The decision is final….

Chasing Purple Dreams is born. I am setting up an Etsy store and a Chasing Purple Dreams blog. I’ll move over to the new blog as soon as I get a banner etc sorted out. I am excited and a little overwhelmed by all that is on my “to do” list to get the store and new blog sorted at the moment, but in a good way. The first point on my “to do” list is “remember this won’t all happen overnight”!

Here are a few shots of the paintings that I delivered to Jet on the weekend, the photos of the paintings aren’t the best but it gives you a peek inside Tania’s lovely shop.

I’m happy to report that of this “work” hasn’t kept me out of the studio, I have been using more of Tania’s beautiful handmade lampwork beads and I have made my first piece in silver, also using her beads. See the little melted balls on the ends of the copper and silver? This is the technique I was so excited to master. I am in love with them and all of the design possibilities they will open up for me.
I’m going to head back into the studio now, if I cross my fingers I may get a bit more done before the Little Guy wakes up.

More trinkets to share….

This “Black Beauty” trinket has some special handmade lampwork beads created by the very talented Tania from Jet beads. These little guys were orphans but I think they will keep each other company in this stylish asymmetrical pendant. I have two more of her little pink orphans in my stash waiting for inspiration to strike!

“Two Hearts” was only completed yesterday and I had to wear it out today. On it’s first outing I took an order for one and I had to rush home and make it straight away! It is now snuggled in it’s little organza bag awaiting delivery. I think I will make another to take to Handmade Heaven for my next restock.

“Triad” is another I couldn’t resist wearing and keeping for myself, it has also had lots of positive comments so I will make some similar pieces soon.

I really like these “Squares in Pink” as well, but so far I have resisted the urge to wear them out! So they are ready to head of to Handmade Heaven as soon as they reopen.

My “insperimentation” with the ammonia patina is continuing, I nearly pulled the plug on it today, but after a close inspection I have decided to let it go a little longer. I am just so keen to have the pendant ready to wear, but I shall have to be patient!

Let the year of insperimentation begin!

Did you see Nic’s fabulous post this morning? I am feeling so inspired since reading it, I intend to make her new word “insperiment” my word of the year. I think experimenting to promote inspiration is just what I need to keep my work moving and evolving.

I have inscribed insperiment onto a copper pendent and thought it fitting to use this piece for my next patina experiment.

I have popped the “Insperiment Pendent” in a jar and suspended it above a little ammonia and I have my fingers crossed a lovely blue coloured patina will develop over the next few days.  I shall keep you post as to how it turns out. Thanks again Nic for the inspiration.

Eggs and peas anyone??

Do you remember this new “Pea Pod” trinket from the other day? It has had a little make over in the great egg patina experiment.

Just placing a hard boiled egg in a glass jar with the copper piece overnight produced this charming aged appearance. The gasses released from the egg yolk cause the reaction, then a little polish with some 0000 steel wool in places gave it some highlights. Simple and stunning, I am really happy with how it turned out.

I am right back in the swing of things and itching to spend as much time as possible in the studio. The new “Dangle” trinkets I am working on are really striking; I shall share some of them soon.

Stay tuned for more copper patina experiments as well and a post on just how easy it is to clean copper if you prefer it bright and shiny.

New hand beaten copper trinkets

I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things. I have cleared a path to the desk in my studio and I have created these little trinkets in the last couple of days.

My Creative Space this week is full of doubt…..

I’m having a very badly timed creative slump. My second ever market stall is this weekend at The Handmade Expo and I am feeling blah about all of my stock.

I’m really worried that the copper jewellery that I have been obsessed with the last month or so just isn’t up to scratch.

I don’t feel like making playdough, I don’t feel like doing any of the prep work that is required.

Then I keep remembering the posts of these inspirational ladies.
Miriam from Bubba Chenille is facing her 20th market stall this year.
Cathie from m.e. has 2 markets this weekend with mountains of baking required for each one.
Little Brown Dog's Bec just conquered 3 stalls in two days with a tiny baby in tow.
Then there is the unstoppable Cam of Curly Pops fame my head just swims when I read how busy she has been lately about a million market stalls and new retail stockist popping up everywhere.

If these special ladies can do it so can I, I just need to find the positive excited place I was in two days before my last stall (without all of the nerves!) and get my wares ready to put out there and hope for the best.

I have my fingers crossed I am out of this slump quick smart. Any tips on what you do to get out of funks like this would be greatly appreciated.

Check out what all of the other creative folk are up to this week over at the fabulous Kootoyoo.

Copper Coloured Creativity…..

My Creative Space is still all about copper jewellery – does that count as focusing on something?? I have been on this little kick for about 3 weeks now!

I have been to the library, searching for knowledge and inspiration.

My new favourite, “Autumn Peas” it’s my third pea pod, we won’t dwell on the second attempt and how my overzealous hammering smashed one of the beads! I’d love to keep this one, but it will be for sale. Do you think $25 is reasonable? I am really unsure about pricing for this stuff so I would really value some honest feedback on the prices I list.

“Love, Love, Love” $15?

“Buttons”, featuring two vintage metal buttons, $15?

This little “Hanging Bouquet is just a bit of whimsy. I am not sure if it is saleable as it is rather fragile.

I’m keeping this little “Create…” pendent just for me, to wear when I am busy creating. I have made a few others, Love, Peace, Be etc. Any ideas of other inspirations you may like to wear on a pendent?

And finally the work in progress, this bracelet is from a pattern in one of the library books. I have to design a new clasp for it as the pattern is too large for me.
Thanks so much to Mummy Cuggles and Toddler Cuggles for having Little Guy over for a play date yesterday and allowing me some time to indulge in my copper craze.
Check out some other Creative Spaces over at Kootoyoo.

A busy night in the studio.

I couldn’t sleep last night, so I got a lot done in the studio.

I like this “Purple Peas” pendant the best; I can’t wait to go out so I can wear it! Maybe the Little Guy and I will have to go to the trash and treasure markets so it can have an outing!

More salvaged copper jewellery.

My head is swimming with possibilities; I am in love with the process of turning pieces of scrap into something special. Off to the studio to see what evolves tonight!

My Creative Space

I’ve finished the Egyptian coil bracelet in Artistic Wire from last week. What do you think?

I am most of the way through the copper version. I really like the way the copper one is looking and I can’t wait to wear it.

I have been to the scrap metal yard; I think I will become a regular there! So many possibilities, I am quite sure the guy there thinks I am a nutter.

I started making little pendants from copper last night – a new addiction begins…….

So it’s busy, busy, busy in My Creative Space this week. Check out what other creative folk are up too over at Kootoyoo.