Tin Time

2012-01-29T16:41:00.001-08:00

I’m often asked how I come up with an idea for what I make. I can tell you there is no rhyme or reason to it. I see something I like and just add bits to it that I sort through in a box of good quality crap I like to call it.

I often think my designs are too simple but I like a clean look if I can I like to do cold connections so you can see where its connected or to make that a feature in itself.

Below are the things I started with: a old pen tin,tin photo and a Aussie Military

The beginning collecting my bits and pieces try to work out a design
Okay I like this now how to connect it together? No glue i say (No Glue Lobue taught me this)

This is the amazing Riveting tool I'm sell on my website A Mark In Time I so love this tool its amazing and so easy to use.First I punch a hole.

You can rivet and also eyelet with this machine with just the change part to your tool.

I have used it here to set two rivets.

A close up of the rivet going in.
This is the finished product I added a copper number nail at the bottom of the tin photo.Now I have to decide a brooch or pendant.

Art n Soul Virginia Blog hop and give away

2012-01-25T01:16:00.000-08:00

Art n Soul Virginia Blog Hop 2012

I’m so excited to be teaching at Art n Soul Virginia 1^st March to 6th March 2012. To meet friends I have made from Last years art n soul retreat and to meet new people, my students for one and other fellow teachers. One lady I’m looking forward to meeting is the very talented Catherine Anderson.Her is a bio on this talented lady:

Catherine Anderson is one of those fortunate people who spends her days doing what she loves, be it teaching in her studio, exploring with her camera, journaling, mindfully walking her labyrinth, creating with fabric, image, paper, collage, and other mediums, and generally living a creative life. Catherine's journey of self-discovery has taken her from attorney, to photography-franchise owner, to creativity workshop facilitator. Catherine's book "The Creative Photographer" combines inspiration, instruction, and hands-on exercises to help you take your photography to a more creative level as well as encouraging you to share your images in ways well beyond a simple print. The book encourages you to play and experiment, to open your eyes to see the world in interesting and fresh ways, to notice the extraordinary in the everyday, and to try easy ways to use image-processing software for creative exploration.

Below is Catherine's Book The Creative PhotographerCatherine is teaching at Virginia the classes Below

Photo Transformations - Monday, March 5

Inspired Vision - Sunday, March 4

Here is a Interview I did with Catherine please enjoy getting to know the lovely Catherine Anderson.
Jen: What aspect of teaching do you love the most?

Catherine:

I love seeing students believe in themselves as creative souls by the end of a workshop. Encouraging and inspiring students to see the world around them in new ways excites me. It took me so many years to believe that I was creative and so I really understand the way we can undermine ourselves. It is only through experimenting and playing that we are able to grow creatively, but so often we think we have to be perfect and get it right at the beginning. I love encouraging students to follow their own uniqueness and to believe in their creative voice. When I discovered my creative voice it opened me up to a whole world of joy that changed my life. I was no longer dependent on a person or thing to make me happy, I had the power to make myself happy by immersing myself in creating. I love to share this sense with others.

Jen: Do you follow any routines or rituals in making your art?

Catherine:I have a small altar in my studio with a number of items that mean something to me on the altar (such as shells and icons). I light my candle and ask for help from the unseen world when I am starting on a new project. Often I just light the candle and say “thank you”. I am very grateful that I am able to spend most of my days doing those things that make my heart sing: creating and teaching.

Jen:How do you deal with what you might see as failure in your work?

Catherine:

There is no such thing as a failure. It is all experimenting and learning. Failure presumes that there is only one way to do something. I believe there are many ways to do the same thing. I often welcome a “wrong turn” in a creative process as it so often allows me to exercise my creative muscles as I try to come up with a way of turning the “wrong turn” into a more exciting path than the one I thought I wanted to follow.

Jen :What advice do you have for someone beginning their art journey?

Catherine:

Create art for yourself, not for others. Do it because it brings you joy. When we start creating what we think others will like or will buy, rather than what we love, some of the joy goes out of it and we start thinking about the product, rather than enjoying the process. Don’t compare yourself to others. We so often think that because we are not as good as someone who has been creating for 20 years that we have no talent. Only ever compare yourself with yourself. Constantly improve yourself and look to learning new things or practicing old things. National Geographic photographers take 12,000 photographers for an article and only ten of those are used. If you took 12,000 photographs you might also have ten good ones! Other photographers admit that they only have one exhibition quality photograph in approximately every 3,600 they make. Even Ansel Adams said that twelve good photographs in a year was a good crop. So be patient with yourself. Create first drafts, second drafts, third drafts. Each draft will be an improvement on the previous one and will lead you towards the magical end result.

If your interested in going to Catherine's class have a look on the Art n Soul webs site

I hope you enjoyed this interview Now on to the giveaway:
So what do you have to do to win? All you have to do is leave a comment on what type of art workshop you would be interested in taking and why. On Jan 31, I will pull a random generator number, and that lucky person wins the jammed-packed-full-of-goodness ephemera pack!

The giveaway prize is so generously being donated by generous Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts.
Make sure you leave a comment to be in the draw.
Continue this blog hop with me tommorow is the talented Serena Barton

New Year Playin around

2012-01-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. Last year was one of new experiences for me, with teaching at Art n Soul which was a dream come true.

This year Im flying over to teach in March at Art n Soul Virginia and I cant wait.

I have been playing around with some new products I have in my web shop A Mark In Time.

I have been making necklaces out of 7 Gypsies new product,Im quiet addicted.

Adding bits n pieces inside as you can see all I have to do is add some chain.

Hope your enjoying your break were ever you are let the new year begin.Rock on 2012

BINGO!

2011-12-17T21:58:00.001-08:00

Hi I have been busy stitching books at the moment to sell on my etsy shop.
I love making book's at the moment I always loved stitching from a young age ,but stopped a couple of years ago.I used to do 3d embroidery flowers,ribbon embroidery etc.
Above is a picture of the spine ,with lots of goodies hanging there dice,cuff links,mini brass frame,fishing attachment,old brass button etc the list goes on.

Bird Book

2011-12-09T02:33:00.000-08:00

Time for some play I say!
I have been busy with teaching and Life ,I took some time to relax after my recent teaching trip to Perth.Love the Perth Girls you rock.
My love of etching and the purchase of this new bird cage stamp I made a 2 1/2 inch book by 5 1/2 inches Long.

Above is the back of the book I made it to look like pressed metal I was really pleased with the result.I played this time more with Liver of sulphar patina gel the colours I got from this treatment was so different on everyone.Another cover I did the same stamp is oxide green so happy with how that one turned out.
I'm selling this one on etsy site if your interested.

Art N Soul part 3

2011-10-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

Beautiful work by my amazing students.
It was wonderful to see a mum and daughter doing a workshop thanks girls hope you got back to New York okay.

Gorgeous Marcy,who I sat with in sally Jeans class and who did my ice resin bezel class.She also knows how to shout a teacher a drink LOL.(My sort of student)

Miss Tammy what can I say you made me laugh and inspired me as well.

Donna Allen I will never forget your name girl.

Sondra My twin in crime the odd couple we were .So much fun was had.

Janet how did you put up with me for so many classes!!!!
More to come!

Art n Soul Part two:

2011-10-25T03:17:00.000-07:00

My first class was with Sally Jean the queen of soldering I can solder ,but I have always wanted to take a class from Sally jean.Below is what I made during class not a great photo but you get the idea.
After a full days class with Sally jean that night I took a class with Jean Van Brederode, who would be teaching me how to use a Hydraulic press. I was lucky enough to be given one for my 50th birthday from my good friend's Chris and Linda, the only thing is I have always wanted one but one small problem I didn’t know how to use it, just a small hic up that’s all LOL.I had admired Jeans work for a long time and was thrilled to do this class.After sitting down I proceed to make myself comfortable after 5 minutes the ice was broken with a few choice words LOL, I really did get a fright when that press started to do its thing.Jean and I soon bonded LOL.
Above Joan(room mate,) Jean and Me.

The next day was a class with Barbara Lewis,I had talked online with Barbara so to finally meet her was amazing.It was a torched fire enamelling class where we made lots of wonderful enamelled bead's.Her hubby and son also where there to help in the class I must say I took a shine to David he has a quirky sence of humor like me so you can image what I put that poor boy through.That night I was to teach my first class,more later.

Art N Soul Part one:

2011-10-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Art N Soul:Portland Oregon 2011
the start of our journey we arrived at Lax ready to drive up to Porland. Over our 3 weeks stay we did over 4200 miles, here is my personal driver my ever suffering hubby Mark, it was my job to navigate in between my beauty sleep's may I say alot of snoozing was done ( i really did try to stay awake mark really I did).

Driving up the California coast line was so beautiful,We stopped at one of my favorite spot's Big Sur I just love it there very pretty.

This is Cannery row in Monterey CA I did a spot of antique shopping here.

We stopped at Rogue River on the way up, to Portland this was near our friends place there an old covered bridge so beautiful. I was going to stop in and surprise Stephanie Lee the surprise was on me she was teaching away what are the odds !

Finally arriving at the Embassy Suites in Portland the place was totally amazing so pretty inside.

Inside I was met by the lovely Glenny who organize's Art n Soul.

This is Glenny's helper , Marie they both made me feel right at home. I must say the hotel was amazing with free cooked breakfast, Happy Hour which was totally free hic where a lot of Portland Roses were consumed, I had to girls I didn’t want to be unsociable LOL,
Free snack's and popcorn from an old fashion popcorn machineI thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Over the next few days I took class which I really loved .More tomorrow girls Night.

Art N Soul

2011-09-24T20:49:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Well Im in the states and a days drive from Portland Oregon we have traveled over 1600 klm,and yes I have a sore bum LOL.
I'm getting excited about teaching and cant wait to meet all my wonderful students.This is a dream come true for me.wish Me luck!

No Rest

2011-09-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

No rest for the wicked they say!
I have been busy creating up a storm for Art N Soul Portland 2011 for the vendor night this is my latest piece.
Rusty metal with ice resin on top it really does make the metal colours pop I just love it.
I have started to slow down now with time ticking away till I leave next week.I have had health issues with my back and leg due to my back so the old grey mare arent what she used to be LOL.
Happy Creating
Jen

Count Down 1,2,3,

2011-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Still working on goodies to hopefully sell at Art n Soul in Portland.
Im really enjoying my creative flow.Im loving using goodies that I have kept for a rainy day to use,well use it or lose it I cant wear them all.

Count Down

2011-08-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

The count down is on for Art n Soul in Portland Oregon 2011,my first teaching gig in the states, Im excited and nervous and getting ready.
I have been making jewelry to sell at the vendor’s night they have there on the Saturday night.
The tins here are from my favourite antique shop its bad when they know your name there LOL.These are old fuse tins.

It’s hard when I make things as I really love what I make and want to keep it, like the top blue necklace awaiting a chain. Cant wait to catch up with My sis Linda we are going to have a blast she is willing to be my lovely assistant, be afraid sis be very afraid.I have a few spots left in my class so if your interested click on this link Art n Soul.

Back To My Roots

2011-06-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Back to My roots a good friend of mine suggested I go back to my roots in my creative side.I had Mo but no JO now thanks to her advice Im loving what Im doing.
The necklace is made from a little tin about 1 inch big.It has a suspender top which I have had in my stash of goodies for a long time,use I say what am I waiting for.

Bracelet Time

2011-06-01T22:56:00.001-07:00

I have been playing with bracelets this week, I have used Tim Holtz new number Plaquettes that I have in my web shop; they are just so cool and very easy to use.

Another two bracelets I have metal etched using once again Tim Holtz rubber stamp plate called Advert .It sounds like I’m a walking advertisement for Tim but his goods are cool to use.

Im going to be loading these on to my etsy site on the weekend.

Rusty ice

2011-05-24T06:01:00.001-07:00

I have been playing with my ice resin again,I saw someone use ice resin on a piece of old tin and thought thats right up my alley.I love how the Ice resin makes the colour pop.
The pendant below I added one of my pewter twigs I make as well,I really love this one.

Below is a pendant I made using an old book spin.I love old spines and thought how could I use these a coat of ice resin and bobs your uncle.

Collections Elements

2011-05-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend Julie Van Oosten has just designed and produced another new range for her Collections Elements. Jvo is amazing we are lucky to have her designing and manufacturing here she asked me if I would be interested in doing her a sample, is the Pope catholic!

I know I have been doing alot of metal work, but paper was my first love and still is.
Her new Printers drawer is too die for.Below is my take on it.
Here I have used some of Jvo's new tissue papers for labels this tissue paper is AWESOME !

Below is one of the new labels she has. I aged a tiger balm tin the ones you buy for $2 dollars at cheap shops.
I get to catch up with Julie next week as she is teaching in Melbourne cant wait.

An old optical lense.
Julie is teaching at Scraptacular in Melbourne next weekend 21st to 22nd may 2011 to book call Julie
on 03 9584 5000

Etched in Time

2011-04-02T20:06:00.001-07:00

I havent been very inspired of late but when I saw this new Tim Holtz stamp plate I had to have it. I knew it would etch so beautiful and I was right.There are two sizes on the plate and this is the smaller one 3 inches by 5 inches.

My love of Junk had to come into it so I added some of my treasures to the side,via some chain.

Sorry the pictures arent that great,but I think you will get the gist.

Etched books

2011-03-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have been going to use these metal etched pieces for a book cover for 3 years !, its awful isnt it to think they have been sitting waiting to be made up for that long sad eh.

I finally got my "Bum" into gear and here they are they are.Its a Dark Room Door stamp a wonderful Aussie company and they are really stunning stamps.Im so happy with how they turned out,you cant rush these things LOL.
I love hanging things off the side so I attached a chain and hang off some treasures.

I have another metal etched book coming and belive it or not I only etched them last week,its also a stunning stamp you will have to wait till I put the book together,I promise it wont be 3 years though.
Jen
Ps This awesome stamp plate will be available at my web shop,www.markintime.com
soon

Belle Armoire Jewerly Aussie, Aussie,Aussie

2011-03-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

Im thrilled to be in the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewerly Spring issue with some of my necklaces,and amongst great company.

The wonderful artisan Keith Lo Bue is also in the issue with a profile on him. I have been a huge fan of Keiths work for many years, he still continues to inspire me.

Another amazing artist Don Pezzano from Oz is also in the magazine ,I see Don is doing some very cool mens clothing as well ,very multi talented so its a very Aussie really this issue.

A great friend of mine Jill Geraghty-Groves has a great article in the latest Somerset studio magazine,Jilly is awesome her work is really stunning I'm so proud of her.

SO if you get a chance check it all out.

Do I hear a cry of AUSSIE,AUSSIE ,AUSSIE !!!!

Art n Soul Blog Hop

2011-02-21T02:51:00.000-08:00

Here is some eye candy for you to look at and hopefully get you inspired to join me at Art n Soul in portland later this year.

Ice resin I really love this product alot .You will learn how to make your own unique metal bezels and then add your own personal goodies incased inside with the ice resin.

Above is one of my night classes to learn the art of metal etching a really passion of mine and also so easy,you will be amazed.

Another ice resin bezel piece I told you I loved this product didnt I LOL.

Here is my doll pendant which is a day class, a unique cast dolls head will be supplied in your kits to make this pendant.

This mini etched book is another night class this will be a very fun class.

Cant wait to meet you all in Portland I promise it will be a fun time in class. Feel free to email me if you have any questions and look out for me in Portland, I will be the crazy aussie with vegemite on there toast.

This is my first blog hop to show off the many other talented artists who will also be teaching at Art n Soul as well. Another two group will be featured in the next weeks as well keep your eyes open

Below is a link to there blog please enjoy the eye candy.

Drum Roll Please

2011-02-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

WOW thank you everyone who entered my Thankful giveaway,I was totally blow away by the response.I just want to thank you all for your kind wishes.
Now drum roll please drdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdr:
Well enough of the talk now the winner of the Optical necklace is:

Gail Smith

Thanks so much Gail for all your support over the years your name was drawn for the random selector.

Thankful Giveaway

2011-01-27T16:51:00.001-08:00

Now that my dream is coming true by teaching at Art N Soul in Portland Oregon USA later year, I would like to give back to everyone who has supported and encouraged me through out the years in my art work. I would like to giveaway this optical lenses necklace I have made.

By leaving a comment and your email address you will have entered in a chance to win the necklace. I will draw the winner on the 14th Feb yes I’m a romantic Valentines Day augh.
Thanks again
Jen

Dreams do come true

2011-01-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

Dreams do come true well mine has finally I have been accepted to teach at this years Art N Soul retreat in Portland Oregon in the good old USA. To say I’m thrilled and honoured is a real understatement. This has been a dream of mine for more years than I care to remember.
So it will be later this year here are are the classes I’m teaching there below:

P1116 Brass Bezel and Ice - Sat Oct 1
P1117 Mini Etched Book - Thur Eve
P1208 Doll Booklet Pendant - Fri Sept 30
P1215 Bushman's Mini Journal Necklace - Fri Eve

Bookings open online today at http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/Portland-2011-artists.php
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my art,my long suffering family and dear Jan who encouraged me to apply once again I cant thank you enough.
So its "ART N Soul Or Bust"

To Market To Market

2010-12-15T21:54:00.001-08:00

To Market To Market to buy a fat pig home again home again Jigette Jig. I think that’s how the saying goes.Im getting ready for a market this Sunday 19th December I don’t usually do these kind of markets but thought I would give it ago at least once,anything I have left over will go on to etsy on Monday. Here are a few examples of some of the jewelry I have made.

I have these glass balls available on my website.

I love this boys photo I know I use it alot.

Memories in a Tin

2010-12-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

Memoires in a tin, I have been thinking of my mum a lot lately.
I have been missing her voice, her guidance especially with a lot going on in my life. My art has always saved me sanity wise, not money wise.
So I sat down and made elements that made up parts of my mum to me. She loved to sew and we often received home made goodies. One Christmas I remember I wanted a Golliwog (am I still allowed to sat that Political correctness and all) I remember running to the Christmas tree, Christmas morning and there it was my beloved golliwog. Mum had been up finishing it for me. I hold on to these memories.
Mum was always putting things into tins and jars bits and bobs from who knows where . Mum loved flea market I think that where I got my passion for junking.
These are somethings she had in her draw after she passed away.so that’s what I did in this memory tin to help keep her close to me.

Gallery for website

2010-11-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

I have been busy making jewerly for a market that I’m doing in Ballarat next month.
I've decide that after a few emails from customers on my web shop asking "what do you use that for?" I would make some samples showing you what you can use certain items for. I’m going to be adding a gallery on my website next week so you can get some ideas. If you have anything you have bought from my shop that you would like to share, just send me the picture and I will add it to the gallery.
Below is a bracelet that I have made from the coffee break designs acrylic tags that I sell. I have used Tim Holtz pictures with the tags and used Dimensional Magic to glue the pictures to the tags. Then I sanded and inked the edges and joined them with glue. I have added assorted charms that I have.

Perth 2010

2010-11-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

It’s always wonderful to go to Perth. I so love it and most of my good friends live there.
Chris Atkins and I did our joint class there called "Found, Etched & Connected”. What a fun bunch of girls we had! They were so respectful to us at all time LOL. Below are just a few of the pieces that were made in our class. The girls really produced some amazing work.

This piece is really more 3D than you think.

Dear Dawnie! This girl is one of a kind, I managed to spend some one-on-one time with Dawnie this visit which was great.

Chris demoing her part of our class to the girls.

After the two day class Chris and I went on a road trip to Margaret River, and Bunbury.

At the berry farm we had visitors for afternoon tea. I had to stop laughing for a start off to take these photos. These gorgeous birds came to eat our jam and cream. They could have waited until we had finished. How rude!

Thanks Chris for showing me more of Perth than I normally see. The shopping, sightseeing, Miss Johnson's market, and sitting on the side of the road waiting for help was amazing. You sure know how to show a girl a good time!
I will miss you and the laughs we had until next year when we see each other again.

Im back in the land of ?

2010-10-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back in the land of the living after having a hectic 2 months .Teaching at the fiber forum in Geelong was amazing I had the time of my life, amazing students, and friendships I made that I will stay with me forever.

Below is where we had all our meals an amazing dining hall a buzz with the sound of women all sharing a love for art, all doing different classes book making, felting, weaving, machine design, making shoes the list goes on.

How can I describe this picture above B1 and B2 we became Polly Jacobs Giacchina an amazing fibre sculpture artist from America, her strange accent and my sense of humour lead to alot of laughs, all I can say is noice cake Polly LOL.

Another wonderful tutor Angie Hughes from the UK her work was amazing her singing of a night time another beautiful memory.

Me singing at her door another site to behold "ANgie,ANgie"

Below are my wonderful Students I had for the week what a great talented bunch they were.

Below are some photo's of there works for the week.

By the end of the week my students were just as mad as me Mission accomplished LOL take a closer look.
Next I will fill you in on Perth and my joint class there with Chris Atkins.

Guest Artist

2010-09-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

OMG, OMG, okay I'm excited just have to share with you all are you sitting down okay,I'm Guest Artist on Objects and elements blog site To say I’m excited is an understatement; anyone who knows me would know I’m a huge fan of Objects and Elements and especially Susan Lenart Kazmer "queen of cold connections." I had the great pleasure of attending classes with her earlier this year at the creative soul retreat in Australia and I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
I so love all O&E products and have fallen in love with the Ice resin.
I have been selling ice resin and the bezels on my website A Mark In Time for awhile now and have been teaching through out Australia this wonderful product.
Above is a bracelet I made using ice resin and a stunning sterling silver bezel from there range.
I would love to invite you to become a fan of there's like me on face book Objects and Elements
A huge thank you to dear Jen Cushman who has become a great surport to me and my art Thanks Jen :} you have made my year a dream come true to be featured on this wonderful Blog.

Geelong here I come

2010-09-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well I’m gearing up to teach in Geelong next week, I’m really excited and have a waiting list on my class which is amazing. I attended this Geelong forum two years ago and who would have thought I would be asked to teach there, I feel very honoured indeed. It will be a huge week.I have made these pieces of jewerly featured here to sell at the retreat; these are only a few of what I have made.
I’m also doing a traders table for two days with the aid of my two kids Thanks Guys I really appreciate your help.
Well I’m off a lot more to do and so little time.
Jen

Class In Perth

2010-08-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

A two day masterclass
With Jen Crossley and Christine Atkins

During this two day masterclass you will learn how to etch metal to make a range of jewellery pieces including rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and brooches from a variety of metals.

Team these with found objects and cold connections to create one of kind art jewellery that will last.

Learn to finish your jewellery with a soft brushed satin or a highly polished gloss using your dremel.

Class size is limited to ensure individual attention

Suitable for Beginners and Experienced Students

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th of October 2010
9.30am - 4pm

Venue: Meeting room - Yokine Community Centre, 287 McDonald Street, Yokine

Cost: $360

Each person receives a generous kit of metal & materials for your cold connections.

To book your place contact Christine Atkins
08 9246 7448 or info@christineatkins.net

USA part2

2010-08-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share this photo of Linda and I, this special woman I'm so proud to call "My Sis" (adopted Sister through choice). I’m so proud of her she inspires me everyday; Linda is a 10 year survivor of ovarian cancer. It is impossible for her to travel to Australia due to her health, so I will visit her every year I so wish it could be more. We make the most of every visit and every minute together.The photos below are the last pictures of the book I made for Linda.

This picture of Uncle Dan and this beautiful frame.I mounted on aged copper mesh.

Love this picture of Nellie such a beautiful looking lady below.

I must say I do love this page of Linda's Dad.

I used spotted mica on this picture of Linda's dad and his beloved motorbike.

In the folder are old documents from Linda's family.

USA Trip

2010-08-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally come up for air from my Trip to the US and a 10 day visit to my Dear Sis place in Coeur d Alene Idaho.
I made this book for Linda as a gift; I have had this book cover for 3 years knowing it was meant for Linda.
Linda had sent me some photos of her family and I promised one day I would make her a book. So this is it

This page has an old frame.

I decorated the outside of the book while I was at Linda's so I could make it more personnel, with family photo’s, so enjoyed doing these charms.

I made each charm so if it turns over it has something on the otherside,as well.

I so love this book and I know Linda does as well.

The photo on the left was mounted on a back of an old frame backing I had ripped off. but loved the look of it.

There is more to come this is just the first halve of the book. Enjoy.

Creative play

2010-07-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have been playing at the moment using these beautiful Bezels I have on my website for sale they are from Objects and Elements and I must say I have fallen in love with them.

I have been busy and had my wonderful Girlfriend Sarah come to visit from Darwin and play we did.
Sarah gave me this wonderful book below for my birthday I just LOVE it to bits, it does have a sealed section in it? Yes with wonderful LiL pictures of our many adventures together.

Well I’m off to the good Old USA this Wednesday for two weeks to visit with my chosen Sister Linda, in Idaho; we met over the internet many years ago and share our passion of art together. I nearly lost Linda Last year from an operation, so every time we are together is very special. Linda can’t travel to me because of health issues so I will travel to her. Look out sis your in for some trouble shopping and junking and creating.

Where's Wally?

2010-07-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you a piece I have just made inspired by JVO and her new wonderful range from Collections. These are Julie's new wings that I just adore. Im selling these on my website A Mark In Time.
I can’t thank you all for your support on the website it is still a work in progress, I’m hoping to find lot's of hard to get goodies for you all.
Below are some of the new range of charms I have available as well.

I have been pretty quiet on the blog scene I have lost my mojo ,so I’m hoping to just play until I find it on my craft table hidden in the mount’s of metal, paper and tools I know it must be some where. I have been teaching though the Ice resin and bezel class so at least I’m off the streets.

Caged

2010-05-22T02:14:00.000-07:00

"CAGED NECKLACE CLASS"

Hi I just don’t know where the time goes really!
I thought I would show you a picture of a class, I did with the very talented Christine Atkin's in Melbourne. It was a birdcage necklace where we did alot of rivets, I really enjoyed this class .Here is mine which I made for my daughter Nicole.Side view of the necklace, which show's a caged heart inside with a crystal inside.

Here is a picture of Chris and me recently at the wonderful Creative Soul Retreat 2010. Chris is an extremely talented Textile artist, from Perth her work is truly amazing please check out her website.Jewerly is a side line for her,textiles her real passion Chris's work blows me away.

I have also done another class with Chris again in Melbourne where we learnt how to make and pour pewter it was a great day to say the least.

"HOME MAKER PENDANT"

I have been making jewerly again I made this Homemaker house necklace that will be winging its way to a new owner on Monday. This is done with the ice resin and brass bezel which I have made.
I floated some Mica in it which looks really cool.I also have been making birdhouse necklace which I addicted to as well.

www.amarkintime.com

As many of you would know I have been working on a website to sell my goodies, my wonderful daughter Nicole who has never built a website before has been working on it.
Im so proud of her more than words can say, as many of your may know she has not been well and through all this still she has struggled to work on my website, and it will be open for business tomorrow Night.

Im so proud of you Nicole I admire you and Love you.

PS The website will be updated regularly with heaps of new products we just cant wait.

coming soon: Gallery for ideas,vintage and Antique finds one of pieces to sell ,and my jewerly for sale.

Its Been awhile

2010-04-22T02:15:00.001-07:00

I have been a tad busy this half of the year I knew it would be a busy one , attending some great classes, first in Feb Keith Lo bue the one and only, next Susan Lenart Kazmer in March at the creative soul retreat and now the talented Mary Hettmansperger at the Ballarat Fibre forum over Easter.
I first saw Mary’s work in Geelong a couple of years ago where I stalked her in her class room as what they were making was just awesome .
I swore I would do a class with her if I got the chance Mary was from the states I thought boy that will never happen again. Imagine my surprise when she was coming to my home town it was a sign and I had to go. A week with Mary who is well known for her weaving work and to be able to weave in wire it was awesome.

The book above is about 1 1/2 inches big made of copper and a metal woven spine.

Below is the back the colour of the copper after heat treated was awesome.

Love the heat patina Look at this piece of metal below looks like opal
The Lovely Mary and you know who

Another item I made which was woven with waxed linen thread

Sorry about the pic the mica kept flashing (not me for a change eh girls)

The Metal woven bag below has some treasure in it One was given to me by the lovely Jilly,can you see it Jilly finally I use it.

It was such a great week with over 250 women doing varies classes and I got to hang out with My good friend Chris and have alot of laughs and also some shopping in between.

Next time I will show you the class I took with Chris a beautiful cage necklace and next week Im lucky enough to be doing a pewter and mould making class with chris in Melbourne.There are some places left if your interested .

Creative soul retreat 2010

2010-03-23T01:42:00.001-07:00

Yes I’m back after a hectic 4 days of fun and laughter and big news!
I had the most amazing classes with Susan Lenart Kazmer I have waited a long time to have the pleasure of doing a class with her and it was everything I thought it would be and more.
The retreat was amazing; catching up with old friends and making new ones.
Above is the talented Laurie Mika and Ro .
I have some huge news for you all, Susan and her business partner Linda Larsen have announced that I am the sole Authorised distributor of Ice Resin in Australia, and that includes her products as well bezels etc.
I’m thrilled and honoured, and I feel so proud. Her products will be a pleasure to sell here in Australia. I have been using the Ice Resin for many months now and just love this product.
Stay tuned for a new website just on the ice resin. Currently, I’m finishing pieces that I made in Susan's class.
I’m off to take another nana nap
Take care
Jen
PS A huge thank you to Bevlea, Eva and Lucy for another awesome retreat. I'm so proud of you all!

Time fly's

2010-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Time fly’s when you’re having fun, I have had a very busy time of late, and you wonder where the time goes.
I really looking forward to Creative Soul retreat more than you know. Not only catching up with friends but I’m teaching there as well, as well as doing a class with The Queen of cold connections Susan Lenart Kazmer I have so wanted to do a class with her for Years so is my friend Ro we will be in heaven LOL Sad isn’t it.
I’m also gearing up for a stall on the first night of the retreat. I will have goodies, supplies and some of my jewerly.

I have been inspired by alot of people in their art world, one of my fav's is Catherine Witherall an amazing PMC artist, Catherine gave me her blessing to try and make one of her PMC birdhouses in Metal and this is the end result, Im so thrilled with how it turned out. It was made from a sheet of brass etched then rolled and soldered sounds easy but it wasnt.Thanks Catherine for your help and inspiration

Below are some shots of Keith Lo Bue and I at the recent class I took in Halls Gap an amazing teacher who shares his knowledge so freely,he is alot of fun as well.

The photos have subtitles

"Keith try it this way it would work better"

Oh Jen your right

Happy student Happy Teacher LOL
I know Im crazy it helps though LOL.
Jen

Grab a Coffee

2010-02-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

What can I say the last two weeks have been a blur of workshops fun, laughter and friends, Its a hard life but someone has to do it .The above photo was taken by the very talented Jilly she is making me look good its all smoke and mirrors I tell you LOL.
I started with a workshop in Brissie to say it was hot and humid is a understatement,but the show must go on.

The girls took to the tools like a duck to water there were a few newbie’s but they did so well in class I was so proud of them all.

Below is a gorgeous necklace by an old friend Janine, not the old Janine LOL

The lovely Pam with her finished Doll pendant it looked awesome well done Pam.
Below: Below:
Janine made the trip from Sydney and lives 2 hours out side of Sydney. I must say this girl has the best Tools I have seen yes I’m dribbling.

Gaye on the right has been attending my classes for many years lovely to see you again Gaye.

This lovely pendant was made my Diana she did an amazing job I just love it

Janine’s pendant below :

This gorgeous girl Coral was a newbie to my classes and we have dubbed her the secretary for the class she took amazing note and made sense of my ramblings Thanks so much Coral.

Above:
Evelyn, Amanda and Sharon (also a newbie) hard at work

Above:
What can I say about these two gorgeous people or host and hostess for the last 3 years I have been teaching at there home, Evelyn and John.
John is my right armed at these classes nothing is too much trouble for him.
Evelyn who made us scones jam and cream on the days she wasn’t doing a class.
They have become very close friends my second family.

Sarah,me,Vanessa

Vanessa on the right who organises my classes and without who these classes would never run as smoothly and come to be she has been my rock for 4 years, thankyou Nessa may.

On the weekend I had the awesome surprise of my dear friend Sarah who travelled down from Darwin to do my classes she moved away from me 9 months ago and I have been missing her badly, her sense of humor, and my art buddy. It was so wonderful to spend time with her.

Miss Tall Grass 2009,me,Jilly
In this creative art world I have met people with whom I have clicked with on all levels a second me you might say. This threesome above Sarah and Jilly are like my twins our whickered sense of humour and sense of naughtiness is awesome.
Jilly and I share alot in common with sick children which throws us many challenges to say the least,with only our sense of humour keeps us sane to say the least.

The fun loving Ngaire (top of photo) One day Ngaire I will say your name right I promise (stop helping Jilly you don’t help LOL)
We did get some work done at the workshop really we did??!!.

This is my ice resin piece I sold at Halls gap last weekend it was a favourite of mine.

On the bottom of my House are the new pewter twigs I have been hand casting and selling.

More about that next post.
Thank you to everyone who came to my workshop it was such fun I so love coming to Brisbane.

Till next time Happy Creating

Jen

Been Busy

2010-01-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone
yes busy busy here of late I'm making bezels like there's no tommorow LOL.
Im so enjoying teaching the ice resin ever since I first started selling it back in December 2009
Here is a house I have just finished, its so hard to take a good shot.I just want to thank everyone who I have taught and who has bought the iceresin off me I really appreciate it.

More Bezels awaiting the ice resin.

If your interested in a class or buying the ice resin from me please just email me at

binga@netconnect.com.au

Im off to brissie in two weeks to teach again so thanks everyone

Jen

Shadow box

2010-01-12T03:24:00.001-08:00

Here is what I’m teaching in Brisbane in just a months time a shadow box using the back of a canvas.
On the front is another of my frames I have starting making it is an 8 x10 inch.
This will be my Friday night class. I can’t wait to go, now I have to start packing kits.
The girls get everything included in there kits that you see here.

Graceful New Year

2010-01-03T02:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to You all I hope 2010 will be a better one for everyone than last year.
I told you I would show you what I was up to when I went and played with my friend Chris in Perth.
Chris is an extremely talented Artist and while I was over there Chris who loves textile art also has turned her hand to Casting .I didn’t realise how much work was involved in the whole process until she showed me with some twigs I was wanting cast.
Here is a necklace I have designed for a class In Brisbane February 13th and 14th this year.

As soon as I saw Chris cast Doll heads I knew they would make such a cool necklace.
The body is an etched book with pages inside.
I can’t wait to see the Brissie girl again I have been up there the last 3 years I think it is now, and I can’t wait. We always have a great time and a lot of laughs.
For bookings for the class you can contact the Lovely Vanessa Henry who always organising everything so smoothly. I will be teaching The Doll Necklace and a Bezel class with the resin ice and another paper themed class.
There might even be a special appearance by Captain Underpants!

Geelong Fibre Forum 2010

2009-12-28T03:16:00.000-08:00

Hi ,I have been asked to teach at the Geelong fibre forum next year 2010, I'm so thrilled to be asked below is what I will be teaching there from the 26th September till the 2nd October 2010.
If your interested here is the link
http://www.fibresgeelong.viviti.com/about

Journeys with found objects
Jen Crossley is a generous and vibrant mixed media artist who has a passion for working with found objects, combining them in her work, to produce unique jewerly and whimsical vintage storybooks. Contained within the work is a moving beautiful narrative quality, leaving you to wonder about the people and stories portrayed in her work. Jen has been teaching for many years throughout Australia and has been published in several US magazines with her unique work. http://www.amarkintime.blogspot.com/
J o u r n e y s w i t h f o u n d o b j e c t s
In this workshop, we will unlock the secrets of found objects and journey through the world of mixed media to create unique and personal works of wearable art and vintage storybooks. During the week students will learn numerous techniques for working with found objects including how to age metal and paper, soldering, metal etching, inking, dying, rusting, attachments as well as some tricks to working with found objects.
You will leave the week with at least one found object bracelet or necklace, an etched booklace and a vintage book, allowing you to practice all of the techniques covered. Jen will work with individuals on personal projects towards the end of the week, incorporating the techniques learnt. No prior experience is required.

Spoon full

2009-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well I have been away for an unexpected Holiday last week, I took off to Perth for a week on my own to spend sometime with my friend Chris who is an amazing textile mixed media artist please check her work out it is truly amazing.
I was lucky enough to shop till I dropped no not Christmas goodies but art supplies; you wait to see what I have been up to with the help of Chris.
I also got a chance to catch up with dear friends as well for dinner, tea and laughs
Before I left my mojo was on a high thus a bracelet with mother of pearl which I dyed to make look a bit old, and a tea spoon necklace I had being dieing to make .I have the front view and if the spoon flips over to the wrong side another feature there as well. Both images on the spoon are yes you guessed it Tin photos; one has an advertisement of the photographer which I love.

Cant wait to show you what I have up my sleeves thanks to chris.

I will be teaching next year the resin ice and bezels so if your interested and get at least 10 people min hopefully more people would be great , I will see what I can do

Jen

Im Certified !!!

2009-12-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

I’m Certified No not crazy as you all thought LOL but as a Ice Resin Instructor ,if you not familiar with this wonderful product that’s what I’m here for .
Here are some Bezels I made and just poured the resin in I was so excited when I approached Susan Lenart Kazmer and her business partner Linda Larsen about how to become an Instructor, so if your interested in classes I’m the girl for the job LOL.
Jen

ps Its very hard to photograph so if you see my boof head in the reflect Im sorry LOL

MoJo

2009-11-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

Perfume bottle Necklace

A close up of the front I used an old cuff link at the top,an attachment from Red Velvet etsy and the perfume bottle with Yes another Tin photo( I just love these Rust and all.

Hi Again,
wow twice in one week,YES the mojo is back and my daughter Nicole is so pleased as, I have been annoying her cos I was bored well not creating, anyway.
The creative process I’m often asked about where do I get my idea’s, well with this necklace I was in my favourite antique shop when I saw this small perfume bottle its about 1"1/2 by 1" wide I thought wow what a cool idea for a necklace.
It cost about $5 I loved the brass lid on it as well. As many of you that know me I love to have jewerly that if it flips onto the wrong side while wearing it still looks cool, so the label of the perfume bottle is on the other side. It did have a small amount of “Smelly perfume” left in it I poured it out and washed it but it left a cool black residue inside still, which I liked the look of.

I must say I do struggle with the chain still I can do the focal point,but the chain! still gives me trouble.
I have made another necklace this week and also bezels which I’m about to fill with resin. Also I started on a Junk watch this week a work in progress that one.
Have a great weekend
Jen

Play Time

2009-11-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have been playing again,here is a camera necklace,I have just completed with a tin photo of a gentleman inside,I have also attached an old cuff link piece hanging off the gimble tag,and an old brass fuse down the bottom of the camera.

It is very hard to photograph with the reflect of the glass.

I want to thank everyone who voted for me in the Object and Elements comp ,If you didnt know I won and I was so wrapped.

SLK has a new website http://www.iceresin.com/ go check it out,Susan is teaching down under next year and I cant wait.

Pin Man

2009-10-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

I have entered this Bezel competition on Susan Lenart Kazmers site “Objects and elements”.
I have used a tap fitting from Bunning’s added wings and a vintage image then added her wonderful Ice resin which I just brought back from my holidays in the states. You should try it.
I can’t wait to do her classes next year when she visits, I know there is another lady just as keen we are both huge fans of her work aren’t we Ro!!
Have a look at the wonderful entries on there I think voting closes Wednesday US time which is Thursday to us Aussies LOL.
Wish me luck here is the link
http://objectsandelements.typepad.com/objects_and_elements/I have entered this Bezel competition on Susan Lenart Kazmers site “Objects and elements”.
I have used a tap fitting from Bunning’s added wings and a vintage image then added her wonderful Ice resin which I just brought back from my holidays in the states. You should try it.
I can’t wait to do her classes next year when she visits, I know there is another lady just as keen we are both huge fans of her work aren’t we Ro!!
Have a look at the wonderful entries on there I think voting closes Wednesday US time which is Thursday to us Aussies LOL.
Wish me luck here is the link
http://objectsandelements.typepad.com/objects_and_elements/

Linda's Book

2009-10-13T15:40:00.001-07:00

I promised you a look at the book I made Linda, here is the front cover details up close.
This book was a mixture of bits and pieces of pages I loved.
The book was made with my frames I have had made.

This book cover opened to show a poem.

I thought this poem was perfect for our friendship and sisterhood.

These pages were from some of my own good stash, I have always wanted to use cultery on my pages. I have seen them used before some where and I just love it.

Linda loved the bird cage I learnt in Judy Wilkenfelds class so I had to do one for here

I really like the shadow box on the back page it has a sterling silver pocket watch in it.

So if you ever need money Linda break glass in case of emergency LOL.

On another note,thank you to everyone who have been asking how Linda is after her current operation.She is doing well in alot of pain but recovering slowly.The good news is No cancer.

Im off to Melbourne this weekend to teach the swallow book again with 10 students,one is even coming from Perth !!

Jen

The King Lives

2009-10-05T23:43:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I've finally recovered from our 3-week holiday in the good old USA.
Mark and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas.
I surprised him by renewing our wedding vows with the King himself at the Las Vegas sign. It was very romantic: bus loads of tourists and fire trucks tooting their horns as they drove past us. Elvis sang us two songs.
Later that night we went and saw The Lion King. It was a very wonderful day and second honeymoon. Sorry guys the other photos are censored LOL.
Below is a view from our room over-looking the strip.
Nb: I must say ladies, Elvis was about late 50's, but he had nice buns in that white jump suit gggrrr.

After one week alone (gggrrrrr) we picked the kids up from the airport to travel up to Couer d' Alene Idaho, to be with my Sis (I have adopted her) Linda, and husband Jim, to live the American life style for a week. Linda and I met on the internet over 6 years ago now and we have visited them twice now. It was sure great to show my kids off to them.

The kids had never been on a boat before, so it was great fun watching their faces. Here they are having a tow behind Jim's wonderful boat. Matthew was shouting a few nice words to Jim driving the boat, but we couldn't hear him.

Us girls had a go too. I have never laughed so much in my life. I promised Linda no photos of us on that LOL.

Another day we took the kids up to Green Bluff to pick pumpkins. We returned home to Jim and Linda's so the kids could carve them (another first for them.)

Matthew and Nicole's pumpkins.

We did play in Linda's studio. I made her a camera necklace and we tried our hands at etching as well.

Here is a combined necklace from us both .

Linda's etched necklace booklet I taught her. It turned out so wonderful.

It was such a special holiday for us all, our first as a family for 8 years.

I will share with you a book I made for Linda in my next post.

On a final note, my dear Linda is in hospital as I post this. She has not been well for awhile, having survived ovarian cancer and now more complications from her previous cancer surgery. My thoughts are with you dear Sis. I'm so proud of you. You are a fighter and will get through this.

Love

Jen

Warning Im getting soppy

2009-09-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

I put a warning on this blog as I'm going to get soppy,but ! with good reason.I leave for the good old USA on Friday for my second honeymoon.
Mark my dear husband and long suffering one at that putting up with my art needs, LOL, are going to Las Vegas for a week to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary on the 8th September.
(yes I know I could get that for Murder LOL)
We are going to The Lion King on our Annivesary and the rest of the details are censored,but those who know me, know what GGGGRRRRRRRRR means LOL.

A week later the kids are flying over and we will have another two weeks with them.
We are going to stay with my dear american sister Linda and her hubby Jim in Couer D Alene.
I cant wait to see them .
Linda and I became friends on the internet through our love of art, Mixed media, about 6 years ago I think,and we are very close.
Linda is an inspiration to me and her fight against Ovarian Cancer. She was 10 years clear last year,you go SIS .
Cant wait for the beer in the butt chicken, grape jelly, shopping and creating.
Then to Disneyland for the last week.
So to everyone
Bye for now not for ever
Jen

Metal 3D House

2009-08-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest piece of Jewerly, I have always wanted to make a 3d metal house for many years this is my first try. It is made from all brass material.
I made one in paper years ago you might remember this one, but my alterment was a metal house (being the metal head I am lol)

I have etched the front of the house only and used an antique tin photo on the front.
My next house I'm working on will have a front opening door like a house locket, as I bought mini hinges from a hobby store and Mini nails about 3mm big, my old eyes aint what they used to be so alot of swearing and nails on the carpet.
I will show you a picture next time if I pull it off.
Jen

New Frames

2009-08-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well I have been busy making a new book with my new frames I am now selling. I have a new size now which is 110mm x150mm (4 1/4inches by 6" roughly) .

Here is the front of the book. I have added feathers under the rusty butterfly plate.

The first page is from an old book "A Lover's Gift", if you open this cover look what's behind.

This is who the book belonged to in 1879 and he was wanting his lover to read page 145.Then a picture of a lady hidden behind Mica.

Here are my new frames. I'm selling them in packets of 8. I have new shapes now; oval, rectangle, arched with a small rectangle. Contact me if your interested.
binga@netconnect.com.au
And I'm thrilled to say I have sold them to my first shop already. "Scraptivate" in Perth now stocks them for those girls in WA.

I love the rectangle frames as I cover it with cheesecloth for a see-through effect.

I have a love of old keys, and mounted some on to some mica again (Yes I'm addicted to Mica LOL) I have put a thin piece of cheesecloth over the picture so you can faintly see something is there.

The thing with these frames was that it is so expensive to buy an old photo album to rip up, and it is hard to find them here in Australia. So I came up with my own, using plain frames and ageing them with different papers.
Jen

Perth Classes

2009-08-08T17:30:00.001-07:00

Well what can I say? Another wonderful weekend with old friends (not age wise LOL) and meeting new friends.

Here is a picture of me flying over Miners Rest (my home) on the way to sunny Perth.

The lovely and very talented Kelsey O'Mullane, was my hostess with the mostess. I stayed with Kelsey over the 4 days. She waited on me hand and foot, also helping me in class. She was my right arm man/women. Thanks so much my "M"

I know not your typical class shot, but I was knackered. The girls were all so lovely, I can't thank them enough. They were keen as mustard which I love. I love to see people who are willing to try new things, and the look in there eyes when they ignite a new passion.

Saturday's class was the swallow book using my new frames.

Here is Chris's book that she completed. It was just so beautiful. Everyone has their own spin on their work which I love.
This was a very long..... long day class.
Thanks for hanging in there girls I hope it was all worth it.

Scraptivate: what a great shop! I really mean it, the selection of goodies were out of this world.
Here is Natalie on the right who owns the shop and the lovely Megan who works there as well.
These two were trouble LOL.

More happy smiling faces, the cheques in the mail girls thanks for looking like you're having fun LOL

Mel let loose with a dremel. You go girl!

More tool action, keep drilling Karen, you will get there girl.

The etching class was awesome, my new passion. It's very addictive.

The girls were all wonderful, some using tools for the first time.

Mel's necklace

Hey Gen! Lovely to catch up with you again.

It was so wonderful to catch up with dear friends. JVO and I have known each other for more years than we care to remember. I fly all the way across the country, she hears I'm coming, and she flies to Canberra to teach LOL. We caught up on Tuesday though. Hoorah!

Hi to Chris Atkins! She came and took me shoppin, and I got to see her awesome studio. Chris is a very talented textile artist. Her work is to die for.

And Hello to Ms Dawnie! It was so great to have time with you .

Thanks girls! I had a ball in Perth.

Jen

Done and Dusted

2009-07-19T01:08:00.001-07:00

Well it's finally done and dusted !

I have finally finished the book I started in Judy Wilkenfeld's class last year.

Those of you that follow my blog will have seen the pages seperately but it is finally all together.

This is the front cover.

Keeping with my nature theme, I have wired an old pair of antique binoculars to the cover.

Here is the shadow Box book were I carved out the arch in the middle with a scapel and a blistered hand. The old book was so thick (1/4" inch). I don't know how Judy works doing this all the time.

This picture shows the opening and a small door knocker that actually works.

"Hmm what's inside" I hear you ask? Well those girls at the class will know what it was (after alot of "colourful language") as I am scared of these things. It is now in place.

My good friend Sarah donated it to me, and thought it would be perfect for the book.

Yes a moth! It is actually beautiful and has a furry body, but I still feel it is waiting to come alive again.

Sarah found it coming to her door every night and one morning she noticed it had died.

Here is the shadow box chained to keep it closed.

The pages are all joined together with hand dyed silk ribbon,and it concertina's out.

I have just bought a old leather belt to keep it all closed.

Now I only have one thing I would like to add which is an old magnifying glass to the tapestry binding as it is so thick

So the search continues for the finishing touch.

I have so enjoyed doing this book.

Jen

Another Class

2009-07-14T01:09:00.000-07:00

Yes Another Class I had a private class at my home and three keen and ego ladies travelled up from Melbourne to do an etching class.

I must say it was a lovely Day,one could say "Perfect" eh Lucy

Here from the left Is Eva, Bevlea,and Perfect Lucy.

These ladies are actually all involved in organising the Creative Soul retreat of which Im teaching at next year in Melbounre, with other Aussie girls and American Tutors.I cant wait

The Lovely Eva whos necklace was just gorgeous.

Thanks Girls

Where's Jen??

2009-07-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Where's Jen??
Well I have been quiet from the blog world .
I have been busy though with Family illness and My back I have been a bit slack attending to the blog world.
Thank you to everyone who commented on my piece in the Belle amoire issue with Judy Wilkenfelds wonderful silver cast dolls. I cant thankyou enough for your encouragement in my work.

Now I travelled up to Sydney on the long weekend in June to the Lovely "Etching Wenches Retreat" Our hostess was Margaret Weiss on her beautiful Holiday farm.
We had a weekend of Classes The swallow book, Crystal Necklaces and etching necklace,plus demo's as well by the wonderul Kristy,Christina,Martina and Ruth,to keep our nights busy.
It was a wonderful weekend with Food, company,and play.

Here is Margaret,Christine and Christina relaxing after class.

Below was our class room where I cracked the whip all weekend Well Not really

This gorgeous necklace was made by Kristy from Adelaide.

I was so happy with how everyones necklace turned out.

Below left is Rob and Myself

Next is the gorgeous Martina who I also met at the Creative soul retreat earlier this year,she is a lovely Soul

Ruth and Margaret hard at work

In the middle of now where I saw this sign and Had to have a picture Crossley Real Estate eh!!

Hmm

The crystal Necklace that was made over the weekend.

Last but not least I was held together all weekend with a wing and a pray but also tape for my back.

It was a wonderful weekend

Thanks Girls