Ruby Lane's Creative Hands Newsletter for July 2008

In This Issue

• Planning a SUMMER WEDDING? Make it an Artisan Vintage Wedding
  
• ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT: Chas Fleenor of Crow Creek Designs
  
• SHOP SPOTLIGHT: Out of my Mind Mosaics
  
• Good Luck Tokens for a Bride
  
• Share Creative Hands With A Friend
  

PLANNING A SUMMER WEDDING? MAKE IT AN ARTISAN VINTAGE WEDDING

Click here to see a special Wedding video message from Ruby Lane, or go to:

http://www.rubylane.com/search/event/,vintage-wedding

Beach Wedding Too! ~ OM ~ South Sea Saltwater Petal Pearl Necklace







Opal Moon Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry

ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT: CHAS FLEENOR OF CROW CREEK DESIGNS

What's a guy to do with a bit of extra time, a lathe and a round rock? Well in my case I decided to make a piece of jewelry. I had just spent 32 years in an HR position in a major corporation and found myself retired a little unexpectedly. I had always loved woodworking and enjoyed the lathe, but only used it to a limited degree. It seemed the perfect opportunity to see what kind of trouble I could get into in the shop.

As I experimented with setting different things into wood, I began to discover that certain items look very nice in wood. I believe many people have a connection to wood on a very basic level and thought that being so versatile it might just prove to be an interesting medium for jewelry. With that thought I started to produce some pieces. When I thought they were good enough, I imposed on former bosses and coworkers to buy and try a few of them. As people began to wear my pieces, they discovered that others would definitely notice them and positively comment on them.

Since that early time I have diversified and added to my product line by listening to my customers and finding out what items they would like to see. I enjoy very much when someone picks up one of my pieces and discovers that contrary to what they thought they are light and smooth and very pleasant to handle and wear. Many of my buyers also report that they receive positive comments regarding the items they wear, as they seem to have that "different" quality about them.

The inspiration for what to use in my work comes from the incredible body of beautiful things that have been produced by clever people in diverse cultures all over the world. I can't see an intricately painted Japanese Satsuma button for instance and not marvel at the skill and craftsmanship needed to produce such a lovely and delicate item. Czech glass buttons are among my favorite items to use as well as the incredible and beautiful stones found in nature. The lovely landscapes that come from picture jasper are especially alluring to me. My work allows anyone to wear a tiny work of art that would probably never be set into precious metal, but looks and works great in wood.

I also enjoy linking my work to places I have either visited, or want to visit. I try to let the pieces speak for themselves and suggest locales that I can link them to, or names that evoke memories or thoughts of adventure and intriguing times or places. To me, jewelry carries with it an element of romance that I love tapping into.

The things that keep me motivated to produce beautiful items though are the intangible rewards that are occasionally given to me by my customers. It is such an incredible honor to have someone select one of my items as a gift for someone they love. To know that I have in some way contributed to someone's happiness on their birthday, holiday or anniversary is truly a priceless gift to me as well. Once in a while someone will tell me that one of my pieces is their favorite piece of jewelry.

In one of the venues where I commonly sell my items, a woman named Penny came into my booth and asked me why I didn't have any pennies. I told her that the next time I saw her I would have a penny for her. The following week I had produced a pendant with an Indian head penny for her and let her have it when she came into my booth. She actually was very touched and said that no one had ever given her anything like that. What she didn't realize though was that she was actually giving me an incredible gift by liking what I make and giving it a place in her life. What a powerful reward that is for someone who just started out with some time, a round rock and a lathe! Chas Fleenor of Crow Creek Designs

SHOP SPOTLIGHT: OUT OF MY MIND MOSAICS

I have come to believe that true joy is derived through the continuous evolving of the spirit, and nothing makes me happier than when the monotony of every day life evolves into today's fresh inspiration and newest challenge. Each new medium or style opens a whole new realm of possibilities in the world of creativity, and I feel it is what gives each Artisan their own unique appeal.

I do so enjoy creating whimsical and asymmetrical earrings. The bigger challenge is in my collage work – whether it is a charm necklace, a wired piece, my soldered pendants and necklaces, or more recently my assemblage pieces using vintage watch parts and movements. To be able to incorporate a piece of vintage china with beautiful gemstones, beads, and orphaned vintage jewelry bits – to make a unique bracelet from an old coffee cup – to give an entirely different purpose to a worn out time piece – to make them well balanced and comfortable while maintaining the 'wow' factor. These are not only my self-induced challenges but is the work that evolves from my soul and transforms into a piece of art that has something to say.

I believe that every piece of my work has a specific owner, and regardless of our perception of time, the two will certainly find each other! I am forever grateful and constantly humbled by the acceptance and appreciation of my customers and by those who just stop in to say how much they enjoy my work.

My Mantra..."Believe that your creations are awesome because you are an awesome creation of God!" It will change your life and your view of the world around you!

Please drop by for a peek into the divine craziness that is Out of My Mind ~Mosaics Jewelry Peace & Blessings! Terry O'H

GOOD LUCK TOKENS FOR A BRIDE

Our jewelry artisans create gorgeous individual jewelry pieces and special wedding ensembles for the beautiful bride and members of her wedding party. As the poem goes...

SOMETHING BORROWED - from a friend or family member given with the wish their happiness in marriage carries over to the new brides marriage and it is also a reminder her friends and family will always be there for her.

Throwin' Stones




SOMETHING BLUE - for centuries and up until the later part of the 19th century, the popular color for brides was blue. The ancient Roman's believed blue symbolized love, modesty and fidelity, in the Christian church blue symbolized purity, and it is written in the Book of Proverb's, "Marry in blue, lover be true."
Karen Sugarman Designs

AND a silver sixpence in her shoe. The silver sixpence represents wealth and financial security. Today a bride places a coin in her left shoe for good fortune.