New(ish) Logo, New Website

A while ago I decided I was tired of the font on my logo so I played around with some new fonts and came up with something I think is a little more sophisticated.  Of course, that meant I had to change my Etsy shop banner, which I did.  I also added the banner to this blog.

New(ish) Logo

Old logo

I have never really liked my website all that much and it was a pain to update, so I decided to change that up, too.  My hope is that it is more streamlined and a little bit more sophisticated without being too complicated.  It's very bare bones, which is easy for me to maintain.  A lot has changed in my life and with jewelry that I have been thinking an update is in order.  You can check out the new site at:  www.willowandme.com.

I have gone over it a bazillion times but I still could have missed something.  Please let me know if you encounter any problems.  If you have been to my website before, you may have to refresh your browser to see my new one.

2013

Since the world didn't end, Christmas has passed, and I have a few precious days off, it's a good time to talk about my plans for next year.  2012 was an incredibly busy year for me.  I started a new job (and they have put up with me for almost a whole year now!) and between classes, shops and shows, Willow and Me Jewelry has been busier for me than ever.  I'm not complaining, but I do feel like I was pulled in too many directions this past year.  I have not felt comfortable with the level of service I have given the shops that carry my pieces, sometimes taking several weeks to get things to them.

And so after a lot of soul searching, I have decided to dial it back a bit in 2013.  I have decided not to do any shows and will only be teaching classes in the winter/early spring.  The summer and fall are just too busy with work.

I will still be making jewelry, and I have a couple of big projects in the planning stages.  As I indicated above, however, I will not be doing any shows in 2013.  You will still be able to purchase on my Etsy site and as of this moment, my jewelry is also sold at Archipelago in Rockland, primarily ocean-themed items.  I will be confirming with them in early 2013 their plans for the next season as well as other shops that have carried my jewelry in the past.

I will also be teaching two classes through RSU 24 Adult Education.  Both are Mixed Levels Precious Metal Clay, with times to accommodate different schedules.  My intention with the class is to have something for all levels of experience with PMC, from beginner on up.  I will be teaching specific subjects, but will also encourage students to plan their own pieces and I will be there to help them troubleshoot and make their vision a reality.  The dates and times will be Fridays from 5:30 to 9:00 on February 8 and 15 and March 1 and 8 or Saturdays 10:00 to 3:30 on March 23 and 30 and April 6.   The RSU will have pricing information on their website and in their catalog.  Contact them to register.

These are the only PMC classes I will be teaching in 2013, so if you are interested, I would suggest signing up for whichever alternative works for your schedule.

I have really enjoyed my work at the Woodlawn Museum and look forward to 2013.  I do miss working with metal clay full time, but financially that was just not feasible for me.  I hope that these changes in schedule will help me feel less as if I am spread too thin and enable me to enjoy everything a bit more, as well as to take some time for myself.   I also hope to focus more on quality than quantity in my jewelry pieces. 

Keep an eye out here and on my Facebook page for new pieces and other news.  Let's hope for a happy 2013.  For now I will leave you with some pictures of my favorite pieces from 2012.

Time Flies

I can't believe it's already almost October!  So many things that seemed so far away have come and gone:  Our busy season at the museum, my metal clay adventure/vacation (at which I learned that four days isn't nearly enough time to spend working on clay with friends) and the beginning of school (I can't believe my youngest is a senior this year), among them.

I have been working furiously to get some pieces made and sent to Archipelago after my biggest month of sales there (yay).  Much of it is on my bench waiting to be finished but I do have a few small things left to fire.

Before time gets away from me again, I wanted to list what is coming up for me this fall as far as shows and classes go.  At the beginning of this year, because of my new job, I decided to only do two shows.  The first was the Fourth of July and it was very successful.  

The other will be the Gifted Hand Show on Friday, November 9 (11:00 to 7:00) and Saturday, November 10 (9:00 to 4:00) at the Ramada Inn in Ellsworth.  This is always an awesome show.  Christina Heiniger does a wonderful job of assembling a wide variety of very gifted artisans and I am honored to be among them again this year.  If you have never been, it is definitely worth a look and a great place to do Christmas shopping.

I have three metal clay classes scheduled this fall through RSU 24 Adult Ed.  They will all be held at my studio at 130 Oak Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth.



Beginner's PMC:  Saturday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class Fee:  $50; Suppies Fee:  $50 payable to me at the first class

You will learn about the different types of PMC as well as the basics of working with it by making a necklace and earring set.  Bring a bag lunch.




PMC Peekaboo Pendant:  Saturday, November 17, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class Fee:  $50; Supplies Fee:  $50 payable to me at the first class

This is an intermediate level class and some PMC experience class is necessary.  You will make a hollow lentil shaped bead with a "peekaboo" hole in which a small stone or bead shows through.  This is a piece made in several steps, which are demonstrated and explained.  You will learn about other hollow forms as well and the skills learned in this class can be used for many types of projects.  The pendant pictured is the first Peekaboo pendant I made, while I was at Haystack.  I still wear it and it never fails to get compliments.  Bring a bag lunch.

PMC:  Beyond the Basics, Saturdays, December 1 and 8, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class Fee:  $100; Supplies Fee:  $60, payable to me at the first class

For those who have worked in PMC and would like to expand their skills, this class will cover making your own textures (mold making, photopolymer plates and scratch foam), setting fireable stones and 3D construction.  This will be a very fast moving class and basic metal clay skills are necessary.  Students should bring a bag lunch.


 
The RSU is offering these classes at incredible prices.  To sign up for these classes, contact RSU 24 Adult Ed by clicking this link or by calling 667-6499.  Feel free to contact me at info@willowandme.com for more information about them.

Coming up very soon (unless time gets away from me again) will be photos of my most recent work and some new items in my Etsy shop.