This post is a little late in the making, but I wanted to ensure you’ve had a chance to see the Winter 2011/2012 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. Another great issue, which is even better than normal, in my opinion, because there are a couple of really good metalsmithing projects this time around. Plus, my sweet and talented friend Kristen Robinson has a wonderful artist profile written by my other incredibly talented friend Rice Freeman- Zachary. Also my new friend Cat Kerr is featured in this issue. Cat is one of our Susan Lenart Kazmer ICE Resin Creative Team members and the stuff she has been making for us is divine!
I’ve already heard some feedback from half-dozen of you on my column “Art Choose You” for this issue. This column is the second-part in the series on having a website and/or blog. I’m thrilled to say this topic hit a nerve with so many readers, which is great because it really is the most basic thing, I believe, a person must do if they want to take their art-making skills to another level of selling, teaching or publishing.
I have friends of mine who are the most prolific artists. Seriously, they work fulltime jobs and then come home in the evenings and every weekend (they’re kids are grown) and are in their studios making jewelry designs to sell at craft shows or art events. Neither of them are technologically savvy, mostly because they just don’t care to learn because they’re too busy making art, so they have only the most basic of marketing materials – business cards and brochures. I keep telling them they’re missing the boat by not having even the most rudimentary of websites, but they honestly don’t care because they’re happy with what they’re doing. I shrug and say no more because who am I to argue with someone else’s happiness?
Here is my under-the-breath “however” though. This world is going more and more digital. My friends are missing the boat, and when they do decide to play catch up (and they will because the pressure for an online portfolio will become too great to ignore), it’s going to seem impossible to begin when they’re so behind the 8-ball.
So I wrote these last two columns for Belle Armoire Jewelry to help others know where to begin. If you are interested, be sure to pick up both the Summer and Winter 2011 issues.
In addition, I have an article in there on making forged bangles. This is a fabulous metalsmithing project that is such an easy way to get started in working with metals. No sawing or cutting. Just hammering to create lots of texture, annealing and forming around a bracelet mandrel. These bangles are featured in my upcoming book with North Light Books, so I’m excited to debut this sneak peek.
Thanks for checking in today. Here’s wishing you a truly Artful day!
