Meet my little Munchkin

Technically, its name is SpeedFire ElectricMini kiln, but I call it Munchkin.

With Munchkin, I can do all sorts of things. Things like work with base metal clays (think bronze and copper) and PMC sterling clay--all because with Munchkin I can control the length and firing temperatures. And if I want, I can even fuse glass.

Watch this space

35

It feels like a tipping point. A tipping point to 40? A tipping point to the best shape of my life? A tipping point to wisdom?

To mark my 35 years on this earth (hold the applause, it doesn't officially happen until June 7), I am going to complete 35 projects by the end of the year.

I'll document each project on this blog, and hopefully, when it strikes midnight on December 31, I'll have completed 35 projects and in the process have gained skills, insight, and all of those other good things that come with accomplishing goals.

Here's a preview of some of the projects, skills I'm thinking of taking on--

• Using photopolymer plates
• Connecting metal with rivets and other cold join techniques
• Doing bezel settings
• Mastering my jeweler saw
• Trying out bronze and copper metal clay
• Making rings
• Experiment with soldering

So watch this space. Thirty-five, here I come.

It's only the best day of the year!

 

Sometimes you can learn very important things from watching television. Things like Galentine's Day, "Oh, it's only the best day of the year!" I agree. Happy Galentine's Day! Sending love to all my gals!

Click here to watch Parks and Rec's Galentine's Day clip

Note to NBC: Wouldn't this blog entry be so much better if I could embed a YouTube video with the Galentine's Day clip?

What songs keep you alive?

My very tidy workshop. Only looks this way on photo day

Music. It's a must-have in my basement workshop. Music plays while I hammer, form, mold, sand, wire-wrap, finish, and sometimes just think.

There are five songs I can always rely on to keep me going. In other words, five songs that keep me alive.

1. "You Can't Win" by Kelly Clarkson
2. "Bad Body Double" by Imogen Heap
3. "Seven Devils" by Florence + the Machine
4. "Foundations" by Kate Nash
5. "Someone like You" by Adele

So, readers, what are some songs that keep you alive?