fuzzishü

Guess who's on TV?!

2011-08-18T23:02:00.005-05:00

Iptv came and did a wonderful segment on the studio fuzzishu make & take workshops at the Iowa State Fair. They featured several of my students and their finished projects. Check it out!

We are nearing the end of fair so if you haven't already come out to make something AWESOME, what are you waiting for?! ;)

Winning!...with fuzzishu

2011-08-10T23:06:00.004-05:00

Aaaand we have a winner. Fuzzi-dad chose a # at random and the winner of the blog contest is Lisa. Lisa said she would like to have a name pendant so she can keep her boys close to her heart as she heads back into the working world. Thanks to everyone for participating and keep your eyes peeled for more contests (I'm thinking of something for the Fall....hmmmm ;)

Even if you didn't win, I hope you are able to make it out to the Iowa State Fair and come join me for a workshop. Cheers!

ISF 2011....T-minus 6 days?!

2011-08-04T17:04:00.004-05:00

NEW WORKSHOPS AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR

In honor of Studio Fuzzishu's 4th year at the Iowa State Fair we are introducing four new metal jewelry projects that you can make and take home with you the same day. Workshops start every half hour or so, daily 9am to 9pm Aug. 11-21 in the Cultural Center.

New Project No.1 - Mixed Metal Stamped Pendant

New Project No.2 - Mini Mantra Bracelet

Projects 3 & 4 Coming Soon!!!

(hint - they are name tag for your pooch and a yearly charm that can be used for a keychain, charm bracelet, pendant etc.!)

New Project No.3 - Pooch Tags

New Project No.4 - Annual Fuzzishu Charm

And, of course, your favorite project and mine, the one that started them all, the silver ring!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear blog readers, I am going to give you the opportunity to win one of the new workshops for FREE at state fair OR, if you are out of state/country, one of the new projects made by yours truly just for you ;)

To enter to win simply leave a comment below telling me which project you would like to make/have and why.

BUT WAIT, we are giving you more chances to rack up entries. If you follow the fuzzi- blog, share the giveaway on Facebook and Twitter and promote this giveaway on your personal blog you'll receive one extra entry for each act of social media. Just come back here and post a SEPARATE entry for each of your postings or followings. Entries will be accepted until Tue. at 9pm Central time.

Update 8.8.2011 - Thank you for the entries so far! However, please make sure you leave me some way of getting a hold of you if you win. You can email me with your screen name or leave a contact on here. I will post a blog announcing the winner but you don't want to miss your opportunity!

Breakfast at Tiffany's pearls

2011-07-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

This is MY color! Love it. Lately I've been working with this lovely shade of pale turquoise / robin's egg / 'tiffany's' blue. It seems like I always have a great spontaneous idea for a piece right before a show. These little loops have been sitting on my bench for awhile. I had planned to make them into a large brooch but they wanted to be a necklace.

See? Necklace. And as it happened to be, someone fell in love with this piece first thing Saturday at the Midsummer Festival of the Arts in Sheboygan.

There were earrings to be had as well. Nice long modern earrings.

Amazonite earrings and necklace coming soon...

A special mother's pendant

2011-07-18T17:40:00.001-05:00

I am so very proud! Earlier this spring I exhibited in the Believe in Girls conference held by the Girl Scouts and demonstrated a possible career in the arts. A while after the conference one of the girls called me and arranged a ring making workshop for herself, her mother and her grandmother. We had a blast.

Just recently she called again and wanted to make a special necklace for her mother's birthday. She had bought the stones, come up with a design and needed a little help (and the tools!) to bring the piece to life. I helped with the bezels and stone setting but the sawing, filing, stamping, etc. was all her. Yay! She did such a great job and it was awesome to be able to help her make something special. You too can come to the studio to create a one of a kind piece, just give me a buzz.

Beaducation Giveaway!

2011-07-11T09:51:00.002-05:00

Want to see more stamps at your next fuzzishu RiNGS workshop? Cross your fingers and hope I win this lovely set of lower case kismet stamps they are giving away here.

....Something Blue

2011-07-10T01:27:00.006-05:00

I've been wanting to post about this custom job for awhile...but realized I had no good photos. While going through my old crappy point and shoot camera's cards I ran across at least one, which prompted this post. The rest of the images I've borrowed from the very talented Life Art Photography.

MaCay and Andy were married at Living History Farms last year in Urbandale, Iowa on a beautiful Autumn day. The small chapel was the perfect venue for this small, funky - more on this later, intimate event.

My friend MaCay had approached me about this project last summer. She wanted to do something unique for the bridesmaids' gifts. She had always had a penchant for my a go go 5 loop necklace and wanted to design something similar but different. Something that would work with three different styles of dress and unique personality. Oh yea, and with some small touch of blue.

I sketched a few ideas for her, we played around with some elements on my bench and VOILA! A new necklace was born.

Modern, sleek, but rustic enough to go with the venue. Small touches of lapis lazuli accent the loops of various sizes. Sadly, this is the only photo I have of the piece. Don't worry, I've gotten much better about documenting the things leaving the shop...especially the one of a kinds!

MaCay and Andy are a fun quirky couple - see exhibits A. and B. There were speeches from engineers and the appetizers featured multi-flavor popcorn bowls on the tables and a 'fancy' cheese table by Gateway Market (they also provided dinner, if I recall, OMG the dinner!!!)

[exhibit A.]

Not only does their card drop box look googly-eyed and muppety-y but they walked in to the Muppets' Menomenon song :D Love it! Speaking of...did I mention my dad was their dj?!

[exhibit B.]

Four flavors of delicious cupcakes from the Carefree Patisserie were adorned with bride and groom rubber duckies. Yes, duckies.

I was honored to be a part of their special day and wish them the very best in their new life together.

At Laaaast...

2011-06-16T19:03:00.006-05:00

After *cough, cough* months in the making MaryAnn's ring is finally complete. She approached me with her mother's vintage diamond ring, wanting to give them a new life in a fresh contemporary design (SO wish I had remembered to take a photo of it before I took the diamonds out, d'oh!).

I carved the wax and then sent it out to be cast in palladium. MaryAnn wanted a 'white metal' ring and we decided against white gold (too pricey, didn't want rhodium plating). Platinum was waaaay too expensive and silver is a little to casual and tarnishes. Palladium is a tough metal and as part of the platinum family shares a bit of it's prestige. It was a first for me and I look forward to playing around with it more in depth in the future.

I'm very pleased (and so was MaryAnn) with the modern architectural look of the ring. It has a good heft and tapers nicely at the bottom. It ended up highlighting her mother's diamonds and giving them a new life. Mission accomplished!

BetsyBensen ♥s fuzzishu

2011-06-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

BetsyBensen celebrates Etsy artists that demonstrate a 'fearless' use of color in this super summery treasury.

lkkersh hearts fuzzishu

2011-06-11T23:22:00.003-05:00

Check out what's going on 'Inside Rubix's Head' in this wonderful treasury by lkkersh.

Meet the Artists

2011-06-11T23:17:00.003-05:00

Last night's 'Meet the Artists' event was a fantastic time. My former student Teryl is creating fun and funky PMC pieces and her friend Meddy brought some enormous pantings! There was great food, oodles of art, and a wonderful evening. I hope you can join us next time.

angeladesigns hearts fuzzishu

2011-06-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

Every day would be a nice day with this colorful grouping of work! Check out the 'Have a Nice Day' treasury by angeladesigns.

Dine + Design

2011-05-24T23:14:00.004-05:00

Art is food for the soul...but let's not forget our tummies! Please join us at studio fuzzishu this Thursday May 26 for the first Dine + Design event! Bring your sketchbooks, materials, things that inspire you, and thinking cap. We'll do some brainstorming around a theme, bounce ideas off of one another, critique, sketch, create, etc. and of course, share a meal.

Don't forget, if metal or glass is your thing (or you just need some space that's not the kitchen table!) you can always come back for 'open studio' time and create what you've designed! Please RSVP if interested so I can get a head count for the 'dine' portion of the evening. See you Thursday!

HansHolzkopf ♥s fuzzishü

2011-05-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

Holy smokes, it's end of May! Sorry fuzzi-followers. Here's a fantastic caterpillar treasury from April collected by HansHolzkopf featuring my 'space caterpillar' bracelet. How cute are all of these? And sooo springy!

workingwoman ♥s fuzzishü

2011-03-04T10:19:00.002-06:00

workingwoman has put together a fantastic treasury that includes fuzzishu's 'squarings' and fellow Iowan handmadepretties' recycled sweater balls. This group of colorful offerings is just what we need to greet spring with. I don't know about you, but the swirly circle quilt and wildflower wall decor are calling me!!! Check out workingwoman's 'Are we having fun yet?' treasury here.

Steampunk Pendant @ studio fuzzishu

2011-03-02T10:11:00.001-06:00

We had a great time making some steampunk-esque pendants the other night at the studio. The students were given packets of odds and ends and a short time to come up with their designs. After a few demos they began to create their pieces. Everyone did a fantastic job! We ran out of time before oxidizing the pieces to give them that antique-y feel but I think they turned out great either way!

Jewelry Bites @ the Des Moines Art Center

2011-02-26T01:32:00.003-06:00

[jewelry bites necklace sample by fuzzishu]

This past Thursday was the first of three sessions of Jewelry Bites, an introductory jewelry workshop, at the Des Moines Art Center. We have a full class of twelve (12!) excited novice jewelers. Our first class was also jam packed with new technique demos and a chance to try their hands at them. We covered sawing, filing, finishing, texturing/stamping, and 2 kinds of rivets. They also received homework and will bring back sketches of their ideas for next class. Check back in two weeks to see the fantastic pieces they come up with!

Waikiki Wabbit...I mean, Wine

2011-02-02T17:36:00.006-06:00

studio fuzzishu is helping to sponsor the Tropical Wine Festival this Friday at the Botanical Center from 6 to 9pm. There will be a steel drum band, delicious nibblies, over 15 wineries to sample and a nice tropical respite from the cold blowing winter weather. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. I hope you can join us - be sure to wear your most festive tropical gear, there are prizes for the best dressed ;)

A Passel of Profession Rings

2011-01-29T20:18:00.004-06:00

Saturday's J101 class just finished a fantastic set of profession rings. Everything from a teacher to a heart surgeon. Yay soldering! We've just begun the final project - wire link bracelets. Check back for more student projects soon.

Another thank you in 3D

2011-01-27T01:35:00.006-06:00

One of my students brought studio fuzzishu a nifty present - a bag full of 6g. copper wire.

I decided to make her a thank you gift as well, a forged copper bracelet.

I had to guesstimate a good starting size, anneal and solder it.

I then began forming the bracelet's tapering hammered shape on my anvil (yay, anvil!)

I cheated just a little and used the saw to remove the extra flare rather than taper the ends with a hammer.

Then some filing and refining.

And voila! Bracelet - so simple and comfy I had to make one for myself too :D

Ta Da!

2011-01-23T00:24:00.000-06:00

Newly designed logo for the studio end of fuzzishu. Comments? Critiques? Congratulations? ;-p

FourHearts ♥s fuzzishü

2011-01-22T00:19:00.003-06:00

A big thank you to fourhearts for featuring my 9 element a go go necklace in her 'vivid' treasury. Look at all the pretty colors! You can check them out here.

a 'thank you' in 3D

2011-01-15T23:37:00.002-06:00

I whipped out this 'worry stone' keychain as a thank you to friend who gifted me a variety of steel ball bearings the other day. The idea of a moving ball riveted between two sheets of metal was given to me a few months back by my student Cindy. Thanks Cindy! And JV for the BBs.

coppersonja ♥s fuzzishü

2011-01-09T22:53:00.003-06:00

coppersonja has put together a wonderful colorful and glass filled treasury and featured a fuzzishu necklace. Please go check it out here. We'll get an a.go.go 9 element on the front page of etsy one of these days ;)

Multiple Choice

2010-12-25T20:33:00.006-06:00

And now....for our 'Name That Workshop" Contest Official Vote....(see original post here). The title with the most votes will win fame, fortune, and fuzzishu earrings. ;)

The title of the workshop should reflect the fact that students will design and create a set of jewelry based on a theme of their choosing. Please leave your vote (the number of the title) in the comments section.

1. 'You Decide'
2. 'Imaginings'
3. 'Whatever'
4. 'It's Up to You'
5. 'Guess What'
6. 'Jewel What'
7. 'Think It,Do It'
8. 'What Now'
9. 'Design it and Do it!'
10. 'Think once, Make thrice!'

11. 'Imagination in threes'

12. 'Three pondered pieces'

13. 'Thinking of three'

14. 'A Theme in threes'
15. 'Brainstorm to Bench'

16. 'Creative Juices'
17. 'Where the wind blows'
18. 'Theme J103'
19. 'Solder-n-Sweat'
20. 'Jumpring Jive'
21. B.E.N - bracelet earrings necklace

What do you think?

earthdesignsindia ♥s fuzzishü

2010-12-25T20:22:00.002-06:00

Thanks to EarthDesignsIndia for featuring my 9 pc. a go go necklace in their 'closing the circle' treasury. My necklace is in good company with lots of cool pieces, go here to check them out.

sonyarasi ♥s fuzzishu

2010-12-08T14:42:00.001-06:00

Knock on wood, Iowa hasn't gotten its first major blanket of white...but it's dark out most of the time and who can't use more 'merry & bright' in their life? sonyarasi has put together a great treasury of bright and dazzling etsy creations and was kind enough to include the 9 element a go go necklace from fuzzishu. Thanks sonyarasi! Check out the treasury here.

Name that Tune! Er, Workshop!...

2010-12-06T03:06:00.003-06:00

And win! I am offering a new workshop in 2011 and it is the Class-Yet-To-Be-Named. I'd love your input. I'd love your input so much I am offering a jewelry prize (joie earrings) to the person whose suggestion I like most. Plus you'll be famous (in Iowa...ok, not really. Just at studio fuzzishu) for having named this awesome class.

What is this class you ask? Go on, ask. I'll wait. ....

It is a class in whence students brainstorm several themes and narrow it down to one then proceed to design a set of three jewelry pieces around their theme. ie - themes 'romance and rock'n'roll', 'forests', 'circles', etc. Let's say Student X chooses 'forest' for their theme. They might then make a branchy looking bracelet, a pair of leafy earrings, and a ring with winter berries on it. They can use any material and any techniques they may have learned up to this point. It's a more self directed class. I am there purely to advise on a technical level.

To enter this contest simply leave a comment or email me with your idea and your email/a way to contact you. You may enter as many times as you like. Keep it fun and creative!

So...any ideas yet? 'Cause I'm fresh out. fuzzi-mom affectionately refers to it as BEN, you'll have to ask her why yourself though. ;) Good luck and happy naming.

artandstory ♥s fuzzishü

2010-12-05T22:42:00.005-06:00

Thank you to ArtAndStory for including the a-go-go 9 element necklace in their Christmas treasury. You can see all of the shapes and sizes of Christmas goodies here.

Oohhhh Waaaaatttaaaaa Goooooo Sssiiiiaaaaam...*

2010-11-23T00:05:00.008-06:00

[ a plethora of texturing tools]

This Sunday was the last segment of the Mantra Bracelet workshop at the Des Moines Art Center. There were 5 students and I think they all did a wonderful job. I know we all had a bunch of fun with 'hammer therapy' and the feeling of accomplishment when the piece is done and being worn? Priceless! The students hustled their buns and finished these earthy and heavily textured pieces in only 4 hrs. I will also be offering this workshop at the fuzzi-studio after the start of the new year or if there is enough interest expressed (they'd make great xmas presents!)

maggie - "love you to the moon and back"

megan - "faith, hope, love"

betsy - "believe in who you are & what you do"

eden - "carpe diem"

katie - "if it is to be, it is up to me"

*My grandpa was always a bit of a jokester. This used to be a 'mantra' he would have us kids say faster and faster 'til we 'got it'. Get it? ;)

Like quicksilver...

2010-11-15T22:35:00.007-06:00

J102's cast pewter 'reflection' pendant photos are up. Go check out their awesome pieces (WITH artist's statements!!!) here.

This was the first project for J102 and was a quick little piece. Students learned how to carve their designs in plaster and cast with molten pewter. I hope to get some 'in progress' photos up here soon. This was also the first project that students were 'strongly encouraged' (read: harassed non-stop) to write artists' statements. Eventually we'll get to the point of holding critiques after they complete a project. :D Watch out, students!!!

My Precioussssss

2010-11-05T15:28:00.005-05:00

Isn't my new baby pretty? I am so incredibly psyched to have gotten my hands on a rolling mill. Granted, it isn't the stacked Durston D2 130 that I've been lusting after...then again it wasn't $2,000 either! I'm looking forward to future classes being able to use this to texture their metal. It will be especially good for the cold connections project that J102 is doing right now. I am still working on getting a stand for it so that it may be used. I'm heading out to Bob's* this weekend to try and find something that might work.

This mill has a lot of history, the grandfather of the woman I got this from used to work for one of the major film production companies in Iowa. He used to collect the silver dust from the process, refine it and make jewelry. Since then the mill has been used by the grandkids to squish apples and various other objects. She approached me at state fair and asked if I might be interested in such an object. Of course I was!

I'm trying to figure out exactly what brand of mill it is and perhaps a little bit more about its history. If any of you out there have a clue, please let me know! I took her apart to try and clean it up a bit and saw a 'made in italy' stamped into the metal. There are also some letters/numbers near the top that you can see in the photo...looks like EC 82? Any ideas?

*I really really want to get one of Bob's redheads (see below) for the studio. Some day!

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's....

2010-10-27T16:26:00.005-05:00

Lucky hears a noise on the street....

...and Superdog hops up on the radiator to check it out.

'Fear not, citizens. All is well with Superdog on the prowl!...Now please help me down.'

J102 Cold Connections - Now with FREE pdf tutorial!

2010-10-24T15:16:00.011-05:00

For the second project ('But Rachel', you ask, 'where's project 1?' Fear not, gentle readers...post coming soon - posted here!) in J102 students will learn various cold connections (more info below) to create an amulet bracelet.

I have several examples of bracelets made with cold connections but my favorite one is the one I just completed - my 'Lucky Penny' bracelet. I was thinking of old penny loafers with the slot and the 'find a penny, pick it up' rhyme.

I'm hoping that by wearing it I will attract all sorts of good luck. I'll post the J102 students' pieces when we finish them.

Cold connections include such things as wire rivets, flush rivets, tube rivets and more. You can find the J102 Cold Connections Exercise document I created* for free HERE. You're welcome ;)

*Why, yes, all of those little black and white icons were painstakingly created from scratch in Photoshop (over many many many hours). I am happy to have you share this tutorial or use it in your classroom but please give me credit for its creation. Thank you.

Steampunk-ish at the Des Moines Art Center

2010-10-07T22:27:00.008-05:00

This evening concluded a short but intense bracelet workshop I was teaching at the Des Moines Art Center. Luckily we had a very small class and even though everyone was a beginner with no previous metalsmithing experience they were able to learn quickly, be adaptable, hustle and almost finish in the allotted time ;)

Students learned how to add textures to several kinds of metal using stamps, hammers and the rolling mill. They also learned how to use cold connections to finish their neo-rustic steampunk style bracelet.

This basis for this project was found in the Dec. 2007 edition of the Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist magazine and is the property of Helen Driggs. A tutorial on how to make the bracelet can be found here.

Here are a few of the finished bracelets. It's interesting to see how one own's aesthetic taste and method of working changes the final piece despite everyone beginning with the same materials and instruction. I think they did a great job and look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

J101 Fall 2010 edition

2010-10-05T23:42:00.010-05:00

And so ends another session of J101. Our happy little group was 4 members strong and what a group. We had every experience level from total novice on up and everyone was very enthusiastic. It was a great time and they did some fantastic work. See their finished projects below....

You can see more students' previous pieces here.

AutumnsAnticsStore ♥s fuzzishü

2010-09-26T11:08:00.003-05:00

Big thanks to AutumnsAnticsStore on Etsy for including the 9 element a go go necklace in her rainbow treasure. Check out some of the other great work featured here. Mmmm taste the rainbow!

Boathouse Bracelet

2010-08-09T22:56:00.006-05:00

One of the benefits of being in a warehouse full of studios is being surrounded by other creative individuals. Rebecca Eckstrand created the amazing mosaic seen above for the University of Iowa boathouse. She is also one of my fellow Fitch Studio artists and asked me to help create a bracelet to commemorate the experience using one of the glass tiles from the mosaic.

The original design for the piece is Becky's and 3D interpretation/format is mine. We both were pleased with the outcome and I look forward to future collaborations with my fellow artists.

JewelrybyTamar ♥s fuzzishü

2010-08-08T12:07:00.002-05:00

Check out this fantastic treasury on etsy by JewelrybyTamar. Tamar thanks all of us for being beautiful and I thank Tamar for seeing the beauty in the simple geometric design of the squaring.

C is for Charms...

2010-08-05T19:29:00.004-05:00

New to the Iowa State Fair for 2010! You've made a ring, now create your own sterling silver charm or pendant to match.

They make excellent gifts for new mothers, teens, grandmothers, mothers and more. You'll start with a small silver blank and learn how to file, stamp, solder and finish these small pieces of jewelry all in about half an hour. Hope you'll join us!

J101 Final Project

2010-07-12T21:58:00.005-05:00

This session of Jewelry 101 ends with both pleasure and sadness. We had a fantastic, creative hardworking group of students that made some stunning pieces of jewelry. I look foward to seeing them all again (I hope!) in J102 this Fall.

Here are some photos of their final project, a wire bracelet. You may notice I was a bit more...hmmm...flexible with the parameters of the 'wire' part of the bracelet this go around.

Teri blended her handmade glass beads and funky floral aesthetics in this fun summer-y bracelet. The back is just as decorative as the front and a textured leaf clasp completes the piece.

Amber's final piece incorporated dark lusterous pearls paired with natural patina'd and dapped copper. Her bracelet is finished off with a retro looking clasp.

[kristin's bracelet goes here]

I forgot to get a picture of Kristin's piece but will make sure to get one soon.

Hannah just returned from her European Jaunt and is working hard to catch up! Bracelet photo to be added soon.

Profession Rings

2010-07-01T15:11:00.006-05:00

My current J101 class did a fantastic job on their second project - soldered rings. Some of the designs morphed and changed as we worked on them but I think everyone was pretty happy with the final results. They had a chance to show them off at ArtFest Midwest while assisting me last weekend. I think they impressed many prospective students. :D

Teri chose to commemorate the textile industry by weaving silver strands to decorate her ring

Amber created a fun and funky retro vibe ring based on the idea of skee-ball

And Kristin's ring is an abstract representation of a fountain in a zen garden

All in all, great rings that anyone would be proud to wear. I am really looking forward to our final wire bracelet assignment and seeing what these creative chickies come up with.

dm art center teen class

2010-07-01T14:52:00.004-05:00

This summer I taught a beginning metalsmithing techniques at the Des Moines Art Center to a class full of 13 to 17 year olds. For a week they sawed, filed, riveted and finished reversible pendants as well as a stamped ring. Lots of work but well worth the effort!

KerstinHanson ♥s a go go 9 element necklace

2010-06-22T18:31:00.000-05:00

A big thanks to Kerstin for featuring my necklace in her fantastic colorful grouping!

Start my 15 minutes Mr. Warhol

2010-06-21T21:53:00.002-05:00

Mollie Cooney did a fantastic segment on her 'In the Artist's Studio' program of studio fuzzishu, myself and my upcoming classes. A big thanks to everyone at KCCI who helped make this happen. Even if I do sound more than a little bumbling ;-p There's a reason I stay in the studio people!!!

Selling at 80 mph

2010-06-21T19:30:00.005-05:00

What a weekend! I just came back from Wheaton, Illinois where I took part in the Cantigny Fine Art Festival. The weekend started off inauspiciously with a major storm - 80 mph winds and torrential rain - just in time to set up! Sadly, I didn't get any photos of this phenomenon. Many tents ended up flying like kites...one or two landed on my car. Luckily my tent stayed put.

I did get to try out my new display. It was a breeze to set up and tear down each day...just take the frames (with jewelry still on them) with me. However, if they are customer friendly is still up in the air.

Also, my aunt and cousin were in town for the day and we all went out for a delicious dinner at Tango in Naperville, Illinois - home of the world's longest steak...and amazing tapas! Having grown up in Naperville it was kind of fun to see how the town has changed and view it with new eyes. I also was able to catch up a bit with my best friend from childhood. Not a bad weekend, despite the weather!

Sneak Peek

2010-06-08T22:57:00.003-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of some new products/workshops studio fuzzishu will soon be offering.

Whimsical Pendants

2010-06-04T00:56:00.005-05:00

I've been a brutal task master and had my students saw and file til their little fingers fell off for our first project. Here are the fruits of their labor.

Teri based her pendant on her whimsical homelife in this smart geometric design. She also created each of the glass beads to represent her and her family members, including the black and white schnauzers!

Kristin was inspired by the curly vines she and her mother observed on a walk in the Greenbelt. The chain and bead really pull the piece together and help to express 'nature'.

Hannah's love for baking might not be readily apparent in this abstract pendant but look closer and the swoops and swirls. Is anyone else hungry for cupcakes?

Amber used a photo she had taken of some octopi and reinterpreted their tentacles in her asymmetrical copper pendant. The sinuous curves, warm hue, and balanced 'suction cups' say sealife.

I think my students did a fantastic job on this first project and I'm eager to see what they come up with for the next assignment! Watch out, world, we're soldering!!!

School's IN for Summer!!!

2010-05-29T23:42:00.004-05:00

(hard at work)

The third official Jewelry 101 (hereafter referred to as J101) began this past Tuesday with a practically full class. My students are off to a great start on their first project. I'll have images of the finished pieces soon. Until then enjoy these photos from my last class...

(project #2 - J101 Winter 09)

(project #3 - J101 Winter 09)

Rural Economic Development

2010-05-13T22:37:00.001-05:00

Rural Economic Development

Posted using ShareThis

Country Roads...Take Me Home

2010-05-13T22:01:00.005-05:00

Monday Lucky and I braved thunderstorms and big gusty winds on I-80 to head back down to Corning, Iowa for a visit. (The above photo is Corning in good weather, not from our actual drive down!)

I was asked to join in on a segment of Iowa Public Radio to speak as a former resident artist for the Corning Center for the Fine Arts. Did any of you catch the show? I was told that I didn't sound like a total spaz. ;) You can check out the segment on rural economic development here.

Arts and Culture in . . . Adel, Iowa?!

2010-05-10T07:41:00.007-05:00

This weekend fuzzi-mom and I attended Atherton House's 11th Annual 'Kiln Opening'. I had read a blurb about it in Juice and we went with no expectations. Wow! Talk about impressive. There were so many fantastic pieces for such a small town. In fact, there were over 90 potters from across the country represented at this showing. Here are some photos of a few of my favorites.

[photo of fuzzi-mom's mug to come soon]

Sunflower Pottery
Bob Andersen of Pella, Iowa was one of the demonstrating artists on Sunday. He does fantastic bold and whimsical pieces. This stunning turquoise mug became fuzzi-mom's Mother's Day gift. Bob took some time to chat with her about what each design element meant and how it came about, as well as sign the piece for her (it was one of the few that wasn't signed). I wish I could have taken one of everything of his home with me!

Double Creek
This mother/daughter team from Eustis, Florida create vivid pottery pieces that call to mind a 'Sticks'-like aesthetic. The in-your-face colors and chalk pastel appearance were a breath of fresh air. Totally unlike any of the other pieces we'd seen that day.

Michael Cohen Tiles
I also snagged a trivet/tile from Michael Cohen of Pelham, MA. His work is striking in shades of cerulean and turquoise with deeply imprinted designs under a thick layer of glass. We first visited the show on Friday but stopped back on Sunday. Quite a few of his pieces had sold and I was glad I snagged mine when I did.

A singularly beautiful raku'd vase and lid by Kerry Gonzalez.

Eartha Handmade Tiles
Mmmm pretty. Depth + unusual colors + whimsy = fantastic! Look at that octopus! And the bird tile at the bottom. The asymmetry and balance between the bird, flower and night sky creates a dynamic appeal all of its own. I think the frame and 'windows' of each piece really create a strong design. These are on the must-have list ;)

Glenda Jordan Ceramics
Vivacious, vivid, verdant organic ceramics in a lovely light lime green. Delicious and refreshing pottery for your special events and everyday purposes. Love these!

Lollipop Pottery
Like a scoop of refreshing rainbow sherbert this husband/wife team from Perrysburg, Ohio make charming and quirky bowls and plates. I'd love to have a mix-matched set of these birdy bowls. Perhaps when I have a place to call 'permanent home'.

Lisa Muller Studio
These groovy tiles have such depth and vitality. Each little tableau invites you to create a hundred different stories. My favorite is the stack of sustainable birds. Guess I must have been on a real bird kick this weekend.

Motawi Tileworks
Sharp crisp lines vie with curvy sinuous forms in Arts & Crafts style tiles. I love the graphic appearance of these pieces. I think you could design a room around any one of these.

Royce Yoder
What's warm and cool and earthy all over? These sensuous and covet-able vases by Royce Yoder. They invite you to touch them, lingering on the smooth but rippled texture. Check out the curvy beauty in the back.

Three Wheel Studio
I usually prefer my art (and my clothing) loud and funky as opposed to pastel, floral, or lacey on principal. But with Dwo Wen Chen's* pottery I am more than happy to change my mind. These elegant pieces have actual flowers, leaves and twigs pressed into the clay before firing the first time. The delicate and realistic watercolor-like palette highlights the texture in the clay and gives the piece life. The japanese maple leaves are one of my favorites.

* A fellow RISD-ite!

Cache Valley Pottery
Again, not my typical design aesthetic and I'm thrilled to have my tastes expanded. Sharon Brown Mikkelson's cave animal designs have such life and movement. Her pieces have a look that is both primal and totally contemporary.

This horsehair raku work by a studio in Wisconsin was something I hadn't seen before. Both fuzzi-mom and I liked the earthy and organic appearance.

I do believe that this Kiln Opening will become one of my yearly must-dos. Hope to see some of you there next year!

Refrigerator Art For Her Neck

2010-05-06T21:36:00.005-05:00

Remember how Mom liked to hang your art on the refrigerator? She'll love this even more!

Create a sterling silver pendant accented with 14k gold for or with your Mom. Have a crafty mom? Give her the opportunity to make her own. It only takes about 30 minutes and each pendant is as unique as a fingerprint. Contact Rachel to reserve a time.

Et Finis!

2010-05-06T19:55:00.002-05:00

It's done, it's done, itsdoneitsdoneitsdone!!! Yay! I loved designing this 'mother's brooch'* with Jan and I enjoyed making it but I am happy to have finally finished it. Everything was going swimmingly but the last few soldering steps were quite dicey. It's a beautiful piece, if I do say so myself, but I am SO GLAD the scary soldering is done! I hope Jan's mom loves it too.

* I hope to make one of these all in silver for a kick *ss belt buckle soon :D

Money Can't Buy You Love....

2010-05-05T20:00:00.003-05:00

But it does pay the rent! - MRW

Steampunk Saturday

2010-05-02T19:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we went to a....

in Kansas City. The bead show was fairly impressive for a small show and quite crowded but the main draw for me was the steampunk pendant workshop. It seemed like a fun opportunity to do some cold connections in a style I don't normally use. Here's the piece in progress...

Although the workshop was from 1-4pm we still didn't have enough time to finish up. Here's the (mostly) finished piece. We had a blast and I hope to be offering some steampunk workshops at my studio soon. Please email me or leave a comment here if you are interested. Thanks!

Studio 402 Open Studio

2010-04-27T00:19:00.012-05:00

Last Friday was the first annual open studio at Studio 402. Studio 402 is delightful blend of yours truly and Mary of MRW studio. Ferzana, a beadmaker/teacher on the third floor decided to open her door to her students as well. We had a pretty decent turn out, there were snackies and a white sangria I had been experimenting with.

I also realized that I haven't shared images of the new studio with you all yet. From my alley studio in Corning to my third floor space in the Fitch to the new space on the fourth floor. It's been a series of moves up (even if I did have to shlepp the 110 lb. anvil!). Our current studio has amazing huge windows, an impressive view of downtown Des Moines and is just mere blocks from the Des Moines Social Club, the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden and the Des Moines Library (and the South Union Bread Company!). All dangerous things. ;)

Without further ado, here are some images of Studio 402...and Lucky, my sometimes studio pooch.

"Seriously? Just give me the cookie!" - Lucky

(view of my glass and jeweler's bench area)

(looking towards Mary's side of the studio and the exit)

I teach a variety of metalsmithing classes in my studio. From 2 hr workshops to 10 week classes.

I also teach glass bead making classes. I've been making beads since I was 15, let's just say I am pretty comfortable with molten glass!

New to studio fuzzishu in 2009 was blowing glass ornaments. We all had a blast and I am looking forward to offering it again this year. Not only during the holiday season but for a Xmas in July event as well as by appointment. Come get a jump on your holiday gifts!

Muse Silk Painting ♥s a go go studs

2010-01-25T12:12:00.008-06:00

I'm a little embarrassed at how long it's been since I last posted an update. I'll work hard(er) to make sure 2010 has more regular updates. As a kickoff, how about this sweet little feature from Muse Silk Painting's blog. Thanks Angel!

New project with Nauvoo Glassworks

2009-05-25T18:06:00.010-05:00

matching the hot glass colors to my moretti

heating the color

'gathering' the clear glass

blowing a bubble to get it started

enlarging the form

heating the end so we can create a hole

blowing out a hole on the bottom of the piece

enlarging the hole and opening up the vessel

'blocking' the vessel with wood paddles to thicken the walls

spinning the vessel into disc form

removing disc from the furnace

almost done!

I've had a project in mind for awhile. A large sculpture using glass. This past weekend was devoted to getting this project off the ground. My mom and Lucky (my pup) spent the past few days camping with me in Nauvoo, Illinois while I worked across the street with Jim Topic of Nauvoo Glassworks.

Finding a glassblower in the Midwest is not an easy thing. The glass movement is primarily based in the Northwest for many good reasons. Foremost being the weather. Nobody wants to stand in front of a blazing hot furnace and play with molten glass in 90 degree plus humidity weather. After finding a select few glass blowers in surrounding states the next matter was finding one who would take on such a small and specific project. I had planned to be involved but I hadn't planned to be nearly as involved as I was working with Jim!

While at RISD I had considered majoring in glassblowing. I had tried my hand at it before and had been lampworking for almost 4 summers at that point. In order to make my decision I took a wintersession of glassblowing. After witnessing a major nasty accident, the trials and tribulations of hauling glass pieces to shows, and contemplating the start up costs alone I made the decision to become a jeweler. After this weekend I am doubly glad!

There's something mesmerizing about the flow of molten glass. The magic of the material as it begins to firm up into a shape you've coaxed out of it. Vivid colors, immediate textures, light playing in the transparency. Luckily I have the ability to still witness these qualities on a small scale in front of my torch.

sweet sharp ♥s squarings

2009-01-09T13:33:00.011-06:00

I woke up to a fantastic email this morning - New York based shopping blog, Sweet Sharp, is featuring fuzzishü's Squaring - Pearl in their geometric jewelry post 'Of circles and squares'.

Go on over and check it out!

What's in a name?

2009-01-08T14:16:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week I launched a quest on Etsy. I have a series of work that needed a name. They are beautiful little fine silver pendants on 14k gold filled chains. The contrast, the cut-out designs, the curly edges. Many little elements coming together to create a harmonious whole. But they were without a name. 24 hours after turning to my fellow Etsy-ians I have well over 30 suggestions. I was looking for a one-word name to go with my other series (retro, a go go, etc.)

The finalists were :

-melange

-glacier

-serenity

-ombre

-decoupe

-tranquility

-harmony

-silhouette

And the winner is....Silhouette! You can see the winner's post about the contest here.

fuzzishü spotting! Creston, Iowa

2009-01-08T03:13:00.004-06:00

There's a fantastic article written about my project to stay in Corning in the Creston News Advertiser. Please check it out!

Artist seeks permanent home in Corning
By TYLER ELLYSON - CNA staff reporter

It was love at first sight for Rachel Sims, who has been an artist-in-residence at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts since July 2007. She lives and creates her handmade jewelry in Corning, and would love for it to stay that way.

There’s just one problem.

The young artist needs to sell close to $70,000 of jewelry before the end of February.

Go to the full article.

fuzzishü ♥s etsy

2009-01-07T11:38:00.006-06:00

I've taken the plunge and started posting my jewelry on Etsy for the grass roots project mentioned in the last post (link). Etsy is a fantastic site featuring a wide variety of handmade goods by artists around the world. It is also a wonderfully open community. Another Etsy member interviewed me for her blog for the 'Interesting or Not so Interesting' section. Please go here and check it out. What can I say? I live my life like a Chinese proverb/curse - 'May you live in interesting times'. :P

fuzzishü spotting! Council Bluffs, Iowa

2009-01-04T12:14:00.004-06:00

Council Bluffs did a fantastic article on both fuzzishü and the Corning Center for the Fine Arts.

Our Neighbors: Artist Sims right at home in Corning
by Emily Kesten, Staff Writer

...Linda Shearer, the center's board president, would like to keep Sims in Corning. "If you know of any projects for her, let us know," she said.

Artists in residence who open studios in Adams County following completion of their residency receive a reimbursement on their program rent. But more importantly, artists who stay can develop and sustain a creative culture in rural Iowa.

The young artist hopes to raise enough money from jewelry sales by the end of February to buy an 110-year-old building on Davis Avenue, Corning's main street.

"I saw it on my first day in Corning, and it was just like - boom! That's it!" said Sims.

After spending two and a half years in Switzerland, Sims took a chance on Corning, a small town she had never seen with "a population smaller than my high school." The chance has turned into a life decision.

The slower pace of life, close-knit community, its lively downtown and the can-do spirit appeal to her.

Check it out the full article here.

fuzzishü ♥s elements ltd.

2008-11-03T13:06:00.008-06:00

Elements Ltd. is a modern and unique art jewelry boutique located in the Roosevelt shopping center in Des Moines Iowa. Founded in 1995 by Mel Parks, Marta Jones-Couch, and Sheena Thomas Elements displays some of the best known studio jewelers in the US. - such as Sarah Graham, Todd Reed, Chris Ploof, and Michael Daniels.

fuzzishü is very proud to be joining this line up (plus, how fantastic do the pieces look in their shop?!) Please stop by and say hi to the wonderful people at Elements and see what's on display.

Elements Ltd.
837 42nd Street
Des Moines, Iowa

515.277.7421

Sweet September Sweeps

2008-10-04T22:33:00.010-05:00

I know you've been waiting. You can't take it any longer!!!

Who. Is. September's. Jewelry. Giveaway. Winner????

But I digress. As many of you know, when you sign up for the fuzzishü mailing list you are automatically registered to win fuzzishü jewelry 4 times a year (spring, summer, winter, fall) Pretty exciting, no? Granted there will be other contests on here from time to time, but do you really want to miss out on this?

So, back to the Sweeps. This past month we were giving away a pair of 'winter' earrings. The lucky winner was a visitor to my booth at the Uptown Minneapolis show - Robyn J.

... Bob, show her what she's won....

Robyn will have her choice of colors: blush (rosy pink), dew (yellowy-green), mist (lilac) , breeze (cornflower blue), frost (clear), bliss (seafoam green), or whisper (pale aqua).

For those of you who didn't win, don't worry you are still entered for the next drawing. If you still can't live without a pair feel free to email me. I have more available for purchase. And for those of you not on the list...What are you waiting for?!

Join now by emailing fuzzishu [at] gmail [dot] com with 'MAILING LIST' as the subject. Remember kids, it's as they say. You can't win if you don't play ;)

What's black + white + read all over?

2008-09-30T23:43:00.012-05:00

*Update 10.11.08 - After viewing the actual paper I found the article was on the front page. Woo hoo!*

The Daily NonPareil wrote a very nice article about the Corning Center for the Fine Arts, including some quotes from yours truly...

CORNING - Many starving artists move to the big city only to find themselves working full time in order to cover rent while the art that they came to pursue slowly fades into the shadows.

"Most people say if you want to be an artist, you have to go to New York," said Rachel Sims, resident artist at the Corning Center for Fine Arts. "Most artists can't afford to live in New York, and you do everything but art."

Sims began her residency in Corning in July 2007 after living in Switzerland for 2½ years.

"I was coming back to Iowa to start up my business full time and was looking for a place to do that," Sims said. "When I was Googling studio space in Iowa, this residency in Corning came up and it sounded perfect. I'd never had a chance to live in a small town, and the housing was an added bonus; a place to live and work."

For the full article go here.

Introducing....

2008-09-19T00:52:00.002-05:00

Apologies good readers. I meant to post this a long while back. Some of the material (regarding fair, for example) is dated. At long last I give you the post that should have been....

As promised, here are some images of the new line a-go-go (for the moment this blog is the go-to place to see my work. My website is not up and operational yet. Webdesigners interested in working a trade please let me know!). Each piece features hammer textured silver discs with a vibrant glass disc adorning it. For this series I am working with a palette of 9 colors of transparent lampworked glass.

Quick history : At the tender age of 16 I learned how to make glass beads by trial and error. In front of audiences. 12 hrs a day. All 11 days of the Iowa State Fair. For 10 years I continued to demonstrate at the fair alongside my mentor (another story for another time) until I decided that taking my 2 weeks of vacation to return to the US (I was living in Switzerland by that point) to work 12 hour days was getting to be a little much. My brother took over my job and I have had to find other ways to become a part of 'fair' again (watch for future posts!) *ed. - obviously referring to the RiNGS workshops

Sandwiching these summers of beadmaking I also took every metalsmithing class available at my high school and some beyond that. I worked for local jewelers doing a variety of oddjobs. I attended and graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design after having focused on jewelry and metalsmithing. In all of this time I have searched for a good way to bring my two passions together. This new line is the culmination of that search. It's a starting point that I will be springboarding off of to discover new ideas. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

State Fair in Review

2008-08-30T20:25:00.008-05:00

How awesome was state fair? Incredibly awesome. We had fantastic weather, wonderful students, helpful and friendly assistants and, of course, my groovy state fair 'family'. Thank you to everyone who came out and took the workshop. We had almost 200 students during the 11 days (9am-9pm every day!). That's a LOT of rings. Iptv came out and filmed a segment on the RiNGS class. You can see it below. I am crossing my fingers we are invited back next year. Thanks again to everyone for helping make it a great fair in '08!

Introducing...R i N G S

2008-07-29T09:06:00.012-05:00

Hi All- a special welcome to all new readers and email list recipients -
We have soooo much to catch up on. There's the story of the broken EZ-up, last weekend's Uptown show in Minneapolis, and some unrelated events that are kind of fun that I'd like to share. But first...I wanted to let you know about a very special upcoming event at the Iowa State Fair.

(Quick background - for almost 10 years I assisted a local glass beadmaker by demonstrating at the ISF 12 hrs a day for 11 days. After moving to Geneva I continued to return to Iowa, using my vacation time to 'work' the fair, it is just that good. If you've never been to it I highly recommend planning next year's family vacation now! My brother has since taken over my beadmaking responsibilities and I'm very excited to be returning to my 'state fair family' to offer this new event.)

I will teaching silver ring making workshops daily (Aug. 7 - 17) at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm and 8pm in the Cultural Building. Each participant will receive a silver ring blank and the side by side instruction to saw, stamp and solder it to create their own unique piece of jewelry.

The R i N G S workshop is for anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at jewelry making, from total beginners on up. Workshops are a little over an hour long and $40* ($35 if you bring in the coupon from the July 31st edition of Cityview). Please contact me to reserve a space.

Here's your chance to win a free workshop! Just leave a comment about why you are interested in taking this class and I will be choosing one submission by midnight Friday August 8th.

*cost of workshop does not include admission to the Iowa State Fair.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

2008-07-02T19:12:00.004-05:00

After a full weekend of art show and then two solid days of errand running in the 'big city' (towns with populations under 2,000 aren't known for their large selection of amenities) I am finally back and ready to hit the studio again. Next show is in a little over two weeks in Wisconsin and I need to replenish my stock.

I met some interesting folks at ArtFest Midwest, some fellow Orchid members, saw some old friends and new people interested in my work. Granted, I didn't get out of my booth very often. I was demonstrating metalsmithing - 'like watching paint dry' as another jeweler commented. It's true, filing, sawing, sanding...not so interesting to watch, but I wasn't prepared to haul my anvil to do any forging - as well as selling my work. Set up for a 10' x 20' booth was a bear! We took 2 fully loaded vehicles out there and then made two more trips. After the show (of course, after!) I found this beauty....

How awesome is this? A portable bench! This would have been sooooo much easier to travel with and only 50lbs. Something to think about for the future. What can I say? I guess I am a gadgety sort of gal. I am still holding out for a laser welder (drool!), rolling mill, and drawbench. Sigh. :) Hope you all had a great weekend!

EXTRA! EXTRA! - interweb silence shattered by new fuzzishü post!

2008-06-24T16:40:00.009-05:00

Riiiight. So obviously this 'regular posting' thing needs some work. I'll get on that.

As to the Las Vegas show - Mom and I drove out from Iowa through Nebraska (flat and boring), Colorado, Montana (blizzard), and Utah (great Indian food in Provo); then returned via New Mexico, Arizona, Texas (got me a tumbleweed), Kansas (also flat and boring, except for hwy 50), and Missouri. Yes folks, you read right. We saw 10 states in less than a week. Whoooosh.

The show was a bit, hmmm, quieter than I had expected and my booth was waaaay overcomplicated for what it needed to be.

Need to revise it for the next indoor show. I did manage to pick up my first wholesale order (yay!) and got to enjoy the company of my booth neighbor Rhonda, of Figs & Ginger (as well as one being one my former studio mates at RISD), and her husband Elijah. We did not, however, get a chance to really go explore the town and don't even ask about the first night we spent at the Hooters hotel. Yeah. :I

So, what now? Why no post til June? Well, good question. The new line I debuted at ACRE is a mixed bag. Beautiful but oh so tricky to make. Here's a preview...

...the next post will be devoted to the new line. All of my time pre-Vegas was devoted to getting ready for the show. All of the time post-Vegas? Well, I can't tell a lie, it was also spent in studio ... and a short stint (read 12 hr days!) as a line chef at a new Mexican restaurant at town but that's another tale for another blog!

I had planned my first summer show to be ArtFest Midwest in Des Moines (June 26, 27) and have feverishly been preparing for it. Then I got a call a week before the Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina, Kansas asking if I was still interested in participating. I had been high on the wait list and they had a last minute opening. So, off to Kansas we went. A little completely unprepared. But it was a good show except for the wind. My EZ Up has aspirations of being a kite.

We managed to lash 'er down with the help of some of my neighbor artists and weathered the weekend. Heard some great bands (Black Violin grew on me especially), met some fantastic artists, and generally enjoyed ourselves.

Which brings us to this weekend...fuzzishü will be at ArtFest Midwest out at the state fair grounds in Des Moines (not flooded, yay!). I will be up front demonstrating metalsmithing techniques and showing my work as well. I hope to see you all out there. Come for the art, stay for the demonstrations. :D

Viva fuzzi-vegas

2008-03-30T13:09:00.001-05:00

Holy cats, where has the time gone? Over a month since the last post. Sorry bloggeroos. I've been busy in the studio preparing for a huuuuuuge event coming up next month. Big, very big. Big like Godzilla big.

Get this....fuzzishü is going to Sin City. We are participating in our first wholesale show and crossing our fingers and shoelaces that we aren't in over our heads. And like Godzilla we are going to take a big bite out of this city! The new line of work is almost ready to unveil (stay tuned), the business cards are being printed, and the booth assembled. Things are hectic here at the fuzzi studio but bear with us. Bless this mess, pardon our dust, and all that jazz.

What's nu? fuzzishü!

2008-02-24T19:46:00.000-06:00

Hey blogosphere. I'm back. Foodblogging temporarily on hold, it's time to introduce my long lost passion. Jewelry. I am a jeweler by nature. A looker. A tinkerer. A small thing maker. I've missed the smell of metal on my hands and the volcano like glow of molten glass. I look forward to sharing them with you. fuzzishü is the culmination of these loves. You might even call it the love-child of metal and glass jewelry.

For 6+ months now I've been residing in smalltown USA evolving this new incarnation of my jewelry. I've done some small shows, I've taught some classes, I've helped cater events. All the while I was experimenting, buying new tools, trying new designs and it's time. It's time to see this puppy go live. The website is still in the works but please, come, sit, stay awhile and sip on some iced tea while you peruse some fuzzi-photos and I spin tales of delight to enchant you. We're glad you're here!