Last Daze of Summer

Yup, dazed! Especially when it comes to updating this thing. Doesn't mean I haven't been busting stuff out though.

I've been getting a little confused with what colors to use as we approach fall. Is it summer or is it fall at the end of August in California? That is what I have been asking myself lately. A part of me wants me to wear my booty shorts and tank top, all the while, I string hot pink and orange beads on wire screaming "SUMMMM-AAAARRRRR!!!". YET, as September is just around the corner, there is a huge part of me that wants to drink a cup of tea, wear my flannel and booty shorts, while sorting through my beads of pyrite, turquoise, and colors of mustard, grey, and red. What's a indecisive color obsessed girl to do? 

Summer Color

New leaf shaped earrings with Egyptian Clay and brass angular cut beads

 Found these postcards at a antique store the other day and can't stop staring.

Postcard n' goods shipping your way, Lore!!

LEVON, LU N' LAPELLES

I know everyone and their mom (even Sir Elton John) are posting about Levon Helm, but just for the sake of being one of my favorite musicians, I have to post something. Nothing like listening to The Band on vinyl, drinking coffee, and making jewelry to sooth my sorrows. 

On the other hand, my beautiful friends, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lappelles, have their CD release today on the day of days, 4.20, in Minneapolis at First Avenue. Sadly, I will not be able to attend, but their album came to my door step at the perfect time to enjoy them spirit.

 I miss you all.

-W

Arizona Highways (Part 2)

Here we are again... acquiring more Arizona Highways and loving every minute of being transported into the 70's southwest culture. This batch was found tucked in a box between christian pamphlets at an estate sale in Northern California. There are so many articles to share that we may have to save the rest for another day.

 Lower Inset: Heishe, Wampum (traditional sacred shell beads) and coral
Center: Strands of old coral beads

"The Catcher" photographed in 1906 by Edward S. Curits

Can't get enough of this man. An admirer I am, indeed. 

Fritz Scholder. 

Go Big or Go Home.

I've been thinking big lately.

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I just wanted to post the beautiful photos of the Scalloped Seed Collar we did exclusively for

 Ship and Shape's Spring 2012 Collection. If you haven't taken a look already, I suggest you do so.

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 some other pieces in the collection

Oreo T-Shirt by Dietrich Sieling

Terra Necklace by Erin Smith 

Sky Occulter by Isa Gagarin

Squiggle Sketchbook and Bookmark by Lindsay Noble

Gifts Come in all Shapes and Sizes

Gifts do come in all shapes and sizes and that's without trying to sound too much like a Hallmark card for expectant parents...  when I say "shapes and sizes", Im talking about something as small and uniform as a seed bead. Since I've been living in California, and she in Minneapolis, Lore and I have been working together via skype and sending supplies and orders to one another via postal service. The other day was no ordinary delivery, but a doubly whammy of sorts, and I have to share. First, she resupplied me with my essential colors and leather chord, but also, as a good sista should, sent me new colors to add to my palette. Secondly, she sent some perfect vintage french cut metal beads from an old beaded pouch she found at a thrift store in Duluth,MN. This style of bead, we can't get enough of, and the search is always on for these glorious rare vintage wonders that we reclaim and make jewelry out of. The last surprise was the best surprise- a simple  necklace strung with a mix of these french style beads for yours truly. As soon as I finished ravaging through the package, and once my heart rate went down from all the excitement, I was rejuvenated and went back to work. 

Thanks, Laotong!

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courtesy of Ship & Shape

While we are on the topic of shape, we are amped for the new Ship and Shape Spring Collection which goes online April 1st at 12:01am (tonight). Not only are amazingly refreshing and talented artists involved, but we will have a piece included in the spring collection, as well. These ladies know design and know how to pick an artist's piece of work.  Every artist uses a variety eloquent colors, textures, and materials making  Ship and Shapes collections cohesive. Their online store makes you want to have every last handcrafted piece of jewelry and knick knack for yourself... and you should! I highly suggest  reoccurring their shop and taking a look at their blog which has Studio Visits of MN artists. 

I throughly enjoy these little visits being so far away from Minneapolis. It's just a reminder of how extraordinary Minneapolis is and the people who make it that way.

courtesy of Ship and Shape

-W

Katie Scott.

http://katie-scott.tumblr.com/

http://katie-scott.tumblr.com/