This weekend Thomas and I learned some stone setting basics from Daniel Eaves. Various settings were introduced such as prong, tube, bezel, gypsy and bead n’ brite. It was great to see Daniel in his studio where he works 5 days a week. Daniel makes it look so easy with his 20+ years of experience. My favorites included bezel, tube and gypsy. Thomas made a list of tools that he wants to get, including a flex shaft quick release and slower pedal, not to mention a hammer tip that allows you to reinforce a stone in a setting with ease (as opposed to using a hammer and small tool). It was fun and we’re looking forward to going through our stones next week and ordering settings to practice with. We plan to introduce colorful stones in a collection next year.

Ah…the Veggie Fest and another happy customer. She’s wearing the Greta necklace (without stones), which is very popular. Good food, great music and a lot of tatoos. We met a lot of locals and networked with a local gallery that may be carrying our work this fall.

Last week Thomas and I were in Corolla, NC at the Whalehead Club for a two day show. This Art Nouveau home overlooks the beautiful sound. It was really the most spectacular setting that we have sold our wares in thus far. Thanks to all of those that supported us from PA, OH, TX, ND and MD.

How about neither. National Geographic’s Strange Days series premiered on PBS April 23rd. It’s quite an eye opener. Coral formations are dying. Ocean waters are getting warmer, forcing fish out of their natural habitats. The plastic that we use everyday is wrecking havoc on our wildlife. What can we do? Give up bottled water. Don’t flush chemicals or drugs down the toilet. Unplug electronics, especially computers, when not in use. Buy locally. Learn how to get involved.

Conflict diamonds are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war. Profits from the trade in conflict diamonds, worth billions of dollars, were used by warlords and rebels to buy arms during the devastating wars in African countries. Wars that have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives. While a lot has been done to combat the flow of these diamonds, the problem is still around. The movie, Blood Diamond highlights this devastating issue. Get in the know and learn what questions to ask when purchasing a diamond or better yet, recycle and reuse.

During college I interned for Mara Scrupe, an environmental sculptor. She paid me a modest $10 for gas to come out to her home in Bremo Bluff, VA 1–2 times a week. It was a 30 minute drive from where I went to college. Once there I would do various jobs for her. I built a plywood crate; hung, mudded and sanded drywall; built a 15 foot sculpture of chairs in her studio (my own project) and whatever else she wanted me to do. It was the first time in my life that I felt independent and that I could do anything with art as my passion. It was the greatest feeling ever. I created things in an environment that was so different and new but most of all wonderful. She was my role model and still is to this day. She lives for her passion, making environmental statements through a visual medium.  I miss her wisdom, inspirational words and most of all working with such a strong woman that can do anything. 

Anna Marie Horner is fabric designer. Her designs are inspirational as they are fresh, colorful and happy. Check out her blog or site. She offers fabrics, books, gifts and sewing projects. Her wool rugs are really cool and her Lollipop Kitchen line is very 50’s retro. Want to sew a handmade gift? Learn how to make her doggie leash.

Did I tell you how I adore fabric? When I grow up I want to be a seamstress and make all of my own clothes + design fabrics just like Amy Butler.  The colors are amazing! Her home and studio are a dream. Everything is so organized yet so airy and free.

Just two of our new designs. Two hearts for every girl. Perfect gifts for Valentines. Available on rebeckaboyd.com soon.

My husband, Thomas, and I are working on new designs for this year. We’re experimenting with wire shapes and will be coming out with cast pieces soon. We’re so excited to not only come out with new work to add to our collection, but to add new techniques to our repertoire. This will enable us to expand our horizons and to grow as artists. God knows we get bored of the same old thing. It’s like this curse, right? We’re also trying to find our niche, our calling… purpose. The only way to get there is to keep experimenting…