tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44043003397586697932024-03-17T23:01:45.208-04:00From the Quench BenchJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-46021042077747090782013-08-31T09:16:00.004-04:002013-08-31T09:17:52.867-04:00Heading to Bar Harbor
Spruce and Gussy, one of my all time favorite shops in Maine,
is hosting an event called "Fashion Night Out"
this Thursday, September 5th from 6-10pm.
I'll be there with my wares in tow.
New pieces include these ring above.
Chunky, hammered shanks, recycled sterling
dot focals with vibrant, bezel-set stones.
Hope to see you there!
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-85918664474108855592013-08-27T09:28:00.002-04:002013-08-27T09:28:27.789-04:00Seashore Collection
It appears that many of you have found your way to my blog
through the American Made website.
Welcome and thanks for the views and votes.
It also appears that many of you are looking
for a place to buy pieces from my
Seashore Collection.
The collection is currently available at
Drift Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Thanks and happy shopping.
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-85800257853928281532013-08-25T20:53:00.001-04:002013-08-25T21:04:04.093-04:00An American Maker
I am an official Martha Stweart American Made nominee, folks.
Quoting directly from the website:
"American Made spotlights the maker, supports the
local and celebrates the handmade.
The journey culminates in a signature event
this October in New York City.
Join us and uncover the next generation of
great American Makers."
To the right of this post, there is a
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-58614242092101585192013-04-25T10:29:00.003-04:002013-04-25T10:29:57.578-04:00wedding bands
There is never enough time during the day.
Or week. Or the month. Or the year.
You get what I'm saying, right?
Over the years, I dedicated a sketchbook
to wedding band
and engagement ring
designs.
However, bench time is always scarce
when developing a new collection.
Thankfully, the proverbial "kick in the butt" arrived
in several forms.
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-19116656364707620752012-10-19T10:52:00.002-04:002012-10-19T10:52:18.547-04:00October News
So, in a nutshell, blogging to a backseat
... a WAY backseat ....
during the past, oh, 5 months.
Summer is busy.
This is not news.
You all know that the fair days are limited,
especially here in the Northeast.
We were busy doing family stuff.
I was busy doing jewelry stuff.
Shows, shows, inventory, shows.
Now, I have a bit of a break before the Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-73741491751856360212012-05-26T08:56:00.000-04:002012-05-26T08:56:46.139-04:00Cranky Back and Unfinished Work
Things have been slow going at the bench.
I injured my lower back while
bull riding.
(actually I was mopping the kitchen
floor... how mundane, right?)
The muscles that I tweaked in turn
pinched my sciatic nerve. Ouch.
Sitting at the bench is nearly
impossible. So, I have a bunch of work
waiting for finishing.
Wish me a fast(er) recovery, OK?
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-40627397646097128542012-03-28T19:08:00.002-04:002012-03-28T19:08:55.202-04:00New Work Has Sprouted
Find these and more in my shop.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-65356196881966500982012-02-10T09:13:00.000-05:002012-02-10T09:14:03.645-05:00My Little Secret
I'm a jewelry maker, but I'm also a jewelry deconstructor.
(That's not a word, but I'm sticking with it.)
See, I'll make a piece.
I'll list the piece.
I'll show the piece.
If it doesn't sell within 2 years, I'll consider breaking the piece down
and reusing the materials in new jewelry.
See that cone shaped thing above?
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-61521612618815383772012-01-30T12:24:00.001-05:002012-01-30T12:24:49.720-05:00Ode to Button
There once was a small, oval button
Lost among its larger, shiny cousins
together in a tin
its chances seemed rather slim
to be ever discovered.
Until one day a jeweler came along
pawing through the tin
of buttons: brass, bakelite, and bone,
looking for a button so rare
to set in a ring and to the world share.
That button she found covered in grime
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-63390769687621226702012-01-25T12:05:00.001-05:002012-01-25T12:05:27.655-05:00What the Heck is This?
I've been plowing through this little studio of mine attempting to clean, organize, and de-stash. Of course, I'm tackling the clutter between filling some orders and making inventory for this year's shows. So, when the work is in the pickle, I'm poking through bins and boxes.
I just found this in the "nature box" along with halved spiky peach pits (saving these to set in a Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-30562263655134320572012-01-20T12:13:00.000-05:002012-01-20T12:13:01.604-05:00Favorite Tools
I love to set stones. And buttons. And rusty washers. I love to set pretty much anything that you can wrap a bezel around.
Sterling silver bezels are good. Fine silver bezels are better. 22k gold bezels rock my world. Buttery and forgiving, gold in this high carat form takes the frustration out of stone setting and makes it an absolute joy.
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-78368663619009422772012-01-18T13:54:00.001-05:002012-01-18T15:46:08.935-05:00Making Ingots and Stinking at It
I have mounds, tubs, and drawers full of silver scraps in all shapes and forms. Dust, filings, spirals, corners, wire, failed projects..... I want to reuse my scrap and make fresh stock from it.
I just got this nifty graphite ingot mold. Each compartment will hold 5 ounces (or was it 10?) of silver. So after a few trial runs and many more needed, I produced one Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-21142534803491395922012-01-17T10:34:00.001-05:002012-01-17T10:34:21.747-05:00Return of Quench Hey there. It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm pledging to blog more this year ( and lose weight, relax more, do less shows, etc). Last year was stressful and chaotic. Way too much going on. So, blogging got axed.Stay tuned for lots of work in progress reports, new pieces revealings, and studio shenanigans.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-39159118774732886212011-06-14T09:39:00.002-04:002011-06-14T10:00:10.670-04:00A Marriage of SortsIt's been a productive spring. I completed my 2011 catalog, finally, which included several new designs.I'm now building a collection of these forged florets.I have grown a bit bored with my Dot Collection.These florets/dot centers are the perfect marriage to keep that design alive.I'll still continue to make Dot pendants, earrings, and rings,but this new combination has sparked mycreative Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-78408773882500867772011-04-28T07:10:00.002-04:002011-04-28T07:25:40.632-04:00Sore, Happy HandsWork at the bench has been in high gear.The plan was (is) to get all inventory finished for the summer show season.Unfortunately, I'm falling behind and my show season has begun.Wha? It's only April!My next show is this weekend in Providence, RI.Check the link out here.My trusty studiomate, Suki.Lots and lots of almost there pieces.My hands are sore, cracked, and callused.I'm rather proud of Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-37230579370555936332010-12-11T08:30:00.002-05:002010-12-11T08:51:05.672-05:00CollaborationsI have been an admirer of Mary's Granddaughter's (Cindy Steiler) work since she joined the Etsy community. I always thought that her embroidery pieces would pair well with my work, but how and when was the question.Then, I started my series of pocket watch crystal pendants. It was Cindy who contacted me. How about a collaboration of sorts? I sent her a crystal and she made this embroidery. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-78437082591502102602010-11-16T14:01:00.003-05:002010-11-16T14:52:27.575-05:00Trunk Show this Sunday!Here's my next show for all of you in the Central Maine area. This Sunday, November 21st at Higher Groundsin Hallowell, Maine. 11am-5pmBuy local, support handmade, and have a Bloody Mary while shoppingwith these super talented folks:Helping Hands PotteryQuench MetalworksJamie Ribisi- BraleyBrian BraleySweet Mojo ApothecaryCozink Printed GoodsConstant GalorePrepping for the trunk show...works inJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-90444454973159124002010-11-09T07:59:00.005-05:002010-11-09T11:08:12.620-05:00The Return of Quenchbutterfly pendantSo, I am coming back to my blog. Really. I am.Fall was seriously busy, and, well, late 2010 is gearingup to be nuts as well.But, I've missed sharing with you dear people.So, hello, I'm back.soaring bird pendantThese are some new pieces I created this past month.Magpie Pottery's porcelain cabochons are finding elegant new little homes. I LOVE working with these fantastic Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-75258204765617408902010-09-05T18:13:00.006-04:002010-09-05T19:13:12.820-04:00Taking a Break, OfficiallySummer is making her graceful exit. Looking back at my summer posts, I am embarrassed by my LACK of posts. I guess the season was far too busy to adequately commit time to my little blog. With a quick glance at the calendar, autumn appears to be jammin' as well.I will be selling my wares at the Common Ground Country Fair in a couple of weeks.I have a feature show at the Delaware Center for Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-91196934401594339952010-08-03T09:49:00.003-04:002010-08-03T10:01:32.077-04:00New PendantsAnd now it is August. Have I mentioned that summer is nutty busy? Anyhow, life is good, sales are steady, and custom orders are piling up; hence, my blogging absence.I'm going to take advantage of a rainy day today and get some listings up in my shop. Here's a preview for you...All pendant are sterling silver with fine silver bezels.The porcelain cabochons are the creations of Magpie Pottery.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-37841952725308508922010-07-22T08:53:00.003-04:002010-07-22T09:43:04.623-04:00Kale, Shows, and CabbageSummer is precious.The days, even though longer than our dark winter hours, fly by with reckless abandon. Balancing studio time, family outings, gardening, relaxation, and other nameless projects is a daily task.I just (well, the past Sunday, but it has taken me days to recover) finished my first show of the season. It was unnaturally hot and humid for a coastal Maine weekend.The crowds were Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-66799037286000082222010-07-12T13:59:00.002-04:002010-07-12T14:07:33.112-04:00Ready, Set....Summer has been busy. What summer isn't, right? Trips to the beach, gardening, home improvement projects, and LOTS of jewelry to be made.This coming weekend marks the start of my summer show schedule.Harbor Arts Fine Art FestivalJuly 17 & 189am-5pm dailyCamden, MaineThe fruits of my toils. More still to make.....Have a wonderful week!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-25006770526290165292010-06-15T17:39:00.005-04:002010-06-15T19:02:54.181-04:00Oh Hello, June.Wow, a full two weeks since I last blogged.Gardens, motherhood, and wholesale ordershave kept me away.I have missed it here.A new brooch from the bench this week.Well, two brooches actually as I will be selling these as a set.Fun, huh?Another reason for my blogging absence.My sweet Lab, Satchel, passed away this past week.It was unexpected and the grief hasbeen great.If you are a pet owner, wordsJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-23346373671223534392010-05-30T12:48:00.002-04:002010-05-30T13:04:40.473-04:00Make Me a Butterfly, AgainJust when I think I'm reaching the finish line, someone tacks on another 10 miles.Or I twist my ankle.Or I decide to take a longer route. Such was the case with the butterfly pendant. I promised a reveal last week, but in the final steps to completion, the _________ (enter your choice of expletive here) wing broke.*sigh*Thankfully, my client had supplied me with two pairs of wings.Note to self:Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404300339758669793.post-56530166539005490572010-05-25T13:43:00.002-04:002010-05-25T13:51:52.030-04:00Make Me a ButterflyThis is one of many projects at the bench this week.Agate butterfly wings to become a pendant.When finished, this piece heads to the Salty Teacup in Portland, OR.Recycled silver body and head.The sterling wing bases were hand pierced.Ready to solder.Soldering completed!Freshly soldered prongs.If all goes well, I'll have the finished piece ready to post tomorrow evening.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06666881026605569886noreply@blogger.com5