I've finally been getting a little time in the studio, but nothing finished to show yet. So this is just a short, photo-less post for you all... just to let you know I'm still alive... and thinkin' of ya!
From The Weird Fashion Desk -
You'll never guess what's coming out of a spray can now (unless, of course, you've seen this piece already). This is actually a pretty cool, if a bit weird (although... I like weird), idea. I doubt that anyone would like to see someone like me using this product, given how much is... well... seen. But... oh the possibilities!
From the Scary Science Desk -
It seems that someone caught a piranha in the Thames. Either that or The Sun is pulling another one over on us.
Let's hear it for the folks across the pond for coming up with some terrific entertai... er... reporting. Heh.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
From the Funny Science Desk -
AA meetings are desperately needed in a Cape Town suburb... for Baboons.
From the Cool Science Desk -
By studying marine critters called bryozoan in the Antarctic, scientists have found that as recently as 125,000 years ago (hey, that's recent for the earth) ancient sea passage linking currently isolated areas of Antarctica. There's been a LOT of very nifty research going on in the Antarctic, from massive ice covered mountains higher than Mt. Everest, to... well... this cool study. I have visions of all sorts of amazing fossils sitting under miles of ice down at the bottom of the arctic.
From The Shameless Commerce Division -
I finally finished the mini ring bowl tutorial I've been working on for... um... well... months. Heh. I think it came out pretty well. Below are more samples of bowls I have made using the technique in the tutorial.
The are lots of big color photos and mucho tips and tricks in the tutorial. You can find it on my Etsy Shop. I'll be posting, soon (I hope) the little glass bowls I use as forms for these bowls. I should warn you, however, that these little guys are incredibly fun to make, and can be habit forming.
AA meetings are desperately needed in a Cape Town suburb... for Baboons.
From the Cool Science Desk -
By studying marine critters called bryozoan in the Antarctic, scientists have found that as recently as 125,000 years ago (hey, that's recent for the earth) ancient sea passage linking currently isolated areas of Antarctica. There's been a LOT of very nifty research going on in the Antarctic, from massive ice covered mountains higher than Mt. Everest, to... well... this cool study. I have visions of all sorts of amazing fossils sitting under miles of ice down at the bottom of the arctic.From The Shameless Commerce Division -
I finally finished the mini ring bowl tutorial I've been working on for... um... well... months. Heh. I think it came out pretty well. Below are more samples of bowls I have made using the technique in the tutorial.
The are lots of big color photos and mucho tips and tricks in the tutorial. You can find it on my Etsy Shop. I'll be posting, soon (I hope) the little glass bowls I use as forms for these bowls. I should warn you, however, that these little guys are incredibly fun to make, and can be habit forming.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Sampling Of Things To Come
When we made the decision to adopt Tango, I also made a decision to take the month of August off from my studio work... But that doesn't mean I haven't been working. As I think I might have mentioned before, Joyce Miskowitz and I have started a silk screen business on Etsy. I make the patterns, and Joyce makes the screens (I'm thinking I have the better deal here).
So, whenever my *coughnotsocough* little Tango is taking his puppy naps, I grab my laptop and get workin'. I wanted to share a few very complicated, multi screen patterns I've been working on.
Each color of the pattern has a separate screen, with registration marks in the corners to help align them. The pattern above has four screens...
Most of the multi screen patterns are adapted from antique fabric patterns I found in books from the library.
These aren't up on our shop yet 'cause I haven't gotten the "negatives" to Joyce, but I'm guessing they should be up within the week... Tango willing.
So, whenever my *coughnotsocough* little Tango is taking his puppy naps, I grab my laptop and get workin'. I wanted to share a few very complicated, multi screen patterns I've been working on.
Each color of the pattern has a separate screen, with registration marks in the corners to help align them. The pattern above has four screens...
Most of the multi screen patterns are adapted from antique fabric patterns I found in books from the library.
These aren't up on our shop yet 'cause I haven't gotten the "negatives" to Joyce, but I'm guessing they should be up within the week... Tango willing.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sea Turtles and Crocodiles
At last, a new piece to show... This is one of the few pieces where I had a specific plan and inspiration. It started before the Gulf of Mexico spill, but became more and more important to me after the spill. I'll be showcasing this bangle at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, and if it sells there, I will be sending 50% of the profit to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), in support of their work in the Gulf. And, just to remind you... the Green Worm brooch is still up for auction (until midnight, August 31st) , with 100% of the sale going to the NWF.
Just When You Think You've Seen It All At Walmart...
I came across this piece a few weeks ago, and just had to share it with you. Too funny!Now it's off to walk Le Dog...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
One Way To Make A Difference
The rumors that I fell off the edge of the earth or that I was eaten by a crazed Nudibranch are total conjecture... mostly.
I've just been surfing the wild ride called life, and getting swamped more often than I like. But I think the Sea of Life has started to calm a bit, and so... I'm spy-hopping today to post the first of many bits I've been collecting to share with you.
Doing "Something"
Like most folks, my heart has been breaking over the rape and pillage called the BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. (Don't be fooled, the well may have been capped, but the damage done will take years - perhaps decades - to heal.) For weeks I was overwhelmed with the feeling of helplessness, which grew into anger and then depression. This isn't uncommon for anyone concerned about the welfare of our planet and all of us critters on it... so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Having spent years working for ecological causes and trying to walk my talk as much as I've been able, I knew I had to do "something"... I just needed to figure out what that something was. And then, I had an inspiration... I would auction off one of my most favorite brooches... one that I had decided to keep for myself. Perhaps one more alive than any other piece I've made... My Green Worm.
All the proceeds from the auction will go to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which has been working very hard in three arenas - search and rescue, raising awareness, and speaking out on behalf of wildlife. I suggest a visit to their website to learn more about all they are doing.
How The Auction Will Work
I've just been surfing the wild ride called life, and getting swamped more often than I like. But I think the Sea of Life has started to calm a bit, and so... I'm spy-hopping today to post the first of many bits I've been collecting to share with you.Doing "Something"
Like most folks, my heart has been breaking over the rape and pillage called the BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. (Don't be fooled, the well may have been capped, but the damage done will take years - perhaps decades - to heal.) For weeks I was overwhelmed with the feeling of helplessness, which grew into anger and then depression. This isn't uncommon for anyone concerned about the welfare of our planet and all of us critters on it... so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Having spent years working for ecological causes and trying to walk my talk as much as I've been able, I knew I had to do "something"... I just needed to figure out what that something was. And then, I had an inspiration... I would auction off one of my most favorite brooches... one that I had decided to keep for myself. Perhaps one more alive than any other piece I've made... My Green Worm.
All the proceeds from the auction will go to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which has been working very hard in three arenas - search and rescue, raising awareness, and speaking out on behalf of wildlife. I suggest a visit to their website to learn more about all they are doing.How The Auction Will Work
- The auction will run until midnight, August 31.
- All proceeds will go to the NWF.
- The starting bid is $ 20.00
- To make a bid, send me an email at RavensClay@gmail.com with your bid.
- I will post the highest bid daily both on my Facebook page and on the home page of my website, Ravens Clay
- The winning bid will receive my Green Worm brooch, which measures about 2" long and 1/2" wide, with a stick pin on the back that will accommodate most coat lapels. (I have kept my little Green Worm on my favorite jacket for months... so some of you may have run into him and know how cute he is.)
- If you're not interested in the Green Worm, please consider just sending a few bucks to the NWF. (I promise it will make you feel just a tad less angry and depressed.)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Yellow Flags, Wood Frogs, Remembering, and More
Ok, so if last year was the "Year of Exposure" (I'm talking about my work here, guys), then this is the "Year of Remembering What's Important". I completely over did it these last 16 months or so... and I forgot, temporarily, that life was meant to be savored, not gulped down...
So, with that in mind... I have started to wander out to the forest pond and just sit... and listen... smell... feel...
Of course, it helps that Mud Season has arrived ridiculously early, and plants like the Yellow Flag (above) are already coming up.
Yesterday, my son and I strolled down to the pond and just sat. And I was overcome by the heady smell of pine sap, the gentle splashing of Wood Frogs, the heat of the sun on my skin, the soft caress of a mild breeze... need I say more?
Then again, this spring might be called "The Spring When Mosquitoes Arrived Before the Blackflies"... Good thing the Wood Frogs are out in sufficient numbers to nab those little buggers...
That's enough Nirvana for one post...
Hey, let's look at some wacky architecture!
I think I've linked to some of the images that are on this site before, but they are so wild and crazy... and... well... it's fun! So, if you like to see the "acceptable" turned on it's head (sometimes literally) check it out.
The building in this collection that I would love to live in the most? Heh... well this one, of course!
And, if wacky architecture is too tame...
How about some crazy science!
The Indian military have come up with a new crowd control grenade packed with ground seeds from the Bhut Jolokia chilli. Mmmmm, tasty crowd control.
And, to wrap up this 180 degree whirl wind post...
Did you know that Darpa (the Pentagon's Mad Scientist Branch) is investing $6 million to create synthetic organisms that can live forever? Yes, it's true! Isn't that... um... great? Heh.
Ok... Perhaps you should go back to the top of this post, and reread the part about Nirvana.
So, with that in mind... I have started to wander out to the forest pond and just sit... and listen... smell... feel...
Of course, it helps that Mud Season has arrived ridiculously early, and plants like the Yellow Flag (above) are already coming up. Yesterday, my son and I strolled down to the pond and just sat. And I was overcome by the heady smell of pine sap, the gentle splashing of Wood Frogs, the heat of the sun on my skin, the soft caress of a mild breeze... need I say more?
Then again, this spring might be called "The Spring When Mosquitoes Arrived Before the Blackflies"... Good thing the Wood Frogs are out in sufficient numbers to nab those little buggers...
That's enough Nirvana for one post...
Hey, let's look at some wacky architecture!
I think I've linked to some of the images that are on this site before, but they are so wild and crazy... and... well... it's fun! So, if you like to see the "acceptable" turned on it's head (sometimes literally) check it out.
The building in this collection that I would love to live in the most? Heh... well this one, of course!
And, if wacky architecture is too tame...
How about some crazy science!
The Indian military have come up with a new crowd control grenade packed with ground seeds from the Bhut Jolokia chilli. Mmmmm, tasty crowd control.
And, to wrap up this 180 degree whirl wind post...
Did you know that Darpa (the Pentagon's Mad Scientist Branch) is investing $6 million to create synthetic organisms that can live forever? Yes, it's true! Isn't that... um... great? Heh.
Ok... Perhaps you should go back to the top of this post, and reread the part about Nirvana.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sea Dragons, CraftEdu, and Facebook...
It seems that the intense experience called Synergy II is finally soaking in and settling down. I've even managed to get into the studio for a few hours lately. I have nothing new from there to share - yet - but I do have a few very cool bits to (hopefully) brighten your weekend...
Sea Dragons!
These critters are simply amazing. I picked up this clip from Olly Steeds' Facebook page, and I'm guessing that anyone who reads my blog might enjoy the video too. Romance, stalwart parenting, and simply crazy looking creatures. All things I love!
This is just a little taste from the BBC program called LIFE. I highly recommend you find a way to watch it. I've had to resort to getting it in bits and pieces until I either move to the UK, or iTunes offers it (unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath for either).
From the Wonderful Resources Desk:
There's a new and wonderful resource called CraftEdu.com that's building momentum in the cyber world of virtual education. It's still in Beta mode, but stay tuned. The collection of outstanding artist being signed up is simply... well... outstanding. While you wait for the sites completion, check out the CraftEdu Facebook page and Blog. If you're like me, you will be blown away by the faculties' level of craftsmanship. Oh... and... um.... I'm part of the faculty too. Heh.
Speaking of Facebook...
It's official... Hell has frozen over and I have a Facebook page. I know, I know, I should have done this sooner. But... well... I'm the kind of gal who likes to see how things turn out before committing. What can I say.... except... it's a real time sucker, and a bit confusing, and... Ok, ok... I am enjoying it. There. Happy?
News Flash!
Just came across an artist's cane work that is simply scrumptious! Take a good look at Malsarts wonderful kaleidoscope canes (scroll down to December's posts)! Oooolala!
Beautiful, and very inspirational work! She's making my muse want to go make some right now! (Down, muse, down!)
Sea Dragons!This is just a little taste from the BBC program called LIFE. I highly recommend you find a way to watch it. I've had to resort to getting it in bits and pieces until I either move to the UK, or iTunes offers it (unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath for either).
From the Wonderful Resources Desk:
There's a new and wonderful resource called CraftEdu.com that's building momentum in the cyber world of virtual education. It's still in Beta mode, but stay tuned. The collection of outstanding artist being signed up is simply... well... outstanding. While you wait for the sites completion, check out the CraftEdu Facebook page and Blog. If you're like me, you will be blown away by the faculties' level of craftsmanship. Oh... and... um.... I'm part of the faculty too. Heh.
Speaking of Facebook...
It's official... Hell has frozen over and I have a Facebook page. I know, I know, I should have done this sooner. But... well... I'm the kind of gal who likes to see how things turn out before committing. What can I say.... except... it's a real time sucker, and a bit confusing, and... Ok, ok... I am enjoying it. There. Happy?
News Flash!
Just came across an artist's cane work that is simply scrumptious! Take a good look at Malsarts wonderful kaleidoscope canes (scroll down to December's posts)! Oooolala!
Beautiful, and very inspirational work! She's making my muse want to go make some right now! (Down, muse, down!)Saturday, March 13, 2010
Folds, Craft becoming Art, & New Piece
When I work in my studio, I often listen to online programs. I find it entertains the part of my brain that tends to wander. (Sorta like that Beatles song, "I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in...") One of my favorite web sites to stream is the Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) video collection. There's plenty of engaging programs that make me feel like I've learned something after listening. (Sorta like eating an Avocado... Yummy, and good for you.)
Yesterday I watched (and yes, I can watch TV while claying) a program called "Between the Folds". It's an independent film, by Vanessa Gould, about origami... And it blew me away! (Above, Mother and Child, Christine Edison.)
This is not your kindergarten origami, my friends. This is craft turned art! (Above, a magnificent piece created and folded by Vincent Floderer.)
What I found most compelling about this program is that it stressed the many ways individual artists took a simple craft and turned it into an expression of the artist's vision. (Above, Bowl, Joseph Wu.)
Then, in the middle of the program, it hit me... This is exactly what we are doing with polymer clay!!
I strongly recommend this film for anyone who loves to explore other mediums as a way to stimulate their own creativity. Heck, I think anyone who loves eye candy will love this film!
A New Piece...
For those of you who just want to see more polymer... I finally managed to photograph a new BioBangle I'm calling Sun Star.
For those not familiar with what a sun star is, here's a photo of one of the many kinds found under the sea... They are huge beasts that will try and eat anything that will stand still long enough (including smaller star fish!).
I'll do my best to post a little more often. Synergy, while very inspiring and fruitful, took way too much out of me... And I've been dropping stuff right and left. (Oh, and a huge apology to all those who haven't gotten a reply from me. Please know I love all the emails I get! It's just that I can't keep up with them all.)
Yesterday I watched (and yes, I can watch TV while claying) a program called "Between the Folds". It's an independent film, by Vanessa Gould, about origami... And it blew me away! (Above, Mother and Child, Christine Edison.) This is not your kindergarten origami, my friends. This is craft turned art! (Above, a magnificent piece created and folded by Vincent Floderer.)What I found most compelling about this program is that it stressed the many ways individual artists took a simple craft and turned it into an expression of the artist's vision. (Above, Bowl, Joseph Wu.)Then, in the middle of the program, it hit me... This is exactly what we are doing with polymer clay!!
I strongly recommend this film for anyone who loves to explore other mediums as a way to stimulate their own creativity. Heck, I think anyone who loves eye candy will love this film!
A New Piece...
For those of you who just want to see more polymer... I finally managed to photograph a new BioBangle I'm calling Sun Star.
For those not familiar with what a sun star is, here's a photo of one of the many kinds found under the sea... They are huge beasts that will try and eat anything that will stand still long enough (including smaller star fish!).
I'll do my best to post a little more often. Synergy, while very inspiring and fruitful, took way too much out of me... And I've been dropping stuff right and left. (Oh, and a huge apology to all those who haven't gotten a reply from me. Please know I love all the emails I get! It's just that I can't keep up with them all.)Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sandin', Sanding', Sandin', Keep Those Hands A' Sandin'!
If you find any typos here, I'm blaming it on tired, blistered hands. Yes... I'm still sanding. And to prove that I'm getting things done, here are three new pieces that are almost ready for my "Available Pieces" catalog:
From the Weird and Wonderful Desk:
There's an interesting piece from the BBC about a pair of swans, which normally mate for life, who have come back to their winter home with different partners. *gasp* Actually, I'm not surprised. In fact, I'm not even surprised that the... er... "experts" are surprised. Old school, in my opinion. Geeze, there are even many, MANY species on this planet who are in happy, gay relationships. Surely getting a divorce isn't that big a deal, is it? Get with the times, "experts!"
From the "I Want One Of Those" Bin:
A floating lamp?!
Yes... it floats!! You really need to go to the web site for this awesome UFO Lamp. They have a little flash thingy that shows how you can adjust the height of the lamp.
This ain't your mother's touch screen!
I'm not sure what I would use this baby for, but heck... who cares! I still want one! (Oh, and a warning and apology... there is a commercial before the real vid. Sorry!)
From the Weird and Wonderful Desk:
There's an interesting piece from the BBC about a pair of swans, which normally mate for life, who have come back to their winter home with different partners. *gasp* Actually, I'm not surprised. In fact, I'm not even surprised that the... er... "experts" are surprised. Old school, in my opinion. Geeze, there are even many, MANY species on this planet who are in happy, gay relationships. Surely getting a divorce isn't that big a deal, is it? Get with the times, "experts!"
From the "I Want One Of Those" Bin:
A floating lamp?!
Yes... it floats!! You really need to go to the web site for this awesome UFO Lamp. They have a little flash thingy that shows how you can adjust the height of the lamp.
This ain't your mother's touch screen!
I'm not sure what I would use this baby for, but heck... who cares! I still want one! (Oh, and a warning and apology... there is a commercial before the real vid. Sorry!)
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