MICA CHARM SWAP and a RAK from Spain!

Fool that I am I committed to a "mica charm swap" over at Charmsters. I had never worked with mica before, and I have to say - it is NOT my favorite substance to work with. My punches had a rough time punching through the mica and i did not have good control with thinning the mica and yet keeping enough thickness for it to remain strong and substantial to take the abuse a charm will get. Also, all of the edges had to be sealed so it would not fall apart later, and the mica had to be reinforced so that the hanging ring would not pull through. Maybe because I am working it just seemed a daunting task. Also, when using it as a transparency, again it had to be so thin it just looked like yellowed plastic to me. yeah, I know, it's a mineral and natural and all that, but I did not find it's look all that appealing to me......but hey - what do I know? Maybe I just don't know how to use it properly.....The theme was "home", and this is what I came up with, after many failed attempts:
Front:

Back:

On a more exciting note, I sent an "Art in a Carton" to Shakti in Spain-and although she was not supposed to send me anything back - she RAKed me anyway! Look at all of the exciting goodies I received!....a hand decorated box, a beaded coin purse, vials FULL of swarovski crystals ( i can never have enough of those!) a tiny embellished mirror, a mini notebook, lots of beautiful papers and trims and yarns, a jeweled lock keychain, postcards from Spain, Spanish matchbox - and more! Even the addressed paper it was all wrapped in was sheet music on the inside. WAY TOO GENEROUS! Thank you, Shakti! (click to make the picture larger)

What else? I sent in two PMC Charms for the "Charms for Charity" benefit, one of an articulated bird and one a bird's nest with pearl eggs, but I forgot to photograph them...that's what happens when you are in a hurry to get to the Post office!

Weekend diversion........

I was at the Santa Monica Promenade last weekend- it is sort of a 3 block open mall, with lots of odd vendors, street performers, etc. I came across an artist who was sculpting heads in air dry clay. It took about 20 minutes, and isn't exactly me - the eyes are set way too close, but it was fun and will make a good mold for a doll, i think! and for $20 - who could resist?

CHARMS FOR CHARITY!

... This is an example of ONE of the many bracelets in the drawing....

CHARMS FOR CHARITY - PRECIOUS METAL CLAY AND ART SILVER BRACELETS TO RAISE MONEY IN HONOR OF ROBIN WHITTMORE. ONLY $5 A TICKET, OR 5 FOR $20.
ALSO, IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE PMC/ART CLAY CHARM(s) PLEASE CONTACT HOLLY GAGE, HER INFO IS ALSO LISTED BELOW. ...and please feel free to pass this info on!
This is the Press Release Info:

March 10, 2008

Contact: Holly Gage

Phone: 717-445-5755
E-mail: hgage1@ptd.net

For Immediate Release

Charms for charity

Last summer, the Metal Clay community lost one of its own when Robin Whittemore, a talented jewelry artist and active member in the Metal Clay community, lost her courageous battle with cancer. Robin struggled with breast cancer and after six years of chemotherapy, radiation and medication, she was then told she’d required a bone marrow transplant.

Robin inspired the group with her uplifting spirit and love of life. Sadly, she died during the summer of 2007, leaving a legacy of courage and charity among her friends and colleagues.

Now Metal Clay artists from around the country have decided to honor Robin and their own loved ones who have succumbed to this disease by raising funds to benefit the American Cancer Society and The Marrow Foundation.

Metal Clay is a new way of working with silver, gold and platinum. It is a moldable metal that transforms from a clay-like state into pure sculpted precious metal jewelry with the heat of a torch or kiln.

Dozens of Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Art Clay artists have created handcrafted charms for bracelets and necklaces, which will be raffled to raise money for cancer treatment and prevention. Members of the Metal Clay community have donated every aspect of this project, from making charms and bracelets to designing and selling raffle tickets and donating Web site space and credit card fees.

This is your chance to own a unique work of art created by the nation's premier Metal Clay artists. Raffle tickets are only $5 each or five for $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society and The Marrow Foundation.

These pieces of fine jewelry will be raffled on July 20 during the PMC Conference 2008 at Purdue University, but you do not have to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at the conference or in advance at www.wholelottawhimsy.com or at www.medacreations.com. Tickets and directions for payment submissions can also be printed out from www.pmcguild.com or www.artclayworld.com.

Each ticket purchased brings with it the chance for a special piece of fine jewelry but it also brings us one step closer to a cure. Visit www.pmcguild.com, www.artclayworld.com, www.wholelottawhimsy.com or www.medacreations.com to do your part.

For more information, contact Holly Gage of Gage Designs, metal clay member and project coordinator, at hgage1@ptd.net.