Nature Inspired Work & Cabin Fever

Sometimes looking out the studio window is my only connection to nature, the outside world for days. I am grateful to the many birds and squirrels that stop by to find shelter in the old pear tree.

This winter has been so hard on so many people, I'm sure the animals have had it bad but they seem to flourish and thrive all the same.  Survival. Hope. Cycle of Life.

Here is a group of creatures coming with me to the show on Sunday... 

if they don't find homes there they will be appearing on Etsy soon!

super cold

super cold
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Days like these I am so glad to work from home...

keeping out of the frigid winds

 and thankful for the sun pouring into the studio.

also keeping me warm today...

snow, inspiration, dreaming

Back to the grind...

...grinding Stained Glass Hearts that is! >

Where did January go? This year is flying by so fast already. Not fast enough as Spring seems too far away.

Boston is getting more snowstorms this year than ever before, all the better to hide away in my attic studio and get lots of jewelry made for the Cabin Fever show in a few weeks! 

ready for beadwork...today's project!

..excited to show our new gifted PR bags by Arteffex!

trying to get out for a little inspiration between storms...

&

and settling back in for more work...

Happy February Everyone!   

photography

For anyone looking to improve their skills at small object photography, I highly recommend Steve Meltzer's  Photographing Arts, Crafts & Collectibles . I just purchased it the other day, and haven't delved very deep into it, but have already seen an improvement thanks to his explanation of how to best light a piece of jewelry with reflective surfaces.

Here is an example: the Lumina Window Necklace from my Etsy shop. I was never quite happy with how my photo captured the beauty of the stained glass and patina of this necklace.

now, with Steve's lighting suggestions and a more textural background

Here's to learning and improving! I'm sure to do both with further reading of this in depth book.