Ilene's Art Journal

Love to Make Art with Fire

2012-01-27T19:44:00.001-06:00

I have a new "love" or passion in my jewelry making. I have been experimenting with torch enameling and have experience the joy of immediate color from the torch flame.

This heart and the 3 flowers were all "torch" fired.

Detailed instructions on the technique are in

"Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: a Workshop in Painting with Fire"

by Barbara Lewis

Painting with Fire

Etsy Fort Worth: Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-24T15:45:00.002-06:00

Treasury Tuesday from Etsy Fort Worth

Love is in the Air

Pearl Dangle Earrings - Pear... ArtJewelryByIl... $49.00	lavender palmarosa vegan fac... thesoapaddict $6.00
You're The Cat's Meo... thereddogbarke... $5.00	Hunger Games Every Minute Pe... Serenitystorms $11.95
LAST ONE Vanilla Buttercream... robotpop $15.00	I Love You Solid Maple Teeth... JustOffNormal $12.00
Floral Greeting cards, set o... Zyada $12.00	Romantic Hearts Earrings ArtMasqueradin... $25.00
Crystal Drops with Red accen... Gnashchick $10.00	Infant's Eyelet Lace Tri... heartsandhome $20.00
Pink, Red, and Purple Malabr... dye2spin $34.00	Sterling silver and Turquois... AmyNicoles $175.00
Valentine's Gold Heart P... bespangledjewe... $62.00	Hearts Themed Bib, Burp Clot... kraftymommy09 $42.00
Framed Rose Print jmlphotoworks $25.00	Je T'aime Ruby Earrings

A Great Little Christmas Art Show

2011-12-11T17:05:00.004-06:00

This was Brenda Benson's first time exhibiting at the Randy Brodnax and Friends Christmas Art Show. Brenda sculpts glass and "light" in most inventive of ways. Each of the lighted glass sculptures evokes a different emotion. For example the tree form next to Brenda in the photo has a surprise - the back of the light box creates an entire work of art in colored light on the wall behind the light. My photo from my phone does not do justice to the inventiveness of this piece of art. The next time you see Brenda at a show take the time to have her show you the subtle beauty that she creates with glass and light.

Another fun part of this show is that Randy shares his Cajun roots by reading a Cajun Christmas Story. Great fun for kids and adults alike.

The Importance of a Craft Support Group

2011-12-03T21:43:00.000-06:00

Like most artists I find creative inspiration from many different things, but I sometimes find it difficult to creatively promote my work. Fortunately I have found a great network of creative people from which to draw inspiration, Etsy Fort Worth.

Members find artistic expressions in many ways - Art/Photography, Ceramics, Children's Clothing and Accessories, Handbags, Hats and Accessories, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pet Products, Screenprinting, Soap, Cosmetics and Candles, Teen and Adult Clothing and more. With such diverse medium and artistic styles its no wonder that there are just as many great ideas on marketing, creative copy writing, photography, and social media.

At each meeting ideas are freely expressed and every time I feel energized, excited and equipped to promote my business. Brain storming with a creative group opens up many more ideas and refines these ideas.

Esty Fort Worth is the group to join to learn the skills, get the inspiration, and the accountability to build your craft business. These are some of the benefits.

Live member support at our monthly team meetings

Live member socializing at our monthly "Coffee Time" and quarterly craft parties.

Feature in our "Spotlight Moments" blog column

Free promotion (team blog, twitter, facebook)

Vendor priority at all Etsy Fort Worth events

Free business advice at our mini "Indiepreneur" classes held at our live team meetings

Access to our members only calendar of local events, craft shows, deadlines and more

Membership is open now - Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2011- December 15, 2011

ETSY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE

2011-11-28T20:03:00.000-06:00

Starting today I am participating with some other Etsy Fort Worth shops in a Friends and Family Sale!

Use the code "EFWfriends" for 15% off your purchase. This includes everything in my shop.

Lots of other great shops are also participating in the sale so go take a look at their shops, too. You can find everything from handmade soaps and jewelry, to children's clothing and pet goods.

Remember shop Handmade for the Holidays!

2011-11-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

Fold forming adds dimension to working with metal. These leaves were made using the instructions for the Romero Leaf Fold as written by Charles Lewton Brain. I found the instructions in the September 2008 Issue of Art Jewelry Magazine. Charles Lewton Brain also has written a great book on fold forming and there is also information on the the Orchid Jewelry website http://www.ganoksin.com/brain/gallery.htm

I'll be adding some more examples of fold forming in the weeks to come.

My Copper Shell Box Reveals Its Secret

2011-11-16T11:12:00.001-06:00

Boxes, hinges, latches, and lockets – adding functionality, dimensional form and compartments that can hide secrets to your work. My copper shell box hides a lovely free form pearl that is secured to the inside with copper prongs.

Here is a hinged box that I made with a friction clasp. This is a simple hinge created with copper tubing for the knuckles and the hinge pin is a brass rod that fits snugly inside. Just like with rivets it’s important that the hinge pin is the correct size. It will be much easier to flare the ends with a snug fit.

On the left and right of the Shell are the plexi-glass die and the rubber build-up I used to push the metal in the die. A very low tech way to add volume to your work.

One of my favorite books is sure to inspire and instruct you is Tim McCreight’s The Metalsmith’s Book of Boxes & Lockets. This book will take you from the basics to complex construction. Chapter 2 covers hinges and lids, with pages 49 – 50 explaining how to make the basic hinge. The photos and the step by step instructions are clear and concise. Tim includes tips to make the hinge stronger and soldering using a clamp made from a coat hanger. This is just one example of the detailed and helpful information packed into this book. This book is a must read for any jeweler or metalsmith wanting to add a more enticing tactile element to their work.

Copper Leaf Pendant at the Dallas Arboretum

2011-11-06T17:00:00.001-06:00

On a beautiful fall day in the gardens of the Dallas Arboretum I taught basic jewelry skills to 10 wonderful ladies. We hammer textured, stamped and added patina to a copper leaf which was the focal of the necklace. Using basic wire wrapping techniques we added colorful bead accents to our pieces. Every one's pendant looked great.

Add caption

Wired Up Beads

2011-05-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

I was featured on our blog at Wired Up Beads. We're having each of us write about our creative process. I think its fun to see how we each work through our ideas. Check it out.

Stacking Rings

2011-04-20T19:43:00.002-05:00

Fabulous and Fun stacking rings made by fusing Argentium Silver wire.

Using Argentium Silver makes it a breeze to make

ring bands the same size.

I was able to fuse the band and the rivet wire at the

same time - only heating to fuse 1 time.

We did this for staff development last Friday at Wired Up Beads.

Argentium Hollow Bead

2011-03-27T15:00:00.003-05:00

A multitude of uses - A bead is a small, decorative object that is usually pierced for threading or stringing. I will be teaching a class showing how to create a hollow bead of Argentium Silver. I’ll be demonstrating and teaching fusing Argentium Silver. For those of you who have tried to “sweat” solder sterling silver and had a frustrating experience, come and learn the joy of fusing Argentium. Also there is no fire scale to add more finishing time spent polishing the purple stain away. It’s more fun to spend time creating and not at the buffing wheel.

I absolutily love working with argentium silver, I’ve learned to use the unique properties of Argentium to make the metal work to my design’s advantage.

Custom Ring

2011-03-24T14:45:00.002-05:00

A custom ring designed for one of my customers. Picture Agate Cabochon in Argentium Silver.

Cabachon Bezel Setting Tips

2011-02-08T21:05:00.000-06:00

For those just learning to bezel set stones here are a couple of things to keep in mind. Choose a round or oval stone, save the irregular shapes and pointy corners for when you have a bit more experience. Also the profile or the how the stone is doomed will affect how easy it is to set.

Stone 1 is a little high proportionally for a first try. Stone 2 does not have a smooth dome, it comes to a blunt edge which makes is a little more difficult. Stone 3 has the best profile for a first time bezel.

Once you have the perfect stone for your first try the above diagram shows how the bezel should fit around the stone. It would just firmly grip the edge at about one-third of the height of the stone.

Mixed Metal Monday

2011-02-03T10:37:00.002-06:00

Start the week off right in class learning Metal Piercing and Riveting



Come create this mixed metal pendant with in my class. You will learn how to pierce (to make interior cuts on) your metal, opening up a new world of design possibilities. We will layer the pierced copper piece with textured brass underneath, adding a stunning level of dimension to your piece. The two pieces of metal will be joined with Argentium silver tube rivets. One of the rivets will also function for the opening for an S hook bail. This Mixed metal pendant is the perfect way to start accessorizing for the spring!

More Rings in 2011

2011-01-25T13:50:00.001-06:00

In 2011 I want to make more rings. I've decided to make a personal commitment (a promise to myself) to make more rings. Something that I have struggled with in the past is when I have made a personal commitment is that there are many things the compete for my time, distracting me from the course that I desire to follow.

I believe that I have a way to stay with my promise to myself to make more rings. I have intertwined this desire with other jewelry making commitments. I regularly teach at Wired Up Beads and at the Creative Art Center and at both venues I teach making band rings.

The first step in building a ring is the band. I am designing some interesting variations of band rings to share with my students. This is a photo of one of those designs. I will be posting more soon.

Mod Pod Ring - made of Argentium Silver - Class offered at Wired UP Beads

Ancient Fossil Pendant

2011-01-16T19:56:00.001-06:00

This Pendant deomonstrates techniques that I teach in my Jewelry Basics Class at the Creative Art Center. Piercing and hammer texturing are featured on this pendant, which are basic skills that lend themselves to many projects. I also used tabs to hold the Ammonite Fossil in place. Tabs are a great option for unusual shaped objects that will not work with a bezel.

I decided to make the piercing a stylized version of the Ammonite Fossil. I also textured the metal with the Fretz Narrow Raising Hammer to mimic the pattern of the Ammonite.

This gives the pendant a cohesive look. I love creating texture and I feel like this pendant shows the texture of the Ammonite Fossil to its best advantage as well as the hammer texture of the metal adding interest and beauty.

2011 A New Year and New Beginnings

2011-01-01T17:52:00.000-06:00

"Ring Up a Message" Argentium Silver Ring

Ring in the new year with your own message ring. Create your own personalized Argentium Silver ring at the first workshop that I'm teaching this year at Wired Up Beads. In this workshop you will use metalworking techniques to complete a soldered band ring that is stamped with a personal message.

Argentium Silver is the most tarnish resistant of the sterling silvers. Its special alloy includes germanium oxide, which makes your finished product harder and more durable than fine silver. It can even be made twice as hard as traditional sterling, yet it is very malleable in an annealed state. This metal is exciting because its unique qualities offer many new possibilities for jewelry makers.

Snowman Ornaments

2010-11-30T20:56:00.000-06:00

My daughter-in-law and grandson made the cutest ornaments and I wanted to share how they made them.

Supplies

2 styrofoam balls (2 sizes)

snow-tex

puffy paint (black and orange)

pipe cleaners – various colors

craft balls – various colors

straws

hot glue

jewelry wire

Cut straw about 1" to stick the two styrofoam balls together and hot glue to secure.

Twist a small piece of jewelry wire to make a small loop on top add hot glue to secure.

(Use to hang the ornament)

Paint all over with a sponge the snow-tex. Let dry.

Use pipe cleaners for top of ear muffs and scarf. Hot glue in place.

Attach the fuzzy craft balls for ear muffs with hot glue.

Use the puffy paint for face.

Have fun!!!

Merry Christmas!

Edom Festival of the Arts

2010-10-07T10:27:00.000-05:00

A great festival in East Texas that has wonderful art, great food and fun music. For more information and Directions.

Edom Festival of the Arts

Lakewood Summer Arts Fair

2010-08-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

Basic Jewelry Class

2010-07-19T14:23:00.001-05:00

Jewelry Basics
Creative Arts Center of Dallas

2360 Laughlin Drive

Dallas, Texas 75228

Instructor: ILENE KAY

Students new to jewelry will learn basic techniques including wire working, sawing and piercing sheet metals, soldering, bezel setting and riveting.

Date & Time:		Aug 25 to Oct 6 Register (register soon to reserve your place) WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm - 9:30pm (7 weeks)
Location:		Building A
Cost:		$195.00 ($225.00 Non-Members)$15.00 Materials Fee

Date & Time:		Aug 28 to Oct 9 Register (register soon to reserve your place) SATURDAYS 9:30am - 12:30pm (7 weeks)
Location:		Building A
Cost:		$195.00 ($225.00 Non-Members)$15.00 Materials Fee

Titanium Demo this Saturday

2010-07-14T10:40:00.001-05:00

I will be demonstrating "Coloring Titanium" at the Grapevine Beadmaker's Society, Saturday July 17 2010 6:00 pm. The meeting are held at Wired Up Beads in Grapevine, TX. Below are some of my pieces that feature heat patina titanium. I will demonstrate heat patina with an acetylene torch.

Image 1 - Argentium Silver necklace with titanium accents and a titanium coated drusey quartz.

Image 2 - Single Bud
This set of earrings and pendant are sassy and fun. The single bud earrings will frame your face with a touch of color and a small white pearl. Made from textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium.

Image 3 - Blue Bird
In every garden there are song birds. This pendant will bring the lilting song of the blue bird close to you heart. Made of textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium. Clasp is in the front.

A great resource for titanium and anodizing supplies is Reactive Metals Studio. Every one is very helpful and knowledgeable. So don't hesitate to contact them for supplies.

Father's Day is just a few weeks away.

2010-05-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Here are a few items in my Etsy shop that would be a great Father's Day gift. The boxes are made for stowing treasures and are a beautiful accent in any room.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
ilenekay.etsy.com

Metal Inlay

2010-04-08T11:12:00.000-05:00

Today while I was online to place an order for more metal, I clicked a link which lead to another click, and so on and so on until I found a video that demonstrated metal inlay technique (marriage of metals). Suzan Rezac has some wounderful designs and her video is very informative. I wanted to share what I found.

Suzan Rezac metal inlay jewelery

This video describes the inlay process. For a larger view, click Full-Screen or Google Video.

Dallas, Texas February 12, 2010

2010-02-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

Wow, who would have thought 9 inches of snow here in Dallas!

This has been the challenge that has kept me from the BMAC in Philadelphia. Between the Blizzard in on the East Coast and the snow and ice here, I'm still at home. I thought you might like to see the unique site of show in Texas. Here are a few shots of our yard and of the studio.

I'm qualified as a Green Exhibitor at the BMAC

2010-01-22T14:06:00.001-06:00

I have been making earth friendly changes within my business as well as my family’s daily life. These changes have been happening gradually and each one will make a difference in the world my children and grandchildren live in. As a result of these changes in my business I will be exhibiting at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia as a Green Business. I've listed below the changes that I have done and will continue to look for ways to reduce my carbon foot print.

1. I use stock silver that is 100% recycled.
2. I use Biodegradable fluxes and Citric Acid pickle, which are not harmful to the environment.
3. Textures are either created via non-chemical ways with a rolling mill, stamping or electrical etching a non-toxic, eco friendly method.
4. Printed material is on 80-100% post consumer product.
5. I recycle of course.
6. My studio has skylights for great natural light in the daytime.
7. All processes are evaluated for effect on the environment.
One example is finding chains from recycled sources—their manufacturing process is harder and more elaborate, as a result some of my newer items are on waxed cotton cord, which is a renewable resource. Everything I make is 100 percent handmade from recycled or fair-trade materials.

Many small steps will result in the start of a new journey.

Ilene

Metal and Glass Pendants

2009-12-16T09:21:00.000-06:00

One of the pendants I designed to feature a glass cabachon created by Laura Rosenstein. These pendants are for sale at

Artisan's Collective

410 North Bishop Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208

(214) 356-0818

www.artisanscollective.net

Another of the pendants.
I feel honored to be represented by such a fun and innovative venue in the Dallas area.

Artisan's Collective is a great gallery featuring fine Art, Craft and Jewelry by over 150 local Dallas area Artisans. It is owned and opperated by Artist, Dallas native and Oak Cliff resident, Ted Matthews, created Artisan’s Collective to provide local artists an inspiring environment in which to share their work, dreams and ideas with patrons and artists alike. Matthews seeks out unique artists working in all mediums to represent in the gallery, with emphasis on quality, originality and passion.

"Your support of our local artists inspire
and motivate them to grow
as an artist and reach their dream,
thereby enriching our lives and our community"

Fall ArtsGoogle

2009-09-25T21:18:00.007-05:00

A FUN EVENING
OF ART AND MUSIC

Saturday, October 3, 2009
3:00pm-10:00pm
A printable guide with a
map is available online at
http://www.fortworthsouth.org/
I'll be showing my jewelry at
Fifth Avenue Eyewear
1223 5th Ave Fort Worth, TX

City Arts Dallas, TX

2009-06-09T12:50:00.004-05:00

I'll be in Dallas this weekend at City Arts!

June 12-14
Friday 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Come and check out my new work.

Day of the Dead Pendant

2008-10-29T07:46:00.003-05:00

I am an artist working on a very small scale with precious materials used to create personal works of art. My art jewelry is sculptural, clean, and has an Asian influence resulting from artwork my parents had in our home when I was growing up. (Not the typical Midwestern
household).

Day of the Dead Pendant is a new direction. Bright, Colorful and movement, is the theme. I used glass beads, bamboo beads, hammered copper and nickel silver, items which individually do not have great value. These items are representative of a day to day life that can seem ordinary, but when combined with the lives of our family and friends create a piece that is colorful and striking.

The Day of the Dead Pendant focuses on gatherings of family and friends who remember friends and relatives who have died and the color, movement and inter connectedness that they have in common with our lives today. This is the art that is our lives.

Day of the Dead Pendant is a hand fabricated pendant of nickel silver and copper. The Chain is hand fabricated copper links incorporating beads of glass, bamboo and shell.

The Day of the Dead Pendant in on exhibit at DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS Day of the Dead at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas.

New Sales Assistant

2008-10-29T07:38:00.005-05:00

Xena my faithful studio dog has taken on the new role of sales assistant. She traveled with me to the Edom Arts Festival and the show was a great success. Which I am sure is due to Xena and her ability to charm customers.

The venue is lovely East Texas Piney Woods with excellent artists. Many people come the this "small" show which made it a a very good show for myself and Xena.

Great neigbhors

2008-10-16T21:32:00.004-05:00

I had wonderful neighbors at the Red River Revel in Shreveport, LA. Deborah and Benny demonstrate the famous hospitality of native Louisianans. See some photos of their Stain Glass Art at http://byrdsnest.shutterfly.com/.

New Displays

2008-10-16T21:25:00.003-05:00

I had some new displays made and they work great. They are stable, with stand the assault of small children that escape their strollers, bumps from adults who have had a bit too much the general may lay of crowds.

Custom Bracelet

2008-09-20T08:52:00.005-05:00

Custom work is one of the best opportunities to test my creativeness and skills. A friend of my wanted a bracelet designed for his lady friend. The adjectives were rugged beauty, use turquoise but do not imitate the southwest style, detailed but not ornate, comfortable to wear. . . let your imagination go. Our discussion continued. I did several sketches and we talked again.

This is the sketch we decided I would work from - with a few changes. Add two more stones and use the random texture that I use in some of my work.

I started the project and both of us were pleased with the finished piece.

Finding Delight in the World Around

2008-09-10T10:56:00.010-05:00

My grandson Shiloh explores the world with delight, excitement, joy and abandonment, he is a wonder to behold. Watching his delight in the texture of fabric, metal, wood even the plastic on the playground is contagious. I follow his lead and touch everyday items with a new wonder. I hope to carry this joy with me into my work in the studio as I prepare for the fall shows this year.

It's also very obvious that I'm a proud grandparent and just love to show off photos of Shiloh.

Jackson, Wyoming

2008-08-12T20:58:00.007-05:00

Photo of my booth at Jackson Hole Art Fair

The view was fabulous and being from Texas, I thought
the grass was wonderfully lush, green and just
awesome to walk on. (very different from home)

One view on the way to Jackson

The Snake River went along the campgrounds where we stayed.

View from our campsite of the creek that flowed into the Snake River.

I camped with friends from Tyler, Texas. Sally and Leigh Wade were wonderful camping buddies. They made camping fun, it was like being at a slumber party - talking late into the night with Sally. We compared notes (or sketches) about techniques and all the things that put our non-jeweler friends to sleep.

This is a photo of one of her pieces - as you can see she does the
texture by hand stamping with tools that she makes her self.
Check out her blog!

City Arts in Dallas, TX

2008-06-16T16:02:00.003-05:00

It was a great weekend in Dallas with some fabulous artists. great musicians, dancers, and story tellers. Even with the heat there was a good turnout at the event. Its a really mixed crowd as there are people who shop the arts venue after the symphony so you see many people quite dressed up among the rest of us that are attired in shorts.

I had a good show and the big sellers this show were the titanium and silver dangle earrings. This is the week to make more and replenish my inventory. I will post a photo of these to my blog soon. The next weeks will also be spent preparing for the summer Buyers Market in Philadephia.

Art & Air

2008-06-02T20:55:00.003-05:00

I had a bit of a panic today as I went to do my civic duty. I was called to jury duty and thought it would be a repeat of when I served in the past. Typically the jurors are picked and then the trial will start that same day and go for a day or two. No! Today the judge said that the trial wouldn't start until Friday. Well, that had me nervous - as I needed to leave Thursday to drive to Webster Grove, MO for the Art & Air Festival at Eden Theological Seminary. This is near St. Louis and is a good days drive from my home near Dallas, TX. Fortunately the Judge did allow those who had a scheduling conflict to verbalize the information and took that into consideration when selecting the jury. So I am able to leave on time Yeah!

I have some wonderful titanium and silver pendants for this show and I have a few other items I hope to finish tomorrow. So come out and see all the new and lovely pieces at this show.

2008-05-21T14:38:00.003-05:00

I have rejoiced in
Your decrees as much as in riches.
I will study Your commandments
and reflect on Your ways.
I will delight in Your principles
and not forget Your word.
Psalm 119:14-16

STUDIO OPEN HOUSE

2007-12-01T09:20:00.000-06:00

I'm having a Studio Open House on Saturday, December 8, 2007, from 11 am to 5 pm. I'll be doing some demos, showing how to torch patina titanium, texturing with burlap and bracelet forming. I may do another one or two as the demo schedule is not written in stone. I think we will have a good turn out and I hope we have the mild winter weather that Texas often has this time of year.

The Holidays are here!

2007-11-26T08:55:00.000-06:00

We had an awesome Thanksgiving!!! I got to see several of my cousins and that is always great to catch up on what is happening in every one's life.

Our next big event is the Studio Open House, Gordon and I decided Saturday December 8 is to be the day. More information to come shortly. We hope to see many of our friend there.

Link Bracelet made with Doomed Silver

2007-11-14T10:31:00.000-06:00

This is another bracelet that I have been working on and I am pleased with how it turned out. It still needs some more clean up and polishing, but you can see the over all effect. I really like the leaf texture on this and even have the texture on the circle of the toggle clasp.

Some design ideas I worked out in copper

2007-11-14T10:00:00.001-06:00

I tried a few variations on the cuff bracelets I make. I've been texturing them with the leaf texture I've developed and then forming the bracelets. On the top image I did the texture, used my jewelers saw to cut out the inserts, then formed the bracelet. I like the way this one turned out the best.

The middle image I cut out the "circles and then formed the bracelet - the "circles" are now ovals. Obviously there is some distortion and moving of metal when forming the bracelet.

The bottom image I soldered the circles on to the bracelet while it was still flat and then formed the bracelet. Which may not seem like a big deal until you try soldering on a curved surface - very tricky, things tend to move around. The circles had minimal distortion and still look good on this bracelet.

My thoughts on these bracelets is that I wanted to see the results of how adding metal and taking away metal would affect the bracelets when they were formed. Overall I'm pleased with the results and will move forward and create some similar bracelets in argentium silver.

NEXT EVENT - WINTER ART MART

2007-11-13T13:07:00.000-06:00

My next event is this weekend, Friday November 16 (7-9 pm), Saturday November 17 (1-8 pm), Sunday November 18, 2007 (11am-6pm) at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75218. It should be a great event, its an intimate setting and you can check out the future events, exhibits, plays and such. The Bath House is a cultural jewel set in a great area, its right on White Rock Lake in Dallas. Come on Friday evening for the Preview Reception!

My Faithful Friend

2007-11-12T13:54:00.000-06:00

Here's a photo of Xena our border collie. She is the most awesome dog, always faithfully waiting when I am out in the studio. She loves the fall here in Texas as its cool enough for her to truly enjoy being outdoors.

Etsy

2007-11-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

I've posted some wonderful new copper earrings to my Etsy store. I think these would be great for gifts or to treat yourself to a new fashion statement for the fall season. Here's the link ilenekay or just search Etsy by my name. These earrings are my favorites today. I just love the leaf texture on these and the fall colors.

2007-11-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

I'm working on new bracelet designs and hope to have photos to post later this week. Its amazing how much there is to do these days. I have to get ready for my studio holiday open house and really want to have the bracelets ready for that.

bye for now

Ilene's Art Journal

Love to Make Art with Fire

"Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry: a Workshop in Painting with Fire"

by Barbara Lewis

Etsy Fort Worth: Treasury Tuesday

Love is in the Air

A Great Little Christmas Art Show

The Importance of a Craft Support Group

ETSY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE

Starting today I am participating with some other Etsy Fort Worth shops in a Friends and Family Sale!

My Copper Shell Box Reveals Its Secret

Copper Leaf Pendant at the Dallas Arboretum

Wired Up Beads

Stacking Rings

Argentium Hollow Bead

Custom Ring

Cabachon Bezel Setting Tips

Mixed Metal Monday

More Rings in 2011

Ancient Fossil Pendant

2011 A New Year and New Beginnings

Snowman Ornaments

Edom Festival of the Arts

Lakewood Summer Arts Fair

Basic Jewelry Class

Titanium Demo this Saturday

Father's Day is just a few weeks away.

Metal Inlay

Dallas, Texas February 12, 2010

I'm qualified as a Green Exhibitor at the BMAC

Metal and Glass Pendants

Artisan's Collective

Fall ArtsGoogle

City Arts Dallas, TX

June 12-14Friday 6:00 - 10:00 pmSaturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pmSunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pmCome and check out my new work.

Day of the Dead Pendant

New Sales Assistant

Great neigbhors

New Displays

Custom Bracelet

Finding Delight in the World Around

Jackson, Wyoming

City Arts in Dallas, TX

Art & Air

STUDIO OPEN HOUSE

The Holidays are here!

Link Bracelet made with Doomed Silver

Some design ideas I worked out in copper

NEXT EVENT - WINTER ART MART

My Faithful Friend

Etsy

June 12-14
Friday 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Come and check out my new work.