Category Archives: Upcoming Events & Appearances

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Updates and Such

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Hello Lovers of Lovlies and Learning!

I do realize that it seems to take forever between Blog Posts. On average, I am teaching twice a week and have pretties to make, my stores to tend to and other business affairs to handle and as we know… I am a one woman show.  I love you all, I promise :)

I did update my calendar this morning with new dates . . . check it!

Newsletter notes:  I took last week off.  I didn’t mean to take the entire week off from all things Magyk . . . but then there were tax *things* . . . and I’ll just say that I am glad that it’s over for the time being.

Question of the week: ”Since PMC is torch fired (generally) can bottleglass be used as a gem stone? Specifically, sea tumbled beachglass of which I have buckets. I know that its melting point is fairly low if the piece is of an older vintage that’s why you could throw an old Coke bottle in a fire ring at the beach and end up with a slumpy blob.  Anyway, I have some small gem sized bits that have been tumbled so much they look like gems themselves- spectacular. – Jen F.

Answer: Dear Jen (and others thinking about this idea), Please do not torch fire glass. You are right when you indicate that glass has a low melting point, and more importantly a low heat tolerance and fracture point. It can sit in a bonfire and melt because it is contained in the heat. Glass generally shatters when hit with high heat and exposed to cooler temps, which is what occurs when doing any torch firing. That’s called ‘thermal shock’. Anytime we metal clay artists use glass/ceramic in our work, it is recommended that we kiln fire. So – check out a bead store or glass store in your area and see if they have a kiln and will fire your work for you. If you don’t have luck with that, bring your work to me and I will kiln fire it for you. Be aware that in my recent test firing of beach glass, it changed color . . . from a lovely sea foam green to yellow. I will be test firing again, to see if a lower temp might prevent this, however, I fired at 1170, which is lower than traditional firing.  I will keep you all posted and if you want me to kiln fire for you, know that there are never guarantees.

Have a question about metal clay/firing/gems/making things?  E-Ask me and it will go in next weeks newsletter.  If I don’t know the answer, I will also find it and provide the resource where I got it. Thank you Jen for being the first to jump in! You may also submit a joke :)

Metal Clay Learnin’

Sunday, April 28 - AT CRAFTED – 3p to 6pm •  The mini-intro class is $70 and includes 3 hours of instruction and play time, 18 grams of clay, assorted clay supplies, a gemstone, a take-home sheet and loaner tools. You will walk away with a finished piece, your left-over clay and resources to purchase more supplies. I also offer ‘lifetime’ tutoring and a money-back guarantee. Follow my directives and if you hate your experience when it is over, I am happy to give you, your class fee back.  You can even keep your left-over clay.

Registration closes Sunday – April 21 at 6pm.  Use the link below to make payment and you are registered! I will confirm for all registrants as I receive notice from PayPal:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4LXHS67CYMT56

What people have said about classes:

“This was sooooo much fun!” -Rain C.

“I can’t believe I created a piece of jewelry!” – Xaver P.

“OH MY GOODNESS! Look what I did!” -Deb F.

“This was really fun and I look forward to more classes!” -Esther Y.

“Delia has a great personality that makes learning fun.” -Iris S.

“I felt like I was taught by a real expert.” – Dawn S.

Coming Up in other locations:

• Mark The Date  PMC Certification – Level 1 - June 8 & 9 in Long Beach.  In two days we create 4 pieces covering many skills.  More in-depth forming, stone setting, ring making, bead making, carving, syringe work and more.  After you complete all the projects, you’ll be tired, excited and Certified as an Artisan.  This makes you a big deal and able to qualify at many metal clay suppliers for a discount on materials :) It is not for the faint of heart and it is expensive, however, since I have done all three Level Certifications, I can say it was worth every penny. Go here to see sample projects, a full class description and to register: http://bit.ly/YSxcbT

• In May, I’ll be teaching a four week Introduction-Intermediate Metal Clay Class at Glendale College – there are 8 spots open. We will cover A LOT in 4 weeks.  Go here: http://bit.ly/14OcNtL

Joke:  “What was T-Rex’s favorite number?”

“ATE!”

Be well . . . 

Devyn's Fairy

For All the Love . . . That is Devyn

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My daughter attends a private school . . . a very good one and one that in the train of private schools is moderately priced for what it offers.  She has been in the same school since pre-kindergarten and she is currently in the 10th grade. That circumstance is at risk due to my financial circumstances.

It’s been said many times and statements similar have gone viral: ‘when you buy from a small business [artist] you are helping to pay for dance lessons [tuition].

Many blessings! And thank you for your support.

My son attended the same school, from 1st grade through 12th grade. He went on to attend UC Berkeley and graduated two years ago with a degree in Technical Theatre and Spanish.

By the time my daughter graduates, we will have been a part of this community for 20 years.

This educational environment is very much a part of who my daughter has become   . . . is becoming. It is her social environment as well – with many friends she has had since kindergarten and first grade. Continuing at the same school will increase her chances at college.  Having to leave the school, would be – I dare say – devastating for her.

Many moons ago, I found a fairy stamp hanging around my shop. I modified it to make me happy and more of my own and used it on the side of the Tree Goddess box (see below). You can’t see it in the picture, but she holds up the goddess, as fairies are prone to do from time to time. Having decided to not use her again, the mold I made of her face was tucked away.  She is very unique.

I unearthed her recently and have modified her once again. Her beautiful face reminds me of the tenderness and innocence I see in my daughter . . . in all children really. She represents to me, the hope that possibility brings. She represents the strength of growth and learning. It is fitting that I have revived her  . . . brought her to life . . . modified to represent all the things I hold dear.  Living passionately with purpose; learning and growing every day; the bright future I see for my children and especially the tuition I need to raise for my daughter to continue in her current education track . . . oh and maybe a new pair of shoes J.

I am an artist and a metal clay arts instructor. This is what I do for a living.

Today, I offer up this beautiful piece with the intention that I can put some stress over this bill, to rest. Will you support me?

“Devyn’s Fairy”

Fine silver Fairy holding a poppy with a golden stone in the center; embellished with additional nature elements – she has a bit o’ blue in her hair, just like my daughter.  On the back, the Kanji that represents “Love” and of course my signature.

This is a limited edition piece. I will only make 5.  All contributors to my effort will be entered into a drawing.  At the end of this campaign, Devyn will draw the five names of the lucky winners.

For those donating $25 or more, as material THANK YOU, you will have the option to receive either a “Magyk” charm piece, the poppy from the bigger piece or a fine silver Origami Crane, created by Devyn. For those contributing less than $25, you are still entered into the drawing and will be acknowledged in a future blog post, if you are not anonymous :)

A little background . . .

In 2007 when I started on the journey of metal clay MAGYK, I had no idea where it would take me. In 2008 when I decided to do my first show, I was just full of nerves and possibility.  That first show was an epic fail on many fronts or a tremendous learning experience :) . I’ve been adjusting my path ever since . . . adapting, modifying, growing, learning.

Last year in 2012 I was able to increase my teaching opportunities and I took the biggest risk of my little business life.  I opened a micro-store in San Pedro, CA. at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.  As with all new business adventures, since my journey with Crafted, my expenses continue to outrun my income.

The ‘why’ of my business – to bring an energetic compliment to your journey through the adornment I create. Sales of my work allow me to pay bills, allow for extras and be independent of my former spouse. I am also, at least one live demonstration to my children that passion and a willingness to take action leads to spectacular things . . . and really it has in many ways.

I’m just gonna say, while I fly by the seat of my pants more often than I like, and I recognize I have a lot to learn . . . I’m still at it, knowing there is a reason I am spose to do what I do.  Once in a while a Lover of Lovelies comes along to remind me.  Once in a while an artist takes a class and I reminded . . . yes, this is what I am supposed to be doing.

May you enjoy this offering of Devyn’s Fairy.  May it be a reminder to you of possibility, joy, growth, learning and renewal as we head into spring. I’d be honored if you’d own one.

Devyn’s Fairy – back view (pardon the shadow)
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Just the poppy with a golden stone in the center. (lab. sapphire)
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Devyn’s Fairy with patina (per Devyn’s request)
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Origami Crane …created by Devyn
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Poppy with patina

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freeparking

Awesomesauceness At The Crafted ‘House’

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• FREE PARKING!  ALL THREE DAYS! that’s a real squeeeeable moment in my book.

• San Pedro’s Taste of the Holidays – this Sunday, November 18 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Taste of the Holidays at CRAFTED!  We will be open late until 8-8:30ish.  There will be limited tickets available at the door, and you could always give it a shot. :) Tickets are $40 for non-members… tell ‘em I sent ya *wink* Go HERE: San Pedro Chamber site to get tickets in advance.  I feel certain the Chamber won’t mind and if these extended hours are good for you, come!  Support the Chamber, Crafted and have good food and vino and shop on a Friday evening.

• Small Business Saturday – NOVEMBER 24 – ALL DAY
www.craftedportla.com/sbs
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a day for eco- and socially-conscious holiday shopping in support of the small, local businesses like us, that are the engines of the nation’s economy.  We represent more than 100 local, independent artisans under one roof, with the perfect gifts for absolutely anyone! The Phoenix Magyk store will be *closed* on Friday 11/23.  Clay Magyk will be open and managed by Laura Moore of Billy’s A Bad Kitty, one of the great artists that shares her work.  I will be there Saturday and Sunday 11/24

There are more great things coming!  Stay Tuned.

freeparkingfreeparkingfreeparkingfreeparking!

 

L1PsnlCertSmall

Level 1 Certification

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This year I jumped through the additional action ‘hoops’ to become a Certification Instructor with PMC Connection (PMCC).

I had previously ‘clayed’ my way through Level I, II, & III certification with Senior Instructor, Lora Hart. I learned so much.  My design skills improved, as well as my ability to implement my often far reaching musings. It was with Lora’s encouragement that I took the plunge to teach certification classes myself.  I cannot thank her enough! I will forever be grateful!

I have scheduled my first class in Level I . . . this December 15 & 16.  The class will take place at my home studio in Altadena.  If you’d like to play, call PMCC for registration: 888-762-2529.

PMCC Level 1 certification is a two-day class designed for the student ready to step beyond the basics.
Each of the four projects in this class combines two or more metal clay construction techniques and challenges the student to create jewelry that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

See the projects.

Students explore and demonstrate mastery of basic hollow forms; carving green ware; ring sizing and construction, setting faceted stones, controlled syringe drawing, and forming sheet clay, as well as incorporating functional elements such as bails and embedded wire.

Projects are evaluated according to the care taken with design, joining, finishing, attention to detail, and the student’s understanding of the material covered in discussions. Completion of the class prepares the student for PMCC Certification Levels Two and Three and entities the student to a Certified Artisan discounts honored by most metal clay suppliers.  This 2 day event is $399 plus a $50 materials/studio fee.  You’ll get everything you need to be successful with all four projects!

Weather you want to just improve your skills or teach classes yourself – I cann0t tell you how valuable Certification classes can be.  Do it!  Sign-up today!  You won’t regret it, I promise. Call 1-888-762-2529

Here is all the BRAG :)

top10

Top 10 of Things

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I am a Dave Letterman fan.  I don’t generally go to bed until I’ve seen the top ten for the evening :)   So inspired I was by the segment, one day I sat down and created a Top Ten Reasons to take a Metal Clay Arts Class:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So you can probably guess?  I’ve come up with a new one for your consideration:

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Handcrafted Goodness

10) You love handmade goods.

9) Your item is unique and not mass-manufactured.

8) You were able to have a relaxed buying experience.

7) Handmade everything can be customized to you – ask your artist!

6) Your purchase is cooler than anything you’ve seen in a “big box” store

5) Your gift to yourself or someone else will last much longer!

4) Your purchase allowed the artist to buy something *they* needed.

3) You can tell you friends/loved ones that the item you bought was handcrafted.

2) Your purchase is “go green” with little or no waste on the part of the artist.

1) You made a new friend in the artist you purchased from.  They know more about what you like and need and you can order from them FOREVER!

This is still a ‘work in progress’.  Your feedback would be appreciated :)

My shop and home are full of handcrafted beauty that I use everyday.  My tools are stowed in artisan created pottery.  I buy T-shirts for myself and my daughter that are crafted by artisans I know. I have an extensive collection of jewelry and pins that are made by artists.

My top reason for buying handmade is knowing the difference it makes in the life of the artist I have purchased from AND I own beautiful art!  I relate to the idea of this being one’s ‘chosen career’ and what sort of challenges we face.

So as we head into holiday shopping “season” – give a pause – consider the advantages of buying handmade. Consider the experience of shopping in a space like Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles or a local arts fair versus a mall *gasp*. I’d appreciate it if you bought handmade and I know ALL the other artists in the world would appreciate it too!

Be well!

Go make something!

Go find something handcrafted!

LifeF

OH HAI!

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I know, I know!  It’s been a bit of time since I made a “real” blog post.

Honestly, I’d like to have the habit of a weekly blog post fully in place. However, we can see, that I am sometimes time-challenged.  I do update Facebook daily, so if you want to track what’s happening “Like” my Facebook page.  For every 10 “Likes” I am giving away a “Magyk” charm.

So I split the post up, so you can decide which interests you more!

ALL ABOUT TEACHING  *click here*

ALL ABOUT THE STORES *click here*

 

courtesy of Ashley, Crafted Staffer :)

I Think My Phone Is Wine Soaked

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Friday night at Crafted, we had our Etsy Craft Party. Spearheaded by KC Sears, fellow shop owner -Make, Shop, Live - and carried forth by Crafted staff and BUNCH of vendor-volunteers who decorated . . . we had a fun-filled evening of make and takes, demonstrations, good food, great music, and awesome visitors. Check out Crafted’s site for pictures.

I’m not what I would consider a ‘crafty’ person. When I think of crafts, I think of the talented people that do awesome things with yarn and thread and paper and glue and tacks and things.  I tried knitting, crocheting and did needle point when I was a child. I don’t paint, I cannot draw worth a darn – just ask metal clay artists that have taken my classes – and frankly glitter and glue confound me.  I suppose if you consider my fine silver jewelry creations a craft, I fit in there somewhere. And I don’t mean that with any sense of arrogance. I really admire the people I know who can craft in that way.  My good friend Rain Hannah of Honey and Ollie spins her own yarn and is a genius at knitting and crocheting AND she can create a gemstone necklace like no one’s business. She is truly a well rounded artist, where as I consider myself a one trick pony.

A million years ago, I was the chairperson of an event at my children’s school.  It was called the World Market and it was a “crafty” event. Parents and children worked  for a couple of months making handmade goods to sell at the market. The highlight of preparations was “Craft Days” on the campus. One of those days was during school hours and each group of students was facilitated through a project.  These projects, no matter how well done (or not), were big sellers. The other Craft Days were done on the campus on a Saturday.  Encouraging widespread community involvement, we gathered at the campus and folk could sit at various stations and make a project.

Why I was EVER the chairperson of such an event, I will never know. I will tell you that I really panicked about Craft Days.  Most parents were savvy enough that for the in-school projects, we were all set.  One year, I actually came up with a good idea – decoupaged treasure boxes – it was a sticky mess, and the 5th and 6th graders had a good time. Me? I did have a good time and remained in fairly good spirits although I left there with paper and Modge Podge stuck to a good percentage of my body.

I chaired this event for three years.  After extraneous effort at knitting scarves and learning to decorate tiles for coasters, from the internet, I finally found a book.  This book of crafts was really my kinda book and I knew it the minute I saw the title: “The Big-Ass Book of Crafts”.  This book changed my life in numerous ways.

At the time it was a gift from the ‘verse that was sure to save me from glue.  I was able to share this book with fellow parents and spread the good cheer of 150 different kinds of projects, many of which contain NO glue and NO glitter – well there is glue . . . but NO GLITTER.

So I have my book and it was a great confidence builder for me.

I have since abandoned chairing any more events.  As my daughter heads into her 10th grade year and my son has graduated, I’ve done 17 years of events at this school, so I am taking an extended hiatus J  The book was tucked away until about two years ago.

I volunteered to create something for the previously aforementioned event and needed an idea.  I had been working as an artist for a while, however in my medium, I couldn’t figure out a donation that was cost effective for me.

I poured through the book and found something to do – I picked bath salts.  I got some help from a friend and we made several bottles.

In the process of sifting through the book, I was transfixed on several sections wherein the artist used Loteria cards/art to decorate things and make some really great works of art.

I cannot tell you the series of thoughts that occurred, however I can confirm that these sections of the book were the spark . . . yes, inspiration for the Loteria card pendants I now make.  Framed in fine silver, the tiny cards are resin set and the piece is hung on a sterling chain.

Now I realize this is all a very long back-story to why my phone is wine-soaked . . . and I’m getting to it.

Ok, so  . . . who is the ‘Dali Lama’ of crafting great art, that wrote this book?  Why, none other than Mark Montano. AND who showed up at Crafted on Friday night for the Etsy party? Why, none other than Mark Montano! And this brings me to wine on my phone . . .

So, I go to get a glass of wine and as I am walking back to my store, I catch a glimpse of Mr. Montano in what apparently is our ‘green room’. He is tucked away, pawing through his goodie bag in what will be the phase two warehouse.  I see him, I stop and I’m all freaking’ giddy . . . I peak, I stare, I watch.  Good friend Amy Steelman of Dogwood and Poppy, says “Go introduce yourself!” I shake my head . . . she says “Just go in there and say hi!”.  The thought of which prompts me to back up quickly, as I fear her shouting has been overheard and in doing so, I spill wine down my arm and on my phone.

I dash to my store to clean off my hand and consider the foolishness of my giddiness.

About ½ later, I had decided that I would in fact do a demonstration and I am headed to Wood Brain and Meriebabie  to find out when they will be doing make and takes and as I am marching through the warehouse, I round the corner and near knock him over . . . stop dead and mutter something like . . . “oh it’s you” to which he politely replies, “yes, it is me”.  I turned and ran.

Thinking they would be touring our isle any second, I grab my copy of “The Big-Ass Book of Crafts” and my sharpie pen and look at my friend Shirley and say, “He’s coming this way!”.  She laughed at me. I peak out of my stall just in time to realize they are NOT in fact coming this way, so I grab what little self-respect I have left and march over there with my book and pen and in the most timid voice I have ever heard come out of my mouth, squeak “Mr. Montano, will you sign my book?”.  When he asked me my name, I forgot for a second.  He graciously inscribed my book and I was able to mumble the impact his art had on my life and work and to share one of my Loteria pendants with him.

I SQEEEEEEEE back to my store.  I then do the best demonstration I’ve ever done.  Shirley takes pictures, Kristen stops by, the area was full of people! What a fun night . . . .could it get any better?

Why, yes, it could.

I realize I am starving.  I head to the food truck and they are sold out. As I walk back into the building, I see Mr. Montano doing photo ops and trying to shoo away would-be makers at his table. I say, “You just have to run!” and literally grab this man by the arm and drag him off to my booth.  As we are skittering away, I say, “so what do you know about metal clay?” he says “I’ve heard of it, but haven’t tried it” So I say, “lemme give you a pack and some tools to play with and loan you a book and let’s get together for a play date . . .”  Wait, did I just invite myself into Mark Montano’s life for a play date??????? Why yes, my silly self did exactly that!

I had the chance to share my work and explain (ad nauseum, I’m sure), about what an impact his book had made on my life and he posed for a pic with me and expressed an interest in taking a class and wanted to know if I had written a book yet and also shared the name of an artist I should look up.

I chatted with this extraordinary man as if I had known him for years.  He was delightful and inspiring just in his presence.

I turned around and with the help of my friend Shirley, sold 4 custom bracelets. They were the only things I had sold all day, so it was pretty squeeeee. Hello Dash & Dine of San Pedro.

I also saw my friend Ali Zeno, who shared her delightful story of meeting a famous driver and asking him to sign her “ass pad”.  This story made me laugh all night every time I thought of it, and made her husband shake his head in much the same way as he did during the original event.

Also among fabulous things happening, meeting a fine art jeweler that called my coffee cup a “masterpiece”!  I’m still a little stunned. Gary from McCloud Ringworks in Ports O’ Call, called my fine silver coffee cup a “masterpiece”.  I was SUPER touched, proud and excited

My night was complete.  I met Mark Montano, got his autograph in  “The Big-Ass Book of Crafts”, got a picture with him, sold something, had a little wine, shared great laughs with great friends . . . met a ton of new friends and now know that I am a maker of a “masterpiece” :)

Crafted . . . it’s kinda my life now :)

pics to come

16 DAYS UNTIL CRAFTED at the port of la :)

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In the featured image… The Crafted Invitation . . . at the bottom of the pictures of art…in the center…is a fine silver pendant with a big square lab sapphire . . . that’s my work! It since has a new home.  At the Xiem show in May, a lovely young man name Jacques, bought it for his sweetheart as a surprise.

Maybe I haven’t caught you up on what’s happening . . . and I know why ☺

In 16 days, I will be standing in my permanent booth stall in San Pedro. You can learn much more about the overall project here: SQUEEEEE

I actually don’t remember when I really decided . . . but I remember getting an email from my good friend Rain Hannah of Honey & Ollie telling me ‘to check out this link’. She said she ‘was going to sign up, it looked like a very exciting thing’.

So I went to the website and I gave it a cursory glance; supplied them with pictures of my work and an application and . . . “Opening in the Summer of 2012”.

I attended an information meeting and met lovely, talented and tenacious, Ali Zeno and Rachel Robinson  . . . AND “Opening in the Summer of 2012”.

I just finished my last art faire . . . AND “Opening in the Summer of 2012”.

So last Sunday, it occurs to me that I better get in gear and start ordering materials to outfit my store. My daughter created a drawing and I have subsequently put too many moments into a 3d modeling program to make it look more professional.

Gettin' Started

I’m excited to say that I’ve ordered carpet tiles, and wall paper and that’s about as far as I’ve gotten. Painting will get underway on Saturday and I’ll be working on things full throttle Sunday the 17th until Grand Opening on the 28th – summer of 2012 is here NOW.

Carpet

Wallpaper

Back at the ranch . . . the shop . . . the office . . . there had been extensive ‘package’ preparation for possible teaching appointments and my application to become a Certification Instructor for PMC Connection – lesson plans, proposals, ‘proof of life’ on other classes . . . letters of recommendation. I have am now a Certification Instructor with PMCC and can begin teaching Level I Certification classes any time now. If you’ve been watching my news at all, you know I have classes at Otis College of Art and Design, Glendale Community College, Santa Monica College, and Majestical Roof.

In the midst of the business hulabaloo . . . let us not forget, I have a daughter and a son, both of whom I love with the entire fiber of my being. My son lives in the bay area and we don’t get a chance to talk much – and when you see my booth, the lighting will have been his design. Devon is a dancer and this year in competition, brought home the gold, twice!

Devon, A Trophy and Victory Rolled Hair

Opening in the Summer of 2012 . . . 16 days . . .

I would love to tell you that I’ve have handled ALL the THINGS with grace, calm and joy . . . yeah that would be a ‘no’.

While I have been VERY excited for all the happenings and all the happenings are with intent and purpose . . . I have at times been scattered, not read everything, double booked days, been late with custom work, forgot to order things and in general have had many a moment where I have had to stop myself and say “Self . . . Delia Daahling . . . life is what you make it . . . nothing is by accident . . . there is no life by happenstance . . . stand still and consider what you are doing.”

Do you ever have to do that?

More than anything in the world right now . . . I want those that ‘watch’ me to see, hear, and experience that EVERYTHING that is happening in my life, is what I WANT to be happening in my life – the good and the not-so-good.

In early December, after attending the Christine Kane workshop (I told ya’ll about that right?) – Uplevel Your Business, Live event – I sat down and wrote out goals for the coming year. Just about everything I set out to do in 2012 in now a reality.

So, at the beginning of this journal entry, if you will, I said “Maybe I haven’t caught you up on what’s happening . . . and I know why ☺” here’s why.

I’m not used to reaching my goals . . . this is all new territory for me and ultimately there is a part of me that is waiting for the dominoes to fall. Here’s the really fun part though . . .
Dominoes have been falling off the table everyday. I’ve at times been super-mega-awesome clumsy/unconscious/fearful/unclear/mad/sad/downright hysterical – and had to put the dominoes back in the right order – and I really didn’t want ya’ll to see ALL that – not a pretty sight – so I’ve been ‘playin’ it cool’, so as not to scare anyone ☺ I did start this blog post two days ago . . . big header “18 Days . . .” HA! On average, lately, I’m about two days behind ☺

Today – right this minute – when a domino falls . . . if all of them tip over . . . I envision the pattern to be a big question mark, signaling some lack of clarity somewhere in the line . . . and I know, now, without a shadow of a doubt in my mind that I will just handle it . . . figure it out . . . reset . . . and move forward.

It’s time for big girl thoughts and actions . . . there will be no more retreats . . . there will only be ‘oops’ and moving forward in the face of a challenge. That has been one of the greatest gifts of this new territory so far . . . using what I learned, putting tools to work, taking action and eventually it is all becoming [new] regular habit.

I take this opportunity to apologize for the lack of updates. I have heard form some folk that are like “Hey, what’s going on? Are you okay?” particularly in light of last summer when I through in the towel.

I’m terrific! I am awesome! I am realizing dreams! I am teaching every week . . . every month! Spreading the joy of metal clay arts wherever I go! Amy Steelman will also be playing at Crafted and recently took an intro class from me.

Metal Clay joy! Amy Steelman brushes her first piece!

In 16 days I’m opening a store!
Opening this Summer of 2012!

Many thanks to: Rain; Robin; Alison; Rachel; My family, Devon, Blake and Shane; Esther; Lora; Amy; Karen; Paula, Kiana, Amy, and everyone at Otis; Kathy and everyone at Glendale; Kathy and everyone at Santa Monica; Tamara and everyone at Zinnia; Lynn and everyone at Majestical Roof; Christine Kane and everyone at Uplevel; every student I have ever had the honor of teaching and every student I have yet to meet; every customer I’ve ever adorned and every customer I have yet to meet! . . . I have learned from you, I have grown with each experience, I have expanded my heart and soul – Thank you for all you have brought to my life. You have walked this journey with me weather you knew it or not :)

I’ll be updating everyday from now until Grand Opening . . . on Facebook, so if you haven’t “Liked” my Phoenix Magyk page yet . . . what’s stopping you!

Ta Ta for now, I feel certain there is something I’m spose to be doing – LOL!

Make something everyday . . . even if it’s trouble!

LoveSneak

Mother’s Day & New Art . . . Sneak Peek

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Mother’s Day is fast approaching (May 13). As a mom, I’ve always felt that it should be a celebration  . . . with parades . . . on a Monday . . . and absolutely everything is closed except restaurants that serve champagne brunch :) .

Also, as a mom, I appreciate special gifts . . . like some sort of adornment. There’s always that lovely scarf, my daughter “finger knitted” for me . . . and you can probably guess where I’m headed right?  I am a jewelry artist after all :) .

I of course have a large selection of hand prints in plaster, hand made cards, and macaroni pictures, from both my children and stains of coffee on the bead spread from a few breakfast-in-bed wobbly moments :) .

I say, a piece of jewelry that will remain significant for a lifetime is truly special. I still have the jewelry box my daughter painted at school when she was five and filled with costume jewelry . . . and yes, I do wear some of that jewelry.  I still have a heart charm, my son once gave me too.

Adornment speaks to me, as well as those I meet.  It tells you something about me . . . it may even create an instant connection.

Starting Monday, April 30, I’ll be posting new items to my Etsy shop for you to peruse and consider for that special “mom” in your world . . . or to treat yourself :) .  All purchases qualify for free shipping and you’ll receive a secret surprise too! www.phoenixmagyk.etsy.com

Drop hints . . . pass on the information to loved ones, AND special calls are always welcome from young buyers.

Need to see something in person?  Want to send your loved ones to take a look?  I’ll be sharing lovelies at Xiem Clay Center on May 11 and 12 (Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA.).  If that date scares you, call me for an appointment at the shop :) . 626-375-9839

I also offer Gift Certificates, attractively boxed – in any denomination.  They can be used for a ‘in-stock’ piece or a custom piece of the presenters choice . . . maybe a photo pendant of the family?! You need to call or email me: 626-375-9839; delia@phoenixmagyk.com

I also teach metal clay classes.  Maybe that special someone in your life wants to learn a new art medium.  Certificates for classes are either $95 or $105 and can be redeemed for up to a year. These will be on Etsy. www.phoenixmagyk.etsy.com

Here’s the sneak Peek I promised in my email:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a super-mega-awesome week!
All my best,
Delia

Make something everyday . . . even if it’s trouble! – I said that

WHATZZZZ UP! CLASS NEWS!

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There has been a great deal of happenings ’round Shop D’Delia.

I hope you all have been well and happy.

I’ve spent the last two weeks prepping my Course Proposals for various teaching possibilities and gathering the data that is ‘me’.  THANK YOU . . . to everyone that had such lovely things to say for Letters of Recommendation and all the “Go Delia!” I heard.

I love, love, lovity, love, love teaching . . . almost as much, if not more that creating art.

So before I get too ahead of myself . . . in the month of April, I will be teaching an Introduction to Metal Clay at Majestical Roof!  April 3 & 4, 6p – 9p.  In the first day we will have an overview of metal clay, the tools to use and how to design (even if you don’t think you can :) ).  We will actually lay out some work.  On evening two we will cover pre-fire finishing, firing and post-fire finishing.  I love the Majestical Roof Gallery and the team there is excited to present many classes in this coming year and I am grateful to be a part of.

So register by March 28 for your spot in this really fun class and spend a couple of evenings learning something new and telling jokes with me! Go to my Calendar page, find the date and clink the link.  It will take you to Paypal to pay the class fee and then you will receive an email confirmation from me with additional information.

ALSO in April, I will be teaching “Photo Pendant Magic” at Zinnia- that wonderful place for

Loteria card, resin set (Photo Pendant Magic)

“contagious creativity”. April 28 & 29 11a – 3p.  On day one we will discuss and implement ways to create frames for our assorted pictures . . . they will be kiln fired that night.  On day two we will shine up our frames and GET STICKY with a little UV resin and a bit o’ glue GO TO my Calendar page, find the date and clink the link.  It will take you to Paypal to pay the class fee and then you will receive an email confirmation from me with additional information. Register by April 23.

As I work out a few details regarding my schedule . . . These are two classes I am teaching locally – Majestical Roof is in Pasadena and Zinnia is in South Pasadena – before June.

I am pleased to announce that beginning this summer, I will be teaching metal clay magic at Glendale Community College, Santa Monica Jr. College and Otis College – all within the Community Education Programs, or what some refer to as Adult Education.  The class dates will be posted to my calendar.  You will need to go to the sites of the schools to register.

I love, love, lovity, love, love teaching . . . almost as much, if not more that creating art!

I do have sales appearances coming up: March 31, I will be showing and selling at Majestical Roof; 88 N Fair Oaks Ave # 102, Pasadena, CA 91103-3632 (map link). There’s more . . . check out the Calendar! :)   I’m very proud of my new Calendar. Honestly, anytime I can master adding a new wizbang to the site that makes life easier for all, it’s like New Years!

Recently I got turned on the a book by Dr. Robert Anthony, “Beyond Positive Thinking”. In the early pages he describes a concept of the ” . . . the river of life . . .” and now I paraphrase ‘you can go to the river of life with a teaspoon, some may go with a cup . . . a bucket . . . a barrel even . . . the river is there and will always flow’. It’s about what we think we can accept and going for the results we want in our life.

I’m headed to the river with a barrel, drinking it in  . . . and I am always ready to share!

Go make something!  Have a great week!

All my best, Delia