Questioning

February 18, 2012 Karen

If you teach, parent or communicate, you ask a lot of questions (and probably answer a good many as well). Since my grandson now lives close to us and I’m spending more time with his family, I’ve renewed my understanding of the importance of questioning in learning. I’ve always believed that a good question can stretch the learner’s thinking. Unfortunately, my three year old grandson has figured me out and when he doesn’t know the answer to the question or simply doesn’t want to tell me he says “YOU do it, Nanaw, you do it.” In other words, since I know the answer anyway I may as well just tell him. (I’ve got to get sneakier in questioning this little one.)

As an educator I spent considerable time studying the art of questioning. I hesitate to tell you how many books there are on this single topic. You may have fond, or not so fond, memories of learning Blooms Taxonomy of Cognitive Objectives which forms the basis for some questioning procedures. At the university level, I enjoyed helping new teachers develop their own questioning techniques and researching their progress. I enjoyed using DeBono’s Six Thinking Hats for developing questions. Now, as I teach classes in jewelry making techniques I again find myself knee deep in questioning.

Lately, as I have listened to myself and others teaching, I’m aware of the fact that we occasionally answer the question we thought we heard rather than the one someone actually asked. (It reminds me of the parent who calmly and carefully explains the physical differences in boys and girls when the young child only wanted to know if there’s a difference in boys and girls jeans.) It can be quite perplexing when a teacher misunderstands a student’s question regarding how to do something. In this case the instructor may provide a thorough (and sometimes lengthy) explanation as an answer. The student is then even more perplexed since the explanation doesn’t fit with the problem. Then the teacher is perplexed because the student doesn’t understand the answer. (what a mess!) This really slows the learning process while frustrating everyone involved.

I’m attempting to remind myself to clarify the question before providing an answer. I may begin by saying “are you asking . . . ?” Or I may start my answer with “I think I hear you asking . . . “ Then there’s the useful phrase “do you want to know . . . ?” I hope this will make me a better teacher.

As I again practice my questioning techniques for the jewelry classes, I wonder if my developing skills will help me with a three year old. Some how I have my doubts! I’m beginning to think the real question is “are you smarter than a three-year-old?”

Earrings, Philosophy, Wire Work

For the Birds

February 14, 2012 Karen

Working on “bird” earrings, I’ve found myself thinking “it’s for the birds.” Most people know and perhaps use this phrase, but I never thought too much about it. It is an idiom of American origin and means worthless or undesirable. Sometimes the phrase is intensified by adding “strictly” as in something is “strictly for the birds.” It seems that there is more than one reason that the phrase took hold. One is that birds eat bird seed which some think is worthless. Another has to do with the fact that they peck at other animal dropping to get seed from them. This is definitely repulsive and the next time I hear someone use the phrase, I mustn’t assume they are thinking of where the birds hunt those seeds. Yuk!

Below are some of the new bird earrings. They look pretty simple to make and certainly should be; however, my difficulty as it always is with earrings has to do with getting two birds that are the same shape.

In light of the connotation for the title, I think I’ll rename the top two pair of earrings with the phrase “shake your tail feathers”; yet, I guess that, too could have a bad connotation. Perhaps I need to just stop with the phrases while I’m ahead. However . . .

I’ll fly from this birdy post with just one last phrase . . . “Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie . . . “ Do you remember that nursery rhyme? Below, is the valentine chocolate pie I baked for my spouse today, but I assure you it isn’t “for the birds” and there are NO birds in it. Happy Valentines Day to You! (This day is NOT for the birds!)

Color, Necklaces, Pendants, vendors, Wire Work

Spring Colors ???

February 11, 2012 Karen 4 Comments

I set out to create some “springier” colored pieces, but I can’t quite seem to get there since it is so cold outside here in Central Texas right now. It looks like I ended up with more cross over colors and that’s probably OK. The first two photos show the apricot moonstone strands and cab (www.magpiegemstones.com). I wish you could see the sparkle in the tiny beads that tells me I’m going to need more of them!The problem for me in purchasing beads is I often buy too many of those I can’t determine how to use and too few of those that work really well. I doubt I’ll ever get that quite right.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I’ve been playing with wire trees just a bit more and wanted to create a scene in the piece below. (Yes, my family and friends are probably saying I’ve created a “scene” before, but I’m not talking about that kind!) I created a small wire bird for it, but the winged creature was too big proportionally for the tree. Oh well, it was a nice thought – cute bird.

Finally, the double strand piece below made with turquoise, lapis and amethyst sports a new finding, shown on the right side of the photo. I’m trying to develop some new types of multi strand links and separators. I made this piece to see if one of them which takes a necklace from two strands to one would work. Thus far, I’m happy with it, but the truth is in continued wearing. It did great on its initial wear around the house last night. You can see that this piece makes its way around the neck with a chain. (I wouldn’t want to make a piece without some kind of metal on it!)

So when will the bright Spring colors show up in the designs here at Dreamcatcher? I may just have to wait for inspiration from the redbud tree in the front yard since it’s usually one of the first harbingers of Spring. I don’t think it will be much longer and I’m sure those readers in the North are wishing even more than I that the season would make a happy change. Until then, we’ll just be pleased to see the sun and know that more warm weather will soon follow.

classes

Jewelry Classes

February 9, 2012 Karen

If you do not live in the San Marcos, TX area, I apologize for this advertising post. Someone asked me to put information up about my jewelry making classes and this is the only venue I have. Please skip this if you have no interest or live outside this area. If you have interest in the times and low costs for these classes, please let me know. I’m just eager to give more people a chance to learn to do what I love.

Learn to Make Your Own Jewelry

Classes from Dreamcatcher Designs

Call or Email to Sign Up

karen@www.bradleymeador.com 512 751 7307

www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Classes will be held at the Hobby Lobby classroom in San Marcos.

Class A: Introduction to Jewelry Making

2 Hour Class (Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 10) – For Beginners

Class Includes How to . .

1. String beads & Crimp

2. Make a Wire Closed Loop

3. Make a Wire Wrapped Loop

4. Open and Close Jump Rings

5. Hammer Loops

6. Use Headpins

7. Make a Simple Wire Hook Clasp

Project: Earrings and a Necklace with Handmade Clasp

Class B: Intermediate Wire Jewelry

2 – 2 ½ Hour Class (Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 10)

Class Includes How to . . .

1. Make Jump Rings

2. Make Ear Wires

3. Make Handmade Chain

a. “S” loops with jump rings

b. “S” loops with beaded links

4. Hammer the above

Project: Handmade wire chain necklace with beads links, matching earrings

Class C: Introduction to Wire Wrapping for Jewelry 3 Hour Class (Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 10)

Class Includes How to . . .

1. Begin and End a Wrap

2. Attach Beads to an S loop for Earrings or a Necklace

3. Make and Embellish a Wave Bracelet

Projects: S Earrings and Embellished Wave Bracelet

Prerequisite: Skills from Class A

Class D: Wrapping Cabachons, Rocks and Objects (2 Classes)

Two 3 Hour Classes

(Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 6)

Prerequisite: Basic Wire Working Skills

Project: Basic Wire Border Wrap (first class), Other Style Wire Wraps (second class)

Class E: Intermediate Wire Weaving for Jewelry (2 classes)

Class Includes How to . . .

1. Work a Zig Zag Wrap and a Two Wire Wrap

Project: Dancing Feet Earrings or Ring, Zig Zag Wrap Necklace or Earrings

Prerequisite: Skill in Beginning Wire Working Techniques

TWO 3 Hour Classes (Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 10)

Leather Wrap Bracelet

2 Hour Class (Minimum 4 participants, Maximum 10)

Earrings, Metal Work, Wire Work

Earring Revival

January 27, 2012 Karen 3 Comments

I’ve largely spent this week reviving my earring batch which was pretty pitiful after the holidays. I’m sorry for my family and friends who have been inundated with my requests to “try on” a pair so I could see how they look. Even though I’ve had pieced ears twice, I still can’t wear earrings; so I have to look for models. I guess I’m going to have to create some type of fake ears here in the studio so I can quit bugging people. Hmm . . . I wonder if I could make a model out of clay . . . ?

You can see from the photo that the bulk of these are hearts which were requested by one of the stores. I also made something in copper that’s supposed to resemble calla lilies and there’s another unknown shape in sterling silver at the bottom left. I thought the latter shape was a trisket, but it seems I’m wrong and must have invented that name since I’m not finding it on the internet. Do any of you know what this is called?

The above picture shows earrings that look better on that laying flat. I thought I’d call them “dancing feet”, but I’ve yet to figure out how to explain the pair on the right. I guess those have two left feet!

I often feel that I either have two left hands when I’m working or that I don’t have enough hands to hold everything I need. Some days I wish for a real human who would willingly lend a skilled hand and work in tandem beside me at the bench. Alas, I’d probably talk to the person too much and neither of us would get anything done. I guess I’ll have to stick with my own two hands and do the best I can.

Color, Necklaces, Pendants, Wire Work

Color It Tangerine

January 20, 2012 Karen

If you follow the color trend predictions, you already know that Pantone, the industry color trendsetter, lists Tangerine Tango as the color of the year. I found it splashed all over the front page of the Life & Style section of the Austin, TX newspaper yesterday. If you are looking for a soothing, quiet color, this is NOT it. It is a bold and bright reddish orange that is definitely eye catching when presented dominantly in a design.

I looked at my cluttered bead table and realized that I have a few things I could call tangerine if I removed the word orange from my current vocabulary. Doesn’t Tangerine Tango sound much more expensive than orange? While in Hawaii last week, I obtained a piece of calcite that I think borders on the topic color.

Calcite is a primary mineral in cave formations and produces those stalactites and stalagmites we learned about in school. It’s usually white or colorless but can be light yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, brown, green, black or gray.

Another Tangerine Tango piece was laying in the demolition box. This is where I keep the things that didn’t work out. I put them there when I’m too lazy to take them apart and then I can grab a bead here and there when I need it.

Although the blue beads in this piece are not natural, you can see that turquoise would be a good complimentary color with this orange.

I’m hoping that Tangerine Tango won’t take over summer garments and accessories the way pink did several years ago. I remember everything that year was pink and by the next year it was totally gone. Yet, perhaps a little tango with this tangerine might be a good dance to try in a few designs. It really is pretty nice.

Diversions, family, Rings

Catching Up

January 17, 2012 Karen

My husband and I just spent a grand eight days in Hawaii; thus I’m trying to catch up on a few things today. We were in Honolulu for three days.

Then we flew to Kona for the remainder of our trip. Notice who got good and wet while we were whale watching on a boat.

While I was gone, several readers emailed that they were not able to open the link for the ring tutorial in the previous entry. I didn’t realize that what shows up as I write and goes directly on the website URL is not necessarily what transfers to you all in your mailboxes. If you were not able to open the tutorial, here is another link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ-Az7jIeFA&feature=player_embedded I hope you will try the ring. Wearing it on our trip, I received many compliments and have made several more rings for an upcoming show. I’m trying to figure out how to turn the ring design into a bracelet. Don’t hold your breath on that one!

I was anxious to view the jewelry in Hawaii, and found that the places I looked carried mainly the same style. They were small, lightweight and mostly silver. I didn’t see anything in copper. The exception was some lovely work by different artists featured at Elements, a gallery in Kapaau on Kona. I especially liked the lightweight and colorful anodized niobium earrings. Do any of you work with this metal? The owner of this gallery was very friendly and gave me lots of information. This is unlike many of the places where I felt they gave me as little information as possible thinking I might steal some grand idea or secret.

I saw very few beaded strands in Hawaii and didn’t find any handmade chains. It made me wonder if my work was truly unique or just out of step. I’m still pondering that one.

Let’s hope I have new pieces to show you in just a few days after I catch up with things around here. For now, I’m just enjoying sleeping in my own bed as I listen to my own dogs barking. You just never know what you might miss on vacation.

family, Philosophy, Rings, Wire Work

Weave a Web

January 6, 2012 Karen 1 Comment

It’s no secret that I enjoy weaving with wire, but I’m realizing that I enjoy weaving relationships as well. I often say to someone “I’ll bet ‘so and so’ could help you with that” or “ ‘so and so’ would really enjoy meeting you and discussing that.” It’s likely that the true name for this is networking, but weaving people together sounds much more creative.

Sometimes weaving the right people together needs to be added to the planning of an event. Have you ever sat by someone at a dinner party with whom you have absolutely nothing in common with? I guess that’s why some people use place cards! Perhaps you have been invited to a jewelry design event where everyone else was working solely with wire and you were the only metal artist. You either have to weave yourself into the group or watch from afar.

We can also consider how friendships are woven together. When these relationships ebb, flow or dissipate, it can be because the interest that bound them together has changed for at least one of the parties. A tightly woven relationship may continue if there is more than one common thread.

Weaving is also important when you are trying to decide what art/craft shows to participate in. The artist needs to be woven into the tapestry of a show where customers will appreciate the work. If customers visit a show because it is known for sparkling, blingy jewelry and your wares are metal and leather, things might not work out well for you. I like to find venues where I fit into the tapestry, but edge to the fringes with something slightly unique for the customers.

Aside from the above ramblings and philosophy, I wanted to share the new rings I’m been weaving this week. I learned how to create them from a youtube video and share the link below with you.

First I made several of the rings out of copper. I tried putting a bead in one, but am not especially pleased with it.

Then I made one out of sterling silver wire and must admit it is my favorite.

The weaving on these rings is the same technique that I have used on the newer bracelets and some of the necklaces. It works up very quickly. The only difficulty I had was is molding the 14 gauge main wires at the end. I hope you will try one of these rings as I think you will like the look.

I also urge you to consider how you weave other things together in your family and relationships. Just as with the wires in the rings, individuals can support one another and create a strong whole.

family, Necklaces, Philosophy, Ranching, Wire Work

Winging in the New Year

January 2, 2012 Karen

We are a family that thrives on playing music and singing; so it is certainly fitting that our grandson ushered in 2011 with his drum set and the ABC's song. His new hat only added to the festival of laughing. I’d have to say he definitely “winged” it with the drums.

We were also blessed with the beautiful sound of our new wind chimes given to us by wonderful friends. These alto chimes resonate (wing) gently through the air with wonderful clear tones. The photo verifies the fact that we finally received some rain here and the outside terrain is looking much better. This was much needed moisture since the last loads of hay that arrived here came all the way from Mississippi.

I winged it by creating some new wire jewelry that looks a bit like some type of flying creature. It’s already time for me to start using Spring colors since this it what my wholesale customers will need next. These are just the beginning.

I created this garnet piece at the end of last year, but it got me started on the “winged” pieces above.

In between drumming, singing and making winged jewelry, we did find a little time for baking. My grandson was only too happy to help me bake a chocolate pie. Amazingly, the rest of the family was only too happy to eat it!

Since the New Year has been properly winged in here at Dreamcatcher Ranch, the only thing left to do is say “Happy New Year” to you.

Philosophy, soldering, Wire Work

‘Twas Two Days Before Christmas . . .

December 23, 2011 Karen

. . . and all through the town . . .

Today I happily set out with a small group of errands to run, none of which would be life or season threatening if not accomplished. It’s a very cold day here in Central Texas and I was sure that shoppers would don the Christmas spirit along with their jackets today.

People were actually quite cheery at my first stop; but then I was just finishing up a previously ordered large purchase and they were feeling good about it. The “spirit” of people at my next stop wasn’t quite the same. There were lots of shoppers at Penney’s and they were NOT all smiling. I felt sorry for the little children there who were either being pushed in a store cart or ushered by hand around the building. I was hopeful of finding a smiling child and eventually spotted two. Their dad had them in a double stroller and was tilting it as he tried to convince the little guys that they were flying. I hope the mom, who was shopping nearby, appreciated the delightful squeals of her children.

I also saw a large fellow standing very still as he looked at the women’s slippers hanging on the wall. He just stood there; so I just watched. Finally he removed a carefully folded list from his coat pocket. He put it back and continued to just stand there. Perhaps I should have offered to help, but, knowing that advise sometimes adds more confusion, I just moved on.

Many of the people in the store just looked confused. It’s that time of the season when you can no longer put off choosing what to get for Aunt Margaret or Uncle Harry. I noted that some people look downright angry when they are forced into last minute decisions.

A pair of women, having trouble making a choice, eventually grabbed a garment and determined they could take the one they already purchased back. I think there will be many returns after Christmas and I’m really glad that doesn’t usually happen with the jewelry I sell.

I traveled on to Walmart and kept watching for smiling Christmas shoppers. Several times I observed older couples and thought one or the other of them was smiling. Then I realized that when you’ve lost several teeth, your lips take on a different shape that can look like a smile. (Actually, some looked like frowns.) I hope when my teeth fall out I’m left smiling.

Although I had planned some other stops, I came home right after Walmart. I had collected all the smile data I needed for the day and concluded that the facial expressions I sought just weren’t very abundant. At home, I put the Christmas music on, gave the animals extra treats and put on my own smile. I plan to keep it on my face for many days. This is more important than what I’m giving people. My family may not remember what I gave them for Christmas, but they will probably remember my disposition!

One of the gifts I made best depicts the source of my feelings for the season.

I just need to realize how happiness comes from that which touches my heart and let the cross remind me of the source of the true Christmas spirit. I hope this also puts a smile on your face.

Unique jewelry creatively made with care at The Ranch in San Marcos, Texas