tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389021302012-01-05T04:21:09.609-06:00This is where I share my thoughts on my work and the interesting things I see around me. To purchase my goodies go to lucybluestudio.etsy.comJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-21278882974237021852011-10-22T21:52:00.000-05:002011-10-22T21:53:07.928-05:00

This is such a cute idea. No idea where it came from but I like it...

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-65975663086975838302010-02-05T14:38:00.001-06:002010-02-05T14:38:37.499-06:00

I'm not sure why it took me so long to fire my first batch of ceramic pieces. I've had my kiln for 2 years, fired PMC (Precious Metal Clay) in it and for my birthday last year, bought myself a block of clay. I stayed in my studio for days playing with the clay, re-familiarizing myself the texture and work time. I made some really cute stuff and rediscovered my love for basically playing in the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-21920337930518764882010-01-13T16:20:00.003-06:002010-01-13T16:29:45.588-06:00

Wow, the holiday season was a busy time for all of us it seems. Running 2 crafty businesses with a full time job can takes it's toll but it was fun. I am all set to clean out my studio and get cracking on some new designs for Lucy Blue Studio.Along with that, the girls and I have been working out the new hours for The WonderCraft's new boutique located behind the Art Pad at 4520 Burnet Rd. We

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-34207190709854289222009-10-07T16:01:00.004-05:002009-10-07T16:12:22.155-05:00

I found this project on Design*Sponge and decided to alter it a bit to suite my taste. I loved the colors they had picked out so I stuck with that. I have no sewing skills and don't really browse around in the sewing supplies either so I had no idea what sort of fuseable interfacing to use. I picked the wrong stuff. It was too thick and when I tried to iron it the only way I could get it hot

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-49385433814642636512009-10-04T20:55:00.005-05:002009-10-04T21:01:00.054-05:00

So, I spent the weekend working on the fun stuff for my costume. My dad gave me this great blue hat that I spruced up with some feathers and a flower. I used the same feathers and flowers to embellish one of those mini hats that seem to be so popular on Etsy these days. Now I just have to decide which one to wear. They are both really cute.I also made some jewelry that makes it look like my head

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-46956899053616616602009-09-09T00:47:00.002-05:002009-09-09T00:48:07.343-05:00

When you ask crafters where they find inspiration you get the standard answers of nature, other crafters, family, etc, etc. Makes sense. We are products of our environment and what we surround ourselves with. Which is why I decided to focus on my grandmother as a source of inspiration this week. My grandmother just celebrated another birthday this past Sunday and I am continually amazed at how

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-75997354572029852282009-08-31T11:55:00.001-05:002009-08-31T11:55:52.233-05:00

Mold making is fun and easy. It also helps open up new possibilities in so many crafty areas. Love your vintage button collection but don't want to use it up? Have a necklace design in mind but can't find enough beads to complete it? Love sculpting figures but can't seem to reproduce your favorite creations? Well, there are several simple mold making techniques you can try to help solve those

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-2984307839174949512009-08-20T20:48:00.001-05:002009-08-20T20:50:12.542-05:00

There is still room in my class next Wednesday evening. Such a flexible skill to learn.I made all these stamps to work on a book making project. I used black ink and stamped them on white paper. Then, after the ink was dry, the images were scanned so they could be used on my digital projects but still maintain a hand made feel.Rubber Stamp Carving - Adults - 8/26/09

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-80206707369003752782009-07-02T12:00:00.001-05:002009-07-02T12:00:22.913-05:00

I've been getting a kick out of Neill Cameron's blog for the past few weeks. He has been doing an A-Z of Awesomeness (or going through the alphabet letter by letter and doing a really great comic-inspired illustrations). Here is a link to his explanation. My favorites so far have been the D and the J. Lately, I have been reveling in my geeky predisposition. I don't even mind that I have become a

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-64496661789621892082009-06-18T02:02:00.003-05:002009-06-18T02:12:06.023-05:00

Come out and join me and 2 other talented EtsyAustin members, Kim of Devil Girl Design and Camille of Diamonds and Guns at the Roller Derby this weekend. Click the picture to go to the official website for all the pertinent information! It is guaranteed to be a good time.See you on the track!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-64307271959479633942009-05-08T01:26:00.006-05:002009-05-08T01:35:15.842-05:00

Figured I'd continue with the cartoon images I've been coming up with and retool my robots. You can't have enough geeky designs as far as I'm concerned. And now that I received my cufflink blanks (finally! Yeah!) I needed new designs to work with. The circuit board pictures just begged for an illustrated robot to accompany them. He's almost smiling! He's trying his best. Look for them in my Etsy

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-53056765220806670622009-04-22T13:40:00.006-05:002009-04-22T13:49:38.740-05:00

It is such a beautiful day in Austin to be celebrating Earth Day. Here are some of my favorite recycled/upcycled, Earth Day themed items from the Etsy Austin Street Team. For more Etsy Austin goodness, type in teametsyaustin in the Etsy search bar.Pigsey ArtChristine Terrell of adaptive reUseGlint Gear

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-54946835141235742732009-04-21T16:31:00.002-05:002009-04-21T16:36:00.660-05:00

http://craftymishmash.blogspot.com/ Beth from Crafty Mishmash and The Snuggle Herd posted an interview with me on her blog. Check it out!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-6180186670469533132009-04-14T15:48:00.006-05:002009-04-14T15:59:59.737-05:00

I just want to say that Austin Handmade is doing a wonderful job with their market. Even with the sketchy weather we had plenty of foot traffic. I'm sure we would have had even more if the sun had decided to make an appearance. Here are a few shots of my booth.Lug standing guard under the table where it is safeI also spent the weekend with some of my new plants. I'm going to try my hand at a

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-48211510285128437252009-04-10T15:24:00.004-05:002009-04-10T15:31:39.553-05:00

The market is going on this Saturday, April 11th from 12 pm-6 pm at 507 West Mary Street (next to the Soup Peddler.) The weather should hold during the day and give everyone a great head start on shopping for Mother's Day and Father's Day. I didn't attend the last one but I heard it was a great event and everyone had lots of fun. Come out and see my new designs!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-88211835060201271172009-04-10T13:46:00.009-05:002009-04-10T15:34:16.308-05:00

I figured I'd celebrate Good Friday and the upcoming Easter Sunday with a few fun facts I've collected along with a little peek into my own family traditions.A Pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. (from wikipedia). This image is of the world's

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-91326894861079799462009-04-09T17:33:00.006-05:002009-04-09T17:44:45.885-05:00

Just got an unexpected phone call from the lovely Anne Marie Beard of The Lone Star Ladies. I'll be a last minute edition to The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin. It is going on Saturday, April 18th from 11 until 5 p.m. So check out the website and Hope to see you there! I'll be there with some of my new designs.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-26020142641289681322009-03-31T17:59:00.008-05:002009-04-10T15:33:14.629-05:00

Last week I posted about some of my favorite Doctor Who Etsy finds and said I would be working on my own designs for my belt buckles. Well, I did a set of three. The buckles aren't ready yet but I figured I'd post a sneak peek of the designs. A girl has to do something while waiting for new episodes.I was determined that the Dalek design wouldn't be my favorite because everyone loves them, but it

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-76695473977531258682009-03-27T19:05:00.005-05:002009-03-27T19:58:27.395-05:00

I wasn't going to blog today until I found this. So I'll make it short and sweet. This is for all of the design and typography nerds out there. It isn't the first clever kern accessory but I like it. It made me smile. You can find it at plastique's etsy shop.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-31261911525451567102009-03-26T17:47:00.009-05:002009-03-26T19:42:57.634-05:00

I recently built another contraption with a new twin lens reflex camera in order to do TtV photography. My first attempt was with a Kodak Duaflex II camera but I went back to ebay to find a plain old Duaflex. It seems to work better. I also attached a lens hood to the front of the contraption to help with the lens flare problem. I'm still getting a small blue vignette on the right side of the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-45104084895430593912009-03-24T14:33:00.011-05:002009-03-24T15:06:47.116-05:00

Where to start? Food is always my favorite part of any event and I had several new experiences while tending my booth in the Guero's parking lot this weekend. First, a unique flavor combination from a pollo asados trailer on S. 1st and Oltorf—baked potato with carne asada. (The link is just to one of many pollo asado places in town but I think the Oltorf location might be one of the only ones

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-22847666903041103742009-03-18T13:58:00.009-05:002009-03-18T14:37:12.502-05:00

My friends know I tend toward geeky behavior. Most of the time I just associate with geeks, pick up what is going on in comics, movies, video games and tv shows by osmosis, occasionally dabbling myself. I tend to be a little pickier than my friends about what I will spend time on because I spend most of my day in my studio and that leaves little time for other things. My last geeky obsession was

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-55759009574963110772009-03-16T16:05:00.006-05:002009-03-16T16:18:20.853-05:00

Here is Austin we have just gotten through another cold front with days of rain and no sunshine. Today has been the warmest in awhile and it has put me in great mood. I want to share some of my recent Etsy finds that have also put me in a good mood.Cute felted chick from Siiri's ShopPaper Mache Chicken from DodadChickCeramic Bowl by Prince Design UK

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-45937449301768638872009-03-16T11:48:00.002-05:002009-03-16T12:05:02.777-05:00

Ms. Rachel of So She is Gold is the winner. I like the idea of an international Miss Pickle :) I see you are in Austin and, cross-my-heart, I didn't look until after I picked the winner, but that does make it a bit easier to deliver the goods. Thanks to everyone who participated. Keep checking back to see what else I might be giving away. Also going to have promotion in my shop sometime soon to

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-85459753679810948772009-03-13T16:32:00.008-05:002009-03-13T20:24:03.839-05:00

What is Miss Pickle saying? My cleverness is all tapped out and I would love some help with this. Leave a comment and tell me what she is telling you. Contest is open until Sunday, the 15th. I will pick my favorite and you will win this before anyone can buy it:Crow Belt Buckle Make me laugh, be clever. If you make me fall out of my chair and my drink comes out my nose, you win! Try to keep it

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-3897080637100867622009-03-11T12:32:00.008-05:002009-03-11T13:03:33.417-05:00

Everyone in Austin and well beyond knows that SXSW turns this city into one big festival and party for the better part of March. All the music, movies and events happening can keep even the most energetic person going until they drop. Some of my favorite events usually aren't a part of the official line up but that what makes SXSW great... so many creative people joining in the celebration and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-80288053065910322892009-03-05T19:51:00.009-06:002009-03-05T20:03:45.074-06:00

Sound like those go together to me! My new illustrations should be appearing on belt buckles, in jewelry and as prints pretty soon. I'd forgotten how much fun Illustrator can be. I had turned some images (the crow and the weenie dog) into vector art when Vector Magic was still free and just got around to using it. BTW, if you can afford it, get Vector Magic. So much easier than Live Trace in

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-21384810734164984182009-03-04T13:49:00.010-06:002009-03-04T14:21:17.681-06:00

I went to the park a couple of days ago and took my "toy" cameras. I have a Kodak Duaflex II twin lens reflex camera that I rigged up to do TtV photography. Yes, I know it is contrived and over done, but it is so much fun! It is like how my serious motorcycle riding friends describe the difference between a pro dirt bike and a cheap, oil leaking Russian bike with a side car. Yeah, the fast dirt

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-83364976012367972122009-03-01T12:59:00.008-06:002009-03-16T16:19:30.315-05:00

I wish someone would have told me how long it would take to photograph all my items and re-post them to my Etsy shop, LOL. Let's just say, if you plan on doing the same, set aside a full day and a half.Luckily, I made several photoshop actions and since my lighting stayed consistent I could automate quite a bit of the work.I love my new background. It is a wood grain printed paper I found at the

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-18299548099597766612009-02-24T00:14:00.005-06:002009-02-25T14:31:54.365-06:00

Staple! is my favorite show of the year. Not my normal craft show but fun nevertheless, ha ha. (Shhh! I'm secretly a comic book geek...) Some of my favorite local artists will be there with me and I can't wait!Ape GearFeeping Creatures

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-77027536301783718982009-02-11T16:37:00.007-06:002009-02-25T14:32:58.336-06:00

I'd like to share some of my new designs for this season. I decided some flower images were in order. In the next couple of months I'll also be introducing cuff links, earrings and maybe some light switch plates to my line up.For those of you looking for new merchandise to carry in your retail outlets, I just finished my wholesale catalog. Click here to see it. You can email me at jen@

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-73325221735308226222009-02-11T16:25:00.003-06:002009-02-25T14:33:29.716-06:00

I know I haven't blogged since Maker Faire in October. Forgive a busy girl.To get things started this year, I'm going to share a few Etsy goodies that make me think of spring.Bumble bees are always fun and I was glad to hear that the bee population has started growing again after that strange die-off. So let's celebrate!A wonderful brooch from SteamPunkCellarPendant from BuildersStudio's

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-62035097603491880712008-10-25T00:17:00.007-05:002009-03-01T15:43:08.463-06:00

I had some great neighbors at the Bazaar Bizarre/Maker Faire. I think most of the $$$ I spent was at the booths around me because I only had intermittent help during the show. My dear, dear BF spent most of the time on his gas powered skateboard and gas powered bicycle. I think those toys were more popular than my jewelry when they were parked outside my tent :)Anyway, I wanted to share some

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-64345496525447924452008-10-25T00:09:00.003-05:002008-10-25T00:17:07.397-05:00

I intended to post some images of the freebie I was making for Maker Faire but ended up scrambling around doing all sorts of other last minute things right up to the morning I was setting up.So here are some images of what I was doing:I ended up using the rabbit image for the final productMy jig for cutting the bookmarksI was using my Gocco and making bookmarks (that ended up being just postcards

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-79948420593952826122008-10-04T11:56:00.004-05:002008-10-04T12:01:34.829-05:00

... Robert. I also have a back-up winner in case Robert doesn't contact me by Monday.Thanks everyone for participating. Hope to see everyone there! There are other contests going on and also many volunteer opportunities for the Maker Faire that will also result in tickets.http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/09/ways_to_win_maker_faire_austin.htmlhttp://makerfaire.com/austin/2008/volunteer/

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-6990683714595953342008-09-29T18:25:00.002-05:002008-09-29T18:37:43.318-05:00

Guess what, folks! I'm hosting a Maker Faire ticket giveaway on my blog. You have until Friday at midnight (central time) to post a comment on my blog as to why you deserve these free tickets (kudos to creative responses). I have 2 adults and one youth ticket. I'm going to have a random drawing of all the participants and announce the winner on Saturday. Who ever wins will get all three tickets.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-7680812515265710022008-09-14T00:22:00.002-05:002008-09-14T00:28:33.748-05:00

So, I was accepted into the Bazaar Bizarre craft fair. I'm so excited. I've been waiting for Austin to have one for a long time. It is happening in conjunction with Maker Faire October 18-19.Funny part is, I have hardly anything to show so I've been constructing belt buckles and trying to make some new stuff. I've found it is easier to trudge through the familiar and let my mind wander while

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-27652037185257955452008-07-26T20:29:00.004-05:002008-07-26T20:36:53.517-05:00

I enjoy getting custom requests. Makes it easier to get through creative blocks when someone says "Hey, do something with some organs or an octopus on it." I love my customers :)Here are my latest two designs, enjoy!Octopus FloatingBack PainAlso, wish me luck. I applied to two shows last week, Bazaar Bizarre and Blue Genie. I finally got up the guts. I know my work is good enough to get in but I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-76110100693707257942008-06-17T18:53:00.003-05:002008-06-17T18:56:41.339-05:00

Obama Belt BuckleOriginally uploaded by lucyblueartMy newest belt buckles have been inspired by Obama. I couldn't help myself. I was so happy when he was finally confirmed as the Democratic nominee I sat down to make a buckle. When I was done I had 5 different designs, LOL! Go to my Etsy shop to see them all.www.lucybluestudio.etsy.comThese particular buckles are $5 more than the rest because I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-43271237975621690892008-05-04T18:06:00.004-05:002008-05-04T18:29:34.348-05:00

I realized in my excitement I didn't really explain what I was doing or my equipment. Sorry about that. I spent so many days searching the internet for people using my specific printer with canvas so I would know it worked before I bought everything I needed but never really found the confirmation so here it is for other people in my shoes. I have an Epson R2400 and I use the roll feed. Some

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-33993055934746772792008-04-17T22:09:00.002-05:002008-04-17T22:15:12.047-05:00

I started printing on the canvas I bought and I am hooked. Weird. I've printed my own photos and wondered why I never experienced that "magic" I always heard about... you know, seeing your image first appear in the swirling chemicals. It was interesting the same way trying a new food is interesting but I wasn't compelled to live in the dark room to experience that little rush day after day.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-67985456441779354492008-02-27T21:11:00.002-06:002008-02-27T21:27:45.076-06:00

One of my favorite aspects of polymer clay is that it is so darn versatile. You can mimic almost any material, use it for molds, make jewelry, housewares, museum quality art pieces, create almost anything your imagination can dream up.I'll admit, while I've mastered many techniques, there are a few that I haven't really gotten the hang of. One of those techniques is caning. Yes, I know, one of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-66937006339405263352008-02-17T14:13:00.002-06:002008-02-17T14:44:24.780-06:00

This time I'm going to share my favorite silver pieces from Etsy. I finally got some silver stock to play with and have been looking at other work to see if I can figure it out what they did, as far as techniques go. I've never done traditional silver work and am pretty sure that my first few pieces will just be learning experiences since I don't have time for a class. I remember when I first

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-85155914021998831052008-02-13T22:07:00.007-06:002008-02-13T22:19:47.367-06:00

I have finally started working on some new designs. I want to explore patterns and different ways to use them. I also found this great vintage children's book in Fredericksburg a couple weekends ago. They had shelves and shelves full of these tiny things. I bought the Buck Rogers one and might go back to get one of the Dick Traceys. Anyway, wanted to share my new designs. I haven't printed them

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-86005803539568886502007-12-06T16:03:00.000-06:002007-12-06T16:10:15.722-06:00

Yeah! I finally figured out how to solve the bubble problem with my resin for good. And there was nothing fancy involved. In fact, it was my first solution in the very beginning but I didn't make the commitment and pour. LOL. Ok, let me explain. I had a show last weekend at the Scoot Inn here in Austin. I met the other people who use the same belt buckle blanks here in town that I do. It's funny

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-50676855836786520982007-11-25T18:56:00.000-06:002007-11-25T18:57:17.933-06:00

Here are some easy ways to get unique gifts and still feel good about all the money you're spending...Avoid unoriginal, mass produced gifts and shop hand made.I have some fun stuff on my etsy shopLucy Blue StudioEtsy has a great gift guide as well if my stuff isn't to your taste. Just click on "gift guides" on the top of the page or just start browsing.You can also buy local at the Austin

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-50358499299758120782007-11-08T20:07:00.000-06:002007-11-08T20:16:25.144-06:00

Here is the rack I built myself to display my belt buckles. I'm pretty proud of it.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-31197341687240350812007-11-03T22:22:00.000-05:002007-11-03T22:24:28.712-05:00

I learned to use a plasma cutter today. I tried to weld but I'm not very good at it yet. But I will be! Anyway, I was learning so I could build new displays for my jewelry and belt buckles. I think I made some great pieces. I'll post some pictures as soon as I download them but I want to set up a mock display first. I was just so excited I had to post :)

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-69732713632302707192007-10-21T22:22:00.000-05:002007-10-23T21:38:38.137-05:00

Well, spent this weekend at the Maker Faire here in Austin. I loved it. There is something energizing about seeing so many creative and talented people showing off their inventions/labors of love. And there were lots of robots :)I was handing out materials for Etsy and having a great time wandering around looking at everything. The art cars were the first thing that caught my eye. Saw the famous

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-63514316042758256732007-10-06T16:00:00.002-05:002010-06-10T02:53:17.615-05:00

Figured I might as well elaborate a bit on my trip. First off, we knew it was going to be a good trip because the day before was so awful. I was almost late to work because the truck broke down. Turns out the brake lines were bad. Wes had to take me to work on his motorcycle, which proceeded to brake down after he dropped me off. He limped home and got into his car to get parts for the truck and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-57794510228623509522007-10-05T19:14:00.000-05:002007-10-05T19:43:38.776-05:00

Wow! I don't even know where to start. I love that city. Yes, it's dirty, the people are rude, everything costs an arm and a leg, but somehow that only makes me love it more. The show went ok. I didn't sell much but the experience was worth it. I managed to make it to the Strand, the Met and a few other places. Bought too many clothes and books. Oh and Brooklyn is a very cool place nowadays!

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-89197437074183970542007-09-22T22:08:00.000-05:002007-09-22T22:11:22.488-05:00

Should be a fun time. Come on by if you are in Austin.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-68687523199352138362007-09-20T21:52:00.001-05:002007-09-20T21:59:12.725-05:00

I'm so excited I even bought a New York guide book. Ok, so I'll have my own personal tour guide but still, I like researching and finding things my self. The show starts Friday at 6 and the second one starts Saturday at 1. That leaves 4 full days and most of Thursday to explore. As far as prep for the show goes, my pieces got shipped today by FedEx and hopefully nothing tragic or weird happens. I

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-76968288710465666262007-09-09T15:38:00.000-05:002007-09-09T15:40:42.718-05:00

Please visit Scott Garrette's etsy shop or read about why he needs help here. Anything would be appreciated.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-59698044488239380512007-09-09T00:14:00.000-05:002007-09-09T00:17:30.793-05:00

I have genius friends. For some reason I thought I'd have to buy something expensive to fix my "bubble" problem. All I need is a giant bag, a box, some duct tape and a shop vac. I'm building a fabulously cheap vacuum chamber for my resin. No more bubbles and I get to feel like clever for a few minutes :) Now I just have to see if it will really work.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-17114051464971162352007-08-30T21:51:00.001-05:002007-08-30T21:51:19.835-05:00

... bubbles would become my enemy. Usually I find them charming. Children blowing them into each others faces always puts a smile on my face. I had them at my wedding instead of rice because they are so so friendly. When I learned to scuba dive, my favorite part was the bubbles coming off of everyone. There was something magical about how the bubbles reflected the sunlight from the surface and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-86405542562280268662007-08-25T21:59:00.000-05:002007-08-25T22:07:47.633-05:00

Anyone who follows what is going on in the Etsy world has probably heard of the Last Friday Trunk Shows. Etsy Labs invites different street teams to have shows at their place in Brooklyn on the last Friday of the month. I've heard mixed things about it but then again that happens with anything that is new and working out the kinks. Anyway, the Texas street team is invited for the last Friday and

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-8061122459792809772007-07-26T20:54:00.001-05:002007-07-26T21:08:26.708-05:00

So, I've been too busy to make my own stuff lately, but not too busy to browse around Etsy. I'm on a belt buckle kick so I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.We'll start with a fellow Austinite.cougar.etsy.comGlass belt buckle with woodgrain silkscreen.Love it.kikuhandmade.etsy.comSteel buckles no one else will have on their belts.20volthand.etsy.comYes, we've seen them before but

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-50833484051714863802007-07-04T19:59:00.000-05:002007-07-04T20:04:35.863-05:00

Here are some of my first rings. Any suggestions on ways to keep the clay attached would be appreciated. I am using E6000 right now. Seems to work fine. I've been wearing some and bumping them around at work. Very sturdy.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-89050454662697398442007-06-24T02:09:00.000-05:002007-06-24T02:24:33.171-05:00

I'm trying to master a new trick. I'm sure there are many of you out there that have to balance your art with family, work... well, life in general. I've never really tried to fit my art into everything else. I'm either all or none. Typically, I have worked full time or gone to school and let my personal work stay on the back burner; something to fiddle with on long holidays. That or I am out of

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-90241208151411695232007-06-04T21:56:00.001-05:002007-06-04T22:36:28.121-05:00

In honor of my shoulder feeling better then acquiring a fabulously crispy sun burn that makes wearing clothes feel like a million little needles, I am going to post a few of my favorite etsy artists. Actually, the real inspiration for the artists I chose are all the river rocks I collected after I burned myself floating down the river at a family reunion this weekend. After the bad choice in

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-8169141192505962672007-05-27T03:08:00.000-05:002007-05-27T13:43:27.399-05:00

I seem to have hurt my shoulder in some mysterious way. Two weeks now and until a few days ago I was convinced it would just go away. I am currently on pain meds and waiting to see if I need an MRI. Not that you guys want to hear all this. I am just frustrated because I want to make all the things I've dreamed up in my convalescence. It seems small rounds of typing doesn't hurt so bad but

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-75559339751558525912007-05-21T02:50:00.000-05:002007-05-21T02:59:40.181-05:00

The theme for this month's PCAGOE challenge was Mixed Media so I used copper wire, string and paint to fulfill the requirement. Don't ask me where the idea came from; it just popped into my head. Ok, it was spurred on by this tutorial showing how to make little octopus charms. How I got from those to this would hurt your brain and mine if I tried to explain. That happens though. I get clay in my

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-88628624941811489342007-05-07T22:59:00.000-05:002007-05-07T23:14:14.005-05:00

I have had rabbits on the brain for a long time. Go figure. I am pretty sure I will keep expanding this series. New ideas just seem to pop into my head in the middle of the night. They are small. I use various 2x3 inch frames to house the sculptures. I can just see dozens of them covering an entire gallery. It would be so hilarious.Heaven Has ApplesSpring Time Is For FishRabbits Can Swim

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-14667793252286526852007-05-01T15:43:00.000-05:002007-05-01T15:49:44.790-05:00

This is the festival I will have my work at this weekend. I'll be sharing a booth with Andrea of Powderpuff Creations.I will have more polymer clay work than anything I think and some new weird rabbit pieces. I'll post some photos later in the week after I'm done with this little mini series.So, if you are in the Austin area come on by and say hello. I'll have some fun promo stuff from other Etsy

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-65275985117307737392007-04-19T16:46:00.000-05:002007-04-19T16:57:41.192-05:00

This is a piece I did for the April Challenge for Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy (PCAGOE). I rarely work in 100% polymer clay but I thought it might be fun to try. I started with a mold I made of a carved walnut shell and then made flowers, snails, a beetle and some budding plants. I painted it with various metallic paints when it was baked and here you go...

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-1176429828576863902007-04-12T20:47:00.000-05:002007-05-02T15:32:14.164-05:00

Let me begin by saying I love Amazing Mold Putty. I have more molds than a teenager out on their own for the first time. I have finally graduated from molding what is around me to creating molds from polymer clay so I can cast my own unique pieces. The molding putty is easy to mix, not too sticky and makes detailed impressions. It is an easy 1:1 ratio. I have tried about 3 other brands and I have

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-1175832023258313122007-04-05T22:57:00.000-05:002007-04-05T23:00:23.266-05:00

I'll be gone for the weekend celebrating my birthday so I won't be doing anything crafty to post about. Just wait til next week though. I have plenty of things in the works...

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-1175576781343000982007-04-02T23:46:00.000-05:002007-04-03T00:06:21.353-05:00

I've been encouraged to make more of my cigar box purses. I have a couple for sale and they get looked at a lot but no one picks them up. I try not to be too effected by this. I know that making things true to yourself is more important than trying to make things you think will sell.So I traded some light poster work for a temporary salesman. He is willing to talk to some people about carrying

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-1175400681162676602007-04-01T00:00:00.000-05:002007-04-01T00:24:16.673-05:00

Ok, nothing too crafty today. I've been oversaturated with hot rods this weekend and I'm processing. I love that whole culture but I am more of a voyeur than a participant (aka, no hot rod of my own, soon though, I don't have a enough tattoos and don't hang out with that crowd on a regular basis.)Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round UpI do have a very well grounded appreciation for that scene though, as a

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902130.post-1175207054733918592007-03-29T20:26:00.000-05:002007-03-29T18:28:23.150-05:00

This is a repost of my newsletter. Moving all my stuff to the blog. Luckily, I only made one.Just click on the images to be able to read them.

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06247274231046705094noreply@blogger.com0