The struggle of the juggle

This year was going to be my year for marketing my work. When January came around I was raring to go! So I signed up for not one, but two online course. At the same time. What??? This is my question to myself right now. But I'm pushing through. I've quickly realized the struggle of the juggle between, making, marketing, photographing, Tweeting, doing shows, visiting galleries, etc...

 So I breathe deep and tell myself that it's worth it. I love what I do. Without exposure, I don't sell. And if I don't sell, I can't make more. Now that would be a drag because you all know how much I love to make things!

  So without further ado, here's a look at some of my latest efforts from my JOSEPHINE art line.    
I hope you like it!
Peace, Jo

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Creating with Connie Crystal

I recently had the good fortune to work with Connie Crystal during #CraftingTheEmmys. They were nice enough to supply the Ice Resin Design Team with some of their beautiful crystals. Though many were used in my charms for the Emmy’s, I did manage to save a few for myself ;]

Here are photos of a scarf/ necklace I made for the Victorian Day of the dead ball. I cast the skull with Ice Resin and painted it, built a bezel and filled it with resin, floated Iced Enamels Fire opal within it. I attached the beautiful crystals supplied by Connie Crystal and attached it to a vintage scarf. I can't wait to wear it!

Peace, Jomama

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Jomama is going to the Emmy’s!

 I’m so excited to have been asked to submit some of jewelry for this year’s Emmy’s!

Myself and the rest of the Ice Resin® design team members were asked to make 5 bracelets to be given to this year’s Emmy nominees. I am so excited to have the opportunity to have my designs submitted for this!

 My goodie box arrived today (and of course I tore in to it!).

In the meantime, I have already been working away… 

This is just the start of my creative journey along the road to the Emmy's. Please continue to follow along and watch as my excitement grows!

Peace, Jomama

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Fun on the Ice Resin® design team

In the last year my creative world has been spinning!! (That's a good thing).
Last fall I became part of Susan Lenart Kasmer's design team. Now, since I think Susan is God, this has been a dream come true:] I have also been introduced to her wonder team, including business partner Jen Cushman, Kristen Robinson and Carol La Valley, amongst others.

 I've been give an opportunity to play. With cool stuff. Each month. Now let me explain...one a month I receive a mystery box with components for my next project. Not knowing what you'll get is half the fun of it. I have mastered Ice Resin®, been introduced to Iced Enamels and Rue Romantique, and dabbled in Industrial Chic. Here's some of the fun I've experienced~
Peace, Jomama
www.shopjomama.com

                      Art Mechanique paper, Ice Resin, ribbon & vintage chain

 

 Jewelers grade molding putty, Ice Resin & a recycled champagne topper

 

                         Steel wire, Industrial Chic charms, a door stopper & other found objects

 

Art Mechanique silhouette, ribbon & Art Mechanique paper

 

Molding putty, Ice Resin, satin ribbon & repurposed chain of pearls

 

Ice Resin & fibers

 

 

 

Fun at Anthropologie hosted by AG Jeans

Thursday night crafting event @ Anthropologie in Aventura hosted by AG Jeans. AG is an eco minded company using Ozone technology and is made in Los Angeles (Yay to made in the USA).It was a fun night spent decorating AG tote bags with fabric and jewels which were recycled damaged items from Anthro. We talked and made new friends (and drank champagne :) A good time was had by all. Thank you AG & Anthro!

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Playing with resin

Being part of the Ice Resin® mixed media team is fun AND challenging for me. I’m being pushed creatively and I have committed to submit 2 projects a month, so I’ve been motivated too! (I can’t disappoint my team members!) This is my latest submission~ a faux cork bottle topper. Go on, click, take a closer look…

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Casting a ring

I've been working on a new ring design. Lost wax casting is first craved in wax (first pic), then a mold is made, heated so wax melts away, then metal is melted and forced into the hallow chamber. After it comes out of casting (second pic) it needs to be ground down, cleaned and polished (no pics of that yet!) It's a work in progress, but I'll keep you posted.
Peace, Jomama
www.shopjomama.com



wax ready to be molded


dirty out of the mold

It's a new year

 

Every year I look forward to January. It's fresh start, a time to take chances, chances you didn't take last year. Two weeks into the new year and I'm off spinning. I have to say, sometimes my drive amazes me. What will I learn next, what's my next move. The older I get the less time there is to waste. This year I see great things happening and I can't help but think how fortunate am I. 2013 is here and I'm prepared for takeoff!

Many hats

 In my world, things sometimes happen in an unexplained sequence. I wear many hats and I think I wear most of them well. As a Indie business owner and jewelry designer, I am my photographer, web designer, graphic designer, production line, social media, etc. I’ll hammer metal at 8 am and pour resin at midnight. I’ll blog from a waiting room and design business cards from my laptop. This is how I operate and also how I keep from being bored.
Lately though, I just want to get my hands dirty, I want to make things. Lots of things. My new found love for working with metal, particularly recycled metal, has been so exciting! I recycle, repurpose, and have an eye like a hawk for found objects. I brought home a suitcase full of rocks from Seattle which will eventually be rings and necklaces.
So, the question is, which hat will I wear today? Don’t get me wrong, I love hats, but somedays, I’d like to retire a few…

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