A busy day! I've finally given up trying to get a garden to grow against a wall with northern exposure, and am trying to nurture some early herbs into existence in little pots atop a nearby brick wall. I'm going to get some actually fertile seeds later -- those little grow kits they sell at JoAnn? give up, they don't work -- but for the moment, I have two bare pots that are noticeably failing to be oregano or chives, and I dug up a marigold that grew when last summer's tomato companions went to seed to fill two others, and the third has a wilting sweet alyssum. I'll probably move the marigolds into vegetable pots when/if I get vegetable and fruit plants going ... they actually do work to discourage pests, specifically tomato worms.
And now I have two pairs of earrings to make, one with acrylic beads and silk tassels, and one with a chain fringe, for a custom order.
Then I will re-engage with the massive project of putting together a first run for the bridal store I'm consigning to. I was planning on shooting for March 21, but the shop owner has just finally informed me that not only is the shop not actually open yet ... she's got a Grand Opening planned for the 27th and needs to set up by the 15th. ... if you have this kind of a deadline, doesn't it seem like that's something you tell the people creating your products?
But ... whatever, it's a first-consignment experience, I'll know what to look for next time.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
New Special Offer through March 1
For the remainder of the month of February, when you buy one wire-wrapped pendant or ring, you'll get a free adjustable wire ring to keep it company.
Available here.
The above is one of the beautiful adjustable rings -- click the link to see how dramatic these look on the hand! I have a good-sized stockpile of them and am using them as free samples for this offer.
To claim your ring, use the discount code "peanut butter" in the "Notes to Seller" section.
Available here.
The above is one of the beautiful adjustable rings -- click the link to see how dramatic these look on the hand! I have a good-sized stockpile of them and am using them as free samples for this offer.
To claim your ring, use the discount code "peanut butter" in the "Notes to Seller" section.
The Internet is sometimes strange.
This has not been the best of weekends.
First of all, I've pulled a muscle. Not being athletic, I really didn't understand the level of crippling pain that can result from stress injuries. I used to see my high school's sports therapist for tendonitis, and he told me they're uncommonly similar. I can see why he'd get this idea, but the level of shooting, fetal-position-inducing agony reminds me of nothing more than shingles, which is when the Son of Chicken Pox comes back to rake its fiery claws through your nerves until you scream for mercy from God. Stress-induced, of course. How surprising that I've had this. *rolls eyes*
I feel slightly guilty for the level of pain, because I really don't do anything particularly strenuous with my shoulders -- and then I think about the positions I sit in. Sit upright, type, mouse, make about a dozen different small repetitive movements for an hour at a time, return to typing, mousing and typing, return to pliers and further small repetitive movements, hand-write for half an hour ... Other designers take note: The only wonder is that it's taken so long for me to hurt myself.
On a slightly more interesting note: I have a midterm today in Biology 40, Diseases and History, and am following my usual study method: search Wikipedia for study-guide terms, compare to textbook, note differences, rinse and repeat. It's a little weird to come into a Wikipedia article as it's being edited. The guy (why do I assume it's a man?) working on the stub about virulence factors is noting his place as he consults his books. It feels like he's leaving me little notes as I follow along. In the deliberate sterility that's created to give an impression of impersonal banks of objectivity, an odd moment of personal connection. I mean, we know there are people constantly editing wikis; it's strange to run across it as it happens, like an unplanned meeting of eyes with the nameless person who has the shift before yours at work.
So that's enough self-absorption out of me. Special offer to come!
First of all, I've pulled a muscle. Not being athletic, I really didn't understand the level of crippling pain that can result from stress injuries. I used to see my high school's sports therapist for tendonitis, and he told me they're uncommonly similar. I can see why he'd get this idea, but the level of shooting, fetal-position-inducing agony reminds me of nothing more than shingles, which is when the Son of Chicken Pox comes back to rake its fiery claws through your nerves until you scream for mercy from God. Stress-induced, of course. How surprising that I've had this. *rolls eyes*
I feel slightly guilty for the level of pain, because I really don't do anything particularly strenuous with my shoulders -- and then I think about the positions I sit in. Sit upright, type, mouse, make about a dozen different small repetitive movements for an hour at a time, return to typing, mousing and typing, return to pliers and further small repetitive movements, hand-write for half an hour ... Other designers take note: The only wonder is that it's taken so long for me to hurt myself.
On a slightly more interesting note: I have a midterm today in Biology 40, Diseases and History, and am following my usual study method: search Wikipedia for study-guide terms, compare to textbook, note differences, rinse and repeat. It's a little weird to come into a Wikipedia article as it's being edited. The guy (why do I assume it's a man?) working on the stub about virulence factors is noting his place as he consults his books. It feels like he's leaving me little notes as I follow along. In the deliberate sterility that's created to give an impression of impersonal banks of objectivity, an odd moment of personal connection. I mean, we know there are people constantly editing wikis; it's strange to run across it as it happens, like an unplanned meeting of eyes with the nameless person who has the shift before yours at work.
So that's enough self-absorption out of me. Special offer to come!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Things I never thought I'd be excited by
My jewelry design has given me a previously-unknown passing interest in Fashion Week. I was a little chagrined to discover this, but not altogether surprised, since I already scan the covers of trashy magazines to see what kind of sparkly things are on their cover models and, when my coworkers and I were streaming Project Runway after work, I was sketching accessories to match the outfits instead of following the drama.
Then I got distracted by the Olympics, specifically the gorgeous, occasionally exquisitely pagan opening ceremony theatrics, and the awesome music choices in pairs figure skating -- Queen's "Who Wants to Live Forever" and the overture to Man of La Mancha, both out of the People's Republic of China. If neither of those couples won I'd have thrown things.
But now I have something new to be excited about -- Swarovski has come out with their Innovations for spring and summer 2010. We're getting two new colors in crystal beads (fern green and Provence lavender) and a new Lavender crystal pearl. A bevy of new shapes, too, of course -- the ones that interest me most are the couture Lotus pendant, which reminds me of a sand dollar and will definitely have to make an appearance in my beach-wedding line, and their new baroque pearls. I think I would still use a genuine pearl by choice if I was going to have an organic look -- for one thing, freshwater cultured pearls are actually cheaper -- but I've seen skeins of Swarovski pearls in person and their shimmer is amazing. You can see the whole spring-summer line here.
So that's exciting. Hmm, I was supposed to be working, wasn't I.
Then I got distracted by the Olympics, specifically the gorgeous, occasionally exquisitely pagan opening ceremony theatrics, and the awesome music choices in pairs figure skating -- Queen's "Who Wants to Live Forever" and the overture to Man of La Mancha, both out of the People's Republic of China. If neither of those couples won I'd have thrown things.
But now I have something new to be excited about -- Swarovski has come out with their Innovations for spring and summer 2010. We're getting two new colors in crystal beads (fern green and Provence lavender) and a new Lavender crystal pearl. A bevy of new shapes, too, of course -- the ones that interest me most are the couture Lotus pendant, which reminds me of a sand dollar and will definitely have to make an appearance in my beach-wedding line, and their new baroque pearls. I think I would still use a genuine pearl by choice if I was going to have an organic look -- for one thing, freshwater cultured pearls are actually cheaper -- but I've seen skeins of Swarovski pearls in person and their shimmer is amazing. You can see the whole spring-summer line here.
So that's exciting. Hmm, I was supposed to be working, wasn't I.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Steampunk Apologetics
For those who aren't in the know, I will try to explain steampunk as I explained it to my mom:
Steampunk is a genre marked by the mixture of neo-Victorian artistic sensibilities with the modern mixed feelings toward technology. It's marked by a mixture of bustle gowns and clockwork, safari suits and urban decay.
What does it mean in jewelry and accessories? Lace. Ruffles. Boots. Goggles. Pith helmets. Tailoring. Pinstripes. Romanticism. Hats. Leather. Bronze. Corsets. Overcoats. Victoriana. Technological leftovers. Gunmetal. Cameos. And above all, gears.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, both graphic novels and movie, is arguably steampunk. The works of Jules Verne are a large part of the basis of steampunk. There's a steampunk GURPS book called Castle Falkenstein which my current tabletop campaign is based on.
I've seen steampunk described thus (paraphrasing from several sources here, including The Steampunk Workshop's fashion blog: "Well dressed, meticulously groomed, elegantly mannered, and ever prepared for the imminent collapse of society."
Why the collapse of society? Steampunks don't really think they're living out the Victorian past, though we try to adopt a little of it into our clothing, manners and lifestyle. Steampunk is more based on a dissatisfaction with modernism which draws from all eras but tends to settle on or about the days when the sun never set on the British Empire (though this is certainly not to say that Britain is the only geographical source!) That dissatisfaction results in a drive to beautify the cold, anonymous technologies that surround us, and to be less dependent on others to provide them for us. As someone once said: "Hate the factory, love the machine."
Many steampunks create machines and electronics and clockwork with their own hands. There's a general consensus that self-reliance and DIY are highly desirable.
So what's steampunk to me?
Well, it gives me a sense of purpose to the outdated things I know how to do. I may not be able to build a clock or a tiny hydroelectric generator, which are in some ways the high point of steampunk skills, but .... I can use all sorts of hand tools (you need eight or nine different kinds of pliers at the very least to make all the jewelry I make). I can grow a garden from seed without chemicals. I can make candles, soup and soap. I can start a fire from the embers of one ten hours old with no lighter fluid, paper or matches, and then I can cook a meal over it. I can make fresh paper from junk mail. I can dry flowers and herbs. I can sew both by hand and machine. I'm ready for the collapse of technological society, which gives me a weird and obscure sense of comfort. It's fatalistic, but there's not really all that much pessimism to it.
And on an aesthetic level? It gives me some theme to the fashions I like. A mild steampunk look blends well with my jeans and preppy layered tops, my mismatched knee socks and long skirts, and my obsession with lacy underthings. What are my steampunk elements? I love men's workboots (for reasons of comfort, not fulfilling lesbian stereotypes). I have a vast collection of fedoras. I make my own fascinator clips. It works equally well with my burnt-orange wool overcoat, my military-style sweatshirt-fleece jacket, and my elegant fringed shawls. The gears and chain mixed cameos and filigree, the warrior-chic mixed with the elegance of the romantic Victorianism, appeals to me on the same level where I love to mix fimo with pearls and rust with sparkle.
One of these days, I'm going to realize that all my rants end up at the same place -- i.e., "Because it marries non-matching elements harmoniously! Isn't that COOL?!?!" -- and just go straight from point A to point B without examining all the territory in between in such anal-retentive detail.
Steampunk is a genre marked by the mixture of neo-Victorian artistic sensibilities with the modern mixed feelings toward technology. It's marked by a mixture of bustle gowns and clockwork, safari suits and urban decay.
What does it mean in jewelry and accessories? Lace. Ruffles. Boots. Goggles. Pith helmets. Tailoring. Pinstripes. Romanticism. Hats. Leather. Bronze. Corsets. Overcoats. Victoriana. Technological leftovers. Gunmetal. Cameos. And above all, gears.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, both graphic novels and movie, is arguably steampunk. The works of Jules Verne are a large part of the basis of steampunk. There's a steampunk GURPS book called Castle Falkenstein which my current tabletop campaign is based on.
I've seen steampunk described thus (paraphrasing from several sources here, including The Steampunk Workshop's fashion blog: "Well dressed, meticulously groomed, elegantly mannered, and ever prepared for the imminent collapse of society."
Why the collapse of society? Steampunks don't really think they're living out the Victorian past, though we try to adopt a little of it into our clothing, manners and lifestyle. Steampunk is more based on a dissatisfaction with modernism which draws from all eras but tends to settle on or about the days when the sun never set on the British Empire (though this is certainly not to say that Britain is the only geographical source!) That dissatisfaction results in a drive to beautify the cold, anonymous technologies that surround us, and to be less dependent on others to provide them for us. As someone once said: "Hate the factory, love the machine."
Many steampunks create machines and electronics and clockwork with their own hands. There's a general consensus that self-reliance and DIY are highly desirable.
So what's steampunk to me?
Well, it gives me a sense of purpose to the outdated things I know how to do. I may not be able to build a clock or a tiny hydroelectric generator, which are in some ways the high point of steampunk skills, but .... I can use all sorts of hand tools (you need eight or nine different kinds of pliers at the very least to make all the jewelry I make). I can grow a garden from seed without chemicals. I can make candles, soup and soap. I can start a fire from the embers of one ten hours old with no lighter fluid, paper or matches, and then I can cook a meal over it. I can make fresh paper from junk mail. I can dry flowers and herbs. I can sew both by hand and machine. I'm ready for the collapse of technological society, which gives me a weird and obscure sense of comfort. It's fatalistic, but there's not really all that much pessimism to it.
And on an aesthetic level? It gives me some theme to the fashions I like. A mild steampunk look blends well with my jeans and preppy layered tops, my mismatched knee socks and long skirts, and my obsession with lacy underthings. What are my steampunk elements? I love men's workboots (for reasons of comfort, not fulfilling lesbian stereotypes). I have a vast collection of fedoras. I make my own fascinator clips. It works equally well with my burnt-orange wool overcoat, my military-style sweatshirt-fleece jacket, and my elegant fringed shawls. The gears and chain mixed cameos and filigree, the warrior-chic mixed with the elegance of the romantic Victorianism, appeals to me on the same level where I love to mix fimo with pearls and rust with sparkle.
One of these days, I'm going to realize that all my rants end up at the same place -- i.e., "Because it marries non-matching elements harmoniously! Isn't that COOL?!?!" -- and just go straight from point A to point B without examining all the territory in between in such anal-retentive detail.
Links and a special offer ... who said I never gave you anything?
So ... I totally forgot to mention this but I have an article up since forever ago on Rena Klingenberg's awesome "Making Jewelry Now" site. It's got a couple of pictures and combines my three favorite things: Jewelry, anthropology, and semiotics.
My article
On another note, today I was reading about the steampunk aesthetic and I ran across a couple of quotes I wanted to respond to. Since I have a midterm on Thursday I've barely begun to study for, I have of course begun to compose my own little steampunk manifesto about what steampunk means to me. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, those with an interest in the genre would do well to read the following:
Steampunk Magazine's Guide to the Apocalypse, which is funny, beautifully laid out and ... um ... surprisingly informative, if you know what I mean,
and Ursula Vernon's Gearworld Blog, by my favorite artist who's also the author of the Nurk books, the Dragonbreath series and Black Dogs, and the author-artist of the superb comic Digger. It's an unfinished travelogue of an explorer way over his head in the investigation of a clockwork labyrinth. Since said explorer is a bespectacled antelope, this will also be of interest to the anthro crowd. But you immediately lose track of the fact that the characters are nonhumans in the creepy, beautiful fascination of the story with its precise humor and fantastic twists. It's a blog, so you start from the last page. There are also illustrations here (some nudes, NSFW).
And finally, on a more relevant note, a special offer through February 22:
When you purchase any one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will get an exquisite wire-wrapped pendant.
When you purchase a second one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will get a lovely pair of dangly pearl earrings.
And when you purchase a third one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will receive free shipping on your entire purchase, which will be refunded through PayPal.
Available here.
To claim your free stuff and free shipping, use the code "glove" in the Notes to Seller section when you purchase.
My article
On another note, today I was reading about the steampunk aesthetic and I ran across a couple of quotes I wanted to respond to. Since I have a midterm on Thursday I've barely begun to study for, I have of course begun to compose my own little steampunk manifesto about what steampunk means to me. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, those with an interest in the genre would do well to read the following:
Steampunk Magazine's Guide to the Apocalypse, which is funny, beautifully laid out and ... um ... surprisingly informative, if you know what I mean,
and Ursula Vernon's Gearworld Blog, by my favorite artist who's also the author of the Nurk books, the Dragonbreath series and Black Dogs, and the author-artist of the superb comic Digger. It's an unfinished travelogue of an explorer way over his head in the investigation of a clockwork labyrinth. Since said explorer is a bespectacled antelope, this will also be of interest to the anthro crowd. But you immediately lose track of the fact that the characters are nonhumans in the creepy, beautiful fascination of the story with its precise humor and fantastic twists. It's a blog, so you start from the last page. There are also illustrations here (some nudes, NSFW).
And finally, on a more relevant note, a special offer through February 22:
When you purchase any one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will get an exquisite wire-wrapped pendant.
When you purchase a second one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will get a lovely pair of dangly pearl earrings.
And when you purchase a third one-of-a-kind item from the shop, you will receive free shipping on your entire purchase, which will be refunded through PayPal.
Available here.
To claim your free stuff and free shipping, use the code "glove" in the Notes to Seller section when you purchase.
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