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Archive for May, 2008

Beyond the Valley Studio Tour-3 days to go!!

May 28, 2008 | Filed under: Uncategorized

The Beyond the Valley Studio Tour of which I am a member is just 3 days away!  My studio is open Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th from 10 to 5.  My guest is artist Colleen O’Reilly Lafferty, a talented ceramist.  Her pieces have beautiful form and colour.  Colleen creates, among other things, totems-incredibly decorated pottery on steel shafts which can be placed in gardens or inside homes as decorative elements. Click on her link and you can see for yourself or even better visit us during the tour.  My garden is displaying lots of colour as spring flowers come into bloom-another reason to visit 67 Creighton Road in Dundas.  Check the Events page for more details and don’t forget the link to the tour.

I was at the Distillery District in Toronto this past Saturday and Sunday at the Artisans at the Distillery Show.  It was a resounding success.  Thank you everyone who visited my booth and who purchased a piece or two or three of my jewellery.  It was a very gratifying experience.  Artists are like sponges.  We just soak up the compliments and love every bit.  The weather co-operated and we had two incredibly glorious and sunny days.  The Distillery was packed with people.  It was interesting to hear all the different languages that were spoken.  Toronto is truly multicultural.  As well there were lots of tourists from the United States and abroad.

This was my first time exhibiting at the Distillery.  Donald Nausbaum and Lory MacDonald who were the organizers, ran a smooth operation.  It was easy for exhibitors to set up, the venue was great and Don and Lory were very visible and helpful.  I asked for a change in my original location because as in real estate, location is important.  This request was pleasantly accomodated and at no time did I feel that it was an inconvenience.

My sales were excellent but even if they hadn’t been (the public is fickle), I would still be willing to return for another show next year.  p>

But now I am in a bit of a panic because so many pieces went to new homes.  I also exhibited at the Athena/Rotary Charity Golf Tournament and Fashion Show (with The Oyster from Burlington, Ontario) two days ago.  This was a well attended event by business women from this community.  I can see that I will have to work night and day and I will.  There will be many new designs to see this week end-I guarantee it!!

I look forward to seeing you!!

 

 

Posted by Stephanie @ 2:57 pm | Comments

Artisans’ Craft Show Distillery District-Just 8 Days Away!

May 16, 2008 | Filed under: Uncategorized

I will be at the ARTISANS’ CRAFT SHOW in the DISTILLERY DISTRICT in TORONTO,  SATURDAY, MAY 24 AND SUNDAY, MAY 25.  My booth B6 is just off Trinity Square on Tank House Lane.  I hope that I see you there.  I will be showing turquoise, smoky quartz, aquamarine, chalcedony, onyx, amber, green amethyst (prasiolite), purple amethyst, citrine, labradorite, carnelian, tiger eye, eilat, green chrysophase, rose quartz, clear faceted quartz, aventurine, rutilated quartz, coral, pearls, and do you believe that the list could go on?  Possibly there will be ruby and emerald if I can complete the designs for these lovely stones.  You will see that I really do have a great love of coloured stones and cannot resist having just about everything in my inventory.  This season I have designed and made many long necklaces with sterling silver components and coloured gemstones.  I am looking forward to showing them off.

I stopped into Nova Moda Boutique and discovered that “Not My Daughter’s Jeans” were in stock.  Nova Moda is the only shop in Hamilton, Ontario to carry this line.  They fit fabulously well.  I have a pair which I bought last year in Chicago.  But now you can get them here.  What good luck!  When you go in you will also see many great fashions that are irresistable plus of course, pieces of my jewellery!  Nova Moda carries some excellent designers such as L. Berness who used to design for Holt Renfrew’s private label.  I have already mentioned Michael Kors in a previous post.  As well Nada who is a new Canadian designer.  This designer showed during Fashion Week in Toronto and Jeanne Beker’s  description was “one of Canada’s up and coming designers.”  Go and see for yourself-you will be impressed by the boutique and the clothing.  And of course the accessories are great!!

I have to get back to work.  I find it hard to start a project but once I do the momentum just carries me along.  So I hate to be interrupted.  I recently completed a long sterling silver link necklace (approx. 65 inches or 192 cm.) with assorted shapes of links and different sterling components.  The links were a good size but light in weight which makes this a necklace that is comfortable to wear.  It can be tripled or doubled and does make a statement.  One of the sterling components is placed so that it could act like a  pendant depending on the drape of a necklace.  I often make long pieces that can by worn several different ways. 

Posted by Stephanie @ 2:30 pm | Comments

Green Amethysts! A Must Have!!!

May 6, 2008 | Filed under: Uncategorized

The Artisan Craft Show at the Distillery in Toronto is just over 2 weeks away.  I am hoping for good weather and trying not to worry about it as well.  I have purchased some wonderful sterling silver components in new shapes and sizes.  I also have Baltic Amber which I plan to use in a long chain.  My favourite find has been Green Amethyst which is starting to appear in fine jewellery stores and of course in this fine establishment as well.  When you visit, look for  earrings, bracelets and necklaces with green amethysts on their own or paired with a complementary colour.  Purple and green look fab together.  The green is a pale shade yet striking in its attractiveness.  You will love it!

Another find has been vintage pieces from Thailand.  I have used brass textured beads of about 14 mm. paired with matte sterling silver.  It provides a wonderful contrast of colour and is very rich in appearance.  Currently there is a long chain and 2 bracelets with these components in my inventory.  There are also brass pendants and copper pieces that will look wonderful in necklaces and bracelets–and soon!

My silversmithing class is going well.  Next week I will be casting a sterling silver ring.  I am looking forward to this experience and am anxious to see what this ring will look like.  My first ring-truly amazing!

Posted by Stephanie @ 9:25 pm | Comments


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