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 🙂

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

On The News Tomorrow

Tune in tomorrow to Channel 5 at their live 9:20am spot…. I guess it will be me…. which is a little scary that it is live. (You can witness me being my dorky self.) The live spot is for ArtStreet which takes place in downtown Green Bay. There is art, entertainment & food all weekend long: Friday 4-8pm, Sat 10-8pm, Sun 10-4pm. I am booth #147 which is on the corner of Cherry St. next to Associated Bank. I am right by the food & beer if that is any motivation. The next few pics wrap up summer. It has been a good one…

I made a series of 10 of these necklaces… It is Manganese Dendrite on Limestone. These stones were mined in a famous mine in Germany years ago name Solenhofen. Link to this necklace: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p377/Manganese_Dendrite_Citrine_Gemstone_Necklace_.html    I will have others listed next week. If you want a pic of each one just send me an email and I will send you some pics. email joy@joykruse.com

This was a custom order for a lady based on another one I made that was much larger. The follow picture is of how it arrived at her house.

Hmmm… ran over it ??????? This box is stuffed tight with tissue paper… inside the tissue paper is another hard jewelry box that is gift wrapped… inside that box is another bunch of tissue paper and your jewelry. The pendant in photo above was bent at a 45 degree angle ~ seriously, it’s layers of 20G metal… The customer was wonderful about it. I am making her a new pendant and filing my insurance claim with the post office. I have never had this happen before. I did go to the post office with my photos… I just needed some kind of a explanation. They said a conveyor must have eaten it…. well… then send it back me.. really… look at the box.. jeez. You can leave that at someones door step and think it’s ok? Saga over… Making another one. It was a pleasure to do, so third times a charm.

One of my favorite pieces of all summer… Ocean Jasper, Tourmaline and White Topaz…sold

This is Crazy Lace Agate and Diamond. This necklace is at The Flying Pig Gallery. It is a beauty. The pics do not do it justice. The top of the stone is a drusy and I could not seem to get that to sparkle. Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p361/Crazy_Lace_Agate_Diamond_18K_Gold_and_Sterling_Silver_Necklace_Handmade_One_Of_A_Kind.html

This piece is at The Flying Pig Gallery as well. 18K Gold and Jasper. I have to make a pin based on this piece for a good customer… I am looking forward to it. Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p363/Jasper_Garnet_18K_Gold_Sterling_Silver_Necklace_Handmade_One_Of_A_Kind.html

This is a piece of Coral Fossil, Garnet and Citrine. It is at:http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p373/Coral_Fossil_Necklace_Sterling_Silver_One_Of_A_Kind_.html

Lake Michigan Beach Stone Souvenir Necklace… Sold… Huge piece of sterling silver rod going right through stone… embedded Garnet… heavy, hammer, forged, handmade sterling chain. I never had so much fun 🙂 really, it was really really really really fun to make this necklace.

We got a dog. He’s great. We needed a dog. The kids needed a dog. His name is Dusty. He came from a shelter in Alabama to the shelter here in Green Bay. (I think he is german Shepard and heeler?) He has been a delight for this past week. He is silly. He does not seem to have ever been out of a caged environment. He eats frogs and bees. He has learned a lot in the last week we have had him… like not to walk through a glass door. He has learned to almost trust us and relax and be a dog.

Kids life ~ Dogs life ~ good stuff, they have no idea how loved they are… and won’t for years and years…

Diamond Accented Cross sent to Germany. Was a favorite for me… even the guy it was going to was just wonderful. I hope he is wearing it as I type this ~ It was the saying he wanted and I really loved it… ‘Being Myself… Being Confident’ – ‘Happiness & Wonders All Around…’

Lake Michigan ~ Cave Point State Park a favorite place Summer or Winter

Yeah, they buried her entirely. This is our neighbor girl. She’s fun and sweet and easy to smile… Summer could not be any better when you are twelve.

See you tomorrow on the News at 9:20 WFRV Channel 5 and at ArtStreet all weekend long #147….

Summer Is Almost Over…Enjoy…

 

Madison This Weekend…

Ocean Japser & Vanadinite Crystal Necklace: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p352/Ocean_Jasper_Vanadinite_Necklace_One_Of_A_Kind_Handmade_Sterling_Silver_.html

It is already cruising through summer and hard to believe it’s July. We have been busy with life, as everyone is that has kids, 12 and 14 years old. My workshop is busy as well and it seems to keep growing and growing which is a wonderful after effect of working hard. Went to the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee and got some fantastic stones and saw good friends. I am looking forward to this weekend’s show in Madison WI. I have never done an art show of that size, especially in an urban setting of a major city’s downtown streets. I will let you know if it’s worth the hustle and bustle. Sometimes smaller shows that have almost no over-head are better, easier & very enjoyable. Shows are physically demanding, so I try to go to enjoyable events, and not kill myself to be at a show. This show is expensive, fees, hotels, and help… After the dust settles I will give you my opinion on whether or not I will continue to do that large of a venue.

Had to post a picture of this young man. I made custom cross for him, order from his Mom. He was on his way to study in Spain… Thought the pic was great. I hope he is safe and doing well on his travels. I love his shirt… because I love skulls. He might need a cross to protect him…. Custom Cross: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p208/Sterling_Hammered_Cross_Necklace_Custom_Tag_Handmade_Wild_Prairie_Silver_Jewelry.html

This was another Mother’s Twig and Vine Ring I made for Mother’s Day. I made several of these Twig and Vine Rings. They were all so unique. I really fell in love with the process of using different stones, challenging colors & shapes in gems, to create unique, one of a kind Mother’s Rings. Mother’s Ring: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p181/Twig_and_Leaf_Mother%27s_Ring_Custom_Order.html

Been having fun with the Raven… The Raven: A symbol of the link between Heaven and Earth…good luck and god’s messengers to the mortal world. They are often used in movies in this way… a raven flying around when things are seemingly coming from above.

Raven Necklace: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p337/Raven_Necklace_Sterling_Silver_.html

Raven Ring (different than one shown): http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p355/Raven_Turquoise_Ring_Sterling_Silver_.html

This is Karen… Hi Karen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you are well! She was traveling through Wisconsin during one of my art shows in Door Co. She is from Oklahoma and reads my blog. I can honestly say I am so delighted she stopped to say Hi. I really did not think anyone read my blog so a huge Thank YOU!!!!!!!! to her and anyone else interested…. It means the world to me!!!!!! I live my life and run my business from home and could not do it without you. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen, I hope we meet again. Maybe class at Peninsula School of Art in September???

Gorgeous Cobra Jasper… Handmade forged chain… this is sold. Stone was just amazing. Thank Gary Wilson for what you do. Your stones are to be showcased and I hope I am doing that in a way you approve. Truly amazing specimens from Gary Wilson.

This Crazy Lace Agate is as large as my hand. You could use it as a dessert plate. Maybe I will ~ What a delicious way to eat ~ Hand forged chain, one of a kind: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p348/Crazylace_Agate_Sterling_Silver_Hand_Forged_Chain.html

This is a terrible picture… jeez.. I have to retake this pic. The crystal specimen is called Vanadinite ~ Hand made vine chain… One Of A Kind. http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p341/Vanadinite_Necklace.html

Cranberry Jasper and Lavender Pearls… Hand Forged Chain… Sold….

On a side note: I have a good friend Lissa Flemming. She is an artist like myself from Bayfield Wisconsin… Silverwaves Jewelry. Her Mom is in a coma fighting for her life- 7 hours away from where Lissa lives. Lissa makes a living selling her jewelry at art shows. She will miss her next three largest shows due to being at her Mom’s bedside 24/7. This will be the loss of her income from now thru the Holiday season. If you can please donate to this artist. She’s a beautiful person inside and out and needs some support to keep her home-front going while she’s unable to work and not home. Here is the link to donate: http://dm2.gofund.me/yk84crwI  Love You Lissa.

Hope I am ready for this weekend. I think I am? I am at booth #81, downtown Madison Wisconsin. Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. I have been told it’s hot and crowded. I will be ready an hour earlier than show start if you are an early bird, trying to beat the heat and the crowd… I have local shows the following two weekends in Neenah – Berstrom Mahler Sunday only July 19th & Art In The Park Appleton July 26th Sunday only.

Happy Summertime xo ~ joy

Art Show Dates and Classes 2015

Happy Spring!

It’s been a whirl wind here in the last month, many changes and its hard to absorb them all. Maybe next winter I can look back and remember what I was doing during April and now May. My jewelry business is growing nicely and that is all good. It has been a progression that was meant to be. I sent jewelry to a new gallery in New Orleans and that is exciting. The Thomas Mann Gallery:  I/O Gallery will now be showcasing my jewelry. That is a happy feeling. I’m ramping up for show season and can’t seem to keep a stock of inventory and that is also good. It’s good to be busy. I can’t believe my first show is in three weeks… I have a lot of work to do. It’s also my favorite show… Sturgeon Bay’s Fine Art Show Memorial Weekend in Sunset Park (Sat and Sun only.)

I redid my website completely after being coerced into it by my friend Tammy Rae. Her daughter helped me endlessly… I was very frustrated because maintaining a website is a full-time job. I wanted to be able to change my pics, change my slideshow, have a shopping cart, not lose my several domains I maintain, and do it easily with it looking nice. My other web designer was great but she can’t change things on a daily basis. I now have control over minute to minute changes. Well, all of that seemed overwhelming to conquer when I already had a website. I was sick of my old website. It needed a facelift, but I did not want to spend any time changing it or waste time making something I liked even less than what I had. So THANK YOU Kristina and Tammy! It looks amazing and was not as painful as I expected and I love it. It has a full shopping cart attached to paypal and square and I can update it whenever I want to very easily. Please visit it and check it out! I would love to hear your feedback. http://www.wildprairiesilver.com

Beautiful Bloodstone Necklace ~Sold

Pearl and Dryhead Agate Necklace available Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p324/Dryhead_Agate_Sterling_Silver_Pearl_Necklace.html

Other personal changes… my father in law passed away very unexpectedly a few weeks ago. He was a wonderful man. He was a father that was an example of how to live your life and love people. We will miss him greatly. His grandson spoke at his funeral and describe him as ‘warm’ and that is so right. He let you love him and he loved you back. He was a warm, loving person with a sense of humor. He was non-judgmental and rolled with the punches. I lost a Dad and a friend. His own children lost not only a father but their guide post, the foundation of their lives. We all are grateful to have loved him and we all are grateful for how he passed away… in his sleep, never sick, living and going and being right up to that moment. That is a beautiful to gift to him and a reward for the self-sacrificing life he lived. Love you Gramps.

Mother’s Twig & Vine Ring ~ This is a custom order with your choice in stones. This was made as a Mother’s Ring with her children’s birthstones. You can have your own ring made in a similar style but they will all be very different. I have made about five of these rings this month and each one is just as unique and beautiful as the next one. Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p181/Twig_and_Leaf_Mother%27s_Ring_Custom_Order.html 

 

Florida Fossilized Coral and Citrine… Handmade Chain ~ This necklace is one of the boldest necklaces I have ever made, yet there is a softness about it. If you are interested in this necklace you can send me a message or call The Flying Pig Gallery and purchase it directly from them. It is on display and for sale at The Flying Pig Gallery in Algoma WI. 920~487~9902 http://www.theflyingpig.biz

Labradorite Bullet Ring Link:http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p173/Labradorite_Bullet_Ring_Sterling_Silver_Hand_Made_One_Of_A_Kind_Wild_Prairie_Silver.html

 

Azurite Specimen Necklace Handmade Chain Link: http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/store/p325/Azurite_Stone_Hand_Made_Chain_Sterling_Silver_Necklace_.html

Here is the show and class schedule for 2015. I am excited that I did get into the Madison Show and Wausau Art Show. Madison is terrifying me but you have to do new things, right? Why is Madison terrifying? I have a list… It’s huge, it’s a ton of over head in $$$, it’s huge, it has 200,000 people in attendance, it’s one of the top art shows in the nation, it’s huge, it’s windy, it’s huge, I will need help, I have children that are helpful ~ thank God for that, oh did I mention that it’s huge. It is on the streets surrounding Wisconsin’s Capital building so I think I will love it but I won’t know unless I try. IT’S HUGE!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkk!

My jewelry classes at Peninsula School Of Art are a little goofed up in the catalog. As I type, I am reminding myself to give them a call. The three days of jewelry making where suppose to be consecutive days. You could pick and choose but not just come on Friday only and think you can make the necklace in the photo in one day. I am a little worried that I will have a class 20 people on Friday that all want to make something awesome to wear for their weekend in Door Co. in one day and that is unrealistic. We will just do what we can with what we have but Friday was only supposed to be available if you picked one of the other days or all three. So if you come Friday only and have never used a torch or a pair of pliers in your entire life we will still have you make something amazing but it won’t be what is in the photo. We will do our best though and as always in class I hold nothing back. We can take class wherever your skill level and imagination allow. All the links to show information and classes are on my website: http://www.wildprairieisilver.com http://www.wildprairiesilver.com/show-dates–classes.html

Late little note… I started posting daily pics in my workshop as they are created on Instagram. If you want to see those pics download the Instragram app (you can go to Instagram on your computer too) and type in the search wild prairie silver. The pics are fun, spontaneous eye-candy, no extra hoopla, very little text. Hopefully see you all soon on a beautiful summer day, in a park at an art show. Take Care & God Bless ~ joy

 

Art Show Schedule and Class Schedule

Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Show May 23rd, 24th Memorial Weekend, Sat & Sun only. Sunset Park Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin Door Co.

Art On The Square ~ Art Off The Square July 11th, 12th Madison Wisconsin, surrounds the Capital building

Bergstrom Mahler Fine Art Show ~ July 19th Sunday Only, 165 N Park St Neenah WI 10-4pm.

Art In The Park ~ Appleton Wisconsin Sunday July 26th

Artstreet ~ Green Bay Wisconsin August 28th, 29th, 30th Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday

Wausau Fine Art Show ~ Wausau Wisconsin Sept 12th, 13th

Towline Art Fair ~ Ephraim Wisconsin at The Fine Line Gallery Door Co. October 10th, 11th

Redbird Christmas Show East DePere High School Nov 28th Doors Open at 9am

 Class

September 14-18th Peninsula School of Art Fish Creek Door County

Sept 14, 15th Business Class Opening Your Etsy Shop: In this class we set up your Etsy store from start to finish. If you already have an Etsy store we make it shine. Class covers social media, SEO and other business aspects of selling your work. Two half day classes, morning

Sept 14, 15th Demo Microscopic TIG welding: Over view of new microscopic TIG welder for jewelry and mixed metal artist.

Sept 16th, 17th, 18th: Three days of making whatever jewelry piece you want from sterling silver…. come one day or come all the days… open to all skill levels.

Setting Up Today

See you in Green Bay this weekend at Shopko Hall across from Lambeau Field: Sat 10-5 and Sunday 10-5

I will get to see Katie and Deb who will be helping me out… Thanks Ladies!!!!

Rare and Gorgeous Casas Grande Agate.. These stones are a small fortune. I only have one left. Just amazing lavender color…. Hand made sterling chain, so heavy it’s a piece of beauty all by itself.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/225073673/sterling-casas-grade-agate-stone?ref=shop_home_active_6

Eleanor wearing Casas Grande… It looks so nice on her and she is tiny… a very petite woman size 4.

Jasper Citrine Earrings… Crazy Style… sorry folks already sold… didn’t last five minutes online. I love these! Super fun to make so I will make some similar but not the same with all my little Jasper pairs….

Grandmothers Keys… Solid Sterling Silver just finished several of each style.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224867436/sterling-silver-skeleton-keys-hand-made?ref=shop_home_active_9

Pin Drusy Cobaltocalcite

https://www.etsy.com/listing/216136930/pink-drusy-cobaltocalcite-stone-sterling?ref=shop_home_active_13

Ocean Jasper, Agate, Turquoise, and Lapis Earrings

Azurite…

https://www.etsy.com/listing/216137416/azurite-specimen-stone-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_4

5mm Gem Post Earrings: Pearl, Garnet and London Blue Topaz

Jasper and Garnet Earrings ~ Less Crazy ~ Still Beautiful

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224043025/sterling-silver-jasper-and-garnet?ref=shop_home_active_14

Going now to hook up my little trailer and work like a pack mule. See you soon I hope and wish me luck if you can’t make it to the show.

Making Jump Rings….

Making jump rings…. Why???? Number of reason ~ you just need one. It’s pretty lame to wait for the mail for just one jump ring. Next reason… You make an awesome focal pendant and you add an $10 cord or machine made chain? Ugh! I can’t even stand the thought of it. It happens, but sometimes you just need that handmade look to finish it off just right.

Cut about 3 feet of whatever gauge you want to use. If you want flat jump rings run a piece of wire through a rolling mill or use rectangular or square wire that you can purchase.

If you have flat/square wire: coil it like this or it will turn on its side and get all wonky… especially square wire, it turns on its side easily.

Round wire: does not matter just hold with your fingers.

Cut the coils off the mandrel. You can use almost anything round for a mandrel ~ like a pencil. I use Pepe brand jump ringer and there are several brands out there to choose from. These coils are 14g and 16g sterling silver.

This is a saw blade. It fits in a safety housing. I hate the thing because it’s dangerous, it’s expensive to replace, it has to be loaded correctly or it breaks. I’ve had students smoke several of them up in one day at $12 a piece. If you use it properly it’s fine. I’ve had the same three blades for a few years. That being said I don’t use this. Don’t use it… There’s an easier, cheaper way.

You need need this thing. It holds the coil perfectly. It keeps the cut perfect. What’s it called? I don’t know… I’ll call it a Gizmo…

Anneal you coils before you cut them… That makes for nice pliable rings without tension in them. It’s much easier now, than when you have a hundred separate rings. Pickle them as well.

Use this… Cut off wheels available at Home Depot. Put a coil in the Gizmo. Oil oil oil 🙂 or the blade will break and so would the dangerous metal blade. You’ll know if you forget this step… Smoke and breaking blades. I use mineral oil available at your grocery store in the laxative section..(nice, huh?)

Tighten Gizmo lid… Firm not too loose and not squashing the coil. Cut coil with fast flexshaft motor speed and slow steady hand speed.

Open up Gizmo: All nice and perfect… Wash with dawn dish soap and hot water rubbing in your hands.

Now, go make some awesome chain…..

See you you all soon at Artigras in Green Bay Wisconsin. It’s the first weekend in March and gets us all out of hibernation. Winter has been good to us this year though…. I hope my friend Roni in New Jersey is ok and not snowed in. Being snowed in isn’t all bad though….. Once in awhile. Hope you’re ok Roni!!!!

New Instagram pics, fun app…. #wildprairiesilver