Weekend Eye Candy - Memory Edition

1. Custom Collage Pendant, 2. RAD 362/365 12.28.10, 3. Me and the sea, 4. R-A-D #238 8/26/2010 "A memory of summer", 5. My "adult life" charm bracelet 1990-2008, 6. Crystal Earrings, 7. wave, 8. the Memory of Flowers, 9. Ring a Day 213/365  Created with fd's Flickr Toys 

It's Memorial Day weekend in the United States, and all of these images were found through a search for the word 'memory'.

Jewelry can be a talisman, a private token that holds a moment in time, a tangible manifestation of an entire relationship, or a collection of facsimiles that tell the story of a life.

The memories associated with a special piece of jewelry can be a powerful force. As I begin to pack and purge for the big move, I'm finding things tucked into corners that I'd long forgotten about. And know, that even though they haven't seen the light of day in many years, I'm still not ready to consign them to the thrift store. The stories they continue to tell are too powerful to silence.

I have a whole collection of my Mother's belongings that will travel with me to Virginia. The gloves, handkerchiefs, and 60's costume jewelry still whisper their fairy tales. And I still listen and long to believe.

And life goes on...

I've been busy getting ready for my big move to the east side of the continent. I've been working furiously on my seminar for the last ever PMC Guild sponsored metal clay conference. I've been overwhelmed and stuck at times too, just sitting stagnant at my desk. But I've also been thinking, planning, re-imagining, and  looking forward to creating a whole new time in my life. And I wanted to share some of that mind mapping with you.

I'm revamping my fabulous Mentorial service.  I have lots of ideas, lots of notes jotted on various pieces of paper, lots of value added pluses to help you wonderful artists be the best you can be! I also still have lots of purging, packing, shipping, and cat carrying to do - so there will be a launch party for the new and improved Mentorials in September!

You may have noticed that the past few Weekend Eye Candy posts are more closely related to the Candy's specific content. I'll be continuing in that vein until my move is complete, but then look for a weekly article that will focus on craft business, making, or other aspects of our chosen addiction.

I've designed a new Intro class for the metal clay enthusiasts of Richmond, Virginia which I'm proud to say will be held at the beautiful Visual Arts Center. I'm also going to be opening a studio to teach more advanced classes as well as offer regular Sunday Sessions so we can all get together for Play Dates, to work on specific projects, and talk shop.

If you'd like to be included in my new and improved mailing list too, send me your email addy to get updates on the planning progress.

Thanks for reading, for sticking with me through the thinner posting periods, and for all your support.

Weekend Eye Candy - Candy Edition

1. Candy Dish Rings, 2. WIWT: 9/1/08, 3. “I Want Candy” Flower Pin by Harriete Estel Berman (back view), 4. RAD #16 01162010, 5. Eye Candy - Mike, 6. Cluster earrings, 7. DSC_0239, 8. RAD 276/365 11.03.10, 9. RAD #182 & #183 7/19 & 20/10 

Something sweet for this week's Eye Candy. With best wishes for a tasty weekend.