shop looked beautiful for open studios

Me and Ruchi

Ruchis succulent cute little planters

new cases worked out beautifully

Open Studios 2011

Yesterday was the first day of open studios. Most notably it was the first time that I have had a display to feel proud of.  The days of feeling as though my inexperience was a glaring liability, as evidenced by my homemade display set ups, are over.  Now I have beautiful cases that were handmade by an family friend. They look beautiful and professional. Thanks to Ruchi I have a beautiful shop to hang them in.  I no longer feel quite as embarrassed and silly in this shop with such an accomplished, talented artist and another established, skilled jeweler next door to me.

My work is complemented by the beautiful new cases.  Doing these types of events is very difficult on so many levels.  But for the first time I am proud of my work and my capacity to show it.   I think my skills are finally catching up to my ideas.  I am grateful to all the people who support me on my journey off the beaten path.  I am sure I will still melt things, and put the wrong size jump ring on a clasp, and get fire scale but I am not so discouraged after this weekend.

We were busy with lots of kind and enthusiastic people stopping in, visiting and shopping.  Ruchis work has evolved yet again with a focus on the surprising beauty hidden in the "urban landscape" of her neighborhood in Somerville.  I think anyone who lives in a city can relate to the imagery.  Her tiny planters of succulents set up in tiered boxes decorated the store like delightful green cake with tiny cute tendrils.

So I am off to get ready for another busy day.  I have some last minute soldering and polishing to do and hopefully no disaster comes of my haste.