Introducing YeaYa's People

I have always been interested in creating "people" - from my first sawdust puppet in second grade to my latest creations.  I'm pleased to give you a first glimpse of the RAGETTES - they are part of YeaYa's People.  It takes a village you know............

Meet the Ragettes

I'll post more pics at a later date.  These are just the beginning of what Miss M named YeaYa's People.

I Love Early Summertime

My yard becomes a mass of colorful, fragrant, beautiful flowers including tree peonies and roses in the early summer.  Just wanted to share some photos with you.

Tree Peony

And we also have lots of visitors to our yard and pond.  This little guy has been croaking so much  - he must be very lonely!

But the best one of all is my little Miss Mady!

So CHEERS to Summertime ........

We are really toasting at West Beach on Orcas Island, WA, but thought it was appropriate for celebrating Michigan in the summertime.

Enamel Jewelry

Love to torch fire enamel and anyone who knows me, knows I love hearts so......

Soft Summer Color Hearts

Hearts on Fire

Here are some dimensional hearts in cool summer  sky and water colors.  And some hot summer sun
colors!
I use a jeweler's saw to create a heart form cut out in plexiglass and hammer a piece of annealed copper sheet forming it to the pattern.  This makes the heart shape puff out.  After a few other steps the copper heart shape is ready to enamel.  Lots of fun to create.  Let me know what you think......

First Jewelry Open House

Jewelry display - Molly did a great job on the display

We held our first semi-annual Open House Jewelry and Art Show last week.  Wow - I was overwhelmed at the response!  Thank you to everyone who came and supported our artistic endeavors.  Due to the wonderful response and inquiries we will have another one in November.  We ate tasty appetizers and sipped on cool drinks.  My daughters were instrumental in making this a success - thank you girls.  I have such a supportive family and friends - love you all!

Molly, Julie, Sarah and Mady

Needle felted journals

Journal 2011

 I like to make my own journals for visual journaling.  This is my newest one.  I love using cloth covered journals.  They feel so good to carry around and are wonderful in which to write, create collages and drawings.
I will be teaching how to create such a journal this May at 212 Arts Center in Saline.  Please see their website if you are interested in this fun and usable project.  It will be offered in two sessions with a separate class to teach you how to start filling it with delicious colors and images.

                              

Circle Necklace

Losing one's paying job can be a mental change as well as a financial one.  Trying to focus on working only out of the home studio is something I really looked forward to but I have been spending a lot of time just reorganizing work space.  I did snap this picture of a new piece to share with you all. 

Circle Pendant

I also made the chain on this piece.  It is made with two discs of hand hammered copper sewn together with wire holding the stone in the middle.  As I post this pic my front yard rose garden is starting to reveal itself from the two foot blanket of snow that has been covering it.  It is so fun to watch the green clumps of grape hyacinths and myrtle appear through the snow.  Before I know it, my roses will be in full bloom.  Yes, time does sneak past me that fast.  Back to work - beating up some more metal!

Etsy shop

I have opened an Etsy shop.  If this name is new to you- quickly it is an online shop where artist can sell their handmade items.  I have only listed one pair of earrings so far.  My computer guru son-in-law has been very patiently helping with the process.  Old dogs, new tricks...I know some of you can relate!  Anyway it will take me awhile to catch up but it will make my jewelry easier to purchase eventually.

Beach glass, etched and hammered copper

This piece is already sold but I wanted to post the design.  I love the idea of "capturing" beach glass and stones in layers.  Hope to create more of this style.

Side view