A chronicle of the meanderings, false starts (which in retrospect, while sort of embarrassing turned out to be highly instructive), epiphanies, selective apathy (still evolving), wild mood swings, opinions (subject to frequent change), and life lessons of an inveterate dabbler (and her latest dabblings).

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Hermitude


I was working on this about a month ago, after some unexpected success using Press 'n' Peel blue sheets to transfer images to metal for etching (higher temp on the iron--"wool" setting--did the trick). Sharing my project got interrupted by a spot of surgery that became more extensive than my doctor or I had planned, so I've been recuperating at home, two important but apparently unnecessary organs lighter (and with some sexy Frankenstein-style handiwork) and grasping like never before the jaw-dropping inanity of contemporary television programming. I have to say that all the me-time (every day is Me-Day!) and sleeping has been a wonderful luxury, and I've been perfectly giddy having a valid excuse not to bathe (I hate getting wet, so daily showering is a real martyrdom for me) or do anything productive. I'm like a baby again, feeling all proud about farting (I also briefly contemplated hiring a skywriter to let everyone know "I pooped!" it was so exciting), getting out of a chair by myself, and walking to the bathroom on my own steam.
The vaguely bird-shaped focal here is made of two etched copper shapes fastened together with copper eyelet rivets, so it's double sided (both sides are pictured above). The floral patterns on each side are slightly different. They were antiqued with traditional verdigris patina from Sculpt Nouveau. The fabulous deep red raku lampwork egg is by Kelley Wenzel, the light turquoise lampwork spacers are from Meital, and the little filigree verdigris bead cap is from Shannon LeVart. The dark red and teal accent beads are from Happy Mango Beads. The half-dome copper end pieces (my DIY bead tips) and copper chain were made by me. Cording is Irish waxed linen in turquoise.

This will eventually be for sale in my Etsy shop but I'm not able to get to the post office yet to ship (too far to walk and I'm not ready for the manual transmission in my car yet), so for now my shop is empty. I would like to make a small series of these pieces with different shapes and colors. Eventually.
OK, nap time.

21 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to hear about your unexpectedly extensive surgery but glad you are recovering OK.

    That is a lovely necklace design, I like the verdigrised focal especially.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks to me like your on your way to full-steam ahead. In the meantime, I hope the naps will get you on your way to full recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Continue to take good care of yourself, Keirsten. I had noticed that your shop was on vacation and worried about you.

    ((Keirsten))

    ReplyDelete
  4. As usual, Keirsten, you have come up with yet another unique and lovely design. I think working in series would suit you well.

    Sorry to hear about you unexpected surgery. I have a couple of guesses which important but non-essential organs might have gone bye bye. I think I'm probably missing them myself. Actually I've got a few non essentials missing to the point where I think that I should get a break in health insurance rates because it's not going to be a financial drain on the company ever again. We should look into it. Maybe start a movement. Speaking of movements...the poops, they become a post surgical monumental major league milestone. Run up the flag. Shout from the mountain top. Poops are a very big deal. I am happy to hear you are achieving this very under rated an even more unspoken about near miracle. I celebrate with you!

    Take care, my friend. Hugs and healing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm sorry to hear that you've been ill. Enjoy the rest of the relaxing (I mean recuperating) time. I understand the thrill of the little baby-like things. My youngest sister had a hip replacement in December and that's what it was like for her, too. Oh, look! I can walk from the bed to the bathroom by myself! Speedy recovery!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good to see you back. Thought you were maybe on some extended exotic excursion, Well, excursion it must have been but not the fun type. Sorry to hear of your surgery, and good to hear that you're on the mend.
    Beautiful piece with one of my fav color combos and copper. Look forward to seeing more.
    Take care...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I saw that your shop was on 'vacation' setting, and not many posts. Get well soon. Yeah, I can imagine how you feel; the small things.. After my C-section, I went through similar aspects, not to mention the fact that the real 'baby' had to be taken care of! You are doing great because you are trying and keeping your spirits high. Come out soon! My prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My doctor had a C-section some years ago, with twins even, so she was commiserating with me too! Haha, the real "baby". Thanks for your kind words!

      Delete
  8. Sorry to hear about your surgery, BUT that you're on the mend. And creating some great work in the meantime! Best of luck to you and your recovery. xoxo Juliette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Juliette! Things are looking up daily!

      Delete
  9. Gorgeous necklace! - hope you are feeling better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've missed you, too, take care and get better.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Keirsten, it is so good to read your post. Thank you for sharing where you got each supply that you used for this necklace. It is just fabulous. I LOVE the chain! I am glad you are on the mend and don't need the organs removed. lol
    When I had the surgery I slept for a month and then felt like a million bucks. I hope the same for you. <3
    Patty
    (oh, and I would love to send you some beads. Do you like transparent, opaque, shiny or organic? Contact me please.)

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's so nice to see new work, and here's hoping that you're healing well.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been admiring this necklace for a few days now on Facebook and maybe I saw it on Flickr too. Love those rich, deep reds!
    Sending you healing thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  14. so glad you're on the mend. take advantage and get some rest. wishing you a speedy recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've been missing my supply of Keirsten inspiration. So sorry to hear about your unexpected op, I had one not long ago as well :( Hope you are up and about and all fixed up soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jess! I hope you have fully recovered from your medical adventure too! I'm making progress, and am hoping to find the time to make some new things soon.

      Delete
  16. Happy to see that you're well enough to post this and hope each day is better and better. This is a beautiful piece of jewelry, Keirsten. Your talent for designing with so many beautiful elements really shows here.
    Love this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your very kind words, and get-well wishes! I am doing better every day and hope to have more things to share soon.

      Delete
  17. You are so funny! glad you are enjoying your down time, hope you are good as new soon :)

    ReplyDelete