Tips and Tricks From The Studio - Consistency in Matched Earrings

This week I created for the first time in my new studio.  (Yay Me!)  I was on a mission to make earrings as specific styles had been requested from several of my galleries and boutiques.  As I began to prepare my work area, it occurred to me that a few of my routines might be share-worthy.

Earrings made by Jean Skipper.

Somehow it's against my imperfection-loving-nature to create consistently.  Asymmetry comes naturally to me; symmetry, not so much.  When making a matched set of earrings, both consistency and symmetry are important considerations.  

A few of the tricks of the trade that help me to achieve this follow...

When selecting the components, beads, head pins, and ear wires, that I plan to use in each pair, I check them carefully to ensure that they're reasonably the same size.  Many of the parts and pieces that I use are handmade, and differences in their form are to be expected.  This is what draws me to them; it just doesn't always translate well into matched pairs of earrings.

As I gather the tools needed for this project, I spend a little extra time with my round nose plyers.  Using a Sharpie Marker, I mark two pairs of parallel lines around each side.  The first is a quarter inch or so down from the tip, and the second is about a half inch below that.  As I wrap my wire around the pliers these lines guide me.  If I'm seeking tiny loops that disappear into the design, I wrap the wire around the smaller line.  For larger loops, the kind that become a noticeable element in the design of the earrings, I use the larger lines.

When each pair is finished, I perform a final inspection by hanging them from a horizontal surface.  The edge of a glass or tin can work perfectly for this.  This process allows me to see the earrings as they'll appear when worn.  It also allows me to make any final adjustments before presenting them as a finished creation.  

Does consistency and symmetry come naturally for you?  If so, "Yay You!"  If not, how do you manage to overcome this challenge?   

********************************************************************************

I'm happy to announce that we'll be making earrings in my classes

at Creative Studios NC in Vass, North Carolina.

My schedule will be announced next week.

Please send an email to me at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com

to be among the first to receive this update.

Behind The Scenes with Wire and Found Objects

This week I shared a bit about my love of wire on the ReMe Retreats website.  Wire is a basic component in most everything that I create, and I'm consistently amazed by it.  Below you'll find photos of some of the results of my adventures with wire, and also a behind-the-scenes peek at a few of the results of my self imposed challenge with wire and a limited selection of tools and found objects.

I love 

All Wire 

and I 

cannot lie...

Simplicity of design with Wire, Swarovski Crystals, and a Clasp.

Rings of Wire and Beads.

"Pipe Cleaners"
just another
way
to say
"Wire".

Electrical Parts and Pieces = Fancy Wire!

Cocooned in each link is a piece of a plastic straw.

The humble beginnings of my Wired Copper Cuff.

Its initial construction was all about the stability of the finished piece.

Then I began to add a few interesting functional details.

The free form wrapping continued.

In the finished cuff, I intentionally allowed a small portion of the straw 
to peek through; enough to raise interest without revealing its identity.

While these individual pieces may never be a part of my retail collection, in the process of creating them I stretched.  I challenged my ability to create with limited options.  I explored the technique of encapsulating a found object almost to the point of its being unrecognizable.  I examined my feelings about whether or not this treatment increases or decreases its contribution to the final piece.  And I pondered the inherent value of found objects, in general and when they're elevated within a piece of mixed media artwork.

On Gratitude and New Beginnings

The road this year has proven to be more challenging than I ever could have anticipated.  My Mother's declining health was certainly a part of it.  More so than I'd realized as I was walking through it day by day.  After she passed, I was struck by exhaustion like I've never felt.  I've come to realize that it had insidiously crept into my very soul, both mentally and physically.  In hindsight, I'd been running on fumes, and it finally caught up with me.  I'm happy to say that I'm emerging on the other side of this period of my life.

With this emergence comes a heightened sense of gratitude.  Gratitude for parents who love us unconditionally; gratitude for my husband who supports me when I don't even realize that I need it; gratitude for family members who reach across the miles to embrace us; gratitude for friends who love us like family, and gratitude for my customers, both individual and businesses, who tolerated my behavior when I was giving all that I had, knowing fully well that it wasn't enough.

A before shot of one corner in my new studio.

The last few years have been a period of gathering for me.  While my time in the studio was limited, inspiration never ceased to dance in my head.  I know now that I was saving it deep in my heart.  Collecting it, along with my precious memories, to be put to good use later.

Later has finally arrived.  During the next month, I'll be moving my studio to a new location.  I'll soon be surrounded by creative souls in a place that I love, with a classroom, and gallery space, and so much more.  In September, there'll be a bit more routine to my schedule.  While one part of me resists routines of all kinds, at my core I know my life will benefit from this change.  Soon the shops and boutiques that represent my work will be fully stocked again, and I'll be creating with abandon.



My view of the future is lighter and brighter than its been in some time.  It's filled with hope, and of course gratitude.  Gratitude for all that has been and all that will be.

Stay tuned!  It's about to get exciting, and I'm looking forward to sharing every step of it with you.

Reacting and Responding - Part One

One look says it all.
Sculpture by Bill and Lori Gregory.

Once, during my early career in banking, I extended a one-finger-salute to another driver.  I was proceeding through a green light, and she pulled directly in front of me.  Clearly she had no business being behind the wheel!  Imagine my surprise when our eyes met, and I realized that we worked together.  My reaction that day caused me to reevaluate my behavior, and it was the last time that I used that finger in that manner. 

Hi.  My name is Jean.  I'm addicted to reacting.  

At least I was at one time.  I was young.  I was passionate.  I cared deeply.  At the drop of a hat, I was quick to proactively defend the principles and people closest to my heart.  Vocally, forcefully, and frequently, I did exactly that.  I tended to be righteous in the certainty of my position.  In the heat of a discussion, I'd barely take a breath to allow my perceived opponent to speak, and if they did manage to squeeze in a word or two, I'd mentally prepare my retort as they spoke.  In hindsight, this behavior didn't serve me or anyone else very well.

Through the years, I've softened. Time has taught me that our differing opinions are worth celebrating.  I enjoy listening to the thoughts of others in hope that I'll develop an understanding of why they do what they do and believe what they believe.  While we may never agree with each other, we can always be respectful of each other's feelings.  

Do I still react?  Absolutely and with great regularity!  Only now I try to use the power of my reactions for good.   I'm less enthusiastic about expressing my reactions to the world at large in the moment.  Instead I sit with them.  I reflect on the expressed and unexpressed feelings of everyone involved.  I strip away the rawest of my emotions from my reactions, and I consider the validity of all that remains.  

Then, and only then, I respond.  I find it to be a kinder gentler manner of expressing myself in most situations, and couldn't we all use a bit more kindness and gentleness in our lives?

On Slowing Down

2015 has been quite a year so far.  The highs have been extremely high; the lows have been extremely low; and the speed of life has accelerated at an alarming rate.  In the midst of addressing one challenge, the next one seems to be knocking at the door.

I am strong.

My bench block, with the wise and loving words
of my dear friend and our ReMe Guest...
"Don't hurry.  Be happy."

I am woman.

I am overwhelmed.

I am also hopeful.

As I've done my best to navigate these uncertain waters, a few truths have revealed themselves to me again and again.  (Yes, I can be a bit hard headed and it often takes a few times for me to really get it!)

The first of these truths is that I need to slow down.  I realized this in the physical sense when I did a less than graceful swan dive on my stairs on my way to our ReMe Retreat earlier this month.  Ken, my calm loving husband, and a trained first responder, gently suggested these very words to me as he drove me to the emergency care clinic for x-rays.

He was right, and not just in the physical sense.  As we talked that day, and as I reflected on our conversation, I realized that my mind is generally at least ten steps ahead of what I'm actually doing. As I gazed at my bruised and swelling ankle and ego, I realized that this behavior wasn't serving me well.

As I walked down the stairs that morning, my mind was on Ocracoke Island and all that the next week would hold, on my Mother, on her last month in an inpatient rehab facility, on her current condition, and on my concern for her during my time away.  All of this thoughtfulness was great in theory; but it didn't help one bit as what my feet were doing at the time never even crossed my mind.

Speeding through life and badly multitasking has become my normal, and the time for change is now.  I will slow down.  Mentally, I'll focus on the task at hand.  Physically, I'll live in the moment.  I'll softly remind myself to do this again and again until the behavior is as natural as breathing.

Speaking of breathing, I'll address that in my next post, and then I'll share my thoughts on responding instead of reacting, and then...

There I go again!  One step at a time.  For now I'll slow down in the quiet confidence that this step, my next step, is where I must focus.

Please bear with me as I do exactly that, and share your thoughts on under-focusing, over-thinking, and multitasking in the comments section below.

Have Tools Will Travel!

Between the hospital, rehab, and the doctor’s office, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the go with my Mom lately.  I generally pack for these adventures as if I’ll be away for a weekend, with my purse, laptop, a good book, and a variety of other “necessities” that could make me a winner on Lets Make a Deal.  In kindness to my back, I’ve been trying to lighten my load.

This was my brainstorm today, and I think it's a winner. Who knew that a quart jar would be the perfect size for my components, a roll of wire, pliers, and flush cutters?!?!

This is my idea of successful canning!

So Me!

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that "So Me - Artisan Wares and Jewelry Studio" in Glenshaw, PA, will now be representing my work!  This is my first gallery relationship in the Pittsburgh Area, and I couldn't possibly be more excited. 

During my visit at So Me yesterday, I *meant* to take oodles of photos to share with you.  In fact, I even spoke this intention aloud. 

And then....... I lost myself in the variety of handcrafted goodness that fills this gem of a store. 

And then...... I pressed my nose against the glass of the window into the studio of owner, Amy Klein-McGinley.  (Amy is also a Goldsmith, Platinumsmith, and Jewelry Designer.)

And then...... we had the best conversation about the arts, my delivery, and the joys and challenges of gallery ownership. 

And then...... I met Amy's Mother and daughter. 

And then...... I floated out of the store with a smile on my face and absolute certainty in my heart that I'd found the perfect home in Pittsburgh for my work. 

And while I don't have photos to share with you today, I promise that they'll be tops on my list during my next visit.  In the meantime, please enjoy this single pilfered photo, and visit So Me for yourself.  You'll be glad that you did!

So Me -  Hartwood Town Center, Glenshaw, PA

Where In The World Are Jean Skipper Originals? Galleries and Boutiques

What a wonderful year it's been so far!  One of my top priorities in 2013 will be to build and strengthen my relationships with the galleries and boutiques that represent my work.  Watch for more frequent deliveries of my latest creations and also the addition of trunk shows, demonstrations, and classes at many of these venues. 

Right now, you'll find my work at the galleries and boutiques that follow:

• Aria - Apex, NC*
• Artestry Hideaway - Beaufort, NC*
• Artful Living Group - Carolina Beach, NC
• Blue Pelican Gallery - Hatteras, NC **
• Books to Be Red - Ocracoke
• Carolina Artists Colony - Sanford, NC
• Circa - Asheboro, NC
• Just Be - Greensboro, NC
• NOFO@The Pig - Raleigh, NC*
• Painted Mermaid - Southport, NC
• Pea Island Art Gallery - Salvo, NC
• Plum Crazy Boutique - Duck, NC
• River to Sea Gallery - Wilmington, NC
• SaxArt Gallery - Saxapahaw, NC*
• Seagreen Gallery - Nagshead, NC
• Swank - Southern Pines, NC

If you're in the neighborhood, please visit these amazing independent local businesses.  (I promise that you'll be glad that you did!)  Behind them you'll find owners and employees who are witty, warm, and wonderful.  And in addition to my work, you'll also find many other unexpected delights...North Carolina Artwork, a fresh brewed cup of coffee or tea, brunch that's cooked to perfection, "meet-the-artist"opportunities, books aplenty, custom framing, yarn, and craft supplies just to name a few.

If you have questions about a particular shop, or my teaching and trunk show schedule, please visit these websites or contact me anytime.  I'm looking forward to seeing you in 2013! 

*   Recent additions to the galleries and boutiques that represent my work.
** Brand new to me!  My first delivery will take place in March 2013.

Georgia On My Mind

I continue to "enjoy the journey" to and from my shows, and last week's was an especially memorable one. My participation in The Telfair Art Museum Show provided me with the impetus for my first visit to Savannah.

My adventure is probably best told in a series of photos. While they won't capture everything, hopefully they'll provide you with a glimpse of the beauty that surrounded me and the eclectic experience that I had during my time there. You'll also find a few more photos from the road on my Facebook Page.

In addition to these photos, my favorite memories are definitely of the people I met along the way. My customers who shared their stories, their memories, and their generous spirits...the girl scouts who performed in my booth a song that they wrote about Spanish Moss...the talented artists...the volunteers and show organizers who epitomized the legendary hospitality of Savannah...the police officers who guarded us and our creations around the clock during our visit...and "Christine Sullivan" who kept me company as I rolled up my little corner of the street.

It was a memorable trip all around, and I'm already looking forward to a return visit.