Rings and Things

Here are the first Sterling Silver rings out of my home:




















These rings are unpickled and unpolished but I still think they are pretty. (I forgot to buy the alcohol for my pickle mix as well as the sterling polish for my buffing wheel. Soon, soon.)

I bought the Sterling for all of these down at Pracht's here in Wichita where Barbara (Vogt, the enamelist/Cityarts teacher whose work can be purchased at the Wichita Art Museum and Farmer's market in the summer) patiently cut 8 different styles of wire for me. If you think untangling computer cords is fun, imagine big coils of tiny precious metal that shouldn't be bent. All that work for 8 lengths of 6to 12" of each? I kept telling her thanks so she doesn't run next time she sees me coming.

Earlier this week I freaked my kids right out when I got back in the car after picking up the gas for my torch. I guess I had an evil look on my face and made some hideous laughter while pointing the torch at them. Still, it didn't stop Chloe from coming it to see things once she smelled burning. She immediately picked up my camera and started snapping away as I told her about the flame. She wanted to get the "pretty green color" captured. I have a feeling she's a little like me.







So, yeah, my studio set up is coming along nicely. Cody and I are building some new shelves and re-configuring the old toy room. Yes, this horribly mean mother is taking over the toy room since her kids can't keep it clean long enough to justify taking the space. Once they mess it up (about 2 days after I sort and label their toys "for the last time") the toys just spill out into the family room anyhow.

I'll be ready to take some photos and explain the new set up soon.