Face Metal Design

A Night of Noir

2010-05-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Come to Gallery 5 this evening at 7:00 for a Night of Noir, brought to you by River City Reads and Chop Suey. I will be opening up the evening by talking about River City Reads, Richmond's First City Wide Book Club. Then there will be readings of the short stories from Richmond Noir, written and edited by Richmond Locals.

This reading is free and open to the public and will feature readings by Mina Beverly, Conrad Ashley Persons, Tom De Haven, David L. Robbins, and Meagan J. Saunders. Co-editors Andrew Blossom and Brian Castleberry and authors X.C. Atkins, Laura Browder, and Anne Thomas Soffee will also be on hand to discuss their work, answer questions, and sign books.

I hope to see you there.

1Gb for RVA

2010-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Richmond, this could be really great. Check out the campaign to get Google to bring it's 1GB Fiber here. Look at 1Gb for RVA and see how easy it will be for you to help.

"What is Your Heart Made of?"

2010-02-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of the destruction in Haiti, the world is coming together to help Haiti rebuild. Advanced level jewelry/metal students from the VCU Craft/Material Studies department want to contribute in this effort by organizing a jewelry sale and donating the proceeds to the Red Cross.

Quirk Gallery will host the sale February 11th-13th. All jewelry pieces are affordably priced and made from a variety of materials that are both precious and mundane, yet all treated with the utmost care and love. Join the opening reception 6-8pm on February 11th to contribute in the complex effort of rebuilding Haiti.

Quirk Gallery is located at 311 W. Broad St.

Sale Dates and Times:
Feb. 11, 12-8pm
Feb. 12, 10-5pm
Feb. 13, 11-4pm
Opening Reception:
February 11th, 6-8pm

How Bizarre, How Bizarre....

2009-11-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this year's Bizarre Market located in the upstairs gallery of Chop Suey Tuey in Carytown. It will be a great show with over 50 vendors and all hand made art and crafts, perfect for your holiday gift list. Of course Face Metal Design will be representing and many other local artists. So after you are done with the stuffing head out to Tuey for the first pick. Happy Thanksgiving.

Goulash and GallowLily's

2009-11-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't know, GallowLily's is the small gallery located upstairs in Gallery5 next to their main gallery. Team 8 is having an all members show and planning to set up their screen printing equipment to help passersby pull prints all night, so don't miss the opening. Friday November 6th. 7pm. I have an amazing new piece there that I made in collaboration with Team 8 member (and new Husband!) Spencer Hansen. It's very Carra and titled Bird sans Bicycle. Come and Check it out!

Think Small!

2009-11-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while but I do still have a pulse and new work even! I am proud to announce that I have work in Think Small 5 at Artspace and ART 6 on Broad Street. ( My work will actually be at ART 6.)

There are a lot of talented artists that are entering this year. A couple of my favorites are

Tere Hernandez-Bonet

and

Karen Mullins

check it out "ultimate cosmic power......itty bitty living space."

re-emergence

2009-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." - Buddha

I am slowly coming out of my "shell" so to speak. I have had one hell of a summer and I am looking forward to the quiet self reflection and self imposed down time that fall provides.

I will say that I am ending the summer on an up note both personally and in my work. Having just seen several of my pieces at the WORK show at the Visual Arts Center and now some pieces are moving on to visit the gallery at Capital One in the west end of Richmond. (More on this as I receive information.)

Broad-en your Horizons

2009-06-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Come check out the good food and cool cool art that will be at the Broad Appetit Festival this Sunday, June 7th. Local restaurants and artists come together to bring out the best of RVA.

Spring Bada-bing

2009-04-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this Richmond Favorite Springtime tradition this weekend

Sunday April 19, 2009 11am - 4pm Plant Zero

I will not be there, This Time, but several great Richmond Crafters will, including

My Precious Studio Only one of Richmond's Greatest Jewelers!

Bada-boom! The 2009 Spring Bada-bing: The BOSS of all craft shows is here! Come join la famiglia for our 4th installment of the largest indie craft show in VA. The show will be at Plant Zero in Richmond's southside and, as always, will showcase artists and designers from across the country selling high quality, original handmade goods.

So, come check it out and have a great weekend!!

Spring Cleaning: out with the old, help someone new!

2009-03-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, as we welcome the change in seasons with longer daylight and warmer weather, it is a somewhat honored tradition to sweep away the old dust and blahs of winter with a good old fashioned spring cleaning. With the tossing of the old, you should take a moment to help someone new, well, at least new to you! The Visual Arts Center is in need of donations to help run it's programs. I know times are tight right now, and that's why I am sending a shout out. The Vis Arts is in need of the following:

Brayers

Screen printing screen/frames

Mat scraps

Phone books

Tarletans

Scissors

Plastic rulers

Metal tear bar (40”)

Etching needles

Squeegees

Soy inks

Welder’s curtain plus/minus 42” x 30” x 30”

Soldering irons

Stand-up easels

dress forms

white boards (the “new” chalk board – or even chalk boards)

drawing materials

paints (oil, acrylic)

papers

fabric

sewing machines in good working order

ironing boards

brayers for printmaking

anvils

wire

brushes

USB cords for cameras

Digital cameras

Stuff for still lives (Colored glass stuff, patterned fabrics, etc)

So if in your cleaning frenzy you you come across any of these objects, help a new friend out and send your love their way!

2009-03-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, ART 180, and Friends Association for Children are collaborating on a unique project called SOHO Space of Her Own, where 12 girls from the Gilpin Court area are working with a mentor to build life skills and create beautiful living spaces through a variety of creative projects. The 20-week program culminates with a weekend this April when the girls will transform their bedrooms using the art works they have created in SOHO alongside other renovations.

In conjunction with the room renovation project, we are seeking donations that will help the girls assemble more organized living and study spaces. The following new or gently used items are needed. Items should be appropriate for the bedrooms of girls aged 9-13:

Desks and desk chairs (small and lightweight)
Small bookshelves
Small dressers (tall preferred to wide)
Storage bins
Shoe organizers
Colorful, plastic coat hangers
Bunk bed frames or twin headboards (no mattresses, please)

We've arranged a drop off day for all donations:

date: Saturday, March 7 from 9 am - 1 pm

location: Paradise Garage, located off of Allen between Main and Cary Streets - across the street from the Visual Arts Center.

For more information, please call Betsy Kelly at ART 180 at 233-4180, or Sally Kemp at the Visual Arts Center at 353-0094 x 223.

Thank you for supporting SOHO!

Take a moment....

2009-02-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

and hug someone that you love.

Have the COURAGE to stand up for LOVE!

2009-02-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

Please check out this video from The Courage Campaign and forward it on to friends and family (esp. those who live in California). Just a reminder that you should always fight for LOVE!

Ken Starr, who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, filed a legal brief last month -- on behalf of the "Yes on 8" campaign -- that would forcibly divorce 18,000 same-sex couples that were married in California last year before the passage of Prop 8.

Watch "Fidelity" and sign our letter to the state Supreme Court before they hear oral arguments in the case on March 5. Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry. DEADLINE EXTENDED: March 2.

332,172 people have signed this letter (as of Monday, February 23). Our new Courage Campaign community goal is 350,000 signers.

Help Save Gallery 5

2009-02-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

For the past four years, Gallery5 has introduced to Richmond an entirely new concept in the presentation of cutting-edge art and creative live performances. From the critically acclaimed “Disrobed” and “Disrobed 2” - the highest-attended art openings in Virginia history; to the “Carnival of Five Fires” - three nights of art, entertainment, and ribald revelry; and hundreds of unequaled exhibits, performances, and socially-conscious presentations, programs and campaigns throughout the years, Gallery5 has been the beacon of hope and creativity for thousands of emerging artists and entertainers.

Gallery5, housed in a 160 year-old, National Historic Landmark building, now finds itself in a very precarious position. The tens of thousands of loyal volunteers, artists, performers and guests who have combined to make Gallery5 one of the most popular art destinations in Richmond, have also been responsible for the wear and tear to the building that now must be addressed, without the necessary funding to do the work.

Without an immediate influx of adequate funding to address this serious situation, Richmond will lose this valuable historic resource. As most of you already know, Gallery5 has always been a labor of love, operated and maintained entirely by volunteers. It is our hope that the thousands of visitors who have been treated to a cacophony of unique sights and sounds each and every month will now come to our aid so that Gallery5 can continue to provide quality, innovative and enriching art, entertainment and exhibits to patrons for years to come.

The goal is to raise $175,000 to maintain both the historic building and Gallery5, we need your support. All donations, monetary or in-kind, are tax deductible. Even the smallest donations are appreciated.

A few of Gallery 5's critical needs:
-Roof repairs
-Exterior repairs
-Interior Water Damage
-Replacement awnings
-Electrical upgrade
-Heat and Air Upgrade
-Floor Repairs (Sanding, Repainting, Refinishing)
-Painting (Interior and Exterior)
-Equipment Repair and Upgrade
-Cleaning Services
-Gas Line Repair
-Mac Computer for Office and Internship Program
-Musical Equipment

Gallery5 currently pays over $4, 000 a month for its utilities, mortgage and insurance.
This does not include monthly licensing, taxes, maintenance and other professional services.

We are now placing Gallery5’s future in the hands of our loyal supporters and friends. If you are in a position to assist us, all of our faithful volunteers will be eternally grateful for your unselfish support for this Richmond icon.

How do I donate:?
You can make a donation via check, money order, credit card or paypal. If you would like to make an in-kind contribution, please email gallery5@gallery5arts.org

Our paypal link is listed below. Please enter what you would like to see your donation go towards.

Pay Pal

or

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2986253

Checks can be made payable to “Gallery5” and mailed to:

Gallery5
200 West Marshall Street
Richmond Virginia, 23220

If you would like to make a donation over the phone with a credit or debit card, please call 804 644 0005 or email gallery5@gallery5arts.org

Please Help Keep this Richmond Landmark Alive!!

Arrrrrggghhh, me maties!

2009-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

A good time was had by all this past weekend at the Gasparilla Festival in Tampa Florida. I went down to hang out with my awesome crew and get some much needed R & R and inspiration for my new line of jewelry. (Yes, you will see, soon, very soon.) Over a weekend of pillaging, looting and drunkenness I managed to find inspiration in the beautiful city. There were so many urban gardens and beautiful, cascading Spanish moss was hanging from almost every tree! The weather was amazing to boot! So, all rested, I will start work on a very organic spring line of jewelry for FMD. I can't wait!

Cabin Fever Anyone??

2009-02-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

It is about this time of year, when winter drags on to what seems like eternity, that we long for a hint of summer. Anything to let us know that it will be warm again! I know this feeling well and I am heading to Florida for some inspiration and seashells! As you know, I love found objects, especially shells and beach glass. It is these objects that evoke longtime childhood memories of fun in the sand and sun!! Check out what I have in my ETSY store now and I will let you know what I found in Fla and was inspired to create!

Love is in the Air....

2009-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

That's right, the season of love is upon us and Valentine's Day is creeping up fast. Check out Face Metal Design for unique, all handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces for your special someone. Face Metal Design is now on ETSY!! Coming very soon, more ETSY pictures and pieces! I have a small selection of beautiful pieces up for the approaching holiday so you can check it out and shop. I will let you know as soon as I spread the love around with more great jewelry!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

2008 was a great success due in large part to all of my awesome clients, the rest was just sheer luck! I want to thank everyone who has made Face Metal Design a part of their fashion world. Best wishes this year and I am looking forward to 2009!!

Make yours a Handmade Holiday!!

2008-12-12T04:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Face Metal Design Holiday Party, enjoying an evening of fun, snacks and meeting new friends. I look forward to the coming year and best wished to all. Just a reminder, the Handmade Holiday Craft show put on by the Richmond Craft Mafia, is being held at The Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main St. There is preview party tonight, Friday 12/12, from 7 - 10. There is an entry fee on Friday, $15 at the door, $10 in advance, to help support local crafters but it is free and open to the public on Saturday December 15th from 10am - 5pm. Come take a sneak peak tonight or check it out tomorrow!! I hope to see everyone there.

FMD Holiday Party

2008-12-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the wonderful people that came out in support of Face Metal Design. I wanted to say thank you to all of my clients that have made this year a prosperous one! I hope to see you all next year at the 3rd annual Face Metal Design Holiday/Client Appreciation Party!!

The Holidaze are here!!

2008-12-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for the chaos to ensue? Here begins the countdown to the New Year and the lovely holiday we know as Christmas. Yes, there are other holidays that fall in the wonderful month of December, but none bring about the panic and flurry of shoppers that Christmas does. If you are one of the millions that will be shopping and looking for that really unique gift for that special someone? Look no further friend, you have found that place. I will have many unique, handmade, and beautiful pieces of jewelry and small objects for purchase at one of many local craft fairs and locations around the city in the coming weeks. This weekend includes: First Friday on the art walk, aka Broad St. downtown, The Fawn Shop will be open until 10pm with many local crafters, North Side craft show, aka LGRA craft show on Saturday from 10-5, Sunday will be the Face Metal Design holiday party from 5 until 9. I look forward to seeing you around Richmond this weekend!! Happy Holidaze!

the fawn shop

2008-11-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Richmond's newest artventure... the fawn shop!! This is a very limited seasonal shop held and created by RVA's local crafters and artists. Located conveniently on the art walk at 201 W. Broad St. Hours are from 11 - 7 Monday through Friday and 11 - 5 on Saturday. Nothing in this city is open on Sunday, too many hungover people.

You should check it out as I will be there representing Face Metal Design and of course there will be others over 20 local artist! There is also a Face Book group, check them out and make some new friends. We look forward to seeing you there.

Another wonderful event brought to you by the Richmond Craft Mafia!

Exciting Things for December

2008-11-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again, where everyone is working their fingers to a frazzle getting ready for the holiday season and all it's glory! I am in queue with everyone else getting ready for the busy season and I have several shows and events planned for the next month. Up first is the 5th Annual Ginter Park Show on Saturday December 6th at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222. The show will be from 10 am - 5pm and so many different vendors will be there with various goods all artfully done. It's a great local show that you don't want to miss!

Directly following the LGRA show I will have my 2nd Annual Face Metal Design Holiday Party; Sunday December 7th from 5 until 9 pm. This is my way of thanking all of my loyal customers and supporters of my very fledgling business. I will have cocktails and various hors d'oeuvres for all that attend. Formal invitations will be arriving soon so save the date and I hope you can make it!

The Following weekend is the Handmade Holiday Craft show put on by the Richmond Craft Mafia and held at The Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main St. on Saturday December 15th from 10am - 5pm. There will be a preview party the night before, Friday 12/12, from 7 - 10. Come see all of Richmond's awesome craft people in an amazing art space!

More updates and news to come.

Outside Looking In

2008-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

In my busy life it is hard to find the time to truly sit down and make art. So, when it does happen I feel so inspired and excited that it perpetuates an avalanche of new work. Currently the piece that started the mental slide is pictured here. It is a brooch made of sterling sliver, found twigs, robin egg shell (found broken on the ground), pearl and amazonite. I love this piece! I hope that you will find it equally inspiring and want to run out and make art. Currently I am working at a feverish pace creating new one-of-a-kind pieces for my upcoming shows around the area. Here is a sample of what is to come as the HOLADAZE approach.

12/6 - Annual LGRA Holiday Show at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Association [3421 Hawthorne avenue on the Northside] From 10-5

12/7 - Face Metal Design Holiday Party, Eat, Drink and be Dazzled!! Thank you party for all that support Face Metal Design.

12/12 - Handmade Holiday Craft Show at the Visual Arts Center

Be on the lookout for future posts with more details about these events!

Paper Parade

2008-10-03T10:57:00.001-07:00

Come check out Team 8 Press at Small Press Expo in Bethesda, MD! They will be there this weekend and in full swing. I have been busy working with Spencer and some of the other members on my hot new paper pendants made from test print samples from several artists work. These one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces will be available this weekend at SPX at Team 8's table. Come and spend the day with many of the east coasts premier print artists. Thanks!

Crafty Scene

2008-10-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

It's official, my very first Crafty Bastards was a hit! The day was long and slightly overwhelming but I am glad to have been invited to come along. Heck, I wouldn't have even been there if it wasn't for Spencer, his Team 8 Press really has him busy with different craft fairs and events, literally every weekend for the next few weeks( hint, hint, check out the link so you don't miss the upcoming shows). So, the festival was fun and super-busy with so many awesome vendors, music and some food that I could smell. We were so busy that it was impossible to get much further than a few tents down from our own. So here's a shout out to both my families that came to support me and good friends that always know how to make me smile, thanks for the perpetual support and love, even though I only got to see you for a millisecond. Also, many thanks to all the new peoples that thought Face Metal Jewelry was awesome enough to buy some of your very own! This is one craft festival I really want to participate in again next year. The location was amazing, the staff were helpful and NICE and the event was well organized and marketed. What more can a crafty girl want? (hint, KILN)

Fall in love with this seasons Jewelry.....

2008-09-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

The cool breeze, crisp air and the warm colors on the trees, all signal that FALL is here and everyone knows that means new fashions are hitting the runway and stores. I really love fall fashions, they are a bit more expressive than summer's whimsical and airy affairs. Fall is a good time to work on your collection of statement jewelry and add to your signature look. That brave and bold piece that's oh-so-you can be paired with so many other simple items in your cache. Large chunky pieces will be paired with smaller whimsical ones to create a beautiful balance with whatever fall fashions you pair them with. Look into chunky brooches, big bangles, large necklaces and more!

Check out some of the great new looks that the cool weather has inspired me to create on the site.( to be fully uploaded by the end of the week)
You'll find pearls interspersed with a multitude of natural and semiprecious beads,and if you add unconventional elements to these stones such as feathers, sea glass, and found objects, it will give you a look all your own!

Crafty Bastards

2008-09-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all!! Spencer of Team 8 Press,(my hubby to be) and I will be in DC this weekend working the scene at the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair. Checking out all the cool hand made stuff. So you should come too!! Let me know if you have any questions about the event or you can check it out on your own. See you soon!!

Every Dollar Helps

2008-09-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is the last week to turn in your Change-for-a-10 dollars, so if you too are one of those people waiting until the last minute, please don't wait any longer, get yours done today!!

Change is in the air

2008-08-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, fall, a change of season, back to school for some of us and while we are all thinking of these things let's think mostly of change. Art 180 is celebrating it's 10th anniversary with The Change for a Ten campaign. Having supporters of it's program raise awareness and funds for everything that Art 180 represents. You may ask "how can I help?", well, you can make your own statement by making a piece of art that represents what CHANGE you want to see in the community and send it in with your $10 donation that will help fund future programs for children. So please check out ART 180 and all of the wonderful things that they do in our community.

Also Known as Love

2008-07-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have had the time, energy, strength and passion to write for myself. I am begining the slow, but necessary process of pulling myself out of my slump and will come to create again. I am inspired today by a lady 10 years my junior, who has seen war, and the great sadness that comes with that and is being an inspiration to herself and others through her creativity. Fifteen year old refugee Lovetta Conto came from war torn Liberia and has since moved to the United States where she has started her own campaign for hope and awareness through art and her jewelry business AKAWELLE. Please check out this amazing story and get to see her beautiful jewelry as well.

Precious Things

2008-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those reflective moments we have in life, when we have lost something dear to our hearts. Carra Jacqueline Sowers Rose, my grandmother, namesake and one of the most beautiful people that I know has passed away after 72 amazing years in this life. I will post late the piece that I am making in honor of her. I just wanted to take this moment to remember.

North Side Craft Show!!

2008-04-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Come out to the best craft show to hit RVA!! I will be out at The Ginter Park spring craft show this Saturday, May 17 from 10am to 4pm at Lewis Ginter Recreation association [3421 Hawthorne avenue on the Northside] It's got a ton of local artists including Team 8 Press, and of course my self. Come and check it out!!

CRAFTONISTAS MAY FAIR!!!!!

2008-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that I will be taking part in the Designer and Artist Fair hosted by Virginia Craftonistas. It will be held on Saturday May 10th at the Clarendon Grill, 1101 N Highland Street in Arlington VA. So come out for good food and great Art from 10 am to 4 pm. If you have any questions about the event feel free to contact me.

Digital Drama

2008-04-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am trying to be a good girl and be more involved with the community, especially the art community. So as a result I went with some lovely friends of mine to the symposium that VCU + ETSY + QUIRK held and I learned a bit about the way the internet market, of which I am really hesitant still, works with and against the community market. I have made it a focus of mine to try to work as local as possible and have yet to use my website as little more than a visual tool, a portfolio of sorts, to promote my work. I would like to sell online but this raises issues of where I am shipping to. So I am looking into it a bit more and I might have my own ETSY shop soon. Which I will let everyone know when that happens. If not that a bit more user friendly Facemetal site that the Richmond Locals can shop at and I can deliver the goods locally. If anyone has anything to say about this I'd love to know what my adoring public has to say.

Visiting New Territory

2008-03-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

In recent days I have gone into uncharted territory with my jewelry and I am really enjoying the results. Spencer Hansen of Team 8 Press and my fiancée (had to slip that one in), just finished a collaboration project and I am very impressed with the results. He designed, and illustrated a very simple feather design and we did a 2 color screen print on recycled leather. I then affixed the finished small print to a hammered silver necklace with cast twigs and the ending result can be seen at Chop Suey on Cary street. I haven't gotten a photo of it yet but that will come soon.

On Mindfulness......

2008-03-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am in a time of meditation about where I will take my next step forward in my work, my art and my life. I have been thinking about this step in my creative process and the time that I take to research what I feel I should be doing next, looking for the next step, rather than grabbing aimlessly, it makes for a softer landing.

on Mindfulness...
Mindfulness is the state of being mindful. To be mindful is to be aware of one's thoughts, actions or motivations. Mindfulness (Pali: Sati; Sanskrit:smṛti स्मृति ) plays a central role in the teaching of the Buddha where it is affirmed that 'correct' or 'right' mindfulness (Pali:sammā-sati; Sanskrit samyak-smṛti) is an essential factor in the path to liberation. It is the seventh element of the Noble Eightfold Path, the sadhana of which is held in the tradition to engender 'insight' and 'wisdom' (Sanskrit: prajñā).

So with that thought, statement and rambling, I will take some time to research and meditate on my next step.

¡Feliz cumpleaños a mí!

2008-03-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Ahh, as another year passes I will reflect on the growth and change that I am so proud of myself for. I have set goals and achieved them, except for winning the lotto, but I will get there in good time. I just want to take a moment to thank everyone in my life who has had any part in making this all possible, friends, family and lovers. I love you all and you have made my dreams and passions a tangible reality, thank you. So, ¡Feliz cumpleaños a mí! I got my wish!!!

HASHing out New Ideas

2008-03-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

I have been in a bit of an artistic slump lately. Everyone goes through periods of this in their life, but for artists, I have found it to be a bit of a nightmare. I rely on my work to be new and exciting. So I am going through this when I have to stop off at Quirk on Broad St. to check in on my work and see how everyone there is doing. I walk in and I am standing in front of a wall of Arthur Hash's work. I went to school with Arthur back in the day, and I have seen him here and there on the scene in RVA but you know how life is, busy. So I haven't really paid attention to his work in a while. I would just like to say, the man is doing well. His works were beautiful and inspiring. So to cut a long and drawn out story short, I became inspired and I will let you know what happens later. Here is to inspiration, thanks Arthur.

spRING Fever

2008-02-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

It's the bitter end of February and spRING Fever is in the air! You know you want them, the newest hottest rings around. I have been checking out a lot of sites lately and I have been seeing the alternative resources for metal rings come up a lot lately. My favorite material is very renewable and EVERYWHERE this spring...WOOD. Yes, wooden rings are awesome and I have a few here to share. I am playing with different accent materials and painted wood. I really like where this is going so let me know if you do too. The rings below clockwise from the top are: white painted wood ring with reclaimed rhinestones($35), black painted wood ring with copper embellishment($28), clear coated Poplar with silver tube($40), and carved Delrin($22).
Other cool sites to check out wooden rings:
Simply Wood Rings
Tropical Grains
Touch Wood Rings

BRICK

2008-02-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

OK, so this one is going to be shameless and quick. I am on the cover of BRICK and there is a really good article that corresponds. You should check it out. Pls K Thx!

Stuff

2008-02-17T18:33:00.000-08:00

As more and more of my attention is focused toward the part I play on this earth I can't help but note that not everyone thinks the same way. As a society we have been told to consume to be good little Americans. We are given incentives, credit cards and guilt trips to fuel the fire that isn't necessary. We obey and as a result, we have undoubtedly trashed our planet to the point of crisis and now are wondering, What Happened? We happened, we have to be better at how we handle the fragile ecosystem we have been place in. We have to work for a style of life that isn't toxic; not only for our planet and ourselves but for the future generations that have yet to be. I am providing a link to The Story of Stuff, a quick insightful clip about our consumer habits and what we need to do to get them in check. Thank you.

I heart Craft

2008-02-10T17:04:00.001-08:00

To be able to live in a place so endlessly rich with treasures for the sprit is satisfying beyond any measure. I find with every passing day that Richmond has so much to offer its’ citizens. This past weekend for example: Environmental film fest at the Byrd, presidential candidates at the Siegel Center, and the one I did get to attend, The Richmond Craft Mafias' crafter’s social at the Camel, 1621 W Broad St, Richmond, VA.
A very awesome group of talented individuals gathered under the banner of craft and formed the group in 2005. It has been a growing force in Richmond ever since. I had the grace of time on my side this afternoon and got to meet and greet the peeps that are making it happen. For more info on the group, check out the site!

'tis the Season!

2008-02-03T17:21:00.001-08:00

As winter passes into spring, it also brings about the season's most wonderful phenomenon, Spring Brides!! I wanted to touch on the subject for the many lovely ladies in my life that have this wonderful event ahead of them. As overwhelming as they can be, weddings are a wonderful time for everyone as long as they are well planned for. Having the finer details tended to by people who are suited to that specific job make the brides wedding plans flow that much smoother. Why not dole out jobs that you would rather not do, like menu planning, organizing the guest list and coordinating the many outfits and gowns with accessories. So many areas of a wedding party are touched by jewelry that it is essential to pay attention to detail. By having one person cater to all the areas of the weddings jewelry, from the brides maids, to the mother's and especially the brides, you create a flow and unity to the look of the wedding that is often overlooked. I have fashioned a look for several different weddings that set them apart from the rest by creating the linear progression that the brides craved. Here is just a sample of what I can do. Please let me help to minimize what you have to think about on your special day by creating a unique and individual experience just for you.

I would love to be a part of your wedding! So if there are any questions that I can answer I would love to sit down and talk with you about what you have in mind. Thank you so much.

Carra

New Visions New Ventures

2008-01-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hello again from the depths of the basement studio. It's Sunday and that means I get to rave about my soap-box issue of the week. This week it will be about how awesome the people are at New Visions New Ventures in downtown RVA. I am currently attending a business planning class there and I cannot stop talking about it. They are a non-profit group that helps women entrepreneurs get ahead in the business world by building skills and confidence. I am fortunate to have such a resource at hand starting my business. It is definitely worth checking out the site, I have a link below.

I will have cool new rings out next week. Just in time for Valentines Day! Very neat wooden rings with sterling silver inlay and some with crystals inset. These are a hot new item that I have been seeing come up on the scene more and more. I hope that you like the way I am going to interpret them.

Last but not least, Valentines day is fast approaching and for anyone that wants to buy their sweetheart a gift should check with me for options and possibilities. I have lots of cool stuff for the adventurous type and I can also make custom work if it needs to be toned down a bit.

Thanks everybody. Tune in next week for more exciting news and cool jewelry. Hopefully the rings will be a hit.

Mouse Trap Jewelry

2008-01-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

As promised I am updating my site every Sunday, so people can keep up with the awesomeness. This past week was not as eventful as hoped but I did finish and Have submitted this FUN piece that I made for Ready Made Magazine. They are a fun publication that encourages and supports the do-it-your-self crowd. Check out the link below to see what they are about. I will update further when all entries have been submitted and I know what has happened to my piece.

This week also marks the beginning of the fantastic jewelry class that I teach at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond on Main st. It's a great way for kids from 8-12 to get a better idea of what art can be. Not only do they have MY fantastic jewelry class but many other various forms of art as well. Check out the link to the site in the side bar to see what classes are coming up next. I am also teaching a class further into the spring. I will give an update on that before registration begins.

Last but not least, Valentines day is fast approaching and for anyone that wants to buy their sweetheart a gift should check with me for options and possibilities. I have lots of cool stuff for the adventurous type and I can also make custom work if it needs to be toned down a bit.

Thanks everybody. Tune in next week for more exciting news and cool jewelry.

Copper Skull Pendant made by Skull-a-Day creator Noah Scalin

2008-01-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

This was an awesome piece that Noah had asked for my help on for his Skull-A-Day project. He came up with the image of this cool skull and I helped him create it from copper sheet. This was a great project and I had a blast teaching Noah how to work with metal! I will be making a limited edition of 5 of these in sterling silver and selling them for $300 each. Please email me for more details or you can Buy Now by selecting the button below.