shanmonster | Post from the studio

I came into the studio today to work on hinges. The hinges on my last project are dreadful. So I cut myself a bunch of strips of copper, and settled down for a long learning curve.

I tried a different technique today from the one I used before, and it worked the very first try. It involved a tricky bit of saw-work, but it should work perfectly pretty much every time I try, from now on. I just wish I'd done it this way on my neckpiece. Ah well! If wishes were horses, I'd be past my neck in shit.

So now I have some free time to work on whatever I'd like. Maybe I'll experiment with fold forming. It can look really beautiful--very organic. Some of the pieces remind me of vulvas in a Georgia O'Keefe kind of way.

Yesterday, I finished my abalone ring. It looks terrific. I sure hope I can get pictures taken of all my stuff soon, because I'm quite proud of it. I also made two beaded silver headpieces/necklaces/bracelets/anklets: one with hematite, and one with firey opal chips. My right hand is quite blistered from all the grappling with pliers, but I won't give up. I've halved my time for making these things, and with practice, I think I should be able to make one in less than half of that again. One of my instructors can make a comparable piece in 45 minutes.

I booked the Monsignor Boyd Centre on Regent Street for dance classes. So it's official, now. I just have to make up some posters. Dance classes begin next Wednesday at 6:30. I teach, children, women, and men, so get off your duff and show up! It'll be fun. I promise! Classes are $60 for six weeks, or $12 per session.