Chair-ity Project

I've been working on the Chair-ity project that I am doing for the Goldsboro Arts Council. They will auction off the handpainted chairs by local artists and raise money for kids projects at the arts council. I'm excited to of been asked to be a part of this. I am taking pictures of my progress of what my chair is going to look like.

I took the basic unstained adirondack chair and I sanded it down really good.

Next I took some wood filler and filled in all those places where there are screw holes.

Then I took the chair outside to my small patio and primed it two different times so that I can put acrylic paint on the chair.

Today I will sand the chair one final time so it will be ready for the acrylic paint. I am going to paint an Outer Banks ocean scene on the chair and glue shells I picked up from OBX on the bottom where I will paint the sand. Hopefully it will turn out as I want it too because I haven't painted in a while. I will continue to take pictures of my progress!

Copper Etching and Doming Galore!

I am so excited to tell everyone about a new technique that I learned this past weekend. I took a class at Panopolie in Raleigh called the "Metalsmither's Delight Bracelet" designed and taught by Melissa. We learned how to etch pictures on copper and/or brass, make a border, and use etching solution. We also learned how to texturize fine silver disks and "dome" them with doming tools. We made two copper etched pieces, 2 domed disks, and connectors, and a clasp to make up our bracelet. The bracelet turned out fabulous! I attached two pictures of the bracelet I made to this post! I'll be making my own original bracelets and pendants this weekend that will be for sale to my customers very soon. I will update my website as I make the pieces!

Lenzen Originals Update

It's been quite some time since my last post but I wanted to update everyone on what is going on with me and my company, Lenzen Originals. Back in March, I reinjured my right wrist. I have had some chronic tendonitis. I had luck with a chiropractor in the past so I decided it was time to go back. I also spoke with my good friend Deanna, who is a massage therapist at The Center for Natural Healing (if you need a massage therapist let me know and I'll put you in contact with her- she's awesome) who has also been helping me back to normal. Thank you to Dr. O and Deanna! I am still seeing them on a regular basis and they are keeping my pain and inflammation in my wrist and neck in check. After seeing the chiropractor and massage therapist, I was able to create about 10 one of kind creations and a bunch of earrings and bracelets to sell to the Dolphin Watch Gallery in Corolla, NC. If you are in Corolla check them out in the Timbuck II shopping center. They support lots of local artists work and have a wonderful selection of jewelry, photography, paintings, wall art, and pottery. She loved my work so much this time she wanted another special order for July. I will be taking that with me over the Fourth of July. I'm sharing with everyone the pictures of the jewelry below. If you are interested in any of the beachy themed jewelry, let me know and I'll see if I can order the supplies to recreate!

I have also entered an amatuer photography contest- NC Wildlife's Organization. I took a picture while at Carova Beach in the Outer Banks of the Wild Spanish mustangs that roam around. I have been wanting to enter it into a contest just to see how it would do. The spanish mustangs basically posed for me in the picture. I was standing there and both the horses looked at me as I shot the picture. There is another horse in the background grazing in the dunes. It's a beautiful shot and I love it! The grand prize winner will get their photo on the cover of NC Wildlife Magazine along with a cash prize, and a large print of the picture. The picture will also be featured in the NC museums. Wish me luck! I'll share the photo with everyone after the contest is over!

Fun new earrings and more!!

Hello everyone,

I know it has been a while since my last post. It's been a wild time for me. I bought a townhouse and got all moved in. Then I had several jewelry parties just before Christmas along with going to Massachusetts for the holidays. I'm finally getting back to making some new jewelry along with coming up with some new jewelry lines. First I'd like to show off my newest hand beaded ornament I created this year. I used Terrifically Tacky tape to sew/stick the beads on the ornament. They were a lot of fun to make and will be for sale for Christmas next year! If you are interested in purchasing an ornament let me know! This ornament was blue but I can use any color combination.

I am creating a new line of fun, beachy jewelry that will complement the perfect summer outfit. It is called "The Carova Line." This line is named after my favorite beach on the Outer Banks. If any of you have been there, you know what I am talking about. Miles of beautiful beach that you can only get to by 4 wheel drive vehicle. There are lots of wild horses roaming around and it is a lot of fun to go off roading trying to find them! Here is my first addition to this collection:

I used Curled shell beads, Luhuanus shells, Hill Tribe sterling silver snail shell charm, puffed fish charm, and a starfish charm. All connected with a sterling silver fish hook and eye clasp. (not priced yet)

Some new fun earrings I've been creating:

Sterling silver plated filigree earrings, rose Swarovski crystals dangles on sterling silver ear wires $16

Sterling silver diamond chandelier earring, Swarovski crystal dangles on sterling silver ear wires. $18 (Shown with black dangles on the left, and crystal clear dangles on the right)

Sterling silver teardrop earrings, Siam red Swarovski crystal dangles, on sterling silver ear wires $18

Sterling silver plated filigree earring with grey Swarovski crystals hand woven inside on sterling silver ear wires. $18

Sterling silver plated fancy filigree earrings on sterling silver ear wires. $16


And lastly, my handmade wire wrapped hearts that will soon have ear wires on them. Just thought I'd put this picture in there as well since these would be a perfect Valentine's Day gift. I am currently in the process of making cute heart bracelets and will send out a picture of them soon!