Ann Arbor Art Fair

OMG we made it through one of the most challenging art fairs I've every done. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is actually four fairs in one. It ocurs the third week of July for four days. It is the grand daddy and oldest art fair around. Starting in 1960 it has grown by leaps and bounds. I was a part of the Michigan Silversmith Guild booth. It was a two booth space with nine artist and various demo artists throughout the days.

Day one started out well but the temps hit the high eighties and low nineties, with high humidity. We drank H2O all day and rairly went to the little girls room! Everyone was hot and sweatly. Day two, Thursday brought a large storm ,rains and a tornado moving across our state. Day 3 was the killer. Luckily I was off, but in the afternoon another storm blew in during the late afternoon. The fair organizers called the show for the day about 4:00pm. There was 4-6 inches in our and other booths. My booth mates championed the cause, removed everything except the displays and got out of Dodge. Day 4 was the best. Light sprinkles during the day, the temps went down and the humidity subsided.

Overall, even though the weather was a challenge and the foot traffic was also down we perservered. My thanks to all the Michigan Silversmith Guild for job well done, you deserve it !

Here are some pics from fellow members and me.

New Piece

I just completed this mutton jade and sterling piece. Very pleased how it turned out.

Just listed!!

This vintage glass cabochon necklace was just listed in my Zibbet store at http://zibbet.com/FacetsbyKathryn.

Cleaning Copper and Brass

When I do shows I am often asked, "How can I keep copper or brass shiny?" or "How can I clean copper or brass. There are many commercial products on the market to do this, but many kitchens already contain foodsafe, non toxic methods to clean these metals. Here are some of my favorites.

Equal parts salt and vinegar or salt and lemon juice

Mix together and put piece in.

Remove item from solution and wash in warm soapy water.

Dry thoroughly

You can use also soy sauce. I save the little packets you get with chinese food and put them in a small bowl.

Lastly, Mary a close friend I do shows with swears by ketchup.

All of the above methods are safe and can be put down the drain after use. Happy cleaning!

What is Zibbet?

At the end of last year I joined Zibbet, the latest entry into selling venues online. Even though I have not had any sales I really am liking this site. It is beautiful and easy to navigate as a seller. As most new sites that are in the beta stage they have many kinks to work out. Communication with the owners brings a quick personal response. It is growing and I am a premium seller who is committed to helping to make it grow.

Just finished this white vintage glass and sterling necklace yesterday. Features a pressed glass cabochon from the 1940's from Japan. I will be listing it in my Etsy store today.

Studio Reorganization

Ok, I've been working on getting my studio cleaned up and organized during the winter months. This included many trips to the dumpster and some serious cleaning. My studio shares my basement with the washer and dryer plus storage in in and every spot that is available. Finally got some shots of both the studio and how I organized my work area and supplies. Here is a before and after look at what my huge box of sterling, copper and brass wire and sheet looked like before and after the reorganization.

Before Shots

After Reorganization

Sterling Storage

Brass and Copper Storage

I'm in Craftgawker!!

I currently have six(6) photos that have been accepted on craftgawker. If you don't know about this site, check out the beautiful photos submitted by crafters and artist. Only the best get selected. Check them out at http://www.craftgawker.com/

All six of these items are currently available in my etsy store at http://www.facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/