Linda's Magic Workshop - Linda Britt Design

So many wildflowers are still blooming.  It's because we've had so much rain I think.  Just had to share them with you.

Last week I shared my unfinished Sea Story with you.  This week shows the finished piece.  You will see some of the photo tips I learned from the photography class used on the pictures here!  (light in front so the details show, etc) When silver is fired in the kiln, it looks white because the molecules are standing up.  When it is brushed the molecules lay down and it looks silver.  I brushed the  'Sea Story' with a wire brush along with 3M wheels to make everything silver.  Then I waited for my Jool Tool to arrive! When it arrived I ripped open the package, put it together and then watched the DVD!  This tool is going to be so much fun! Things I realized about the Jool Tool after it arrived:   http://www.jooltool.com/ .A vacuum system is needed!  Of course I set it on the counter to try it out without any vacuum system.  Couldn't wait! and did not realize how having one would be necessary for good health and housekeeping...

Front of unfinished 'Sea Story' Herbarium Pendant My second year at the Metal Clay by the Bay Conference was just as exciting and fun filled as the first. Conferences are great places to make friends, meet facebook friends and learn new techniques.  Vendors brought all kinds of tools to see and for us to handle – much better than looking at a picture. Last year I met Helen and as sometimes happens we became good friends.  We made plans to meet this year and take the same classes.  Helen makes beautiful glass pieces and also works with metal clay.  Check out her etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/hbjewelrydesign The conference was held at the Hilton at Mission Bay and the setting could not have been lovelier.  The hotel sits on the bay and has beautiful beaches, swimming pool and grassy areas.   Sometimes it was hard to go to class!  The food was so well prepared and presented with an exotic flair. Yes, I felt like I was on vacat...

In my rush to learn new things, I often make pieces instead of a finished project.  I have boxes of polymer canes waiting to become something.  I have tiny silver leaves and flowers waiting to be cured and added to something.  There are pieces of old jewelry in one box that I know I will use someway.  It's much the same as George Carlin's "Stuff".  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac Once in a while I actually take a piece and turn it into something finished!  Truthfully I generally finish my jewelry  as I make it.  But not always.....as the boxes filled with pieces attest! silver pieces jewelry pieces polymer pieces  This week I looked at the faux polymer rocks I made last summer and decided I just had to do something with a couple of them.  And look what happened!  Light weight real-looking rocks in wire.  Had to share! front back