Meet Chilli my Chihuahua

Meet Chilli my Chihuahua
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Okay for just one day I want you to meet my brave 3.5 lb Chihuahua. Chilli is the sweetest and fiercest dog ever. He is at my feet or in my lap as I work. When I sleep he is nestled down under the covers behind my knees. Lately he has taken to curling up in my plastic storage boxes scattered around at my feet. He sings when I teach voice lessons and he barks long and loud when anyone comes to the door. He is a bit pampered and has to be hand-fed. Graham my 3 year old does a great job at giving Chilli the best part of his dinner. He is often overshadowed by my love for cats, but I would really miss his constant presence. He has a sweet face and it always looking for warm lap.

Ring A Day Mosaic No. 3

RAD Mosaic 3
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I'm thrilled that I have made it through this far. I'm exploring some ideas that have been in my mind for awhile and I'm glad for the little push to get them out!!!

Keep watching my flickr to see what new stuff I'm doing!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarawestermark/

25 straight days of rings!

RAD 25 Garnets and Barbells 002
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Whew. I 'm a bit tired, but also excited from this project. I have had the idea for Ring #25 for some time. It feels good to finally make it.. I'm exploring all the projects that I've stored up in my imagination. I love having a reason to make a ring to play and not to sell. The ring only has to please me. There is something quite freeing in that.

Ring a Day Mosiac

RAD Mosaic 2
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

So I finished my ring a day 10-18. It was fun work to do and I explored some new ideas. I think my favorite part is that I keep playing with different materials. There is a kind of freedom of exploration that I continue to find rewarding.

Ring a Day #15 Eulogy for Hans Stone

Ring a Day #15 Eulogy for Hans Stone
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

This ring was inspired by Hans second faceted stone. Unfortunately this stone cracked just as he was taking it off the dop stick. I decided to build it a box. That way I can wear it all the time and show people the new stuff that he is doing while also giving him tribute for such a beautiful job.

Ring a Day nos. 1-9

Ring a Day nos. 1-9
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I've really loved participating in this challenge. They say that a habit is not truly formed until you have been doing it 21 days. These self-imposed limitations help me to work. Everyday I'm inspired to see what my friends make. I'm the kind of person who won't go workout unless I have to meet my friend there too! This challenge makes it fun and I feel that all my friends are there plucking bits out of the collective consciousness. I really wanted something that would allow me to be creative a little bit every day. So far I'm not selling my collection yet, but I can remake most of these for anyone who just has to have one!!! If you want to see more rings from a lot of different artists, then check this link to the RING a DAY.

Ring a Day 4/365

Ring a Day 4/365
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

5 Iolite, 1 aquamarine in sterling:
I wanted to explore two different ways to view a ring, from the side and from the top.

My Favorite Thing: January Ets Metal Blog Carnival

For this month's blog carnival we were asked to tell about our favorite object. I figured that I would relate my favorite object to my metalsmithing work. It is a student small ball peen hammer. Its a simple and inexpensive tool, but it is my favorite. It is the first hammer I go to for any job. It is balanced, useful and reliable.

check out these other blogs from EtsyMetal Members for other favorites objects:
1. victoria takahashi http://vtakahashi.blogspot.com/
2. Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
3. stacey hansen http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com
4. Rebekah Timlin Meddles http://lunasadesigns.blogspot.com
5. Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com

Ring a Day 3/365 Mosiac

Ring a Day 3/365 Mosiac
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My mind is ripe with ideas for rings! This is my third ring on the third day of January in this New Year. I love having a project that motivates me to work and imposes a bit of discipline. I used a piece from the ring from the first day to make the bursting forth part.

Rainbow Moonstone
Sterling silver
To see more Rings a Day:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1324037@N23/

Ring a Day Challenge 1/365

Ring a Day Challenge 1/365
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Happy New Year!!! (Right now I'm thinking to myself--and I need a new project!?) To welcome in this New Year, metalsmiths from around the world are making a ring a day for 2010. I wanted to push myself to have a daily discipline to create one ring a day. I get motivated and excited to work with others in a group challenge. Its very inspiring to see everyone's work and see our group progress. This challenge is open to anyone and all you have to do is post a ring in the flickr group. To see all our daily participation go to flickr and search for Ring a Day group. Here's a link too: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1324037@N23/

Happy New Year!