Part 2 Etching Copper

I am going to share the second part of the etching process with you, I use make-do tools, nothing fancy in my studio.Please wear good chemical resistant gloves and goggles when you work with this, and make sure you have good ventilation, I do it outdoors.

This it is in the etching solution and ready to go to the neutralizer,  the baking soda. 

After I neutralize the copper it is gross looking! See the brackish green color? The copper is starting to show after a little scrubbing with a scrubby sponge. This is hard to get clean, and messy, I do all my etching outside because of the mess and the fumes.

After I scrub the piece as well as I can, I bring it to my work bench and finish removing the ink and buff it to a nice shine. I use #0000 steel wool, you can also use very fine sand paper.

You may find the finished cross here at my handmade Artist shop

Acid Etched Cross

I hope you decide to give this a try, this is a simplified version, just the basics, but many people have Tutorials out there, or do what I like to do and research how to's.
Thanks so much for reading my blog!God Bless ya!
Nancy

Etching Copper Part1

I thought you might find it interesting to see the etching process I use. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so.......

 Art Work done now in to the etching solution, face down. The white powder is baking soda, my neutralizer.

Now we wait ) If it is around 60degrees or more it can be as fast as 45 minutes, if it is cool it can take as long as 3 hours to get a nice deep etch. I will blog the part 2 tomorrow,stay tuned!

Thanks for following my blog, God bless you!

Nancy Art by Nancy Pace

A glimpse Inside My Studio

my workbench

My Journey
I am Nancy Pace, an artist. I call myself a multi-media artist. I love expressing myself with a paint brush or metal and stone. I am a happy, free spirited person with an insatiable love of beautiful things. I love all nature, the outdoors and anything shiny. I have been creating since I can remember. I have dabbled in lots of mediums, painting, sewing, sand art, clay and floral arrangement. I enjoy everything artsy!
I was always obsessed with vintage jewelry and I have always picked up stones. I never have enough of either one.
My Aha! Jewelry moment came while in a hardware store and I saw some shiny copper wire. Something kept drawing me back to the isle where that copper wire was. I had no idea what I would do with it, but my hubby bought me a few feet of that pretty copper wire and I was hooked. I couldn't wait to play with it.
It guess it was natural that I combine my passions for stones and vintage jewelry with wire. And use it as an art form.
My husband(my most valuable gem) gave me a few old tools, a hammer, some pliers, just odds and ends, little did he know what he was in for! I started to hunt for material and gather things to use as tools. I am still using most of these same “make-do” tools 3 years later.
Just when I thought I was content with my wire and stones ,my husband brought a beautiful copper fireplace screen in to use for a table top. As luck would have it he set that copper right in front of my makeshift work table. I asked for and got a torch, and he never did get to make the table! I have been using that copper screen for jewelry for almost two years now. It is perfect for etching another new venture for me to explore.
I believe my journey as an artist has no end. I am always learning, changing, growing. I love being different .I strive to follow my own path I will never be a carbon copy of anyone, I am me, and my art is me, a part of my heart.

When I design a piece of jewelry or do a painting I see a story in my head, the story influences the gemstones I pick or any other material I use.  I am fond of saying I use my stones and wire like paint on a canvas.
I recently shared my design story when I shared the piece of art jewelry I created. I realized it made the piece come to life for my audience, they could better "see" my art because they could see the story. I have a current story example on y other blog about  The Buffalo Stone. I probably won't go back and write out all the story's but from now on I will try. It makes my vision come to life.
I have found my own special niche. My place as an artist, a jewelry artist. And I have a voice.

I hope if you are a new artist you will find the courage to jump off the beaten path and follow your own heart. It is an incredible journey. My studio is about a 10'x10' and it has lots going on in a small space,but it works.

 If you know my work you will recognize the focal's here, they have all gone in designs

 The blue canvas is now "Flow" the blue fish. The other became "When the Willow Weeps" I paint in this corner of my studio, I am thankful for the two windows:)

 I had to show you the surprise my hubby got me, a beautiful colored pendulum light over my drafting table!

The desk I am using to research and blog is next to my drafting table

I laugh when I think of my first work table and how I started working on my jewelry. There was not enough light, it was uncomfortable and I never had the right tool. That was 3 years ago. I finally have a real studio, it needs a few finishing touches but it is workable and I enjoy it very much.
I have two shops on Handmade now, one for art jewelry  Nancy’s WildWire and Art By Nancy Pace for my paintings and other art.Stop by and check out my story vision and see what happens when an artist finds a voice. 

Interview with Handmade Artist Sifistickate

I recently had the pleasure of meeting this amazing and interesting artist on the Handmade Artists Forum board. I was intrigued by her profile picture and her flowing tresses .I have had long hair most of my life until recently, I never managed to get to this length, but two of my daughters did before age five, so I have some experience dealing with long locks:)

I had so many questions for Ms Julie about her hair and her business making unique one of a kind hair sticks I just had to interview her! Julie's answers were so interesting and she is so open and honest I can't wait to share with you:) You can see my personal favorite in the photo above, isn't that awesome! I am almost sad I cut my hair.
My first question: What inspired you to grow your hair so long?
Sifistickacate's answer:       I've always had long hair.  At first,  I didn't specifically have any goal in mind.  I let it grow to my mid-back, then just kinda neglected it for a while
because I didn't know what I wanted to do.  Then I decided an ankle-length braid would be awesome - the image in my mind of a long rope of hair hanging down, slapping me in the back of the leg as I walked was very appealing.  But, I was indoctrinated in conventional hair care methods, and 
didn't realize what kind of changes I would have to make to realize my dream.  
   I became "stuck" at waist-length for nearly a decade.  It never grew any longer,  and my hair dresser told me that some women can't grow hair that long, so I gave up trying.  I was very disappointed about it for a long time, but one day I resolved to just be happy with what I had.  I was looking around for new ideas for ways to style and decorate it, with a rather vague idea I would make myself some custom barrettes or something.  Then a friend directed me 
to the Long Hair Community, and that's where I learned how to restart my growth.  Since I've been there I've changed everything about the way I care for it,
and have grown from waist to knee.  Ankle looms again as a genuine possibility, and I'm excited about it.

Question 2: Have you ever cut your hair?
Sifistickacate's answer:     I kept my hair shoulder length or shorter for almost 20 years.  I remember in high school I had Prince's hair cut -about 2" long, razored, and spiked 
with gel. Over the years I did all kinds of crazy things -dyed it purple once- and was always having it cut some new way or perming it out of years of it's life. 

Question 3:What kind of situations have you gotten in to because your hair is so long?
Sifistickate's answer:     Oh, my.... To be honest, hair this long isn't for the faint of heart.  I've gotten it snagged on all kinds of things, closed it in doors, caught in fans, 
and had to remove all kinds of tangles.  When it's this long, it can be difficult to keep it out of trouble, and the only real solution is to put it up every day.  
Thankfully, even at this length I can grab it and put it up in less than 15 seconds, so I won't have to worry about it much.
   But even when it's out of the way, it can still be a serious liability.  Last year I had it 'safely' bunned while I was burning weeds and a gust of wind blew a spark and caught my hair on fire and burned huge chunks of it, I believe it it had been free I would have lost all of it, I had nightmares for weeks!
Poor Julie!

Question 4: What kind of reaction do you get from people on the street?
 Sifistickate's answer:   Mostly very, very positive.  A lot of people ask me how I grew it so long, and how I keep it nice at this length.  Others just want to know how much 
time and effort it takes to maintain.  Many will ask for my advice for their own hair, and a few have told me they plan to grow theirs this long, too.
   A very few make rude comments about how I'm destroying the environment 'using so much shampoo' or demanding that I cut it for donation to Locks of Love.  Sometimes random strangers see it as public property.  They grab it and pull and make jokes about my "reins" or my "bell pull" or call it a "mop". I try to just take it in stride, but sometimes it's really annoying!

Question 5: How long does it take to wash & dry those lovely locks?
Sifistickate's answer:     It takes less time to care for now than it did when it was shorter! 
   For daily care, I just use a bit of conditioner in the shower, and then I use a single drop or two of coconut oil on the ends to help protect them. 
About once a week I have an eccentric three-hour-long routine of shampoo, conditioners, coffee rinses and a few very unusual preparations that work for me.  
Once I'm done, it air dries in about two hours.

Question 6:  Did you come from a creative family?
 Sifistickate's answer:    Yes.  My family members are all eccentric, creative, free-thinking, opinionated,  limitless kooks.  And I love them all to the moon and back. :):)


Question 7:How long have you been making hairsticks & hair adornments?

 Sifistickate's answer:  Maybe two years now.  It started when I had to refinish and paint a really unusual wooden barrette that I bought. It arrived with big splinters and rough 
spots, and took me hours to repair.  Then I started buying up used items that had been mistreated and refurbishing them.  Sometimes I worked for hours on 
something only to have to finally admit that it would never, ever work with hair as long as mine.  So I started buying various pieces and parts to assemble into 
items that would work better.  

Question 8:  When did you decide to take your passion to a new level and make it a business?

 Sifistickate's answer: I started just making hair toys for myself.  I'm really picky and only want things that won't snag or tangle, and that go with the clothes I wear. I don't like 
things that are too sparkly or fancy, because I have to wear them everyday.  There are a lot of people who sell really beautiful hair sticks with crystals and bling,  
but I wanted more subtle and casual sticks to wear all the time.  
   I also have a strong attraction to truly one of a kind, artistic works that just can't be purchased in large quantities.  So, I started buying really unusual pieces when I saw them, until I realized I had a genuine collection.  It just made sense to start selling some of my creations  to others with really long hair. 

Question 9:  Please tell me about your life outside of your art, what are your other interests, do you have pets? Etc....
  Sifistickate's answer:   When I'm not pushing my hair to longer and longer lengths, I draw, paint, sew, garden and keep art journals.  I'm the owner of Your Button Shop, and 
the owner/admin of Stitchery Guild sewing forums.  
   I am interested in everything there is, and everything that ever will be.  I want to study every subject, read every book, gaze at every painting, and meet
every person worth knowing.  I have no boundaries; and there are no doors I will not peek inside.  

I want to thank Sifistickate for her willingness to open up about her life and give us such an interesting and fascinating  interview ! If you would like to see more of Julie's work you can find her here at Sifistickate Hairsticks:)

I hope you have enjoyed your visit, I look forward to your comments and questions . Until next time.. God bless you !
Nancy:) 
                             

Review & Photos ShawneeFest Art & Wine Festival

This festival was last week-end I was one of the demonstrating artists and I would like to share my thoughts and experiences with you. As the day started we could tell the weather was perfect for a show in the park. The park itself was nice and grassy with plenty of shade.

 I took my usual outdoor set-up table and supplies. My Husband Steve is very good at helping customers while I paint and talk about what I am doing. Our good friends MJ & Gary showed up for support and to help out when we needed them too, that's a huge blessing. And Nani & Charlie Moore came for moral support, I am so fortunate, they even brought a group of friends with them. I enjoyed meeting everyone so much!

 I used a 4th of July theme, even the Uncle Sam's are handmade! Steve cut those out & I painted them a few years ago, we have sold several of those in the past, so many we got tired of cutting & painting them, lol! Here is a shot of the inside of the tent..

You can see Steve walking across at the back. It was sunny for a short time but as the sun got higher it got wonderful shade we had a super spot!
Here is a photo of my sweet neighbor Plain Jane( beautiful not plain) and her jewelry booth. We had fun together:)

Early folks like us the Pomona Winery didn't waste any time getting there & set up. Jayne Payne from Pomona Winery was just as lively as could be & cute as a button The Apple Wine? A+A+ so refreshing on a hot day:)

I got busy after the show opened so I didn't get photos of all the winery folks, two of my other favorites were there too, Shawnee Winery with DreamCatcher, the most fragrant ever! And Lincoln Heritage and their Water Tower White. All the wineries have many great selections, these are just my favorites.
Here are the three canvases I did while I was there,

 This is the one I was doing in the photo, I call it "Music in my Glass",the color is not showing well on the blog, it is much deeper & more rich.

Live Love Laugh, is a party in a bottle,it is a reflection of the joy I feel to be fortunate enough to follow my passion.

I have no title for this one although it is my favorite of the three, perhaps you would care to make a suggestion?




























This was a new art show just the second or third year, and we were all disappointed the crowd was so slim. The other artists and winery folks were so friendly and upbeat it made the small attendance easier to accept with good grace.This is the first year the Chamber of Commerce in Murphysboro handled the show. I would like to think this was a learning experience for all of us, I have some suggestion to present to them about ways I feel we could improve, they are great people so I am sure they will be receptive. I would like to see this local event grow here in Southern Illinois. We have lots of terrific local wineries in this region, a lot a talented working artists that need a venue to show & sell the great work they do. This could be a beneficial event for all of us, right here in the heartland. 
I do plan to do this show again, I want my same booth spot too, I know next year will be great! I hope to see you there next year! Thanks for reading my blog:) Please leave a comment so I know you were here?
Nancy

ShawneeFest Art & Wine a Winning Combo:)

 Time for the ShawneeFest!!! I am going to participate this year and I am very excited. I have discovered I enjoy talking to people about my art, & what better place to do that than an Art & Wine festival?
Have you ever attended an art & wine festival or show? It is a real treat for art lovers & wine lovers! This year is promising to be a real blast!  This festival focuses on local Art and artists. You will find my name among the Artists here: Shawnee Artists 


Check out my Handmade Artist shop link   WildWire Art   for a more complete sampling of my work.

 I am grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for their support of we artists- Thank You!!!!

It's the perfect pairing. They provide self supporting artists a wonderful opportunity to offer our work to a receptive audience.The public has a rare opportunity to view several local artists work, & speak to them about the art they create.
Art for your home, or to gift, is very personal, why not chose art based on a personal connection?

Look at the list of fantastic local wineries to sample, all in one place! Shawneefest Wineries

Good music Bands- Bluegrass, Blues,& Rock & Roll

And great local cuisine Food

This is the first time I have been a part of this super event, I understand they expect a stellar crowd this year so I am really stoked!

I have revamped my displays, added new venues, and am ready to have a great day! I will be painting for fun while I am there so stop by and check out my unusual style of art. You might be surprised how I create wall art:)
Enjoy the day on the grounds of beautiful Riverside Park Map & Directions to Riverside Park

Come visit me! I will be offering one of a kind gemstone art jewelry, paintings, and my newest art prints from my originals. This year I have garden art too. I know we will have a great day!! Mention this blog post for 20% off a single item from me:)
I hope to see you there! Thanks for visiting my blog:)
Nancy

Show & Tell Time!! My Blue Jean Art

Green Jeans on slant  

Here they are all finished and for sale in my Handmade shop

Pink Jeans w/Attitude

Zebra striped

Yellow sundress

Rustic barn door w/ leather

Fancy Bird

What do you think? I love them, all seven! I can't pick a favorite, can you?
All finished and in my shop. I had a ball doing these. I plan to do lots more, watch for them in my Art Shop
I love hearing from you:) 
Nancy