Martha's Artjools

Artfire Curated Collection....I'm In!

2012-02-08T17:36:00.002-06:00

How great to see my work included in Metal III - from Chains to Forged

Fast Fire Bronzclay class coming up.....

2012-02-01T13:09:00.003-06:00

Fast Fire Bronzclay is great. It shrinks very little - 10% - unlike the original at 20%, fires in a shorter period of time inside the kiln. Best of all, it does not warp! There is one issue with the clay...when cz's or other stones are embedded in the fresh clay, the stones (which usually are fine with the firing) come out of the kiln with a cloudy film. I've learned to embed any stones in original first, attach it to the unfired Fast Fire, then when fired together the stones look fine.

Fast Fire does not acquire the multi-colored kiln patina. Out of the kiln it has a darkish coating which needs to be scrubbed away with a steel brush, soap & water. A beautiful golden color shines as the end result. Unless you prefer to add color. You can use Liver of Sulfur solution, Gilders Paste, or alcohol ink. I've used all three and like them all. Once colored or left golden, an acrylic coating should be used to keep the bronze from tarnishing...which is really more of an "oranging"...it can get an orangey cast over time. The pendant in the photo has no color added. The earrings have some Pitch Black Adirondack Alcohol Ink coloring.

The class will be held at the Bead Parlor, downtown Bloomington, 318 N. Main, on February 11th, 1:30pm, usually lasts a couple of hours. Please contact Jeff, the Bead Dude, at http://www.thebeadparlor.com/

The Garlic Press in Uptown Normal continues to carry my work, and some new pieces were taken in last week...!

Bronzclay Class

2012-01-09T08:58:00.002-06:00

I've scheduled another Bronzclay class to be held at the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St., in Bloomington. Yesterday, I saw that it is already Sold Out! I'll need to talk with Jeff, the Bead Dude, to schedule another later on.

I have so far only sent in one application for entering an art fair for 2012...Spring Bloom, which is being held in late April, at the Interstate Center on the west side of Bloomington. It probably will be a nicer venue than the old Sale barn, but marginally. I was hoping and had heard that it would be at the downtown Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. That would be a great spot for an Art Fair!

I was disappointed when picking up the pieces I had taken to the Decatur Madden Arts Center Christmas event through December...nothing sold:(- The woman giving me my items back thought they were too high priced. Although she only looked at the sheet listing the items...she did not look at the items! Last time for that event for sure.

I have sold several things at the McLean County Arts Center this past month, so there's hope. Then in December, The Garlic Press, an outstanding eclectic store in downtown Normal, purchased many items from me for their shop. They are always busy...but at that time, I was showing my things while they were busily wrapping gifts to be sent out. Talk about multi-tasking!

I have not had any sales at this time on the new Artfire shop, one month later. I have a display ad coming up in a couple of weeks, maybe that will bring attention to it. Please take a look.......

http://www.artjools.artfire.com/

Artjools on Artfire!

2011-12-12T13:44:00.003-06:00

http://www.artjools.artfire.com/

I finally decided to try the Artfire website, and have a few pieces listed there, with more each day.

A learning experience for me, and I wish I could get it more "personalized", but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

If there are particular pieces anyone would want to see there, please send an email to me artjools@frontier.com

It's certainly been nice to relax and have no pressure to produce more work. Just have a lot of cleaning, reorganizing to do in the studio. Not my favorite thing to do.

I still have pieces at The Garlic Press in downtown Normal, The Bead Parlor in downtown Bloomington, and at the McLean County Art Center's Holiday Treasures Show in downtown Bloomington. Also at the Madden Arts Center in Downtown Decatur, as listed under the shows column.

Artfire vs Etsy vs ?

2011-11-18T09:21:00.004-06:00

I've been browsing the sign up info for the online shops of Etsy and Artfire. Artfire appears to be a bit easier to get the whole procedure accomplished. It has a monthly fee with no other fees involved with listing or purchases, whereas Etsy has both. Etsy seems a bit too "full of themselves". The actual storefront you would end up with is certainly more attractive on Artfire. As well as easier to get it that way!

But, maybe I could just list some things here on the blog, with prices, information on how to pay...call with card info, check, etc. Has it been done before? Would it work? I don't even know if anyone even looks at this. So probably not.

This weekend is the last Farmers market...being held indoors on the floor of the US Cellular Coliseum, downtown Bloomington. 10am to 1pm. Lots of fun, come on by.

These pieces above are the latest things made and photographed. Trying some hints from Etsy on photography, and I think I'll stick to my own method! And I do not understand the photo of the coneflower leaf being screwed up...wasn't that way before I uploaded it!?

Bronzclay Class #4

2011-11-11T09:24:00.003-06:00

This Saturday at the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL, will be the fourth class for making Bronzclay jewelry. It is already full! If there continues to be an interest, I can add classes in December...so let me know!

It's been so great to relax a bit, having the majority of the art fairs over with. Especially the every weekend trips to here and there. Nice to sleep in Saturday mornings! I'm still considering what to do with shows, etc. next year...haven't come to a conclusion yet.

The show schedule for the remainder of the year has been updated, and we added a promising Christmas event during December at the Madden Arts Center in downtown Decatur. More information on that in late November.

The downtown Bloomington Farmers Market has a Thanksgiving Market to be held at the Coliseum, 10am to 1pm. There is a great breakfast using the farmers produce and meat to be held in the Coliseum Corn Palace restaurant prior to the market, and allows early shopping on the ice rink floor, before 10am.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/downtown-bloomington-farmers-market-and-artists-alley/enjoy-a-great-farm-to-table-breakfast-and-support-your-farmers-market/10150931209270438

We hope to see you all there!

PS don't know why the photo of the bracelet looks so strange, but you can get the idea!!!

Another Bronzclay class coming up...

2011-10-20T09:23:00.002-05:00

I have scheduled a class in using the Bronzclay to make jewelry pendants, components, or whatever you want to make, on November 12th at the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701. You can check online at www.thebeadparlor.com for more information.

The last class had seven students, 3 from the Chicago suburbs! A busy afternoon that was! Each person created several outstanding pieces. I am always amazed at the creativity of people who have never tried using a metal clay before.

One of the students expressed a desire to learn how to make texture plates using the photopolymer plates. I've been using Solar Plates, which can be purchased from Dick Blick. These things are much easier to use than the plates from Boxcar Press or from Rio Grande jewelry supply. They also stand up to use and time with no curling or cracking.

Only 2 more Farmers Markets left for the outdoor downtown season. There will be the Thanksgiving Market held indoors at the Bloomington Coliseum on November 19th. I also will be taking some pieces in to the McLean County Art Center for the annual Holiday Treasures show November 11 - January 7.

Apple 'n Pork Festival

2011-09-23T08:32:00.003-05:00

This weekend we'll set up at the annual festival in Clinton, IL. This originally started over 40 years ago as a local festival featuring what else...locally grown apples and pork, and the many food specialties made from them. Local organizations have booths providing their specialty food and make darn good profits from this heavily attended event. This takes place on the grounds of the C.H. Moore Homestead, a beautifully restored mansion on the north edge of Clinton, which has many ties to Abraham Lincoln. The small fine art fair is located on the east side of the mansion, which is where we're situated. Steve will have his leather booth too! Other artists will bring pottery, porcelain pottery, watercolor, oil paintings, wood turning, photography, and fabric art. We all hope you will attend!

Due to the numerous other events all along Center St, and at the Antique and Craft malls on the West side of town, this is a HUGE event. Early arrival will make for a more pleasant day, due to finding a good parking place. I would recommend driving in on old Rt. 51 from the north, to the nursing home parking grounds just north of the mansion. If that is full, return to "new" 51 and drive south to the intersection of Rt 54, where the high school will have shuttle buses driving out to the mansion all day.

This is our last outdoor weekend event for this year. Finally! October has the farmers market/artists alley each Saturday morning, then we are finished with the weekly shows.

Thanks for visiting my booth over this past year.

The top photo will be shown on the Bead Parlor website, www.thebeadparlor.com, as the class photo for the Bronze Clay class on October 8th, 1:30 to 4pm at the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St, Bloomington, IL. Contact me or Di at the Bead Parlor (you can purchase the class online). Limited seats.

Arts in Central Park

2011-09-15T08:54:00.003-05:00

This weekend we'll be taking part in the annual Arts in Central Park, downtown Decatur, IL. Our booth is #46 which appears to be along the sidewalk in the south east corner of the park, junction of Park and Franklin Streets.

http://www.decaturarts.org/event/301/arts-in-central-park-1/

This is our second year here. We were happy with the friendly and helpful coordinators and the great treatment of the artists. It was also very nice to receive an award here last year, 3rd in Jewelry! So we are looking forward to it, very cool weather and hopefully dry. There's a great Preview Party Friday evening, with great food, music, and hopefully sales!

I've had a few comments from people that wonder about my wanting to retire from the jewelry shows. I do still love making bronze and silver components, etc. It's just that I am supremely tired of the art show life. I've never enjoyed the actual part of getting ready for, traveling to, setting up the booth for, standing and selling (hopefully) during, tearing down the booth, and finally traveling home from an art fair. Even more, I hate searching for profitable shows, having jury photos taken or taking them myself, entering the shows either online or by mail, learning how to impress the juries for the art show to increase my chances of acceptance, paying out some very large jury fees, and, if accepted, very large booth fees. Then, do I actually make any kind of profit? Not much.

So, I am really ready for something different. Maybe an online shop at Etsy; consignment or wholesale; or just not do it at all. Time will tell................

Maybe, if anyone reads this, they will have some suggestions???

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

2011-08-24T08:50:00.003-05:00

We'll be returning to the 38th Annual Lincoln Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln, this weekend. Around 80 artists are setting up around the park. The festival also highlights hot air balloons from around the country, stationed and lifting off from the airport. There will be a wine tasting event, and a barbecue cook-off at the downtown location. This link will take you to their program, http://www.lincolnillinois.com/Documents/ABF_Program_Guide.pdf.

The Economy

2011-08-19T08:50:00.003-05:00

As we all know, the national economy has been quite slow for a few years. It has been evident in my sales at the Farmers Market/Artist Alley for the past 3 years. I take home around 70 to 80% less each day (with a few exceptions) than I used to. Although it is still very nice to tear down at 12noon, and have the rest of the weekend off. I'm really very tired of the downright hard work of setting up a booth, sitting through the slow sales period of 2 or 3 days, tearing down the booth, with a long drive home ahead of you. Consequently, I'm considering retiring from jewelry making next year. The amount of sales just isn't adding up to the amount of work we put in. We both enjoy actually making the jools, just not the hassle of trying to sell it.

I love to paint. I paint miniature landscapes now, although have painted larger in the past. I've been entering gallery art shows geared specifically towards that niche, and have been fairly successful there, with sales at higher price points than what I would get locally. I've also been awarded 3 Best of Shows, several Peoples' Choice awards, and purchase awards. Those are such a thrill to get! The photos at top are some of my past work. The Barn Owl was posing for us on admission to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum a few years ago. The cornfield is in Dewitt County.

So I'm thinking of just doing paintings, and exhibiting those next year on a less busy schedule. Still not sure about the jewelry though.

The "jury" is still out on all these possibilities! Stay tuned.........

News: Bronze Clay class; The Garlic Press; Washington Art Festival

2011-08-04T08:54:00.004-05:00

This Saturday afternoon I'll be giving a Bronze Clay class at the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main, Bloomington, 827-7708. Register with Di or Jeff at the shop or at http://www.thebeadparlor.com/. Starts at 1:30 pm, goes till we finish off the clay packet, which could run til 4p or even 4:30. Time passes quickly as we go over the fundamentals of working with metal clay, rolling it out, texturing, sanding, adding embellishments, discussion of kiln firing (which I will do in my kilns at home), and how to polish the fired pieces. I will return the fired pieces to the Bead Parlor on Monday, for you to drop by and pick them up. Cost is very reasonable: $40 class fee, $10 kit (clay) fee.

A few weeks ago, during the Sugar Creek Arts festival in Normal, I met Sarah McManus, a co-owner of The Garlic Press, a wonderful long established shop of all things good in uptown Normal. She is the buyer for jewelry and clothing, and is now carrying my work! I have been asked numerous times during my shows in and around Blm/Normal if I had work in The Garlic Press...finally I can say Yes! Please stop in soon...

Next weekend, 8/13 & 14, we will be taking part in the 4th Annual Washington Arts Festival. Following are the directions to Washington Park:

From the Square go North on North Main, turn Left on W. Jefferson, at the stop sign turn right on Lincoln and proceed to just beyond Lincoln School. Park is on the left. Here's the google map: http://www.washingtonfinearts.org/News_and_Events.html

The layout appears to be different this year, in that the booths will be more "together", and not scattered all around the park. Which is bound to be better, as it was difficult last year in the heat wave, which hopefully is over with now.

My eye surgery went very well, the stitches are out, and the bruising is decreasing. I still have some eye "issues", but all in all, it (I) looks much better. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes.

The images above are not of my work: these are Ancient Bronze pieces from the Middle East. I love them, and hope mine look like this thousands of years later!

See you at a festival soon......!

Scorching Market

2011-07-21T08:27:00.002-05:00

It promises to be a scorcher this Saturday. I imagine the shoppers will be mostly gone by 10am, since temps will be zooming up to the mid nineties. I wish we could also leave then, but by 11:30, I'm pretty sure we'll be packing it all up!! CVS down the street will most likely be my "go to" spot of the day!

I considered not taking part again this weekend. The reconstructive eyelid surgery that was done last week is doing fine, but leaves me with 2 nasty looking eyes, one with a nice black suture taped to my forehead. In my late 20's, I contracted Graves Disease, a thyroid disorder that does a number on the muscles surrounding the eyeball. This actually was what first drew attention to the disorder, in that my left eye was protruding much more than normal. Rumors started that I had a brain tumor, and yes that was certainly checked out, but a thyroid scan showed a very overactive thyroid, and I was treated with I-131, which eventually slowed the thyroid to a sluggish underactive gland, and I now have to take replacement thyroid meds. But, the eye never really returned to normal, and it has been a huge bane in my life, and I've finally attempted to get it fixed. Wasn't planning on surgery on the other eye too, but the docs say the brain is attempting to "even out" the lids, and while the left eyelid has been "wide open" (to say the least), the right eyelid has dropped.

So if you visit my booth, be aware I'll be a hot old woman with bruised eyes.

Recently I've been fascinated with the history of the ancient Middle Eastern cultures and the formation of the first script invented by the peoples of the Mesopotamian area. I've made texture plates for use on the bronze clay of the Cunieform script, which looks like "chicken scratches". Very interesting look when the bronze is fired. We discovered a museum in Chicago, The Oriental Museum of the University of Chicago, http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/meso/, and have spent quite a lot of time browsing their website. Hoping to visit there this fall. The images above are from using texture plates I made using photos I took of my sisters collection of African fabric designs. Worked much better that I thought.

Stay cool!!!!!

2011-07-15T09:26:00.002-05:00

This Saturday is the 3rd year for the Lincoln Celebration in downtown Bloomington, and at the David Davis Mansion. It has always been fun, very interesting and educational. Last year's activities had some reenactors portraying the medical community of the Civil War, and had some very interesting tools of the trade to see and handle (carefully!).

I will have to miss it this year. Having had some eye surgery, I'll be staying home, but definitely plan to be there July 23rd.

Sugar Creek was profitable, great turnout, and very hot. Apparently, those temps are returning tomorrow, so please be careful out there....

Sugar Creek Art Fair

2011-07-08T08:54:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I found out that our space has been changed to B16, located on Beaufort Street near the Children's Discovery Museum and Firehouse Pizza. We also are on the corner of the alley access to the railroad parking behind the buildings. It seems to be a nice open area, not closed in by other booths, so more air movement that will be desperately needed on the very HOT weekend coming up!

Hoping to see lots of familiar faces from all my market friends and customers!

More Good News!!

2011-07-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

The Danville Arts in the Park judges awarded us with our 2nd Best of Show award this year! How cool is that! We got a nice purple ribbon and nice check! It was fun too to have a couple of great friendly women in my booth when the award was announced, and helped me celebrate...so much fun.

This weekend is the annual uptown Normal Sugar Creek Art Fair.

http://www.mcaart.org/mcac/html/sugarcreek.html

Our booth is just East of the Normal theatre, second booth down the row, in front of the Coffee Hound and Jimmy Johns. A great spot.

We've got some really cool new pieces. Please come by and see them!!!

Arts in the Park

2011-06-24T12:10:00.003-05:00

We've not been to the Arts in the Park, Danville, IL. It appears that we should have. This is held in historic Lincoln Park in the SW corner of Danville. http://artsinthepark.us/location.htm

This nice fair will have 60 artists in amongst the trees. It looks like a great weekend weather-wise!

Sadly, I am not able to take part in the art festival at the Shakespeare festival, due to unforseen circumstances.

Next weekend we'll be back at the Downtown Farmers Market and Artist Alley. Then, the wonderful Sugar Creek Art festival will take place in Uptown Normal the following weekend. More about that later.

Computer Issues

2011-06-02T09:13:00.003-05:00

Last weekend my computer suffered an unknown problem and all my photos, documents, favorites, even the icons on the desktop...disappeared! I was able to restore it to a previous date and most of the icons came back, but nothing else. I found that I could mark "show hidden files" and most of the pictures and documents appeared, but the picture icons have a hazy grayish look, even though they open and appear normal. The Windows photo gallery at first looked ok with normal appearing icons, but suddenly they began to disappear before my eyes! It is empty now. What a pain...

At the market last Saturday I met Dick Folse, Managing Director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. He has invited me to take part in the Art Fair Sundays at the Festival, which starts on June 26th. As I'll still be in Peoria at the Luthy Botanical Gardens (see the show schedule), I won't start there until July 3rd. I'll also have a few pieces in the Ewing Manor gift shop through the summer. http://thefestival.org/.

The Bead Parlor in downtown Bloomington has had some changes recently. The bead sales have moved to the mezzanine, and Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden has moved into the shop with the Off The Wall Gallery of local jewelry artists, including Artjools!. http://www.thebeadparlor.com/.

I'll be having a class on working with Bronzclay on June 18th, after the market, there at the shop. Contact me or Di at the Bead Parlor.

The Farmers Market & ARTISTS ALLEY

2011-05-20T09:01:00.009-05:00

We read the article last Sunday in The Pantagraph about the Market. We were "distressed" to see no mention of the Artists Alley section of the market. This is an ongoing problem...every year no mention of the artists. It has been awhile since the decision was made to completely remove the artists booths from the farmers "area", and place them in a section of our own...which this year has become primarily Food Booths. So, little by little, we are dwindling. Wonder what next year will bring??

Regarding my last post, we did receive official notification and remuneration for the Best of Show award at the Celebration of Art Festival at Eastern IL University in April. But no ribbon, just the papers. However, it was greatly appreciated!

Yesterday we spent most of the day at Weldon Springs State Park, south of Clinton, IL. A beautiful day, finally, so I got my fishing poles out, got some worms at Walmart, and enjoyed the beauty of the day along the lake. 3 little sunfish were caught and released. But we also took some work along, and strung some gorgeous beads and bronze bracelets. Got some great photos for future reference for my paintings, especially the cute House Wren couple nesting in a hollow tree along the lake shore. Photos of our day are above......

I have been trying to decide between Etsy and Artfire, for an online store. If anyone reads this, is there any difference? I'm a bit late at doing this, and still not sure how it's done. I'll learn someday....

We were honored!

2011-05-05T11:56:00.004-05:00

Last show, the Celebration of Art at Eastern IL University in Charleston, IL, we were honored with the Best of Show Award!!!

Still waiting, however, on anything to arrive to be able to prove it!! Strangely, there was nothing on hand to give out to the winners Saturday or Sunday. No ribbon and no check, as had been listed in the prospectus.

Just an announcement and the fact I had to provide my social security number is my proof of winning. I have contacted them, and they promise it is on the way, someday.

This weekend we'll be in Davenport, IA, in the Beaux Arts Spring Art Fair. This is held on the plaza of the Figge Art Museum and the downtown streets of Davenport. It's a long established show, and attended very well, at a perfect time...Mother's Day weekend.

http://beauxartsfair.com/

Next weekend starts the summer Farmers Market in downtown Bloomington. I'll be again situated at the corner of Jefferson and Center Streets. We're looking forward to a fun summer downtown, and hope to see many familiar faces!

Working Hard.........

2011-04-14T08:52:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for a new season of art fairs is hard work. The first outdoor show is this weekend, in Charleston at Eastern IL University, Library Quad. Of course, it is going to be cold and rainy!

But, the show must go on...we have bills to pay!

Steve continues to have blurred vision in one eye, but he is enjoying creating new constructed 3-D jewelry pieces. I would never make this sort of work...but I love what he's doing. It takes some refining on his work, changes here and there in order to make it into a piece of jewelry to wear, not just a sculpture. They are attention getters, so that accomplishes bringing the buyers into the booth. The show at the Sale Barn last month was good, so we're hopeful that means a good rest of the year!!

A New Season

2011-03-17T08:56:00.002-05:00

This Saturday we'll be taking part in the Spring Bloom Art Fair at the Bloomington Sale Barn in south Bloomington. My booth is #46, which is in the approximate center of the building. We have many new wonderful pieces of bronze, silver, and gorgeous new stones. Hopefully there will be something for everyone.

Our schedule isn't completed yet, but I'll be posting new shows as soon as we know more.

Of course, I'm still working at home, and can bring out our work for you at any time. Email: artjools@frontier.com to setup a time.

The One-Eyed Jeweler!

2011-01-09T17:52:00.004-06:00

Last year I talked about Steve having surgery for a scarred retina. Unfortunately, it so far has not helped his totally blurred vision in the right eye. But, when one has been living "a life of art", not creating is terribly difficult. When we met, Steve was teaching Jr-High Art. His favorite art form was clay pottery. And now, after many, many years of no clay, he's now making his one-eyed bronze clay pieces.
He's having a ball, made all of the above.

Let us know how you like them, please.

I've sent in applications for the Spring Bloom Art Fair in March at the Sale Barn in Bloomington. Also, to art fairs in Barrington and Riverside, IL in May, and to fairs in Wheaton in June, and Batavia in August. Way too soon to hear if we'll be accepted at this point. Fingers are crossed. There will be more to come. The economy sounds promising, which would be good for us all.

Silver crosses

2010-12-11T09:16:00.002-06:00

My friend Sue asked to see the fine silver crosses I had made for a customer. Garnet stones in each one. Not knowing exactly what she, the customer, was looking for, I made two with different textures, and sizes. She picked the larger one for her daughter.

So, Sue, there they are, let me know what you think!

New Work, New Show

2010-12-02T09:14:00.005-06:00

We've had a busy fall this year, not just with art fairs, but husband Steve needed eye surgery, which hopefully will result in better vision in the future. But even with just one eye, he's been able to create some outstanding bronze pieces. Much of the new work I'll be posting soon is the result of his one-eyed vision of art jewelry.

This weekend we'll be taking part in the annual Holiday Thieves Market at the University of Iowa's Memorial Union in the Main Lounge. I'd love to be able to tell you our space, but we won't know it till we get there at 6am to set-up. It is a great show, with over 100 Fine Art and Fine Craft booths. This is our last scheduled show of the year. We still have work in the Holiday Treasures show at the MCAC and the Bead Parlor, both of which are in downtown Bloomington. If you find a need for a gift of handmade original jewelry for yourself or a loved one, please contact us.

We are looking forward to a trip in late January to the Gem and Jewelry Trade Show in Tucson, Arizona. Hoping to take a few classes, get some great beads, and hike the trails in southern AZ.

Happy Holidays.........!!!

New Work

2010-12-02T08:57:00.001-06:00

The Bead Parlor's new "Off the Wall Gallery"

2010-10-06T08:42:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I took several silver, bronze, and beaded pieces to the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL. Owner Di Faulk has started a wonderful "Off the Wall Gallery" to promote and sell local jewelry and craft artisans work.

http://www.thebeadparlor.com/ You'll see outstanding work and I highly recommend everyone visit as soon as possible!

Later this month I'll again be taking part in the Holiday Craft Show hosted by Lori Lenahan in her beautiful home at 5 Weathervane Court, Old Farm Lakes Subdivision, Bloomington. Other craft artists are: Julie with one-of-a-kind baskets (beautiful!), Rose's hand woven baskets and gourds (just as beautiful!!), Melodee's painted folk art on antiques, Donna's photographs, Missy and Tana's florals and handmade cards, Deb's hand-knit scarves, Doris's original Artwork, Rondalea's beaded pins and necklaces, Eddy's handmade doll clothes for American Girl dolls, and MUCH MORE!!

In November, after the Hope for the Holidays juried show in Springfield, I'll have my work at the Vrooman Mansion, the gorgeous old estate at 701 E. Taylor St, Bloomington. Innkeeper Theora Stark has gathered a great group of "vendors" and artisans for a holiday show on the first and second floors of the old mansion. Among the vendors are Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Longaberger, Usborne Books, Mary Kay...20 total booths to visit.

Also in November, starting the 12th and lasting through until Christmas Eve, I'll have several items at the McLean County Art Center's Holiday Treasures event. This is of course a great juried show featuring many well-known and new artists of all media. From paintings to sculpture, and jewelry to pottery, you'll be able to find a wonderful gift for your holiday giving.

Above are new pieces finished in the last month. Contact me for the particulars!

2010-09-27T18:02:00.004-05:00

The Decatur, IL, Art Guild gave me quite a nice gift...THIRD place award in Jewelry! And, there were 21 other jewelers in this nice art fair. A nice check was sent and I received it today. Thanks so much...

The 2 green ribbon are patron purchase awards, which means the attendees pledge to the art guild that they will buy some piece or pieces of artwork. Then the artists get that money plus a green ribbon. A great system.

A beautiful place for a show!

2010-09-06T09:01:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday both Steve, the artist husband, and I had our work at our first one woman/one man show! We set up side by side at the Weldon Springs State Recreational Area, Clinton, IL, at the boat dock. An absolutely beautiful day gave us a wonderfully relaxing show. Neither of us have ever experienced a "relaxing" show, so it was great!
This is our view from inside our booths........Wow! Steve is a leather artist, doing hand-tooled leather pictures...thus his studio name is "Leather Scenes Studio". His website: www.leatherscenes.com.

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

2010-08-26T09:13:00.003-05:00

This weekend is the annual Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln, IL. The hot air balloons will be lifting off at the airport, but there's a couple on display downtown in Scully park, along with the flea market.

http://www.lincolnillinois.com/ABF.aspx

This is always a fun show to take in. I've not shown here myself, but Steve, the husband artist, has done the show many times in the past. Lincoln is such a friendly, welcoming community, it is a pleasure to be there. And, for a wonderful change, the weather promises to be Great!

Maybe we will see you there...........

Washington Fine Arts Festival

2010-08-13T08:47:00.002-05:00

This weekend, August 14 & 15, the 3rd annual Washington Fine Arts Festival will be held in Washington Park, Washington, IL.

This link has a map for those of us not familiar with Washington:

http://washingtonfinearts.org/uploads/eMailPromo.pdf

My booth number is #43. I'm sincerely hoping for a shady spot!

I've just received the Fast Fire Bronzclay. I'm still trying to work out the firing schedule, as the first two were not successful. Next week I'll try a kiln temp of 1550, but continue with the fast ramp, and 2 hour hold, otherwise, what's the point of a "fast fire" formulation! The first attempts crumbled, practically no sintering. Looking forward to success, as the color is wonderful golden bronze, with little shrinkage, and no blemishes.

Hope you all stay cool and dry and happy with life!

A new email address has arrived

2010-07-30T09:01:00.000-05:00

Frontier has managed to acquire Verizon here in Central Illinois. My new address is simply: artjools@frontier.com.
However, I will continue to receive Verizon emails through the end of December.

I will be once again in downtown Bloomington for the Farmers Market this Saturday. It will be a very interesting day for all as this is the day Bloomington/Normal has scheduled for a sesquicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincolns' birthday. Since Mr. Lincoln had many ties to B/N it will be spread around town, but many events are taking place downtown at the old courthouse museum, around which is the market. The best band of B/N is scheduled to play: The Old Men Boys! Terrific group.
Hope you can make it down.........
Martha
Oh, this piece above is a silver metal clay pendant with 23K gold overlay in the Keumboo process. What do you think of it?

Metal Clay Class

2010-07-19T13:53:00.000-05:00

I have had several requests to teach metal clay classes. Most are interested in learning to work with and create Bronzclay jewelry. I would be available now for either a small group of 2-3, or individual classes. This is going to have to be in my home, as the resource I'd had last year for larger classes has disappeared, unfortunately.

Classes typically are for 4 hours...completely depends on the working pace of the student/s. Remembering that firing must take at least 4 hours, that means it will either require a return to my home to pick up the pieces for finishing here or in your home...or a return the next morning for that finishing process. I'll leave that up to the student.

Cost for the Bronzeclay class is $65 for each student. This includes 30 grams of clay, my instruction and tool/kiln use. 30 grams will make 2 or 3 pendants and earrings. If you need jumprings or earwires, I would include those. I can either leave the choice of design to you, or come up a design for you to make. We can discuss it when you contact me.

I think the best way to handle this is to have anyone interested contact me at home during the day or evening at 309-473-2013 (Heyworth, IL), or email to artjools@verizon.net. I am available on the following days:

July 26, 27, 28, 29, and August 2, 3, 4th.

After that it is getting into my really heavy art fair schedule, and I'd have to put off classes until October or later.

Or you can stop by my booth at the downtown Blm. farmers market this Saturday and the 31st to make arrangements.

The market was a good one this past Saturday, lots of interested customers, as seen in that first photo. Many people saw my work in the Sugar Creek Art fair, and stopped by the market too. Sugar Creek was great...hot, but great!

I hope to publish a post in the near future on the coral trade, or lack thereof, and the endangered coral reefs being harvested illegally for jewelry coral. I was asked by a visitor to my booth to stop using coral, due to the disappearance of the reefs. I have been told by all my suppliers that the coral they sell me is not the endangered species, so I need to research further.

The other photos are of 2 new Bronze pins, one with dichroic glass, the other with lab-grown bismuth.

Please call or email for classes if interested..........

Martha

Sugar Creek Arts Festival

2010-07-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

This annual art festival is the biggest and best of McLean County and Central Illinois (arguably, of course). It returns this year to the uptown streets of Normal, IL. The past 3 years part of the festival was placed on the shady, grass-covered ISU quad. The uptown merchants have felt ignored apparently, and need it back there. Unfortunately, due to the nearly total reconstruction of the uptown streets in Normal, there will no shade whatsoever. This link shows a previous festival with several lovely trees. Ignore those. http://www.mcaart.org/mcac/html/sugarcreek.html

I will be setting up quite near the Normal Theater. I will have many new pieces, hope to see many of you there!

Take care in this heat!
Martha

Well, the email is still the same.......

2010-07-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

Not that it makes a huge difference, but my email address is still artjools@verizon.net, has not changed to frontier.com as yet. When that will actually happen is quite unclear. I will continue to get the verizon mail through December when it will cease to be forwarded.

Email changing July 1, 2010

2010-06-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

Due to Verizon being acquired by Frontier, all those of us who subscribe to Verizon's services will be having their email addresses changed on July 1st. So: artjools@frontier.com is the new address for me.

Also, I should mention that Sunday the 27th was a bummer, in that I was not able to attend the second day of the Rhapsody in Bloom Art festival, due to family issues. I do apologize to the festival coordinators and to any customers who had expected to see my booth there.
The Luthy Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place for any festivity, and the only real "problem" was the relentless heat and humidity. Thankfully, my space was shaded for most of the day. Sales were OK, but probably would have been great on Sunday!
This Saturday will be another one at the downtown Bloomington Farmer's market. Then on July 10th and 11th, I'll be showing at the Sugar Creek Art Fair in Uptown Normal. My space is going to be directly in front of the new Marriott Hotel, so that will be good! Hope to see you there!!
Martha

Rhapsody in Bloom

2010-06-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

This weekend will be the 8th annual Rhapsody in Bloom Art Festival held on the grounds of the beautiful Luthy Botanical Gardens, Peoria, IL, corner of Prospect and Gift Streets.

Although this is going to be a very warm weekend, we will be there, ready to go at 10am til 5pm on Saturday, noon to 5pm Sunday. The mornings will be tolerable, and with the shade of the gardens, I expect to be quite comfortable in the afternoons.

Hope to see everyone there...

Martha

Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market

2010-06-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

The Farmers Market in Bloomington, Il has been "the" market for Central IL since 1998. I have been part of the Artisans in the market for 8 years. It's been a great experience, with the opportunities to meet new people every weekend, and form long, fruitful relationships, in friendships as well as fiscal opportunities!

http://www.downtownbloomington.org/index.php?id=6

This link will take you to their webpage with a vendor directory, and a link to their weekly newsletter featuring the latest veggies and fruits in season.

My booth is located on the corner of Center and Jefferson, in front of McGuires. A good spot, even though not my fave, it's working out fine. All artists are to be located there on Center this year, again segregated from the farmers. So be sure to visit us there!

Show Schedule Posted

2010-06-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

I have posted all my summer shows. Certainly do hope you can attend one or a few! All are quality juried shows. This weekend is one of my favorites.

Art Fair at Junction City, Peoria, IL is a small show with super work. I am very fortunate to have been accepted for the past 4 years. Attendance is great, and most of them are looking to purchase from someone. Hopefully, I'm one of them!

http://www.junctioncityartfair.com/

Bronze

2010-05-13T17:12:00.000-05:00

Beaux Arts Fair turned out pretty good. Bronze pieces really found a lot of new homes! It's such a beautiful metal, and so easy to price reasonably. It surprisingly looks terrific with the ever popular turquoise, and it's just fun to tell peoples that I made this!

Sunday was beautiful, finally. We were set up on the plaza of the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport. An absolutely wonderful building, and has a terrific gift shop. Even with all the art in front of it, I could enjoy what they had as being beautiful and different. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to tour the exhibits. Next year I will.

I have some photos of bronze pieces after firing, and before/after polishing.

The dancers at top and another piece just didn't have enough color after polishing. I tried the green patina solution from Rio Grande. Directions say to warm the bronze while drying...so I stuck them in the oven for a few minutes. YES, it was green...TOO green. And natch, the underlying bronze was much darker...not what I was after. These are now in the kiln for a second try at color in charcoal.

I didn't get a photo added last post for the booth in Iowa City:

The round table in the back is the janitor-provided table I talked about last time...doesn't look too bad.

This weekend I start the weekly Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market. My booth is on Center Street, facing the courthouse at the intersection of Jefferson St. 2nd best placement, in my opinion. The best would be my old spot on Jefferson...Hah. 7:30am to 12Noon . Weather should be good for a change!

Martha

2010-05-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

So. What to tell you today. I always have new piece to show, and a photo of the booth at the Riverbank art fair in Iowa City.

The show was moved inside, April 25-26, the University of Iowa Union grand ballroom...Thank you Fine Arts Council! It was raining, cold, and very much appreciated to be inside. The students running it do a great job. Unfortunately, the sales could have been better for everyone. I still did OK, but not as great as years past. One problem showed up, my husband, Steve, forgot to bring the ladder supports for the shelves. He was very resourceful and buttered up the janitor, and got a table. Then he scrounged up a curtain (!) to use as a tablecloth! Thankfully, when I arrived from the room, this was all taken care of...I've been known to get a bit "upset".

We are now in Davenport, having setup the first outdoor booth of the year, in the Figge Art Museum plaza for the spring Beaux Arts Fair. We have a great spot, rained a bit at set up, but it looks good, but COLD, for the weekend.

The photo of the bronze bird pendant shows the PPP technique I learned in Tucson at the workshop with Patrik Kusek. I love it! I have found I need to darken the lines with an extra-fine felt tip marker to get the deeper textures.

The silver hollow form is a piece I've had for a few years, and could not come up with a finished design. The jet beads were picked up from Thomason Stone Supply in Tucson, so this is it's current form. The applied piece on top is a thorn from the very thorny trees found in the timber, with a few extra attachments

Next weekend starts the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, where I will have a booth for the 8th year. I'll be setting up on the corner of Center street, facing the courthouse. Not my old spot, but close. Again the artists are being segregated from the farmers. Apparently, the farmers don't want us. It has always seemed to me to benefit everyone to be intermingled with a mixture of quality booths. I know most customers agree. I've had great years there, fun and profitable.

Later,

Martha

New Jools, and booth photos

2010-04-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

These are recent pieces of silver and bronze jools that I offered at the Spring Bloom Art Fair last month. Yes, I did sell many of them! It turned out to be a pretty good show for me.

At first, I wasn't happy with my space as I'd asked for a corner, and paid extra for it. But what I got was a booth against a far wall, with no aisle...just a space between my booth and the next artist. So really, I felt cheated as there was just no chance of customer traffic going past the side of the booth, only the front. I assumed a corner booth would have traffic on two aisles. So I was not real pleased as I set up. I continue to feel "cheated" in that respect. But, sales were not too bad anyway.

Next is the Riverbank Art Fair in Iowa City, IA, on the campus of the U of I, during the spring festival, April 24 & 25. This will be the first of many outdoor shows for the season. April weather can be uncooperative, as has been proven in years past. I am actually hoping not to have a corner space in this instance, as 2 years ago, the poor Craft Hut took a beating from the winds constantly and furiously banging it around...thanks to the corner space! Thank God for the sturdiness and reliability of the booth design, we had no disasters. Others did...flimsy EZ-Up tents, natch.

2 weeks later, May 8 & 9, Mothers Day, I'll be setting up in Davenport, IA, in the Spring Beaux Art Fair, on the Figge Art museum plaza. This seems to be a good spot, but it's been a few years since we've been in the show, and this wasn't available then. Wind is a problem there also. I'm thinking this area will offer more protection. It isn't pleasant to be picking up tables and jewelry off the ground!!

Here's hoping that this summer ALL art fairs across the country enjoy great weather and great sales!!!

Tucson, AZ Gem Show and More

2010-03-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

We stopped first at the Electric Park, the parking lot of the minor league baseball park. This holds huge number of everything from soup to nuts...all pertaining to making jewelry. Favorite vendors here include Blake Bros. Silver; Kent's Tools; Village Originals; and Bleily's Gems of Montana. These huge quartz crystals were like statues.

The Catalog in Motion sponsored by Rio Grande of Albuquerque, NM, hosts classes for beginners and experienced jewelers. I had signed up to take a class with Patrik Kusek of CA, a highly respected Metal Clay artisan. Needless to say, it was outstanding! I learned to make photopolymer plates to be used in texturing the silver and bronze clay. We experimented with the Vacuform machine...hugely impressive, and hugely expensive! Carving in an eraser, polymer clay textures, and other great resources were demonstrated. Patrik was very kind and an all-around great teacher. He kept us hopping! Above is a picture a necklace using the PPP texture we made in class!

Of course I discovered some gorgeous pearls and beads in amazing colors...as I come up with some designs, I will post some photos.

Arizona is an outstandingly beautiful state...from the high mountains to the desert floor, it's like no other place. We tend to gravitate to the southeastern section...real cowboy country. Love to hike the many trails and desert washes. Currently, the bestest place is on the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountain range, coming in from around Sonoita. Trails and camping galore!

I've been accepted into the Spring Bloom Art Show and Sale in Bloomington being held Saturday, the 20th, at the Sale Barn. I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping for a great event in attendance and sales!

Later,

Martha

A Beginning

2010-01-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

I've started my blog because of requests from friends, family and a growing number of interested customers concerning my artwork. I will have a website someday soon, but for now, this blog will suffice.

I'm an Oil Painter and Jewelry designer. Miniature landscapes, birds, and occasionally still life are my favorite subjects to paint. Lately, the jewelry has far outsold the paintings. I just haven't had time to devote to painting, and I dearly love it, and am aching to learn pastels. But....

This blog will focus on the jewelry....ARTJOOLS.

I will include photos, tips, and shortcuts I discovered, and maybe a tutorial. I work in Metal Clay, both Bronze and Silver. I tried the copper...didn't care for it...Love the bronze. I started jewelry-making by stringing beautiful gemstones. I continue to do that and they continue to sell very nicely.

I wanted to start the blog before the spring/summer art fairs begin, and before our annual trip to the Tucson Gem and Jewelry trade show next week. I am also taking a class with Patrik Kusek, a very well-known Metal Clay artist, whose work I very much admire. This will focus on creating and using textures. With his permission I'll post photos relating to the class. Also will post some of the different Gem show venues aroung Tucson, and probably of the gorgeous landscapes in Southern Arizona.

I Love It There...and can't wait!

For now, that's my work above.

Let me know how you like them!!!

Later,

Martha