Remembering Croatian Jewelry

I took a trip to the country of my ancestors in 2017. While one of our tour guides was explaining about the history and beauty of Croatia I noticed a beautiful beaded bracelet on her wrist. I asked if she bought it locally. She said " Oh, there used to be a shop but they don't sell them any more. I would give you this one but I don't know where to replace it." She would have given it to me? Wow.

Now I really had to find one to remind myself of the this wonderful place and the kindness of the people. I kept my eye out but came home without my bracelet. I thought of making my own. There was a wooden clasp and lots of tiny beads strung in rows. How hard could it be? Lucky for me I ran across an add featuring my bracelet. Eureka. Needless to say, I made an order.

When my order came it took me back to that day learning about the architecture and wonder of the place while meeting the people that spoke the language I heard from my Great Grandmother. Now when I wear it I will think of that lovely guide and the amazing country of my ancestors.

While shopping in the Croatian stores I ran across other jewelry that was made locally and represented the area.

This is a Brac stone necklace made from limestone along the Dalmation coast. 

I saw lots of these filigree ball pendants in the shops. They are made with such detail .

Most of the Lictarsko ornaments I saw were made as a biscuit.
This design is from Zagreb. I love these that are made into jewelry.

I hope you have enjoyed these Croatian jewelry designs. Watch our videos about jewelry I am making in the studio.

Studio Chemicals

On Wednesday you'll be able to see our new Wisdom Wednesday about  Studio Chemicals. (https://youtu.be/ALhr9L5goTc)  I was able to use my latent acting abilities to portray a tough chemical worker. The things we do to catch the attention of our readers!! If you haven't seen it, check it out.  
    I have listed the chemicals we use in the studio and the sequence in which they are used. 

First we cut with our very own blend of cutting oil. We find that dipping the cutter before each score lubricates the cutting wheel just enough.

Here is the flux we use . We apply it with a flux brush to the copper foil for a smooth and bumpy free solder line.

Cleaning is my nemesis. No matter how much I scrub, I'm never quite satisfied with the result.

I start with CJ's flux remover (Just a dab will do ya) and a generous amount of water. This makes a plethora of suds so beware.   Another way to begin is to use a cleanser on the dry window and brush it into the crevasses until it gets in every hiding place, then rinse with water.

After wiping that down, give it a good spray of Kwik Clean. This also helps get rid of the pesky flux residue.

Now it's time to choose the color of your metal. If you decide to leave it silver you just pull a small amount of cotton from the can of Never Dull silverware polish. Spread this all over the metal parts (solder and zinc borders). After a vigorous buff you are finished.

If instead you have decided to use a patina you have two choices. Black patina is achieved by pouring a puddle here and there and spreading it on the solder. You can also use a brush to apply this. If you would prefer a bronze tone merely put some black patina on a rag and apply. After wiping the patina on then immediately rub it off for a bronze effect. As Mister Miyagi would say "Sand on, sand off."

Another spray of Kwik Clean and you can polish. We use Clarity polish (and Liva polish). Just put a small amount on a rag and rub it all around. Now your workout comes in handy. Give that window a buff it won't soon forget.

Here is a list of other chemicals you may want to use. Good luck and happy building.
Heavy Metal Hand Cleaner/ Cleanser / Windex (or any spray window cleaner)  Let us know if you have favorites you use!

Welcome Spring all Art Lovers

One of the joys of a working artist is to enter art shows and exhibits.It's sometimes intimidating but it helps to get your work in front of your adoring fans. This week I entered 6 shows. It was awesome. 

*  I'm waiting to hear from the judges to see if I get accepted in two shows

* I was excited to receive and Honorable Mention award in the UVAG show held at the Covey Center for the Arts.

* It was lovely to share the walls with Utah art educators at the Utah County gallery.

* The Grand Opening of the Brown Gallery is this week and they kindly asked for some of our windows to grace their space. We were pleased to be involved.

* I will have some stars hanging in a new gallery and work space,  Makers & co. They sell darling wood cutouts from their company "Wild Horse Timber".

     

Utah Valley Art Guild, Honorable Mention for the top window entitled  Matters of the Heart.

The Utah valley Art Guild is a group of talented artists who meet monthly. They invite artists to show and explain their work and answer questions from the audience about improving our own skills and sharpening our abilities. This month I was thrilled to hear from Lynde Mott about her amazing art. 

My dear friend and amazing artist, Lynde Mott. 

The Art Educators of Utah displayed at the Utah County Art Gallery located in the Health and Justice building in Provo,UT. The Utah County Arts Board provide a venue for local artists to show their work and enjoy a reception in accordance with the Art Walk every first Friday evening. 

The Art Educators show. This Piece is Oak Tree in The Garden.

Channeling the Universe is the title of the piece I entered in the Spring Salon at the Springville Museum of art . I am waiting for the verdict of the judges. 

Channeling the Universe.   I will fill you in on the details of this piece later. 

Entering shows is a great way to network and rub shoulders with your favorite artists. All of the pieces are for sale so that's also a good reason to enter. Bring on the Spring openings!

I made this cute cutout at Makers&Co. They offer classes in wood cutouts and more. Soon to have a stained glass class too! Have a beautiful Spring.