tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68991913951406424582024-03-14T13:19:56.089-04:00Jeni B's BuzzJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-74562677345016752172010-04-18T09:55:00.005-04:002010-04-18T10:34:30.833-04:00My apologies...I'm very often working away from my blog and realized that no one knows when that is - it just looks like I'm not responding! I popped in to see if I had any unmoderated comments, was shocked to see I hadn't stopped in since February, and then saw how many comments were sitting in the comment box.<div><br /></div><div>But wait, it gets worse... I read through all the comments (more than I've ever gotten before, of course), and then when I clicked to delete one of them, all of the other approved comments disappeared! Good grief.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I am sorry to have been away so long; things can get really busy around here. Since the last show in Columbus I've had a tough time balancing making enough new work for upcoming shows and making several custom pieces along with having kids and life and stuff, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's fair to say that unless I have a special project a client wants to follow or new professional photos I'm probably not going to post - it's just too hard to find the time!</div><div><br /></div><div>To answer as many comments as I remember: thank you everyone for the sweet compliments! The baby spoon wasn't a commissioned piece, I just really wanted to make one. It was recently accepted into the Ohio Craftsmen Best of 2010 exhibit, and is currently touring different gallery stops throughout the state. It's an honor to have my work chosen for the second year in a row.</div><div><br /></div><div>The green amethyst ring just sold to a lady who was absolutely crazed over it, which is one of the nicest compliments of all! </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you're interested in my work, need a custom piece, or want to purchase a piece you've seen, please contact me through the "about me" link and click on my email address - I'm not ignoring you! Artists always need new work and I'm no exception!</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, sorry to everyone for losing the comments and slipping into a studio-driven coma!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Jeni</div><div><br /></div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-25939149368586641112010-02-15T22:34:00.005-05:002010-02-15T22:44:58.162-05:00Amethyst medallion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87mjCOFaIB5mg4DO86-XZ-tK4N5uwUGYA3O7LdEF1xHpy2xOJ6kquEtTp_FOAot42Bl_p0y8XtsyIkXK-dp2zp1LtUiPSbyIsPDIP3axEoCk4mc_CmvzBy5C1KVNGna9TRHDLpl3WmXw/s1600-h/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87mjCOFaIB5mg4DO86-XZ-tK4N5uwUGYA3O7LdEF1xHpy2xOJ6kquEtTp_FOAot42Bl_p0y8XtsyIkXK-dp2zp1LtUiPSbyIsPDIP3axEoCk4mc_CmvzBy5C1KVNGna9TRHDLpl3WmXw/s200/IMG_1921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438682236109041954" /></a><br />Here's a new piece; hand-twisted filigree on sterling. The stone is pavilion set in fine silver with a small cut out through the back of the piece to allow light to slip in and give the stone extra flash. I also diamond etched the background for even more sparkle. I like the contrast in shapes, and my favorite part is the teardrop shaped bail.Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-63823025120751782732010-02-11T22:33:00.004-05:002010-02-11T22:52:54.559-05:00Show circuit application time...eww...Here goes the show circuit application process cycle again... whew - what a mouthful! I've already sent out quite a few apps and have another round coming up.<div><br /></div><div>This year I'm trying something new. I'm applying for more exhibits and fewer out of state shows. The economy's been a little wonky, some large Ohio businesses are still making fresh cuts and laying off employees, and I just don't have a good feeling that things are solid enough yet. I'll bet the rest of the US is experiencing similar issues, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since I'm still young in this medium, my resume is a bit thin, and getting into some exhibits across the country would be good exposure without the cost of travel. I'm also beginning to work with more galleries to create a steadier cash flow. We'll see how it goes!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the mean time, I've been resting on my laurels a tad. Two weeks ago I participated in a studio clearance sale produced by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, of which I'm a member. I very nearly sold out everything in my booth and was able to pack up in record time since there was so little to pack! A HUGE thank you to all I saw at the show, especially to those new to collecting my work! I have never seen a crowd more ready to buy great art and fine craft at such good prices. Too bad it'll take me another few years to build up excess stock before I can do that show again!</div><div><br /></div><div>The new photo above is a baby spoon I worked in sterling. It's about 4.5 inches long, and is entirely chased and repoussed by hand. The flowers are a little cascade of forget-me-nots that create a wide textured area for sweet baby hands to grab. Sterling's also a joy for teething tots since the metal stays nice and cool on the gums.</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-20582206787323737402010-01-28T22:41:00.002-05:002010-01-28T22:56:13.981-05:00Green amethyst ring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TacbYBwwcgyDrgjX97gn2MKqSMJG3Mr6J4zed2kIXb_bGnb1m1JDAirw0yRXSNrOOkQDzSadwAjGsPEyAmroPzPxZ0n8FLi0sHaWMVhIcrrbI3QgWQu8Q43Q8jlCodWFMVG-fyp8Mnc/s1600-h/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TacbYBwwcgyDrgjX97gn2MKqSMJG3Mr6J4zed2kIXb_bGnb1m1JDAirw0yRXSNrOOkQDzSadwAjGsPEyAmroPzPxZ0n8FLi0sHaWMVhIcrrbI3QgWQu8Q43Q8jlCodWFMVG-fyp8Mnc/s200/IMG_1879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432005463139658642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVzyxJXMc373Ka_VPdojEvRE6vplQ0IVG3IVwq2UMUW9NUypQNo2ixpF2AyaSvQdTg6TEZk7iOJ9Fs4zpQDLExYkcuXaE3RbLHUl_JQWMXwIuu017XpG3IHyuANjV10MV1DmRAk3HHZY/s1600-h/IMG_1887.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVzyxJXMc373Ka_VPdojEvRE6vplQ0IVG3IVwq2UMUW9NUypQNo2ixpF2AyaSvQdTg6TEZk7iOJ9Fs4zpQDLExYkcuXaE3RbLHUl_JQWMXwIuu017XpG3IHyuANjV10MV1DmRAk3HHZY/s200/IMG_1887.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432005455731811202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QpkiTqIZZnBs5Y843GSU0fHI4WN4GDRH1bkUxSuvcr_p0jbE2iQF_ZD4fg4PiadU7dPowMzViQKqUSkckM_244_T9HU1XKfY0IRveaiu5GK9WQ9YCQsiaxa9K-sl32UANvm82ikT508/s1600-h/IMG_1915.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QpkiTqIZZnBs5Y843GSU0fHI4WN4GDRH1bkUxSuvcr_p0jbE2iQF_ZD4fg4PiadU7dPowMzViQKqUSkckM_244_T9HU1XKfY0IRveaiu5GK9WQ9YCQsiaxa9K-sl32UANvm82ikT508/s200/IMG_1915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432005446504344018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhN9ThGeuZT9tUB7hdmxPgdvQEPsjyvkI-VP-u-KhALYUX3MaudNfqO4HInegGgMOsbq3PYtjPptZZWQI5grBxJPWbM9N-P7WmLRRMAXMtlHGJ3PRNSRxSYpNbbAmWTIeg5NJhd-FStI/s1600-h/IMG_1919.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhN9ThGeuZT9tUB7hdmxPgdvQEPsjyvkI-VP-u-KhALYUX3MaudNfqO4HInegGgMOsbq3PYtjPptZZWQI5grBxJPWbM9N-P7WmLRRMAXMtlHGJ3PRNSRxSYpNbbAmWTIeg5NJhd-FStI/s200/IMG_1919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432005434536521410" /></a><br />Here's the latest off my bench, in all different stages - pleased to enjoy!<div><br /></div><div>~Jeni</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-60325330807844012912010-01-27T22:26:00.006-05:002010-01-27T23:18:03.439-05:00New ring to see<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_Q_nR8Rbz7rsTw-CPxVo9Ca-bNU10kVpopLyS44tlx7bkEJ_dflAoiHDsT8OY4nws5kGl5MZE8tYyETe1gvwaYnzG5-tSMA8jOUtlbYhwTcQwLd8eezBiQ8upzPaMOgCsrZxfJJ0oJc/s1600-h/IMG_1866.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_Q_nR8Rbz7rsTw-CPxVo9Ca-bNU10kVpopLyS44tlx7bkEJ_dflAoiHDsT8OY4nws5kGl5MZE8tYyETe1gvwaYnzG5-tSMA8jOUtlbYhwTcQwLd8eezBiQ8upzPaMOgCsrZxfJJ0oJc/s200/IMG_1866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431630786997238066" /></a><br />Back on January 11th I posted a picture of a sapphire ring propped up with another ring to take the photo. Here is the process for that ring: a winding vine with hand hammered leaves and a labradorite cabochon. It's been worked off and on for the last couple of weeks in between other projects, and I started to polish it today.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here are the leaves - hammered and in place next to the vine with solder bits ready for the torch. Next everything is wrapped around the mandrel to form a ring shape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwIUbioZUZ6fp-91vUcAHOLjxAlFOgyr50QXampZVLnbjzMzsllReA1tNaTfqXSJFMXJTuKZ2bCIoPEBeWclQg8yc6N1OeCpNtQiaCre3wcGaW_BAVbInC18sdnIAj2UYx4XIMz1zJ_I/s200/IMG_1869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431634122505898850" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like the way the vine undulates and seems to beg for something to </div><div style="text-align: center;">be added for ornamentation where the two ends meet. So, after a few minutes of thought and searching through gemstones, I added a bezel to hold a round labradorite cab, and then set the stone. The blue flash in the stone is a little hard to capture on camera, but I tried! Enjoy the pics. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTgs02SkCEKVYp2SOApGXDXr0EJxVGnrNkr_JTU0u5RJ2vfcLCNRdT3UL3eMPaJwgemHt2IzsSn0u3bLAZ-8jjK4g0h0W5W0TewSGT8n2w418V9v1cLRqKXW9joa47CIVg5thiP2eZgs/s200/IMG_1902.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431637695522189778" /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSYdtxTC6wl1QJYsGWUPdctDdqhgE0EWEF6M2bbquISciJb0cwv31SlvfdtSBt8HxHsfXSPcnSr8_wZpstfOIwTyYvwde0sFOXq7YOQoMhjQTDMLpHe7TyUO7SmUKFDq6N6Usx3PVvFk/s200/IMG_1897.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431637685686292018" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-65153018496149722492010-01-24T20:28:00.003-05:002010-01-24T20:53:12.028-05:00Wedding rings - awesome photo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmQt-Y66VI_viRz8IR4RnJyoE5d7sWcNs8gqWmz6vOp4kePBA5oTXlH2ZbGs5i_ItK2Peb4WAoOxMxNWR6HIvBs9V05V40XqWoJbp2CRc2Ncp8mGIDoARmGE31rATpxBv8EZyGBlC6v8/s1600-h/Wedding+Bands.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmQt-Y66VI_viRz8IR4RnJyoE5d7sWcNs8gqWmz6vOp4kePBA5oTXlH2ZbGs5i_ItK2Peb4WAoOxMxNWR6HIvBs9V05V40XqWoJbp2CRc2Ncp8mGIDoARmGE31rATpxBv8EZyGBlC6v8/s200/Wedding+Bands.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430484259574626754" /></a><br />The photo of the wedding rings just came last week and I finally had time to pull if off the disk. What a beautiful pair of rings!Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-13320686285832238662010-01-11T23:14:00.004-05:002010-01-11T23:47:38.645-05:00Enough snow, ok!?The winter wonderland was really magical... can we have summer now, please? Here's a view from my studio:<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rWanQuhFP7btbC0g4Zp-SPJidZa4sI2fLg8zOlZ33y7A5mzk_E0-BVdN4ptoLuWMucOQx0UD8QInGEybQwhWdoXwIgLTrQOoXZMyimtUDySU5wDZSO_vZTmoVDndNxbIj8qaVCYWyw4/s1600-h/IMG_1859.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rWanQuhFP7btbC0g4Zp-SPJidZa4sI2fLg8zOlZ33y7A5mzk_E0-BVdN4ptoLuWMucOQx0UD8QInGEybQwhWdoXwIgLTrQOoXZMyimtUDySU5wDZSO_vZTmoVDndNxbIj8qaVCYWyw4/s200/IMG_1859.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425703517481753570" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The newest thing on my bench is this beautiful sapphire ring with a vine pattern similar to the wedding rings. One picture shows an unusual way to solder the prongs on (I was experimenting). The other shows it fully put together with prongs cut and leveled. The ring is resting on another ring design I'm playing with to see if I can get a more open design. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there's the photo of the ring completed and waiting for a final polish. The stone is a unique cut of sapphire, cleaved along the chatoyance, I suspect. In other words, I think it's been cut alongside what would normally be a ray from a star sapphire. The end result is a deep, dark blue with a wonderful flash along the face of the stone that makes you look twice! I really like this one...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxubfb7TiQQakqb-Db9-33YKO6TNNKeGfBK5jiQODX70d-Zt8qvmO4B56kQgiRftl5zSBG2hHjJMcJG21rFk2mDCA19JxYFcX_2EuuGM6vjJXJQ7HmDqv6zgL6jGOjSH2U1AtFG0WKPg/s1600-h/IMG_1885.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxubfb7TiQQakqb-Db9-33YKO6TNNKeGfBK5jiQODX70d-Zt8qvmO4B56kQgiRftl5zSBG2hHjJMcJG21rFk2mDCA19JxYFcX_2EuuGM6vjJXJQ7HmDqv6zgL6jGOjSH2U1AtFG0WKPg/s200/IMG_1885.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425708432696310898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvZMcQcBb8Cs2MqWYC6aPfS6RCD0kE6YuJIa2xvNGmsnebPnK3GZMmElIUEvd0rJD35t531ImawJBl2574_lqWYbyvltjXk1pwb9Dll0bsMC9mshKzCgE2C-K8XgGS2aLCFn8QDFhmn4/s1600-h/IMG_1880.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvZMcQcBb8Cs2MqWYC6aPfS6RCD0kE6YuJIa2xvNGmsnebPnK3GZMmElIUEvd0rJD35t531ImawJBl2574_lqWYbyvltjXk1pwb9Dll0bsMC9mshKzCgE2C-K8XgGS2aLCFn8QDFhmn4/s200/IMG_1880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425708423405079474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZueoJwF6fzwGl3Wq6oc-MzaOV8yQylTQ-SudaScTHXt1sYcHFzaV5x6e0pzHtIsQXRnpz3nGnNriDmo5vC80Z90w49C832jHdG_DgunhvG40ehVrSVvx__KA1JrBbue_6t-ZUVRAg1aU/s1600-h/IMG_1861.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZueoJwF6fzwGl3Wq6oc-MzaOV8yQylTQ-SudaScTHXt1sYcHFzaV5x6e0pzHtIsQXRnpz3nGnNriDmo5vC80Z90w49C832jHdG_DgunhvG40ehVrSVvx__KA1JrBbue_6t-ZUVRAg1aU/s200/IMG_1861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425708410945335122" /></a>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-88016017118639576292010-01-02T20:26:00.002-05:002010-01-02T20:35:18.455-05:00Happy New Year!Just a quick note to wish you all a Happy New year and all the best in 2010! One of my resolutions is to post more frequently to keep everyone up to date on studio work and shows (yes, it's a carryover from last year *smile!*). It's a new year - let's go!<div><br /></div><div>~Jeni</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-63156022713848198422009-12-30T20:01:00.004-05:002009-12-30T20:08:30.849-05:00Signed, sealed, and delivered!I'm happy to say the rings are finished, photographed, and on their way to the happy couple! What a relief to make a short deadline with beautiful results, don't you think? I'm looking forward to peaceful sleep now, no more fitful nights working out how I'm going to place this piece of silver or keep this other area from heat damage.<div><br /></div><div>Ahhh... that's a good feeling! As soon as the final photos are sent to me, I'll post them here. Until then, only the bride and groom get to see what they look like. ;) </div><div><br /></div><div>~Jeni</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-74996405816710702882009-12-28T09:45:00.005-05:002009-12-28T10:08:48.230-05:00prongs added, new updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW4bBv2N-qlD5xT4X5VFZc9nH2TMD2MCEkGa-Y4-Ut78tSUzHvB4-8uNDbf42Fv6_oNjVMKpg74mw8ZONZBg60xQa4x-CIMFGeO5EPOF9ACaa1Kpo0ezg67qE_Zmv-0FYqysHn0s-oVQ/s1600-h/IMG_1853.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW4bBv2N-qlD5xT4X5VFZc9nH2TMD2MCEkGa-Y4-Ut78tSUzHvB4-8uNDbf42Fv6_oNjVMKpg74mw8ZONZBg60xQa4x-CIMFGeO5EPOF9ACaa1Kpo0ezg67qE_Zmv-0FYqysHn0s-oVQ/s200/IMG_1853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420303794749016882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPYKHmy_sxbVTbjMB0PyPaTfEILFPiqvaur907HQ_GwdI-Aw9idEhlmLyWLCkryfyUp2W_ituH0fJb0tyniAgliJMMhQPoVGk613FrL_F0R4mvorxEAbWsi6z1el9eUO_54NbgkuMvPg/s1600-h/IMG_1850.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPYKHmy_sxbVTbjMB0PyPaTfEILFPiqvaur907HQ_GwdI-Aw9idEhlmLyWLCkryfyUp2W_ituH0fJb0tyniAgliJMMhQPoVGk613FrL_F0R4mvorxEAbWsi6z1el9eUO_54NbgkuMvPg/s200/IMG_1850.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420303787934057250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBlfoQA8E7iSAoxCX9uoaG9utk3skaSNhYB5ZjDpdr-L0DKbrl4CVTYv-BWwkq_ESpt3cWUKQfaaYvfo4VslBJEFala2gfQfhyZJhHDR0MFaeQiTQNAp0jBs4Oo_BYe-zpuZSgu5L3mo/s1600-h/IMG_1846.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBlfoQA8E7iSAoxCX9uoaG9utk3skaSNhYB5ZjDpdr-L0DKbrl4CVTYv-BWwkq_ESpt3cWUKQfaaYvfo4VslBJEFala2gfQfhyZJhHDR0MFaeQiTQNAp0jBs4Oo_BYe-zpuZSgu5L3mo/s200/IMG_1846.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420303777375441122" /></a><br />This project has me jumping! Sue's prongs are on the ring, seats for the diamonds are cut and all leveled. The piercing design is drawn, drilled, and sawn out on her ring. All that's left are the lots and lots of filing, sanding, and polishing stages. Jon's ring is about halfway through all the stages, and both rings will be finished by the end of the day. <div><br /></div><div>My photographer had to postpone until tomorrow, so I was able to spend more time cutting out the piercing design and then use today for polishing. It's better to take my time with it since it adds not only the open feel Sue wanted, but because I really wanted to add to the story of the rings. The piercing creates the third vine on her ring using open space. There's a quote in the Bible that "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken", and each vine on her ring represents one of the cords (which represents the two of them bound together with God in their marriage).</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are pictures of the prongs on (they won't be cleaned until the final stages) with the vine design being laid out and then pierced. The other photo is of Jon's ring during the rough polishing stage.</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-80718851780626118062009-12-24T00:21:00.003-05:002009-12-24T00:38:05.912-05:00closing the rings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQjUBCh9cAOMOW5S-f6xd5TNwDFoQ23o_WKseptEISvMLJt7OyG_C-wHqqOlTYvnKoepjYZdq6SlVxWPH3QRMPA52ynwcKatZ9obZ9OgJ3SOXU36E3dMo1zitAGT-z3K0okzR8RWYB3g/s1600-h/IMG_1842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQjUBCh9cAOMOW5S-f6xd5TNwDFoQ23o_WKseptEISvMLJt7OyG_C-wHqqOlTYvnKoepjYZdq6SlVxWPH3QRMPA52ynwcKatZ9obZ9OgJ3SOXU36E3dMo1zitAGT-z3K0okzR8RWYB3g/s200/IMG_1842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418672486666886754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSHNua38b6wPvTvmHDxiadg45XYezj76tjGqQxNiUx5FxAGYUuaMTtGN2jG62ESFJiUFbUd47B9Z8fzyMkiwN2z8uEE5QPs4dnyls2StNvJ8sotwSZuwiUDabrh4jpi9KqTb0Vfc_uUY/s1600-h/IMG_1838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSHNua38b6wPvTvmHDxiadg45XYezj76tjGqQxNiUx5FxAGYUuaMTtGN2jG62ESFJiUFbUd47B9Z8fzyMkiwN2z8uEE5QPs4dnyls2StNvJ8sotwSZuwiUDabrh4jpi9KqTb0Vfc_uUY/s200/IMG_1838.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418672475454481202" /></a><br />The rings are looking good! The tiny pieces on Jon's ring went on in one pass as well, although it took longer to heat up that much metal. I only struggled with one or two pieces before the flux settled down (even though it's dry it can still bubble up), but they behaved in the end.<div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the thickness and width of the metal was more than I accounted for, which affects the ultimate size of the ring, so it didn't reach the right ring size. So, back to the bench to fix the problem, which added about two more hours to my day - but I got it right the second time. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Since I was on a roll I started putting the prongs on Sue's ring, which I hope to finish tomorrow. I'm still on schedule, but there is no room for mistakes now. I can't wait to get those diamonds in!</div><div><br /></div><div>The pics are of Jon's ring first and then Sue's being hammered into shape on the mandrel.</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-42136956016256885952009-12-23T00:02:00.005-05:002009-12-23T00:40:14.720-05:00ring update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1gr_X9k_hyphenhyphenGRGxrJGLJoh4LiXmcB8SMG6BRxS-1sSgqJNgFI8EAhLoy5iBuipFG1qACt2abc2W_2y5vGk42eNVBIMMBhHCQMim1DiUrcRtUbd3u7CMEeXhKdrgnqYK1kWFjcBBn7ARk/s1600-h/IMG_1837.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1gr_X9k_hyphenhyphenGRGxrJGLJoh4LiXmcB8SMG6BRxS-1sSgqJNgFI8EAhLoy5iBuipFG1qACt2abc2W_2y5vGk42eNVBIMMBhHCQMim1DiUrcRtUbd3u7CMEeXhKdrgnqYK1kWFjcBBn7ARk/s200/IMG_1837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418301403698892594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C2B-YS89MMv51duU42q6zV0qdoBOkAWpQlkg5MVBLIhWO1GgoErReJ5KoDjziqcj-0wgkjxVH-N2a9yieU5QJX_O0NJF7bFor4WGxxOxzlIPzTbv33HR-mY-kbXkdDNpE6rXgEVzBUg/s1600-h/IMG_1834.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C2B-YS89MMv51duU42q6zV0qdoBOkAWpQlkg5MVBLIhWO1GgoErReJ5KoDjziqcj-0wgkjxVH-N2a9yieU5QJX_O0NJF7bFor4WGxxOxzlIPzTbv33HR-mY-kbXkdDNpE6rXgEVzBUg/s200/IMG_1834.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418301395222659234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRCKdam2uMCsLdyb1f4NVHClq_ksaKp1sfR_L5y-nNcD66uV4lSLfXKy9_JCtKL-rstULGUc548awhsN3sbJ0dt9lGrrkH-F9VFFwd8yPYQyeD080MgFERw9Js04dt1UlMWtvfamTLuc/s1600-h/IMG_1828.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRCKdam2uMCsLdyb1f4NVHClq_ksaKp1sfR_L5y-nNcD66uV4lSLfXKy9_JCtKL-rstULGUc548awhsN3sbJ0dt9lGrrkH-F9VFFwd8yPYQyeD080MgFERw9Js04dt1UlMWtvfamTLuc/s200/IMG_1828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418301388826455106" /></a><br /><br />Ok... things are going very well - don't worry Jon; I'm on schedule so far. All of the pieces on Sue's ring soldered very quickly and in one pass. I've never had that happen before, and I work with tiny pieces a lot, especially when I work in filigree. It was beautiful! <div><br /></div><div>I laid out all of the pieces on Jon's ring, and am letting the pieces dry before soldering to prevent the tiny bits from jumping. The flux paste is what makes it look wet in the photos, and once it's dry it looks powdery white. The first photo is Sue's ring before soldering (with bits of solder on it), and the other two are the slow and methodical process of laying out the motif on Jon's ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first I had a thinner silver wire for the his vine (the same size as for Sue's), but the scale made it look too feminine so I beefed it up with an 18 gauge and less curl, which worked perfectly. The leaves are also slightly larger on his, 3-4mm vs. the 2mm leaves on Sue's. I also added extra leaves that are spread throughout the design since there aren't any stones (and it fills the space nicely).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I solder Sue's ring closed, size it properly, and work on getting all the pieces of Jon's design on the ring. Keep watching for updates!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Jeni</div>Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-83594609318915586522009-12-20T20:59:00.003-05:002009-12-20T21:39:09.778-05:00Wedding rings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Be9mf2xpdBY3l2IjHKKQCCkQer_GQYm8jDybMM0ukj6Xq__SfI2YHQOckWY2kBkN9aIxvlg1bH47JclDUL77Fs72kk-UccvfqtDHAkm0SbwW_sgtxr8t-vbiuOUeY6icA5xLJ9lqmqo/s1600-h/IMG_1822.JPG"><img style="text-align: right;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Be9mf2xpdBY3l2IjHKKQCCkQer_GQYm8jDybMM0ukj6Xq__SfI2YHQOckWY2kBkN9aIxvlg1bH47JclDUL77Fs72kk-UccvfqtDHAkm0SbwW_sgtxr8t-vbiuOUeY6icA5xLJ9lqmqo/s200/IMG_1822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417512808167621362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7QqAbvKhoug7T61jmYsW9u-gwX7UKMlqrpHFLm8Z6enYgtXjMURzz66K6bj9pj3fx6fv_R5vF0q6xT5QiNYV54h9W_zTtkeLJ5CxwZj-zrIUUFbG3MauKIARa-hHG2LFBw0ZZY9mg3Y/s1600-h/IMG_1820.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7QqAbvKhoug7T61jmYsW9u-gwX7UKMlqrpHFLm8Z6enYgtXjMURzz66K6bj9pj3fx6fv_R5vF0q6xT5QiNYV54h9W_zTtkeLJ5CxwZj-zrIUUFbG3MauKIARa-hHG2LFBw0ZZY9mg3Y/s200/IMG_1820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417512802304740850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E2CEGj0t_qTNKUM2y71toUWhNOlpyTREmI3JtWvpjHQQoKIghTqIAgVCihl69NBgnK1yfN2CvSlEhYvNg1Q7vHxaA-y-SKJ0Ah4Xi2t6hahQ2_hAWOpWBaMDXY9aAjvvL5CX8t6Svy0/s1600-h/IMG_1818.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E2CEGj0t_qTNKUM2y71toUWhNOlpyTREmI3JtWvpjHQQoKIghTqIAgVCihl69NBgnK1yfN2CvSlEhYvNg1Q7vHxaA-y-SKJ0Ah4Xi2t6hahQ2_hAWOpWBaMDXY9aAjvvL5CX8t6Svy0/s200/IMG_1818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417512793970827778" /></a><br />Has it really been that long since my last post? Wow, time flew by... but also, if there's nothing to say, than why make something up? Sometimes I just like to hunker down, get lots of work done, and then step back to reassess where I've been, where I'm at, and where I want to be. And it's led to this... A serendipitous request for wedding rings by two very sweet people who need them made quickly! I try not to feel ill when I think of just how soon they need to be done!<br /><br />Jon, I thought you might enjoy watching them from start to finish - although you might not want to let Sue see them so she'll be surprised on your day!<br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-10266693426706822462009-06-30T23:51:00.005-04:002009-07-01T00:06:45.477-04:00ChicagoI'm back from my travels for awhile, and dearly looking forward to resting and spending time in my garden. Chicago was disappointing as far as sales go, but was also one of the loveliest settings I've shown at. This art festival was an Amdur production, and Amy was there in person to make sure everything went smoothly. I was pleasantly shocked to see her in an orange traffic vest directing artists and cars to their assigned spots. She even came around to warn us of high winds for Saturday night so we could buckle down extra tight. This is a woman not afraid to get in there and make sure things are done right!<br /><br />Before leaving the area, we stopped at the Chicago Botanic Garden - what a treat! 360 some acres of beautifully maintained garden, including a gem of a Japanese garden on its own little island. That alone was worth the trip...<br /><br />I'll be back in Chicago soon for another of her shows, and hope to see a better return on my investment this time. If not, this sort of thing drives me to improve my work, find better shows, and re-evaluate my direction and how to get where I want to go. <br /><br />See you on the road,<br /><br />JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-7180123735291376352009-06-26T09:29:00.002-04:002009-06-26T09:48:13.979-04:00from tornado winds to the windy cityVirginia Beach Boardwalk art show was a blast, if not an interesting collection of weather phenomenon. A tornado touch down near the show late Friday night tested the strength of every tent not to mention the nerves of each artist. This followed by sweltering heat in the 90's on Saturday, and then Sunday's high winds that culminated in a sand storm. Whew!<br /><br />Smaller crowds and fewer sales surprised the veterans of this show, some who have been coming for over 30 years. Even so, I enjoyed myself completely, meeting new artists and patrons, jumping in the waves after show hours, and trying to body surf, too. I now have sand in places I didn't know were possible!<br /><br />After restocking a bit, I'm off to Chicago to the Glencoe Festival of the Masters art show. Here's hoping for fewer tornadoes, cooler weather, and no sand in my teeth - am I asking for too much? <br /><br />Artistically yours,<br /><br />JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-63715715003133095712009-06-16T00:05:00.002-04:002009-06-16T00:21:39.703-04:00UpdatesShow season's in full swing, so my posts will be a bit spotty as I scramble to fill orders, create new pieces, and travel the countryside.<br /><br />Legacy Village on Cleveland's east side (near Beachwood) went well - and I got to meet so many new people! A special hello goes out to Linda and Lea who both have surprises coming in the mail very soon! Now I'm running around creating, cleaning, and packing for the big Va Beach Boardwalk show. The weather there is warm and sunny, but thunderstorms are a threat every day of the show, and coming off the ocean, sometimes they're pretty freaking violent. Let's see if I come back in one piece or if I have some terrific stories to tell you!<br /><br />Relax, get yourself a lovely umbrella drink, and enjoy summer...<br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-64311470482697101622009-05-02T22:47:00.002-04:002009-05-02T23:32:27.760-04:00Q news and art successesIt wasn't good news for our kitty. He has the aggressive kind of cancer that has probably spread throughout his body already, so there's nothing we can do for him. We decided to keep him comfortable as long as we can, but he probably won't make it through the summer. Evidently this kind of cancer can consume everything w/in 3 to 6 months. (sigh) I am glad that we get some time with him; and he's so happy! It feels like we were perfectly placed at the right time to get him from the cat rescue, give him a great home for 3 years, and love him to the very end. When he's gone and the time is right again, we'll give another cat a loving home.<br /><br />On the art front, my oldest daughter won best of show for her category in a local art show, and my other two daughters placed in theirs! A good day for them, and tomorrow I go to the Ohio Designer Craftsmen exhibition for the artist's reception for a piece of mine that was selected to go on tour for the next year.Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-18474603892322016032009-04-28T23:32:00.003-04:002009-04-28T23:48:50.257-04:00Our QSo many things happen every day that I end up not sharing anything at all. Bad habit - maybe. I try to keep things focused on my work, but sometimes other events just fill up and overflow into every part of my life and end up on here. Today is one of those days.<br /><br />My sweet kitty Q (named after the Star Trek troublemaker) who just turned 3 has had a rough week. We found him limping around the house Sunday, and figured one of the little critters he tried to hunt must have fought back and scored a few points. I couldn't find any wounds on his foot, so expected him to feel better the next day. On Monday I found a lump on his thigh, and figured it was the source of his limp, called the vet and explained that it was pretty large and hard. I thought it was swollen from a bite or bee sting. Today he had an emergency biopsy, 54 cc's of fluid removed, and a large tumor taken out. <br /><br />It seems that 1 out of 10,000 cats will react to normal immunizations by growing cancer cells at the site of the injection. Dear, sweet Q was number 10,000. By Friday we'll know if it's the very fast growing aggressive type of cancer or not. If it is, there's nothing we can do. If he narrowly escapes this horrible end, then they'll try to remove his entire leg to save his life.Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-15383037589358514882009-03-10T19:19:00.005-04:002009-03-10T19:47:53.861-04:00sweet rewards and encouragmentTo pick up the thread hinted at the close of my last post, my hard work last year has really paid off. I'm not sure why I'm so surprised about meeting my goals and reaping the benefits of them - maybe because sometimes life doesn't always give back and play fair. I know that's happened to me before (lots of hard work and no return, or worse, negative return).<br /><br />Focusing on a few design lines, getting professional photos, and creating a stylish booth were lofty but reachable goals in 2008. Because I stuck to it and did a good job of it, I'm now a happy recipient of too many show acceptances! I have the odd task of turning down shows that I wouldn't dream of missing last year. It's hard to do, too, considering all the application fees that my bank statement reminds of.<br /><br />So far I've gotten 4 Chicago shows, one in Massachusettes, one in Virginia, two in the Columbus area, and two on the East side of Cleveland. Nearly every show I applied for was accepted! I've even had a piece accepted into "The Best of 2009" exhibition put on by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen. It'll travel for about a year around the state going to different locations until it comes back to me (unless the piece sells). There's a photo of it on my <a href="http://www.jenibuckingham.com/Gallery/Necklaces.html#3">web site</a>. That's a huge step from last year, and I want to encourage anyone else out there. If you're struggling to get somewhere, set your goal and then fill in the baby steps in between. The baby steps really make it do-able. I even put deadlines on each step so I didn't get behind.<br /><br />Share your goals with people, too! Be crazy and let the whole world know what you're planning to do. Share it here on my blog or on your own - or if you're really nuts, post it on both! It'll hold your feet to the fire to have a little accountability, and when you final get that sweet prize at the end, we can all celebrate!<br /><br />kisses,<br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-52963414150736501502009-02-20T20:57:00.003-05:002009-02-20T21:14:04.262-05:00Substance in absenceThe last couple of months have been a time for me to take a thoughtful look at who I am and where I'm going. While I'm sorry for the absence on my blog (despite all those helpful New Year's resolutions to post more often), it's been a necessary time to really explore. <br /><br />A lot of fun and exciting pieces have come out of this rumination vacation, as well as some unexpected changes on a bigger scale (for my life). And not everything culminated in answers; I have new questions and some areas seem even grayer than before. I don't mind that kind of tension though. It's better to ask the questions and not have answers than to make them up, or worse, not even ask the questions at all!<br /><br />So for now I'll leave you with knowing that I have had a wonderful several weeks discovering what I really want to do and who I am as an artist and person.<br /><br />Content and very happy,<br /><br />~Jeni<br /><br />P.S. My hard work over the last year has paid off; I've already been invited to 4 shows in Chicago this summer!Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-72086658235157627272009-01-13T22:32:00.002-05:002009-01-13T22:56:26.854-05:00Must see exhibitI saw an exhibit earlier this month that I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. <br /><br />"Artistic Luxury" is currently showing at the Cleveland Museum of Art and contains some of the most amazing pieces. Imagine Lalique, Faberge, Tiffany (both father and son works) all in one building. I was so excited I could hardly focus long enough to see straight when I first got there! <br /><br />The crowning moment for me was when I walked into the room where part of Lalique's original iron gate for his booth at the 1900's World's Fair in France. I am really in awe of all of his work, but it had such an impressive impact on me to see something he made especially for his booth display. I know how much work I put into my own display for art shows, and this blows everything I've seen away. I have a book with pictures of his work and entire display, but never imagined seeing it with my own eyes. What a pleasure!<br /><br />If you have the ability to see this display, I urge you to go! <a href="http://clemusart.com/exhibitions/artisticluxury.aspx">Artistic Luxury</a><br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-63505027448280018092008-12-25T21:52:00.002-05:002008-12-25T22:39:23.155-05:00Thank youThis year has been full of surprises; ups and downs both in my business and personal life. One thing stands out to me - I'm most surprised by the connection others feel to me through my art and craft. <br /><br />What's life without getting to know the people who choose to come into our lives? For jewelers, we can choose to simply display a piece, take payment, and box it up. Sometimes that's all that happens. Or, we can choose to find out about the man or woman interested in our work, why they like a certain necklace, and learn about what amazing things in life we have in common. Ask questions, listen hard to the answers - spoken and unspoken. <br /><br />I have enjoyed this process more than anything else this year. Thank you to all who took the time to share your lives with me this year. My art has taught me more about others and myself - and has become less about what I create with my hands and more about who I am becoming.<br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-29257712844570489642008-12-13T18:14:00.004-05:002008-12-13T18:40:48.401-05:00Bright and Twinkly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceUW7mMQ-xYCLteAqkH8VL_ezYd9EaHMwbZ2_zOOqbVljfGtkCOvHIKW9VON5VV9AO0ZOPy16iuVXrHkTwkfGp0_H0LZb8jC0MjD8n9GZwVTzWv1C8D3xMBY0-E8Ccc1qKABd6C05lCk/s1600-h/Rutilated+Quartz+N.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceUW7mMQ-xYCLteAqkH8VL_ezYd9EaHMwbZ2_zOOqbVljfGtkCOvHIKW9VON5VV9AO0ZOPy16iuVXrHkTwkfGp0_H0LZb8jC0MjD8n9GZwVTzWv1C8D3xMBY0-E8Ccc1qKABd6C05lCk/s200/Rutilated+Quartz+N.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279423360681659234" /></a><br />Thinking of the holidays makes me think of shiny, twinkling things. Icicles, candles, tinsel, glowing stars... <br /><br />Here's a sparkling Rutilated Quartz pendant on a handmade Roman chain. It's the first prong setting I've made by hand - quite tricky to figure out without any instruction; just trial by error. I'm proud of how it turned out and can hardly wait to make more and get over my fear of them!Jeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-3745507780327806792008-11-30T20:10:00.005-05:002008-11-30T20:36:41.761-05:00turkey power and snow showers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_IrTBul5oXji3g69Vkts7PAGlJ4ZGjSpAoOp6hjQkO7ZT6FZMNqzUhAv5NVx5my5smZOtM154I5FYnONF-afX1n9wE_4rl6dcNqUdAUfyn0D9b-Bjdv6SNWAiZ6xqUxpFOgungzqR5Q/s1600-h/IMG_1687.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_IrTBul5oXji3g69Vkts7PAGlJ4ZGjSpAoOp6hjQkO7ZT6FZMNqzUhAv5NVx5my5smZOtM154I5FYnONF-afX1n9wE_4rl6dcNqUdAUfyn0D9b-Bjdv6SNWAiZ6xqUxpFOgungzqR5Q/s200/IMG_1687.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274629225019076466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5STlagzP-Af0OPb-3qqJopENivwEf_0uaFt7DVVxoqpsfSlTE-_6kf7yCycZLDoeAZZJ5yN5kRFyj2KoXSm_-uOoLE4xk7xKZWZNVlivpX8BOmgWYknoKFrxge44AF0yjE70GLMGR-mc/s1600-h/IMG_1686.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5STlagzP-Af0OPb-3qqJopENivwEf_0uaFt7DVVxoqpsfSlTE-_6kf7yCycZLDoeAZZJ5yN5kRFyj2KoXSm_-uOoLE4xk7xKZWZNVlivpX8BOmgWYknoKFrxge44AF0yjE70GLMGR-mc/s200/IMG_1686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274629217307969170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax4Dpw1jOcoMO2Ac6MyQw0UbFFipUhEM3A1v65WgeNW_ScwcceakV1lwIBfIuPTtfo6Gec9ny8d7IumGSuKXo_rRV_tD_xFuNS5Zv5burabj11guJSp5jC5GQ09R7p2QAeqMKojVy7vs/s1600-h/IMG_1685.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax4Dpw1jOcoMO2Ac6MyQw0UbFFipUhEM3A1v65WgeNW_ScwcceakV1lwIBfIuPTtfo6Gec9ny8d7IumGSuKXo_rRV_tD_xFuNS5Zv5burabj11guJSp5jC5GQ09R7p2QAeqMKojVy7vs/s200/IMG_1685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274629212413254386" /></a><br />The turkey this week was plump, and now that I've eaten it and consumed its powers, I'm afraid I look more like it than me today. I think the turkey had this all planned from the beginning, plotting his phoenix-like return through this transfiguration! <br /><br />If only I could grow wings...<br /><br />Anyway, I thought I'd share these photos of our winter wonderland - so beautiful. <br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899191395140642458.post-16910890345367388802008-11-23T23:04:00.003-05:002008-11-23T23:24:21.290-05:00work updateAre you busy yet? The holidays are coming and I'm starting to feel the crunch!<br /><br />I didn't think there'd be much to do since I didn't sign up for any big shows during the holidays, but wow, was I wrong. My gallery sales have gone up, and I have to recreate pieces I haven't made in a while to restock their supply. A good problem! I also entered a couple of exhibits/competitions, which have resulted in some modest sales, too, but has impacted how many pieces I have on hand.<br /><br />There'll be a lot to do in the next few weeks (not to mention eating turkey, and mashed potatoes, and corn, and sweet potatoes, and green beans, stuffing, pie, ...oooooh....ice cream!).<br /><br />Gobble, gooble<br /><br />~JeniJeni Buckinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16920664318665780834noreply@blogger.com0