What's New For February

Studio life in February is quiet. Visitors are few and far between and it seems as if folks are hybernating to stay out of the cold.  But while my would-be guests are staying warm at home, it's "go time" for me in the studio! 

The quiet winter months at the Mill provides the perfect time for creativity to flourish. This is the time of year when I create my newest designs in jewelry and bookingbinding. It's also a time to focus on fine art projects that can't get done during the summer and fall months. 

This week I've been exploring new designs in jewelry. I'm starting a new series of romantic Swarovski crystal necklace sets like this...

 I'm already planning ahead for spring formals, weddings and proms and of course, Valentine's Day.

Although I do love sparkly crystal, I'm also really interested in natural and semi-precious stones. In the past few days, I've been totally addicted to making pendants, pendants and more pendants, like this gorgeous pink texture agate.

...and this agate with bronze bail...

....check out this unusual granite stone...

....I love this moss opal agate....

....and finally, a trio of black onyx, filled with Swarovski crystal....

I hope you've enjoyed this sneek peek into my studio. It's time for me to get back to work so I'll have more to share with you soon!

Creatively yours,

Christine

Guess What I'm Making?

I'm gearing up for the next show in the Williams Mill Gallery called "Design on Main Street" happening November 7th-18th. This art exhibit and sale is all about wearable art! It's going to feature some fabulous artists. So here I'm thinking "What can I do with my skills to create something new and exciting?" Well, I'll tell ya! I picked out some size 9 sale bin platform stilletos and I'm planning to make them sensational!

Here's a couple of "before" shots.

So the heels started out basic black. Now, I remember those days when I had to wear heels a lot for special events and decided to make a few upgrades. First, I ripped out the insoles which were poor in the first place with lumps and bumps. No wonder our feet hurt! Then I installed some comfort insoles and stitched up an artsy insole to go on top.

Then I sanded all the rough edges on the platforms and bottom soles. Have you ever snagged your tights with your heels and made a hole? I thought it prudent to smooth everything out. I also sanded off the old finish on the platforms and heels.

What to do with the tip of the shoe? Any paint or fabric would scratch and wear off on the first try, so I decided to cut out and inlay some copper sheet metal into the platform toe. After that I painted the platforms and heels, added more detail on the inside of the shoe and then stretched some fine woven steel chainmaille over the platform and heel.

Now for the tricky part, I want to create my signature style of fabric collage with free motion stitching to the main part of the shoe. That's what I'm working on now. Here's what I've got so far...

...and here's what my studio work station looks like....

I'll keep you posted on how it's going but if you want to try them on....you'll just have to pop by the Mill! :)
Christine
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Update! Guess, what? They're finished!!!!

After soooo much more work, these shoes are finished and good to go. I completed the artwork, applied it to the shoes, added finishing elements inside and outside of the shoes, treated everything with stain/UV protection and applied more than 200 Swarovski crystals. Then I bought a gorgeous box which I lined with dark rust velvet and included 2 organza bags to hold each shoe. Here's some photos of the finished shoes. They're currently featured at the "Design on Main Street" art to wear show at Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre. I'll be adding them to my Etsy shop too! I decided to name them "Art Diva".

Here's some photos of the finished shoes. Enjoy!

Big Fabric & Craft Supply Giveaway This Weekend!

Big Fabric & Craft Supply Giveaway This Weekend!

I'm Still Here!

Hi folks! Wow it's been a long time since my last post. There were some technical difficulties and health issues, but I'm back in business now and ready to fly! I've got brand new artwork and articles to share so I'm looking forward to getting back into the blogosphere.

See you again soon,
Christine

"Ohm" Mini Fiber Art 3" x 4"

September Giveaway Winners!

Rustic Leather Journal $35 by christinemarieford.etsy.com

Due to such an overwhelming response to my September Journal Giveaway, I decided to add a second prize!

Congratulations to our 2 winners!

Nathalie Brault from Quebec

and

Melody Johnson from Virginia

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. And just so no-one goes home empty handed, here's a special 10% discount just for my blog followers which can be used anytime in my Etsy shop: BLOGGER10

Journal Giveaway Ends September 15th!

Rustic Leather Journal $35USD by christinemarieford.etsy.com



Don't miss my September Giveaway for a chance to win one of my handmade leather journals (value $35)! One lucky winner will get to choose from any $35 journal in my Etsy shop! 

Click here to enter!

iPhones, eReaders & the Future of the Written Word

Hand-Stitched POP UP iPhone leather sleeve (Dark brown embossed-croco) $49 USD by zenokleather.etsy.com

I love technology, I really do. I think I'm part artist and part aspiring computer nerd. Just recently I upgraded my already outdated flip phone for an iPhone4. I was instantly hooked! I'm also new to blogging. With my laptop at the ready, my fingers fly across the keyboard with more ease and efficiency than I could ever achieve by hand.  My husband loves his new eReader which already contains a gazillion books! With so many resources at our fingertips, what's not to love?

Although I love technology, I also love the feel of a real, physical book in my hands. I like the feel of the paper as I turn the pages. I've also noticed that my handwriting has become pitiful over the years and is now barely legible. My fine motor skills for handwriting has diminished considerably because I don't do it much anymore.  This affects my ability to sketch too as I don't partake nearly as often as I'd like.

"Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails?"

So what's the future of the written word? Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails? And what about our books? What will happen to all those shelves of treasured tomes? Will they simply be discarded for one slender eReader? r u catching my drift? LOL



Fine Art Abstract Books Painting 24 x 36 x 1.5 Custom Spicy Large Wall Art  $325 USD by ContemporaryEarthArt.etsy.com


Personally, I'm not really all that worried about the future. I believe our most treasured books will remain and our harlequin romances will be on the e-reader. I'll text message "r u coming home 4 dinner?" and I'll handwrite a special "Thank You" card. There's nothing wrong with saving a little space and trees for that matter. As the old saying goes, "there's a time and place for everything".

"I'm not really all that worried about the future."

As for handwriting, there are more amazing handmade pens and journals available than ever before for those of us who still love to handwrite.

For my part, I intend to continue researching and learning ancient bookbinding techniques to preserve and share. I've decided to learn some calligraphy too to enhance the beauty of my handwriting and refine my motor skills. I intend to keep handwritten journals too.

The future is what we make of it and I expect we'll strike a beautiful balance in the long run.

On my quest to find the perfect handmade pen, I found many on Etsy and couldn't resist! I bought several and am joyfully anticipating what they will be like to write with when they arrive!  For example, I'd never seen a glass dip pen before and already I'm a collector! Just look a my new pen collection!




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com

 ....plus I bought this chance vintage find...



Vintage Handmade Glass Pen from VintageNecessities.etsy.com


Aren't these handmade glass dip pens amazing? Click here to see how they work! And last but not least, I purchased a beginner's calligraphy book, some ink and this handmade treasure...



Twig dip pen set, Hobbit pen. Gift box set  by alternativeartsupply.etsy.com



What are you doing to balance technology with tradition in your life?  What do you think our future holds for the written word? Leave us your comments!

Creatively yours,
Christine


Visit me online!
Website: http://www.christinemarieford.com/
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