EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: Favorite Recipe

The beginning of July means a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post!

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
What are your favorite recipes? Simple ones, difficult ones, BBQ, crock pot, patinas...?! Feel free to add a story about the success or failure of them.

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This recipe's history with me is very bittersweet (oh, but the pie is only sweet. Sweet deliciousness in epic proportions). I was introduced to it by a really good friend. Well, a really good friend at the time. One who would suddenly up and disappear out of my life, basically overnight, taking herself and this recipe with her without a second look.

I spent months trying to figure out what the Hell happened to this once amazing friendship. Then while wallowing, I realized that not only did she steal away out of my life without a care but she took this damn recipe with her. I spent months. Seriously... months searching for it online. Doing every kind of Google search imaginable using search terms that only the best tongue twister could conjure up. Then one day, one glorious day, I found it. I found the Holy Granny Smith Grail of pie recipes. HA! Take that "friend..."

Okay, enough negativity. I don't want to jade you on what could be one of the BEST apple pies you will ever taste. All I want you to remember about this pie is the very first bite you take. Savor that sweet, unmatchable moment. It is a moment that you may just carry with you from here and throughout the rest of your days. And yes. It has pineapple juice in it. Even if you don't like pineapples (for the record, I do not care for the prickly fruit) don't let that stop you from making this masterpiece. I swear, it is worth it. Now go buy some apples.

I do want to mention that I have switched a bit here and there from the original "friend's" recipe. But I am not going to say what I did. Just know that I made this recipe my own; and better. Only she would know the change I made. And that is all I am saying...

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Texas Apple Pie

5 to 6 apples (I use granny smith)
1 unbaked double pie crust (I use store bought...)
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. pineapple juice
3 Tbsp. flour
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg

Glaze:
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. evaporated milk

Pare, core and thinly slice (I mean, very thin) 5 to 6 apples. Arrange in an unbaked pie crust. Beat the softened butter, gradually add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add beaten egg and mix well. Add pineapple juice (yes! pineapple juice), flour, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well and pour over apples. Cover with top crust and vent. Brush with a glaze made of 1 Tbsp. brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. evaporated milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or longer until apples are tender. I like my apples to be soft and fully cooked in any apple pie. I test the doneness of the apples through the slits on top of the crust by poking them with a sharp knife. If there is any resistance, I keep baking the pie, testing doneness every 5 minutes or so. Serve pie warm with ice cream. Or without. Just be prepared to bake several of these pies for friends and relatives once they taste it. You will be responsible for bringing pie for any holiday or special occasion from here on out. You're welcome.

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Want to discover more? Check out other EtsyMetal members' favorite recipes:

KSkilesJewelry (post coming soon!)

Peculiar Forest

Laura Jane Bouton

Andrea Ring

Abella Blue

June & July Studio Classes are UP!

Click here to read full class descriptions, see dates and prices. Register early to ensure you get a seat.

April & May Studio Classes Posted

Click here to read full class descriptions, see dates and prices. Register early to ensure you get a seat.

Jewelry Making Tools!

I am very happy to announce that I am now carrying a great collection of beginning jewelry making tools at the Silentgoddess Studio! You can shop online and have them shipped directly to you or you can pick them up at the studio in Downtown Olympia.

Browse our current tool inventory now:
Silentgoddess Jewelry Making Tools

I will be adding new tools to the studio's inventory so check back to see what is new. I can order just about any tool you may need (or want) so feel free to contact me with your requests.

If you decide to order online and pick your tools up in person, I will refund any and all shipping/handling charges that are incurred by placing your order online. If you prefer to just come in and browse, drop me an email letting me know when you plan on stopping by (just to make sure I am in the studio). I can accept credit card payments in person or PayPal for online orders.

Thanks!!

sterling silver dogwood blossom

$38 plus shipping

Available here: Silentgoddess.com

Or here: Silentgoddess on Etsy

February Studio Class Schedule Posted

All classes are held at the Silentgoddess Art Jewelry studio in downtown Olympia, WA.

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Stamp your Heart Out -

Tuesday, February 12 6pm to 8:00pm  $45

Stamping on metal is a wildly popular technique. It is fun, it is easy and the design possibilities are endless!
From letter stamps to design stamps this class will introduce you to the world of stamping on metal for creating personalized jewelry.

Class fee covers use of tools and materials for completing at least two projects in this two hour class.  Tools will be available for purchase.

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4 Week Beginning Jewelry Making Series

Wednesdays February 6, 13, 20, 27 6pm to 8pm $135

This 4 week series will introduce the beginner to the wonderful world of metal working.  Learn to use a jeweler's saw, hammers, design stamps, cold connections and more in this 4 week class.  Each student will create several pieces of jewelry over the course of the series.  Beginning techniques and studio safety will be covered.  No previous experience necessary.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention throughout the class series.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class over the 4 week class series. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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Beginning Hand Piercing (Sawing)

Tuesday, February 19 6pm to 8pm $35

Learn to use a jeweler's saw!  Hand piercing is one of the basic skills necessary to start creating jewelry out of sheet metal.  Class will cover tool set up, correct handling and hand's on experience piercing (i.e. cutting) copper and brass sheet. The design possibilities are endless once you know the basics of this skill. We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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Beginning Soldering

Tuesday, February 26 6pm to 8pm $55

Learn the basics of soldering using a handheld torch!    Class will cover torch safety, metal preparation and finishing, basic supplies needed and hand's on soldering of at least two projects. Soldering is a terrific skill to learn if you want to make more complex jewelry designs.  We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 

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To read full class descriptions with prices please visit:
Studio Class Schedule

To register please visit:
Class Registration Form

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: New Year's Resolutions?

A new month brings a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post.

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
New Year's Resolutions?

Eeek! It's that time of year again - A new year, a fresh outlook, new ideas... what are your plans? New goals? New disciplines? Old disciplines and goals you want to try again?!! Spill it! Make it a reality... tell us all! Recap this past year and what you've learned, where it's taken you, where you would like it to take you in 2013.

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I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. Well, at least not out loud. To be honest, I spend most of my life contemplating what I can do that will bring changes for the better for myself and my family. It is nearly obsessive at times. And yes, at this time of the year I tend to contemplate more.

We have had several years in a row that have been difficult ones. Started out back in 2009 when Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident. He was injured and had to undergo several surgeries over the next few months. One month after his accident he lost his job. 2009 ended really bad and 2010 started out pretty crappy as well. Back then my thought processes focused on surviving. My resolution was to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. We made it through the the really tough times but I came out of it with high anxiety and calloused fingers. It is funny how when your intentions are truly set on something, you can create what you need. I had some of my busiest months of 2009 and 2010 making jewelry for people. I helped bring in extra income for several months as the unemployment checks were quite lower than the income we were accustomed to.

2011 and 2012 had their hardships as well. However, to bring this into a more positive light, I will switch gears and move toward a more progressive thought process. We made a big move in 2012. After several years of long commutes and too much money poured into the gas tank, we decided to move to Olympia, WA. Paul's job was there and Port Orchard (our previous home) had become somewhere we didn't want to be anymore. We found a sweet little house in an older neighborhood that we are renting and I moved my business into a really neat studio space in downtown Olympia. And that brings us back around to this month's topic: 2013 New Year's Resolutions. Sometimes I take many turns to get to short destination ;)

One of my goals in getting a studio space set up away from the house was to be able to offer classes. As of January 2, 2013 I started on this new journey. My first class of a series of four started on the 2nd. First goal of 2013 is already underway! I am hoping that this is just the very beginning of this new direction for me. My plan is to offer many different varieties of classes from single day courses to multiple day series. I have SO much information and experience rolling around in my head and I am ready to offer it to anyone interested in learning.

Paul and I spent several days of the holiday break getting the studio classroom ready. A great new workbench was constructed, new tools were purchased and a big dream started to become a reality. Here is what we end up with (pictures are of the classroom right before the beginning of my first class):

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I hope that this year is a good one for all. I know we all have some battles to fight but try to focus on the good things. They are really what is the most important. And they are out there. Sometimes all you need to do is just start looking...

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Click on the links below to keep reading about other EtsyMetal members resolutions and goals:

Lou Hunter
Laura Jane Bouton
2Roses
deborahleetaylor
Mary Anne Karren
Theresa Kwong
Danielle Miller
Nodeform

Studio Class Schedule

One of the benefits of having a commercial studio space is being able to offer classes! I have spent the last month figuring out what classes to offer first and have come up with the following schedule for the next few months:

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Stamp your Heart Out -

Monday, November 26 6pm to 8:00pm $45

Welcome to the craze! Stamping on metal is a wildly popular technique. It is fun, it is easy and the design possibilities are endless! From letter stamps to design stamps this class will introduce you to the world of stamping on metal for creating simple and fun jewelry.

Class fee covers use of tools and materials for completing at least two projects in this two hour class. Tool kits will be available for purchase.

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DIY Holiday Gift Workshop

Thursday, November 29 6pm to 9pm $55

No experience necessary! Learn to use a jeweler's saw, files and hammers to create a set of earrings and matching pendant to give as a gift (or keep for yourself) this holiday season! Each student will create a pair of nature inspired earrings and a matching pendant. No previous metal working experience needed!

Class fee covers use of tools and materials for completed a pair of earrings and a pendant with chain in this three hour class. Tool kits will be available for purchase.

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4 Week Beginning Jewelry Making Series

Wednesdays January 2, 9, 16, 23 6pm to 8pm $135

This 4 week series will introduce the beginner to the wonderful world of metal working. Learn to use a jeweler's saw, hammers, design stamps, the rolling mill and more in this 4 week class. Each student will create several pieces of jewelry over the course of the series. Beginning techniques and studio safety will be covered. No previous experience necessary. Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention throughout the class series.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class over the 4 week class series. Tool kits will be available for purchase.

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Please visit the Class Registration Form page to sign up for classes or for more information on current or upcoming classes.

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If you would like to receive information about current and upcoming studio classes, please enter your email below.

Enter Your Email to Receive Class Schedule Updates:

This is a very low-volume email subscription.

If you have any questions or have an idea for a class you would like to see on our schedule, please leave a comment below (please include a good email address for me to reply to). Thanks!

You (should) be here...

Silentgoddess Art Jewelry will be a vendor at the upcoming Arts Walk in downtown Olympia on Saturday, October 5th. I will have lots of great handmade metal jewelry and I will have a sign up sheet available for those interested in taking a class or two in my new studio space.

It is never to early to start your holiday shopping and handmade jewelry is a GREAT gift idea!

For more information on Make Olympia please visit: MakeOlympia.com

Hope to see you there.

EtsyMetal Project Runway Challenge: Can I Buy You a Cocktail?

Can I Buy You a Cocktail? ring

If you are going to wear a sexy cocktail dress you HAVE to have a cocktail ring to go with it!

Created with sterling silver and a smashing gold plated druzy cabochon, this ring is sure to get people's attention! Ring has been oxidized then brushed carefully with steel wool to soften the steel grey finish of the sterling silver. Artist's initials are stamped on a raised charm on the underside of ring.

See it in my Etsy store here: Can I Buy You a Cocktail ring?

Project Runway
Season 10, Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor
Air 8/30/12
My Lifetime, Thursdays 9pmPST

To celebrate the 10th season, the designers get a chance to be part of the 10 piece Project Runway Capsule Collection at Lord & Taylor that will be sold in stores and online. They had to design a cocktail or evening dress for Lord & Taylor customers that will retail in the $200 to $300 price range. A designer from each of the other nine seasons has also created a look and the dress must fit in with the collection. The winning look will be manufactured by Lord & Taylor along with the others and sold online and at the flagship store. The dress will also be displayed in the window.

For our EtsyMetal Translation:
Design a sophisticated piece of jewelry for evening wear. Something that could go into production. You can choose one of the PR Lord and Taylor designs to complement or for inspiration, check them out here www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/CMS/PRDress_Dress.cfm If you do use one of these dresses, please post a picture of it also.

Make it work!!

Deadline: Thursday, September 6 by midnight, your time.

To see all of the kick ass pieces created by EtsyMetal members for our Project Runway challenges, visit the EtsyMetal blog!

it has been a while...

SPECIAL NOTICE dated MARCH 2, 2013:
Hi All, The building where I rent my studio in downtown Olympia has one space available for immediate occupancy. Dimensions are 12'+ x 15'+. Rent is $320.00/month. If you would like more info or the owner's contact info email me at silentgoddess.etsy (at) gmail dot com :) Please see the pictures below for an idea of the building's look and feel :)

Been a very busy summer for me. Made a big move to Olympia WA to do away with Paul's 2 hour commute. That meant putting our house we still own up for rent in Port Orchard, finding a house for us to rent in Olympia AND finding a studio space for me to work and teach out of. Luckily I LOVE change so I have been able to enjoy the ride and take all of the upheaval in stride.

I have been in my studio now for about a month. Sure didn't take much time to settle in and ask myself why I didn't do this sooner! Well, I know why I didn't... studio space was non-existant in Port Orchard (and the surrounding areas). Olympia is a quite a little artist mecca. So I was pretty certain I would be able to find somewhere that would work for me and Silentgoddess Art Jewelry. Granted studio space wasn't waiting to be found on every street corner but luckily a few months before the move I had been in contact with a guy who was advertising space for lease on Craigslist (let me count the ways I LOVE Craigslist!). I looked him up once we got moved into Oly and lo and behold, he still had some vacant spaces.

Didn't take me much time to fall in love with the largest space he had available. It is actually two spaces with a great big walk thru doorway. One space for my bench and one space for teaching. A perfect fit!

Here is the new home of Silentgoddess Art Jewelry:

Looking into my work space from the entrance. Doesn't that old brick just scream "art studio" to you?

Looking toward the classroom entrance.

Classroom space. I took the photo at a bit of a funny angle so it looks smaller than it actually is. Granted, the space isn't ginormous but it will work for classes up to 4 people. And that is the max amount I would want to be instructing at one time. Works for me!

Each entrance off of the main hall has transom windows above the doors. I love a building with character!

And here is what the main space looks like right after I moved the majority of my stuff in. Yes, I have a rug under my bench. Practical? Perhaps not but I don't like dropping things and creating a bunch of noise for the tenants below me (a children's theater). Honestly, when I had my studio in my house, I had a rug under my chair to protect the carpet (YES... I KNOW... CARPET) below. We do what we gotta do (or want to do, in my case ;).

Next big step is getting a "real" torch set up. I plan on having a soldering station off to right of my bench by the window. I am still trying to decide what torch set up to get. I am leaning toward the Smith acetylene jeweler's torch. Would love to have input from other torch users. Leave your thoughts in the comments section!

If you are in the Olympia area and are interested in my upcoming classes, contact me via laney (at) silentgoddess (dot) com or thru Etsy. I will get you hooked up with my class schedule. If you have something you want to learn, drop me a line. I am working on what classes to offer and would love your input!

all who wander

$47 plus shipping
Uploaded June 5, 2012

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words - EtsyMetal Blog Carnival

A new month brings a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post.

The topic for the month of June is:

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

June's Blog Carnival article is all about showing, not telling.

For more pictures stories, please visit these EtsyMetal members' blogs:
Cynthia Del Giudice
kate jones
Inbar Bareket
Rebecca Bogan

nature is earth's art

$37.00 plus shipping
Uploaded May 31, 2012

arc-de-triomphe map earrings

$40 plus shipping
Uploaded May 22, 2012

poppy blossoms

$45.00 plus shipping
Uploaded April 24, 2012

Nobody's Perfcet... oops, I mean Perfect.

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival April 2, 2012


This month's topic:

Nobody's Perfect!



This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival is all about the lack of perfection. Blog about a piece you screwed up on... a piece? How about pieces... 100's of them. Try and try again. Practice makes perfect... NOT. But it does help to teach the student, that is for sure!

Most of what I have learned in working with metal has come from trial and error. I would read about a technique in a book or see a design that gave me inspiration to try something new and I would get to my bench and dive in. And waste a WHOLE lot of metal. Luckily back when I was really learning the basics, sterling was a mere $7 and change per ounce. Screw ups were not nearly as costly as they are today.

But that doesn't mean that I don't have them. I can spend hours hammering out a new design to only have the stone not fit perfect or the edges not align just right. Or I put too much heat on a delicate fancy bezel (see photo above). But the way I see it , it is all part of the process. Each day teaches me something new, even now, 20 years after that first night I sat in my beginning jewelry making class.

And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Keep reading! Find out who else isn't perfect by visiting these EtsyMetal members blogs:
2Roses
Michele Grady Designs
TK Metal Arts
Anne Walker Jewelry
Evelyn Markasky
Gracebourne
Inbar Bareket
Beth Cyr
wildflowerdesigns

Triptych and Triune

Recently I have been really drawn to working with some of the crystals and other stones that I have had in my stash for a while. Sometimes I feel like simplicity is what I need to focus on. This week is one of those times.

Triptych



$30 plus shipping Uploaded March 15, 2012

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Triune



$34 plus shipping
Uploaded March 16, 2012

tiny camper

$30.00 plus shipping
Uploaded March 8, 2012

pebble and the moon

$48.00 plus shipping
Uploaded February 21, 2012