Newest Creations

The designs that I had had rolling around in my head for new summer jewelry creations finally took shape and went from head to hand.

I spent hours going through my treasure trove of gems that I been hording for years, looking for inspiration for my new designs. The pearls and aragonite called out to me, proclaiming their need to be placed into jewelry. They had been stashed away in my inventory for so long.  Now was the time to let them come out and shine.

These blush pearls had such a beautiful color and shine and I wanted something simple and classy to show them off.   I like how they both turned out.

Once I had made the lentil shape for the pearl above I located this stunning piece of Aragonite from Sefrou, Morocco that I had been saving and decided to create a similar design but on a larger scale.   I choose not to use prongs that would interfere with the crystals and used an epoxy to  permanently adhere it to the silver.  It fit like a charm inside the little nest I had made for it.  

             

    

               

                                              

  

I created these copper and silver bangle bracelets designs a few years ago. These two bracelets are my favorite "go to" pieces when I put on jewelry.  I wear them all the time and love the marriage of copper and silver together. 

I thought I would make them again this summer, nothing like an oldie but goody to bring back into the collection.  

Once they were done, I put a really high shine on the copper this time and I love the way it looks against the cool silver.  

Of coarse, we can't forget earrings, oh my!  I could make earrings all day.  Lately the designs keep popping in my head.  Here are just a few of then new pieces I made.

Last but not least, are a few new bronze designs. 

The Sunflower necklace is one design that I have done over the years, joining the "old" with the "new". I make molds of "old" antique buttons and then incorporate them into a "new" design.  I think they are perfect in my Sunflower necklace designs. 

This year I literally put a spin on this design! I  thought it would be fun to have the flower move. The two pieces are riveted together and I wish you could see it spin!  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Love the simplicity of the CROSS.   

The texture in this bronze cross necklace is from a piece of driftwood.  Walking the beach up at St. Joe is one of my favorite pass time and a way for me to wash away the frustrations of the world.  I am always searching for unique patterns in the well worn wood that I can use in my designs.

I love the symbolism that the wood grain imparts to this necklace as it reminds me of the sacrifice on the cross.                                                            

This triangular shape has become one of my favorite shapes for earrings this summer. 

 I paired them up with vintage ear wires from the 60's that I got from a seller who has a stash of old vintage findings.  Love the look!

So here's the good and the bad news.  

The BAD -these designs are all SOLD!  

The GOOD - I guess I will just have to make some more!

I'm Over the Moon!

Dockside Market Place - Saugatuck, MI

       DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
I'm so excited to announce my new vintage line of jewelry that will debut at Mr. Miller's Emporium, located in the Dockside Market along the waterfront in Saugatuck, MI.

Their Grand Opening is this coming Sunday!

My fantastic cousin, Debbie Scofield, linked me up with store owner Linda Hopkins-Laakso just a couple of weeks ago.  Linda was looking for a new jewelry designer and Debbie directed her to my door step.  Thank you Debbie!!!

I have worked non-stop for days creating a new line of vintage jewelry that I have wanted to do for such a long time, in addition to the silver, copper, bronze and fused glass designs that I already do!

I do think I have an old soul from the early 1920's,  I have such a  love for vintage art nouveau jewelry creations from designers like: Alphonse Mucha, Weiss, Eisenberg, and so many of the talented jewelry designers from the early 1900's.

 So, it really comes as no surprise that I would marry my jewelry designs with the old vintage pieces that have lived through the best and worst of times.

While I design with these old jewelry pieces I've collected over the last two years I often wonder about the women who wore them and the type of clothing they once adorned.  I'm sure  many of them were worn at gala events. Oh, the stories they would tell if they could just give up their secrets.

I think part of my love for these old nostalgic pieces comes in part from my appreciation of jewelry that was handed down to me from my mother.  She had a wonderful collection of brooches. I don't think she ever left the house without a fantastic pin attached to her hat or dress.



I try to keep the integrity of the pieces in tact whenever possible, as I collage several pieces together into a new design with a vintage flair.

My work bench is cluttered with trays of old pieces I have collected along with vintage chains and beads too!  Oh, what a joyful dilemma it is to pick and choose the right combinations.

My  biggest problem these days is that I want to keep each one of them that I make! So hard to let them go when I box them up and send them on their way.   They may not be going to a gala event but I know they will go to ladies with a love for the day's of old.

I will still create the Magdalena Moon Designs so many of you love, but will now expand my creative line to share my "Vintage Moon Designs".

I have created many beautiful necklaces and bracelets designs to choose from, with more on the way over the coming summer season.  

So, if you're planning a trip to the Saugatuck/Douglas area this summer, please take the time to stop in at Mr. Miller's Emporium in the Dockside Market place to see my new vintage line. 

Oh, and while your at the Dockside be sure to stop in at tea shop, they have some great teas!

Happy Easter Everyone

Copper Necklace Class

Yesterday I had a group of creative students and I just had to share their creations with you.

They made these beautiful necklaces at the Buchanan Art Center  in one of my classes using 24 ga sheet copper.  The learned how to cut, smooth, refine and create different images on the copper prior to it being etched in a ferric chloride solution.

Once the pieces were etched they applied a patina, polished their pieces and assembled them into necklaces.

We had a great time and they all wore their new creations home.

 Just had to share the cool pieces they made.

I have a etched copper cuff bracelet class coming up at the Buchanan Art Center on May 6th that still has openings.

                                 

Spring Semester Classes at the Buchanan Art Center

 Celebrate the arrival of Spring by taking a class at the Buchanan Art Center!  Nothing like the promise of Spring (yes it will come) to get out and learn something new.
I will be teaching 5 different classes this semester, and I have listed them below.  If you see a class your interested in sign up soon, as seats fill up quickly!  Contact the Art Center today!

117 West Front Street * Buchanan, MI 49107

(269) 697 - 4005 

 http://www.buchananartcenter.org

Kumihimo Braided Bracelet
Darlene Troyer, Instructor
Adults and Teens (limit 6 Students)
Tuesday, March 24, 12:30-3:30 pm.
Registration Required by March 19.
$45 member, $50 nonmember. All materials provided
Kumihimo is the traditional Japanese technique of braiding strands of silk to create colorful strong but slender cord for a multitude of uses. Students will learn to create their strand on a special designed Kumihimo disc and then turn it into a beautiful bracelet by the end of the class. Tips on different types of materials that can be used and finishing will be taught. All items needed for this class are included in the class pack.


Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet
Darlene Troyer, Instructor
Adults and Teens (limit 6 Students)
Wednesday, March 25, 10:30-2:30 pm. Registration Required by March 21. 
$50 member, $55 nonmember.
All materials provided except Kumihimo disc. Students must bring their own Kumihimo disc for this class.
Previous beginner class or knowledge of basic Kumihimo is required for this class. Join us as we take Kumihimo one step further and learn how to incorporate and interlace beads to make a stunning bracelet. Class fee includes beads, cording, and metal findings needed to finish off your creation into a wearable piece of art. (Feel free to bring a sack lunch)

Copper Necklace
Darlene Troyer, Instructor
Adults and Teens (limit 6 Students)
Wednesday, April 1, 10:30-3:30 pm.
Registration Required by March 28.
$55 member, $60 nonmember. All materials provided.

Learn how to etch designs onto copper and then cut and form it into a pendant. Students will learn how to etch on metal, cut thin copper sheet, file and refine and turn into a necklace. Class Pack will include: copper, findings and chain to complete one necklace. Don't forget, Mother's Day is May 10th; this would make a lovely gift for her! (Feel free to bring a sack lunch; there will be time to eat as your creations are soaking in the etching solution.) 

Copper Cuff Bracelet
Darlene Troyer, Instructor
Adults and Teens (limit 6 Students)
Wednesday, May 6, 10:30-3:30 pm.
Registration Required by May 2.
$55 member, $60 nonmember. All materials provided

Learn how to etch designs onto copper as you create a one-of-a- kind cuff bracelet suitable for gift giving. Mother's Day is May 10th; this would make a lovely gift for her! Techniques on preparing copper for etching, applying designs to metal, using etching solution and forming your unique copper cuff into a bangle will be taught in this class. Copper sheet, etchant and tools needed to complete your project are included in the class fee. (Feel free to bring a sack lunch; there will be time to eat as your creations are soaking in the etching solution)

Fine Silver Jewelry: Introduction to Silver Metal Clay
Darlene Troyer, Instructor
Adults and Teens (limit 6 Students)
Wednesday, May 20, 10-5:30 pm.
Registration Required by May 16.
$63 member, $70 nonmember. Cost of Silver Metal Clay purchased in class for an additional $60. All basic tools provided.
Learn the skills needed to manipulate and create beautiful .999 fine silver jewelry using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). We will explore the different types & properties of metal clays and to create earrings and pendants. Several techniques for firing and finishing will also be taught. Class pack fee includes: use of all tools needed for class and silver PMC packet. (Feel free to bring a sack lunch; there will be time to eat as your creations are being fired.)

 
 MARCH - that's what my calendar says!

Ok, I've had it with winter!!!! It's been snowing and blowing for months now.

I usually take it all in stride and enjoy the slow pace of winter to create and design.  But enough is enough.

Chipping away at the ice that covered my car doors yesterday and waking up to -9 degrees today was the straw that broke the camels back as they say.   I've had it with winter!!!

So as we turn our clocks back this weekend I am reminded by the quote in this lovely photo, NO SPRING SKIP ITS TURN!

  (rant now over, resume what you were doing)
         

   VALENTINES DAY   

True Love !  

February 14^th, St. Valentine’s Day, a day to shower your loved ones with affection and gifts. Valentine’s cards, red roses, wine, heart shaped boxes filled with luscious chocolates (my favorite), romantic dinners, and jewelry of course are just some of the ways we show our love.

We express our affections and celebrate this day of love in many ways, but I wonder how many know the story behind Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day, according to church history and an accounting by Father Frank O’Gara of Dublin, Ireland, reveals the tragic story of a Roman Priest, named Valentine.

During the reign of Emperor Claudias II, there was an edict that prohibited marriage for young people. The Emperor believed men fought better if they weren't married and didn't have to worry about the fate of their wives and children while they were off at battle.  Father Valentine, firmly believed in marriage, and not only encouraged but secretly married young couples in direct violation of the emperor’s edict.  Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned, tortured and then beheaded in the year 269 AD.  

Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer Asterius. It is said that the jailer's daughter and his forty-four member household (family members and servants) came to believe in Jesus and were baptized. 

I think Father O’Gara best summed it up when he says, “There comes a time where you have to lay your life upon the line for what you believe. And with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do that – even to the point of death.”

So, as tragic as the story may be of Father Valentine’s demise, he did it out of  LOVE -  love for God and for mankind.  Father Valentine's convictions may of cost him his life, but he gave eternal life to others.  Today Valentine is remembered as the patron saint of lovers.

I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day, than true LOVE!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 

So what have I been doing this winter?

Oh My, I haven’t blogged since last year. Where does the time go?

Right after Christmas I got all the decorations packed away and then had all these grandeous ideas of what I was going to do over the long, cold and snowy, Michigan winter.  I made a list so long that no one in their right mind could accomplish it.  OK, so I’m not in my right mind, we all know that.   I've checked a few things off that list but I’m not even close to where I wanted to be at by this time in February.

So far, I've compiled my list of classes that I’ll be teaching this spring at the Buchanan Art Center, and working on applications for summer art shows. 

I’m also learning how to use a new cutting machine so I can cut metal clay.  I've been taking online lessons and I’m sure once I master this machine it will be so exciting to cut and create new jewelry designs, for now its whipping my butt!  Big technical learning curve for this lady who just turned 63!!!!  Gee, did I really just tell you how old I am? 

I spent one day last week and reclaimed and ground well over 

200 grams of silver metal clay!  Believe  it or not, I do make mistakes, I just don’t show you.  I just throw them all into a container and when I get the time, I grind my mistake down into powder and start all over again. That’s the beauty of metal clay, no waste.

So, what have I made?
Hearts, hearts and more using some great vintage art nouveau faces. I don't make many hearts but these were calling me to use them  for Valentines Day.
I've also been etching copper  and adding
old vintage jewelry to my metal clay designs. I love the combination of these mixed metals and can’t wait to make more.


I was having a good  ole' time creating until I smashed my thumb with a big brass mallet while I was riveting pieces together.  Wowsers, what pain.
Just had to include this picture on the left, cause every now and then someone says, "do you really make all that jewelry".  Now I can say, "why, yes I create all these designs from my heart, along with blood, sweat and tears!"  Anyhow, once it’s healed up I’ll be back in the studio working on new designs for 2015.

For now here are some of my new jewelry designs!

               

IS THAT PLASTIC?

During a recent give-a-way for one of my fused glass tapestry pendants, my daughter jokingly posted on Facebook, "Is that Plastic?"  It put a smile on my face knowing that she was referring to a story I’d told her of a customer who asked that question during one of my recent art shows.  Sad but true, my glass design was thought to be plastic. 

That question, “Is that plastic”, got me to thinking about the society we live in today.  Most crafters work long hard hours developing their creations and designs, me included.  We create from our soul and love what we do.  Unfortunately we have to compete with what many refer to as, the Walmart mentality, of cheaply made, poor quality items that have been imported from China and other countries.  I know that not everyone can afford handcrafted items, yet, there should be respect and appreciation for the process and time that each artist puts into their creations.   

I’m often asked, why do you work so hard doing art shows when you could just sell it online?  I must admit, packing all that stuff into the car, driving to a show at 0 dark thirty, and then working 2 hours or more so that my booth is all set up and open for business by 9:00 am or earlier requires determination, dedication and many times a raincoat, boots and more, you get the picture.  So why do I do it?   Well, I love what I do! I love to share with others the process of how I create each one my unique jewelry designs.  Artists not only create, we have to educate too! Only through the sharing and explanation of the work process we use to create our designs can others begin to understand the time, talent and effort that goes into each piece. Then, and only then, can one understand the cost for hand made designs compared to store bought.

So, when someone says, “Is that plastic” or “Where do you get you items from”, I proudly say, I MADE THEM, let me tell you how!  Then I share the process that goes into my one-of-a-kind metal and glass design jewelry creations.

With that said, NO, they aren't plastic, they are glass! Thousands of tiny pieces of finely ground glass (frit) are used to create my 4" X 4" glass panels, no two are ever the same.  Once I have the glass frit colors mixed into a pattern I'm happy with, they are then fired in the kiln, a 12 hour process.  Once cooled to under 100 degrees I am able to cut the panels into shapes using a wet saw. Each potential pendant is then cleaned and goes back into the kiln to be fire polished, another 12 hour process. Then they are ready for me to design into jewelry.  The photos below will give you an idea of just some of the process that goes into making my fused glass tapestry pendants.  ENJOY!

The process begins at my work bench with hundreds of colors of  COE 90 glass frit in assorted sizes.

On the left: 

Glass panels with the loose glass frit are loaded carefully into the kiln and fired using a complex firing & cooling schedule that takes up to 12 hour. 

On the right:

The glass panel after it comes out of the kiln and is fully fused and ready to cut into numerous shape for my jewelry.

 The next step is to decide how to best utilize the panel and the design patterns by selecting just the right shape to enhance the colors of the glass.

Now the panel goes to the wet saw to be cut and smoothed on the grinder

  




After the pieces have been cut and smoothed they are thoroughly cleaned and ready to go back into the kiln for another 12 hour firing process.

Now the fun begins! 

Bails are then applied either by using epoxy or by drilling holes to create unique 

one-of-a-kind designs.

Below are just a few of my finished pendants!

Magdalena Moon Designs

Created by:

Darlene Troyer

NOVEMBER 23

ARTISANS UNLEASHED

This is not your normal fall craft show! My friend and show organizer, Pam, has worked hard to create a show that will showcase only original one-of-a-kind items made by the artist! 

I look forward to doing this show in South Bend on Sunday November 23, come out and shop for unique handmade items to put in those pretty packages under your Christmas tree, I'm sure you will find lots of things for everyone on your Christmas list!

Come see the many new copper designs I've been working on this fall and have added to my jewelry line !  

Water Street Glassworks

The cat is out of the bag!

Oh my, how excited I am to announce I will be teaching at Water Street Glassworks in the Benton Harbor, MI Arts District!
If you love glass, and who doesn't, then you need to check out what they have to offer.  Their list of classes are extensive, the instructors are great and I just can't wait to join the team.
Water Street Glassworks is more than just a fantastic glass facility, they play a mulit-faceted role and are an established anchor of the Benton Harbor Arts District.
Their Fired Up! after-school teen glass program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for youth to develop creatively, personally and learn valuable business skills and is offered free to all students.
The general education program offers classes in the many different techniques of glass and metal art and draws students and faculty from all over the great lake region to experience Water Street Glassworks and beautiful Southwest Michigan.  The public access studio program offers access to artists who can't afford the luxury of running a glass or metal studio of their own and allows them to expand their skills in a supportive and collaborative community.

I will be teaching the following classes at Water Street Glassworks this fall:

• FUSED GLASS TAPESTRY - October 15th from 6-9 pm, class fee is $70
• FUSED GLASS TAPESTRY PENDANTS - 2 week class, October 22 6-9 pm & Oct 29 6-8 pm, class fee is $90

Call Water Street Glassworks to register for either class!  269-925-5555

For more information go to their website and check out all their fantastic classes!

www.waterstreetglassworks.org

AND - If you're in the area be sure to stop at the Water Street Gelato Shop, located right next door to Water Street Glassworks.  They are open Thurs - Saturday.  I'm gonna so take advantage of my teaching days and try as many flavors as I can!!!
What's Gelato? Well it's Italian ice cream made from only the freshest, high-quality, most flavorful ingredients and it's made right up the road in Fennville, Mich. The good folks at Palazzolo's create over 600 flavors of gelato and sorbetto in small batches, with attention to detail - the artisan way. You'll taste fresh fruit, rich chocolates, flavorful liquors, nuts - a decadent combination of ingredients in every delicious spoonful. Lavender and honey ... banana, caramel, praline ... mojito sorbetto ... you get the idea!

Fall Art Classes

Where has the summer gone?  The lazy days of summer have flown by way too soon, I'm just not ready to give up summer.  However, I do love fall and I love teaching.  I will be teaching some great classes at the Buchanan Art Center and at Water Street Glassworks this fall.  Be sure to check out the classes below and call to sign up and  reserve your spot.  These would make some great Christmas gifts for that special person on your list!!!  If you have any questions about the classes, email me: magdalenamoon@hotmail.com

FALL ART CLASSES BY DARLENE TROYER

Etched Copper Cuff Bracelet - September 24

10:30 am-2:30 pm - Location: Buchanan Art Center

Learn how to etch designs onto copper as you create a one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet suitable for gift giving. Techniques on preparing copper for etching, applying designs to metal, using etching solution and forming your unique copper cuff into a bangle will be taught in this class. Copper sheet, etchant and tools needed to complete your project are included in the class fee.

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)

Class Fee:  $45 member $50 nonmember - fee includes all materials needed for the class

Class will be taught at the Buchanan Art Center, 117 West Front Street, Buchanan, MI 

http://www.buchananartcenter.org/id37.html

269-697-4005 Call to register – deadline is September 19

Metal Clay Silver Leaf Pendant - October 8

11:00 am -5:00 pm – Location Buchanan Art Center

Make a beautiful silver leaf pendant using PMC silver paste. Instructor will provide and array of fresh leafs for you to choose from to make your unique one-of-a-kind nature inspired pendant. Students will make one leaf pendant in this class that can later be finish into a necklace. These make great gifts for the holidays! *Bring a sack lunch and beverage.

**Cost of PMC silver needed for this class averages $45 and is payable to the instructor during the class. All other supplies needed to complete your pendant are included in the class fee.

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)
Registration  deadline: October 3.
Class Fee:  $45 member $50 nonmember, plus additional $45 materials Class Pack fee that includes silver. To be purchased from Instructor in class.

Class will be taught at the Buchanan Art Center, 117 West Front Street, Buchanan, MI 

http://www.buchananartcenter.org/id37.html

269-697-4005 Call to register – deadline is October 3

Fused Glass Tapestry - October 15

6-9 pm – Location Water Street Glassworks – Benton Harbor, MI

Learn how to create a unique one-of-a-kind 4”X4” “tapestry” of fused glass using assorted colors and sizes of COE 90 frit. You can then use your glass tapestry to make pendants in the Fused Glass Tapestry Pendant class (Oct 22 & Oct 29) or in other projects of your choosing.

No experience required

All materials provided

Class Fee $70

This class is taught at Water Street Glass Works – 140 Water Street – Benton Harbor, MI

www.waterstreetglassworks.org

 Call 269-925-5555 to register

  

Fused Glass Tapestry Pendants - October 22

6:00 – 9:00 pm & October 29 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Location Water Street Glassworks – Benton Harbor

Using the fused glass tapestry panel that you created in class on October 15, learn how to cut, shape and finish your pendants into several beautiful pendants to wear or give as gifts.

Class Fee $90

This class is taught at Water Street Glass Works – 140 Water Street – Benton Harbor, MI

www.waterstreetglassworks.org

 Call 269-925-5555 to register

Buchanan Art Center Classes

CLASSES, CLASSES, CLASSES – I have several classes offered this summer at the Buchanan Art Center.  I've listed the classes below. For more information and descriptions of all my classes, go to:  www.buchananartcenter.org

Sign up now by calling the art center at 269-697-4005

Fine Silver Jewelry – Introduction to PMC - June 18 – from 10 - 5

There are still a few openings in my class, Begging Metal Clay this coming Wednesday at the Buchanan Art Center.  Weather forecast is for rain on Wednesday, what a great day to be inside learning how to use silver PMC to create unique designs.  Cost is $45 for members/$50 non-members plus $60 fee for silver.

Etched Copper Bracelet Bangle - June 21 – from 10:30 – 2:30.  Cost is $45 for members/$50 non-members.

Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet - July 9 – from 12:30 – 4:30 Cost is $46 for members/$52 non-members

Silver Leaves – PMC Pendant August 9 – from 10 – 4.  Cost is $45 for members/$50 non-members + $45 fee for silver.