Well, I've neglecting this blog a bit because of my Instagram obsession but for those of you NOT on IG, I'll try to do better this year. (Also, I've added an IG widget to the right)

Heads up! The outdoor show season is about to ramp up. I will be doing more region things down here in southeastern NC, the Ocean Isle farmer's market, my regular gig on Sundays on the river in downtown Wilmington... BUT! I have been accepted into two events up in the mountains of NC. So look for me at LEAF in October of this year! And I will be participating in Art in the Park in Blowing Rock in August. I'm SO excited. I adore our mountains and can't wait! Hopefully I'll see you soon!

Salt Magazine

Wow! I feel so grateful to be including amongst the wonderful artisans in this months issue of Salt Magazine! I send a huge thank you to Emily Colin and Salt for including me!
http://www.saltmagazinenc.com/the-state-of-metalsmiths/

If you'd like to see more of my work check me out on Instagram @theelkandowl
Facebook: The Elk and Owl
and to purchase work go to: https://www.etsy.com/shop/melissamanley

My New Mission Statement:

My jewelry evokes deep memories of past lives and distant lands for women with a thirst for adornment that speaks to their soul. From my hands to my clients, I create thoughtful, soulful adornment that enlightens curious people to methods and materials that have remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages, and impart that sense of mindful appreciation for creation.  My eclectic education, background and interests all breathe spirit into my work.

come see more on Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/theelkandowl/

Instagram

I'm hardly ever here anymore!  But there's still lots going on!
find me on Instagram @theelkandowl

New venue!

I'm thrilled that Spectrum Gallery at the Forum here in Wilmington, NC is now exclusively carrying my enamel fold forms! I'm also scheming over fresh new higher end designs for Spectrum in the new year. Stay tuned!

If anyone is still out there.... I need a kiln.
https://www.gofundme.com/melissakiln

More from Vermont Trip!

The visual feast was overwhelming on my trip to take a workshop in Celie Fago's Vermont home studio.

Here are some of Celie's tools. She embellished them with polymer clay! 

The two end tools are needle tools one has a twirly "cap".

Views of the studio

 

 

Celie's demonstration table and the bracelet we were to make

 

 

 

Celie's work for sale

Celie demonstrating

my work in progress

My finished bracelet!

Vermont and Celie Fago

I do not get to be the student very often. It's been a couple of years since I got to be in that seat. In fact I've felt a little stagnant with the teaching for a long time and have scaled way back as some of you know. I really spent 10 years teaching others to make and I really wanted time for me to make for awhile. So last summer I decided darn it! I want to take a class! I applied for a NC arts council grant and got one.  After much deliberation I chose Celie Fago's home classes in Vermont. The grant covered tuition and a plane ticket, I paid for my rental car, my food, lodging, supplies and travel expenses. It was WELL worth it! I just knew I'd love Vermont and of course I did. I adore mountains rocks, streams and liberals... (tee hee) I stayed in a gorgeous AirBnB home that I carefully chose. come to find out one of the owners is an artist! I didn't know that when I booked.

Looking through the gate toward the house

 Looking down at the house from the art studio. My room was the first skylight on the right.

Looking toward the drive at the guest cabin

Iris the cat and I were BFFs

 The owner's adorable little lambie Poe! I missed getting pics of Finn, their sweet Corgi and Nissa the Great Pyreneese ;-(  Also beautiful dogs!

The artist's studio cabin overlooking the house

So needless to say my digs were AWESOME!

Celie Fago's home studio where I took the workshop

Celie's garden

Celie Fago demonstrating