Okay! I think we're all right. Evacuations have been downgraded to voluntary, due to smoke.
We had the most phenomenal weather yesterday. First, wind. True California Santa Ana winds. Then it rained. It poured. It rained and poured and blew so much that the rain was going in two different directions at once, neither of them down. My mother-in-law found a large puppy advert in her roses that had been posted three blocks away.
M's dogs hate thunder; Fergus, the large flat-coated retriever who ate our sewing counter and our first garden, refused to come out of the bathroom
Feeling inspired, I went and reseeded some of my plants once the weather went back to normal. My oregano sprouts fried, so I've redone that and placed it where there's a bit more shade. My sweet pea actually did sprout, I discovered once I unearthed the seeds, so I reburied them under less soil and am hoping to see them break cover soon.
The zucchini has died and I can't figure out why, though I'm tempted to blame squash stemborers. It was doing so well for a while, it was like a little potted jungle with leaves as large as my two spread hands, but then it all yellowed so I basically pruned off half the plant. It was looking better for a while, but now it's dead again. I'm contemplating filling its squash pot with garlic. Any suggestions for new veggies? I'm Sunset zone 13/USDA 9.
I'm having one of those alarmingly productive days. I ordered in a ring mandrel so I can start trying wire-wrapped cocktail rings, which I haven't done in some time indeed, but it's on back order, and ordering the next item up was a difference of ten dollars. Hopefully it'll come in soon!
Until then I'm doing earrings, often in very bizarre designs. I've hit one of those creative walls I get sometimes, where I'm convinced that I need to do something New and Fresh and Different so I wind up with incredibly random designs and eventually M finds me having glued my hands together and sobbing over a mismatched earwire with bits of batik in my hair.
And, um ... I think I inhaled a little sliver of glass. This is probably bad.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
TangoPig Broadcasts from the Field
Well, from M's house, actually. I woke up this morning to find that we'd been given notice to stand by for the evacuation order.
My parents and brother are still in a holding pattern at our house, trying to wait until the evacuations become mandatory, since we have five family pets to transport.
Ordering from the Etsy shop is still open; since we had time to get non-necessities, I packed up my inventory. And now I just wait to see what happens. It's harder than it sounds like it should be.
My parents and brother are still in a holding pattern at our house, trying to wait until the evacuations become mandatory, since we have five family pets to transport.
Ordering from the Etsy shop is still open; since we had time to get non-necessities, I packed up my inventory. And now I just wait to see what happens. It's harder than it sounds like it should be.
Well, that was an adventure.
A great number of people are probably aware that the state of California is pretty much a large forest fire at this point. One of the individual wildfires is the Oak Glen Fire. Yesterday, I was six or eight blocks away from it.
Today, my mother walked outside to look up at the planes dropping fire retardant, looked eight houses down to the end of the street, and saw flames.
M and I were right behind her, and it is uniquely terrifying to watch one's mother panic. In ten minutes, we had files, computers, medications -- the irreplaceable essentials. I packed up the entire contents of my brother's dresser and a few of his electronics in what must have been about 90 seconds. My father, who was still at work, can now confirm that his pickup does over 100, and incidentally is now a federal criminal because he went around a roadblock. "I figured they could chase me, arrest me at the bottom of the driveway after I gave my family the truck keys," he told our neighbor Dale.
We were never given the evacuation order, though I get the impression that's partly because there just wasn't time. It started a few feet from my neighbor Devon's back fence. She was all alone when it began. The whole thing was nightmarish -- I was grabbing things and not panicking, because only one person in any given crisis situation is able to panic but I was a little frantic. I was okay as I tried to think of any essentials we might have forgotten, and find the cats, but then I realized we were going to have to leave our tortoises behind and I lost it, sobbing for about thirty seconds before I could give myself another task to rush to.
When I went outside I could see the flames on the hill. The shrubbery around houses burns with a much blacker smoke than most natural California vegetation. And to think I could have gone my whole life without knowing that. I ran around the block to check on elderly neighbors, and people were frantically moving vehicles and trailers to the far end of the street, filled with possessions thrown into the backseats. Flashing lights were everywhere, and the planes were flying so low overhead I could pick out every detail of the mechanics.
It's interesting -- there's only a certain length of time that a human can maintain a frantic emotional state. We all sort of segued from terror to walking around and talking to each other and watching at about the same time. There was this general knowledge that there was nothing we could do but wait -- and then we hit the point where my neighbor Jim suggested ordering fifty pizzas and advising them that the delivery person would have to do some offroading to get around the police, and suddenly there was this knot of people laughing hysterically and dreaming up home-insurance fraud schemes.
They're calling ours the Pendleton Fire. It may have been an ember, but it was probably a lit fire -- and while they're not saying so on the news, I overheard a discussion of having caught some kid who is suspected of lighting the match. Suddenly, vigilante justice doesn't sound quite so bad.
We're all okay now -- and probably safer for having had all the fuel around us burn away -- but it was a long, horrible day, and I still can't sleep.
Today, my mother walked outside to look up at the planes dropping fire retardant, looked eight houses down to the end of the street, and saw flames.
M and I were right behind her, and it is uniquely terrifying to watch one's mother panic. In ten minutes, we had files, computers, medications -- the irreplaceable essentials. I packed up the entire contents of my brother's dresser and a few of his electronics in what must have been about 90 seconds. My father, who was still at work, can now confirm that his pickup does over 100, and incidentally is now a federal criminal because he went around a roadblock. "I figured they could chase me, arrest me at the bottom of the driveway after I gave my family the truck keys," he told our neighbor Dale.
We were never given the evacuation order, though I get the impression that's partly because there just wasn't time. It started a few feet from my neighbor Devon's back fence. She was all alone when it began. The whole thing was nightmarish -- I was grabbing things and not panicking, because only one person in any given crisis situation is able to panic but I was a little frantic. I was okay as I tried to think of any essentials we might have forgotten, and find the cats, but then I realized we were going to have to leave our tortoises behind and I lost it, sobbing for about thirty seconds before I could give myself another task to rush to.
When I went outside I could see the flames on the hill. The shrubbery around houses burns with a much blacker smoke than most natural California vegetation. And to think I could have gone my whole life without knowing that. I ran around the block to check on elderly neighbors, and people were frantically moving vehicles and trailers to the far end of the street, filled with possessions thrown into the backseats. Flashing lights were everywhere, and the planes were flying so low overhead I could pick out every detail of the mechanics.
It's interesting -- there's only a certain length of time that a human can maintain a frantic emotional state. We all sort of segued from terror to walking around and talking to each other and watching at about the same time. There was this general knowledge that there was nothing we could do but wait -- and then we hit the point where my neighbor Jim suggested ordering fifty pizzas and advising them that the delivery person would have to do some offroading to get around the police, and suddenly there was this knot of people laughing hysterically and dreaming up home-insurance fraud schemes.
They're calling ours the Pendleton Fire. It may have been an ember, but it was probably a lit fire -- and while they're not saying so on the news, I overheard a discussion of having caught some kid who is suspected of lighting the match. Suddenly, vigilante justice doesn't sound quite so bad.
We're all okay now -- and probably safer for having had all the fuel around us burn away -- but it was a long, horrible day, and I still can't sleep.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
New special offer through Sept 1
Until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 1, get a free pair of soda tab earrings with any purchase of a necklace or bracelet. Use the code word "bagel" in the Notes to Seller section.
Available here.
I'll make you a pair of the popular soda tab earrings in the color of your choice. Jewelry sets count for your purchased item!
Available here.
I'll make you a pair of the popular soda tab earrings in the color of your choice. Jewelry sets count for your purchased item!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Pearls plus polymer ...
Looking at the items that the week's special offer applies to, I have to say ... I always seem to have these bizarre whims to combine pearls with really inappropriate materials.
There was this early-on experiment with printed wood beads where I appeared to think that red plastic and white pearls went perfectly together.
Available here.
And then there's these. Polymer clay and freshwater pearl is just not generally thought of together. As M says, "Those are strange. I like them, but ... they're strange."
Available here.
Mind you, I think both of those are great designs and great pieces of jewelry, but there's this ... almost a creeping sense of guilt for combining the two. Bead elitism, if you will. Like the clay should stay on its own side of the tracks, or the pearls' fathers will beat them up. Is that weird?
There was this early-on experiment with printed wood beads where I appeared to think that red plastic and white pearls went perfectly together.
Available here.
And then there's these. Polymer clay and freshwater pearl is just not generally thought of together. As M says, "Those are strange. I like them, but ... they're strange."
Available here.
Mind you, I think both of those are great designs and great pieces of jewelry, but there's this ... almost a creeping sense of guilt for combining the two. Bead elitism, if you will. Like the clay should stay on its own side of the tracks, or the pearls' fathers will beat them up. Is that weird?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
New offer through Aug 25
Until 11:59 PM Pacific (that's GMT -8, for reference, have I mentioned?) on Tuesday, August 25:
Get a free pair of simple pearl earrings with the purchase of any item containing pearls when you enter the code "almost" in the Notes to Seller section.
Available here.
No, sorry, glass pearls don't count, but mother-of-pearl does. :) The offer includes several items from the Etsy shop, and more to come in the next week!
Get a free pair of simple pearl earrings with the purchase of any item containing pearls when you enter the code "almost" in the Notes to Seller section.
Available here.
No, sorry, glass pearls don't count, but mother-of-pearl does. :) The offer includes several items from the Etsy shop, and more to come in the next week!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fimo is our friend
M and I spent most of the day playing with fimo clays. M made a fairy door with yellow roses on the frame, a gorgeous thing. I made several pendants, some of which worked, some of which cracked through. Many of these will be showing up on Etsy in the next few weeks.
I quickly discovered that simple tools work very well for this task. A deck of playing cards and an old rolling pin work as a slab roller, and my jewelry-making charms work just as well as texture sheets to give the clay surface designs. Great fun, and after some finishing with acrylic paint, the resulting pendant are absolutely beautiful.
I quickly discovered that simple tools work very well for this task. A deck of playing cards and an old rolling pin work as a slab roller, and my jewelry-making charms work just as well as texture sheets to give the clay surface designs. Great fun, and after some finishing with acrylic paint, the resulting pendant are absolutely beautiful.
Very special new offer through Aug 18!
This week, you do me a favor and I'll do you one ...
I still have several shop images that are on a background I was using before I switched to the unfinished pottery background you'll see in my more recent photos. I'd rather not have to retake all those pictures, so I need some of that jewelry to sell.
So, until 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, August 18:
* The first item which was photographed on an old background entitles you to a free pair of earrings in your color of choice.
* The second item on an old background gets you absolutely free shipping for that item.
* The third item, and any subsequent purchases, will be discounted by 10% off the item's price.
To claim these rewards, enter the code "snow white" in the Notes to Seller section, along with the color in which you'd like your earrings made.
Available here.
That's actually a pretty good photo, if I do say so myself, but on some of them ... well, you can see why the light-colored background works better. Since I took the first couple batches of a photos, I've learned that I need texture to contrast with the usually glossy jewelry; to use light-but-not-white colors so the contrast doesn't go all wonky; and to avoid direct sunlight like a vampire soaked in orange oil.
So there you go -- the jewelry is just as beautiful and high-quality, but the photos are slightly lacking, so you get great deals on every item from that section you purchase!
I still have several shop images that are on a background I was using before I switched to the unfinished pottery background you'll see in my more recent photos. I'd rather not have to retake all those pictures, so I need some of that jewelry to sell.
So, until 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, August 18:
* The first item which was photographed on an old background entitles you to a free pair of earrings in your color of choice.
* The second item on an old background gets you absolutely free shipping for that item.
* The third item, and any subsequent purchases, will be discounted by 10% off the item's price.
To claim these rewards, enter the code "snow white" in the Notes to Seller section, along with the color in which you'd like your earrings made.
Available here.
That's actually a pretty good photo, if I do say so myself, but on some of them ... well, you can see why the light-colored background works better. Since I took the first couple batches of a photos, I've learned that I need texture to contrast with the usually glossy jewelry; to use light-but-not-white colors so the contrast doesn't go all wonky; and to avoid direct sunlight like a vampire soaked in orange oil.
So there you go -- the jewelry is just as beautiful and high-quality, but the photos are slightly lacking, so you get great deals on every item from that section you purchase!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Ten Unique Ways to Wear Your Jewelry
For when you need some extra uniqueness in an accessory. For when the pieces from your jewelry box, however fabulous they might be, need a new twist.
1. Layer a few simple chains around your neck for an instant multi-strand necklace. Mixed metals are very stylish, as are multiple layers. And you don't actually need a scoop neck for them; this can be effective and elegant inside the collar of an open-necked shirt.
2. Wear two charm bracelets with similar themes or color schemes on the same wrist. You get twice the noise, twice the movement and twice the glitter! My mother wears a gold charm bracelet I made for her all the time, but during high school football season, she adds one on the same kind of chain that has football buttons and my brother's school colors.
3. A favorite pendant can be strung onto bracelet-length instead of necklace-length chain. Double-sided pendants work especially well for this. If the bail is large enough, you can even slide the pendant over a simple beaded bracelet.
4. Have a necklace with an interesting clasp? Turn the clasp in front for a fresh look. This works best with longer necklaces, so that toggles lie flat and hooks aren't strained.
5. Cluster necklaces are especially trendy these days, but sometimes they all seem to feature the same bird, pearl and inspiring phrase charms. Create a unique one by adding several of your own pendants to a single chain, and let the personality of the new necklace change as they shift around each other.
6. Cuff bracelets and heavy bangles are all over the runway, but they're difficult to fit over large hands and unflattering to arms that taper significantly toward the wrist. Consider a memory bracelet instead; they're easy to fasten, since they just wrap around your wrist, and conform to the taper of your arm, while looking very much like the bold fashion bracelets from designer collections.
7. Fasten two bracelets together to make a stylish new anklet. Close the first bracelet. Then fasten the clasp of a second bracelet around the strand of the first. Bring the second bracelet around your ankle. Reopen the hook of the first bracelet to catch the ends of both, and voila!
8. Similarly, you can use a simple bracelet as an extender to make a choker into a longer necklace, and suddenly your occasions to wear it are limitless.
9. If you're fortunate enough to own a pocketwatch, don't let it sit in your jewelry box! String it on a chain and wear it as a necklace, or if you have the fob chain, wear it in the lapel pocket of a suit jacket for timeless (no pun intended) glamour.
10. Mix up your styles and types of jewelry. Put an heirloom locket or gemstone pendant on a more casual leather cord (just make sure it's fastened securely!). Wear a classic pearl bracelet with a chunky, colorful plastic one. Layering your jewelry will give you an effortless chic look and a sense of brand-newness without having to shop for a single piece.
1. Layer a few simple chains around your neck for an instant multi-strand necklace. Mixed metals are very stylish, as are multiple layers. And you don't actually need a scoop neck for them; this can be effective and elegant inside the collar of an open-necked shirt.
2. Wear two charm bracelets with similar themes or color schemes on the same wrist. You get twice the noise, twice the movement and twice the glitter! My mother wears a gold charm bracelet I made for her all the time, but during high school football season, she adds one on the same kind of chain that has football buttons and my brother's school colors.
3. A favorite pendant can be strung onto bracelet-length instead of necklace-length chain. Double-sided pendants work especially well for this. If the bail is large enough, you can even slide the pendant over a simple beaded bracelet.
4. Have a necklace with an interesting clasp? Turn the clasp in front for a fresh look. This works best with longer necklaces, so that toggles lie flat and hooks aren't strained.
5. Cluster necklaces are especially trendy these days, but sometimes they all seem to feature the same bird, pearl and inspiring phrase charms. Create a unique one by adding several of your own pendants to a single chain, and let the personality of the new necklace change as they shift around each other.
6. Cuff bracelets and heavy bangles are all over the runway, but they're difficult to fit over large hands and unflattering to arms that taper significantly toward the wrist. Consider a memory bracelet instead; they're easy to fasten, since they just wrap around your wrist, and conform to the taper of your arm, while looking very much like the bold fashion bracelets from designer collections.
7. Fasten two bracelets together to make a stylish new anklet. Close the first bracelet. Then fasten the clasp of a second bracelet around the strand of the first. Bring the second bracelet around your ankle. Reopen the hook of the first bracelet to catch the ends of both, and voila!
8. Similarly, you can use a simple bracelet as an extender to make a choker into a longer necklace, and suddenly your occasions to wear it are limitless.
9. If you're fortunate enough to own a pocketwatch, don't let it sit in your jewelry box! String it on a chain and wear it as a necklace, or if you have the fob chain, wear it in the lapel pocket of a suit jacket for timeless (no pun intended) glamour.
10. Mix up your styles and types of jewelry. Put an heirloom locket or gemstone pendant on a more casual leather cord (just make sure it's fastened securely!). Wear a classic pearl bracelet with a chunky, colorful plastic one. Layering your jewelry will give you an effortless chic look and a sense of brand-newness without having to shop for a single piece.
Special Offer for my favorite color!
Though it's still summer-hot where I live, now is the time to do back-to-school and autumn shopping. Isn't it time to treat yourself to an inexpensive but wonderful new accessory?
Until 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 9, get a free pair of earrings with the purchase of any item from my shop containing the color orange. Just enter the discount code "truffle" in the Notes to Seller section. You can find all orange items by using the search bar at the top of the Etsy page, with the pulldown menu set to "tangopig's shop."
Available here.
I find that the combination of green and orange says "autumn" no matter what you do with them. I don't know if it's a childhood adoration for pumpkins or if other people see not only rich spicy tones but also pastel green and orange as an autumn palette. In this one, of course, the squash blossoms and wood help. Are those squash blossoms? Not daisies, in that color.
But ... orange. You can't possibly go wrong with orange.
My mother-in-law, by the way, says that orange is the new neutral. She's a quilter, and has started using orange fabrics instead of beiges and greys. Speaking of which, I owe her a new pair of orange and copper earrings, so if you'll excuse me ...
Until 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 9, get a free pair of earrings with the purchase of any item from my shop containing the color orange. Just enter the discount code "truffle" in the Notes to Seller section. You can find all orange items by using the search bar at the top of the Etsy page, with the pulldown menu set to "tangopig's shop."
Available here.
I find that the combination of green and orange says "autumn" no matter what you do with them. I don't know if it's a childhood adoration for pumpkins or if other people see not only rich spicy tones but also pastel green and orange as an autumn palette. In this one, of course, the squash blossoms and wood help. Are those squash blossoms? Not daisies, in that color.
But ... orange. You can't possibly go wrong with orange.
My mother-in-law, by the way, says that orange is the new neutral. She's a quilter, and has started using orange fabrics instead of beiges and greys. Speaking of which, I owe her a new pair of orange and copper earrings, so if you'll excuse me ...
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