Birds on the Brain

The annual Christmas bird count is on and that got me thinking about some of my favorite birders...

original etching by Fleurografie

    sculptural bird feeder by joepapendick

photograph by PhotogenicGallery

Lovebirds by peylu

Victorian bird pin from WickedDarling

vintage falcon print from carambas

woodland print by LouisestArt

prepare to laugh your *** off! MincingMockingbird

limited edition print by TheJoyofColor

bird vase by catherinereece

Happy birding and a very happy Holiday to all!

SeeLifeShine

Ms Flora Abunda

Several years ago metal sculptor and friend Linley Schetky asked me to work with her on a collaborative project sponsored by Art in the Pearl, here in Portland. I jumped at the chance because I love spending time with Linley, and I had already learned the basic welding and plasma cutting skills from her while helping her out in her studio.

We decided to do a life sized, or in this case, bigger that life sized figure which we named Flora Abunda. Made from steel rod and found objects and topped with a floral crown, she's currently residing at Lawrence Gallery in Sheridan, Oregon. She is looking for a home that can accommodate her. She eats very little. As you can see, she's not even skin and bones, just bones. And she has a very pleasant personality...

With our girl at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in the Pearl district

For me, working large, in steel was very freeing. After I got used to the idea that I didn't have to file and fit every joint to perfection before welding I found a whole new world of really being able to manhandle the material. I really, really want to do more of it!

This week's output...

Last week I finished the majority of my orders and this week I strove to make one new piece each day. Some of the work took several days, some could be completed in a single day. Thanks to a CD of music my daughter made for me I was able to saw, hammer and solder, and set all while rocking out to "mama mix". Thanks Caelen!

posted to etsy on Monday, fossilized coral

these turquoise and pearl earrings were also a Monday addition but sold within a few hours...(!)

Dalmatian jasper drops on Tuesday

these pretty little coin pearl studs appeared on Wednesday

Thursday- Cherry Creek jasper and freshwater pearls

And today I finished a stacking ring set in sterling.

I'll definitely be back at it tomorrow! You can check out more of my work at betsybensen.etsy.com.

kidsville

some of my favorite etsy shops with kids in mind...

my weekend

Had a wonderful show in the lovely home of clothing designer Ann Williamson. I think half the fun was seeing all of the beautiful clothing that walked into our show on the shoppers! I got a few photos in the morning right after set up just to set the scene! Thanks Ann and all for making it such a great weekend!

 The entry featured one of Elisabeth Gillem's gorgeous outfits and the delicate forged silver jewelry of Bay area metalsmith Kathryn Ferrier.

Just a small selection shown here of Carol Risley's fabulous leather handbags.

Some of the amazing work of Ann Williamson, much of which is constructed using vintage kimono silks with hand applique and bead work.

I shared the dining room with designer Elisabeth Gillem and of course, ended up with one of her beautiful hand dyed silk scarves. How could I not?

And my little case was packed full of goodies as well.

This is the Weekend!

I've got my car packed and will be setting up for a wonderful holiday Art to Wear show at the home of clothing designer Ann Williamson taking place this weekend, Dec 3rd and 4th. I'm hoping that all you Portland area readers will pop over and check out the artisan clothing, jewelry and bags being featured, and meet the artists, we'll all be there!

 

Full Swing into the Shopping Season

Hard to believe we are almost through November! I'm currently offering free shipping on all new purchases from my etsy shop through the end of the month (Wednesday!) You can use the coupon code "yipee" at checkout and save a few bucks...

Lots of wonderful stuff!

For those in the Portland area, I'll have my work at a fabulous Art to Wear holiday show next weekend, 

Dec 2nd and 3rd at Ann Williamson's in NE Portland

AND, if that weren't enough, you can find me at the LOCAL 14 pop up gallery in Lake Oswego through the Holidays 

and always at The Real Mother Goose and David Frank, both in Portland.

Autumn's last gasp

Last night we had a pretty big wind and rain storm in the Portland area. I had just remarked at how pretty the Japanese maple looked this year. Seems like the red was extra intense, but then again I think I say that every year... Alas, that windy night did a number on the trees. 

The back yard, where we have an old big leaf maple is carpeted in yellow. Bruce has that job, I cook.

The Art Spot - Pop Up Gallery in Lake Oswego

LOCAL 14, Lake Oswego Arts and Crafts League is approaching it's 45th year. Once a year, in October, the women's art group puts on a big art show and sale at the World Forestry Center in Portland, OR. Three and a half days, and then it's over... 
Now, for fans of the group, you'll be able to continuing shopping right through the Holidays. L14 is taking an empty storefront in Lake Oswego and turning it into The Art Spot pop up gallery! Things have been slowly coming together the last couple of days in preparation for our opening day on Friday. Painting is done, lights are being set and art is filling up the space at 1st and B Streets, Lake Oswego. It's like a concentrated L14 Show! Currently, gallery hours will be Wed - Sun, 11am -6pm. Dates are being set for a grand opening celebration. Please stop by if you're in the Portland area!


                                                             Lots of elbow grease getting the place in shape.

                                                               

                                           

Still putting on the finishing touches

By Friday, perfection!

etsymetal Project Runway Challenge, Season 9, The Finale

It's hard to believe that another season of Project Runway has come to an end... The etsymetal team has been following along, challenging ourselves weekly along with the PR designers. This week we learned who the Project Runway winner was. 

Our final challenge was to create a mini collection. With only a week to design and execute, it was challenging, especially at this time of year when we are trying to fill orders, and get work to the galleries. Check out the etsymetal blog for all of this week's entries!

My goal was to put together a 3 piece collection using those materials I really enjoy working with such as Nevada boulder turquoise and pearls. I've also popped in a rose cut diamond on the pendant. All pieces are fabricated in sterling silver with 14kt gold accents. The cognac diamond is set in 18kt gold. 

  

  Pendant featuring Nevada boulder turquoise, keshi pearl and cognac rose cut diamond

             Earrings with Nevada boulder turquoise and freshwater pearl

        Ring, Nevada boulder turquoise and freshwater pearl

You'll find these 3 pieces in my etsy shop for only a short while!

Coming up next on the etsymetal blog is the newest challenge surrounding the new Project Accessory.

I'll have to skip that challenge, but do stay tuned to the etsymetal blog for that one. And remember, you don't have to be a member of the etsymetal team to play!

etsymetal Project Runway Challenge, Season 9, Week 12

                                                                                           Imperial jasper with carnelian drops in sterling and 14kt gold

For last week's Project Runway challenge the designers spent a day on NYC's Governor's Island, in search of inspiration for the creation of a mini collection. For the etsymetal challenge, we followed those same guidelines, using Governor's Island or a hometown park for our inspiration.

My neighborhood park, Maddax Woods, along the Willamette River is a constant source of inspiration and rejuvenation, not to mention our go-to dog walk destination... Goat Island, in the first photo, is a Great Blue Heron rookery. Flores is imploring me to hurry it up!


My challenge entry this week is a pair of earrings using a gorgeous pair of Imperial jasper in mottled greens evoking the cool understory along the path. The beautiful red band running through it reminds me of the Willamette river that borders the east edge of the park as well as the beginning of our Fall colors. The conical carnelian drops, echo that color perfectly!

                                                                      
Our final challenge will be to do a mini collection, just as the final 4 Project Runway designers are preparing to show their collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Stay tuned for that! Meanwhile check out the etsymetal blog with all of the current and past team challenge pieces!

Etsymetal Project Runway Challenge, Season 9, Week 11

Things have been pretty busy here lately in my little neck of the woods, and I've had to miss the last 2 weeks of the etsymetal Project Runway challenge. (You can find some cool entries from past couple of week's challenges on the etsymetal blog if you're so inclined...)

Last week's show "For the Birds" challenged the designers to create something inspired by one of these 4 birds brought into the studio. 

And, as you can probably guess, the etsymetal challenge traveled along a similar flightpath...

I looked through my collection of stones and found a wonderful piece of ocean jasper with a colorful,  graphic design. I set it in sterling silver with 14kt gold bits and a stylized "tail".

Fun challenge this week!


Next week's challenge: "The Final Challenge" . In this episode, the designers were tasked to create a mini collection emphasizing their overall fashion vision. They went to Governor's Island in NYC to find their inspiration.
The etsymetal challenge: create a piece inspired by the sights on Governor's Island. Or, visit your local park and pick up a little inspiration there.
OK, we'll see what happens...
Meanwhile, see all of last weeks entries here!