the finished product

blooming
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

after several mishaps and melted pieces, these earrings turned out absolutely perfect!!
i am so proud to have done some granulation and excited about utilizing some new shapes with my flowers.
i am also excited about the elongated earwires.
i have another pair of earrings using them and i think i might start using them on a regular basis.

for now, these earrings are representing my current work for the craftsmen's guild jury, but they will eventually (maybe) make it to the shop.

the aftermath

coral root
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

so i am calming down after my rejection letter.
i will be calling the guild tomorrow to get the comments from the standards committee.
even though i don't hold up well to crits, i would like to know exactly what the issues with my work were.
overall, the HUGE disappointment will help me as i think through the direction my work is going and my business plans.
it can only help me to stop and decide what i want to accomplish and to stick with it even when things get hard.

and this weekend i was able to work on a couple of fun pieces that i hope to have listed by the end of the week.

results are in...

results are in...
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

and i got an "eff off."

well, not quite.
i got a "...the tradition of the Craftmen's Guild is more manipulation of the materials by the craftsmen. There are many ways that this can be accomplished with a refining of you craft. The Committee would like to see a demonstration of more complex techniques."
my thoughts...
how can i manipulate the metal more? everything has been forged, formed, sawn, hammered, soldered from stock.
do i need to refine my craft or use more techniques? refining one's craft does not automatically lend itself to more or more complex techniques.
what does more complex techniques mean? seriously, please explain.

at this point i want to cry, yell, break something, break someone, crawl into a hole, and eat chocolate all day.
unfortunately none of these options are overly productive or even possible.
thanks to my friend who plans on holding my hand while i decide exactly how to proceed from here.
and thanks to everyone who buys my work because they love it as much as i do.

secret garden chain

secret garden on
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

i finished everything for the ms craftsman guild submission just a couple of hours before our plane left.
i am still fairly stressed, but there is nothing i can do now.
i submitted my ring with the sage amethyst and itty bitty coral flower, my violet earrings with the two layers, and a new handmade chain with pierced back and bezel set lace agate.
i am pleased with how each piece turned out and how well they showcase what i am able to do.

now, its time to run off for a vacation to see some uncles and cousin friends.

ms craftsmans' guild

petal necklace (to be named)
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

the official deadline is next friday (i think) but the deadline for me is even closer.
i am going on vacation to visit my bro and ryan's bro. so, i have to get things together a week sooner and this is becoming more complicated as the days tick away.
i haven't totally decided on the three pieces that i will submit and that will determine what pics i use.
i got some of my pics back today and 4/6 were usable which means that i have to reshoot a few tomorrow during possible rain.
why, oh why do things have to be so complicated??

on a more accomplished note, i did finally finish getting the awful wallpaper out of my kitchen with the help of a friend and was able to paint a closet.

yes, more of the craftsmans' guild

205/366
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

so, despite being sick this week (which i HATE!!!) i did manage to get most of one of my pieces made for the guild submission.
i cut, formed, soldered, hammered, and filed all of the larger thin links; cut out the sterling silver back and pierced a flower, soldered the bezel down; cut, formed, soldered, hammered and filed all of the thicker but smaller links to complete the chain.
i just set the stone tonite and then the necklace will live in my tumbler for most of the day tomorrow and finally get a coat of liver of sulfur.
it will the best necklace ever and hopefully prove that i do have sufficient skills to be a member of the guild.

a little bit of a wasted weekend after a long week

192/366
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

i have really been half doing so many things lately.
i am tired and stressed and have put a lot of pressure on myself.
i have tried several new mini shows this year that have not been worth the time and i am learning that i need to focus on larger shows that get the press that attracts a real crowd.
i am really pushing myself to try new things with my metal and to make some spectacular pieces that i can submit to the craftsman guild in two weeks. i missed the deadline in feb 08, but i am doing it this go round.
after snooping and a little bit of research, i am really unsure about my feelings on the craftsman guild and what positive experiences i hope to gain.
i am trying to balance teaching my son and making sure that he gets to be a kid. we know so many people who send their children to preschool so early, that its hard to know what decision is best.
and, i am working on the 100 push-ups program that was recommended by an online friend. it seems like with all the other work i have been doing that my arms are tired and irritated and don't want to stick with the program.

hopefull this week i will be able to get it together and finish some of my elaborate projects and teach parker a few things too.