Thursday, May 2, 2019

In the works...

Yes, it's been a long, long time between posts.

Life on the mountain has been good to us. Seems that whether talking to new friends or old, the topic always gets around to the weather. Winter at almost 4500', 550 miles south of our previous home is actually much like our previous home. Except when you throw in the need to negotiate mountain roads.



But the late spring, summer and early falls are glorious! A rare day goes up into the low 80's, which is something that you can't say about the rest of the south. Not having an AC bill is pretty cool (sorry!), too.

While trapped indoors, I had some fun exploring colored pencils and related mediums.


And lately, I had a color scheme haunting me and it took shape in a mokume gane block of polymer layers. This technique always generates a lot of material, and my practice is to run it out in multiple pieces. So, I have this pile waiting for partial sanding and buffing. Next comes (mostly) custom findings and assembling. Finally, I get to photograph, write catchy descriptions and show them off online. 



In the meantime, if you're in the Bluffton/Hilton Head, S.C. area check out The Complete Home in Historic Old Town Bluffton. Besides being a neat little shop in a vibrant, artsy community, they carry a decent 11 BOLD street inventory.

See you soon!





Tuesday, January 23, 2018

11 BOLD street - on Etsy: Soft Re-Opening

It's been almost 7 months since we landed in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina. And over a year since we initially made the decision to leave our home of 27 years, and NW Ohio where we've both lived for our entire lives.

Looking out any of our windows confirms that we're not in NW Ohio anymore...


So far, we've done some hiking (just our street is a 300' climb, round-trip!), made some wonderful new friends, had a few wildlife adventures, watched the eclipse with over 96% totality, plus a few special friends and family have occupied our guest room. And, of course, done much research into the abundant local choices in food and drink!









Despite being in the South, we've traded for a very similar winter experience, due to our altitude of almost 4500'. It may be a bit milder overall, but these "hills" make any of the frozen stuff a challenge to get around in :D It's not really an issue since we never really have to go out....


...which is GREAT for extended studio time!


I've gotten to work on some new designs, and have more swirling around in my head. My new studio was pretty well set until I got a reorganizing brainstorm. That's the curse (?) of a restless, creative mind. So now it's a bit torn up, as Dennis is taking the opportunity to paint as I choose a few new pieces of storage furniture.

The last week has been spent re-opening my Etsy Shop. Everything naturally expired, so I'm using the opportunity to take a curated approach - handling, checking connections, inspecting, generally evaluating each item to see if I still love it. I'm happy to find that the vast majority of pieces are passing the test!

After almost eight years, I decided that this break was also a good time to update the face of 11 BOLD street with a fresh, new look. I hope that you like it, and take a moment to browse the shop over the next few weeks as I gradually get back up to full inventory.

If you're in the Hilton Head/Bluffton SC area, you can also shop Old Town Bluffton, in particular, The Complete Home. This delightful little shop has a taste of 11BOLDstreet, along with other great finds!


So, stay warm, my (northern hemisphere) friends - more posts coming soon, from the mountains!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Metallic Snakeskin Hinged Neckpiece

During a chilly period on the mountain (plus over 36 hrs of tropical storm wind) I've been able to spend some time in my new studio. Here are photos of part of the process for creating a technique sheet, the star of my latest neckpiece.


Sheeted colors in metallics, translucents and mattes:


Stacked, rolled thin, restacked, repeat...




Hexagonal honeycomb texture plate for half:



Gutter mesh from hardware store for other half:


Carefully sliced off tops to reveal just the right amount of the layering beneath (trimmings are actually part of the goal!):



Base sheet, ready for some fun. Mylar strips applied:



Gauze/cheesecloth rolled deep to texture, and left temporarily in place while alcohol inks are applied:



Gauze removed, leaving behind some interesting relief. (You may see that piece of fiber on a future project!) Now all the parts and pieces are artfully and painstakingly arranged, embedded and textured.


The focal was formed of Sculpey Ultralight. Overall 5 5/8" x 4"







Monday, August 14, 2017

11BOLDstreet in Bluffton, SC!!



I'm excited to have a new testing area soon at The Complete Home in Old Town Buffton. The owner, Mary O'Neill (yes, we are related...) has graciously granted space for some of my art. The shop is "an eclectic place filled with everything needed to complete your home and more!  Our selections are unique and tasteful, often with a coastal flair." 

So, if you're in the area, stop in, visit Mary and her wonderful shop! 



Tuesday, April 25, 2017

11BOLDstreet is MOVING...

.... from the NW corner of Ohio to the mountains in northwestern North Carolina! Go Appalachian State Mountaineers! (A team that we Buckeyes remember with fondness, and who fans of the "team up north" - not so much :D )

We're pretty excited, and scared, all at once :) We've lived here our entire lives and to paraphrase Bilbo Baggins, it's time for an adventure.

So, the house is listed, lots of things have been given away, sold, donated. Many boxes are packed, including my studio stuff. Creating is on-hold until we've sold, moved and settled in. I'm looking forward to inspiration in our new surroundings! Check back in a month or so and see what's happening.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

PCAGOE October Showcase - Finished!

Here's the finished product - fun, a bit creepy (with the removable tail!) with a contrasting textured outside and REALLY shiny inside. I have two finger nails sanded down to nothing for my efforts :)




Plus, I almost chucked my old electric eraser in the trash last month, but just couldn't part with it. (Yes, some of you may have to look up "electric eraser".) Glad that I didn't - it turned out to be the perfect thing to power my new mushroom buff, to get at the inside of shapes like bowls!



Please check out other members' works this month https://www.facebook.com/PolymerClayArtists/

Sunday, October 9, 2016

PCAGOE October Challenge - Wonderfully Weird or Creepy

Some preliminary progress shots of mixing colors for a mokume gane block....

Slices will figure predominantly in my piece for this month's challenge ;)