This is my blog where I write about music, jewelry, and myself. Vaudeville, burlesque, blues, jazz, songs about baltimore, novelties, and whatever else I feel like posting. Mostly from my own LPs and 78s. Subscribe via any of the methods in the right-hand column. Please do not link directly to the mp3 files.

This is for these cucumber things I make. A really great summer gathering item.

photo abby logsdon

Things needed:
Paprika (I recommend the smoked paprika.. it will make this thing)
1 cucumber, sliced about 1/4-1/8 inch thick
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons softened butter*
2 ounces crumbled gorgonzola
juice of 1/2 lemon
dash of red pepper
slices of bread.. I like the mini baguettes that are just a little wider than my cucumber

In a bowl or tray, cover cucumber slices in water and add vinegar, sprinkle with salt. Refrigerate at least one hour. Drain and pat the cucumber slices dry.
Mix butter, cheese, lemon juice, and pepper. Slice bread into 1/2 inch pieces pieces. Spread cheese mixture on each slice, place a cucumber slice on top and sprinkle with paprika.

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*Aside from the fancy paprika, another indulgence of mine is fresh, local butter. I think it improves my quality of life. And my pie.

Labels: food, recipe

Posted by: Kara Mae 3/30/2010 03:00:00 PM  (2) comments

Skinner Studio has all these different approaches to resin in her shop.. casting, coating, layered, domed over images.. combines with polymer clay, natural materials, found images... and more. BUT they all comprise a really cohesive collection. When I first paged through the shop I could get a sense of a motivated crafter with tried methods and a subtle yet distinct style. What more can I say? Lots of pictures here.

Tell me about the origins of your interest in resin.. early experiments, ideas, etc.
My interest actually started with an interest in PMC, or precious metal clay. I was reading a book about PMC and it had a section on using resin like an enamel. It was the first time I'd really even noticed that resin existed, and it looked so exciting! When we were dating, my husband had given me a necklace that was a tiny rose bud encased in clear resin. It was and still is my absolute favorite piece of jewelry, and my first attraction to resin was to see if I could make something similar. The hardest part was finding blooms timy enough, but I was really pleased with how they turned out.

Some pictures of my first floral pieces:




My next experiment was painting within layers of resin, and using multiple colors of resin and swirling them together:



As a successful etsy seller, what have been some of your favorite comments/compliments on your pieces people have bought?
The atlas jewelry pieces carry special meaning for many people, and I have been told multiple times that a gift recipient literaly cried when they received their special present. Another sweet, sweet customer bought some of my real rose resin pendants in memory of her brother, who used to give yellow roses to her and her mom. I made them simply becuase I thought they were pretty, and I was so touched that they could be so important and special to someone else.
how do you stay motivated? Do you have a specific time of day or days of the week that you work?
Usually, I'm motivated by my custom orders - so I HAVE to work on them, no procrastinating! When I have to make a batch of resin for a custom order, I always make extra and use it to try out some new ideas, or just make more of the same items. It keeps me moving forward!

I probably work at least a little every day - I am on the computer every morning (spending way too much time I must admit), and usually pour resin in the late afternoon or early evening. That way, they can lie undisturbed through the night while they cure and are ready to take to the next step when I wake up in the morning.

Have you had any big challenges or disasters?
I can't think of any real disasters - I've had plenty of spills, but I work on an old table and try to wear my less-than-favorite clothes so that there are no tragedies.

My biggest challange is being balanced. I have 2 little boys at home, so I need to make sure everyone (and the housework - ugh) get the attention they deserve. It's so easy to get involved in a project and before I know it, half the day is gone! I really try to limit my working time and try to go somewhere fun and interesting everyday.

Any particular future ideas or other skills you want to learn?
My latest obsession invloves combining resin with clay. I have lots of ideas that seem fantastic in my mind, but when it comes to implementing them it's much harder than I imagined. I really love the contrast of bold bright resin against the crisp white clay:

These are my first experiments (pretty rough, as you can see) but it's given me a better idea of what is required and I'm thinking of ways to refine my ideas.

I would really love to learn some metal working skills - using shears, hammers, and dangerously hot soldering tools...
But that's still going to be in the future - one thing at a time for now.


Some of my favorite pieces:







Also check out her resin supplies shop and blog for even more awesome photos of ideas and works in progress.

Thanks for sharing all the photos, skinnerstudio!

Labels: jewelry

Posted by: Kara Mae 3/07/2010 09:11:00 PM  (0) comments