Don't Play Me Off Yet, Stick Man!

Remember that year that Julia Roberts wore that amazing vintage Valentino dress when she took home her Oscar for Best Actress? Her speech was so heartfelt and giddy and breathless. She had so many people to thank that she exclaimed at the onset that it was going to be a long one.

Right off the bat Julia looked over at the conductor and said "I'm going to spend some time here to tell you some things. And sir [speaking to music conductor Bill Conti], you're doing a great job, but you're so quick with that stick. So why don't you sit, 'cause I may never be here again."

Well, I kinda feel like that today. Giddy, breathless, heartfelt. And I'll admit... a bit tired. It's my Oscar day, of sorts. My photo shoot for my second book starts tomorrow, with some last minute preliminary stuff happening today. By Friday at 5:30 PM, all will be a memory. And hopefully a success.  I am really proud of it and hope that it will help you on you metalsmithing journey.

So it seems fitting to send out into the universe, my friends, supporters, students and colleagues a big THANK YOU!

I could not have achieved this sophomore effort without a team. From the day-to-day support of my husband (his middle name is dinner and laundry) to my family and friends who are always ready to lend a helping hand in countless ways. And of course to you, the person reading this on the other side of the screen. Maybe we have met in a class, or through social media, or in an online class. It's you guys that keep me doing what I do by supporting my efforts, buying my books, frequenting my Etsy store and taking my classes.  

So Thank You. The stick man is playing me off. But unlike Julia, I know I'll be here again. Another epic project is always on the horizon. And I hope you will be there with me.

xo

My Musings...

I have had a LOT of great inspiration, support and general good will come my way lately. It's a crazy-creative-exciting time for me right now. All of these events have put me in mind to muse overwhat it is I do. To cut through the clutter (sometimes literally) and think about what it is I DO as a jewelry educator.

And since all the kids are making infographics nowdays, I thought I'd make one too, and use it to share my thoughts with you.

(And by-the-way it was really fun and easy to create. I used a template from a company called Piktochart. It was FREE to sign up and there are plenty of great templates to get you started.)

Here it is...  and thanks for reading! Click this link to download a printable copy.

All hands on deck!

Hey Gang!
Super exciting news. My second book Metalsmithing Made Easy just posted on Amazon for presale! Yahoo!  However, the work isn't quite done yet. As a matter of fact, there is still a lot of behind-the-scenes work to be done. Including photographs! At the end of this month the photo shoot for all of the projects is going to be at my studio in South San Francisco. It's gonna be lights, camera, action here in South City.

As you might imagine it's a lot of prep work to get all the steps ready for photography. Each project needs to have several finished steps so each project goes swiftly and effortlessly.

I am putting out a general call for any crafty friends who might be into helping prepare the steps for the shoot. It involves working from my written instructions and preparing several steps of the project.

Here are the details:
When: Saturday and Sunday 10-5, October 17th & 18th. (This coming weekend.)

Where: My studio. 160 S Linden Ave Suite 124, South San Francisco, CA

What: I provide all tools and materials and when it's ready you'll get a signed copy of the new book as thanks for your help. And lunch ;).

I welcome makers with all levels of experience as there are projects that fit a variety of skill levels.

Let me know if you'd like to join in on the fun. RSVP via email kate at katerichbourg dot com.