Magazine. If you didn’t get a chance to grab a copy of this great local magazine, the article has been posted online.

To see more samples from my newest jewelry line, “The Captured Collection”, please visit my Etsy Shop at http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com I hope you enjoy it and, as always, I appreciate your feedback. Happy New Year!

Plotting my first engagement ring…

Dream Spiral Art — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:38:37 +0000

No, no, not a ring for me, silly – not just yet, anyway! I’m talking about the fun I had plotting and planning and creating an engagement ring for a good friend of mine here in Richmond.

Back in May, her then boyfriend, now fiance, Jonas, asked me very nonchalantly if I would make a ring for her. He sent me a photograph of a design he had in mind. After a little prodding and nosing around, I ascertained that yes, indeed, this was going to be a very special ring, as he was planning to ask Karen to marry him! So happy to have a part in the wonderful news, my heart skipped a beat, and I replied a resounding YES!

While on vacation in Portland, OR, a couple of weeks ago, he popped the question and presented the token of his intention. Now the happy couple is engaged! I can’t wait to see them both together tonight at dinner, ring on her diminuitive finger (a size 3.5, by the way), my part in the wonderful plot that is their engagement, complete.

The ring has both 14 karat yellow and white gold, a textured surface on the white gold, and it is flush set with eight 2.5 mm rubies. Eight is Karen’s favorite number.

MIXING METAL WITH NATURAL FIBERS – NEW WORK

Dream Spiral Art — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:21:14 +0000

From mixed metals to mixed materials, my inspirations are constantly evolving. I have been finding myself drawn to natural fiber beads lately. I found these great donut-shaped beads, hand wrapped in dyed hemp, from my local bead store, from which I created a new line of whimsical, dangly earrings, called, you guessed it, “Fruit Loops”. Selling at $22 a pair, you can find them on my shop at Etsy.

Another discovery during my hunt for inspiration and excitement, came in the form of a 20 mm hand crocheted bead! These, too, insisted on the formation of a brand new line of jewelry aptly named, “The Crocheted Ornament” line. This line comes in several styles and colors, most of which are available at my Etsy shop, as well.

Holiday Special & Publication Announcement!

Dream Spiral Art — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:25:07 +0000

I didn’t really need another reason to celebrate this Holiday season…but I got one anyway!

If you happen to come across a copy of 500 Metal Vessels by Lark Books in your local Borders Books or Barnes & Noble, be sure to check out page 360. Want to know why? Because I’m in it!

My copper vessel, The Five Elements, was among the 500 vessels selected for inclusion by renowned metalsmith, Fred Fenster. You can purchase this beautiful, inspirational, full-color book at a great price from Contenti. Check it out.

In honor of the publication (my first, for the record) I’m offering a great Holiday Special!

Spend $65 or more (before shipping) in either of my online shops (www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com or www.dreamspiralart.com) and receive a free pair of Crazy Wire Ball Earrings (a $19 to $22 value)! These have been one of my most popular designs for years and they would make a fantastic gift!

Be sure to specify the color you want (Silver, Gold, or Silver with Gold) in the note to seller during check-out or just send me an email to let me know. Visit my ETSY shop to see photos of the three options.

Offer ends December 15 th.

Thinking Big for THINKSMALL4

Dream Spiral Art — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:59:02 +0000

As a member of art6 Gallery, located in Downtown Richmond, VA, I invite you to support a fundraising event to benefit art6 and Artspace through the purchase of tickets to the Gala Premiere of ThinkSmall4, the4th Biennial International Miniature Invitational Exhibition of art opening simultaneously at art6 and Artspace November 2nd 2007.

The ThinkSmall Gala Premier (sneak-peak opening) will take place November 1st, the night before this hugely popular exhibit opens to the public. Tickets are $25 each in advance, $30 at the door and include the following:

- Shuttle service between venues;
- Seated performances by eighth blackbird at art6 and Northside Consort at Artspace;
- a complimentary drink at each venue;
- mini-appetizers from great local area restaurants including Bistro Twenty Seven, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cafe Olé, Chez Foushee, City Ice, Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, Comedy Sportz, Lift, Kuba Kuba, Malabar, Ma-musa, Mekong, Montana Gold Bread Co., Nile, Popkins Tavern, Rostov’s Coffee & Tea and Sammy’s Bakery.

The ThinkSmall Gala Premier will take place from 7 – 10 pm; there is ample free parking at Artspace, Plant Zero, Zero East 4th Street.

Please contact me to purchase tickets or call art6 gallery at 804.343.1406 to make an advance reservation.

Thank you: we sincerely appreciate your consideration and support of our efforts to keep art and culture alive in Downtown Richmond, VA!

Exhibition at Bank of America in Richmond

Dream Spiral Art — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:34:15 +0000

Thanks to our Grand Poohbah and many Helper Poohbahs over at art6 Gallery, we are having our first all member exhibition hosted outside of our own facility. Bank of America in downtown Richmond is the lucky host that will feature our work in their atrium gallery from October 1, 2007 through November 2, 2007. The bank is located at 1111 East Main Street. Please stop in and check us out. We are a member-run, not-for profit organization that has, for years, brought both visual and performing arts to downtown Richmond.

The feminine and the masculine

Dream Spiral Art — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 23:59:53 +0000

Carved out of wax and cast in silver, the two rings shown above are very new. The one on the left is meant for a female (there are 1mm rubies flush-set atop the three mounds) and the ring on the right is meant for a male.

It occurs to me just now that the ‘feminine’ ring is very soft and round, while the ‘masculine’ ring is angular. They were originally not meant to be a set, but now that I’ve photographed them together, I think they kind of compliment each other. Funny that.

By the way, I’ve decided to call my ‘feminine’ ring “The Ruby-Boobie-Ring”.

Cast-in-Place Stones!

Dream Spiral Art — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 23:45:20 +0000

I’ve given my ‘Crater Ring’ a new look. I just learned how to cast-in-place. Basically, I’m using the same technique as before, lost wax casting, but with an embellishment. Prior to the burn-out, I’ve added synthetic stones to the wax ring model. The stones are able to withstand the high temperatures of the kiln, and if everything is done just right, you end up with a piece of jewelry that already has a stone set in it!

In my excitement, I’ve photographed my 3 samples prior to cleaning them up. You may notice that the silver doesn’t look very pretty. Immediately after it is cast, silver is a dull grey-black. After it cools, I put it in the pickle (mild acid bath) to clean it. That’s the stage that is shown here. After pickling the metal, I file, sand, and polish, which sometimes takes several hours to perfect.

Look for these finished rings on my website soon. The pieces shown include simulated blue sapphires and a simulated pink tourmaline. Synthetic stones suitable for the cast-in-place technique come in several colors. So get your ideas ready and email me!