A delightful grad student at Syracuse University, Amanda Marzullo, asked me if she could do a multi media piece on my business and my studio. I met her at the Syracuse Urban Craft Market in October. She visited several times and asked me all sorts of questions and took still pictures and shot video. She just sent me the link of the finished product and it is very well done. It is just super when someone edits what you say and makes you sound like you know what you are talking about!

http://vimeo.com/35467991

Here's the latest piece: my ode to Aretha Franklin. Brass base and tin graphics from two different olive oil containers riveted together with silver rivets. Add a handmade steel chain and I am singing Aretha's song!

Sweet as a nut

A day off from school allowed me to finished the necklace started right after the new year. I joined the metals with copper rivets and created the chain from steel wire. Everything has been polished with renaissance wax. I was pleased with the result.

I was featured in a blog about repurposing materials. The other items, as well as my bracelet, are worth a look. It is written by Susan and the name of her etsy shop is Tparty. Check it out!

http://tparty.typepad.com/the_tcozy/2012/01/repurposed-inspiration-on-etsy.html

Last year my goal was to come up with a new design every week. It was a tough goal to keep and like many artists I had periods of activity and some slower times due to outside forces.

Just to keep working is probably my goal for this year. The more you work, the more ideas seem to flow for me.

Here are some new earrings combining printed tin, copper rivets and steel wire.

Working on a new idea today. I took a piece of tin from an old tobacco can, trimmed it up and cut a piece of copper slightly larger. When I went to put it together, I broke a drill bit and have to order more. I am thinking of this as a pendant and will work up a chain to go with it.

Here are the earrings I finished right before the holidays. The tin came from a vintage biscuit tin from England. I hope to have lots of studio time in January. Also thinking about changing my shop name to East Street Tins. Any thoughts on this?

Happy New Year to all!