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.

Bead & Button Conference

Last weekend my dear friend Christie and I headed up to Milwaukee for the mother of all bead shows.  This conference and show runs for a full week long, with 100's of jewelry classes and exciting events. Not to mention 4 days of shopping for beads, supplies and more.  If you need it for jewelry making, they have it, well almost everything!
My friend Christie had never attended the Bead & Button show and her enthusiasm and excitement perked up my desire to return one more time to the big bead shopping mecca - Milwaukee!
I have taken so many wonderful classes at this fantastic event over the last 10 years and learned so much. Teachers from all over the world come and share their knowledge, tips, tricks and designs to make us better at what we do and encourage us to grow and expand our techniques and to soar to new heights!
The 5 hour drive up was now behind us and we were ready to shop and explore. We quickly grabbed a sandwich for lunch and headed up to the show room floor at the convention center, Christie had no idea what she was in for! Like kids in a candy shop we started to explore, so many great things to take in and enjoy.
We both had our shopping lists in hand and began our search of the hundreds of vendors who came with  tools, supplies, glass, beads, metal findings and more.

I came across a vendor who had case after case of old collectibles. Oh my, talk about a kid in a candy shop, I was drooling at all the luscious old treasures. He had several cases of cameo's like the one on the left and they were the big old ones with elaborate gold filigree mountings & beautifully carved faces. Gorgeous old antiques!
Then there were the oodles of old lockets from all around the world. I could have spent the rest of the day at this booth and I would have barely seen a fraction of what he had brought to the show. When I found a case full of Cracker Jack toys he had,  I couldn't believe they had become collectibles. Oh, how I remember the excitement of munching that caramel coated popcorn till I got to the toy in the middle of the box, if I'd only known that one day they would become valuable.  Each case I encountered brought back memories of my childhood as I sorted through Monopoly pieces, old dice, magnetic scotty dogs and so much more.  THEN, reality set in, I'm getting old.  Guess that means I'm a collectible too!

My favorite new vendor is Dakota Stones from Edina, MN! So excited they came and I found their booth.  They had the best assortment of quality gems all neatly hung in rows with clearly labeled tags.  The quality of the gems they carried was fantastic, in my humble opinion. I spent a long time here admiring the huge selection of gems and carefully selected many new and interesting gemstones to come home with me. They had a selection of matte red river jasper that had me melting on the spot.  I purchased 4 strands of these stones and I can't wait to work with them later next week.  I also found a really dark green jade that had great color and I snagged up several strands in assorted shapes and sizes.  Then, my eyes were lured to this intense color of turquoise, be still my heart, it's Apatite.

 I had never seen Apatite this rich or luscious calling me to take it home, I selected 2 prime strands knowing just what I want to do with them.  The photo on the right just doesn't do justice to these stones, the red river jasper is satiny and smooth and has the most incredible colors and veining, in unusual patterns.  LOVE THESE!
 The show is called Bead & Button and there were several button dealers at the show, I would of liked to have seen more button dealers but those that were here had a great selection of buttons to choose from.  There is one dealer I make sure I visit  when I attend the show who has thousands of the most incredible buttons in every shape, color and size you can imagine.  He is an avid collector.














I purchased these two fantastic silver buttons from his booth that were made sometime in the 1930's.  I couldn't resist this great find and had to bring these sweet ladies home with me. Wish I could have bought a few more but if I told you what these buttons cost you'd think I was nuts!


Christie and I had shopped till we dropped on Friday and headed back to our hotel and then on to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven, the food was fantastic and the the key lime mango topped cheesecake had to be one of the best desserts I've had in a long time.  We headed back to our room and it wasn't long before we passed out from exhaustion.  The next morning we were a little worse for wear but had breakfast and headed back to the show for a few more hours of shopping that turned into a whole day.  By 6:00 we were ready to have dinner and get on the road for the long trip home but not until we had checked out the exhibition showcases for the Bead Dreams competition. Elaborate, fantastic, creative, stunning, the list of adjectives goes on and on.  Each piece more exquisite then the next.  Here's just a few of our favorites.

INCREDIBLE, is all I can say. Hours and hours of work went into each design.  Some designs were done by a collaboration of several artists who came together to create one stunning piece. These fantastic creations are the work of some of the best in world who use a variety of mediums including polymer clay, metal clay, wire, glass, fine seed beads and more! I'd love to post all the pictures I took but these will just have to do.  You'll have to attend next year if you want to see more.

Speaking of next year, I hope there will be another show as the attendance was way down from years past. Each year I have noticed a drop in attendance. I believe the attendance was the lowest of all this year, and not even the offer for free admission to the show seemed to help. That's a $10 savings for the attendee. So why aren't people attending? I believe it is the digital age, You Tube tutorials and the fact that we can now purchase just about anything we need in the line of supplies online.  I'm guilty of the above too but for me there is nothing like seeing and feeling the real thing.  Color, texture and a personal touch just is something we can't get via a computer.  So, for me, this girl will continue to make the 5 hour trip to the Bead & Button Conference in years to come to fuel my creative senses and shop till I drop so I can find great treasures and new companies, like Dakota Stones.  I hope this top notch show will be able to continue in the future and find a way to draw back the crowds.  Christie and I already have made plans to attend 2015!

Opening Artist Exhibition

The four of us prior to the opening of our artists exhibition on Sunday June 1. (L-R: Mary Meehan Firtl, Erin Warner, me-Darlene Troyer and Alan Fore) We toasted the Buchanan Art Center and at the same time hoped the great wine would settled our jittery nerves before the doors opened that afternoon.








It was a beautiful warm sunny day and after the long cold winter we couldn't blame anyone for staying home, but we were pleasantly surprised and very appreciative that so many people came to share in our special day.  The art center had a steady stream from the time the doors opened till closing. 








The four of us had spent a considerable amount of time planning the food selection for our reception. I made 2 trays of sushi rolls, 2 trays of caprese appetizers and a fantastic goat cheese log rolled in cranberries and pistachio nuts to go with the yummy food that was donated by Fiddlers Hearth and the Bucktown Tap.  I guess we did a good job planning as we didn't run out of food!

It was so much fun spending the afternoon sharing with others the process of how I make my jewelry designs.   I've done lots of art shows over the last few years but this was just so different and enjoyable having people interested in the process and the mind behind the designs!  It was such an enjoyable experience and I can't thank the Buchanan Art Center for the opportunity to exhibits my line of jewelry.

I have over 100 jewelry designs on exhibit  for my show titled, "Bling it On" in the three showcases at the art center.  What a process it was for me to decide what went where , it took me hours to get it all done but it was well worth the time that it took once it was done.

I want to thank all of my family, friends and customers who came out that day to see the exhibition and to share in this special event in my life!

If you weren't able to make it to the open house reception, the show is open through July 5th so if you have the time stop on over at the Buchanan Art Center one of the volunteers will help you in any way they can.

Below are just a few of the things that I have on display in the exhibit.  All items are available for purchase in case you find that special something you just can't live without.

 

 

"BLING IT ON"

BY ARTIST DARLENE TROYER

 

EXHIBITION JUNE 1 - JULY 5TH

BUCHANAN ART CENTER

BUCHANAN, MI

 

 

 

Artist Exhibition

"BLING IT ON"

I am so excited about my upcoming jewelry exhibition at the 

Buchanan Art Center!  

I would like to invited you to attend the opening reception on 

Sunday, June 1, from 2-4 pm.  Lots of great art and food too!

The show runs through July 5th, so if your not able to attend the reception you can still come see, not only my jewelry designs, but the work of three other talented area artists.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday June 1!

Buchanan Art Center

117 W. Front Street

Buchanan, MI

If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me!

magdalenamoon@hotmail.com

Summer Classes at Buchanan Art Center

I'm excited to announce my Summer Teaching Schedule

SUMMER CLASSES -  This summer expand your creative knowledge with a class at the Buchanan Art Center.  Below is a list of classes that I am teaching this semester. 

I've highlighted June's classes so you won't miss out on these great classes. Call soon to register and get your seat reserved.

Buchanan Art Center 269-697-4005

117 W Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107

BEGINNING KUMIHIMO BRAIDED BRACELET   WEDNESDAY, JUN 11 from 1 - 4 PM 
Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                                 REGISTER BY JUNE 6
$40 member/ $45 nonmember - Materials included in class fee

Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braiding, using cords and ribbons that are interlaced to make beautiful corded strands. Using a modern Kumihimo disk and satin cording you will create a braided strand that will be turned into a beautiful bracelet by the end of the class. Class fee includes the Kumihimo disk, cording and metal findings needed to finish off your creation into a wearable piece of art.

FINE SILVER JEWELRY: Introduction to Silver Metal Clay   WEDNESDAY, JUN 18 from 10 AM- 5 PM
Darlene Troyer, Certified PMC Instructor                       REGISTER BY JUNE 13

 $45 member/$50 nonmember -  Plus $60 class pack fee for silver, to be purchased from instructor in class.

Create .999 fine silver jewelry designs using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Learn the different types and properties of metal clays prior to designing a pair of earrings and a pendant. Firing, patinas and finishing techniques will also be taught. Come see how easy it is to make beautiful silver jewelry with this clay like substance. The Silver PMC must be purchased from the instructor at the start of the class. Current market price is averaging $60 and is subject to change. All basic tools will be supplied by the instructor for use in class. Bring a sack lunch and beverage.

ETCHED COPPER BRACELET BANGLE   SATURDAY, JUN 21 from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                  REGISTER BY JUNE 20

$45 member /$50 non-member - Bring facemask and safety glasses

Create a beautiful etched copper cuff bracelet! Techniques on preparing copper for etching, applying designs to metal, using etching solution and forming your unique copper cuff into bangle will be taught in this class. Copper sheet, etchant and tools needed to complete your project will be provided and have been added into the cost 
of the class. It is required that you bring safety glasses and a facemask, as we will be using chemicals for etching.

BEADED KUMIHIMO BRACELET WEDNESDAY, JUL 9 from 12:30-4:30 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                 REGISTER BY JULY 7 

$46 member/ $52 nonmember - Bring your own braiding disk.

Previous beginner class or knowledge of basic Kumihimo is required for this class. Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braiding, using cords and ribbons that are interlaced to make a beautiful corded strand. You will learn how to incorporate and interlace beads to make a beaded bracelet. Students must bring their own Kumihimo round braiding disk to this class. Class fee includes beads, cording, and metal findings needed to finish off your creation into a wearable piece of art.

SILVER LEAF PENDANT: Silver Metal Clay (PMC) SATURDAY, AUG 9 from 10 AM - 4 PM 
Darlene Troyer, Certified PMC Instructor                        REGISTER BY AUG 6
$45 member/ $50 nonmember -  Plus $45 class pack fee for silver, to be purchased from instructor in class

Create a lovely silver leaf pendant from real leaves and PMC silver metal clay! Learn how to select leaves and then apply multiple layers of silver metal clay paste to achieve stunning nature designed jewelry once they are kiln fired. Additional information and handouts will be given for applying this technique to other natural materials. Class pack includes one container of PMC paste (enough to make one leaf), suitable fresh leaves, use of teacher's supplies and kiln firing. All other basic tools will be supplied by the instructor for use in class. Bring a sack lunch and beverage.

Winter 2013

   

SO what have I been up during 

this long, long, cold winter?  

Doing a much needed studio makeover!!

Before Makeover - What a mess!

As you can see from the collage photo on the right my studio was a big mess. I was spending more time looking for supplies and most times not finding what I needed. Bags, boxes and booth supplies lined the floor; I ran out of places to put things.  

I couldn't create anymore because I wasn't able to locate what I needed to work with. The lack of storage, huge messes and the color of the walls in my studio (slate blue) was so depressing that is was overwhelming me, I had to make some changes.  

Being snowed in for weeks was the perfect opportunity I needed to make the transformation.

I schemed and planned on how I could make changes without spending a lot of money.  I spent hours on Pinterest looking at studio designs and getting ideas on how I could make my small space more workable.  

I choose bright colors of lime green, teal and purple to paint the walls, these are my favorite “HAPPY” colors.

Bay Window with New Valance - A Pinterest Idea

Things were starting to come together and I figured it would take me about 4 weeks to accomplish it all.
I had everything all tore up, my boxed studio supplies were occupying space in the hallway, guest bedroom and living room, what I mess I had.

I had two walls painted when I got sick.  Put me out of commission for two weeks and blew my 4 week makeover timeline all to you know what.

My Closet Office

Anyhow, it seemed to take me forever to get the painting, arranging and mass purging accomplished but I did it.  All in all it took me two months to accomplish instead of the 4 weeks I had planned.

It was well worth all the time and hard work it took because I now have a studio that I LOVE!   

The drawers and storage bins are labeled, my files organized, tools have new homes, my assortment of pliers hang on the wall inches away from my work desk, everything has a place (well almost, I’m not perfect you know) and the layout works.

 I have created an uplifting, inspiring work atmosphere where I can create and explore my world of jewelry designs.   

    Now if I can just keep it this way, so far so good!

  

  Check out the  photos below to see my new studio!

  

Between my office closet and my workbench I moved out the old file cabinet and  put one of my bookcase sideways. This formed a wall and defined my office space and gave me much needed space for my books and  files.  I painted the end of the bookcase with black chalk board paint and added white trim to resemble a screen door. ( a Pinterest idea)  The back side of the bookcase needed help so I cut sheet metal and nailed it in place and now it provides a safe place to solder and also allows me to hang things from magnets.

Tool Bench Before and After

The before/after split photo here allows you to see the changes I made to the workbench.  Ken built the bench top and peg board area for me a few years back and included a row of narrow hidden shelves along the right side of the peg board allowing me to store my chemicals out of site. The big problem I had with this bench was clutter and lack of organization. The newly revamped bench now stores oodles and oodles of my jewelry supplies and I can quickly located what I need now that they are labeled !  The second drawer from the top when opened becomes my design tabletop space. 

Painting the peg board was another Pinerest idea and I love the bright colors instead of that drab ugly brown. The best part is I can now USE the top of the work bench since I have re-organized. 

I use to have 3 bookcases centered on this wall. By removing one of them I was able to move my kilns to this side of the room.  All of my beads are now in one place!  Even better, I color co-ordinate the stacking plastic boxes and used  paint swatches to make punched out butterfly's that I glued on the boxes that corresponds to the color of beads  inside. 

The  storage boxes have all been cleaned out and labeled.  I even created a space to take photos and the lights are hidden away in one of the drawers along the right wall.  When I need them I pull them out and clip them to the edge of the bookcase.  

Look at that bright purple wall!  I love this color! Only one wall is painted purple, and I have plans to do add some lime green to it when I have more time. 

Painting the ceiling fan turquoise was a lot easier than I thought and I love how it came out.   I just love the pop of color and this room just makes me smile the minute I walk in to it!

I should of taken a better photo of the one place I spend most of my time at designing jewelry.   My antique work desk now sets in the middle of the room instead of in front of my window with my back to the world.  I wasn't sure I'd like it out in the middle, especially since my room is so small but it couldn't be in a better place.  I can see out the bay window, see down the hall way and watch TV if I want, all without moving.  All of my supply's are right behind me and it works so well.  I even made "curtains" to go around the bottom of the desk in purple (of coarse) to covers up my jewelry cases and wastebasket. It brings the color down to the floor and conceals the clutter.  

I'm so excited to see all the plans I'd worked on for my studio turn out to be the fun work room I needed for creating
 my one of kind creations!!!

So now you know what I've been up to the last couple of months!