My First Jewelry Project

Well, I did it. I've completed a metal fabrication piece. It was exciting. I have learned basic techniques of sawing, annealing, stamping, pickling, soldering, polishing and using epoxy to fill a bezel. Let me know how you like it. Remember, It was a beginning, I'm not an expert yet so don't expect perfection.

Taking the Next Step

I've been taking a class in metal fabrication. I want to take my designs to the next level. To be able to bring something to my pieces that is original. It has been an exciting experience in making. I am coming up with all kinds of ideas to make additions to my rosaries, chaplets, bookmarks and jewelry. Things that will make them reflect my own personality and something apart from the ordinary. I can't wait to finish my first piece. I'm sure it will be short of a masterpiece, but mine none the less. I'll be posting pictures in the future so you will be able to see my progress.



I'm also working on a cookbook for the Monastery where I work. We have facilities for private and group retreats on Spirituality. I get lots of requests for recipes from the guests who attend. I decided to put my favorites together into a cookbook that the Fathers could sell to those who come here. I'm still trying to decide on a title and have more recipes to collect and write. I'm planning on adding quotes from the Carmelite Saints and Blesseds and as many tips as I can come up with. My cooking style is unusual. I cook according to what we have or what is in season. We get donations from many different places and so i adapt recipes have to use what is in the pantry. I may use the same basic recipe, but it is usually different each time I make it. It's always fun to work things in. We may receive 25 pounds of carrots or a case of spaghetti or someones bumper crop of figs and zucchini. It keep things interesting.

First Show Jitters

I have a friend who is preparing to enter her first big juried art and craft show. It reminded me of my first juried show. I was really nervous because I had to send in pictures of my work. What if they didn't like them. I didn't even know how to attach a picture to an e-mail. It took me forever to send them because I had to send eight and I could only attach two to an e-mail. I didn't know about reducing the pixels so they would send easier.

I had no idea how to set up a booth and no equipment to do it with. I made stands out of old but free plumbing parts in the shape of crosses. I thought it was an appropriate display. I ran out to the discount fabric store and bought fabric from the bargain bin to make table drapes. I frantically started making tags, business cards and signs with the help of my baby sister, I call her Saint Michelle. Somehow, I pulled things together and went to the show with 36 pieces to sell. Needless to say, many people there had hundreds of pieces, but I was the only rosary maker there. I was breathless and so excited when I sold my first piece. I was delighted that I made a small profit. Most of all, I had a great time meeting people and talking about rosaries. I met the local Sheriff at that show and she bought a rosary. It was a great experience and I was ready to do my next one.

It has been years and I still enjoy seeing the people I met at that show and the others that followed.