Our Most Important Tools

I will have a booth in a big area show coming up in November, so I have been picking up the pace in my studio. This past weekend I cut two sheets of copper into the parts for 22 birdhouses and about 54 heart, rectangle, and Christmas tree pendants, and 3 peony flower pendants.

Yes, that is a whole lot of cutting. And I used my shears. Looking back, there were a few other things I should have used
, too.

Building Birdhouses ... and other things

 **PLEASE NOTE: I am now blogging on HeidiKingman**


ArtClay Birdhouse by Malie Kai Designs

Ever meet someone and instantly know they are someone special?  One of those rare people that is somehow simultaneously both a new and old friend?

Last year, I had the fantastic opportunity to go to the Weekend with the Wiremaster's in Dana Point, California.  A full four day weekend of wire-wrapping, hammer-wielding fun!  (Sans kiddos -- a squeee-inducing bit of me-time . . . ahhhh, the memories.)  It was phenomenal.  I learned so much -- not just by making new projects, or even in skills and tips from the incredible instructors -- I learned from fellow students.  It's hard to describe the energy in a room full of people who are equally enthralled about digging into a new project, learning new skills, and drooling over the tools on display!