IRS

"Resin  Ates"                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2013

 

IRS

Long before I decided to blog, I made a list of subjects that I would and would not write about. Politics and taxes definitely taboo. But something in his week’s news struck a cord with me it was about the IRS and its need for transparency. For years I have been meaning to write about the IRS, no not that IRS, but rather mine: Inez’s Resin Situation. What is my situation? I’ll tell you. I have tried almost all the resin products out there, and my results have been more about tragedy than triumph. Now, if your still reading this and scratching your head, I’m talking about the gooie substance derived from plants that when mixed with other chemicals is poured over stuff to cause preservation. The subject of resins and their applications is quite broad, and when you get into the whole chemistry behind hardener and catalyst well; that requires a chapter of a blog post all unto itself. You see the whole reason that the IRS thing and transparency resonates is because resin too requires clarity; it has to be transparent to work in jewelry design in order for the entire concept to be fully understood. Working with resin requires a complete adherence to preparation, and most importantly a really warm environment, like 70 degrees+.  Living in Alaska, the whole temperature thing presents a bit of a problem, but I haven’t given –up. Okay now, back to my situation I have set-up numerous bezels all with different resin products. And I will reveal my latest findings in next Sunday’s post. And because I am not a spokes person for any of these products I will not be naming names only results-but if you need specifics please send me an email and I will answer your questions. I may have heard a collective sigh that seemed to reverberate through the blogo-spere? Hey, I’m simply applying the same conventions that all mystery writers adhere to: Suspence works, Baby! So just wait patiently for next week. All things considered, perhaps implementing a bit of transparency in ones life isn’t such a bad thing, I mean being seen for who you really are is actually a good thing but being fully understood well that’s really powerful stuff. Save that for the next time you need some sense of accountability, whether dealing with yourself or the other IRS. Until next Sunday think clarity, clarity, clarity. Ah!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

"She's a Classic"                                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2013

Today was Mother’s Day. I say, “was” because if you’re reading my post, the local time is now midnight. As a tribute to Mother’s day I decided I would focus on the individual attributes that make each mom unique in her own way. No two moms are alike, nor are her children. All moms vary in temperament, some moms are sunny, some are overcast and some moms vacillate in and out of the storm. And although most of us complain about our mom’s, I believe its equal to the amount of love we have for them. Basic biology, if it weren’t for our moms, we wouldn’t be here. Now, when it comes to gift giving for mom or any female in your life, there are a few simple rules, especially when jewelry is the gift your selecting; get it right and you’ll remain in good standing at least until next year. Below I have created a quick stylistic reference that will make buying jewelry a lot easier, keep you stress-free about any last minute purchases, and save on your pocket book. Okay, I can’t guarantee the “pocket-book thing, but read on…

1. She’s a “Classic”, tailored, career oriented, disciplined, older, retired, almost organized but, fussy about her individual self.

Go for anything pearls, pins; post earrings, crystal jewelry that is singular in design. Nothing-pretentious here, select jewelry that is straightforward, and as individual as she is.

2. She’s a “Newbie”, eclectic, diverse, independent, modern, younger, multitasked and family oriented. Her style choices are mixed and matched.

Go for avante-guard pieces, standout necklaces that have vintage touches, leather bracelets, and earrings that are long. Handmade, and local is important here.

3. She’s “Bubbly”, bold, boisterous, and put-together, fashion forward, attention to detail about her looks, and presentation. She’s at her best at shopping malls, and knows value when she sees it.

Go for color, color is key here when making a jewelry selection. Anything beaded, chunky necklaces in multistrands, playful charms, and busy bracelet designs. Neon or florals set the tone and will work well.

4. She’s a “Team Player” jeans and sweatshirt; innovative, creative, retrospective, family comes first. Her idea of a vacation is alone time with a good book.

Go with dainty earrings, necklaces that are streamline and on a chain. For this pick it is important that if you choose metal it be matched to her wedding ring, or wristwatch. These considerations will ensure the jewelry won’t be in conflict, and she’ll feel more comfortable wearing it.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, new, old, happy, and even cranky thank you for all you do and especially for your love. Hmm, now what to get for Dad?

"She's a newbie"                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2013

 

 

"She's Bubbly"                                                                           Inez Dunn©2013

         "She's a Team Player"                                                                 Inez Dunn©2013
All jewelry photographs, creations, and designs are handmade by Inez Dunn.

Big Birds

Bird Brain Collage                                                                  Inez Dunn ©2013

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Bird Brain

It’s May, and here on the Kenai Peninsula there is a particular sound in the air. The sound

is the echoing call of Sandhill Cranes. Their arrival signals something absolute, it is that spring has finally arrived. These migratory birds are reminders of nature’s cyclical patterns. These patterns by the way don’t only apply for avian species but, also for people. Folks throughout my community are referred to as snowbirds: people who uproot themselves once winter arrives and return back again to the same region once the temperatures have moderated. This type of to and fro makes me think about just how many life forms there are that are actually nomadic rather than stationary. Around here the Sandhill Cranes are observed with a sense of awe and reverence. And although these birds precede the zillion of shorebirds that beckon our shores for their nesting grounds nonetheless, Sandhills rein supreme! Here in Homer, its cause for celebration for the last 21 years the city of Homer has celebrated our feathered friends by holding a flock of activities called the Shorebird Festival. www.homeralaska.org May 9-12^th save the dates! Saturday the 11^th, in conjunction with the festival there will be an Arts & Crafts faire, and yours truly will be showcasing all new jewelry perfectly suited for spring and summer. Admission is free! So get packing, grab your binoculars and your rain gear and I’ll see you at the fair!

See You

"I'm gonna get you, copper!"                                                                                                          Inez Dunn ©2013

Cu -->

Did you know copper tubing exists in almost every household? Plumbers install these shiny tubes in a crazy maze just beneath the floorboards (don’t even try to look). Copper tubing transports water, not just hot, but also cold. And if you have the luxury of heated flooring well, just guess what’s underneath your tootsies! When a house or other type of building is demolished all those copper tubes end-up as scrap metal. A salvage yard or a recycling center is where the tubing enters its final resting place but, when it does its like its been reincarnated, appearing more like bronze & verdigris in mangled veins. Sometimes its twisted into giant coils or just smashed and cut into small pieces. Copper is sold by the pound and depending on the market that day it can be pricey. Warning: Don’t get all gussied-up to do this kind of shopping, No. If your excited to enter into this world, here’s what you’ll need (besides an imagination) protective gloves, a dust mask, muck boots, a large bucket, and a handful of cash. Alright, whether your smacking your lips or not here are some facts about copper.

1. Copper is the 29^th element Cu. 29, because that’s its atomic number.

2. Copper conducts heat and electrictiy better than other metals.

3. Copper melts at 1950 degrees.

4. Copper is one of the most recyclable metals.

5. Brass: Its created when zinc is alloyed with copper.

6. Copper has antibacterial properties, Who knew?

7. My grandma wore copper bracelets to arrest her arthritis, maybe she knew.

This is what I see, when I see copper tubing: 

German Soap Stone, Copper Tubing Earrings              Inez Dunn ©2012

Rare Vaseline Glass                                 Inez Dunn©2012

Glass Bead, Copper wire                      Inez Dunn©2012

Vintage Pearls, Annealed Ear Wires     Inez Dunn©2012

Unexpected Kindness

She sells                                                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2013

The Allure                                                                                                               Inez Dunn©2013

Unexpected Kindness

This week in spite of all the random tragedy going on, I’d like to divert your attention, if just for a little while, and lay focus towards the subject of kindness. The type of kindness that is delivered collectively, perhaps by a group or a family. And the type of kindness that arrives unexpectedly, in the form of a surprise. This week I received such gifts. One was an impromptu dinner invite, thoughtful, delicious, and kind in the most meaningful way. Then two more unexpected gifts called my attention, the 1^st gift came all the way from Texas. The gift: An exquisite seashell collection from a dear classmate, shells my girlfriend had collected from her home state of Florida. The next gift came from one of my biggest fans here at home, the gift: an arresting array of vintage fishing lures. I was completely over-whelmed by these surprises, but it was the kindness in the gift giving that really affected me. Over the years I have assembled many collections, I have a collection of fossil rocks, volcanic rocks, sea glass, and even bones! My attitude toward collecting has expanded simply because my imagination feels compelled to discover. The process of collecting for me isn’t about amassing stuff, everyone knows this could lead to hoarding and then I’d have no place for which to write you this blog. No. I base my collecting by the process of interest it generates for me and not by the possible monetary values it could hold someday. This is not to say that if anyone out there wants me to inherit his or her gold nugget collection I might turn a blind eye. I mean who doesn’t like Au? At the end of the day I want to view and share my collections based on an well-researched narrative, one in which you become as easily charmed as I am. Sharing knowledge and giving kindness in inventive ways is quite the turn-on. So, whether you’re a collector or not it really doesn't matter, what matters is your ability to demonstrate thoughtfulness. Don’t wait, surprise someone soon, it may be with a collection of words, or an unexpected gift; either way it’s a beautiful thing. And right now all of us could use a lot more of that!

April Is National Poetry Month

Waxing Poetically                                                                                                                           Inez Dunn©2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April is national poetry month

The month of April begins with fools, midway it’s all about taxes, and toward the end of the month a day is set aside for celebrating planet Earth. But did you know April is also national poetry month? So, after paying my taxes, which I really did, I set aside time revisiting my old poetry books. Among the dust and crinkled book jackets were Whythe, Hass, and Sexton, not what you were expecting, but then again I’m not your standard poetry groupie. When I read a poem I am always fascinated by its structure and the deliberate placement of active verbs and phrases. I also admire the poet who can successfully convert dreamy imagery into descriptive words, words that are placed so artfully that they evoke all the senses.  Poetry is a very personal and contemplative craft, much like jewelry design. In jewelry design components such as beads and findings create their own rhyme and rhythm simply by their arrangement. I consider color, texture, and theme and how the elements relate or create harmony together. With poetry its similar, the writer has to convey a message, disguised cleverly in the artful arrangement of words. The entire process can be a bit complicated, but who needs that? In summary, the written poem and the beaded necklace must achieve unity in order to be understood successfully.

That’s a simpler way of saying it… so my friends, find a poem somewhere, read it, savor it, then pass it on. And mark your calendar for April 22, to give thanks to mother Earth. Thank her for the ground you walk on, thank her for the air you breathe, and be grateful for the human perseverance in all of us that seeks out harmony, unison, and poetry wherever it may be found.

Closure

Closed In                                                                                                                                                     Inez Dunn©2013

 

Closure

Closure can be difficult. Closure is affixing something so that it will hold its place, or remain closed. Closure is also finalizing something, whether forced or forgiven. My entrée into the art world began when I imagined applying closure to my corporate day. In the name of fulfilling balance, I discovered a devotion for creating. When I first began beading, all of my clasps were made of Sterling Silver; at that time silver was selling for $7.00 an ounce. I would spend countless hours in search of the perfect clasp. To me, I felt the clasp should be more than just a mechanism for function. I wanted my clasps to serve as an artistic statement. Selecting the beads was secondary, the purpose of the beads: to compliment the clasp. At the time my design philosophy was quite unconventional, but it paid off, my customers “got-it”, they purchased, and they kept coming back! That was a long time ago, and today my approach in design has evolved happily, even if it’s still contrary to the standard. As I developed artistically I had to close a few doors so that others would open, and I always try to remember that the best way to end a chapter is to finish it, before I start anew.