It has been an overwhelming and hectic week.  Everything I wanted to get done sat on the back burner while life stepped in and shook everything up.  That is what makes life interesting really. 

So wanted that piece of wood to take home but.......yeah way too long

(isn't she sooo cute?)

 

Craziness still equals fun if you let it!  Hope you had a happy, crazy, amazing weekend as well!

Inspiration

I am working on making jewelry from start to finish at the moment and have been looking at some sites that really inspire me and the work I would like to do as a jewelry artist. Maybe they will do the same for you. I would love to see the sites that inspire you as well! I wrote a bit about each one and how they make me feel as an artist to view their work. Although I have been making simple earrings and jewelry to start my business my love is really in the complexity, layering and mixed media pieces most of these ladies make on a daily basis. Here are just a few off the top of my head.

Metallove

http://danielleembry.blogspot.com/2008/08/first-post.html

http://www.etsy.com/shop/metallove

I really love the organic feel of her designs with a sculptural twist.  Her work is imaginary and lovely.  She has both basic jewelry and jewelry she does to expand her mind and creativity.  The word that comes to mind is intriguing.  I really just started looking at her work but fell in love from the start.


Rosy Revolver

http://rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosyRevolver

I really like her designs and watching her evolve over the past year I have been following her. The designs really are so beautiful you look at them and became a better craftsman just for being in her presence. Her latest pieces are my personal favorites with the stamping and detail. Last bracelet she did. To die for.



Noisy Plume

http://thenoisyplume.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thenoisyplume

I really love most of her work because she doesn't stay with a certain type of jewelry or style she switches it up most often to really keep you guessing. My favorites are her sculptural hollow form pieces. Most are eclectic and have a certain pop to them. Brilliance is a word that comes to mind.



Wendy Edsall-Kerwin

http://hammermarks.wordpress.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WendyEdsallKerwin

Her cuffs flow and are really beautiful to look at. She designs flowing folded silver forms that really have a wonderful impact. I love the sculptural aspect of her designs and they speak to me as an artist. A few of the necklaces she has done if you check out her flickr page are A M A Z I N G !



Experimetal

http://vtakahashi.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Experimetal

This designer actually makes me stop breathing sometimes when I look at her work. I come from a sculptural background and her designs really are impressive. I really love how she layers her silver and how she really pulls you into the designs complexity. Some of her designs are true works of art . I can see how in her blog she says they are hard to part with . I would feel the same way . She put her blood and tears into each piece...you can tell.



Desert Talisman

http://www.deserttalismans.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/deserttalismans

The jewelry she has that is layered, aged into beautiful designs. Some have a primitive feel and the feeling they were discovered somewhere while investigating caves and burial grounds. I love the stones, wrapping and textural mediums used in all her pieces.





Ardent

http://www.anneardenmcdonald.com/noflash/jewelry.html

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ardent1

I really love the simple, raw, and jagged designs she does. The lace is simply my favorite. Can you tell I love movement in jewelry? The jewelry all has a wonderful flow to it that really draws you in.



Metal Envy

http://www.metalenvy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MetalEnvy


I really love the flow and movement of her designs yet they have a clean classic look. They really could go from day to night. Timeless with an edge are the words I think of looking at her wonderful designs.





Holly Wilcox

http://hollywilcox.blogspot.com/2010/08/new.html

http://www.hollywilcox.co.uk/

What I really like about her jewelry is its simple, pretty, delicate, little works of art. That are simple in design yet give a huge impact.



There are sooo many more I could list but I think hand cramp has set in! I have many errands and life situations to deal with today why I posted so early. I have some pictures to share tomorrow that I have taken the past week. See you then......You have a special day!

I wanted to post this earlier but I ran longer than expected.   It really was nice to get outside  and feel the sun on my face.   Running in the morning really does set your day in a positive direction and clears your head.  I think any kind of exercise really.   OK enough small talk I shall give you the recipe!

This is a really good recipe for meatloaf.  It comes out really tender and delicious.  I usually do not put onions in my daughters so I use two small onions.    I love it with  garlic mashed potatoes and any green vegetable. 



----Ingredients----


1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups chopped yellow onions (approx 3)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)

1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs

2 extra-large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup ketchup


----Directions----

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meatloaf will be dense. Divide the mixture into 6 (10 to 11-ounce) portions and shape each portion into a small loaf on a sheet pan. Spread about a tablespoon of ketchup on the top of each portion. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes and serve hot.

I hope you try it and love it.  Have a great day!

This week has been a bit frustrating because of my thumb and the realization that most movements stretch the skin between your thumb and pointer finger.  I have restorted to taping my thumb to my finger to eliminate accidently causing more harm.         Sigh.....

Inserting something pretty for a mood lift.......

Much better!

   On a brighter note I have been drawing up a storm  some new ideas and buying wonderful cabs for new rings.  Shopping really does take your mind off the pain....Shhh its what I tell myself !  

I will be taking it easy one more week  then I will be posting Pictures of crafted jewelry and maybe a painting.  I have a few paintings  that im working on, but  I am just waiting for them to speak to me to see what direction they want to take.  

Tomorrow I am posting the most amazing meatloaf recipe on my blog.  Most people say....   Meatloaf really?  I say yes and  it really is quite tasty, tender and will change your mind on meatloaf if you do not have fond childhood memories of it.  Try anything and everything once.  Then once more to make sure!   See you tomorrow.

 Hope you had a creative day!

I AM FREE!!!   (silly)   I have to say that after watching the bus speed away ....I will miss  my daughter now that she has started school again.  Most summers parents are overwhelmed with the constant scheduling and rearranging for care while we fulfill obligations in life.   This year with her being older it gave me more  freedom and also I think we had some wonderful adventures.  We went horseback riding, camping, hiking, played video games,  worked out, and walking the dogs.  Simple things that we made fun.  I think I'm more weepy than her first day of school.

Well with this  freedom I will have  more studio time and workout time.  I am hoping my Metalsmithing store will be open by Halloween so more time will be a huge help.   I hope today you are able to do something you love as well!  Have a wonderful day!


Here is a recipe that my friends and family love.  I don't eat pork anymore but they all beg me to make it. 


---Stuffed Pork Chops---


3 garlic cloves


one carrot

one celery stalk

sausage(4 oz),

3 oz of pecans finely chopped

2 tbs of breadcrumbs

2 tsp flat leaf parsley

2tsp of thyme

1 1/2 tsp salt ,

1/2 tsp pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper,

6 one inch think pork butterfly cut chops





heat up olive oil in a pan and saute onion, garlic cook till softened....add diced celery and carrot....cook until tender......3 minutes or so.....add the sausage and cook until lightly browned....about five mins.....put in a bowl. stir in the pecans, bread crumbs, thyme, cayenne and let cool . preheat oven to 350.......put the chops down and on one side add the filling .....fold over the other side of chop and rub top of chop with olive oil, salt, pepper ....garlic or other seasonings you want ....bake for 30mins.

Southern Heat

We finally have received some much needed rain where I live.  Last year was so wet I don't think I had to water once. This year the ground is cracking underfoot with mother nature making designs showing her neglect. The flowers aren't as bright nor is the grass. Finally though she has given us a temporary reprieve.  I really love the summer rain how its  soothing rather than shocking like some rains . When I see the rain coming I  rush out to do yard work especially  this time of year.  We had been getting almost storms. They are storms that tease you and dissipate. It will thunder like crazy and then no rain. Its still hot and steamy after the storms to make you run inside and appreciate the air conditioner like never before. I should write brochures for the south don't you think?  Hotter than hell come on down!

Even with the lack of rain take a look at some pretty things I saw today.   Have a nice relaxing day!

Typing today is a chore and so is anything I do with my hands. Yesterday while opening a can I was attacked and brutally slashed. yes I am being overly dramatic! Can openers and the lids are nothing laugh at. Sharp sharp sharp. Did I say sharp? I was at the emergency room bleeding while they tended to heart attack victims and real emergencies. While we chatted to pass the time a woman suggested to me to head to an after hours Doctor they probably would be faster. Never occurred to me. I asked the overwhelmed front desk nurse and she agreed as well. So off I went and 8 stitches later I came home with this!

I should be fine in a week but it really set me back doing some jewelry.  You never realize how much you need your thumb until you don't have use of it.  So from here on out I will have more respect for my can opener and possible fear. Hope you had a wonderful day thanks for stopping by!

Best Meatballs EVER!

This is a wonderful meatball recipe that I have.  It is totally simple, fast and easy for moms.   I also have my daughter help me make them which gets her to eat better when dinner rolls around.  Just something to think about.  Kids love to help even if they at first fight it.  They come around about half way through and smile telling you how wonderful you are to let them make dinner with you.  Making memories.....usually the simple things kids remember.  Have fun tonight with the one you love and hope you enjoy!


P.s.  My daughter dislikes anything that "looks" like a vegetable so the food processor is great to mask such unspeakable things.  Grind away then add to sauce.  I add peppers, lots of garlic and onions.  Have fun tonight with the one you love. 


Meatballs----


Pick the rosemary . Wrap the crackers in a kitchen towel and smash up until fine, breaking up any big bits with your hands. Add to a mixing bowl with mustard, ground meat, chopped rosemary and oregano. Crack in the egg and add a good pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, scrunch and mix up well. Divide into 4 large balls. With wet hands, divide each ball into 6 and roll into little meatballs—you should end up with 24. Drizzle them with olive oil and jiggle them about so they all get coated. Put them on a place, cover and place in the refrigerator until needed.



Sauce---

Pick the basil leaves, keeping any smaller ones to one side for later. Peel and finely chop the onion and the garlic. Finely slice the chile. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil. Next, heat a large fryng pan on a medium heat and add 2 lugs of olive oil. Add your onion to the frying pan and stir around for 7 minutes or until softened and lightly golden. Then add your garlic and chile, and as soon as they start to get some color add the large basil leaves. Add the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar. Bring to the boil and season to taste. Meanwhile, heat another large frying pan and add a lug of olive oil and your meatballs. Stir them around and cook for 8 -10 minutes until golden ( Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer until the past is ready, then remove from the heat.





ingredients

• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• handful of breadcrumbs

• 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 pound good quality ground beef, pork or a mixture of the two

• 1 heaped tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 large egg, preferably free range or organic

• Sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive oil

• A small bunch of fresh basil

• 1 medium onion

• 2 cloves of garlic

• ½ a fresh or dried red chile

• 2 x 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 pound dried spaghetti or penne

• Parmesan cheese for grating

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