secret santa from rubygirl (shannon)

secret santa from rubygirl (shannon)
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

As you probably know, if you have been reading my blog in the past, I am a member of etsymetal. We are a group of International Metalsmiths. We usually meet on-line on our forum & discuss 'stuff'. Also some of us have had the luck and live close to other members and have met up with each other. No such luck for this writer, as I think I am one of a few of us that are across the other side of the universe .

We have many fun projects that we do. One which I adore is the 'Secret Santa'. Last year I got a ring and I also did this year! I just love rings!!

This year's surprise came from shannon of rubygirl fame.

Check out rubygirl on etsy!

My very messy Studio

studio on a productively 'clean day:night
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

Here we are again. It's been a while since I've uploaded photos of the studio. This is where I 'live'...

It all looks very dis organized and it is, BUT I can find whatever I am searching for easily....

What am I working on at the Moment?

I am working on several things at the moment. Firstly there is the cutlery for a friend who is disabled and has minimal use of her body and can only lift her arm but unable to hold anything like cutlery in order to eat, so she originally commissioned me to make her a couple of spoons that are on rings so that it can be worn. Now after getting used to those I am making a larger spoon and a pasta fork. I have found this extremely enjoyable. Then there is the Geometric ring which i have photographed the wax, as it was carved and i will be casting it for my customer and the i will also be offering it on my website for sale in various metals. Then there are a couple of engagement rings. Also there is another pair of unusual cufflinks which are in the shape of a special robot. Photos will follow as i will also put them on my flickr site.

mettle design studio: Emotionally exhausting Jurying

mettle design studio: Emotionally exhausting Jurying

sydney harbour

sydney harbour
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

Goodness! I haven't blogged for ages and here we go 3 entries in 2 days!

We went across the bridge from the Eastern Subs (Beachside) to the North Side for a picnic with friends, where an abundance of food and wine was had. We then strolled around and decided that it was way too hot to keep walking and ended up in a coffee shop...

Emotionally exhausting Jurying

We are about to Jury in new members to our Etsymetal Team, and I tell you, it's emotionally draining because you want everyone to benefit from a group such as ours but there are criteria to follow and thus it makes the decisions difficult, especially draining after looking at some 60 jeweller's work and having to make decisions on all.

I'm feeling tired around the eyes and worn out. And now, it's back to work.

Here are some big hammered hoops I made recently.

Finally!!Some time on the computer!!

Besides the fact that I am a highly DISorganized human being, i have also not had alot of time to sit on the computer and write. I really don't know how some people manage their lives as mine is so erratic and disorganized.

Here are a few pieces that I have made for Umbrella Prints

Make sure you do check out their blog. You'll be able to see the great fabrics that match those pieces!

I promise that I will post more often.....