Lisa Call

Evolution of a studio...

Some of you will remember when I had Jeff add two islands to the center of my studio in an effort to be more organized almost a year ago.  Jeff's comment at the time,  "You know if I add more storage you will just make a bigger mess right?"  I only responded with a slight eye roll because I knew deep down inside that was true, but I was not about to admit it.   He was right.  I love this man because he knows me so well and is still married to me after almost 17 years. 

 So a few months ago I made the comment,  "I really would like a big big table in the center of my studio?"  Jeff, "Didn't you have a table in the center before I added the islands?"  Lisa - "sigh...yes, but I really need a big table so the girls and I can sit and work on bigger projects and maybe a class in my studio!"  I do believe there was a little muttering, and then he said he would make me one for Valentine's Day.    Lisa - happy sigh.  So designing ensued, and Jeff was just waiting on my final decision.  The thought of all the saw dust and mess in the garage and driveway, discussions about proportion, legs, and the cost of wood did delay any final decision and one night I spied this large table in Craig's list for $50.00...solid wood.  We couldn't even buy the wood to make my table for that price so here it is before I painted it.

 

Below is the after shot.  Sorry it is a little blurry, but I wanted you to see the chair in the lower right corner...three more to paint.  These were purchased years ago and in our garage forever...they were originally going to be painted bright colors and used in our garden, but I never got that project going and now I am glad that I procrastinated...because they are new studio chairs.   The little vintage trays were a great find and perfect for keeping beads from rolling on the floor.

 

 Here is another little cabinet I found...ugly brown and voila...shabby white.  I tend to like white in my studio since other colors tend to through a shadow of color on the beads.   

I have painted an armoire, a cubby, a bench, a table, two chairs and a frame and can honestly say...I won't be buying anymore furniture that needs to be painted for a while.  The cubby almost put me over the edge.  I am still suppose to paint the cabinet doors to my desk...but that is going to have to wait...I want to make a big mess on my new clean table.

Who Doesn't Love Mother of Pearl Buttons?

I have containers and containers of mother of pearl buttons.  I am guessing you do too!  I love the soft glow of the old ones,  but I think I love the carved ones the most.  I set a large one in a sterling bezel last week and it has been on my desk just waiting to be finished.  Sorry the picture is so dark, but we are bracing for another little snow storm...yes I said snow storm in March.  Our weather has been all over the map...sunshine, rain, snow, hail, snow, sunshine.   Just like my moods lately.  I am looking forward to some spring weather.  Hopefully the weather will be better by ArtFest time!  Will you be there?

 

Be safe and warm this weekend!

Removing Patina and Etsy Update

If you work with sterling silver and apply patina then you  probably have used steel wool to remove some of the patina.  I really don't like how it sheds when you use it, so here are a few alternatives I use:

1.  Synthetic Steel Wool - I found this at a paint store and love it.  It does not shed like steel wool, however it is more expensive.

 

2.  Pro Polishing Pads - these are available at Rio and sometimes bead stores.  They are little 2x2 inch squares and have the texture of foam.  They are really more for polishing, but will remove patina too...beware that it does add shine.

3.  3M makes Wet Dry Polishing Paper in 6 different grits.  I like the  green 400 grit and gray 600 grit for removing patina from my PMC.  Again what I really like is that it doesn't shred. 

4.  Steel Wool finest Grit 0000 - I always have this around and is great for getting into small spaces, but I typically use any of the above first.

I have updated my Etsy shop with a few goodies.  I am clearing out some things I have been collecting and making a few new bobbles. 

     

I added the little widget to see who if anyone is reading this blog and am surprised to see the variety of traffic...so I would love to hear from you and how you found me...drop me a line.