Nena's Art & Designs

Happy Anniversary

2012-02-14T19:58:00.003-07:00

I love how you spoil me

I love how my flowes come to my classroom every year

I love you

Happy Anniversary my love

Imagine

2012-01-31T23:08:00.004-07:00

A Year in the Life of an Art Journal prompt #2-I decided to play with colors for this prompt, mostly because I felt that I could not do the word 'imagine' justice with a few chosen images. There is no possible way to show all that I imagine on two pages of my sketchbook. If I put one thing that I imagine, what about the million other things that I imagine? Well, I couldn't have that, now could I? I'd like to imagine that the colors represent all of the things that are in my imagination. What about you, what do you imagine?

2012-01-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist it, I just had to show you my bottle. I will be meeting with my art group tomorrow and we will be swapping bottles that we "re-labeled". We won't know what is in the bottles until we drink them, but I am mostly looking forward to seeing all of the great art work.
My bottle, as you can see, was inspired by The Death of Marat. Marat was murdered by Charlotte Corday in 1793. I thought it fitting that I surround Marat with women.
I hope my bottle is well received tomorrow and that they also like the drink. To be honest with you, I bought the bottle because of the color of the liquid, not the type of drink that was inside. What can I say, I am an artist first.

2012-01-21T20:03:00.002-07:00

At the downtown art market today on this beautiful sunny day. I was to lazy to put my tent out, what was I thinking? No shade under the El Paso sun, big mistake. Half of my face is sun burned, although it looks as if I am wearing blush. Ouch! Even though we had more vendors come out today it took a while for the shoppers to come out. The downtown art market is new to the city, I hope it continues to grow. It is a great outlet for all of the creative minds of the city that usually have to drive to another city to sell their wares or put together seasonal craft shows. If you are ever in the city, please stop by and say "hello".

My Word for the New Year

2012-01-16T11:47:00.003-07:00

It took me a little longer to create my word for the new year, but there it is...PROSPER. My goal is to prosper this year in all facets of my life. As a wife, mother, teacher and small business owner I put so much of my time and energy helping others (as many of you probably do too) and I believe I need to put some of that energy back into myself and the things I love to do. I will hopefully continue to be the person I have always been, but I now want to "prosper" in some of the endeavors I have set for myself.. Creating my art and my jewelry bring me so much joy and I would like to see that part of my life prosper. I also want to make sure that my relationships with my friends and family continue to grow and prosper.
I also added a picture of last year's word...flight.
What is your word for the new year?

My New Studio

2012-01-08T23:17:00.001-07:00

I moved into my new studio space over the holidays with the help of my husband and kids. I made the move in two days, which is why it looks the way it does. I had been in a 10' x 10' room, and was extremely crowded, I have no clue how I fit everything in there. My husband will turn that room into an office/man cave space. What is now my studio was once our family room, it was a great space for tv watching, thanks to the dark walls. Now the dark walls are not so great for my studio. I will paint the walls over the summer, buy some colorful rugs and ad a few more tables. We removed the water damaged (another story) carpet and found that someone, at some point, wrote the name "Roger" on the floor. Ugh.
I have a vision of what I want my studio to look like when it is all said and done, I just have to be patient and slowly work my way towards my vision.
I can't wait to show you the end results.
Another plus to this space is that not only will I be able to create my jewelry, but I now have enough space to create my paintings without having to put things away.
This was the best gift ever!

2012-01-01T15:46:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! I don't know about you, but 2011 flew by for me. I can't believe how quickly time is going by. Does this happen the older we become? I can't believe that I am now the mother of two adult children, and my baby is three years away from graduating from high school. I wish I could make the years go by a bit slower. I resolve to enjoy my children more this year, soon my husband and I will find ourselves as empty nesters. I also resolve to grow my business more. I had a great year with new ventures, but it is time to spread my wings a bit wider. I have a meeting tomorrow for a new shop opportunity, we'll see how that goes. I also resolve to take better care of myself, it is off to the gym tomorrow morning!
The piece shown above is a new addition to my etsy shop.
Hope your holidays have been as wonderful as mine.

2011-12-25T16:25:00.001-07:00

I went to sell at the downtown art market yesterday morning, but even with all of the advertising from the city, the weather kept people and vendors away. It was too cold and wet for people. It started to snow the second we arrived and didn't stop all day. We left after a short while, went home to mom's and made tamales for dinner. We had breakfast here at home and opened up gifts with friends and family. I hope your are having a very Merry Christmas too.

2011-12-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

I created these pieces just yesterday in preparation for a private party where several artists were invited to show their work. We had a wonderful time, until the temperature started to dip that is. My husband came along and helped me to pass the time while we watched the festivities go on around us.
I always enjoy meeting new people and what I enjoyed more was meeting people that have bought my work at one of the shops where my work is sold.

Now it is back to the studio, I am still trying to replenish all of the pieces I sold a couple of weeks ago in Galveston. I have two more shows coming up and we are still selling at the El Paso Artist Market. The market is a bit slow going, the temperature does not help. Starting the market in the winter time is not an easy task. There have been weekends when their is great attendance and then we have a weekend like this one. Very low attendance. Still met some great people and my work is always well received.

Til next time!

moon series

2011-11-28T18:27:00.001-07:00

I don't know why I like creating "series" of pieces, but I do. The name "moon series" came to mind for my new jewelry pieces. Although I'm not really sure it fits my new pieces I did enjoy making them and have a few more coming soon. I imprinted some words on the back, but forgot to take a picture of them.
I participated in a new venture this past weekend. The city of El Paso now has an artist market down town. It was long over due and I sure am glad I have another outlet for my work. I sold out of my jewelry two weeks ago in Galveston and so I am frantically trying to make more pieces. Very difficult to do when I have a full time job, am the director for our city UIL visual art event and am the founder of a female artist group. Whew! I need more hours in the day.
This is why I love creating art and making my jewelry, it is my therapy, my saving grace. Along with my kids, of course.
Hope your week is going well.

2011-11-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

I spent a few days at Galveston, TX for the annual TAEA conventions. Art Educators from around the state gather and give workshops and share ideas. It is such a rush to be surrounded by such talented people. I love it! This year TAEA had its very first artist market. I participated and sold my jewelry on Fri. I had a wonderful response to my work and quickly sold my pieces, with the exception of just a few. I also made many new acquaintances.

While in Galveston I visited many great attractions, but my favorite place was the Antique Market. Oh, I was in heaven. So many great things to see, I think I might have giggled a bit. If you are ever in the area, the Antique Market is a must to see.

2011-11-06T21:14:00.003-07:00

I saw this in a blog recently (sorry, can't remember the name of the blog) and I just had to look for the video. I really needed the boost. I know there are times when I feel just like that....I know what I want to do, but it is taking me a long time to get there. Sometimes I feel like I am calling out there and asking, "Hello, is anyone out there?"
When does everyone get a piece of the pie? I won't give up, it is not in my nature, but there are times when I slow down considerably and the doubt starts to settle in...

Day of the Dead Festival

2011-10-30T21:22:00.002-06:00

I spent the weekend selling my work at the Day of the Dead Festival in Old Mesilla, NM. Day of the Dead celebrations are a pretty big deal in the Southwest, people dress up like "La Catrina" and get out their best skeleton outfits. I regret not dressing up, but I was in such a rush making the hour drive on Sat. morning that I did not have time to prepare. I shared a booth with three of my dearest friends. We all had great sales and had a great time seeing all of the festivities. Altars were also set up around the plaza, some of them were quite elaborate.
It is hard to believe that my neighbors to the north are under severe freezing conditions, here I am in a t-shirt enjoying the nice weather.
I hope you are keeping warm.

2011-10-23T12:14:00.001-06:00

This is a variation to a piece I made last Feb. They were very popular and I decided to make some for next weekends art show. I am extremely behind, I don't think I will be able to finish all of the pieces I had wanted to make. I also want to make new displays, but I'm not sure if that will happen either. Too much going on this week.

I am looking forward to this show. After taking a brief hiatus from art shows, I have decided it is time to get back to them. When you sell to shops, you miss the connection you make with shoppers. I have missed it. I hope they have missed me to :)

Soldered Necklace

2011-10-19T22:53:00.000-06:00

I made this piece from an old Loteria came gard. The mermaid is my favorite game piece and I always made it a point to get a Loteria game card with her on it when I was a child.

She really takes me back to my childhood.

Polymer Jewelry

2011-10-17T10:26:00.001-06:00

Here is another polymer piece I created recently. She looks so pretty, doesn't she? I long for spring, for the days when I can wear a soft blouse and a flowing skirt...and this necklace. No, actually this is a piece I created for the jewelry show that I have coming up. I have a few others that I will be photographing soon. I hope your Monday is going well.

New Polymer Pieces

2011-10-16T12:12:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I last posted, but I have not stopped creating new pieces. I took a bit of a sabatical from my jewelry during the last part of August and September. The start of the school year takes up much of my time and energy. Now that the dust has settled and the school year is well under way and my art students are in full swing, I can now dedicate some time to my jewelry and my shop. It is time to get back into the flow of things.
I'm preparing for several art shows and craft shows. I created the two pieces pictured above with several left over polymer beads that I had created for another piece. I hope they are received well by buyers.
Until next time.

Hanging Out

2011-09-03T21:27:00.002-06:00

I share Frida's sentiment. We are just hanging out today. I've returned to work and every new school year takes some adjusting. I havn't touched any of my jewelry for a good three weeks, but I'm planning on returning to my studio on Monday.

I made a difficult decision last week. I have decided to pull my jewelry out of one of the shops where it is sold. My jewelry sells in six shops and I just can't keep up. I find that I am so busy trying to produce enough work, that my work is beginning to suffer. I don't want that to be the case.

The shop owner did not take it to well, and even though I have tried to explain my decision she became rude and defensive. She asked me to leave my work for another month, so I am left in an akward situation.

I just hope things work out well in the end.

In other news: I've lost 7lbs! I know, doesn't sound like much, but i feel and look so much better. I've been going to a gym three to four times a week and doing better at watching what I eat. Even though I am still baking these delicious cakes. It is all about portions.

This particular cake has melted ice cream mixed into the batter.

Delicious.

2011-08-07T21:35:00.000-06:00

When I was younger I worked in a bakery for five years. I was a young mother of two going through a difficult divorce and work was my only outlet. Sixteen years later and I still enjoy baking. My husband and my three kids went through this cake in record time, it lasted only 30 minutes.
It is truly a chocolate lovers dream. It has chocolate fudge, chocolate pudding and 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips.
That piece you see there is waiting for me along with a cup of milk. Extra time at the gym tomorrow.

Encaustic

2011-08-05T21:38:00.000-06:00

I took an encaustic workshop last week and created these two pieces. I enjoyed myself and enjoyed the whole process of creating paintings with wax. I found it difficult to lose control to the medium, hot wax wants to do what it wants to do. Hopefully this won't be my only venture with this medium.
Hope you are having a nice night.

New Pieces

2011-08-02T22:41:00.000-06:00

I've been playing around with different designs with polymer clay and came up with these new pieces. I feel as if I am on a time crunch because I only have one and a half weeks left of summer vacations. Hopefully I will continue to feel inspired in the small amount of time that I have left.
I still have so much to learn, aside from a couple of tutorials and books that I have read, I havn't had much exposure to this medium.
It sure is fun learning, though.

Project Runway!!!!

2011-07-28T19:46:00.001-06:00

Yay! Finally, it is on, Project Runway. I very rarely watch tv, but I sit down and make time for this show. My mom was a seamstress and I took fashion design classes straight out of high school. I didn't follow fashion professionally but still do some sewing for my family. I especially love to quilt and cross stitch. I see the designers on this show and I think, "damn, could've, would've, should've". I suppose jewelry design allows for a small bite into the fashion world.
OK, enough of my musings.
I created these new pieces and have yet to decide where I should place them. Etsy or one of the shops? I'm creating a "line" of the pieces shown above and am creating some "cultural" pieces also. I have slowed down a bit lately, I better get with it because I will be returning to work very soon.

Estate Sale

2011-07-24T19:12:00.000-06:00

I went to an estate sale today and found this lovely painting. The little birds are painted on silk fabric. The frame is large and heavy, so for now it leans against my wall.

Just listed

2011-07-19T17:55:00.000-06:00

I just added my latest pieces on etsy. These pieces are actually going to make their way to a gallery very soon, so they will be on etsy for a limited time.

New

2011-07-18T21:06:00.002-06:00

I love these colors

Some different sizes and colors

Here are more of those colors. Sold all 20 necklaces today.

Yay! I won!

2011-07-14T23:21:00.002-06:00

A big "thank you" to Lorelei from Lorelei's Blog and Lynda from SCDiva. Lorelei raffled some of Lynda's beautiful pendants and I was the lucky winner of one of her pieces! I am a big fan of both ladies, they are extremely talented in their fields. I've purchased a few of Lynda's tutorials and I have learned a great deal from her. Thanks again, ladies.

I've been working on creating these new pieces. I LOVE color and I enjoy mixing colors together and am always pleased with the results. I was having trouble trying to figure out how to create the actual pendants and was mostly relying on hand formed pendants. I was looking through one of my art bins and found some cookie cutters (for lack of a better term). I started creating some round shapes and put them together for this necklace. I'm not sure how I feel about the actual chain, this is something I will revisit.

I have a few more pieces, as soon as I take pictures I will post them. I apologize for the poor quality of my photographs, my camera broke and I am using one of my older models.

finished

2011-07-11T12:17:00.001-06:00

I finally finished my painting, God knows it took me long enough. This painting was inspired by a Tigua Eagle Dancer that I saw a few years ago. I have worked on this painting on and off for the past two years, even though I was inspired by the dancer I lost interest in the painting. What I should have done is to have allowed my inner muse turn it into something that would have inspired me to work. I was too caught up in capturing the Eagle Dancer, but I didn't let the "spirit" on the dancer find its way into me.
I am glad I finished it, my son quickly claimed it as his. Now I will have more free time to create some new jewelry pieces that have been swimming in my head.
Taking time off to finish my painting did allow me time to take stock of my jewelry business. I don't know about you, but I sometimes suffer through times of self doubt. These times completely rob me of my energy and make me question the direction I'm taking with my small jewelry business.

These are the things I wonder about:

How much inventory should I have? I usually make as needed. I suppose I'm afraid to make too much and then it not sell. (There's the self doubt part).
How much waste is ok? I like to experiment, but hate wasting materials.
Pricing! I've read and have asked about pricing. I know how much I want for my work, but I always feel that I am over pricing.

I also feel that I am lacking in the "chain" department. I am never satisfied with my chains and the way they hang on the neck. I usually wear a few of my pieces just to see first hand how it hangs. I've noticed that my necklaces sometimes "travel". I don't know why this is, especially since I have pretty large pendants hanging on my chain.
Well, seeing that I am in one of my energized moods I'm off to my studio to create. Have a nice day.

My Hen

2011-06-28T19:36:00.000-06:00

I had my UVA meeting today (Union de Viejas Artistas) and we presented our hens and roosters. This project took longer than anticipated, but it was well worth the wait. I enjoyed making my hen and I just love everyone elses, I wish I could have brought them all home with me.

I tissue papered mine completely, then added some details in the leaves, feathers and face with a sharpie. I'm sure you also noticed that I added a little something different to my hen. I took of the head of the hen and added a doll's head instead. If you would like to see the other interpretations you can do so by visiting http://uniondeviejasartistas.blogspot.com/ or by clicking the blog link at the left hand side of this blog.

At the ballpark

2011-06-15T21:46:00.001-06:00

I spent last Sunday at the ballpark with my husband and my youngest son. It was such a nice, relaxing night just sitting there and letting the hours slowly pass us by. I was actually sorry to leave because I knew once we left it was back to work for us. Even though I am on summer vacations it seems there is more to do at home. I also don't know why, but the days just fly by when I'm at home.

I have a jewelry show this weekend, wish me luck. I am also still struggling with blogger, I can't comment on blogs and I can't stay signed in. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this issue will correct itself.

Summer

2011-06-09T13:33:00.000-06:00

Summer has officially begun for me. Yesterday was the last day of school and so begins my favorite time of the year. I can now dedicate my time fully to all of the projects I have had going on for some time now. I have a few paintings in the works, including one that I started two years ago (damn) and a few small ones that are destined for an exhibit in early August and December. I also have a few house projects to get to, like cleaning out the garage. I don't know how it gets full year after year.

I have also begun working on my jewelry once again. I have neglected the shops where my work sells and it is time to visit these shops and restock the shelves. I had planned on going tomorrow but I have a small exhibit opening on Sat, so I think I better just prepare for that.

I have also encountered some problems with Blogger. I can't seem to stay signed in. When I click on the 'sign in' tab it takes me directly to my dash board, but when I need to view my blog or visit other blogs, it signs me out. Because of this I can't comment on other blogs, including my own. I've tried getting help from Blogger, but have had no results. Anyone else having this problem?
Anyways, the pictures I have posted are of work that I am working on at the moment. Hopefully they will be completed soon.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Waiting for Summer

2011-05-21T22:29:00.006-06:00

I've begun to count the days until summer vacations, is that a bad thing? I begin to get burned out towards the end of the school year and I begin to look forward to some free time. Time to dedicate to my art, my jewelry, my home and my family.

I've been working very hard and have created many new things, I just havn't had time to photograph and post.

As soon as summer begins...

This little piece is from a sketchbook entry that I did back in February, reminds me of summer days to come.

Small Orbs

2011-05-01T18:54:00.007-06:00

I made a dozen of these small earrings in a variety of colors. Whenever I take pictures they remind me of small floating orbs. These are some of my best sellers whenever I have a trunk show. I am planning on another trunk show for the end of the months so it is time to make some more.

Along with my little orbs I have also created these two other pieces. I have posted them in my etsy shop, hoprefully they will have a nice reception.

I'm eagerly awaiting the beginning of summer so I can start my summer vacations and I can start creating some of my new jewelry pieces. Sooo many ideas, very little time. I get frustrated sometimes because I am limited on how much time I have to create.

On the flip side, my jewelry is now being sold in another gallery! That makes seven shops. What I lament is that I do not have the pieces to fill up my etsy shop.

Hurry up, summer!

Auction

2011-04-19T22:33:00.006-06:00

I went to an auction today, a new hobby of mine. I mostly enjoy the thrill of selling everything I purchase during these auctions. I usually make my money back in a matter of days, sometimes even before I leave the auction site. I keep the items that I like and sell the rest.

Today's auction was at a crystal store, lots and lots of goodies. Unfortunately I lost a few bids, but I walked out with some great deals. I bought about $300 worth of gorgeous glass beads for $25 (yipee!), but I ended up buying a box of findings for $25 and quickly regretted the purchase. The box was worth three times as much, but it turns out I won't be using any of it. I am going to have to work a little extra trying to make my money back on that purchase. I also bought some jewelry displays which will come in handy for displaying my jewelry in the shops where my work is sold. Something else that I bought were glass insulators. Have you ever seen these? Many people collect these, I'm not a collector, but I couldn't pass the deal. $6 for 25 of them. I am keeping seven of them and have already sold the rest. I didn't sell them for much, just enough to make a small profit.

One of my dreams is to have a small shop/gallery where I would sell handmade, unique jewelry and collectible items. I suppose going to auctions allows me to live part of my dream.

Colorful

2011-03-30T11:27:00.007-06:00

I had fun creating my latest pieces. I was in search of something colorful to wear and started to play with my colorful polymer clay. As always I made more beads than I had intended so I decided to create a series of necklaces. These are the results. I made a total of 17 and this is what's left.

Pricing

2011-03-28T08:34:00.010-06:00

Like many of you, I slowly became a small business, almost by accident, really. It all began when I made a necklace and received many requests from friends for similar necklaces. I gave those first necklaces as gifts, not really thinking they were of much value. One day a good friend of mine encouraged me to enter a craft show and my necklaces were a big hit. This gave me the confidence to show my necklaces to others and slowly began to pick up sales.

After selling some necklaces to a receptionist at a dentist's office she suggested I visit a local shop. There I went, with a few necklaces to show, and butterflies in my stomach. I left with a $2,000 order. Three years later, I am now selling at six shops in two different states. I had been reporting my gains as a hobby, until I was told it would be a wise decision to start reporting as a business.

I still remember sitting in my accountant's office, dumbfounded with some of the questions that were being asked.

I did not understand what cost of goods sold, and ending and beginning inventory and other business jargon meant. I felt like a fool. I had just shown up with my meager receipts and a close approximation of what I had sold. That visit made it painfully clear that I was not pricing my jewelry correctly. I would create a piece and just ask, "What would I pay for it?"

Before I became a jeweler, I was an avid painter (OK, I still am) and exhibited and sold several of my pieces. I always photographed the paintings that I sold along with information about the painting and who I had sold it to. I realized that my jewelry deserved the same respect. I went out and bought a notebook dedicated to pricing my pieces. I photograph my pieces and give a brief description of the process that I used to create them and who I sold them to. I also show how I determined the pricing, including the amount of time I spent creating my pieces. Yes, this does mean carving out some time to this book but now feel confident that I am selling my pieces correctly. I also enjoy leafing through these books, I am able to see how my jewelry has evolved and the images sometimes inspire new designs.

Spring Break

2011-03-18T23:01:00.007-06:00

As a teacher I look forward to several breaks through out the school year. Spring break is one of my favorites. This week gives me the opportunity to recharge my battery so that I can finish the school year. Unfortunately, I didn't get much rest this time around, I spent most of my time trying to catch up on some jewelry orders and tried to get ahead on some others.I am also working on a new line of pieces which I will unveil as soon as I'm done with those. For now I'd like to share with you a few pieces that I created for a local shop. I'm especially fond of the little bird necklaces, it was difficult to part with them. I also made a few for myself which I hope to put up in my etsy shop soon, that's if I can get the following mess cleaned up.

My husband and I sold our home of thirteen years three years ago and bought this fixer upper. We had also fixed up our previous home and I figured fixing this one would be the same as the first. I didn't know what I was thinking. I thought spring break would be the perfect time to have my master bathroom tiled (it had pink carpet). First of all, it is so difficult to find good help. I set up three separate appointments with workers and I was stood up all three times. A family friend recommended someone and in desperation I hired him sight unseen. Well, he turned out to be an elderly man (I do mean elderly) and had no helping hands. After several days my bathroom is finally tiled, but I was left with a broken bathroom door, mortar on my walls and some other minor repairs. Oh well, I didn't have the heart to complain, I just kept thinking that this was some one's grandpa, and besides, with all of the devastation on the other side of the world, my bathroom is not such a big deal after all.

Something new

2011-03-12T15:25:00.005-07:00

I just listed something new in my etsy shop. It had been a while since I had last put something in my shop, not because I haven't been working, but because I have been busy trying to create pieces for the various shops that my work is in.

This is the first time I put my polymer clay necklaces in my etsy shop, I hope they are received well. I've been reading the different posts from my etsy team members and I have noticed the concern for the lack of sales. With gas prices going up and the economy what it is, I'm not surprised things aren't moving as quickly as we wish they would.

All of this pales in comparison to the disaster that is happening half ways around the world. I've been glued to my tv seeing the devastation as I work away in my little studio, knowing how lucky I truly am. I pray that relief comes quick to the people of Japan, my prayers are with them as they begin their long road to recovery.

How do you manage?

2011-03-07T09:07:00.009-07:00

Some new things coming out and some new things going in. I was up late last night working on my polymer clay pendants and got carried away, before I knew it, it was going to be midnight. These are some of my first attempts at image transfers and even though I try to go slowly I still make mistakes. I just might put my "oops" on sale in my etsy shop. I'm going to start looking into colored liquid clay so that I could put color on the sides of my pendants.

Something I've been struggling with lately is the amount of money I am putting into my material. It seems that as soon as I sell something I turn around and buy more materials in order to make more. I have a lot of inventory in several shops, sales are not as good as I wish they were. Sometimes I think I shouldn't create any more, at least not until all of my existing inventory sells.

How do you manage to make your wares while you wait for sales? Should I stop seeing this as a business venture and just create, even if that means spending more money? Am I missing something?

The Day After

2011-03-05T07:44:00.009-07:00

I had my first trunk show yesterday, along side some other talented jewelers. It was a bit slow going as far as foot traffic but managed to get some sales. The set up was a bit tight but I spent a few hours talking and making new acquaintances, swapping ideas and resources.

What I enjoyed the most was hearing people say "Oh, so you're the lady that makes these necklaces.", or "Oh, you're Nena." I've been trying very hard to make my name (brand) more visible, perhaps my efforts are finally paying off. One thing I've been wanting to do is to design new jewelry tags but am lost as to how I can do this. I've approached a few graphic designers but they must think I'm small potatoes because I never hear from them again. I've made my own for a while now, cutting and gluing, but I think I am beyond that point.
Here are a few pictures of last night's set up. The shop was a bit dark, luckily I brought my own lighting.

It had been a while since I had last done a craft show and no longer have some of my props ( I disposed of them thinking I would not need them again). I will have to start making new props and displays because I intend to do craft and jewelry shows this year. If only school was already over so that I could dedicate some time to my true love...my jewelry. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Getting ready

2011-03-03T09:50:00.010-07:00

I'm still working hard trying to get ready for my first trunk show. I have mixed feelings about this trunk show since I have never done one before. I'm excited but at the same time I am trying not to get my hopes up too much.

I'm also not sure if I'm suppose to work on some of my pieces while there or should I just sit and smile pretty?
I've been doing last minute preparations in the evenings after work but I've also had workmen in and out of my house the past two days (my heater and washer broke down). More of them are expected today :( I will be unveiling some of my new polymer clay pieces this weekend, I'm fairly new at polymer so this is an exciting new step for me. Wish me luck!

I've also spent some time reading blogs from my new etsy friends. So much talent out there. So many of us have the same dream, running our own business selling our wares. I hope it comes true for every single one of us. I've also been trying to follow some of my new followers but I can't seem to view their blogs, there is no link. Hmm, am I doing something wrong? Anyone else have this problem? Well, back to work, I will post pics from this weekend and let you know how it went.

Marbles?

2011-02-23T22:22:00.002-07:00

Marbles? No, not quite, these are my new polymer clay beads that are destined to become earrings. I have a trunk show coming up in a week and I am feverishly working away. Unfortunately this is also a very busy time for me at work. My students will be competing this Sat. and I am spending all of my time filling out paper work, preparing art work and trying to iron out last minute details.

I joined several etsy teams but I haven't been able to do much with all of the work I have going on. Hopefully things will die down after this week and I'll be able to concentrate more on my jewelry business.

It's My Wedding Anniversary Today

2011-02-14T12:58:00.002-07:00

It's my wedding anniversary today. I received these beautiful flowers from my husband, they were brought into my classroom in the morning. My poor love gets hit with a double whamy. My birthday was two weeks ago and he never fails to send me flowers for both occasions.
I hope you are spending your day with a special someone, friends, family. It's a shame we don't celebrate love more often, God knows we need it.

I am still working with polymer clay and continue to learn. I am sooo loving the process, I feel as though I have so much catching up to do. As soon as I have more new stuff I will post the pics.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Brrrrrr it's cold!

2011-02-03T22:32:00.005-07:00

It's still freezing here in Texas and I'm under a mountain of blankets trying to keep warm. We had an over night temperature of one degrees and will have a high of five degrees tonight. We've had power outages, gas outages and frozen water pipes. Friends and family have called to inform me of burst water pipes. So far no burst pipes over here, hopefully my luck will not turn. The pipes in my kitchen have been frozen since late last night, I just pray they don't burst over night. I would be in a world of hurt if they did.

When I have electricity I go to my studio and work on my jewelry, which is also the warmest room in the house. I'm still playing with polymer clay and it is still a learning process. I pull at it and roll it and combine different colors. Sometimes I come upon a happy accident but when I try to recreate it I can't.
These particular pieces are the results from just such a session. I know, very amateurish but I am pleased with my novice results. . I would love to get advice from polymer clay artists, every little bit would help.

Here's hoping you are having a warmer night than I am. Good night.

Polymer Clay

2011-01-28T23:19:00.006-07:00

I finally took the plunge. I knew I would work with polymer clay one day, what I did not expect was how much I was going to enjoy it. I had never worked with it before, so I started off by playing with the clay and creating some hand formed pendants. After baking my first pendants I took them to one of the shops where my jewelry sells and the owner of the shop asked me to make her some heart shaped pendants. Time to panic!

After several experimental pieces these are the results. I made a dozen of them and took them down to the shop today. Hopefully they will receive a warm welcome from customers. I can't believe I went from buying the clay for the first time to selling the pendants all in a couple of weeks. The next step is to learn all the cool tricks polymer clay artists do and learn a few tricks of my own.

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

What a weekend

2011-01-23T16:50:00.004-07:00

I've had quite an eventful weekend. It all began with some shocking news. My bank card number was stolen and in a matter of minutes someone had charged over $400 in merchandise. Luckily my bank is covering all the costs and my money will be returned...in about five days. I felt so violated. My daughter gave me some great advice, I don't know why I never thought about it, she suggested I purchase gift cards when I am going to purchase something over the inter net. This way if someone gets a hold of my card number again, they won't be able to spend a thing! Duh, why didn't I think of that before?

On a lighter note, I am learning how to make polymer clay jewelry. I have been creating test pieces and I can see that this will be a slow learning process. I'm enjoying myself, even though every piece I've done so far is not suitable for selling. I can't seem to roll out an even sized pendant and after firing some of the pieces can still be bent. I've been searching through polymer clay sites, reading books and e-mailing for advice. As soon as I have something worthy to show I will post some pictures.

Well, new to my shop is this recycled watch pendant. I am very fond of this piece, it says "believe" in the inside, I'm a little sad about letting it go,hopefully someone will like it as much as I do. What do you think?
Hope you are enjoying your Sun. afternoon as much as I am. Till next time.

Virgen de Guadalupe

2011-01-19T12:52:00.004-07:00

I started the new year with a lot of momentum and so far I havn't lost steam. After dinner is served I make my way into my art studio to work on my pendants and my art. What I havn't done is posted on etsy. Taking pictures is sooooo time consuming! I usually take picture of two to three items when I call it quits I just can't seem to get the momentum with my picture taking.

I've also started working with a new medium, polymer clay. I've been interested for quite some time, but you know how it is, that inner voice saying "Another thing to do?" As soon as I have something to show I will post pictures. In the mean time I continue to enjoy myself as I learn how to play with polymer clay.

I hope you too are enjoying yourself with your art.

Nothing ventured, Nothing gained.

2011-01-10T10:56:00.005-07:00

New Year, new shop! My work is now being sold at a quaint little shop called the Pink Cottage. I got a small, and I do mean small, little space for my necklaces. I spent my Christmas holidays creating new pieces for this shop along with the displays. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will go well in this new endeavor.

I also sent some of my necklaces to Belle Armoire Jewelry in hopes that they will feature them in one of their issues. My motto for the year: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained. I feel ready to try new things and want to push my jewelry business to another realm.

I'd also like to add that "my dress" is no longer blowing in the wind (Last Post). I have found calm winds once again, I just hope they are long lasting.

Stop Blowing My Dress Away

2011-01-06T19:15:00.004-07:00

This is a small piece that I created in my sketchbook. I am part of an on line sketchbook challenge where a new entry is supposed to be done every day in the month of January inspired by a Zebra. I have to admit that my intentions were good and was posed to meet the challenge. I've only done two. I went back to work on Tues. and there went my free time. Hopefully I will be able to carve out some time this weekend to try and do the entries I have missed.

The piece I created was inspired by some bad news I received during the holidays and something that my family is still trying to work through. The blowing dress symbolizes me, fluttering through the turbulent air I find myself in, waiting for some calm air....

Santa Fe

2010-12-28T23:15:00.007-07:00

I took a trip to Santa Fe, NM last month with my high school art students, while there we took a tour of Canyon Road and all of the great galleries. I was wearing one of my necklaces when I went into Mesa House Contemporary Gallery,the owner of the gallery commented on it and before I knew it I had sold her the necklace right off my neck. We started talking and came to a consignment agreement. My jewelry is now selling in Santa Fe,, NM on Canyon Road.

My jewelry was also picked up at another shop here in town. I hope these two new ventures have a positive out come, God knows I've been working non-stop the last two weeks trying to meet orders and providing inventory for the shops where my jewelry already sells.
With all of this work I havn't given my book (I'm writing a family history book) much time. Hopefully once things get settled I will return to writing my book. I'm also interested in writing a book geared towards art teachers. That idea is still in the works.I was told by a friend of mine last week that she was looking through a jewelry magazine and noticed some necklaces that resembled mine. Hmmm, I will be looking for this magazine to make my own assessment. Time for a good book and a hot glass of tea before bed, good night all.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T23:28:00.002-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MMMMMMMMMMM, the tamales are ready!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-21T10:29:00.002-07:00

Sorry I havn't posted lately, as you know, this is our busiest time of the year and I am busy filling orders and stocking up inventory in the five shops that carry my jewelry. I've had to deactivate my Etsy listings for now just to keep up with the shops here at home. Hopefully I will be able to stock up quickly after the holidays.
Happy Holidays to everyone!

TAEA Conference

2010-11-14T19:31:00.005-07:00

I went to the TAEA (Texas Art Education Association) Conference this past weekend in Austin, TX. with several other art educators. It was an amazing conference with great workshops. I have posted two of the lessons in my other blog (the painted apple), I'd rather share a few more personal images here.

Aside from the great workshops the fact that I was in my element, surrounded by sooooo many other artists and educators made the trip so special. I roomed with three other friends in the hotel and we spent some evenings drawing in our sketchbooks and sharing lessons that we had learned at the workshops. It was a fun art packed weekend that will hopefully help push me through the rest of the year.

San Antonio

2010-11-04T19:04:00.005-06:00

I took a two day trip to San Antonio to see my son perform in the Alamodome with his high school band. It was an amazing experience to see him perform, I had more than one tear in my eye.

The day before his performance we took a walk around the convention center and happened upon a performance honoring Dia de los Muertos. It was such a great performance with music, dancing and acting. I took a few pictures, but it was getting late and only a few turned out ok.

New Etsy Products

2010-10-24T20:26:00.005-06:00

Finally, after having such a difficult summer and fall dealing with several surgeries in the family, with one more to go, I was finally able to post new pieces in my Etsy Shop. I am finally spending more time in my studio where I feel the most at home and in peace. My kids also made the comment that I must be feeling better now that I am back in my studio.

Well, I hope you like my new pieces.

Mannequin Heads

2010-10-20T18:36:00.003-06:00

I was approached by a cancer foundation here in town about decorating mannequin heads for cancer patients that have lost their hair. My art club students are making this their community service project. I'm very excited about working on them and also on the impact the kids will be making in somebody's life.

The two mannequins I've posted are the ones I have painted, the mannequins the kids are painting will be posted in my teacher blog.

The red one features the Mexican game Loteria. I have a soft spot for Loteria because it is the game I played with my grandmother.

The other mannequin features a tree that represents rebirth. There are words written all around but are hard to see.

Hope you like them.

Frida on Mexican Currency

2010-10-11T19:43:00.004-06:00

Have you seen this? A student of mine mentioned about a month ago that Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera were featured on the $500 pesos ($50) bill. I finally got my hands on one! I have to say that the Mexican Treasury Dept. did a good job in representing their images, although I wish that Frida's image was just as large as Diego's. The bill also features images of some of their best known pieces. I just might have to get my hands on a few more and keep them as keepsakes for my three kids. I'm not sure how long these will be in production so I better not wait too long.

New Blog for Art Teachers

2010-10-08T10:48:00.003-06:00

I have started a new blog geared towards art educators. As an art teacher, I am always looking for new ideas and inspiration for myself and students. I also want to use my new blog as a way to keep a record of my lessons. I hope you will stop by and take a look at the painted apple.

2010-09-30T10:47:00.003-06:00

This particular piece was created by my Art 2 student, John. It was the first assignment of the year. My students had to show foreground, background and lighting (shading) using a black pen for their medium. The pieces came out great but I especially like this one.

This was the procedure:

Create a still life on their desk using 4-5 objects.

The still life should show a foreground and background.

Photograph the composition to be used only for placement reference but not to draw from.

Review mark making techniques and shading techniques using a pen.

Draw!

2010-09-27T21:09:00.002-06:00

I had my UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas) meeting last weekend. Our last swap was to create a portrait of one another. The results were amazing! I had tons of fun creating the portrait of my friend Lourdes and it was a wonderful treat to receive my portrait.

As for work, the school year has started out on a good note, we're already getting ready for competitions and art exhibits. I have a good group of talented students that are eager to create some great art pieces. I will post some of their work soon.

I'm still working on my family tree, I'm up to 800 family members. I've met new family members and have discovered some family information.. I am still working hard on writing my book.

Well, I hope all is well with you and yours, till next time.

2010-09-06T20:10:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since I last dropped in, but for good reason. My daughter had her surgery a few weeks ago and everything went fine, thank God. She is still in recovery and needs the majority of my time. I trust in God that all will end well.

In the mean time, I have continued to work on my family tree and now have over 400 family members in my tree! I am also writing a book based on my family. It turns out that I have two cousins that have written books based on their families, from their particular family branches. Needless to say, I have not touched my jewelry in over a month! With the beginning of the school year, meeting new students and revamping my curriculum, I have not had much free time. I can't wait until my life gets back in order!

The pictures shown are those of my grandparent's house in Santa Barbara, Chih. MX. The house has been in my family for over 200 years. Unfortunately, no one lives in the town any more and the house is in disrepair. I don't know how much longer the house will last. I keep reminding myself that it is the people that once lived in the house that matter, not the house itself.

2010-08-06T20:18:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since my last post, but by good reason. I had to under go surgery and I am just now recovering and getting back to feeling like myself. Just in time because now my daughter will be going through surgery in two weeks. I'm looking forward to the end of this month.

Aside from my surgery I have also been hard at work on my family tree. I created one on -line and my tree now has over 300 family members. I hope to add a few more.

The two drawings were created prior to my surgery and were created just for the fun of it. They are in the style of Picasso. I'm thinking of getting them framed and placed in my room. A little bit of humor is good now and then.

Well, off to get more rest, till next time.

changes

2010-07-17T16:19:00.004-06:00

This is my latest necklace called "love" Actually, I created this piece some time ago but had put it away and forgotten about it. I finally cleaned my studio and out it appeared. I have also begun to use my new mannequin form for my photos. I'm hoping my new images will make a difference in my etsy shop.

I start teaching summer school on Monday and will teach for two weeks. Summer school marks the count down for the beginning of school. A few more weeks and back to work.

One of my co-workers has accepted a job at another school and I was notified that her position was not going to be filled. I am going to be left with a male co-worker that is not always very pleasant to work with. My theme for ths year: changes. I have to accept change and do my best to work with these changes. I will be praying extra hard these next few weeks.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

New Work

2010-07-02T21:48:00.003-06:00

This is my latest piece. I started this piece a year ago and then put it aside. My son asked me for it and so now I picked it up once again. I don't know why I lost interest in it in the first place. Well, it is still in the beginning stages and I have a long way to go. In case you are wondering this is an image from a Tigua Eagle Dancer.

My goal for this summer was to complete unfinished work, photograph my jewelry and begin three portraits. One for each of my kids. I don't know if I'll get to those portraits, but I sure am going to try.

I just purchased a mannequin form in hopes that my jewelry will show better in photographs. I shopped for one on the inter net for some time and I think I made a wise purchase. I won't sing victory until it gets here. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

2010-06-17T22:56:00.004-06:00

I just finished posting a few more necklaces on etsy. I actually have several more necklaces that I want to post but I am still struggling witht the photography aspect of the business. I purchased a photo tent but half of the pictures that I take still do not come out like I'd like. I've been thinking of making a dress form out of papier-mache to use as a prop but I already have a thousand things to do. I guess I will continue to try new things, hopefully something will eventually work.
Any ways, these necklaces are two of the newest pieces that have been posted. I especially like the silver one. I'm always tempted to keep the pieces that I like, but I have to remind myself to let them go.

Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Batik

2010-06-11T22:21:00.005-06:00

This is a new batik I am currently working on. It is in preparation for the Virgen de Guadalupe Competition and Exhibit that is held here in El Paso in Dec. Yes, I am several months ahead but I am hoping to add some embroidery to it and I really want to dedicate some time to it. I won 2nd place several years ago and I havn't entered since. I actually had another idea in mind but several of us got together last Sun. to batik and out of the blue I decided to work on her. I'm sitll learning and I hope some of the embroidery will take care of my mistakes. The colors look amazing close up. To get a better view of the detail click on the pic and zoom in.
As I mentioned before, I had jury duty the very first day of summer vacations, luckily I was not picked. Not that I'm complaining about doing my civic service but I was up late on Wed. with the worst stomach cramps. I had never experienced so much discomfort. By the time I got up on Thurs. doing jury duty was the last thing on my mind. I'm still recovering.

I'm counting today as my first official day off. I want to accomplish three things this summer: art, clean my house and sleep.

I'm about to do one of the three, good night.

This is not Photoshopped

2010-06-07T18:38:00.003-06:00

I was in my studio yesterday working on a new batik when my son yelled for me. "Quick," he said, "get your camera!" I went outside and was mesmerized by what I saw. My camera did not do the sky justice. We had a terribly hot day yesterday (108) and then had rain late in the evening. This was right before the rain fell. I've seen these colors in the sky before but the intensity of the colors was amazing.

The picture reminds me of the art project kids do in elementary school. The one where they watercolor the background and then put black construction paper landscapes in front. You know the ones?

On an even better note, two more days for summer vacations! Wait don't get so excited for me, I have jury duty the next day:(

Oh well.

UVAs in UTEP Magazine article

2010-06-03T14:41:00.003-06:00

I've mentioned before that I have an artist group called the UVAs. All of the members are females and are practising or retired art teachers. We were featured in an article in the UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) Magazine. I finally look good in a picture. Here's the link if you'd like to view the complete article. http://utepmagazine.utep.edu/ Just scroll down to the article titled "Art Swap" or page 46.

I just returned from a trip to Santa Fe with a group of students. It was an enjoyable trip but now I am exhausted. There's 5 school days left!!!

I'm getting together with some of the UVAs this weekend and we are going to do some batik. I can't wait, art makes me unwind. I have a few pendants waiting on me to be turned into necklaces. I'll get to those soon. I also have a few clay pendants that need to be glazed. Sooo much to do.

First things first though, I still have to clean my studio :(

Happy Arting!

Time to Clean, again!

2010-05-22T20:00:00.002-06:00

I swear I think it was just yesterday when I last cleaned my studio! It feels as if I spend more time cleaning it than actually working in it. Something is obviously not working for me. I think I'm going to buy one of those magazines that shows personal studios of artists. I need some ideas on how to set up my studio. Before you ask, I purge every time I clean, so how is it that it still looks like this? I don't feel like working when I know that I have to clean first, this is why my new painting has sat unfinished for the past two weeks. Havn't even touched the brush. I keep telling myself that I will clean when vacations begin, but that's two weeks away and I can hear the paint brush calling my name.

As for my new painting, well it's something I'm playing with. Not something intended for sale or exhibition. Just something for me. I also want to work on some new jewelry pieces. That will have to wait. I have to clean my studio first.

Chalk Art

2010-05-17T18:02:00.004-06:00

I had my 2nd annual Chalk Art event at my school last Fri. It was such a great break from the usual schedule. The students enjoyed themselves and the event allowed me to blow off some steam. We started at 8am and finished around 12pm on a very hot day! We had mild weather all week and the heat arrived on Fri. Poor kids, they were quite hot, but persisted until they were done. I hope to make this event a yearly tradition.
If you'd like to see more of the chalk art you can do so by going to my teacher web page.

Three more weeks to go! This has been a very difficult school year, alot of little things have happened and with only a few weeks to go, they continue to happen! I can't wait to have one un-eventful year. Do those even exist?

2010-05-06T16:58:00.003-06:00

This is one of my latest pieces. This is a more "quiet" piece and I am especially enjoying working with copper. Actually, I've been working non-stop and have created dozens of necklaces. I hope to post them on etsy as soon as summer vacations begin and I get my new photo tent. I've never been able to take good pics so maybe a photo tent will help me.

This past week has been a "doozy"! My water heater sprung a leak and by the time we became aware of it the carpet was completely drenched. No hot water for a day was also quite difficult. Luckily I was able to have a new one installed the next day but it took a while to get over the sticker shock. It's been a while since I had one installed, I spent a good $500 for the water heater and installation. OUCH!

Then, I got word about graduate school. Good and bad news. I was accepted into the Art Ed. program but I was not accepted into the studio classes. I was going to minor in studio. I know the kind of pieces this university looks for. More contemporary, non-objective kind of pieces. I was going to do some abstract work before I applied, but I've been sooo busy. I hoped they would be satisfied with my pieces. I graduated with honors and I hoped they would remember my work ethic. What's ironic is that I am being featured in the universitie's magazine because of the work that I do. Oh well, I will be applying else where.

I'm going to look forward, not backwards, so on I go...

Grad School

2010-04-17T22:37:00.005-06:00

It has been a while since I've blogged, I have been sooo busy. The artist's studio tour is this coming weekend and I have been working diligently on my jewelry and paintings in preparation for the tour. I have to tag everything by tomorrow so I could concentrate on cleaning up my studio this week.

I am also hosting the UVAs meeting at my house this Fri.! Like I said, soooo busy. One great piece of news is that my group is going to be featured in a magazine. I can't wait to see.

I've also been asked to have a jewelry show at the store where my jewelry is sold. The only bad thing is that the show would be on Mother's Day weekend. I am going to try and work on some new things for that show. I have several ideas, but I haven't had time to sit down and experiment.
I am looking forward to summer vacations. I am eager to paint and create new jewelry without the added pressure of work. The piece that is pictured is a small watercolor collage that I made just to relax and keep the creative juices at bay. I have several paintings I'd like to start on right away, but I have to take care of business first.

Oh, I almost forgot, I find out this week if I have been accepted to grad school. Keep your fingers crossed.

'Till next time :)

2010-04-01T19:39:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting here, listening to the wind roar outside. We have 60mph winds and so my allergies are having a field day. Since I don't feel up to working on my jewelry I thought I'd just show you the last few pieces in my collection. These were some of the pieces I had at my exhibit. I added some enameling in my pieces and I have to say that I really like how they look. I especially like the one with the blue. I think I might just keep it for myself.

I want to create some bracelets, I just havn't quite decided on the style. Maybe I'll sit and sketch while I watch Project Runway with my daughter.

I'm still preparing for the Artist's Tour which is three weeks away. I have my house to clean, my studio rearranged and jewelry to make. Yes, I am stressing a bit. I hope to have my bracelets in time for the tour. Wish me luck!

Stained glass necklaces

2010-03-21T20:35:00.004-06:00

I have signed up for the "Artist's Studio Tour" in April. Artists open up their studios for two weekends and the public is welcomed to tour the studios. I will be selling several different types of necklaces and prints of my paintings. I should've spent spring break making new pieces but I spent the whole week working on the house. If I work two hours or so after work I should be able to have enough pieces for the tour.

One thing I am struggling with is finding a new supplier for chains. I havn't been very happy with the chains I've been using. Any suggestions?

The UVAs exhibit is still up, but this is the last week. I wish it could stay up forever, it is such a beautiful show, if I do say so myself. If you type in "Union de Viejas Artistas" into your search engine you will find several articles written about us.

Well, time to get ready for bed and prepare to face my students once again. Eleven more weeks until the end of the school year :)

Exhibit Last Night

2010-03-07T19:19:00.002-07:00

We had our exhibit last night. We had a very good turn out and several of us sold some pieces. My jewelry also did very well, I sold several necklaces and picked up some orders. I was very impresssed by everyone's beautiful pieces, the caliber of work was of higher quality than last year. A total of 14 female members exhibited.

I made some "collaged" pieces using the faces of the UVAs and put them in famous images. They were a big hit at the exhibit as were our bra purses. We wore buttons that said "Ask me about my bra". ( You can see some of our bra purses in a previous blog.) If you're passing through El Paso, please stop by!

$28,000 scholarship!

2010-02-28T20:44:00.002-07:00

I had a hard time deciding what to title this post. I have had an extremely busy few weeks with many things going on. The biggest news this week is that one of my students received a $28,000 scholarship to go to art school in California. This happened on Friday, and even though I've been fighting a bad cold, I was on a cloud! Then my students competed in several competitions and they all came out winners! Four of my students will be traveling to Houston to compete in state. I wish I could post their art work, it is absolutely beautiful, but I have already turned them over. My kids are amazing! I am going to give them a little party tomorrow, I think they deserve it.

Also the UVAs exhibit is coming up. It is this Saturday and I still haven't finished my jewelry!!! I will be working late everyday this week and hopefully I can get everything done, including any last minute things that come up.

In case you are wondering those are our bra purses on our invitations.

Still at it

2010-02-13T23:31:00.003-07:00

Three weeks away from the exhibit. I'm beginning to feel the excitement. My group the UVAs will be featured in our local newspaper, on tv and a magazine! If only I could lose a good 20lbs before the interviews. Oh well, no can do.

My goal is to make at least 50 pieces of necklaces for the exhibit. I work late into the night, or at least until my back gives out. Aside from making the pieces I still have to make all the tags. I'm also loading up the kiln tomorrow, I'm experimenting with some clay pieces. If all goes well I will include them in the show. The pictures above show my jewelry at La Galeria Azul. This gallery is located in historic Old Mesilla, an hour drive away from El Paso. It was a big thrill when my work was accepted there.

2010-02-02T22:58:00.003-07:00

Still working hard for the upcoming exhibit. I'm not sure about this piece. I like it, but I don't know if I'm going to exhibit it. It might just end up in my house somewhere. I had a week of slow paced work, but now I have tons of work to do. My students have three art competitions to prepare for which means I have matting to do, I want to make at least fifty pieces of jewelry for the exhibit and I was hoping to finish one more painting. To top it off I've been informed that I have to attend four prof. development sessions at work.

All this plus finish putting the exhibit together.

As if I don't have enough to do, I applied for graduate school yesterday. To be honest with you I'm quite excited about returning to school, it's been something I've been thinking about for some time. God help me, I hope I can pull it off.

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-01-24T17:48:00.004-07:00

It's my birthday tomorrow! I celebrated today since it's back to work tomorrow and my honey is going out of town on business. I love being surrounded by my family. My mom had her surgery and everything is going fine, she was sitting right next to me as they sang the "Mananitas". Singing this song is a family tradition and the water works began as soon as they sang the first notes. This should also be the last picture with my braces on.

MY BRACES ARE COMING OFF ON FRIDAY!!!

Am I going to do anything different this year? Yes, I promised myself to live with passion and look towards the horizon. I've finished a total of four paintings in two months, I'm starting a small series of paintings tomorrow and I have an idea for three others for the summer. My jewelry will also have my full attention. The exhibit is two months away!!

As for my family, well they are my first priority. My kids are my life.

Happy Birthday to me!

My New Painting

2010-01-18T11:00:00.002-07:00

I've been working every day on my paintings trying to finish my pieces for the exhibit I'm participating in. This particular piece is of my cat, Frida. I don't know what possessed me to paint my cat, but I have to admit that I really like the finished product. This is Frida's "sitting" pose. The day I decided to make this painting she sat in this pose for quite a while. I had enough time to take several pictures and sketch out my idea. You think she knew I was about to make a portrait of her? I doubt anyone will want to buy it, but that's o.k because I already picked out a place for this painting in the house. Now I have one more painting to do. I want to do a small abstract painting, but I have no real ideas yet. I'm also thinking of making some small drawings....hmmm, where's the dog?

Word for the New Year

2010-01-10T22:32:00.004-07:00

The art swap for my art group (UVAS) this month was to create a work of art that incorporated a word that symbolizes the new year. The paintings that were revealed were amazing. I ended up with a wonderful piece and I hope the receiver of my piece appreciated mine. If you would like to see everyone's pieces you can do so by going through the link on the right.

The word that I chose was "horizon". I was sitting on a bus with several art teachers and art students on route to Santa Fe. I was admiring the desert landscape and the word just came to me. Horizon. I just have to keep looking towards the horizon. In our lives we try so hard to keep going forward but life has a way of throwing curve balls your way. Unfortunately, I have started the new year on a sour note. It's the first time I have begun a year feeling so down. The things happening to me are mostly out of my control. My mom is having surgery next week, a colleague took his life, a person I admire very much lost her battle to cancer. Two memorial services on the same day. I didn't go to either one of them, I just couldn't. To make matters worse, my job, along with the job of all of my colleagues, is in danger thanks to the TAKS tests. One of our sub groups at our school is not meeting state standards in math and the school may have to be restructured. My money is gone as soon as I get it...the list goes on and on.

I must keep looking towards the horizon. What will be, will be. It is also fitting that the word that I received was "change". That is what I feel like, I am going through change. Unwanted change, but change none the less.

Trees

2009-12-30T16:05:00.004-07:00

I've been painting like a mad woman since school let out. I've been able to complete two paintings, both inspired by trees. I was looking at clouds for inspiration and instead settled on trees. I took several pictures of a tree in Santa Fe and even though they don't seem like it, both paintings are based on the same tree. I have another painting of a tree that I completed last year, it even appeared in our local newspaper. I don't know why I've been so intrigued by trees lately. Hopefully I will be inspired by something new soon. Both of these paintings are for the UVAs' exhibit in March. I have two more paintings that I still need to complete. Unfortunately I am at a loss at to what the next two paintings should be of.

I tried to put a water mark in front of the pictures, but I just couldn't figure it out. I was able to put my name in the front, but then I couldn't get the pictures to upload. Well, I guess that is my next project, getting more familiar with photo shop. In case I don't have a chance I will go ahead and wish you a Happy New Year. I hope the new year brings you closure, renewal and rebirth!

Tamales

2009-12-25T13:28:00.005-07:00

My family has been making tamales for as long as I can remember. I think I learned how to make them around the same time I learned how to walk. Every Christmas Eve we come together and make our tamales. We make red chili, green chili and candy tamales. It just wouldn't be Christmas without them. This year I took on the role of "head chef". This was once my grandmother's role, then my mom and this year she announced she wanted me to take over the tradition. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous, I wanted everything to be perfect. Thankfully the tamales came out great! My daughter also took a more active role in making tamales. I'm glad because hopefully one day she will take over the tradition.

I hope you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas.

clouds

2009-12-16T16:11:00.002-07:00

Here in El Paso we get rain when the sun is out. Have you ever seen it rain in a sunny day? The raindrops glow in the sun. It is one of my favorite things about El Paso. When I was flying in from New Orleans last spring these clusters of clouds caught my attention. They were extremely large, several stories high and some of them were dropping rain at different locations. My pictures do them no justice but I wanted to share them with you. I have been looking for inspiration for my next painting and I remembered these clouds, I'm leaning towards an abstract interpretation. I'm also leaning towards some trees....

Bra Purse

2009-12-05T21:48:00.005-07:00

I have a group called the UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas), we are female artists and art educators. We meet once a month to reveal our monthly art swap. We also do workshops and have art exhibits. We did the Bra Purse in honor of breast cancer awareness month in Oct. I just uploaded the pictures and I want to share a few of them. I think the ladies did an awesome job! This is one of the best swaps we've done and we've done some pretty good ones! Listening to some of the inspiration behind these creations added to the beauty of these purses. Next month's swap is to create an 11" x 14" mixed media painting inspired by the new year and must also include a word and definition that also describes the new year. Can't wait to see what the ladies come up with! If you would like to see more of our creations you may do so by using the link on the right.

I'm also very busy creating new pieces that I intend to take with me to Santa Fe very soon. Two more weeks for yet another break!

El Soldado/The Soldier

2009-11-28T23:14:00.003-07:00

This is a new piece that I created with soldiers in mind. The image comes from a Loteria game card. This particular image is popular here in town because of Fort Bliss. This is the last one I have (for now). I am still bogged down trying to pick up my inventory, I have so many new ideas that I want to try out but havn't gotten to. I had planned to do it during my week off but I have no idea where the week went! Hopefully having a little more time during Christmas break will give me a chance to complete new pieces.

I am also in the works of putting together a new exhibit for my UVAs group. As soon as the holidays are over it will be full speed ahead trying to get this 20 women show together.

2009-11-22T18:38:00.004-07:00

I spend so much of my time trying to take better pictures, all to no avail. I have now relinquished the task to my husband. Hopefully he will have better luck than me and I also hope to have more free time to do some jewelry making instead of fussing with the camera. These pictures are his first attempts.

This is "La Sirena" from the Mexican game Loteria! She is the most popular image from the Loteria game. I will be posting her to etsy soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out in blogland!

Pink

2009-11-17T21:30:00.006-07:00

I've made several stained glass necklaces but mainly for my own personal use. I put this one (Pink) on etsy Sun. and it sold today! I guess I better start putting a few more on etsy. This particular necklace is really pink, but the lighting is not that great on the dictionary.

The green necklace is a remnant left from a stained glass project that I had. I liked the shape so much that I decided to make a necklace out of it. I will put it on etsy this weekend, hopefully someone else will like it as much as I do.

I have a few more stained glass necklaces that I am working on, I will post as soon as I finish.

Tag, you're it!

2009-11-14T14:19:00.003-07:00

I've been working on designing new tags for my jewelry. These are just a few examples of what I have come up with. The one I am leaning towards is the squared pink tag. I've gotten one of my graphic design friends to add the finishing touches to it. I can't wait! Now I have to decide what materials to use, I also havn't decided on how I am going to attach the tag to my pieces. I want the tag to stay towards the top of the necklaces and not down by the pendants. I guess I still have some work to do.

What a mess!

2009-11-05T19:41:00.004-07:00

My cat Frida loves spending time in my studio and loves to climb onto my workspace. Unfortunately for her I have been working frantically all week and I have the mess to prove it. She sat on the seat for several minutes contemplating the mess and was perhaps hoping I would get the hint and clean a space for her.

I have a very good reason for working so frantically. My jewelry is now being sold at Galeria Azul in Historic Old Mesilla in New Mexico. This is the third gallelry that sells my work besides the two shops that also carry my pieces. I'm so excited and I pray that it goes well. Besides my full time job as a high school art teacher, making my jewelry for these places is taking up what little time I have left. My Etsy shop is very empty and I only have a few pieces. I'm hoping to create new pieces this week specifically for my Etsy shop.

Something that I really need to spend time on is designing new tags for my jewelry. I can't seem to make my mind up on one specific design. The ones I use now are very plain. I want something that shows my personality & culture. What kind of tags do you use and do you make them yourself?

Michael Jackson in my classroom!

2009-10-29T19:36:00.002-06:00

The students in my school district were out of school today and will be out tomorrow so the students were allowed to dress in their costumes on Wed. A student that was dressed as Michael Jackson was creating quite a stir through out the school. I had not seen the student and didn't think I would catch a glimpse of him. Well, I didn't have to wait long, he turned out to be one of my very own.

LoteriaPieces.

2009-10-25T15:31:00.004-06:00

I've been working on several projects at the same time. I have several jewelry orders, some for individual orders, several for the shop where I sell and I would like to show my work at a gallery in a neighboring town. I have to complete three paintings by Feb.for an exhibit that I am putting together for my artists group. If that wasn't enough I have put together a clay workshop and pit firing workshop and I would like to make some clay pendants for the pit firing.

Whew! It is no wonder my studio looks so messy. I find it difficult to work when my studio starts looking cluttered so I am going to stop from creating and start cleaning. I do this about three times a month and everytime I say , "I won't let it get so messy again".

The pictures are close-ups of my work spaces and some new Loteria necklaces which I will be posting soon. I never thought that I would one day be making jewelry out of game pieces that I grew up playing with.

2009-10-18T20:52:00.003-06:00

This is my latest creation. I found a little heart printed inside an old dictionary and I just had to put it inside this pendant. I have been looking around other blogs to get some inspiration on how to photograph my jewelry. I am also going to look into getting a new camera, but in the mean time I will continue to experiment with my old camera.

I have also updated my business cards. I uploaded a picture that shows a variety of pieces in the front and a more simplified look in the back. I can't wait to get my new cards!

I will be having my next UVAs meeting this friday and I am looking forward to it. This month's swap is a piece of jewelry incorporating some type of textile. I can't wait to see their creations.

Skeletons

2009-10-10T20:47:00.004-06:00

Finally! I was finally able to take better pictures of my Day of the Dead pendants. They didn't all turn out great, but a few came out o.k. I don't know if I will ever master the art of photographing my jewelry, I have tried everything short of standing on my head. Oh well. I had planned on taking pictures all day today and post in etsy, but my mom called and invited us over for a small cook-out. We ended up staying all day at moms.

Hopefully I will be able to take pictures tomorrow, or Monday since there is no school on Monday. Thank you Christopher Columbus!

Anyways, these pendants are made out of pieces of fabric in between two pieces of glass, I then gave my pieces a copper patina.

Clay beads

2009-10-01T19:17:00.002-06:00

I'm still playing around with clay and trying to come up with some different images for my beads. I started making these for my daughter and her friends and now I can't seem to stop. They are mostly for fun but I'd like to perfect my technique. I'd like to make the transition to porcelain, but I have never worked with it. What cone do you fire porcelain? Does Stroke n' Coat work on porcelain?

I am on my way to Cloudcroft NM for an art festival where I will be selling my jewelry. Wish me luck, it has been a long time since I have sold at an art fair. I mostly rely on the shops here in town to sell my work.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Exhibit

2009-09-24T20:00:00.002-06:00

My batik "The Nopal" was featured in an exhibit here in town. Some of you might recognize the image as "El Nopal" from the Mexican game "Loteria". This image represents my family tree. The reason behind chainging the spanish word "El" to the english word "The" represents the fact that I am an American. "Nopal" represents my culture as does the image. I am proud of my heritage and even prouder of the many traditions my family has, including playing "Loteria" in the winter time with hot "Chocolate Abuelita" in our mugs.

I have to say that I do not look very good in this picture, Idon't know what is going on with my eye! Apart from the bad pic, I enjoyed myself very much at the opening.

2009-09-17T19:51:00.004-06:00

I received a very nice gift yesterday. My husband has a friend that is an artist and he was kind enough to send me two beautiful sugar skulls. They are both beautifully crafted, I feel very fortunate to have received the skulls. If you would like to contact the artist you can do so at alxsuenos@hotmail.com

Many artists in this area are preparing for Dia de los Muertos. Soon there will be displays in different parts of the city celebrating the holiday. Here in El Paso we have a small celebration with displays and many Dia de los Muertos inspired pieces for sale. Our school district also hosts a Day of the Day competition.

I think I'm going to create a few papier-mache skeletons this year. I'm so ready for the holidays to start rolling in!

Dia de los Muertos

2009-09-13T20:39:00.003-06:00

I don't know what is up with my camera, my flash just wouldn't go off.

Photoshopping didn't help much either.

Once I figure it out I will take pics again.

Well, anyways, I'm getting ready for Dia de los Muertos. I have an order from a shop here at home and I'm also getting ready for art shows that are coming up soon.

I still havn't finished my charms, they are going to get a copper patina and finished off with some findings and chain.

I also have clay beads to glaze and I'm experimenting with some crocheted necklaces.

If only I could squeeze more hours into my day. I had promised myself that I would get ahead with my jewelry during the summer and here I am again, struggling to get my orders done and trying to keep up with work. Luckily I seem to have a good buch of students again this year, many talented artists in my beginning and advance art classes. As soon as I get pics of their work I will post in my teacher page.

Have a good one!

Grandmother

2009-09-05T12:40:00.003-06:00

I created this necklace with young grandmothers in mind.
It's young and contemporary looking and would make a
great gift for a hip grandma. I'm still having trouble with
lighting when I photograph my pieces. I don't do my pieces justice. I have tried spot lights, outside lights, printed fabrics and white backgrounds and am still not
happy.
How do you photograph your jewelry?

Latest creation

2009-09-01T21:32:00.005-06:00

This is my latest creation. I had a difficult time with this piece because of the side hinges. Even though it was a difficult piece I truly enjoyed making it.
I've also been battling a terrible cold. Unfortunately it is the beginning of the school year and there are so many new students still registering for school. Not a good idea to leave them alone with a sub right now.

On a lighter note, I finally sold something on etsy! I sold a necklace and a pendant on the same day! Hopefully I will continue to sell.

Wall of crosses

2009-08-26T21:26:00.003-06:00

I have a small wall by my kitchen where I collect crosses. I don't know why exactly I started this, but it has slowly grown. I have a few more crosses on another section of the wall.

Well, it turns out that 6 of my friends are also collecting crosses. I find it interesting that so many of us are collecting them. I wonder if it is because of the region we live in. I only purchase crosses that are different or are from a place I have visited.

Do you collect crosses?