My 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The green amethyst ring just sold to a lady who was absolutely crazed over it, which is one of the nicest compliments of all!

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!

Again, sorry to everyone for losing the comments and slipping into a studio-driven coma!!!

~Jeni

Show 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.