Steampunk creme de la creme

Well, I got myself in trouble today....again.

I was headed to Ft. Worth to visit family when billboard marketing took control of my vehicle, made me exit the freeway, and pull into an antique mall.  It wasn't my idea...I SWEAR!

I was doing really good until I found these guys. Or really, they found me. Their odd, globe-like shape kept reflecting the light and catching my eye.  At first, I thought it was possibly a compass, or eyeglasses, or....


Oh no, these guys are MUCH cooler than that.  These globe-like pocketwatches fit in the palm of your hand, have a tassel, are made of brass, are see-thru on both sides, and scream "make me into a pendant!" I couldn't resist.  This is Steampunk creme de la creme. Yummy!

I've been playing in the garage again!

CCL HoI. All Rights Reserved 2010.

    My most recent Disaster  produced some awesome bangles that I'm in love with.  I usually wear 2 or 3 at a time and have been constantly rearranging little piles of beads/charms/etc. that I think create a theme for each bracelet.  This line of bangles I have named "Karma Charm" based on the first one I made for myself that incorporated a hand milagro. (More about milagros in the next post). Each bangle is made of copper, sterling, and brass with handmade patina goodies, vintage chain, stone, glass, or genuine African trade beads from the 19th cent. Having so many different types of material in a single piece makes me ecstatic!

CCL HoI. All Rights Reserved 2010.

     The heat (or much of anything else) hasn't stopped me from enjoying my favorite pastime. However, I am adding to my (imaginary) Christmas list a climate controlled studio. Good ole' air conditioning. Ahhhh, I can't really complain now....two months ago it was over 100 degrees in the garage until about 2am when it would slowly start to simmer down.  

    

     I never thought having an entire garage filled with tools (most of which I'm clueless about) could make me so happy. Most women would consider a pedicure or bubble bath their "alone time" but I cannot tell you how much I enjoy sitting on the old, scratchy, chartreuse 1960's chair, drinking a beer, and staring at a new pile of Disaster I have made....waiting for inspiration to hit me in the face.  Because that's usually how it happens as I'm sure a lot of you know.

Now, I'm definitely not the most time efficient or structured person but I do make the most of this waiting game. Actually, it is where the name House of Introspection came from.  I tend to do more thinking than making with my alone time but I'm starting to believe that's what it's about. When I would ask my Mother, as a child "where's Dad?" I already knew the answer 90% of the time: "out in the garage" she would say while shaking her head.  Now, I understand a bit more. 

 

Featured in...

Forged Copper and Brass Patina Citrine Necklace. CCL HOI All Rights Reserved 2010.

One of my favorite pieces has been featured in a new online gallery entitled :

"Necklaces: Unique Artistic Creations for your Neck"

A sampling of the many necklaces you can find on Handmade Spark. Handmade jewelry, steampunk, metalwork - you name it, we have it!

I'm so very excited and honored to have my forged necklace among the other 10 Artist's creations.  Many thanks!

-LAWisecup

A happy belated 1 year anniversary,,,

House of Introspection (HoI) was started in the summer of 2009, just yesterday. Especially true in the world of crafts marketing and entrepreneurial endeavors.  I was vividly reminded of this shocking fact when I opened my email box this morning to find the following quote:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” -Ghandi

Handmade Spark Business for Sellers blog made a special point today to rejuvenate our sense of self, business, and priorities.  How long has it been since you evaluated where your business has been and where you WANT it to be going? Are you discouraged, in a "rut", or just freakin' tired? This bit of wisdom from the infamous Ghandi rallied my heart and soul this morning.

Yep, you know we are all in some sort of growing phase. It never stops.  Ugh, change...some people can take it and others cringe at the word.  I used to be the type of person who started pouring on my concrete shoes whenever that word was spoken.  I was immovable, determined, unaccepting of what life threw my way. I knew best and nothing was going to change or get past me unless I had a say-so! *Laugh* So, things have changed. 

Now? Well, Change and I are starting to begin a timid, but growing relationship.  There is nothing I can do to stop it, nor do I necessarily want to anymore. More often than not it brings with it a refreshing (or at least educational) view.  So, next time *&%^ seems like it's heading for the fan...give it a chance and maybe a little change is what you needed to get the creativity/spark/energy rolling again.

And....my best wishes to all consciously striving to complete the cycle Ghandi describes above. 

-LAWisecup