ACEO?

OK, I admit it, until 2 days ago I was in the dark about ACEO's. I've seen that term everywhere on Etsy, but interested I was not. Etsy Maine Team put together a challenge to design a create an ACEO with a Maine theme utilizing some recycled or upcycled materials...still wondering what the heck an ACEO is...click here.

Being a good little soldier for my team and having a child who has been on the couch with the sniffles (read: not running around, getting into everything, with me trailing behind her), I took some time to crank out my very first ACEO! So, here's a few shots of mine. Crafted in metal (of course), embossed by hand, oxidized with torch flame, and antiqued with India ink.

Materials: recycled copper flashing, recycled matte board, copper wire, India ink

Home

Ahhh. Home. Yes, our time in Florida was magical and invigorating, but coming home to our snowy state, warm home, and daily routine is so very comforting. Many thanks to our hosts, Nannie and Grampa! Here's a photo summary of our vacation!

Feeding the giraffes at the Brevard Zoo

Food and spirits!

The Fun Fountain

Patio Night lights

Gator seeking on the Stumpknocker Tours

Back to the studio this week to finish a few commissions and start NEW WORK! I have a sketchbook bursting the bindings full of new designs and collections. I also picked up some pearls and fossil coral from a dealer....I'm very excited to incorporate these lovelies into earrings!

5 things I'm loving right now:

~home

~a safe flight

~clean sheets

~a sleeping child

~my Florida memories!

Relaxing...

The sun, breeze, surf, and sand has renewed my soul. The temperatures are chilly in Florida, but not as frigid in our home state of Maine (we decided that we really miss Daddy and the dogs, but not the below zero days!). Days have been filled with playgrounds, walks, beaches, and naps. Nights are spent chatting in front of the fireplace with a glass of Shiraz followed by a hearty meal.

Quench Metalworks has been busy, too! Urged by friends and family, I opted not to put my shop on vacation mode. Quench has been on a bit of a roll as of late...closing my shop would have put a stop to that!! I packed all my pieces, postcards, and business cards into my carry-on and successfully passed through airport security. Was it worth it, you ask? YES! I had several sales this week!!! I also discovered that one of my rings is in the Over $100 Etsy Gift Guide. Things are good. Very, very good, indeed!