Back To School: Studio Work

My Fabrications course is going well so far and I'm really enjoying it!

I'm learning so much!

Both my teacher and my classmates are so awesome and inspirational!

Since a lot of the work we do is rather unglamorous (I smell like machinery and oil when I leave, lol) our studio is reflective of that. It's real, not aesthetically pleasing but not un-so either. We work at jeweler's benches and get to "play" with loads of awesome tools!

This rather blurry shot (sorry) shows our torch station where things get hot and also awesome.

Here's the sketches I did for my current project: an Art Deco inspired pendant.

In the baggy above is hematite cabochon that I'm going to bezel set on my piece and the square is actually sterling silver (my preferred material) in sheet metal form.

We trace the deign onto tracing paper and glue it down to the sheet metal.

Then we very slowly and patiently saw the design out.

P.S., this glue? Fantastic!

I don't want to fall behind in class (I'm pretty fresh to most of the techniques and everyone else is rather advanced.) so I had lots of homework to do.

I don't have a bench yet but an old Ikea table works for now.

Here are my parts all cut out. They still need a LOT of work!

Lots of filing and soldering yet do!

I love how as you work you end up covered in teeny tiny sparkling metal specs that glimmer and glitter!

Incidentally, you sweep that precious stuff up and save it! All "scrap" can be re-melted and re-used, it's still rather valuable. You save money and are environmentally responsible at the same time. I'm a big fan of both!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Back To School

Last week I started taking a Jewelry Fabrication (i.e., metal smithing) course at the Maitland Art and Art History Society and so far I'm really enjoying it!

I'm also enjoying some of the beautiful grounds there. The society itself is a conglomeration of various historical buildings, art studios, and historical paraphernalia that have all come together to create one awesome group.

And I believe the gardens near the studios are quite lovely, so I thought I'd share one pics.

This particular garden is walled in and has buildings bordering the sides.

There's a lovely little lilly pond right next to the buildings.

And all the stucco and tile work is very intricate and so lovely.

I'm also a big fan of all the blue and turquoise accents amidst the white stucco, terracota, and green expanses.

So pretty.

It almost feels like you've stumbled upon a secret garden.

It's the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee before heading into the studio for some hard work and education.

It's also a great spot to read a book.

And it's definitely a little central Florida gem! If you're ever nearby I recommend popping in for a bit!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission before using.)

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Inspire Me Tuesday

What do you see?

Kisses,

K

(Image via Pinterest.)

 

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Inspire Me Tuesday

How are you seeking and striving this week? Are you truly all in?

Let's all try to participate in this life with all our hearts!

Kisses,

K

(Beautiful print via Oh My Deer)

 

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Inspire Me Tuesday

This week I hope we all stop and take a moment to get off the paved roads of life and go pick some flowers!

Kisses,

K

(Graphic found via Fresh Hues.)

 

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Inspire Me Tuesday

Well said.

Kisses,

K

(Image via Pinterest.)

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Hawaii Day Two: Lahaina Gallery, Creative Cool

Later in the afternoon we stopped over at the Mauna Lani Shops to pick up a few snacks and drinks for the room and peek around a bit. There we came across Lahaina Gallery. A beautiful painting of a cathedral caught my eye and drew me inside. Upon closer inspection it turns out it wasn't a painting at all but rather an elaborate work consisting of various natural shades of inlaid wood. It was surprising and breath-taking! I had never seen anything like it before, it was meticulously gorgeous!

(Sienna Castle by Kalman Radvanyi)

The Hungarian artist, Kalman Radvanyi, uses many different wood veneers from all over the world and draws on memories of his European upbringing to create his fanciful imagined locations in realistic detail.

The next beauty to really catch my eye was Roanaldo Macedo's Island Greeting.

(Ronaldo Macedo's Island Greeting)

Macedo is a Brazilian artist who has lived on the island of Maui since 1989. His work often depicts the gorgeous landscapes and minutiae of life that Hawaii has to offer.

The final creation to really capture my imagination was the work of artist Darrell Hill, who I'm sorry to say I have since learne passed away on the 12th.

(Arise, Darrell Hill's beautiful depiction of a Hawaiian wave.)

Hill grew up in California and, together with his artist wife, lived in the Holualoa Artists' village. A past president of the the Holualoa Foundation for Art and Culture he was passionate about creating, supporting, and engendering art. His impressionistic style had many influences but his skillful and happy iterations of Hawaiian life speak for themselves.

(Darrell Hill's Beach Cottage, seems to depict the green winter retreat cottage on Mauna Lani property.)

(Island Music by Darrell Hill, birds of paradise are one of my favorite flowers!)

Peeking about the gallery was a joy. It's always fun to guess at how the ethos and pathos of an artist is displayed in their work. Of course, a gallerist who's a kindred art loving spirit doesn't hurt either! Hopefully someday I'll be able to take my own little piece of preserved paradise home with me but memories will have to do for now.

Kisses,

K

Please Note:

That all photos were taken and used with permission by Krista Carson and are for personal use only. Other usage is strictly prohibited. Permission from Lahaina Galleries must be obtained before use. This is an unsponsored post, I just really loved what the gallery had to offer and wanted to share with all of you. For further interest please contact the Lahaina Gallery directly.

 

 

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Creative Cool: Angela & Ithyle

Angel and Ithyle are a super creative and awesome photography/ videography duo/ couple!

They are responsible for the very cool stop motion Amazon Kindle adverts and for the awesome Lost Things stop motion below!

They're creativity seems boundless and ahead of the curve while winking at the past. LOVE!

They have a site and blog on which they share more of their awesomeness.

Angela is also one half of the Blogshop duo. Blogshop is a supercool class for your blog that I only wish I could take! The other half is made up of the uber cool Bri Emery of the blog DesignLoveFest. It seems so useful and fun! Sigh... Perhaps someday...

What do you think of Lost Things? Isn't it gorgeous! Be sure to check out more of Angela's and Ithyle's work on their site and blog!

Kisses,

K

(The incredible Lost Things is created and owned by Angela and Ithyle)

 

 

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