28 December 2009

xmas review


inspiration extravaganza!
in the last 4 or 5 days i've read that kate mckinnon book 3 times, front to back. i'm fascinated by the idea of fusing fine silver, in general, and specifically to make closed links to use as a join between a toggle clasp and the necklace (no more jump rings pulling open). also, i'll be trying to make a chain from pmc links...kind of like the one there on the cover, but not out of circles/ovals. also....the idea of always firing for 2 hours at 1650 makes SO MUCH sense in terms of strength...the first thing i'll do is make a ring band, fire it flat bend it around a mandel and embed it into a new piece of pmc....my dear, dear friend barbara sent this book to me from far away. my deepest appreciation to her for her thoughtfulness...
oh, and do you see that beautiful camera there? that is the fantasticly thoughtful gift given to me by my dear spouse and children. i'm a little overwhelmed by all there is to learn about a piece of equipment this complex, but i'm on my way....and now if my work gets selected for any future publications, my photos won't look like i took them with a snappy camera at my kitchen table (hopefully!).
i hope everyone is smack in the middle of a joyous holiday season.....
(gotta go.....both kids are occupied with play dates....i might actually get some studio time in today!)

8 comments:

kate mckinnon said...

Hi, Holly, I'm glad you liked my book! I've got a new one coming out in March, and even better, a full-length DVD that shows you clearly how to do everything, including fusing fine silver and riveting.

Nice camera!
Kate

Marcia DeCoster said...

Hi Holly, I got the same camera and am having the same learning curve, so far I think I've determined that I still need a macro lens....have fun!

Barb Fernald said...

I just KNEW you would like the book! Hooray! I can't wait for Kate's new book to come out in March.
That is one sweet camera. You really deserve such a nice gift from your family. Here's hoping for a healthy and creative new year. And of course a Barb and Holly reunion at Purdue!
xoxo

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holly kellogg said...

marcia....i think that when i take my first batch of photos for etsy, i'll come to the full realization that macro is the way to go, too...those canon lens are PRICEY, tho....

barb, i'm already excited for purdue! can we convince robin not to plan a wedding in the middle of july?!

kate....my fine silver wire is coming in the mail....i'll give that fusing a try, but i will probably need that dvd that's coming out!

Barb Fernald said...

Hey Holly, what gauge wire are you ordering?
We're hoping the wedding won't be until fall. Especially if they are having it on the island. It is such a madhouse here in July and August. I better mention the Purdue dates to them just in case!

holly kellogg said...

barb...10gauge, 16gauge and 20...ring bands (10) and fusable jump rings and bezels(?) (16 and 20) also tubing to fit the 16gauge (hinges)...fun stuff is happening....wish i didn't have to go back to work next week!

Barb Fernald said...

Sounds cool. I wish you didn't have to go back to work
either. I would love to see what you could design and make with two weeks of uninterrupted studio time!!
xoxo