Cindy's Art and Soul

Wednessday's Words - a day late!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Ok, so I'm a day late... but this was too good to pass up. Had to share! :)

Music is what feelings sound like.
~Author Unknown

Photo at Flickr Childrens and Trance Music 002

Tuesday - Try Something New - Yogi Chips

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:38:00 +0000

More food talk! I like to try new things, and this week it is Yogi Chips. I picked this up at the local "health food" store. Kind of expensive when compared to national brands like Lays or Ruffles. But so worth it!

My plan was to take a picture of the actual chips for you. So you could see their light texture. But I have already eaten both bags I bought!

I don't really know what to compare them to. The flavor I had was sweet & sour. I love salt & vinegar chips- and these have a nice vinegar flavor. Not too heavy, or overwhelming.

They are free from

Wheat
Gluten
Soy
Dairy

I highly recommend at least trying them if you can find them. I am totally hooked!

Read more on the Wai Lana website! Enjoy!

Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:23:00 +0000

It's sunny outside, but there is frost on the ground. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day!

My boyfriend and I were talking the other night about Andes Mints candies. (did you know they are made by Tootsie?) We'd like to say to the company - come on already! It's time to make a full size candy bar! And wouldn't it be more environmentally friendly? Get rid of all those tiny little wrappers! Who can eat just one anyway? Yes, we ate the whole box. LOL! Well, they only come out with the cherry ones at Christmas. And they are soooo good.

So who's in? Shall we start a petition?

By the way... check out their website! There's recipes!! Yummmmo!

NEW STERLING CHARMS

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:48:00 +0000

I just got a shipment of new sterling silver charms yesterday. Really nice quality!

If you see any you have been waiting for- let me know and I can set them aside for you before listing them. I will be uploading them on my website first, then to my Artfire site, and finally to my Etsy supply shop.

Have a wonderful day! :)

Wednesdays Words

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Since I work at home, I am for the most part avoiding all the madness and frenzy that surrounds the holidays. At this time of year so many people are in a hurry, stressed out, and sad. And yet the holidays are supposed to be a grateful, happy time.

My daughter has a new friend in her life. He comes from Russia and Israel. She told me something yesterday that I found really interesting. He said he loves it here because people are so nice! He said where he is from people push and shove in stores and cars do not wait for you to cross the street. It's interesting to get a look at America through young fresh eyes. Are we really that nice?

Today's words come from a U2 song- ONE. I was listening to the Cowboy Junkies version yesterday and it really struck me. I wish so much I could share these words. If we could all just treat each other a little bit nicer.

These words are dedicated to.....

Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same
Will it make it easier on you now
You got someone to blame
You say...

One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
One love
We get to share it
Leaves you baby if you
Don't care for it

Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well it's...

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We're one, but we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other
One...

Have you come here for forgiveness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much
More than a lot
You gave me nothing
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
Well we
Hurt each other
Then we do it again
You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other

One...life

One

More tool time!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:34:00 +0000

OK, you asked for it. :) Here's a quick demo - making copper ball tip headpins with my new torch.

Tool Time Tuesday - Cool Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Tools tools tools! Who doesn't love 'em? We gotta have them, no matter what we do in life. (in one form or another)

I was blessed a few months ago to be able to afford a new torch. I had been using one I bought at a bead show several years ago. And even though I paid $50 for this little butane torch- and it worked fine, I knew I could do better.

The one I ended up ordering is called a Spitfire Refillable Butane torch. I purchased it online from Cooltools.US. I wanted to share this with you because I am just thrilled with it! Unlike my previous butane torch, this one has the ability to melt copper.

And when you need a ball tipped copper head-pin this can be extremely helpful! I've melted up to 20 gauge wire with it. It may melt thicker wire, but I have not ventured to try.

The Cool Tools website claims- The Spitfire offers the hottest flame available in any butane torch....2500F And I am here to say- it delivers!

LOVE my new torch!

A Brand New Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:13:00 +0000

What a beautiful day! Cloudy, overcast. Still, feeling optimistic with my rosy glasses on today. I had been on bed rest for the last five weeks. And now that I am up and feeling more and more mobile, I just want to do so much. It can be really difficult to make yourself be still, and recover. Especially if you are used to working every day.

I spend my days now feverishly trying to get all these ideas into jewelry. Like an addict that needs a fix. That's how it feels. In the evening, when I finally have to admit I've reached my limit.... I'm exhausted, and head down stairs....I'm still thinking of things I want to do. Projects floating in my head.

I couldn't sleep last night. I think I laid in bed for about three hours before drifting off. While I lay there, I imagined new jewelry designs. Of course when I woke up- couldn't remember much of anything I had conjured up. But that's ok!

As long as I am able to create... I am content today. Oh what a beautiful day.

New This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:43:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a wonderful, joyous Thanksgiving! I sure did! It was so nice to have almost my whole family together, and laughing again. Thank GOD we have holidays to bring us together! :) Since the rest of the year we all all off doing our own thing.

News this week!

I have more chain in stock in my supply shop! If you've been missing it..... stop by Etsy!

Did you all see Lady Gaga on Ellen this week? Well, if you missed it, here's a video for you! This chick can sing! And what a performer! Ok... if you are easily offended, or sensitive... you might want to skip it. If not.. enjoy!

New Earrings!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:05:00 +0000

I'm back! :)

Six new pairs of earnings listed this week. Stop by when you have time!

ArtFire Shop!

Wednesday's Words

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:59:00 +0000

It's been a busy week. Packing up orders, completing some jewelry requests, trying to get the house in order. This next week will be even more busy as I try to line everything up before my surgery. We will be leaving in just a few days to the beach house. Winter is coming quickly and I feel the need to sort of batten down the hatches there. Make sure every thing is ok, and locked up good.

Yesterday I had the good fortune to be able to kill some time at Barnes & Noble. I love browsing the books there. I have a huge love affair with books and hanging out in a book store for an hour or so- is just heaven for me. B&N is an hour away from where I live, otherwise I'd be there a lot more often!

While browsing, I picked up several books I have on my "wish list" on Amazon. I wanted to see if they were really books I might want. It's difficult to tell by looking at just the cover or a few pages on line. A few weren't what I expected or wanted, but I found a few that now I have to have!

So this morning I'm on Amazon.com ordering. I'll be in bed or at least down for a couple of weeks after my surgery recovering, so it will be nice to have some fresh books to enjoy.

One I've wanted to order for a while now is Michael J. Fox's most recent book, Always Looking Up. Today's quote comes from the back cover-

At the turn from our bedroom into the hallway, there is an old full-length mirror in a wooden frame. I can't help but catch a glimpse of myself as I pass. Turning fully toward the glass, I consider what I see. This reflected version of myself, wet, shaking, rumpled, pinched, and slightly stooped, would be alarming were it not for the self-satisfied expression pasted across my face. I would ask the obvious question, "what are you smiling about?" but I already know the answer: "It just gets better from here."

--From Always Looking Up

Today's photo comes from manyfires on Flickr

Hoop Kick!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:17:00 +0000

There, I said it! I'm on a hoop kick! :) All day everyday! I am obsessed with hoops! Silver, copper, it doesn't matter. I just love hoops. Love wearing them, love making them, and especially love selling them! ;) The not so fun part comes now... listing them. And since I have a shop in every corner of the Internet now, the question is where to list them. Artfire? 1K Markets? Etsy? Hmmm. Maybe I'll just blog about it and keep them all! Muwahhhh! Just kidding! I have such a great variety of sizes colors and styles now, I'll list a few in each shop and my web site! Stop by when you have time! Let me know what you think! I always love to hear feedback and new ideas!

TGIF! Supplies Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:28:00 +0000

My supply shop is open again on Etsy! And I've used ArtFire's new importing tool to transfer all my items to my AF shops as well! :)

The supply shops are only going to be open till the 15th of Oct. And while they are open, I will only be shipping on Fridays. After the 15th, I will be taking some time off for surgery. Hopefully I'll be healing quickly and back to work by mid to late November. But I can't say for sure now.

My boyfriend has graciously volunteered to mail packages while I recuperate. So I will be leaving my jewelry up for sale during this time.

I had hoped to have a couple of new tutorials done and available before closing, but as time draws near, I highly doubt I will have time to finish either. I'm terribly sorry about that. But do intend to complete them and have them available as soon as possible!

Blessings, Cindy

A Few of My Favorite Things!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:41:00 +0000

These are a few things I added to my favorites over on Etsy this week!
Check them out! Enjoy!

First Row: kylieparry
Second Row: BorsaBella
Third Row: TheIntuitiveGarden

Wednesday's Words - Change

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:43:00 +0000

If you don't like who you are- or the situation you are in, then make a change. Do something about it. You are the only one who can make the change. Like Nike says- Just Do It!!

Today's quote was found on the net at Wisdom Quotes, and comes from Alan Cohen.

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.

Tuesday - Try Something New!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows I am a total junk food junkie! I love sugar- salty things or anything fried! Lucky for me I have a high metabolism! As I get older and (hopefully) wiser, I have tried to eat better and give up old snacking habits. It's been a difficult road.

So- when I find good alternatives to my junk food, I get really excited. About the time I began snacking on the onion strips mentioned in an earlier post, I also found Sweet Crisps. My daughter was the one who first showed them to me. They are made with soy, so if you have soy allergies, they are not for you, I'm sorry! :(

If you can tolerate soy- give them a try! Sweet and crispy, and a great snack for satisfying a sweet tooth! :)

Living Large!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:29:00 +0000

New earrings!- Stop by when you have time! :)

TGIF! Where Is The Love?

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Happy Friday Everyone!! :) Hope everyone is having a wonderful, creative, art filled day!

I am working on jewelry, and my web site and enjoying some great music.

Lately I've been thinking about LOVE and how we are all connected and how if everyone knew that- how different the world would be. Since MJ's passing, I have been listening to and revisiting his music. His music had some great messages. Whatever you thought of the man, you have to admit- he was a phenomenal artist.

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror- I'm asking him to change his ways." That's all any of us can do. We can only change ourselves. Practice loving kindness and treat others with respect.

Ok, so I'm feeling all fluffy bunny and white light today! :) So be it! We all need more of those days! Don't we?

Ok- on to the music of the day- normally I'm not a fan of rap music. But this song features Justine Timberlake- whom I love! :) And I hope you'll give it a listen. It has a great message and will having you singing a long...

If you can't see this video because you aren't in the US, you can also see it on YouTube here. Enjoy!

Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love

Black Eyed Peas - New Music - More Music Videos

Adventures in Etching Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:02:00 +0000

I think the first time I etched copper was last year sometime. I had seen some jewelry I liked and that inspired me to try it on my own. I searched the web and YouTube for instructions. Seems there are a lot of different ways you can etch!

I decided to go with the ferric acid method. I first checked at my local Radio Shack for it as I had read they carried it for computer use. ??

I ended up finding it at Dick Blick online, and ordered it from there. Because it is a "hazardous" material, I paid more for shipping then the actual product. Decided I better order two so I don't have to order again soon!

I also purchased an enamel painting pen for my relief. Works great- but you will have to use acetone to remove it later.

Disclaimer- this is in NO WAY a lesson on etching!
Just a story of my own adventures- and results! :)

I bought a small sized Rubbermaid container about 4x4 to hold my solution. Found some heavy duty rubber gloves, some eye protection, a roll of wide masking tape, and a chemical apron at the beauty supply store.

I did at one point start to relax a little and failed to use my gloves around it. I got a tiny tiny drop on my hand. And let me tell you- it hurt like a SOB! I held my hand under cool running water for about 10 to 15 mins for the sting to go away! Do not ever let this touch you! They aren't kidding!

Once I drew my design on the copper with the paint pen and it had dried completely, I placed a long(ish) strip of tape on the back side of the metal so that the design will be face down in the etchant solution.

The tape will drape across the top of the container and make it easier to handle the dripping metal latter. I used lots of paper towels and did not let the solution get on anything I care about. It will stain.

After about 30 to 60 mins I remove the metal from the etchant. Blot as well as possible with paper towels and rinse. Then removed the enamel pen with acetone and paper towels. And cleaned with soap and water.

I tumbled for about an hour or two to thoroughly clean and polish the piece. Then- it was ready for oxidation! :)

Now I am working on a new way of doing this. I had a special request for a ring, designed with an etched copper disk. The disk will have a teeny tiny image of a bear and owl holding hands. I knew there was no way I could draw this out- and have any sort of recognisable image.

I decided to try using Lazertran Silk transfer papers as a relief. I have used this for polymer clay and had some familiarity with it. And I knew it could be used with metal- I just wasn't sure how.

Getting the silk to stick and transfer to the copper has been quite a challenge! I've had one success out of six tries now. But the one success has kept me going and trying again and again.

This is the disk straight out of the etchant. The black you see is the silk transfer.

This image is the same disk after cleaning with steel wool.

Still lots more learning and work to do with this. But I'm very excited about my results so far! :)

You can purchase Lazertran Silk papers from Polymer Clay Express online. And see me using it with polymer clay- on YouTube.

Enjoy!

Wednesday's Words

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:55:00 +0000

I see a lot of blogs doing wordless Wednesday, I just wanted to do something a little different. So I started Wednesday's words a while back. It gives me a chance at least once a week to share books, stories, quotes, poems.... things of that nature.

I have always loved this poem. I hope you enjoy it to. :)

The sky turns cyan, cool, cobalt
with the dipping of the sun
and the crickets, confident
in fair weather this eve,
welcoming the brightening stars

We are Free, they declare,
to make our presence known.

And I, to hold my whispered words,
my lashing tongue, my flashing pen.

And I, I am free.
My dog sits at my feet.
Nobel, gray, fog;
silently alert, seeing and hearing
beyond the thin veil.
Pale to the actions of others.
I am Free, she declares,
To protect this circle dear to me.

And I, to offer my firm hand,
my beating heart, my fleeting mind.

And I, I am free.

Free to dangle my Faith
as a badge for all the world to see.

Freer still to wear it inside
my breast, wiser, none than me.

A Mockingbird lights up
the blackening blue
by another whose Path,
different, momentarily
crosses his own.

I am Free To Declare, shouts he,
that this limb is right and that limb wrong.

And I, to smile, knowing all the while
both limbs reach the same tree.

And I, I am free.

The Earth releases
its gentle warmth stored
since the passing of the Sun
and I reflect on its gentle push
and the Mysteries contained therein.

All Are Free, She intones,
To Name Me What You Will.

And I, I am Free

Free to call Her Love,
Laughter, Life and other Words of Men.

Freer still to know no Word
encompasses the All that has no End.

And as cobalt overtakes cool overtakes cyan,

I am free

reese mack

Tool Time Tuesday - Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:10:00 +0000

Recently I went into my work space to WORK - and It was like I hit a brick wall. The place was so disorganized and messy I could barely walk into the room. They say when your life is in upheaval so reflects your environment. So my thinking was- maybe if I can get this cleaned and organize I can gain some sort of a sense of control in things.

Oh boy! It took literally all day. I finished up just before 10PM. But I made a huge difference. The space has an entirely new energy. I’ve got some crazy before and after images. It's a little embarrassing, really. But when you are working sun up to sun down- who has time to organize?

My work space used to be this sanctuary where I had all my special inspirations around me. Where I could go to get away, to create and be at peace. Now, I am in a temporary space. As much as I try to make it sacred space, I don’t think it ever will be. Even if it can’t be sacred space, it needs to be an organized space.

Having a selection of useful storage containers is a good place to start. My first stop was to Target, but to my disappointment, I didn’t find what I was looking for. My next stop was at Fred Meyers. There I found a number of wonderful storage options.

I really wanted clear storage. I like to be able to see my stuff. I find it helpful. I picked out a selection of sizes shapes and portable storage options. Since we like to travel to the beach a lot, I really needed something that will house my tools and supplies and help them travel well.

I knew I had to start with my millefiori cane and clay collection. I haven’t been making clay beads for about a year now and they are just taking up valuable space.

I purchased some great clear storage boxes for the canes. They are big and shallow- perfect for what I needed.

The lower boxes are great! I used those to put all my canes into. I used 5 and need about 9 more. They are $5 each. The smaller ones on top have clips also- which makes them very secure and great for heavy items. These also have handles. I'll use these for storage when traveling!

I was most excited about these!! Kind of spendy at $10 each- but look what you get- First of all you get six small containers - and those all fit nicely into the outer compartment. I plan to sort my metal stampings into these boxes.

Here you can see the smaller inner boxes. They are not very deep which makes it much easier to find what I'm looking for.

Here's one of the ones I plan to use for carrying beads and tools to the beach with me. Notice the nice little handle on top! :) These were about $5 each. The size on this one is approx 10" x 8" x 3" deep.

I already had these- but needed to resort items. I love these containers. And they are intended to hinder tarnish!

The little dividers are specially coated with some sort of anti tarnish solution. So they are great for storing metal and metal beads! :)

Here you see what I did with the built in TV cubby.

I have three rolling carts side by side. Took the wheels off since I don't need them. All of these were filled with canes! All canes were wrapped in plastic and went into the new containers. Now they are actually useful to me and house my tools and metal supplies.

On top I set my black bead storage container and my anti tarnish boxes. Luckily they fit perfectly!

I really like these little plastic coated metal wire shelves for my work table. It gives me more space and allows me to push my soldering pan and quench bowl out of the way when not in use.

The other one I use at the end for housing my stamps. I might need one more...

The little drawer units are great! I still need to resort and organize those. I had hoped to find a matching black one to sit next to the one I have, but no such luck. The thing about these storage units is that most of the time they are here and gone. You go to find another one later- and the style has changed.

Sterilite has kept a few tried and true models, but not many. I have about a dozen different styles of the "shoe box" type containers. And of course if they are not matched well, they don't stack well. So my point is- if you find something you like- go back and get more right away. They probably wont be there later.

Even though this is a temporary space for me, I know I am blessed to have a space. I hear many people saying they work at their kitchen table. And since I moved into this room, I am now using this great stainless steel top table from Ikea. I really enjoy working on it. And knowing that I'm not going to burn it or hurt it when I hammer!

And I have found that organizing is an on going process. About the time I get this room really organized, we'll probably be moving... but that's ok! ;)

Inspiring Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:38:00 +0000

I want to share this artist with everyone! Susan Mrosek~ I love her work. I've been a fan for years and own several of her prints as well as given a few as gifts. Her artwork is unique, eye catching and inspiring. I fell in love with her style the first time I laid eyes upon it. I think we were in Canon Beach at a little touristy gift shop. (there are a ton there) You could spend an hour or hours at her web site (The Pondering Pool) just admiring her drawings and reading her stories. She inspires me, I hope she does the same for you! (I know she will!)

Be sure to check out her new book too. Looks to be an amazing work of art as well! :)
Leaks, a book by Susan Mrosek

Here is one I own-

And another I have given as a gift~

Enjoy!

Tsura ~ Handmade Mixed Metal Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Completely handmade chain bracelet. Fused copper links are joined by fused fine silver to create a stunning multi-colored one of a kind bracelet. Copper links have been heat treated to develop their random colorful look.

Handmade sterling silver hook clasp was also created by me. Machine polished for a gorgeous shine! I've created this bracelet with a 1" sterling silver handmade-soldered) extender chain.

Please see my web page for details!

New Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:36:00 +0000

I don't have anything particular to say today. Just wanted to share these earrings I made yesterday. I have had them in my mind since I ordered the copper blanks. I immediately knew what I wanted to do with them. I have been wanting to find more ways to incorporate the runes into my jewelry work. And these seemed like the perfect candidates.

I used my own handmade sterling silver ear wires. I generally use sterling silver on all my earrings. Sometimes I use copper, but I think sterling matches well with the copper and wears more comfortably without leaving marks on the ear lobes.

Uruz, for physical strength, energy, and courage

Jera, for cycles, patience and blessings received through caring for seeds planted (karma)

Raido, for the journey

Berkano, for feminine healing energy, gentle change

Algiz, for protective forces, ascent of the spiritual self

I love putting runes together so they can work off each other. These earrings will be available on my web site for custom orders as soon as I am back to work full time. :)

Wednesday's Words

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy Pack) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:33:00 +0000

My son read me this great quote from one of his new books the other day. I thought it would have been great to post for "Wednesday's Words". But I'm still waiting for him to e-mail me......This one is just one that popped into my head last night. I couldn't remember where I had heard it. I thought it was in that movie with Orlando Bloom- Kingdom of Heaven. But when I Goggled it- I came up with GI Jane.

Anyway-, this is what I wanted to share today-

“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.” ~D.H. Lawrence

If you aren't really sure what being wild means read Women Who Run With Wolves. This is one of those books that can deeply effect you. It really made me see the light on many issues.

One of them being intuition. How many times do we ignore our intuition because we doubt ourselves? It is there for a reason and we should always listen to that inner voice!

And two - that blood does not make family. You can be born into a family in which you were never intended to belong. Real family is more than being blood related.

And many many more things. But those are what really stick out in my memory. Thank you to Kathy for giving me that book so many years ago...