Mid-December through January is usally a time of experiementation here. My fall projects - fixing the lousy concrete "grout" in my parents' Albarene soapstone floors, experimenting with vintage print rings and earrings, a number of commissions, and preparing for the Christmas rush - are complete. My ongoing project to combine knitting and mosaics continues (using this pattern) and is still delighting me. In the studio itself, I'm looking at experimenting with metal and glass a lot in the next month and a half, and trying some new things with paper.

Mosaics

Jewelry

I like to recycle and reuse things; when a beloved piece of china breaks or I come across a 1912 children's book missing its covers and half the pages, I see an opportunity. I buy scraps of glass from traditional stained glass artists, and rescue broken glass from framed art, and reuse it all. There is so much great design in old stamps and calendars, in modern dishes, in odd bits of metal, and in broken costume jewelry that it seems a shame to not use it. So I do. I turn them into rings and pendents and earrings, in addition to using them in my other art.

Classes

I occassionally teach Mosaic classes in the Nelson County/Western Albemarle (Afton/Nellysford/Crozet) area. Class sizes are small. I provide all of the materials and tools (unless otherwise specified) and after-class support, as well as the instruction. Each class is a mixture of the practical (you'll make things!) and the theoretical (history, design tips, tricks of the trade). If you are interested in learning how to make mosaics, send me an email. We'll talk about timeframe, type of class (a general Introduction class where we make a couple of small things like trivets and coasters or a more focused class involving mosaic tables or jewelry or garden features), and other related matters. No commitment is implied by this discussion (on either side).

Where to Buy My Art

You can buy my art from me at the Nelson Farmer's Market (I'm there once a month, and maintain a mailing list to let folks know a few days in advance when I'll be setting up my booth/) in the summer and at the Artisan's Market at the Rockfish Valley Community Center (first Saturdays) in the fall and winter months. I'm also often found at other artisan-friendly markets up and down the Valley and throughout Central Virginia. If you live in the area, I'm available to talk about commissions or bring you a piece you spotted at a show (if it is still available). I take a limited number of commissions per month, but will work with you as best I can.