Special orders don’t upset us…

Posted by Anita Bondi on March 13, 2012 under Anita Bondi | 3 Comments to Read

Am I dating myself with that title jingle? Amazing how those kind of seemingly senseless things can be called up from my mind years later. And I can still sing the entire thing. Amazing or sad? (especially that particular one – thanks Burger King)

This week I am honored to make two special order necklaces with names and birthstones. What a wonderful way to celebrate the children in our lives. The cut out heart, with the name peeking through, and embedded birthstone is an original idea – well, at least I have never seen it before. I am happy to make one for you. Just send me a note.

Special orders don’t upset us, all we ask is that you let us serve (make it) your way. See there I go. It is stuck in my head now. Amazing? Sad? Your choice.

personalized

Posted by Marci Molina on March 10, 2012 under Marci Molina | Be the First to Comment

personalized pendant

I was recently asked to create a personalized pendant as a gift for a new mom. Since I created the graphics on my computer, I was able to email the customer a sample before deciding on the final design. I love how graphic design and technology are meshing with my new line of handmade jewelry.

The customer, new mom, and artist are happy with the results!

What Do You Mean?

Posted by Susan Bradford on March 1, 2012 under Susan Bradford | 2 Comments to Read

That is the title of this painting which may or may not be finished.  Or may need some minor adjustments.  Or may just be one that I’ll never feel resolved about.

I like to work on several things at once, and I like the idea of  doing several paintings of the same size at one time.  This was one of a series of six paintings on paper, five of which I finished last summer.  But this one had me stumped then and it still has me stumped now.  I keep working and reworking it.  I’ll feel good about it for a day or so.  And then I’ll want to tweak one little thing and that will lead to something else, and then I just keep painting until the surface of the painting starts to feel good again.  Then I work on other paintings for a while, and I keep looking at it.  Then the whole process starts all over again.

I keep asking what the painting is trying to teach me.  Every time I work on it, I ask, “What Do You Mean?”   So no matter how many more times it changes, that is the title.

What I like about this version is that the colors are a bit loud, a little blunt.  That’s not usually me.  There is chaos but order, too.  I like that they are playing with each other, but not at odds.  This piece might defeat me in the end, but I am thoroughly enjoying the process.

Thank you.

Posted by Anita Bondi on February 14, 2012 under Anita Bondi | Be the First to Comment

Last week I attended a workshop at ESU entitled, Designs for Survival. It was taught by Tom Mann, jeweler, sculpture, and creative genius. The workshop was dotted with “makers” from the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, artists working in our area for the last 20 years or more, and many students who probably wondered what all “these old people” were doing there.

There is one thing that the self employed person must always remember: you, the clients, customers, consumers, are the most important part of our creative life. Without you, what we make is just product. With you, what we make is a life line of sorts.

Tom Mann said,”Never forget to say , Thank You.” When I work with my clients I always end the session by thanking them. When I teach I always end my class by thanking each student individually. When I sell a piece online, I make sure to send a Thank you note. With the world moving so fast because of technology and our ability to “reach out and touch someone” almost every second of the day, I almost can’t keep up with all the Thank you’s that I want to say.

My survival depends on YOU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Without you, the puzzle is incomplete.” Happy Valentine’s Day.

I miss it.

Posted by Anita Bondi on January 31, 2012 under Anita Bondi | Be the First to Comment

lately i have been thinking about how much i miss creating performance art. most of my creative time has been spent making jewelry. while satisfying and money making (both very important to me as a self-employed artist), there is just something about being hunched over a dusty dirty bench that can never compare to a huge open studio space and bodies moving together.

this pic may have to be my inspirational jumping off place…