Thank You!

Hi all. It’s been awhile since I have made a blog post & a lot is going on. It’s much easier on the day-to-day to post on Instagram, which if you’re not familiar with it, is like a running log of pretty magazine photos with less wordage. I am making this post just to share more information than usual because a lot is happening on The Prairie and that change is because of you. Thank you! 

Obicular Ryolite & Garnet Necklace Removable Kinetic Chain

Wild Prairie Silver has grown every year since the start… which was when my son was an infant, 2001. He will be 18 years old this coming winter…crazy! I have always worked out of my basement and it’s not a studio – it’s a basement. I was talking with another local jeweler and he said, “Why do they always put us in the basement?” We laughed cuz it’s true.

Learning and working, learning and working, learning and working, learning and working….there has been steady small-scale growth (my business is still microscopic) that is wonderful. Wild Prairie Silver will finally have a studio, and be above ground, joining the living by 2019… The view will be of The Prairie that I live on, out of many large windows (A WINDOW! WHATS A WINDOW! SAYS THE GIRL WHO WORKS IN A BASEMENT.) I am excited. (I am also terrified.)

Here is the first pic of the studio… colored concrete slab with some plumbing in it. The walls go up this Friday & Saturday. My husband is doing all the work himself with the help of some friends. I thank them greatly. This is a luxury I could have done without my entire life. I just about throw up looking at the cost, however, what is the cost of the sun shining on you as you work? I just keep saying that to myself. (The size of it is roughly a two car garage.)

Turquoise Aquamarine Cuff Bracelet 

The studio space is a work space, not a retail space. We will have an open studio event yearly for Christmas, but not sure it will be ready this year. We will be able to see you by appointment which really helps with ring restyles & custom designs. We will have wine, chocolate and jewelry on hand  in case you call and can stop in for a jewelry fix, plus a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate!

I have had the same 2 questions this year from multiple folks. So I will try to answer them as best I can.  1)  How to ‘have a business?’  2)  Do I or will I teach a class?

1. I have one answer to creating a business from your art = work. I work a minimum  of full-time, usually it’s much more than that. Work time is not time on the computer. Work time is time you are actually creating something. There is no secret. I worked as an RN since I was 21 years old, until 3 years ago (I am now 43). I started making jewelry, loved it and the entire time I was an RN, I was becoming a jeweler…did both at the same time for 16 years. I ‘retired’ from my nursing career reluctantly 3 years ago and it was the best thing that could have happened. (Everything happens for a reason and nothing worth having happens easily or overnight.) Clock your time and work 40 hours at whatever it is you do. Your work day is 8-5 like everyone elses or 7-7 or 6-8… whatever it takes…. If you’re not doing this you are not working enough. If you have small children this is impossible if you are actually being a parent. I could not do this with children under 10 years old. Also take a vacation every year even if it’s an at home vacation and do not do your art for one week. Your mind needs a restart and maybe your hands need a rest as well.
2.  About teaching classes: I simply do not have time. I have so much to do before I die. I will never get it all done. I need more classes myself. I have a family. I run a business. I am an artist. I am always thinking and creating, reinventing a wheel in my basement … and then making dinner. Leaving here to teach a class is almost impossible. I live in a very rural area that has zero hotels. I don’t/won’t ever have the space here to teach a class. When I do get to leave here I want to take a vacation with my kids/husband and not make jewelry. Once in a great while I teach at Peninsula School Of Art, Fish Creek Door County Wisconsin, which is one hour from my house. They have a beautiful metals studio with great classes and great teachers. PeninsulaSchoolOfArt.org  

Labradorite Necklace 

Cross Angel Wing Necklace 

I have to say a huge Thank you!!!!!  to all that have helped me in the past years and years ~ Either as a customer, as a mentor, as my family member, as a teacher, as a gallery owner, a friend … Wow, so many people have touched and influenced my life so I can do what I love to do.

Also I have an apprentice, she’s be a wonderful addition to the studio… Kali… She is becoming an amazing jeweler in her own right. Then there’s Skyla… the college intern… she is the organizational CEO of the studio. She has organizational skills that I was never born with. Both of these wonderful women help with all things Wild Prairie. They don’t go to shows cuz that would be cruel and unusual punishment ~ Roadies for the art shows… husband, Savannah and Wyatt (my kids who have spent countless hours at art shows)… take down and set up is a smash and grab but it gets done in record time.

***My customer…. none of this would be possible without you believing in what I make for you. I want your piece of jewelry to be everything you want it to be. I want your heirloom jewelry to be worn, be memorable and be amazing. I want the items you decide to decorate your body with to be a reflection of you, your past, present, future. That is why I love what I do. It connects us. My art connects you to memories and events and that makes it all worth any time, any failure, tons of effort… it’s the success in the finished piece that makes your face light up with joy or tear up with a memories. My very best pieces have been because of you pushing me, changing it, making me see it through your perspective. I could not exist without ya. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Diamond Ring 

And for the Jewelry… making leaps and strides with higher end pieces.. getting braver and braver. I hope to take another gem setting class in 2019 so I can be more confident in setting unusual gems in gold. Ring show is for sale but an example of how your diamonds sitting in a drawer can become something else… something you will wear.

Events coming up are Oct 6 & 7th Townline Art Fair which is held at the Fineline Gallery in Ephraim Wisconsin… Door Co. It’s a show that has been going on for decades so come and enjoy the fall colors and the beautiful harvest festivals all over Door County that weekend. November 24th, Small Business Saturday, East Depere High School 9-3.

I will keep ya updated on the Studio. Since my husband is doing it himself it will take a while. Again thank you all, and enjoy the weekend and hopefully see you at a show before Christmas.(Yes, I said Christmas… it’s coming…. please put in any custom orders as soon as ya can… already started on some.)

~ God Bless 🙂 joy

Summer Is Finally Here

Just got back from my daughter, Savannah, High School class trip to Washington DC. It was a 16 hour bus ride one way and it was worth it. What a beautiful city full of amazing museums & monuments. I am a history, science geek so I could have stayed in one museum for a week but we covered miles of ground in just a few days. The HOPE Diamond is amazing… of course I went to see that and the Hall Of Gems in the Museum Of Natural History. This is my daughter and myself at the Lincoln Monument.

Sorry I have not blogged in a while. I have moved most of my commentary to http://www.instagram.com/wildprairiesilver   

If you do not use Instagram it’s very fun. I think it’s like a magazine you design yourself. I will try and continue to post on here once in a while and keep ya updated. My show schedule (click this link) is on my website for the summer. My next show is July 21st & 22nd in Sheboygan Wisconsin.. Kohler Art Fair, space #106

Tomorrow.. I teach this class at Peninsula School Of Art in Fish Creek Door County. I do not usually teach. I like it/enjoy it but I do not have time. Why this earring???? We use several tools… rolling mill & hydraulic press, beginning soldering, and beginning wire wrapping. I think there is one more open spot in the class. Again tomorrow Fish Creek Door Co WI Peninsula School Of Art 9-4pm

Other classes ~ We are excited to say that Richard Salley is making a pit stop in my teeny tiny town. July 17th, 18th (Tuesday & Wednesday) He will be teaching the above two classes. They are pretty much full, but might be able to take on one person in each class. Main issue is that it is in Casco Wisconsin. No hotel (or anything else) – nearest hotel 15 miles away or more… Algoma, Sturgeon Bay, Kewaunee have hotels. It is NOT at my studio. My studio fits one person in it. (It is in my basement and it is an underwhelming place to visit.) If you would like to take one of these classes, please text Wild Prairie’s Phone at 920-365-6341 and we will let ya know if they are available. $275… need to be able to solder a bezel and saw out a shape before you come to class. I will be there to help out if you’re a newbie. Again space is available for one person, already almost full.

We have done about one or two diamond ring restyles a month. The above two photos are of peoples diamonds they wanted redone into something else. It’s been super fun. The budget for this completely varies depending on what you want and the amount of gold you want to use. All of them turn out a little different than the next. email if you are interested 🙂 joy@joykruse.com

White Sapphire & Faceted Moonstone Necklace… This is currently at J Jeffery Jewelers in Fish Creek Door County Wisconsin. We made this for the Royal Wedding but ya know the Queen just never called? We are still perplexed as to why she does know us. 🙂 🙂 🙂 And the Bride! She wasn’t even wearing a necklace! Talk about missed opportunity on their part. (Hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!)

Diamond Necklace & Pebble Ring 

We created another website for stone lovers. I have had a supply site for years on Etsy called MidnightinSavannah.Etsy.com. I wanted to have a site that was not controlled by another company. (I had an ecommerce site go out of business and take all my business with it- yikes!) So, we made a new site that is not owned by another vendor for our stones and supplies: SavannahJewelrySupply.com 

On June 21st at 9am Central time we will have a huge sale via Instagram for stones that I have hand picked. The instagram site is @savannahjewelrysupply  We post the stone parcels and they all have a name. You just text us the name of the parcel you want ~ Studio Phone # 920-365-6341. We let ya know if it’s available or already gone. You send us your PayPal email and we invoice you for your stones. If you want more than one parcel we make a pile for you & invoice you when the sale is over. If you are out of the country then DM us on Instagram. US shipping is $5 & overseas shipping is $12.

Amazonite Earrings 

Carnelian Turquoise Ring 

Awesome goodies from Bead and Button Show! Some of these will be for sale in our stone sale June 21st ~ It is held on Instagram @SavannahJewelrySupply  

We will have a large selection of faceted freeform gems as well on that day: Prehnite, Carnelian, Labradorite, Amethyst, Moonstone, Yellow Opal, Variscite, Amazonite, Chrysophrase, Pink Opal. Text to purchase right from the photo 920-365-6341

Moving up & moving out 🙂 🙂 🙂  If you have ever been to my studio, you know I work in my basement. It’s finally time for a new studio. Financially, it’s not worth it (my basement is ok) however, I plan to work until I am dead so I have to move above ground just for moral. It won’t be amazing like the pinterest photos of studios (it will be a garage with a lot of windows) but it will be amazing to me as it will be above ground with a spectacular view the sun setting on my wild prairie. I can’t wait to just pour some concrete and stand on it…soon… 🙂 🙂 🙂 I will have a Christmas Open House in the new studio and you’re invited.

Peace to all ~ Hope to see you at a show ~ Happy Summer ~ joy 🙂

Christmas Show Schedule

I have not posted on my blog in a zillion years so I figured I had better for the Christmas Show Schedule… I don’t post on here very much any more because I use Instagram as a daily log of what I am doing and making. If you want to catch up on some images go to ~http://www.Instagram.com/Wildprairiesilver   

NEXT SATURDAY 9-3PM 500 SWAN ROAD DEPERE ~ I am out in the hallway in the commons area. There is a line at the door so if it’s cold come at 9:30 cuz then you won’t have to wait in line outside. Parking is impossible.

Saturday Dec 2nd Art Show at Titletown Tap Room on Broadway in Green Bay ~ 10-5PM. There is a home Packer Game the following day so I expect we will be busy. Please stop in and see us. This is the first year for this even and we could be standing there alone, listening to the crickets, but we are hoping not.

Last but not least… a get together (I can’t really call it a show cuz it is not a show but a party) A Christmas Open House in Kewaunee at 210 Ellis Street~Kewaunee WI Kali’s School Of Dance Studio is hosting us… Stop in and say hello and have some Wine and Chocolates with us so we can wish you a Merry Christmas.

We are working hard right now to ship everything the day after you order it. So, if you need something made for Christmas please email joy@joykruse.com. This is not the ‘No Season’ but the ‘Snow Season’ and we say ‘YES’ to getting it done. Don’t be shy or think we are too busy. We expect busy right now, welcome it and we are at your service. email joy@joykruse.com Website Orders http://www.WildPrairieSilver.com 

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope to see you before Christmas! 🙂 🙂 🙂 joy

Travel and Fresh Metal…

Recently arrived home from a trip to sunny Cancun Mexico. A week in the sun and the water was wonderful. After about 6 days I am ready to return home from anywhere but it was good times had by all of us. We really wanted to take our two kids out of the country as well just so they could experience life lived in was other than what they know. It was good for them. The water in the Yucatan Peninsula is known for being crystal clear and aqua blue. We snorkeled and scuba dove, swam and ski jet skied, ate, walked, toured the Mayan ruins. The Mayan ruins are one of the wonders of the world and I now have more information on that then I’ll ever need. (Our tour guide has a Phd Mayan culture.)

Mayan temple is not really a temple… it’s a calendar. The Mayans kept such accurate track of time that their calendar has a leap year every 5,000+ years. Nasa uses the Mayan calendar and developed the Atomic calendar with it. Pretty smart for 4,000 years ago. Twice per year on the Spring Equinox and the Fall… the corners of the temple create a shadow down the stairs of a slithering snake- ending at a huge stone carved snakes head which. We were there the day after the Equinox…the day of the Equinox 50,000 people there to see it.

Traditional Spanish town about half way to the Mayan ruins. This church was built in 1545, destroyed of course in battles, rebuilt in 1705, some town Mayors murdered in it and the church was painted with their blood..eeekkkk!!!!!!!! This is one of the only churches in the world banished by the Catholic church because of it’s gruesome history. I did not get an accurate story about this church either…the language barrier kept a lot of details from me.

Guy in this town making Mayan charm pendants for tourists while they wait. He is working in a space the size of a closet with people lined up out the door.

Under ground Cenote…

Just loved this Flatbed bug 🙂

Savannah snorkeling…right after this photo we saw a fish as big as we are and he was standing his ground so we turned around like a couple of chickens.

The end of our travels to Mexico… it was very hot there and actually when we got home to 35 degrees it felt refreshing but I have always loved it here in Wisconsin.

Nail Through My Heart Necklace With Handmade Chain… This photo is not the best… the stone is awesome! I love making this necklace and this is the best one yet! Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/521810847/sterling-silver-heart-necklace-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_2

Labradorite ring with Aquamarine Gemstone. This was a custom order and my apprentice made it, Kali… she really held down the fort here while I was gone. Without her it would be very difficult to take a vacation for a week. I just cannot keep track of orders, emails, shipments, and production without help. She is a great help and is also becoming a very talented metalsmith.

Palm Root Fossil and Citrine… handwoven viking knit chain. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/506828562/sterling-silver-necklace-handmade-one-of?ref=shop_home_active_52

Crazylace Agate and Vanadinite…handmade solid cable neck wire. I just made this Thursday but it is sold. These are really my favorite pieces to make…the unexpected stones turned jewelry, the rough with the polished, the ugly and the pretty…. I am glad that you all like my crazier pieces because if you didn’t I couldn’t keep doing what I love to do, so thank you. I am at a point in my life where this is what I am and there is no turning back, just going forward and learning/evolving.

To anyone I went to High School with I will be in the Oconomowoc Art Show this year August 18th and 19th… it’s as close to Fort Atkinson as I can get so please stop in and say hello. That is a new show for me and had several of my Door Co. customers ask me to apply there because they live in the more southern part of the state. I just got news that I was accepted in. I will not be in Madison this year. I just decided I do not like the Urban environment and the great expensive of the show. I would rather be in the grass at a park then on hot pavement in between high rise buildings. Other shows are listed on my events page. Summer will be here soon. Happy Spring to all and God bless you and yours.

ArtiGras Art Show This Weekend

ArtiGras is this weekend in Green Bay at Shopko Hall across from Lambeau Field: Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-5      link: http://mosaicartsinc.org/artigras/about.php   I will be at Booth 37, so stop in and say hello. I will try and post some pics to Instagram of the weekends events. It usually is really nice to get out and see people this time of year. Above Labradorite necklace: https://www.etsy.com/listing/497592472/sterling-silver-labradorite-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_31

I’m scrolling through pics to add them into this post and I feel like I could add pics forever just for the pure pleasure of seeing all of the work I have created for so many of you. It is such a ‘joy’… so thank you! The studio is busy, but please don’t ever think we are ‘too busy’ for your special project. I would not be here without you and without you asking me to do something for you. I’m here working away and would love to make something just for you. Ring Above link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/514379079/sterling-silver-ring-handmade-sterling?ref=listing-shop-header-3

Wild Prairie Silver this fall has had an apprentice come on board. It’s great to watch a new metalsmith work and learn. She doesn’t need to learn that much… she’s a natural. Her name is Kali and she made this ring along with several others. Welcome Kali to the wonderful love hate relationship you can now have with metal. It’s a very bipolar love affair… the Smith and the Metal…    Above Ring link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/501405074/sterling-silver-ring-sterling-silver?ref=listing-shop-header-0

This is a crazy specimen piece of jewelry…love it! It’s big and crazy and wonderful. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/494870798/sterling-silver-spessartite-garnet?ref=shop_home_active_21

Labradorite Necklace & Huge Chain  Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/514346111/sterling-silver-necklace-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_2

What else is new? We got a new puppy dog, named Taz. He is some kind of Boxer mix from a local shelter. He is really Savannah’s baby doll to be honest with you. He would like for you to wrap him in a blanket all day and hold him even though he’s more than 60 pounds now. We miss Dusty Dawg and his maverick ways but Taz is growing on us…literally cuz he never stops touching you.

Sterling Silver Wisconsin Charm Necklace now comes with a sterling silver heart or a solid 18k gold heart. I like this style the best out of all of them. They have been featured in Our Wisconsin Magazine so that has been a great boost!!!! Thank you Our Wisconsin!!!!!! Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/497121284/sterling-silver-wisconsin-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_2

My new show schedule is out on my website… and I will up date it on this blog as well but you can check it out at Http://www.WildPrairieSilver.com. If I don’t see you this weekend hopefully see you soon at a Summer Show!!! xo ~ joy

Ring Above link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/500470570/sterling-silver-ring-handmade-by-wild?ref=shop_home_active_6

DAILY PICS OF US WORKING AND MAKING~FRESH METAL ALMOST EVERY SINGLE DAY ~ INSTAGRAM #WILDPRAIRIESILVER

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! If you will be out and about doing some Christmas shopping this weekend, Wild Prairie Silver will be at TWO LOCATIONS~ East Depere High School from 9-3 on Saturday. On Sunday I will be at the Green Bay Yacht Club from 11-5. The yacht club will be a much quieter setting with 12 artists, a cash bar, and holiday refreshments. There is still time to get in custom orders but don’t wait too much longer 🙂 🙂 🙂

This is a custom order. Cost depends upon the stone. This particular necklace was $650 but they have ranged from $350-$1900. Awesome Labradorite!

This is Taz. He is our new puppy. We are very sad to have lost Dusty Dog and I really miss his crazy antics and his maverick personality, but Taz is bringing a lot of laughs to our life. He has a lot to learn however… He is basically terrified of everything. He is a 5 month old boxer mix we got from Sandi Paws Rescue. Welcome Taz.

This is also a custom order called the Sun Moon Stars Ring. Customer supplied her own one karat diamond and all the gold for this ring.

Made a set of eight of these diamond rings for a group of young ladies using their Grandmothers anniversary band.

This is a Sterling silver Wisconsin charm made for Pandora/Troll style bracelets. These Wisconsin charms & earrings will be in the magazine “Our Wisconsin” December issue. I can’t wait to see it! Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/473452798/sterling-silver-wisconsin-bracelet-charm?ref=shop_home_active_18

Sterling Silver Crazy Lace Agate Ring and Garnet Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/490808563/sterling-silver-agate-ring-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_10

I have several other new pieces in my Etsy shop (joykruse.etsy.com) and could load about 20 more photos on here but this is good nite for now and hopefully you will have a wonderful, thankful day tomorrow with family, friends & loved ones. Maybe see you Saturday or Sunday in person.

Summer Going By Fast

Summer is going by way too fast! Making me want to scream, STOP!!!!!! In two weeks is ArtStreet in Downtown Green Bay Wisconsin. This is a very fun art show/ festival. It is August 26, 27, 28th. I am booth number 177 I believe. I do not have a map of the grounds yet, but they should post that soon. Go to Mosaicarts.org. http://mosaicartsinc.org

To follow are some things I have made this summer. Some are for sale and some are sold or custom orders. It’s been an exciting summer for custom orders. There are few pieces I have made that just amazing me. They had so much meaning to them. It is a wonderful thing to bring that persons memory to life in a piece they can wear every day.

This gorgeous stone above is a Chrysocolla in pretty much it’s natural state. I could not pass up the color ~ WOW! Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/458327436/chrysocolla-sterling-silver-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_1

Necklace and rings that are at J Jeffery Taylor in Fish Creek Wisconsin. If you would like one made for you I can have you pick out your own stone. Price estimate $200-$250

Custom Order Twig Vine Aquamarine and Diamond Ring ~ Reverse side of this ring has 4 diamonds wrapping around the stone. This lady was floored. I thanked her up and down for the opportunity to make such a special piece for her. It was such a pleasure and meant to be. In memory of her mother and all of her mother’s favorite things incorporated into the design.

This has never happened? How does the above happen? I don’t have any idea: 25,000 + views on one of my videos? I’m dumbfounded. The company was as well. They said thanks and I said you’re welcome. Love your tools: Pepe Tools….. especially your jump ringer.

Massive Labradorite Necklace at J Jefferey Taylor in Fish Creek Wisconsin

Again if you would like one of these necklace just contact me. You can pick out your own stone. Cost estimate is $400-$900…just depends on the stone. Just this one stone was $175 but I have stones that are $50 as well.

One of my favorite customers had this ring made from a pile of jewelry she was not wearing. How fun!!!!!! This is the ultimate in recycling. Thanks R and TGIF!

I love this piece. Variscite and Tourmaline… This stone material is the 1940’s. I have never seen it look like this. Too good to be true! For Sale: Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/451029954/sterling-silver-variscite-tourmaline?ref=shop_home_active_5

This pendant is about 5 inches long… a stunner and not for the shy. Would look great on a guy if you have the guts to pull it off. Prudent Man Plume Agate and Labradorite Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/386636096/one-of-a-kind-sterling-silver-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_14

I have sold all of these bracelets and I am making more today. They all sold in Madison on Saturday. When people see them they fall in love with them ~ Sturdy and rugged and great movement. Custom made in your size. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/287939961/leather-bracelet-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_7

This is myself, Katie and Savannah in Madison. I probably will not continue to do Madison. It’s a big show, expensive & a ton of extra work. I do several shows that cost me less than $100 total and I have them available to me right by my home. This show I am out $500-$800 before I ever arrive and it’s 50% more work than usual. I am so swamped with work that I just don’t need the extra work load. I will pick up a show that is in a rural tourist area that I enjoy instead of cooking on the pavement in a big urban environment. I so love the shows I do in parks, in pretty little places that this big city show is not for me. I have done it two years in a row to give myself a chance at really getting a taste for it and it’s just not my style. So, love ya Madison maybe I will try your inside Holiday Christmas show instead of being among the buildings. Not in anyway is the show not a good show… so try it if you want to… the downtown thing is not for me.

‘Nail Through My Heart’ Sold ~ Rusty Nails, Jasper, Diamond, 18K Gold and Sterling

Ocean Wave Jasper, Pink Sapphire, Diamonds, 22K Gold, 18K Gold, Sterling For Sale Listing:https://www.etsy.com/listing/280784976/pink-sapphire-diamond-necklace-one-of-a?ref=shop_home_active_11

Have Fun ~ Make Lots Of Jewelry

See you soon at ArtStreet or in class at Peninsula School Of Art. (I will no longer be teaching until I retire so come if you can.) My Grandmother is doing horribly so please pray for her. ~ joy

(ps: I typed this so fast I am sure there are a ton of typos so sorry about that…)

Burnout & Inspiration

Sapphire ~ Diamond ~ 14K Gold ~ Iron ~ Stone ~ Sterling & Leather

I was talking to a friend this week, another artist, she is burned out. I feel for her and honestly it’s hard for me to relate. I suffer from burnout for about 3 minutes and then it passes when a thousand light bulbs go off in my head for the zillion ideas I will never life long enough to create. I guess I should consider myself lucky?

Ok, Luck, you sassy little fellow you, bestowing your gifts on only the ‘Lucky’ few, let us consider the alternatives for myself (everyone is different~ I used to be an RN) which are as follows: Get up at zero-dark thirty and commute 30 minutes one way to a hospital leaving your home at 5:45 am, kids getting up on their own eating nothing/eating garbage, kids coming home on their own~doing God knows what while I get home whenever someone decides my day is done, driving 30 minutes home, leaving my house at 5 am because of 3-16 inches of snow or 20 below zero, working in a place that does not even know my name, caring like crazy about what I am doing at work and no one else gives a damn, taking care of people was priceless ~ I truly loved it, taking care of people that want it all ~ want it now ~ want it fast and want it free ~ not so priceless but it has to be done anyway, having a day at work when I cannot get a drink of water/use the bathroom let alone eat something ~ this is common for every nurse I have ever known, getting a raise based upon secret shopper phone calls when I never answer the phone (hmmm?), making less money than every carpenter I know and I can save your life, working until 65 with no benefits into retirement (this always baffled me as other public servant careers-police, firemen, teachers, librarian…funded retirements at 55 years old), exposed to MRSA daily, exposed to ????? disease daily…..

Ok, my burnout is gone for like 5 years after rehashing all of that. If you are suffering from burnout are there reasons why? Are you making things you don’t like? Are you making things for too little money? Do you need a challenge ~ bored and need a new skill to practice? Are you tired and not taking care of yourself? Are you an introvert and you need someone else to be your ‘frontman’?  Do you need to find a way to make more with less or work in a more streamline way? (I am really good at that.) The best thing to do is to make plan: create weekly, monthly, yearly, 5 year, 10 year, lifetime goals and write them down! Pin them up somewhere you can see them during the day. Change your goals as you change. Be very specific with your goals. Number one thing ~ get out of bed and work. Work a 40 hour work week or more at your job as an artist. Log your hours. Time on the computer does not count. It does take work. I work a lot. My motto is, ‘Yes’.

Diamond ~ Gold ~ Rustic Hammered Bands ~ ‘Lucky Seven’ Ring custom order and used customers own gold and diamonds

I have had a ball the last couple of months creating and making custom orders for all kinds of people from every place in the world. The reach the internet has is amazing. The customers have been from all walks of life and they have all had their own story to tell behind each piece of jewelry. I have even spoken with several of them on the phone to get their order correct and it’s a treat for me. A simple phone call is so much easier and fast to decipher than an email. A lot gets lost in an email and most of the time I am ‘seeing’ what they are ‘saying’ incorrectly. If you have a custom order send me an email and then let’s talk.

On Thursday last week I drop off work at J Jeffery Taylor Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery in Fish Creek Wisconsin. I was nervous. I have been comfortable with my other gallery and they were comfortable with me. So, it was a new start and a change that I was really anxious about. It is a jewelry gallery and I am humbled. My work being next to other artists I greatly admire is just a dream to me. The place is stunning. You can visit their website at jjeffreytaylor.com. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around making items of jewelry that cost as much as some cars I have owned, but you only live once and I’m not leaving this earth while yawning….

Tee Pee Canyon Agate Earrings Garnets and Rough Sapphires At J Jeffery Taylor

Leather Sterling Bracelet https://www.etsy.com/listing/287939961/leather-bracelet-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_10

Custom Order… the stone was the most beautiful I had ever seen… Aqua Nueva Agate and Amethyst

This is my daughter and I last year at Art Street in Green Bay. I have my first show of the summer in a couple of weeks and need to make a lot for that show as I don’t have very many one of a kind pieces left right now. If you follow my instagram feed you will see photos of work daily as I am making it, #wildprairiesilver. Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Show is May 28th and May 29th, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (not Monday). It is held in Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay ~ right on the water. The main bridge (highway 57) in Sturgeon Bay is closed on until July 4th…oh, cry, the detour goes right past the show… hmmm….. I think we will be busy.

Happy Spring! Hope to see you at a show this summer!

Winds Of Change

Winter never slowed here on the Prairie. I am out growing my space and I keep setting goals in my head that I keep achieving, a head of schedule, and yet I am not going to build a studio/workshop. I have students that want to visit my studio. Well, let me tell you, it’s nothing and you’re not missing a thing. I get a lot done in an alley way of space in my basement. I am still cheering over a shipping closet with shelves in it. So, I will keep plugging away here…learning and doing and growing and reinventing the wheel. I love every minute of it.

18K Gold, Diamonds, Rough White Sapphire Beads, Crazy Lace Agates ~ sold

After more than 13 years one of my favorite places is making a change. The Flying Pig Gallery will become something else. I am not sure of their vision yet, but it will be something different than what it has been in the past. I do know, it is a place of imagination, wonder, peace, nature and serenity. I do not think that will change. It would be near impossible to remove that from the environment there. I will dearly miss what is was, and the owners. They taught me a lot, and encouraged me with complete understanding, more than I realized. Thank you. It’s been beautiful. I may still have some work there but it is unknown at this point to what extent they will be retailing and to what extent they will be open ~I will keep ya posted.

‘I Love Wisconsin’ Earrings & Necklace ~ Earring Link http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p418/’I_Love_Wisconsin’_Earrings_Sterling_Silver_Handmade_Wild_Prairie_Silver_Jewelry_.html  

Necklace Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/269699596/i-love-wisconsin-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_16

These earrings and necklaces have been really fun. I have been putting a tiny gold dot in the persons favorite Wisconsin place… 50% of the time that has been Lambeau Field… no surprise at that. I contacted the NFL. No kidding, you can call them on the phone… They haven’t gotten back to me…no surprise at that either. I want to sell these in the Packer ProShop with the gold dot at Lambeau Field. You can’t unless you get the NFL’s stamp of approval. I am sitting by the phone waiting, patiently.

Crazy Lace Agate Earrings, Topaz and Rough White Sapphire Earrings Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/272551974/sterling-silver-earrings-handmade-crazy?ref=shop_home_active_1

The earrings above are amazing. I love the style and swing of them. The little details are time consuming but the end result is so worth it. These gemstones I had to custom order. They are a melon colored natural topaz. No other stone worked with the coloring of the agate. The peachy undertones of this earring are very feminine. I just love them.

You can’t see it from here but this ring has a gecko sawn out and soldered into the inside of the band. It was the customers request and it was fun to do. Sterling silver ring with gold encircling the center. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/270430145/mens-ring-sterling-silver-14k-gold-ring?ref=shop_home_active_6

Twig Vine Mother’s Ring ~ Birthstone Ring… this ring went all the way to Spain. Customer did not want faceted stones. They only wanted cabochon stones. I love making this ring. Every single one has a life of it’s own. It is a custom order and a custom price depending on the stones you choose. Email me for your custom ring: joy@joykruse.com

Coral Fossil Necklace Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/268133652/sterling-silver-necklace-handmade-wild?ref=shop_home_active_1

Guardian Necklace ~ Handmade Sterling Silver ~ Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/268758331/the-guardian-sterling-silver-cross?ref=shop_home_active_21

Laguna Agate, Sterling Silver, Amethyst Pendant ~ Commissioned

This is the largest pendant I have ever made. 5.5 inches tall… a solid sheet of silver on the back…all the tiny dot details I hand make and solder on small sections at a time. It was wonderful to make. Thank you awesome person with vision to want this piece made with this amazing stone.

Wide Hammered Rustic Ring ~ Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p439/Wide_Hammered_Ring_Sterling_Silver_Handmade.html

Sun Moon Stars Ring ~ Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p440/Sun_Moon_Stars_Ring_Sterling_Silver_Handmade_.html

Sun Moon Stars Ring Link ~ http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p440/Sun_Moon_Stars_Ring_Sterling_Silver_Handmade_.html

Starting in May 2016, Wild Prairie Silver will be showcased at J Jeffery Taylor Gallery in Downtown Fish Creek, Door County Wisconsin. This will be a different for me. J Jeffery Taylor only sells jewelry. I have never been in that kind of retail space before. I am excited to be apart of a store that is focuses on jewelry. I think it will encourage and help me expand my horizons further in to gold and diamonds. It’s a change I am ready to embrace. Like the ring below…

J Jeffery Taylor ~ http://www.jjeffreytaylor.com/

Moissanite & Gold Engagement Ring ~ Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/265528059/moissanite-engagement-ring-custom-order?ref=shop_home_active_1

I’m off to go walk Dusty Dawg… he’s been a blessing. Sorry if there are typos in this post.. I wrote it as fast as my fingers could type and I have had too much espresso this morning. Happy Spring to all and I hope to see you this summer at a show.

Azurite Necklace… crazy crazy crazy one of a kind… Link ~ https://www.etsy.com/listing/265081384/sterling-silver-azurite-necklace-crystal?ref=shop_home_active_11

It’s Been Too Long…

It’s been too long! 🙂 I have not been writing in my blog much and got an email from a reader asking me if I am still around and still working? They inspired me to give everyone a lengthy update. I am still around and I am working more than I have ever worked. I no longer work one day a week as nurse and it’s paying off. I was very nervous about that umbilical cord being cut but it was for the best. I have not worked as a nurse since July and it’s a relief. I miss the OR but too bad for me, because I’m swamped in the studio. I needed the extra day I was missing just so I could lead a normal life at home and not work all weekend in my studio. I still work Saturday mornings so it’s a 6 day a week gig. If I have a show then it’s 7 days a week. Speaking of shows… Yes, next week I have a show 🙂 It is the Red Bird Holly Craft Faire at East Depere High School. It’s a beautiful Christmas show that benefits the school. Hours 9-3 Sat Nov 28th 500 Swan Rd Depere WI. It is $3 to get in and yes, there is a long line outside at 9am. It is every year, the Saturday after Black Friday. I do not normally fit in at a craft show but this one is a little different… all holiday themed and super pretty. They do an amazing job.

This is my lunch break… Walking Dusty Dawg. He starts pulling at my pants leg if I am late for our lunch date. He is a good break to get outside and let my eyes see the sun. He’s been a wonderful addition to our family.

Over the next year I will start to work into more gold pieces. They will be 18K Gold or higher incorporated into my work. It’s a natural progression and as I become more and more skilled it’s necessary to add in more valuable natural resources. Gold is like a dream substance. I can see why ancient people used it and created amazing things with it. It’s properties are so wonderful and beautiful. These are 18K Gold and Sapphire Earrings. Each sapphire is one carat. They sparkle and glimmer like no other faceted bead would, except a diamond. Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/256759020/sapphire-18k-gold-earrings-handmade-wild?ref=shop_home_active_2

Sierra Madre Agate, Crystal Quartz and Pearl… available on my Etsy site: https://www.etsy.com/listing/256678815/sterling-silver-necklace-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_1

Faceted Labradorite Cuff: Link https://www.etsy.com/listing/254359565/labradorite-cuff-bracelet-sterling?ref=shop_home_active_2

Ok, so where have I been posting my new work? I have been using Instagram. For those of you that do not know what Instagram is, it is a mini blog of daily photos and some text. It’s fast and efficient, short and sweet, and you can add people to your favorites to see what they are up to. A mini, daily, report… Facebook owns Instagram. My teenagers tell me that Facebook is for old people. Instagram is the new, cool, Facebook. That is coming from a 14 and 13 year old, so take it for all you think it’s worth. I don’t care what is cool. I only care that I can communicate with my customers, my peers/colleges, any audience that cares so I can keep making jewelry. If you want to try it out, down load the Instagram app on your device and type #WildPrairieSilver in the search box.

This is an awesome cuff. I have been making it for awhile. You would die laughing if you saw me making it. I make it with a big hammer on my concrete floor ~ Nothing but high tech equipment in my studio!!!! I do have some tools coming to make bracelets~ Durstons Bracelet Forming Kit, but I still don’t think it will help me form this 5mm thick sterling. It has to be man handled and trust me I do not have man hands. It also has to be annealed over and over again. Every time you bend it slightly it stiffens up to the point of not moving another millimeter. It’s worth the work. It is a lifetime piece of jewelry. Actually, it will last several lifetimes. It is nice to make something that will be here in 300 years. That makes me smile. 🙂 Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p4/Heavy_Sterling_Cuff_Bracelet_Brushed_Finish_Handmade_Jewelry_Wild_Prairie_Silver.html

This was a great custom order. One I will not ever forget. Stoneless ring in the back ground was an anniversary band with 7, 3.25mm diamonds in it. It was valued at $4000 and looked every penny of that…. The customer was not a traditional diamond wearing person, which most of my customers are not traditional diamond wearing people…. So, she had a Twig Vine ring made from her diamonds…. It is huge… 14mm wide at the top. It had to be to put all the diamonds in it. I loved it! and so did she! If I had that many diamonds I would make one for myself.

This is a Vanadinite and Crazy Lace Agate. https://www.etsy.com/listing/252405002/sterling-silver-necklace-vanadinite?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Crazy Lace and Garnet Ring ~ Honestly I love this ring..It is both of the stones… purely wonderful stones. https://www.etsy.com/listing/252597917/red-agate-garnet-sterling-silver-ring?ref=shop_home_active_4

Ocean Jasper and Pearl ~ This is sold. I have a lot of gorgeous Ocean Jasper and I do not hesitate to purchase it. It is no longer being mined so whatever rough is out there (which I am sure there is tons and tons) that is all there is. Pieces as special as this piece will be gone first and then just the scraps will be left.

Next week is Thanksgiving. We all have things to be thankful for. I hope you have a wonderful meal and are in good company. If you are going shopping on Black Friday please save some of your money for small business Saturday… because I can see you in Depere on that day! And it’s all hand crafted Christmas items. (9-3 East Depere High School… 500 Swan Rd. Depere WI)

I will keep making things here in the middle of no where and I will keep doing blog posts. I do enjoy it. If you want a daily dose of what is at my bench, visit Instagram and search #WildPrairieSilver. If you search #Instasmithy lots of beautiful jewelers images will pop up for you to view. It’s eye candy for the jewelry lover and the jewelry creator. I will check back in before Christmas is upon us.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!