Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Half Empty or Half Full?


 brass, copper

It all started with this. 

copper, sterling

And proceeded to this.

top: brass, copper 
 bottom: copper, sterling, black onyx


And heck, why not a couple of pendants. The bails are sneakily hidden on the back side. All of these are what I would consider prototypes. Or maybe just an idea seed. I can see all sorts of errors. Things I want to change, improve. But I have loved getting out the metal and fabricating. Playing with fire and solder. Oh fire! I love fire. 

It has my wheels turning. I've even felt a little excited. Not giddy but excited. And after the last 2 months,
 that is a hugely great thing.

You might be asking yourself just what is LeAnn up to? Doesn't she make beads? Well, yes, I do make beads. But after a 6 week rest of my thumb, things have gone quite wrong. A couple of days of trying to make beads and it's shrieking with pain and there is a disgusting huge lump on my tendon. The lump, says my doctor, is my pressure valve. Sort of like the button that pops on a pressure cooker. Ick! So the upshot is, no beads for 2 weeks. No using that thumb to push things. Then we'll see.

But I'm a glass half full kind of girl. OK, I'll admit that earlier my glass was way on the side of being more than half empty. But the sun's been shining. It was even warm yesterday. And I'm feeling like I have an opportunity here to follow some ideas that have been in my head. Things that require very little use of my thumb. Lordy, I even see some beads with the new ideas. I'm learning some new things. Things like letting my tools, rather than my hands, do the work. What a concept.

 My glass might even be more than half full. Not over flowing. Maybe 3/4 full?

So how are you? How full is your glass?

11 comments:

Michelle said...

Sorry to hear about your thumb, LeAnn. Hope it quickly heals.

What errors?! They look perfect to me!

Sending good thoughts and a pitcher to make sure your glass doesn't get below half full. :)

somethingunique said...

Oh dear sooo sorry to hear about our thumb...hope it heals quickly so you can get back to making your beautiful beads....love what your soldering....looking good...I've been playing a lot with fire....just waiting on my new " little torch" I find my Lenk a bit to hot for soldering smaller pieces....take cre of yourself miss LeAnn and its nice to see you blogging...lol...I'm actually at the coffee shop catching up on blogs...take care.ttfn Lana xox

windrock studio said...

A warm, sunny day will always make things clearer ... looks like you have some terrific ideas!

Ann Schroeder said...

I love your metal work! It's beautiful. I'm glad your glass is getting fuller! I'm usually a glass at least half full kind of gal.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

So sorry to hear about your injury!! I always seem to take for granted my ten fingers, until I am down to nine...I hope you heal quickly! Now...onto that metal work...OMG!! I absolutely adore every single picture posted here, you multi-talented artist, you!!!! You are so inspiring...you make me want to go solder something RIGHT NOW!!! Feel better!

sharon said...

I love what you are creating! I mean ....LOVE...! My goal is to solder one day, correctly that is, and neatly, but my hands shake so much, I find it very difficult. Your pieces are amazing and again...I love them!
I am sorry about your thumb, I hope it heals quickly so you can do what you want. I am sending healing thoughts, and prayers, light and love. I have missed you!

Colleen said...

So sorry to hear about your thumb & the pain. I absolutely love your new work! It is nice to see you back & continuing to navigate through the journey!

Cindy said...

So happy to see you back, sharing your world with us on your blog! I'm glad to hear your glass is more than half full - that is a wonderful thing!! I do hope your thumb heals soon. In the meantime, it looks like you are busy with all sorts of creative goodness. Your metalwork earrings are all gorgeous - you're on a roll!!

Cyndi J said...

A new direction! Maybe initially a forced new direction but look what wonderful things are coming from it. Hope the thumb feels better soon. I read about these rings recently: http://www.silverringsplint.com/. Occupational therapists prescribe them for fingers!

Lynn said...

I love the earrings and pendants! Just lovely. Hope your thumb is better soon. Have recurring thumb problems myself---have to get a shot into the joint and after they peel me off the ceiling it seems to help greatly. Looking forward to seeing your new components in your shop.

Barb Fernald said...

No thumb action? Yikes. That stinks. Makes me appreciate what I take for granted sometimes.
Meanwhile, your metalwork is beautiful. Fun soldered pieces. I love that you are so resilient!