Lemon Creek Art & Wine Show

Love this show!

We couldn't of had better weather this weekend!  Both Saturday and Sunday were fantastic summer days!  Light breeze, sunshine and fun loving people.  Doesn't get any better than that!

One thing that I really noticed was lack of cell phones being used.  People were out enjoying music and the art.

It was fun to see old and new customers alike on my opening weekend.  The many new designs I had created were well received and now have new owners.

Thanks to the Lemon Family for again, hosting another great Art Show!!!!

Buchanan Art Center Classes

Just finished a wonderful class yesterday at the art center in my Cork Clay Hollow Core Bead Class. Students learned how to make hollow core beads using Metal Clay over cork..  We had a great time and they made some really creative designs. 

 I have only one more class scheduled for this semester as I'm gearing up for my summer show season.  Time for me to get busy in my studio creating new designs.  So, if you've been wanting to make a metal clay ring then this class on April 20th may just be what your looking for!

Wrap Ring (.999 Fine Silver Metal Clay)  
 April 20 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR, Darlene Troyer,
 PMC Certified 

 $40 Member $55 Nonmember plus $39 per student, Materials Cost for Metal clay and supplies, payable to the instructor prior to the start of the class

Adults and Teens (LIMIT 6 STUDENTS) Prerequisite: To enroll, a student must have completed a basic beginner Silver Metal Clay class at the BAC.  

Create an adjustable fine silver metal clay wrap ring in this fun class. Your ring design will be fired flat and then shaped onto a ring mandrel after firing. You will learn how to achieve the ring size needed and make needed adjustments to compensate for metal clay shrinkage. Depending on ring size and your creative designing elements, you will be able to make 1 - 2 rings in this class. 

Please bring your sack lunch/beverage.

 REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Call the Buchanan Art Center to Register : 269-697-4005

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY 

AND BLESSED

NEW YEAR!

Where did 2015 go?  

The older I get the faster the years seem to fly by.

  The year has just started and there are so many things I need to do already. Art Shows, Classes, New Website and or coarse, fun and exciting New Jewelry Designs, oh my!

No rest for the weary!

I've been researching a long list of new art shows and trying to decide which ones to apply to.  

I will post the shows as I'm accepted, so check back often to see where I will be over the summer. You won't want to miss my new booth.  I can't wait till it's warmer to  get started working on the new layout and color scheme that I've designed for 2016.

If can achieve half of what I have planned it's going to be a wonderful new year.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Fall Classes at Buchanan Art Center

I'M EXCITED TO BE TEACHING THESE CLASSES THIS FALL SEMEMSTER!

SIGN UP NOW FOR MY FALL JEWELRY CLASSES
at the BUCHANAN ART CENTER

Call to Register (269) 697-4005

*Silver Leaf Pendants*  

WEDNESDAY, September 23

10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor   

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)

Registration Required by September 20

$55 member, $74 nonmember plus cost of silver to be paid to instructor at start of class (Approx. $45)

Make a beautiful silver leaf pendant using .999 fine silver metal clay.

 I will provide an array of fresh leaves for you to create your stunning pendant design.

 Students will make one leaf in this class that can later be finished into a necklace. 
Bring a sack lunch and beverage too.

*Silver Metal Clay Jewelry-The Basics*

SATURDAY, September 26

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor    

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)  

Registration Required by September 23

$60 member, $80 nonmember 

plus cost of silver to be paid to instructor at start of class (Approx. $40, depending on market cost)

Students will create and finish a beautiful necklace design using the new Fine Silver metal clay by FYI. Students will learn design construction, attaching a bail, kiln and torch firing techniques and how to patina and polish their designs in this beginner class. Bring a sack lunch and beverage too.

 *Jewelry 101-Putting it all Together*

SATURDAY, November 7 

1:00 to 3:00 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor    

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)  

Registration Required by November 4

$15 member, $20 nonmember

Students will learn the basics of joining your jewelry creations together. Learn what to use and how to use it. We will talk about a variety of tools that are needed to assemble jewelry components and what they do. Learn how to use: jump rings, attach clasps and toggles, make wire wrapped loops and more. There will be an open discussion for questions at the end of the class.

*Embossed Copper Cuff Bracelet* 

WEDNESDAY, December 2

1:00 to 4:00 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor 

Adults and Teens (limit 6 students)  

Registration Required by November 25.

$35 member, $47 nonmember. All materials included

Learn how to shape, form, emboss and rivet copper sheet metal. Students will construct a bracelet using two layers of copper and then rivet them together. We will be using a Sizzix machine to emboss the copper and  I will have several design plates for you to choose from to create your impressions.

Call  the Buchanan Art Center Today to Register for any of the above classes.

 (269) 697-4005

The art center is located at: 

117 W Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107

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!