It's Lame, I Know

I thought non-stop insanity would die down now that school is done. But instead, it's just become a different kind of insanity. Like instead of studying and writing papers frantically until all hours of the night, I'm now frantically making jewelry until 3 or 4 am.

Today, for example. I literally filled orders from the time i woke up (10am) until about an hour ago (it's now 2am). What I've got to show for it is this nice stack of envelopes ready for the post office. It's exciting that I've been so busy, but a bit frazzling as well.

This was a big week -- I got picked up by two new stores, landed on the front page on of Etsy on Thursday night, and am featured in two blogs today. When it rains it pours, I guess. Bring on the storm!

Stumbling off to bed now.....

Flu-ish, cranky and ache-y

So I've been feeling kinda no-so-hot the past couple of days. Then I spent yesterday running through the streets of Brooklyn, pushing a shopping cart, while dressed as a giant pita. That was promptly followed by Latkepalooza that night. (Why do so many events in my life revolve around food-related themes??) So, between the flu, the physical toll of yesterday's festivities, today I am in rough shape. It's 3:20 and I'm just sitting here in bed, trying to will myself to be productive.

I did get around to listing this set of rings on Etsy. Of course I had to make myself a set as well, which I've been wearing pretty much nonstop.

Brand Spanking New Designs!

I love both of these designs! Both are part of my spring collection, which I will be slowly previewing on Etsy during the next few months. Most of the designs in this collection will feature mixed metals. I've been experimenting with designs that combine silver and brass, as well as some new shapes and styles.

Scarf is Done!

I finished my first scarf, and I love it even more than I thought I would! The circles add a really perfect touch to it.

I also finished a new earring design last night, too. I think I'm going to patina them today.

Back to the Sewing Machine

Back in college, it was all about sewing. I made shirts, dresses, bags... even pants. Some of them were cute, and some of them were atrocious. The thing was, as much as I liked making clothing, I really hated sewing. I'd always mess things up-- I'd sew pieces together inside out, or backwards, or the fabric would get all chewed up and the stitch tension was all wrong. It frustrated the hell out of me! I guess I just don't have the patience for it.

But I've busted the sewing machine back out, and I'm doing a little experimenting with some cool stripe-y scarves. Luckily, it involves minimal actual sewing; I've just been stitching some funky zig zags over the felt circles I cut out. So far, so good.

I hope to get some pics of this being worn soon, so I can get it posted on Etsy.

New Pics!

I've got so many Sprout pieces that have yet to make their Etsy debut, only because I don't have any pictures of them. And taking the photos just takes so damn long. I do have a new point and shoot camera that has a macro setting, but still, I'm never happy with the results.

Today I spent about three hours shooting some new pieces, and posted a few new things on Etsy.

Holiday Hiatus

New years eve, Keene, NH -- me and my bros

2 nights of AOD - No better way to start the year!

Between finishing up school work, the holidays, and general malaise, I've been in something of a creative drought the last couple of weeks. I'm visiting my parents this week, and though i brought some of my jewelry tools with me, it's hard to focus when I'm not in my "studio."
I do, however, have lots of plans for Sprout in the new year, beginning with a new logo and a new website. Stay tuned!!

Shout out to Astoria Artists!!

How freaking great is this T-shirt??

This is a piece from the Elsie Q line, created by my talented friend, Angela. She silk screened this cute tea cup design onto super soft cotton T's and then embellished them with hearts. Love it! Visit Elsie Q here. (Not only does she have a great women's line, but she sells adorable baby clothes & accessories.)

More from Elise Q:

Almost...

Almost done. All that separates me from my masters is about 20 pages -- what's left to write of my thesis. Unfortunately, it's been sloooow going so far. However, I've been doing an excellent job of procrastinating, and thus, I'm happy to share these pics, taken today while avoiding doing actual work.

Taking a Break

At the Spotted Cat in the Quarter. The lighting in
this bathroom was just too cool & begging to be documented!

After all the craft shows and general chaos of life, I was sooo ready for a break! I escaped out to New Orleans for a bit. This city is just good for the soul -- pork chop sandwiches, sunshine, and music, music, music.

It's funny what passes for normal in our house these days. Bonner and Ang silkscreening tee-shirts at midnight? (while working their way through a bottle of wine) Totally normal.

Despite the fact that the clock pic has the photo-in-a-photo thing going on, I didn't take the shot for that reason. (Or even realize that the pic would be so apparent in it.) I just wanted to document the little cottage-industry we've got goin on these days (any time of day or night...)

How I spent my Thanksgiving Vacation

This is my one employee. She’s not very speedy. She can’t see small things without her magnifying light. And she knows nothing about making jewelry. But she’ll work for free. Sounds good! (Thanks for your help, mom)

Where I'm At

Holiday shopping?? Find me (and all my newest Sprout creations) here:

December 1st: Winterful Craft Show
11 am to 5 pm, P.S. 39 417 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn
December 2nd: Handmade Holiday (with my Astoria Craft Collective ladies!)
11 am to 5 pm, Waltz-Astoria, 24-13 Ditmars Blvd, Queens
December 8th: BUST Craftacular
10 am to 8 pm, the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, 125 West 18th Street

...and you can always shop online at www.sproutonline.etsy.com

Infinity Necklace

Ok, as promised, here is the final version of the model in the previous post. I am so happy with the way it turned out. This is such an elegant, simple piece. It's going to be sold as a fund-raiser for Dress for Success River Cities. Dress for Success provides free business suits for low income women who are transitioning into the workforce.

The necklace will go on sale December 8th. More details to follow!

New Model

This one came out great!! I'm giving myself a big pat on the back... It's a commissioned piece that will be sold as a fundraiser (can't reveal the details yet, but stay posted!)

A Trio of New Pendants

Fresh from the casters, unpolished and with sprues still attached...

Polished, with jump rings attached and sprues removed.

Still a work in progress. I don't know which of these I like the best, or how i want to use them. The wreath style is delicate and feminine. The gear style is more industrial. And the strange circle shape is sort of contemporary and urban. I'm getting molds made of all of them, so that buys me a little time to make up my mind...

Just Listed!

Cleaned up the earrings in my last post, and listed them on Etsy! They look so much nicer after a day in the tumbler.... Here they are on Etsy.

Also, working on this:


Of course, I should be working on my thesis this week.... So the jewelry will need to take a back seat for a while.