08.03.20 Cluck, Cluck, Goose

There is nothing good about the Covid pandemic - absolutely nothing - but fortunately I am still able to connect with people I care about and find new ways to do things that bring me joy and satisfaction.

I've shifted my creative energy from the jewelry bench to the kitchen counter...I am cooking almost every day, and baking - something I haven't done much of before - a lot.  As a result, I'm going through vast amounts of produce, and eggs!

Back in March, eggs were one of the things that turned out to be difficult to get curbside from the grocery store, and my friend Dorsey, who owns HausBar farm, had an abundant supply (because the farm to table restaurants she sold to pre-pandemic weren't buying as many anymore).

You might remember her, and her fabulous goose, Gustavo, from a previous post...Dorsey and I have been friends since college.  She and her mom wrote a book about her urban farm in Austin - narrated by Gustavo - which I highly recommend.  I went to the book launch party, and wore my speckled hen pendant, and then made a goose pendant for Dorsey...

but I digress...back to the eggs...I signed up for her "farm to neighbor" website - where I am able to get farm fresh eggs, veggies and flowers, with a bonus (socially distanced, masked) visit with my friend every week or so.

Having eggs is critical right now, because I'm doing so much baking.

I haven't hopped on the sourdough train, but I'm baking muffins to eat in the morning and pound cake (to have with fresh peaches, berries, whatever is in season) for dessert in the evening...so I'm going through eggs at the rate of about a dozen a week.

It doesn't seem fair to write this without sharing the recipe, so here it is - from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

Until next time.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

INGREDIENTS

½ cup butter
3 eggs
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS

Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside.

In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.

In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, beating on medium speed about 10 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low to medium speed for 1 minute after each addition and scraping side of bowl frequently. Alternately add flour mixture and sour cream to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean.

Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan; cool completely on rack.

07.20.20 It's not about you...

...or me, it has to be about us - ALL of us.

The American myth has always been just that - our reality has never been that all [people] are treated as though we are created equal, or that there is opportunity, liberty and justice for all - even though that's what we've been taught, and want to believe.

The past few months have brought the problems of inequity and social injustice to the forefront of our national consciousness. Yes, it is going to be a painful conversation - but it also long overdue.

Mask from Resistance by Design

The list of challenges we face - poverty, racism, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia - is long and daunting...but not insurmountable.  There are things each of us can do (and that I see so many around me already doing) that can and will result in positive change, if we are willing to persevere.

There are simple things - like wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is about ensuring the safety of our community, just like obeying traffic laws when you drive a car.

You have to wear a seat belt when you get in your car. You have to drive on the right side of the road, and stop at intersections and for traffic signals.  When people fail to to drive safely, they put lives at risk - and no sane person goes on a tirade about traffic laws violating civil liberties. It's even easier to put on a mask (no behind the wheel training required) and it protects everyone.

(As I've written before, I work on my posts a week or two ahead and fortunately, since I started this one the Governor of Texas has made masks mostly mandatory in public places).

Mask from Irene Neuwirth
Covid plushie from Giant Microbes

Because it's not about you, or me - it's about everyone.

I'm actually starting to "amask" quite a collection - including one from jeweler Irene Neuwirth that was part of a fundraising effort for Campaign Zero - made from Liberty of London cottons -  it came with a lovely handwritten note from Irene!

But, high profile jewelers and designers are not the only folks working to raise funds and awareness for social justice causes. 

I used to tell my graduate students when I was teaching about civil rights and social justice - ordinary people often do extraordinary things - and that is how progress happens.

My donated fabric.
My friend Jennifer's sewing table

Here are a couple of examples:

When the CDC recommended everyone should wear a mask, several of my sewing friends began working hard to ensure that anyone who wanted a mask could have one.  

Knowing that these friends were making and donating masks motivated me to go through bins of fabric I had sitting in my laundry room (because at one time I thought I might go back to sewing when my nest emptied - but then I found metalsmithing) and donate it...

for years I'd been telling myself to take care of that chore, but I'm glad I waited.  It's been fun to see posts with my fabric being turned into masks for folks who need them.

Little things - like doing something I needed to do - turned into a bigger thing for other people (honestly, you would have thought I'd left bags of spun gold on my friend's doorstep). That's what it means to be part of a community.

In late May, as the Black Lives Matter protests started across the country, one of the members of the Ladysmiths of ATX was approached by a fellow artist about selling an item and donating the proceeds to a social justice non profit organization.  That exchange led to a huge online fundraiser that raised over $11,000.

In just a couple of weeks - by reaching out to their community of women and non-binary makers - they brought together over 90 artists who donated more than 200 items, and the proceeds were donated to several social justice organizations supporting Black lives.

When we come together, we can make change happen, and the actions we take are not necessarily overtly political...wearing a mask certainly shouldn't be...neither is shopping at the farmers' market, or getting take out from a local restaurant rather than a chain.  These are things that we can all do to keep our communities safe and strong - because this is about us (not you or me).

So, at least in these first two attempts, I've managed to touch on jewelry in my return to blogging - and it feels good to be writing - which is really why I started in the first place.

Until next time.

07.06.20 MoJo sez...

MoJo sez...

he's doing just fine in this time of Covid-19, in fact, he rather likes that someone is home all the time to let him in or out, and make sure his bowls are full of kibble and fresh water.

I don't know if he realizes - or cares - that the humans have not adjusted quite so well to this "new normal" (which frankly, doesn't feel normal at all)...

It's been almost four months since I was in the studio - and I miss it.  I am glad to report that Creative Side continues to be a going concern - they have reopened on a limited basis, and are taking extensive safety precautions. There is now an online shop, and the sales support keeping the studio open for members and for small group classes.

I was really hoping to go back this week, but because our [lack of] leadership in Texas decided to reopen pretty much everything in May, and new Covid cases have spiked - I've put my return on hold.

It's also been months since I wrote a blog post - and I'm trying to figure out how to ease back in.  It seems a bit frivilous to write about jewelry, but while that was usually the "hook", it never limited my range of topics or subject matter...and there is certainly a lot in the world to think and write about now.

Because I'm not in the studio, I'm filling my time with other things, and I think I'm finally finding some rhythm and routine...

Famers Market bounty

Sunday has become my favorite day of the week...

I get up and go to the farmers' market near our house. I head out early, before it gets too hot, and I'm home before lunch. I'd been occassionally in the years before - but it has definitely become my big outing - and the only place where I'm really around other people.

It's run by the Texas Farmers Market organization (a non-profit) and they are all about safety - face masks, social distancing, they even greet you at the entrance with a squirt of hand sanitizer, and a smile.   

I really look forward to seeing the vendors and brining home beautiful produce to eat all week. 

Winner, winner chicken dinner

Then in the evenings, we get carry out fried chicken from Dai Due - one of our favorite restaurants (where we have been weekend regulars since they opened in our neighborhood).  

Not only it is delicious, it gives me a break from cooking (which I am enjoying, and will probably write about), but I get to say hello to the staff, who are became our friends over the years of dining in.

I'm slowly starting to fill my week days with new policy work (pro bono, because I officially closed my consulting corporation last December), and with this post, a return to blogging.  

...and I certainly haven't given up on jewelry...

the last piece I finished in the studio was one for me, a carnelian pendant with MoJo's likeness on the back.

Last week, while I was scrolling through Instragram, these orange shell earrings from Me & Ro popped up - and I thought they would be perfect with the pendant (I was right), so I bought them as my souvenir for this year's missed vacation.

Photo credit: Me&Ro

As I said, I'm easing back into this - nothing profound or thought provoking today - but I'm working on that for future posts.

Until next time.

03.23.20 March Madness 2020

Photo credit: Washington Post

I usually write my blog posts a couple of weeks before I actually put them up...that gives me time to try to be thoughtful, edit, and avoid putting up something that feels - and reads - like it was rushed.

When I first started this post - before all hell broke loose mid-month - I was going to write about participating in #MarchMeetTheMaker on Instagram.  I still want to give British designer Joanne Hawker, a shout out.

Photo credit: Joanne Hawker

She started the hashtag - and the challenge - with the goal of getting makers share things about themselves - and learn about others - through a month long series of prompts and posts.

Participating has been a great distraction - and a way for me to think about what I want to do differently, and better - when I return to the studio.

For now, though, like pretty much everyone else I know, I am going to #stayhome.  Except for those folks who are now in their 80s and 90s (and at extreme risk if they contract Covid-19) who lived through the Great Depression or World War II, none of us have ever experienced anything quite like this.

It's scary and it's stressful...and we really don't know how long it's going to go on.  I've also been reminded of how many things I take for granted...

Being able to go to the grocery store...

here in Texas we have fabulous home grown grocer in HEB. They had been preparing for the possibility that folks would be told to stock up on non-perishable items, but even the laid plans were no match for the panic buying that took place last week.   To their great credit, not only did HEB get things mostly back on the shelves and under control in a matter of days, they continue to be at the forefront of supporting communities in Texas in times of distress.

Being able to spend time with other people...

thank goodness for modern technology and social media.  My husband is able to work from home, we are able to stay in touch with our friends and family, and although it is somewhat isolating, it would be so much worse if we could not communicate.

Being able to travel freely...

we were just starting to plan our summer vacation as the directives to close business and work from home began.  I am still hopeful that we will be able to get together with all our kids for a week this summer, but for now - all that is on hold.

Being able to pay bills...

we are so fortunate.  No one in our immediate family works in a job in the retail or service industry that has been shut down by this pandemic.  But we have many, many friends who have scaled back their businesses, or had to close them completely for the time being.  We are doing what we can to be supportive - but this is bigger than anyone can handle on their own.

I can't tell you yet whether or not I'll continue to post every two weeks...it honestly depends on how I'm feeling and if I think I have anything useful to say.

I am confident this won't go on indefinitely - but it could certainly be a while.  As communities around the world work through this - together - I am grateful for the support of each person who reads my blog.

Until next time - be well.

03.09.20 Tourist for a Day

This is the photo in my blog banner.  It is a collection of zircons from the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

I took it in the summer of 2013 (before I ever thought seriously about taking jewelry making classes) on a family vacation to Washington DC. I grew up in the DC suburbs, our family had a membership to the Smithsonian - and went often - this became my favorite exhibit more than 40 years ago.

In front of Calder's "Obus"

We were back in DC in February - it was a weekend of wall to wall family events - except for a few hours on our first day there...so, we hopped on the Metro and headed out to be tourists!

We started at the National Gallery of Art - also a favorite - especially the contemporary art in the East Wing. Not only did I see Calder's sculptures and mobiles, but there is a new Ellsworth Kelly installation in the foyer.

Ellsworth Kelly at NGA

While my own work tends to be much less abstract - I have always loved the incredible use of vibrant color by both of these artists.  I could (and have) spend hours in the museum's light filled atrium just meditating on the objects around me.

NGA Degas Art Mug

After soaking up some culture, grabbing lunch, and this fabulous new mug (link in the photo caption if you want one too) - we headed over to the Museum of Natural History...because a Smithsonian visit is not complete without a trip through the gems.

I spent a couple of hours meandering through the halls filled with rough and finished stone specimens...but it was different from my previous experiences...this time I was looking at the gems and minerals as a jeweler. 

Cross section of Spectrolite

I could identify things by sight - without first looking at the information labels - and as I walked through, I was thinking about the various pieces I had made using the stones in the glass cases.

It sounds silly, but I was almost giddy when I realized how much more meaningful it felt to come back to this place with new knowledge.



I decided to take photos - a lot of photos - of the various stones I have used in my work, and I created an album on Facebook.  Over time, my plan is to add photos of my jewelry made with these minerals and gems in the comments under the pictures from the museum.

I loved this turquoise grouping (of course I did) - especially the piece showing the bright blue in the matrix, which I use in so many pieces.



I knew when I started taking classes at Creative Side that I would learn new things, but I continue to be surprised at how much knowledge I've acquired - about myself, the creative process, and the world around me - beyond what I expected.

Thanks as always for joining me on the journey.

Until next time.

02.24.20 Blue Wave

Postcards: January 2017

If you are a regular reader of this blog, or follow my social media, it will come as no surprise that I have not been happy about the state of political affairs in our country for several years...

I started writing postcards to members of Congress just days after this administration took office, then Resistbot came along, and I began sending regular electronic missives to Washington...and those fell on deaf ears.

I am now back to writing postcards, but this time it is not to elected officials, but to voters (who will hopefully send new people to statehouses and Washington in November).

Through a grassroots organization called Postcards to Voters, I've been writing cards to voters all across the country encouraging them to sign up to vote by mail, and participate in special elections for Democrats running in key races.  It feels much more productive than writing to Washington - where at best I get nothing in response, and at worst I get horrible form letters with canned language that isn't really related to my original message at all.

Stone Maven Designs on Etsy

At first I was printing the cards myself, from templates on the PTV website, but as I started following the organization and other writers on social media, I discovered makers who were creating cards especially for the effort!  I thought what could be better than supporting fellow artists - so I bought postcards from sellers on Etsy!

The first set I bought came from Stone Maven Designs, featuring great drawings of blue waves...and suddenly I was inspired to create some blue waves myself - in jewelry (of course).

I had already ordered a beautiful larimar cabochon and it seemed like the perfect choice for a wave on the back!

Just FYI - I'm keeping this one.

Then, I started thinking about how I could create a relatively affordable "Blue Wave" piece, so that I could donate a portion of the proceeds to progressive candidates and organizations.


I had some success with this concept during the 2018 election cycle when I created and sold several "Blue for Beto" pendants.

I ordered some pieces of vintage blue glass (which is a lot less expensive than larimar, lapis, kyanite or any other blue stone I can think of) and made a prototype.

These pendants are available, starting at $125 with a glass cabochon - more for a stone -  and with each sale, I will make a $25 donation to the (state or local) Democratic candidate or cause of the buyers choice.

The pendants can be customized in a few ways...

I can put a wave or a state cut out on the back;

the buyer can choose their bezel wire (straight, serrated or scalloped);

Shop on Etsy

I can make the pendant with our without an outer twisted wire ring or patina;

and of course, I can make them with a stone cabochon (price to be determined at the time the pendant is commissioned).

So...if you'd like to support the Blue Wave, click the "Shop on Etsy" link below the photo, hit me up with a comment here or DM me on Instagram.

Creative Dem on Etsy

If you want write postcards and support other makers, follow the links above to Postcards to Voters, and get your cards from Stone Maven Designs, Creative Dem or Mary Likes Postcards - all on Etsy.

Mary Likes Postcards on Etsy

Democracy doesn't just happen - it takes engagement from every one of us.  

Make sure you are registered to vote. 

Become informed about the candidates running for office at every level of government, and then go participate.

As Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address (at a previous time when we were a very divided country), we are a nation "of the people, by the people, and for the people" - but only if the people participate.

Until next time.

02.10.20 Color of the Year

Photo credit: Pantone

I've always noticed - and even been amused - when Pantone announces their "Color of the Year", but this is the first time the selection provided any real inspiration for my jewelry.

I looked at the Classic Blue and thought...I love that color, and I actually have a lot of it in my jewelry wardrobe and my cache of cabochons...

...starting with lapis...





While trolling on eBay for (more) vintage earrings, I happened upon a pair of lapis drops just like the big turquoise ones I bought and converted to earwires...and thought - it's the color of the year - I've gotta have those!

Photo credit: Pantone

Then, I spent a little time on the Pantone site, including looking at their "complementary color guides" and dug into the stones in my collection for ideas.

In my stash was this gorgeous blue green azurite cabochon. I started there...setting it in a scalloped bezel and putting a heart on the back.  I think it looks like the earth from space, so I've named it "Love Your Mother".

Shop this pendant on Etsy

Maybe it was my subconscious, when I was creating a pendant inspired by our fragile planet, but next I decided to make a piece that provided some comfort, and maybe even a sense of protection for the wearer.

Shop this pendant on Etsy

I chose a piece of faceted lapis (from a lot of four that I purchased) and put a hamsa on the back.  I'm really pleased with this one, the color is beautiful and soothing.

Soldering 18K to argentium silver

Finally, for this blue series, I had an inspirational spark while watching television - and seeing Ted Muehling (a designer I love) earrings on the leads in both Blue Bloods and SVU...which got me to thinking about this lovely kyanite.  I decided to continue playing around with gold prongs on another pendant.







I definitely have a case of the blues for 2020 - in both a good and bad sense.  The state of the world is pretty overwhelming, but one of the best ways for me to manage it is in the jewelry studio, at the bench.





I imagine I will spend a lot of this year seeking to replace emotional blues with "classic" ones, set in silver and gold.


Until next time.