On the Trail

I went on another backpacking trip a couple weekends back. This time it was in the Allegany Mountain range at Minister Creek, which is right in Ohio's backyard -- and it was just lovely. It was a shorter trip this time, but it gave me a chance to breathe and be in the quietude of nature. 

Additionally, I made new hiking friends as well as some new non-hiking friends -- such as this little salamander:

The trip entailed lots of wooded forests as well as ancient rock formations: 

And my morning view from my tent was picture postcard perfect:

And it seems the color of the hiking day for me is teal. I seem to have acquired lots of teal for my hiking life including my pack --

-- my tent and my clothes! It's a bit much but I'm liking it.

So, with inspiration from my new hobby I made this color blend called, "On the Trail." 

Penny size (3/4" - 20mm disc) teal green earrings.

It's (obviously) a lot of shades of teal. I also made these boho earrings:

Funky Modern Bohemian Teal Green Dangle Earrings

And I couldn't resist expanding on the idea so I made this modern pendant:

Modern Enamel Pendant with Copper Wire

I'll be going on two more trips next month (during the height of autumn!) so I expect to be inspired by the browns and oranges and I look forward to coming up with some new color blends in that theme. Until then, have a great fall season!

You Aren't Imagining Things - There's a Change!

Blooming Enamels Jewelry on Etsy

So I've been quiet, yet busy, for the past year as I've been traveling a path of exploring where my creative needs and artistic expression want to go. I've taken my time but I believe I've arrived at a destination -- it's enameling!

I first looked into working with metal clay but found it too messy and persnickety for my tastes and so as I kept searching I stumbled (very serendipitously I think!) upon torch-fired enameling -- and I love it! It's all about color and using high heat (fire) to fuse the color to a metal base. I mainly use raw copper sheets and cut and forge it into the shapes I want and then fuse the colored glass onto the metal with fire from a torch. I tried using a kiln but found that process very slow and boring! I also use pre-made metals objects, which are either copper or iron, such as beads. Whatever the case it involves dangling the metal through a flame to heat it up to about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and then dragging it through, or sprinkling on, colored powdered glass. It's a very quick and dynamic two-handed process that really engages my interest and, since it's fire, keeps me on my toes!

Once the colored metal piece is created I turn it into jewelry by adding crystals or mixing pieces together or layering. Also, I make all my own sterling silver ear wires. It takes more time this way but I was told early on that the individuality of the handmade wires adds to the jewelry and makes it truly handcrafted and unique.

So anyway, this is just the beginning! I will talk and write more about my new endeavor as I keep going but just wanted you to know that your weren't imagining things - I *have* changed things around and what was Bloom Spirit Expressions is now Blooming Enamels. I hope you like it as much as I do! :)

The Grounding Colors

For many years I have been attracted to the colors green and brown. The "earthy" colors and tones that make me feel grounded and stable. My living room is full of green and brown (and a splash of blue too -- for the sky).

Spending time in nature and seeing the real greens and browns is the most grounding experience of all. Breathing deeply, when out in nature, I breathe in stability, calm and peace.