Artfully Meandering: Creative Toothpaste

I had mentioned in a previous post that I was going to have to suspend lampworking for the time being. I need to find an appropriate studio space outside my home for this industrial art.

In one way I'm sad. I was just reaching a point where I felt I was just beginning to define a unique "Kanna" look. On the other hand, trying to stifle my creativity is like trying to put a cap on toothpaste while you're squeezing it. It will squish out everywhere.

I've had issues with reining in my creative sprite. At the silver store here in Hong Kong, I spied a Silver Clay kit. Bonus: they teach! Morana is the instructor who had the first Silver Clay Instructor certification in Hong Kong and China. Their business is focused on teaching. Below is the instructor assisted ring I made. Her method of teaching was perfect for me. Individualized (no others in the class), a demo, hands-on, demo, hands-on, teacher assistance, explaining. I'm so pleased with this ring. It's a great everyday ring for me.

Precious metal clay has been intimidating me for two reasons: the possibilities are limitless and therefore my brain draws a blank with a direction. Secondly, I don't want to waste the precious clay.


However, I've already been down the road of creating expensive ugly glass babies. It's how I learn and get ideas for being unique. Below is my first ugly glass charm that will be for me as a remembrance. I don't view it as horrendous, but it definitely not saleworthy. It's mine for reminding me how can improve.

And my creative toothpaste is squishing out in other directions as well:

• Next to the silver clay store there was a leather bag shop. They have DIY workshops where you can make a leather cuff, book cover, and purse.
• I'm taking a knitting class so I can start to make my own shirts
• Stopping lampworking has me looking into slumping and fusing. My initial impressions are that it is as industrial as lampworking, but I need to research further. I had ordered something from Nartique Glass a few years back and still receive their newsletter. I happened to look up their workshop offerings and they have a fabulous intensive workshop on slumping and fusing. And coldworking, and about everything else you can do with glass.
• And then, Sarah Hornik said she's teaching in New Zealand next year! I've wanted to take a Sarah class and I've wanted to visit New Zealand!

See! Squishing out all over. I'll probably have to rein a few things in.

Meet the Artist

And finally, I updated my Artfire Bio page, which includes a self portait. I'm not entirely happy with it, so expect some changes.

Gratuitously Cute Maltese Pictures

I'm reminded of the scene in the show, Mad About You, where the main characters walk by their dog, Murray, who is standing on the dining room table. Their comment was, "That's new." My windowsill is a deep ledge. It makes for a great window seat, a work table, an end table to my couch, a photo studio, and now a Maltese-window-watching area. Molly enjoys window-watching. I was feeling a little bad that she wouldn't be able to window-watch. But, Molly figured out a solution. Here are a series of pictures of her royal cuteness.