Clayton Hill Studio

Posted on April 22, 2014 by claytonhill

Back in the Saddle again …

Guess what? I have water in my studio!!! I KNOW, right?!?! How incredibly cool is that! So – from here on out, most days that end in ‘Y’, you can find me in the studio …

Those projects I had going from the last post are done: A stringer bowl and several spoon rests (12 of them to be exact).

And, being Monday (which means a slow moving day for me), I made earrings and a bracelet.

WWU: I am grateful the weekend is over. I feel like I’m back in the swing of things as far as being a fully functioning ER nurse goes. And Easter weekend proved to be a rough one. Lots of crummy diagnoses, accidents and news. My take home message … life is a precious gift! (And … so is running water!)

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Posted on April 15, 2014 by claytonhill

Chainmail and glass …

Means I’m one happy girl. I broke down on Monday and purchased an instant download tutorial for a weave that I’ve liked but couldn’t quite figure out (felt like I needed 3 more sets of hands to complete). And now, I am a Four Winds mailing fool! Here are some earrings (with stainless steel, copper and agate).

And a bracelet I’m working on (stainless steel and anodized aluminum). Plus, a quick pic of a shaggy loops bracelet in peacock (glass fringe beads) colors:

Speaking of anodized aluminum … DH recently said he wants to get some equipment to do just that – SWEET! I guess there is a man-application for coloring metals … Who knew? Winking smile

I’ve also spent a few productive hours in the studio. I have spoon rests going through the final slumping phases (photo of 2 completed). AND … I have my coffin loaded with stage one of a few more spoon rests, bowls (including my sister’s special request cobalt stringer bowl) and a night light. [Fingers crossed for happy kiln Gods!]

I’m not talking about the snow. Nope. But, on the plus side, the crazy weather seems to have put a kibosh to the (Sandhill) Crane WARS going on in the field by our house. Yep, must be mating season. Those brown flamingos sure are loud! (Photo credit R.Reznick)

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Posted on April 11, 2014 by claytonhill

And now to PARTAY!!!

OK, umm – so maybe not with champagne, but … It’s over for another 364 days, WAHOO!!!

And, look at what I made today. It’s a chainmail pinecone. Cuz – I can!!! And … it is “4 out of 5 intermediate advanced” on the difficulty scale …(?) Watch me go!

Then I made this. I like it!

And, we took some pictures. Look at that face! Such a handsome guy and huge at 2.5 weeks old … the little Porker!

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Posted on April 9, 2014 by claytonhill

How to prepare?

A box of tissues or bottle of champagne??? Off we go to the tax man to see if we win or lose. Fingers crossed!

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Posted on April 5, 2014 by claytonhill

Heigh Hoooooo

It’s back to work I go! I’ll let you know later which of the dwarfs I am/was over the weekend …

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Posted on April 3, 2014 by claytonhill

Please read all instructions carefully …

This means you, doofus! Or, more specifically, ME! I am currently the [not so] proud owner of about 5 pounds of seed potato pearls in every possible size from 3.5mm-5mm. All because I figured those instructions I’d printed out were for the more challenged of my creative counterparts … NOPE! At one point, I had DH ‘helping’ with man tools, drill bits and metal files. We had a vise and forceps out. We destroyed a pearl and mutilated a silver finding. I ordered additional supplies from multiple companies. The whole time I had the instructions – with the magical answer sitting right in front of me for weeks … DOH! Lesson learned – the hard way … and, ya know – I love my new bracelet. (So much so, I think I’ll make about 10 of them …)

Maybe things will be better (or I’ll be more inclined to read) now that I have these. Personally, I think they look better on Lola (my model), but I see better when I wear them, so … (Getting old ain’t for wimps!)

Now, back to taxes …

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Posted on March 30, 2014 by claytonhill

Finally … Thank you – I needed that!

What a beautiful day! And – I spent time in the studio. Just doesn’t get much better than that! While I still don’t have water (DH says it’s frozen somewhere in the ground … NOT great news) – I had fun in the studio!

I spent some time at the saw, and have requested spoon rests ready for the next level.

I had some success with a custom request pendant. I’ve tried getting this image onto a cab about 3 different ways. Today, I finally had good luck with screen printing/accu-art! Yahoo!

And, my head is spinning with other things I want to make. But for now, I’m weeding/working on future Michigan-specific and dichro jewelry.

When I get back to mailling – this is what I’m working on (Zig Zag byzantine bracelet). But, the next few days are dedicated to Tax Season 2013 … Heavy Sigh!

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Posted on March 27, 2014 by claytonhill

Cabin Fever?

We have so many great things going on right now, and yet:

We have puppies (and they’re so stinkin’ cute)!

And a houseful of mood swings/raging hormones – thanks to twin teenagers …

I’m finally growing skin/healing! Yay!!!

And, it’s tax season …

I’ve made some new bracelets, learned new patterns!

And, if my husband gives me that look one more time, I might just change MY name to Johnny …

Yep, it might be cabin fever. I hear it’s going to be 57 degrees this weekend. Tough to believe when I was watching it snow earlier …

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Posted on March 16, 2014 by claytonhill

Make-overs, additions and appointments … jeesh

The family room make over is done! We splurged with super thick carpet and I absolutely love it! And, ya know – it only took 10 years to get the fire place in there! [Heavy sigh …]

We have Yorkie babies too. Three little ‘doberman mice’ joined our crew. So far all are doing well, as we adjust to life on the outside. Here’s a quick pic of two of the baby furballs …

I’ve gotten a few listings put together for the shop. Only about 40 more to do yet … [hanging head]

The warm weather is coming … I know it! So, I’m shaking off this cabin fever – just in time for a weeks worth of appointments. S’Okay. I’m also bottling 3 carboys worth of wine this week (ummm – that’s 90 bottles!!!) … I can handle anything!

And, I’ll leave with this week’s chainmaille. A bracelet from pattern called ‘battenburg lace’ and a rondo/byzantine bracelet (and earrings). I like them …

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Posted on March 6, 2014 by claytonhill

Updates

While I play with chainmaille, jewelry and lampwork beads, DH is plugging away at the family room.

bling-earrings

The direct vent fireplace is installed – and works! There’s some finish carpentry and the (fireplace) surround to build yet (and CARPET!!!), but he wanted to see the TV in place … Gooo Pistons!

Grandma continues to do well in rehab, and the plan has her going home next week! Fingers crossed!

I did play in the studio for a minute. But, since DH is busy and it’s still dog-gone cold outside – I remain without running water … Dammitall! Warm glass photos to come, I hope!

Recently a coworker made mention of ‘oil pulling’ … Has anyone else heard of it – or tried it? I’m intrigued, so I have it on my research list …

I’ll leave with cute pics of our girls Crockett and Tubbs. [Ummm … who is from the 80’s?!?] Winking smile