SPELLS CAST, FIFTY CENTS

To get in a Halloween mood I assembled a few things from around the house that include a ghostly sculpture by Bob Forman, my father in law. I think Bob would have approved of his artwork being used in this macabre arrangement. He was far from interested in the occult though. Bob was quite the artist in his day. He painted local scenes filled with historic New England references, played auto harp at local coffee houses upstate NY and was part of the international art movement Fluxus. Click the link to get more on Fluxus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxus Bob also met Rosa Parks, the first black woman who in protest, refused to give up her bus seat to a white person.

A good friend shared her occult family background with me. Herman Slater , her uncle, was a modern day, well published witch living in NYC. His book of spells and witch craft hold carefully guarded secrets and spells. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Slater

So get your spells cast soon. With the inflations the rates could go up to 75 cents .

Happy Halloween!

Joanne

Sculpture by Bob Forman

Some info on Herman Slater, modern witch.

VERSATILITY JEWELRY PIECES

Nadine, my studio assistant poses for a photo op.

I designed and fabricated a minimal, hammer textured, sterling silver circle that has possibilities. It adds value to a jewelry collection throughout the seasons. It’s modern style and versatility gives you options.

There are several ways to style this circle. It works well to secure a loose weave scarf. Try is out as hair jewelry, to secure a French twist or pony tail.

For a casual look, knot the circle onto a long black leather cord and wear it as a necklace. Make the leather cord long enough so no clasp is needed. I like to pair it with jeans and a long sleeve black tee for a quick and easy casual outfit that makes a statement

For more info visit my Etsy shop.https://www.etsy.com/listing/911107008/hair-accessory-made-to-order-broach-hair?click_key=05defbe4afabfd5d732fc30fe68df9f2ed0a851b%3A911107008&click_sum=663451f9&ref=search_recently_viewed-3&frs=1

My hammer textured piece as hair jewelry.

PATCHWORK DANGLE EARRINGS

Sometimes it’s fun to follow your instincts to see where the creative process will lead. This week I played at my bench and created these patchwork, stamped, dangle earrings. They are decidedly casual, a bit funky and the stamp has a linear quality that I love.

I chose a thick, chunky piece of sterling silver for the earring body. This gives the earring a nice heft and weight. The delicate linear details of the stamp are brought out by oxidizing the silver then polishing it. I also stamp the silver with the International quality mark for sterling silver which is 925 and my makers mark, JF.

Pyrite briollets dangle from the earring body. The linear quality of the stamped patchwork design is echoed in the wire wrapping around the semi-precious gem. The briollets have a faceted cut which brings out the metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue that is typical of pyrite. Light plays over its surface beaurifully. The pyrite is often called “fools gold”. According to Wikipedia, the word pyrite is derived from the Greeks meaning “stone or mineral which strikes fire”

You’ll find these earrings and other pieces of my handmade jewelry at the Brick Craft Fair on September 24th from 10am to 4pm. I hope you’ll stop by and visit the many fine craft vendors that exhibit their wares this event.

If you’d like to see these earrings please click on the link below. You’ll be directed to my Etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1301773584/dangle-earring?click_key=ca79db4f8246ee4dff04318688323ef4002b5fb1%3A1301773584&click_sum=5054456a&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Oxidized sterling silver and pyrite briolette dangle earrings

Nadine, my studio assistant steals the show!

THE BRICK CRAFT FAIR

I’m honored to be a vendor at the annual Brick Craft Fair on September 24th. There are many fine crafts people at this event. Please stop down to enjoy the festivities which include live music, food truck goodies and lots of quality handmade pottery, housewares, jewelry and more. Raindate September 25. See you there!

WHEN SUMMER ENDS

The cover from New Yorker magazine, dated The September 13, 1952, was created by P. Barlow. The illustration captures the timeless cusp of the changing season. During these last fleeting days of summer the sun isn’t quite so hot, breezes from the north cool the air and too green, wilted foliage is exhausted from relentless summer heat.

Last night we celebrated the ending of summer by having dinner at the beach while the sun was setting. It was an antidote to the melancholy this change of season can bring. Our joyful evening included people dancing outdoors to live music in the cool night air. There were throngs of others on blankets in the sand, Woodstock style, enjoying the sunset, music and the last days of summer. The briny scent of salt water was in the air mingled with the smell of food being cooked. I ordered a burger and fries. It was the best I’ve had in years!

Enjoy the summer's end my friends and the autumn to come.

All the bests,

Joanne

Cover Illustration by P. Barlow, 1952

We enjoyed dinner at the beach in the glowing sunset during these last days of summer. Image by Mark Forman

STYLING BANGLES

Laura created a great jewelry look for herself and she’s rocking it!

She’s showing us how to layer jewelry pieces to great effect. Laura is stacking the two sterling silver bangles I made for her along with her bold faced watch. I love the subtle contrasts she’s created: thick and against thin, dark against light, shiny surfaces against matt surfaces. Her watch face really brings out the darkened and highly detailed oxidized silver bangle. Way to go Laura!

Thanks for sharing how you put a smashing look together.

Photo by Laura

OSPREY'S DOMINION LI ARTSHOW

Hello friends. I hope your summer is going well. Lately the garden is such a strong pull that I’m not at my jewelry bench too much. There are however, a few things I’m working on for the LI Artshow at Osprey’s Dominion, on Saturday, July 16th. I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at a few pieces in progress that will be at my table.

I’m very excited to participate as a vendor in this fun and diverse event. Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks are the featured band that day so there will be plenty of dancing going on. One fond memory from last year was seeing the osprey circle over head above the vineyard. It was beautiful.

Here’s a link to the Osprey’s Dominion. Check out other exciting things they have to offer that day and during the year, as well as directions. https://ospreysdominion.com Please note that the LI Artshow isn’t listed on their calendar of events. Kindly see my June 17th blog post for more information.

The North Fork of Long Island in the summer is alway special. The restaraunts, farmstands, history, and galleries are numerous Below are a few clickable links of my favorites.

https://barrowfoodhouse.com casual farm to table food

https://www.jamesportfarmstead.com a no- till organic farm that offers famstand sales on the weekends

https://www.jamesportsourdoughandcoffee.com Out of this world handmade sourdough bread.

http://www.alexferronegallery.com/dan-welden-and-john-cino contemporary fine art

Hope to see you at there.

Be well and enjoy!

Joanne

It was a wonderful day at the Osprey’s Dominion LI Art show. Thanks for coming!

LI ARTSHOW AT OSPREY'S DOMINION VINEYARDS

Last summer Mark took a ride out to the Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards art show in Peconic. This multi faceted, annual event was lots of fun and well attended. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed listening to the music on the vast green lawn outside. People were dancing, relaxing, shopping and just enjoying the day. It was a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon.

This summer I’m looking forward to being a vender at this art show. It’s a free, fun filled event with lots to do and see. If you’re looking for a family friendly/pup friendly things to do on a summers afternoon why not take a ride out. Click on the link below for more information.

Hope to see you there!

http://www.liartshow.com/events.html

WELCOME SUMMER

It’s hard to believe Memorial Day Weekend is here. The lillustration below from The New Yorker says it all; carefree fun in the sun, swimming, and easy living. Nat King Cole’s song lyrics describe the feelings so well, “Roll out those lazy, hazy crazy days of summer, those days of soda and pretzels and beer. You’d wish that summer could always be here.” Times have certainly changed and I’m guessing many would replace water for soda, baby carrots instead of pretzels and choose a lite beer!

Here’s a link to one of my favorites, “Suddenly Last Summer” by the Motels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Ox-lGm-wA It’s complete with the sound of the ice cream truck circling the neighborhood.

Relax and enjoy this carefree season. The best to you all!

Sterling silver beach inspired earrings are in the shape of the Atlantic slipper shell,

Click here to view these earrings on my Etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/775164504/dangle-earring-silver-earring-oval?click_key=6cbc69aabf0d3295dd0ca4603b19335daa883b8b%3A775164504&click_sum=e78e8cbc&ref=shop_home_active_22&frs=1

HAIR PIECE FOR ALL SEASONS

I enjoy wearing my hair up on hot summer days and in cooler weather too. I’ve created a hammer textured sterling silver circle that does the trick and holds my thin textured hair in place. I style my hair in a messy bun, French twist or pony tail and secure it with the silver pin.

One can even use this piece of versatile jewelry as a necklace. Simple knot the circle onto a long leather cord or attach a silver chain to it. I love this look with thick chunky sweaters.

Click here to see this hair piece on my Etsy shop.

Handmade hammer textured circle with pin

WHIMSICAL NECKLACES

I fell in love with these magnificent handmade, vintage beads. The woman I purchased them from had only a few left so I purchased them all. She mentioned she bought them during a trip to Japan. Upon arriving aback home they were displayed in museum shops. The millaflora patterns in them are particularly beautiful.

To reflect the whimsey in these beads I created sterling silver finding which enhances their light hearted and fun feeling. Some comments I’ve gotten on these necklaces are, “they remind me of ice cream cones” or”they look like clowns”. It’s all good!

I think it’s important during these difficult global times to remind ourselves that there are have things life that are uplifting, whimsical and fun.

Vintage Japanese beads with handmade sterling findings on a rolo 18 inch chain.

FUN STERLING RINGS FOR FINGERS AND TOES

Craft show season has begun and I’m busy getting ready for the Brick Craft Fair. It’s a fun and frantic time! Here’s a preview of some fun rings that I’m working on that will be included at my table. Fun sterling silver rings for tens and fingers, just in time for summer.

You won’t find these on my Etsy shop so come by the Brick Fair May 14th or contact me here to inquire.

STERLING SILVER RINGS READY TO BE POLISHED

BEHIND THE SCENES AT MY BENCH

I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at some unfinished pattern rings that are on my very messy bench this week. I enjoy sharing things in progress on my jewelry bench.

Behind the scenes you get a chance to see creative possibilities in progress and creative possibilities as they evolve . There’s a kind of magic (and tons of hard work) in transforming raw materials into something beautiful.

As abstract expressionist Williem DeCooning said, “Process is everything” , even at a jewelry bench.

3 sterling silver rings in a raw state. Look below of the finished pieces.

A pattern ring with patina shows lots of detail. It’ now ready for polishing.

Pattern ring in progress on my pinky.

BRICK CRAFT FAIR

The annual Brick Craft Fair is coming up on May 14th. I’m honored to be among the awesome venders who show their work at this handmade venue. The rings and necklaces are a preview of what I’ll be showing at this annual event. Hope you’ll stop by and enjoy this event!

Sterling silver handmade rings I’m making for the Brick Fair

My handmade findings celebrate these lovely vintage Japanese beads.

PEARL IN A CUP

When I wear pearls I feel connected to water. This pearl ring is created from a creamy AAA pearl. It sits in an organic shaped cup reminiscent of a shell shape. The ring shank is flat on the inside for comfort and has a double round band.

If you’d like to see this ring, click on the link below to go to my Etsy store.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/740541795/pearl-ring-white-pearl-ring-fresh-water?click_key=81cd4b7369e20ad0900c5ff631bc1bd72346b90e%3A740541795&click_sum=63b37eac&ref=shop_home_active_35&frs=1

PEARL EARRINGS

Pearls are timeless. I’ve put a spin on the classical look of a pearl stud earring by mounting pearls in a domed sterling silver cup. The AAA quality cultured pearls glow against the silver. The cup gives the post earring a slightly larger profile as compared to a single pearl stud earring.

If you’d like to see them on my Etsy Store, SoundBeachStudio, please click the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/732039394/pearl-stud-earring-pearl-post-earring?

Pearl post earrings in a sterling silver cup.

KESHI PEARL NECKLACE

Faye is modeling a keshi pearl necklace hand knotted on silk with matching keshi pearl earrings.

Keshi pearls are a non-standard variety of cultured pearl that come in a range of shapes. This can include round oval, flat, thin and long as well as other odd shapes. These characteristics make keshi pearls make an excellent choice for modern jewelry.

Keshi pearls grow without a nucleus, therefor they aren’t round. Keshi’s are composed entirely of nacre, the substance mollusks produce in the process of creating pearls. Keshi pearls have a high luster, with many nooks and crannies that reflect the light to show their beautiful overtones to great advantage.

To find out more about these lustrous pearls check out the Kojima Pearl Company blog on keshi pearls.

https://kojimapearl.com/pages/keshi-pearls?_pos=1&_sid=21d26e2c9&_ss=r

If you’d like to see the necklace Faye is modeling please click on the link below to go to my Etsy shop, Sound Beach Studio..

Keshi Necklace

Hand knotted keshi and rice pearl necklace

Photo by Isabel Wissner

Examples of the many shapes, sizes and colors of keshi pearls

TWISTED JEWELRY COLLECTION

My Twisted Wire Collection of sterling silver jewelry includes oxidized, twisted rings.

To create these rings I mill round sterling silver wire into square wire at my rolling mill. This lets me get the very defined square edges on the silver for a ring band or other pieces. These well defined edges are what makes the details for the twists pop in the final piece. Attention to detail is what handmade is all about!

In the final stages I oxidize or blacken the silver ring band. When polished the highlights of the twists show to their best advantage.

Oxidized sterling silver rings for my Twisted Wire Collection of sterling silver jewelry.