New Embroidered Jewelry on Etsy

Just a few new little things in my etsy shop! Embroidered Earrings and two little sewn pins!

"Read My Pins"

My husband just told me about this book called, "Read My Pins," by Madeleine Albright. There is an interesting interview with her about the book, click here for the NPR interview.
Amazon has this description for the book:

"Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying "Read my lips." I began urging colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins."

It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her "an unparalleled serpent." Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was as old as the American Revolution—Don't Tread on Me.

From that day forward, pins became part of Albright's diplomatic signature. International leaders were pleased to see her with a shimmering sun on her jacket or a cheerful ladybug; less so with a crab or a menacing wasp. Albright used pins to emphasize the importance of a negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, and show pride in representing America, among other purposes.

Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read My Pins provides an intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection is both international and democratic—dime-store pins share pride of place with designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged by Albright's five-year-old daughter. Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs, along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats."

I totally just bought this book and can't WAIT to get it!

Yuma Symposium: The Breakdown

Well, if you read my previous post, I'm sure you all can see how much fun the pin swap is, but there are so many other things to tell as well!!The 3 day art symposium takes place in old downtown Yuma. Mostly we hang out a lot at Lutes Casino (not a real casino) and the old theater...This was some of our crew this year...From left: Jonathan, Ellie, me, Jim, Flavia, and Jacie.Almost all of us shared a hotel suite, and just in case you were wondering, 7 people in one suite is too many!But, we had a GREAT time!We were espcially glad that Ellie, a woods grad student, came along to join in the fun!One of my favorite parts of the symposium is the pin auction. Each year an auction is held to raise money to keep the symposium going. I always try to buy something, but this year I got to donate a piece as well. I scored this amazin ring by awesome metalsmith Andy Cooperman...

This necklace below was my contribution this year. I was a little sad to see it go, but was happy that it went to such a good new home. This sweet girl from Cabrillo College will take good care of it I'm sure!

Another fun part of the symposium is the student show. Here is Ellie next to her piece.

She creates really beautiful minimal wood forms. These are bent laminated, hollow constructed, veneered and covered with vintage wallpaper. Gorgeous. I love her work!

Here I am next to my piece...

Here is a better shot...

Then each night there is a bonfire where lots of people just hang out and talk. One of the things that I love about the Yuma Symposium is that you get to go and hang out with really well known people in the metals field in a really casual setting. It is a great way to network and get your work seen by people who really know their stuff. Another highlight of the symposium is the saw file solder sprints. Here we are getting pumped.
The saw, file, solder sprint is a relay race for metalsmiths. The object is to make a simple band ring. ASU has won several times. Each team competes for artist made trophies. Our studio has a whole shelf of trophies, but there is always room for more!

Jonathan went first and had to saw out the ring blank.
Then I went and had to file and form the ring.
Victoria went last and had to solder. We didn't win this year, but are already getting ready to reclaim our title next year.It was a ton of fun and I am already looking forward to next year! My next post will be about all the presenters and artists that I saw/met at the symposium, so check back!

Yuma Art Symposium Pin Swap

So, I know it is taking me forever to post about the Yuma Syposium that I attended last weekend, but there are just so many photos, and there is so much to tell! I am going to first post just about the pin swap, and then I will post about the rest of the symposium.

Well, the weekend kicks off with a crazy PIN SWAP! All symposium attendees are encouraged to make trade pins to bring and swap. Its a great way to meet people and come home with awesome accessories!

These were my pins this year (bad castings of hands, ah well)...

These are some of my favorite pins that I traded for...

This one above has to be my absolute favorite. Traded by Doug Macdonald, who has at times been a foe, but I think has now passed to friend:) (Joking by the way)

Its fabulous...there aren't even words... This is a kiln cast glass moon by friend and fellow grad student Victoria Altepeter. I think it looks like a goldfish in a fish bowl.
This one above is by Betsy Douglas. She made 130 pins to trade this year and was at the first ever Yuma Symposium (29 years ago!). Thats old school! One of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet in the world by the way, and also an ASU alum!
Tedd McDonah, asu professor, was trading his fishing lures...SWEET!

I really liked this one because it remined me of my hometown (Tucson)! Actually, now that I think about it, so does this one below...

This little ant was made especially for me (no one else got one exactly the same) by Lauren Diggs, thanks Lauren!

This one above was made by ASU alum John Hayes.
I love my new baby anvil!!!
Someone was also passing out old costume jewlery at the swap. I can't believe I got this little beauty. It goes perfectly with my current work. You will see this again for sure!
And last but not least, this pin made by my professor Becky McDonah because there is always something else to do. Like how I am blogging when I need to finish a scholarship application, AND photograph student work, AND grade, AND go to the studio, AND prepare for teaching this week AND....

Check back soon for my post on the rest of the symposium!