Larkspur is here!



Larkspur is a beautiful garden show on Litchford Rd. Hosted by Francis Alvarino. I always look forward to hanging out with all my craftsmen buddies. Alot of the friendships began at Cedar Creek Gallery almost 20 years ago. Anyone who reads this post and signs up to follow my blog, comes to the show and mention that they signed up will receive a 10% discount on any bettymckimjewelry purchase.
the show is saturday and sunday 10-5.

Saturday Post




Started the morning with a Jewelry Forging Workshop taught by Ben Dyer, from Hillsborough NC. His work is elegantly and masterfully created using classic forging techniques. Ended the day picking my first tomatoe off off our vine. Had to get it before the squirrel did.

























Memorial Day 2011


Thanks to all the men and woman who serve in the military. In these challenging times it is definitly admirable to put yourself in such a dangerous profession.

Lillian gave me this plant well over a year ago it thrives on very little dirt. She has a whole wall of them which she hybrids different colors, and petal types. For me the trick was finding the right window.

Spent the day working in the studio getting ready for Larkspur. Made a patriotic pair of earrings red, white and blue.

Earring Challenge Week 21




Megan Clark, titanium and silver
Suzanne Krill, Nugold and Silver
Betty McKim Sterling Silver Hoops
Lilllian Jones Granulation
And Julie Brooks,"Catepillar Girl" Silver and copper.

Week 20




















This is Artsplosure weekend in Raleigh. The unveiling of Art on the Move was part of Artsplosure festivities. This is Lillian Jone's Bus design, featuring the Pullen Park Carousel animals breaking free. I really like it . Lillian is very talented.


Earring challenge this weeks order;
Lillian Jones, Granulation /Enamelling, Betty McKim, Hoops with Garnet. Julie Brooks , Virus series. Megan Clark, Wing/feather series. Suzanne Krill Color on Metal. Summer weather officially here just in time for Larkspur.



A Weekend in Charleston SC

Had a great family weekend in Charleston SC. Such a rich historical town to visit. Enjoyed a wedding that ended with a rainbow. The reception was under the Cooper River Bridge. Took a boardwalk hike through the swamps at Beidler Forest. Saw a 8-10 ft. alligator , he was sunning on a log. And of course all the beautiful iron work and gardens of the historical district homes near the Battery, including the Meeting Place Inn with Tiffany windows.










Week 19

Order of sequence Julie Brooks Bacteria series, Megan Clark, Sterling Silver oxidized, Suzanne Krill Hardware Series, Betty McKim Hoops with aquamarine, and Lillian Jones Granulation. Another Good Week.



Week 18,

My sterling silver with peridot hoop. a little different for me but expect a new hoop design each week.



















Julie Brooks, new science series for the month of May.




















Megan Clark, on a busy show circuit right now. Check out her booth at Artspolsure.






















Lillian calls this her paper clip earring she had alot going on and just had to move on.
















Suzanne hardware store series.

May 1, Week 17. Although these really belong to the last week of April

Betty McKim silver with citrine, variation on almond shape. Julie Brooks , 5 minute earring concept though it really took her longer. She is working on some incredible sculptural pieces right now. Suzanne Krill hardware series. Megan Clark , Wing shapes. And Lillian Jones , more granulation with enamel added. I think this was a good week. For May Im thinking Hoops . Getting ready for the annual Larkspur show.



pullen new digs

Heres a shot of the old tables, replaced with 7 workbenches from Rio. We covered the tops for protection and got the bench pins cut. The steel blocks from the old bench pins will remain at each bench for hammering. We are grinding and finishing them so they will be good for forging. Julie and Keith did a great job assembling the benches. The parks crew and Melvin got them off the truck .. It was an exciting day at Pullen Art Center. More to come as we are decluttering, brightening the walls and adding a new cutter and more flex shafts. Right now we arestill waiting for the worktable that will house the new equipment.

This new arrangement utilizes our space much better than before, so hopefully less crowded. We have 2 workshops coming up Ben Dyer :Forging and Tim Lazure :Rings. We will see how that goes with the new space. Julie has been rearranging the enamel area and working on a sample board, she has initiated a monthly enamelling club. Check it out.

Jewelers that inspire me.

These 4 pieces were done by Bruce Metcalf, Im guessing they are hand carved, painted and gold leafed. I think they are pretty amazing . They are sensuous and whimsical, they quietly explode with beauty and a mysterious seductive quality. I've followed Bruces' work and writing for years. He is so intelligent, any one in the field should pay attention to his writing. His work has always had a distinct character about it, some weird, some disturbing, but these works of art seem to speak a visual ecstasy of beauty.


Week 16 Lillian Jones, S.Krill, J.Brooks, Megan Clark, and Betty













Slowly adding earrings. Lillians earrings have a africanmask feel about them using the ancient technique of granulation. I call mine pretty in pink, little lab grown pink sapphires, simple. Megans little studs are mokume. She has been off doing shows in atlanta. Julies hoops are spectacular she forms them on special anvil they are anticlastic forms, really nice. Hope she makes more. I think May will be my hoop month as I love making hoops. Suzanne is staying consistent with her shape exploration and oxidized surfaces. I think this is her best pair in that series. Feels like Saturday, but its Good Friday, so I had the day off. Dog Sophie got sick so we cancelled our Easter Trip. Rainy day . Lots of exciting things going on. The Pullen Jewelry studio will very soon have a huge upgrade. Ill post more next week.

week 14



In order Betty McKim, I actually did two this week , but decided to post this pair, sterling with peridot. Lillian Jones, granulation. Suzanne Krill, rivets. Megan Clark, multiples and Julie Brooks, whimsy.

Week 13 Earring Challenge (finally)

For April I'll be doing this production line. Another set of variations on a theme. I see this one in multiple sizes and finishes. Silver oxidized and gold plated. Its already April so the summer shows will soon be here.
Suzanne is using some interesting textures, and patinas,
Megan titanium, Wings.
Julie "Mr. T's" feather earrings and Lillian Classic cloisonne.