Things are a changin...

After an intense month of job searching, training, and house hunting I am happy to say I have some good news all around!
I started a new job at Radcliffe Jeweler's, a prestigious jewelry company with a great reputation and very exclusive collections. (radcliffejewelers.com) I have been hired as both a bench jeweler and sales associate with the potential to not only make some decent money, but also to learn, learn, learn. Just what I need after experiencing a stagnant period filled with anxiety, uncertainty and the itch to do something more. At first I was a little hesitant to enter the "commercial" jewelry world, but I have realized that Radcliffe is much more... not only do they carry exclusive jewelry from around the world, but they have a wonderful reputation and limited stores, setting them apart from such companies as Zale's and Kay Jewelers. The staff is a mecca of knowledge to say the least and I am eager to go to gemology school on their dime! I feel it is pretty safe it say that I will certainly benefit from working there in my own work and business as well as in learning a different side of the industry.
On another note, I found a great house in Charles Village full of charm and a more neighborly feel; we actually have a backyard as opposed to the concrete jungle I currently endure. I am so excited to move at the end of the month and can't wait to decorate.
More on this and whatever else comes along in the near future... oh, and will have more on current lines in progress and the projects I mentioned in my last post.

Still at it!

After much thought and little tolerance left I have decided I'm officially retiring from the restaraunt business! I have been doing it for way too long and I am so ready for a change to my primary source of income. I have an interview for a very promising position this weekend and can't wait to tell you the outcome.
I have also been hard at work getting my studio in gear and putting together old and new ideas into reality at the bench... the first project, a pair of cufflinks for Shawn with his fav guitarist John Bell in oxidized silver. Looking forward to finishing these. Coinciding project.... an old one that is coming to life, graphitti id necklaces-so cool! Of course the first one will be my name!
Researching artist opportunities is almost a full time job in itself....many hours later I have discovered some upcoming shows of interest and hope to post back with news of acceptance.
Busy, busy, busy....better than bored.

Up and Running...

So I am happy to say that my etsy site (http://www.engauge.etsy.com/) is finally back in gear! I was having some difficulty with resizing and loading my images, but thanks to a friend they are new and improved! I can't wait to get working on the loads of sketches I have for the dove, botanical and (all new) regal series. Its been awhile since I have been at the bench and I must say I have the itch.

My intention this summer is to build a nice, large body of work concentrated on series production and less one-of-a-kind technical pieces. After my discouragement with getting rejected from some spring shows, I am hoping that this summer goal will head me in the direction of craft shows held in the fall and holiday season.

Can't wait to let you know how things are developing!

As always the California poppy is a constant inspiration for some of my work, and I never seem to tire of looking at them!

Spring Fever...

So I must admit my extreme case of spring fever has kept me busy and away from the computer! I have been enjoying the wonderful weather here in Baltimore and just returned from Florida after a great visit with my Dad. The last time I saw him was for Thanksgiving so to say the least it was a long overdue reunion!
Beyond my recent boating adventures, bike rides and beach sun bathing I haven't had much time for making jewelry. I have been a little discouraged given I did not get into a couple of craft shows I applied to, but as my friend and jewelry colleague Eric Silva said to me, you have to apply to 5 to get into 1. So with that being said I feel a little better about my rejection; after all rejection is a part of life no matter in which facet you face it.
I look forward to letting you all know of recent developments in my work and I most certainly have some work to do on my etsy shop....keep a look out!

It's been awhile...

So after an intense week of working the Smithsonian Craft Show in DC, my energy level was in need of a boost....I have rested, recooped and am ready to get to the bench! The Smithsonian Craft Show was an amazing experience that left me charged up in more ways than one. Overall, the experience provided me with the pleasure of getting to know Todd Reed on a more personal level along with Los Angeles based jeweler/scupltor, Eric Silva (www.ericsilva.com). We enjoyed dinners in Georgetown and attended the Jewelers Werk gallery opening featuring Karl Fritsch and Robert Baines. Earlier in the week we sat down for thai food near Chinatown with Thomas Mann and Dennis Nahabetian.
The work featured this year was fantastic! The amount of inspirtation I attained from the artists, the work and the energy was almost too much to digest. Some of my favorites include Adam Smith-mixed media, Jennifer McCurdy-ceramics, Judith Kinghorn-jewelry, Deborah Muhl-basketry, Carla Reiter-jewelry, and Andrea Janosik-jewelry.
Working sixty hours in five days can surely be exhausting, but the opportunity to meet artists sharing the same goal of sustaining a life as a craftsperson, promoting the education of fine craft and altering the conditioned notions of art has made me realize that I need no justification in the DIY field I have chosen.
Persuing the passion...

Getting busy!

So I realized I never explained the work of Todd Reed, the artist I'll be assisting this week at the Smithsonian Craft Show in D.C. He is based out of Boulder, CO and his work is quite unique! He uses yellow gold, platinum, paladium and sterling silver along with cut and uncut diamonds. If you are familiar with him or uncut diamonds I suggest checking out his website www.toddreed.com. His collaboration of uncut diamonds with cut diamonds is an interesting contrast while his designs are innovative and fresh. Hence my excitement!

On another note I applied to the Crafty Bastards Craft Show today, and am happy to announce there will not only be one but two this year. I have applied to the one in June since it is for uncoming DIY artists and the one held in September will not fit my schedule to move to CA in early September. I'll find out in a couple weeks and am keeping my fingers crossed since they are only accepting 50 vendors. Hopefully I will be happy to call mysefl one!

Excited....

I'm gearing up for the long week ahead of me....Very excited though since I'll be assisting Todd Reed at the Smithosonian Craft Show in D.C.! I have worked with Todd before and it is always quite the privledge. I am not a morning person by any stretch so we shall see how the adjustment goes at 7am! Show goes from thursday April 10th thru the 13th- do come.

Looking forward to spending time in the studio after my day shifts at one of the most amazing craft shows of the year....I'm sure to be inspired after taking in all the beautiful work!