my precious studio

Holiday cheer

2011-12-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to you all!

I know that holiday shopping for the perfect gift creates a TON of unnecessary stress; especially when faced with the perceived pressure to buy for people you don't even like (!). I'd love to say, just refrain. But I know that most people have their hearts in the right place. This post is for you.

Most of you don't know this, but my "day job" is as an assistant manager at Target. The holidays, while joyful for some, are hell for anyone who works retail. It's ugly, stressful and we deal with a lot of unhappy people. We have no life during 4th quarter, so it's extremely difficult to be full of cheer like the rest of the population. We're a cynical bunch. That being said, I love the decorations and the trees and the tacky lights and the scented candles and the food and drinks! But mostly the drinks!

I have a good day when I'm able to connect with someone who's shopping for less fortunate kids, or spending time with a grumpy old lady who eventually warms up to you, or when I'm able to help a woman pick out the clothes her husband will be buried in (true story). It's about compassion.

This is partly why I've decided to reboot My Precious Studio in 2012. I want to create jewelry that is meaningful and special. Not just purely fashion anymore. My 15th Anniversary is around the corner so I've been cooking up some new ideas: a re-designed website, editing down my current lines, adding a Reliquary line, a line of wedding/commitment bands, a men's line, and a pet tag section. These are just some of the things I'm working on for the new year.

On a side note, I will be having hand surgery on my left thumb in early January. Yes, hand surgery. On my hand. I will have a lot to keep me busy while I recover and should be back in the studio February.

Still looking for a special gift? I'm having a rare 15% off sale in my Etsy shop. It's happening NOW through SUNDAY DECEMBER 18th (ends at midnight Eastern time). All orders will ship on Monday. Just enter coupon code: OHMYPRECIOUS15 at checkout.

Folks in or near Richmond, VA can shop for some more of my jewelry (and other locally made goodies) at the Bizarre Market Holiday at Chop Suey Books in Carytown. The shop's upstairs and is open through December 24th.

Be kind and stay healthy!

xoxo

Think Small 6

2011-11-02T10:15:00.001-04:00

"I Savor Her Final Breath"

3" x 1 3/4'

glass, dahlia petals, ash, paint, cork

This is my piece for the ThinkSmall6 exhibit here in Richmond, VA.

Made in honor of my Mother.

Somber. Wistful. Morbid. Serene. Comforting.

Some may remember this reliquary I made a while back. I just adore these pieces and have been collecting little bottles in order to create a series of them.

On view now through December 18th at Artspace Gallery.

Life Before Death

2011-09-09T10:16:00.000-04:00

To know me is to know that I think of death as often as I think of life.
You can't have one without the other.
I'm naturally drawn to those things that help us remember the lives we've lost.
Remembering helps keep them alive to us and, if we're lucky, enables
us to live our lives with a little more passion.

A friend passed along this link to me and I needed to share it.
It's full of internal struggle, pain, anger, faith, inner peace and acceptance.
Truly moving and beautiful portraits before and after death.

xo,
Tere

Teresa

2011-07-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

My Dad, Carlos Hernandez Chavez, painted this amazing portrait of my abuela, Teresa.

She died peacefully today in Mexico, surrounded by family.

It's truly a privilege to be with your loved ones when they take their final breath on this earth.

I'm glad my Dad was able to make the trip to be with her.

My love goes out to my aunts and uncles and those that loved her.

Peace

It only feels like summer

2011-06-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

fresh blackberries from my back yard

speckled glass ornaments adorn a friend's porch

ornamental iron work. it's everywhere in RVA.

I Heart Skulls

2011-06-02T09:44:00.004-04:00

Everyone in Richmond, VA has skulls on their minds. Why? Because June 4th is the first annual Skull Appreciation Day!

And to celebrate, Noah Scalin (of skull-a-day fame) and Philip Cheney have curated a grand exhibit to be held at Gallery 5. It opens tomorrow, June 3rd, and features 100+ skulls designed by artists all over the world (mine, included). We were all sent the same paper mache skull base to work from and the results promise to be fantastic. Hope to see you there!

Frankie also hearts skulls

some more skullinks:

watch the video at Richmond.com

read the article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

check out the event page on facebook

and for your listening pleasure

So much loss

2011-05-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

I recently attended a viewing for a co-worker's father who had died suddenly. It's always interesting to me to see how differently each person acts around such events. It was quiet and somber but very few people walked up to the casket. Some wouldn't even stand in the same room. Yes, I did go up to pay my respects. Having never met the man, I was curious about him. His family had lots of photos around and his casket was adorned with flowers and badges and a beautiful walking cane was placed by his side. I whispered a little something and walked away.

It was such a contrast to my mother's viewing. We had singing, laughter, crying, kids running around and congregating at the casket. We touched her and spoke to her. And we took lots of photos, which I know isn't common. But that's how we roll.
The whole experience just made me want to reflect on all the losses my husband, his family and I have experienced in the past month.

It started with Uncle Eddie. He had a sudden heart attack and was gone. There was no service. I'll remember him sitting in the background during family gatherings, making jokes.

The next week we lost Monkey. This whole situation makes me angry. He was a super friendly cat who discovered our porch and wouldn't leave. He was affectionate and docile and he just had to belong to someone who missed him. We bonded with him instantly, but wanted to do the right thing to reunite him with his people. The vet suggested animal control because they could scan for a microchip and would hold him the 10 days required by law before sending him to a no kill shelter. I called everyone missing a black cat on craigslist. I posted on the neighborhood blog. We both knew that if he wasn't reclaimed, we would bring him home. When they came to pick him up, he was sitting on my lap on the porch, so content. I cried. I didn't want him to go. My husband called to see if he could visit him and they said yes. The very next day, Charlie went to visit but they said he had died overnight of an apparent heart attack. What the fuck?!? Our guilt will never go away and I don't think I can ever trust the shelter again.

Monkey

Monkey chillin'

The next week got even harder. Charlie's beloved grandmother died. Mamita was loved by all and was the matriarch of his large family. She was funny as hell, with a sharp wit, and adored her grandkids almost as much as her pets. Actually, Charlie was her favorite. The first time we ever met, I was tagging along with Charlie to bring her a new dog from the shelter. Her joy was unmistakable. In the end, she lost her fight with Alzheimers. We attended a mass at the nursing home where she died and Charlie gave a moving eulogy. I'll miss that woman. Rest in peace, my dahling.

Charlie and Mamita share a moment

Then, the very next week we met Blue. He was a sweet grey kitty who visited us every now and then. Last time we spotted him he looked healthy and had on a flea collar. Cool, someone was taking care of him. A month or so passed by and no sightings. Then he showed up at our door. He had on a different colored flea collar, but it was painfully obvious that he was neglected. He was emaciated and had a terrible eye infection. But he was affectionate and allowed us to clean his eyes and apply ointment. He ate and hung out and was starting to talk to us. I called our trusted vet and dropped him off for a checkup. Bad news. He weighed a mere 5 lbs, had a fever and he had leukemia. Fuck. We discussed all our options and finally made the heartbreaking decision that euthanasia was the most humane option. Dammit. Dammit.
I picked him up the following day and we buried him in our backyard. We picked a nice sunny spot for him and will plant some flowers at his grave.

little boy Blue

little boy Blue enjoys some sun

Piper Rose paying her respects at Blue's funeral

RIP little one

Weekly Challenge: Week 34 reliquary

2011-03-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

wood, felt, acrylic paint, pins, flies found together on my windowsill

don't I wish!

Weekly Challenge: Week 34 relic

2011-03-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

flies found together on my windowsill.

Gross, yes. But you'll enjoy my reliquary...

A little nook in my studio

2011-02-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

Weekly Challenge: Week 33 reliquary

2011-02-23T19:34:00.000-05:00

bronze, Mom's deathbed jewelry

I'll admit that this one was difficult. It took me a long time to finally cut the tape and open the box. I was afraid to touch the earrings. They are imbued with her energy; her final breaths. I didn't want it to escape. But I eventually mustered the courage to open it.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

Five Years

2011-02-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

some of Mom's cremains with a yellow rose I got for her when she died

yes, a canning jar. If you knew her, you'd know how appropriate this really is

Today is the 5 year anniversary of Mom's death. It sucks, I'm sad, life goes on.

I thought that today I would share my own personal reliquary with you. This is really where my passion lies; creating personal memorials, reliquaries, mourning jewelry.

Before Mom died, we talked about me making an urn necklace for her ashes. In a letter, she told me she had a dream that it was heart shaped. Okay, I can do that.
After a few months, I started some sketches. I'd need certain elements that related to her: a heart, a bird, and something cheeky. So the final design became a heart shaped urn with a carving of a bird. The bird is holding a banner that reads "I'm her favorite". The running joke between us 9 kids. I think she really meant it when she told each of us that we were her favorite.
but it was really me.

On the back, I carved a little epitaph:
Love Never Dies
Herein lies Georgianne V. Hernandez
10.24.46 - 2.10.06
beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend

Here's the original wax model I carved:

I then had a mold made from my wax model. From there, I had the pieces cast in sterling silver.

Once I had them all polished and ready for the ashes, I decided to webcam 2 of my sisters. At the time, we were unable to have all of us on screen together, so Carla is on camera with me and Saca is chatting. I wanted them with me when I opened up Mom's ashes to add to the urns.

me, Jack and Carla onscreen. Saca & Paul via chat

I added this rocking chair to the box to be interred with her. Some of us also wrote letters and drew pictures and added them as well.

The final step was to add Mom's ashes to each necklace. Once the ashes were in, I set a clear crystal cabachon over the opening. This way you can see inside and see her ashes. I also like to think of it as a window for Mom to look out of.

So there it is. I wear mine every day.

photo by my sister Carla

Weekly Challenge: Week 33 relic

2011-02-08T08:16:00.001-05:00

Mom's deathbed jewelry

This is the jewelry Mom was wearing when she was taken off of life support on February 10, 2006. After we had all said our goodbye's, I carefully removed her earrings. She was wearing a sterling silver hoop, a ~~black pearl stud~~ darkened silver ball and a cz stud. Mom always liked a little sparkle. The wooden cross had been placed in her hand by the hospital chaplain. Although none of us saw Mom as a religious person, we left it anyway.

This Thursday marks the 5 year milestone of her death. May not seem like much, but it has hit me like a ton of bricks. Really, shouldn't there be a commemorative coin or something?

Weekly Challenge: Week 32 reliquary

2011-02-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

paper mache, paint, plastic skull, velvet, my friend Noah's tooth

(this measures 4" h x 2" w)

I'd love to see the tooth fairy that goes with this piece...

Weekly Challenge: Week 32 relic

2011-01-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

my friend Noah's tooth

no, I didn't extract it. and yes, he's okay.

Weekly Challenge: Week 31 reliquary

2011-01-23T20:29:00.001-05:00

sterling silver, ribbon, my old soap dish circa 1970's

In keeping with the little girl theme, I wondered what could possibly be better than kittens? The answer...nothing! But jewelry and presents would definitely be in the top five.

Now all I need is a tea party to wear these to. (not THAT tea party)

where's my niece Georgie when you need her?

Weekly Challenge: Week 31 relic

2011-01-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

soap dish circa 1970's

I grew up with this super cute dish. I've had it since I was little and I've taken it with me wherever I moved. Over 30 years...until one of our cats spazzed out and broke it. The little bastards!
But I just couldn't throw it away. I've saved the broken pieces for about three years now. I guess I saved it for a reason after all.

Weekly Challenge: Week 30 reliquary

2011-01-12T18:42:00.000-05:00

copper, sterling silver, nutshell found in my backyard

This piece rotates from a rocking cradle into a globe...

Hiccups

2011-01-10T10:24:00.000-05:00

Gwen

So...this year has already proven to be quite a challenge. I'm late again with my weekly reliquary. (Although I am playing by my own rules and shouldn't really feel guilty) Just a little frustrated with not being able to stay on schedule. There are a lot of things that just add up this time of year. My day job is assistant manager at a large retail store and this holiday season + no weekends off in a month + crazy shoppers + holidays are over and I now have 2 millions tasks to complete to get the store back into shape + no vacation in sight + weekly reliquary + jewelry studio work + Crossfit + cat needing surgery + injured husband + an out of town memorial = time crunch. I know it will all level out soon but it's frustrating. Obviously, being there for those who need me takes priority, as it should.
There are positives to all these things. Gwen's doing much better, Crossfit keeps me sane, my husband is a trooper and the blood drive my sister arranged in honor of her dear friend had collected over 32 pints of life saving blood!
So, I'll do my best to get back on track this week.
Happy new year folks, hiccups and all!

Weekly Challenge: Week 30 relic

2011-01-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

nutshell found in my backyard

this one is going to be fun...

Weekly Challenge: Week 29 reliquary

2011-01-02T17:54:00.011-05:00

14kp scrap, tie tack, sterling silver little guy (circa 1989?)

I decided to stay with the scrap "theme" and file a scrap of pink gold into a heart. I kept looking at this piece and the hole I had originally drilled went right through the heart of this dude. (cue THIS...aaaannd you're welcome! I've had it stuck in my head since I pulled this piece out of the scrap bin!)
I kept the figure as is by not filing it all nice and pretty. I oxidized it and then polished the heart.

Weekly Challenge: Week 29 relic

2010-12-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

sterling silver little guy (circa 1989?)

this is a piece I found in my silver scrap. I have had this for over 20 years. I made it while at RISD. I think it was a practice piece for a necklace I made for a friend.

Weekly Challenge: Week 28 reliquary

2010-12-25T19:39:00.000-05:00

or more accurately...it's a freaking Christmas miracle I got this posted, with all the delays and stupid technical difficulties I've had. Thank you Charlie for all your tech support. I know it must get old...and hello glass of wine!

sterling silver, dried rose stem from my rose garden

Just do it

2010-12-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the mention Noah!
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/12/12/8-great-ways-to-spen.html

now get out there and make something!

A short delay

2010-12-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

My reliquary will be late this week. I've been busy prepping for the Richmond Handmade Holiday show...which is TODAY!!! hope to see you there!

Weekly Challenge: Week 28 relic

2010-12-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

dried rose stem from my rose garden

I actually have a few of these in my studio. I just love them. This piece measures 4.5 inches in length.

Weekly Challenge: Week 27 reliquary

2010-12-04T19:39:00.000-05:00

paperclay, thread, sterling silver wire, paint, Mexican milagro from my dad

this one took a lot of patience; between the tiny knots and the hovering cats who kept stealing my thread. but I like the effect.

Weekly Challenge: Week 27 relic

2010-11-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

Mexican milagro from my dad

Weekly Challenge: Week 26 reliquary

2010-11-28T16:33:00.000-05:00

wood slat taken from our removed house shutters, paint, sacrificial feather

Weekly Challenge: Week 26 relic

2010-11-21T17:42:00.000-05:00

sacrificial feather

This feather is from a bird that was trapped in our chimney. It escaped when we weren't home and then was caught and killed by our newest kitty, Piper Rose. Piper's the tortoise calico on the right. There was a second bird flying around but Charlie was able to catch and release it.

I actually buried the bird under the roses in the front yard.

This is also the halfway point of my reliquary challenge!

Weekly Challenge: Week 25 reliquary

2010-11-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

glass jar, embroidery thread, Charlie's instructions on how to tie a noose

Weekly Challenge: Week 25 relic

2010-11-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

Charlie's instructions on how to tie a noose

My now husband, Charlie, wrote this out for me way back before we were dating. I think sometime around 1998? It was for a Halloween window display at the SoHo jewelry shop where I worked. Charlie had a computer and I didn't even know how to use one at the time. So he researched it for us. And it (I) was so nerdy I kept it!

Weekly Challenge: Week 24 reliquary

2010-11-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

candle from my studio, Virgin Mary medal found in my mom's room after she died

This one is dedicated to my dear friend Karen and her grandma.

Weekly Challenge: Week 24 relic

2010-11-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

Virgin Mary medal
I found this in my mom's room when my sister Carla and I were cleaning it out after she died.There was so much stuff in there it was like going on a treasure hunt. Except different.

Weekly Challenge: Week 23 reliquary

2010-11-06T13:37:00.000-04:00

sterling silver, watch crystal, Frankie's baby tooth

Weekly Challenge: Week 23 relic

2010-11-01T13:34:00.000-04:00

Frankie boy in his natural state

Frankie's baby tooth (found on 9/6/07)

Charlie found Frankie when he was only about 2 days old. We bottle fed him and nurtured him like an infant. He thinks he's people. And he's super affectionate. He's now about 3 1/2 years old; just don't tell him that. He'll swear he's still the baby.

Weekly Challenge: Week 22 reliquary

2010-10-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

matchbook, mica, copper, paper, paint, used matchstick

This relic really didn't have any super special meaning (neither did many of my organic relics). I used it to light the scented candle in my studio. I light it whenever I feel a need for focus and introspection. Not sure why I decided to save this particular one.

Weekly Challenge: Week 22 relic

2010-10-24T22:48:00.000-04:00

used matchstick

Weekly Challenge: Week 21 reliquary

2010-10-24T22:46:00.000-04:00

original floral packaging, velvet, paper, glitter, preserved gardenia corsage worn for my Mom's memorial service

Sometimes a week is just not long enough.
I wanted to keep a Victorian feel with this one and then just ran out of time.
I have a whole other idea in all white.

Weekly Challenge: Week 21 relic

2010-10-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

what it looked like on the day I wore it

preserved gardenia corsage worn for Mom's memorial service (wednesday 2/15/06).
This was also the day she was cremated.
Mom's birthday is next weekend, on October 24th, so I thought this would be appropriate. Gardenia's were one of her favorite flowers. If you asked each of my sisters what her favorite flower was, we'd all give different answers. And we would all be right. She was funny like that.

Weekly Challenge: Week 20 reliquary

2010-10-16T18:58:00.000-04:00

recycled jar, tulle, spray paint, nyc gumball machine ring

Inspired by New Orleans Voodoo shops. Oh, how I love them.

Weekly Challenge: Week 20 relic

2010-10-11T19:21:00.000-04:00

nyc gumball machine ring

I got this sometime in the 1990's while living in NYC. I have no idea where exactly or why I kept it so long. It's just one of those things that follows me around, I guess. This particular relic is part of the unintentional orange theme this month. I was also inspired by my New Orleans trip this weekend (a fabulous destination wedding, constant celebrations with my chosen family and a visit to my friend's jewelry boutique). This relic seems to encompass all that so this should be fun!

Weekly Challenge: Week 19 reliquary

2010-10-08T00:39:00.000-04:00

corsage-brooch made from leftover fabric from my wedding dress, garment tag from my wedding dress

I was at a loss about what to do with this one. On one hand I wanted to enshrine it under glass so I wouldn't lose it. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to actually iron it on like Mom asked me to in the first place. hi mom. But I didn't really want to iron it because I was afraid it would somehow lose some of its magic.
I eventually decided that it would be cathartic to just do it. And so I did.

side note: today is actually our 9 year anniversary and I will be posting my next relic on Monday since we will be out of town. cheers!

Weekly Challenge: Week 19 relic

2010-10-03T19:10:00.000-04:00

with my accomplice

with my nephew Ty

garment tag for my wedding dress (it's about 2" x 1")

My mom made my wedding dress for our October 7, 2001 wedding. I remember helping her cut it out and piece it together from two different patterns in my sister Carla's apartment (aka Hernandez headquarters). Mom had bronchitis and didn't tell us how badly she was feeling at the time. Stubborn! She eventually landed back in the hospital. She told me to hang on to the tag on which she wrote "mom '01". I was supposed to iron it into my dress. I obviously didn't (sorry mom) but I did keep it. I'll have to find a photo with a better view of the dress. It has a flamenco style train, which isn't evident in these pics.
Mom was a doll maker, quilter and loved to sew. She made all our prom dresses, and lots of our clothing as we were growing up. Of course I wanted her to make my dress! I think this may have been one of the last things she made before she ended up in and out of hospitals, until she died. Sisters, correct me if I'm wrong.

Weekly Challenge: Week 18 reliquary

2010-10-02T20:14:00.000-04:00

oxidized sterling silver, raw cut opal

My aunt is down to earth, kind, lovable and has always been there for me. She's been my second mom my whole life. She's a true flower child and I didn't want this piece to lose that feel by being flashy and shiny. I went with a virtual hug, so to speak, using a tension fit around the opal. It's worn, raw and the inner beauty shines through.

Happy Birthday auntie Donna!

Weekly Challenge: Week 18 relic

2010-09-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

raw cut opal

I've had this since I was 19-ish. While I was studying jewelry at RISD, my hauntie Donna was left with a bunch of lapidary equipment and a few jars of raw cut opals. She gave them to me as a gift right around the time I graduated.
I love looking at them but have never used any of them.
*blink*
I KNOW.
Sooooo, in honor of her birthday on October 3rd (and opal being the October birthstone) I will finally dig into the stash.

Weekly Challenge: Week 17 reliquary

2010-09-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

paperclay, acrylic paint, 32 cent Georgia O'Keeffe stamp

Ooh la la.

Weekly Challenge: Week 17 relic

2010-09-19T20:55:00.000-04:00

32 cent Georgia O'Keeffe poppy stamp (first day of issue: May 23,1996)

In 1996, I did not use or own a computer. *gasp* That didn't happen for me until 1999 (that was SO last century).
also, *gasp*

We wrote letters by hand and paid all our bills with checks (say what now?)

I still love a good stamp and have a small collection of ones I was particularly fond of.
I mean really, who doesn't love tiny art? and a nice handwritten letter every now and again is oh so lovely.

Weekly Challenge: Week 16 reliquary

2010-09-18T19:58:00.001-04:00

no better model

oxidized brass, copper, thread, nyc subway token, (new yorker, optional)

monacle smile!

Weekly Challenge: Week 16 relic

2010-09-12T12:08:00.000-04:00

New York City subway token

This "bullseye" token was minted between 1986-1990 as stated here.

I didn't actually move to NYC until June of 1991. There was only one more version of the subway token before the metro card took over for good.

Personally, I always preferred the tokens. There's something so satisfying about coins. Baby, I'll take metal over plastic any day!

Weekly Challenge: Week 15 reliquary

2010-09-11T13:25:00.000-04:00

bronze, sterling silver, collected and preserved flowers from Belle Isle

a grave marker of sorts; meant to be placed in the ground. This one begs a follow up photo once I take it back to Belle Isle...

In remembrance

2010-09-11T09:59:00.002-04:00

Weekly Challenge: Week 15 relic

2010-09-05T18:24:00.000-04:00

this is how I found my relic

this is what they looked like when I got them to the studio. the color is so delicious!

my relic is for these lost lives (and I think they meant "cannon")

the despair was palatable

flowers collected and preserved from Belle Isle, Richmond, VA

I recently went for a run on Belle Isle, a small island that's now part of the Richmond parks system. As beautiful as it is, there are still reminders all around of what it was once used for. During the Civil War it was, among other things, a prison for Union soldiers. Many men suffered terribly and then died here under horrific conditions. I'm sure the place is haunted by a thousand soldiers. I instinctively wanted to comfort them.
So as I was running, I noticed that these flowers were all over the island. Pops of fiery orange and yellow amidst the lush greenery. I noticed the same three fallen blooms during each lap around. So I photographed them and carried them home. I pressed them and those are what I'll use for this week's challenge.

Weekly Challenge: Week 14 reliquary

2010-09-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

sterling silver, resin cabochon, slate fragment

Maybe it's just me, but when I picked this one up all I kept seeing was a rabbit face. And rabbits brought me to gardens (where I found this piece of slate). And rabbits then brought me to Alice in Wonderland. And that rabbit brought me to clocks. So, you see where this one came from. And then as I was working on it, on the first day of September, a friend said "rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit". And there you have it.

also, Jessica P, this one's dedicated to you! Happy Birthday!

Weekly Challenge: Week 14 relic

2010-08-29T17:18:00.004-04:00

slate fragment

I unearthed this (and others) while prepping my front yard for a flower garden. I'm sure it's part of the old slate roof.

They're all so pretty and now I have a collection of them on my front porch.

Weekly Challenge: Week 13 reliquary

2010-08-28T22:14:00.005-04:00

heat treated copper, sterling silver, old rusty nail

I'll try to get a good shot of me wearing this in the near future...

oh man! I am in love with this one! 'nuff said.

I'm all class!

2010-08-23T00:01:00.006-04:00

or more accurately, I'll be teaching a class!

I am offering a 6 week Memorial Art & Sculpture course at PAAL this fall.

We'll start with a history of reliquaries and remembrance art. I'll have plenty of visuals, including some of my own work. You'll learn about traditional and non-traditional techniques used to create these special memorials. Then I'll help guide you while you create your own sculptural piece(s) or jewelry in memory (or celebration) of a loved one. The last class is on November 2nd, which coincides with the Mexican Dia de los Muertos. We'll have a traditional celebration of our own while we discuss and review each artist's work.

My class takes place on 6 Tuesdays, starting September 28th, from 6-8 pm. Classes will be held at the Petersburg Area Arts League in Virginia.

Click here for more info and to sign up.

Hope to see you there!

Weekly Challenge: Week 13 relic

2010-08-22T21:10:00.004-04:00

old rusty nail (2.5" long)

I have been carrying this thing around for a long time. I wish I could remember exactly where I found it but I've had it since I was a student at RISD (so it's been at least 19 years). I've kept it with my jewelry tools since I graduated. Really, I just like it.

Weekly Challenge: Week 12 reliquary

2010-08-21T21:19:00.004-04:00

sterling silver, copper, metal skeleton key charm

Weekly Challenge: Week 12 relic

2010-08-15T12:32:00.003-04:00

metal skeleton key charm (1" x 1/2")

Charlie found this a while ago, thought of me and brought it home as a gift.

I've trained him well, no?

Weekly Challenge: Week 11 reliquary

2010-08-14T14:54:00.005-04:00

sterling silver, found weathered feather

I struggled with the design of this one. The feather is so pretty and roughed up; it has so much history to it. I just wasn't sure where I wanted to go with it but finally decided on this brooch. I wanted to honor the full life I hope this bird had.

Weekly Challenge: Week 11 relic

2010-08-08T22:18:00.004-04:00

weathered feather found in the yard (it's about 4.25" long)

Weekly Challenge: Week 10 reliquary

2010-08-06T18:51:00.006-04:00

wooden frame, ribbon, a note from Mom

I felt like I needed to channel my inner girl scout camper here (since that's when she hid this for me). I always went for arts and crafts or horseback riding sessions at Timber Trails (CT girls, holla!). Yes, it's a little bright. I chose sunny mom colors and classic craft techniques to refer back to the cheeriness of the note.

I will hang this up and look at it every day. And I will try to have a great day, dammit!

Weekly Challenge: Week 10 relic

2010-08-01T19:03:00.005-04:00

a note from Mom (this one I remember. I found it in my duffel bag once I got to girl scout camp)

I recently found this envelope labeled "notes from mom". I've saved quite a few. She used to hide notes in my duffel bag when I went away to camp. She used to leave me notes on the kitchen table before I left for school. She did that a lot when I was in high school; she'd leave me a note with lunch money or a piece of candy or a cute picture of dogs from the paper or just to tell me I didn't have to "creep sit" that night (you know who you are! xo).

Especially now that she's dead, I truly cherish all the little things she used to do. It was (and still is) one of the ways we connected with each other.

Weekly Challenge: Week 9 relic

2010-07-31T20:17:00.004-04:00

bronze, sterling silver, dried coneflower

shadow of a short and beautiful life

Weekly Challenge: Week 9 relic

2010-07-25T22:44:00.006-04:00

dried coneflower from my garden (this cutting is 3" in length)

This summer has been brutal. Richmond, VA folks know that all our lawns are dead and crunchy and our gardens* are suffering in this extreme heat and humidity. And almost no rain to speak of. This poor flower barely had a chance. I just hope it's strong enough to come back next season.

*people and pets are suffering, too!

Weekly Challenge: Week 8 reliquary

2010-07-24T16:05:00.004-04:00

painted wood and brass, gemini pendant (the wingspan measures 4")

Since my dad* gave me this pendant, I decided to use Mexican folk art as my inspiration. Plus, we share a love of bold colors.

*Yes, my dad (Carlos Hernandez Chavez) is Mexican. He's also a fantastic painter, muralist, illustrator, photographer and musician. besos!

A moment

2010-07-20T20:22:00.002-04:00

...of awesome!

This is the sky above my house today just before the rain.

Weekly Challenge: Week 8 relic

2010-07-18T13:31:00.006-04:00

Gemini pendant (it's 10 mm top to bottom):

My dad gave me this (I no longer have the chain) as a birthday present when I was in 4th grade. I know because I wrote about it in my first ever journal that my teacher, Miss Benny, had us keep. And yes, I still have it. It's hilarious.

Weekly Challenge: Week 7 reliquary

2010-07-17T14:36:00.004-04:00

paperclay, acrylic paint, my rat tail

Weekly Challenge: Week 7 relic

2010-07-11T20:10:00.005-04:00

my own rat tail (which I finally cut off in the spring of 1991) It measures 16 inches. seriously.

go on. laugh it up. I'll just blame the Thompson Twins.

Weekly Challenge: Week 6 reliquary

2010-07-10T13:18:00.008-04:00

mixed media: cardboard, doilies, fake rhinestones, found photo

This one was fun to work with. I seriously had NO idea of what it would turn into. But the more I looked at this woman (see her smirk? she looks a little saucy) and the cat (so not amused) the funnier it became to me. So I went with ridiculous over serious.

fun fact: most cat owners (me included) are weirdos who really do act like complete nincompoops with their own cats. holla!

Weekly Challenge: Week 6 relic

2010-07-04T20:47:00.005-04:00

photograph found October 2008 underneath old wall to wall carpet we pulled up in our new house

*woman and cat: unknown. we do know that it's not the woman we bought the house from (who lived here 37 yrs!)

also, I see my future!

Weekly Challenge: Week 5 reliquary

2010-07-04T00:00:00.006-04:00

bronze, sterling silver, cat fangs

this piece measures 3" tall by 2" at the base

Some things I've learned so far:

1. there are not enough hours in the day or I should be cloned

2. I will need to be more proactive with budgeting my time between my studio/ my day job/ my needy cats/ running/ my drinking

3. I really need to build a new light tent. These pics are not as awesome as I want because the setup is cumbersome

4. I need to find the rest of my packed up art supplies!

Some follow up

2010-06-28T10:09:00.010-04:00

I would like to take a moment to answer a few questions that have been asked recently about my challenge.

#1. Gifts from a Stranger wanted to see a size reference for the Week 2 Reliquary. As you can see, the pod is pretty big. Also, the seeds have started to take on a life of their own!

#2. My sister Saca wanted to know who this lady was. The Widow Clicquot was actually a savvy business woman.

#3. My friend Karen wanted to know more about my process for choosing relics.

Well, I've been collecting and saving things forever. I'm sentimental like that. I never really had any plan to actually DO anything with them. They held special meaning for me and that was enough. They are my tangible memories. But since my mom died, I've been even more obsessed? fascinated? enamored? by reliquary objects. I'm even developing a funerary line of jewelry for My Precious Studio. The comfort I get on a daily basis from wearing my own reliquary necklace is something I cherish. Plus, if I can create something meaningful for another person, well, then I've made a difference I can be proud of.

When I choose my relic each week I don't always have a preconceived design in mind. Sometimes I see it and think, "wow, I know what this will become"...but only sometimes. Other times I think I know but then something else entirely crystallizes in my head.

#4. My friend Noah asked me if I was stressing out yet. He'd know, since he's the Skull-a-Day guy!

My answer then was, "not yet". Although I know it's just around the bend! I was talking about it with my friend Tracy recently. I was telling her how it's started to make me think differently. I've jump started my creative process. I know all about working with deadlines but to have this challenge out in the open is something new. Theoretically, all the world will see what I do, or don't do. I'd hate to fail. So I choose a relic and start visualizing the finished reliquary. All while thinking ahead to what my next relic will be. Hopefully it's good stress!

Weekly challenge: Week 5 relic

2010-06-27T18:18:00.006-04:00

cat teeth: fangs (each tooth measures about 3/4" in length from root to tip)

these are from my friend Noah's rescued cat, Willow. She is fine, by the way.

Weekly Challenge: Week 4 reliquary

2010-06-26T21:07:00.007-04:00

This was a happy memory to work with. Especially since I just celebrated my *gulp* 41st birthday. Turning 30 is a huge milestone for a lot of folks. I had just ended one long relationship, started a new one and had high hopes for my future. I had a lot to look forward to. *cue the line of stray cats at my doorstep*

Great champagne with great friends is where it's at people. Check it!

bronze, sterling silver, ribbon, metal champagne topper thingy

Weekly Challenge: Week 4 relic

2010-06-20T22:06:00.003-04:00

metal topper thingy from a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin (my favorite champagne) on my 30th birthday. I drank it with one of my best friends, Jessica, in Brooklyn, NY.

Weekly Challenge: Week 3 reliquary

2010-06-18T22:42:00.007-04:00

I kept thinking of a phantom limb while making this piece. And for the record, as sharp as these points are, I did not draw blood.

copper, sterling silver, rose thorn

Birthday face lift

2010-06-18T09:59:00.006-04:00

...but not THAT kind! It's my birthday today and I thought my blog could use a little redecorating. I've tweaked the look a little and I've also added a bazillion links and rearranged the categories. Happy clicking!
Cheers!

Weekly Challenge: Week 3 relic

2010-06-13T22:14:00.005-04:00

rose thorn (thorn from the first rose bush I planted at my house)

Weekly Challenge: Week 2 reliquary

2010-06-12T16:28:00.008-04:00

sterling silver, thread, found pod

Weekly challenge: Week 2 relic

2010-06-06T20:48:00.004-04:00

found pod

Weekly challenge: week one reliquary

2010-06-05T19:38:00.008-04:00

oxidized sterling silver, cat whisker

I actually made a box to sit this whole piece in, but in the end it overwhelmed this tiny little reliquary. I like it better alone.

It's like magic

2010-06-04T11:34:00.003-04:00

Rainbows are like magic.

This one (double rainbow, actually) happened yesterday and I was lucky enough to see it right in my own backyard!
I was inside at the time but thanks to a great group of friends who call each other to look at full moons and rainbows, I caught it.

Weekly challenge: Week 1 relic

2010-05-30T12:58:00.003-04:00

cat whisker

Weekly challenge

2010-05-30T11:49:00.008-04:00

I have decided that I need a creative jump start of sorts. I really need to get back into my studio for some serious work. You can read some background here. I've been kicking this idea around for a while now but just needed a kick in the butt to just dive in and start. I was inspired by my friend Noah and his Skull-a-Day project.

Memorial Day seemed like an appropriate time to start as we remember the lives and sacrifices of our fallen soldiers.

Here's my challenge:
I will be making one reliquary per week for a year. I will post a photo of the relic on Sunday and then will post the finished reliquary by Saturday.

What is a relic?
It's something saved from the past; something kept in remembrance; souvenir; memento;
the remains of a deceased person; remaining parts or fragments; a surviving trace of something.
(memento, keepsake, souvenir, token, remnant, fragment, antique, reminder, memorial, trophy, remembrance, ruins)
I will be using everything from cremated remains (of my beloved pets) to found objects, and everything in between.

What is a reliquary?
It's a repository or receptacle for relics; a container for relics
(shrine, niche, sanctuary, altar, grave, container, vessel, box, case)
I will not be limiting myself to only making jewelry. Some may become jewelry objects, some may not.

Why make reliquaries?
It may seem morbid to some but I am a sucker for sentimental/mourning jewelry and art. Victorian mourning jewelry and art, the Mexican culture surrounding Dia de los Muertos and ancient Egyptian culture are huge influences in my personal life and art. One foot in life, one foot in death. Memento mori reminds us, not so subtly, that we are mere mortals and will all die someday. Remembering deceased loved ones keeps them alive in our hearts. I wear one everyday. It's a necklace I made with my mother's ashes in it. I am wearing it in the photo above, taken by my sister Carla.
Don't worry though, I won't be all gloomy. Promise!

Okay then, here I go!

Some inspiration: Al Farrow

2010-05-27T18:46:00.006-04:00

Oh my goodness y'all! I recently discovered these AMAZING reliquary sculptures by artist Al Farrow and needed to share. As you may know, I will be taking on a self-imposed challenge of making a reliquary a week for the next year. I will begin this challenge on Sunday (Memorial Day seems appropriate) and will post all the info this weekend.
Until then, please check out the rest of Al Farrow's series. They are intense.

Changes on the way

2010-05-19T15:25:00.002-04:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my jewelry business and have decided that I need a creative jump start. The first year following my mom's death I was all go, go, go and then a sort of grey cloud emerged and took over. All my adrenaline was used up. I was suffering a deep depression. I've been struggling with getting my mojo back ever since. Granted, I've had bursts of creativity throughout the past years but it just hasn't been the same. I've always been melancholy and that's okay with me. I can work with that. In fact, it kind of fits in with my focus on funerary jewelry. I just need to get my creative juices really flowing again. Exercise has done wonders for my mood. Great friends and family (and my many cats) who support me are also wonderful. But I ain't getting any younger! It's GO time again.
So, I've decided that I need to give myself some projects/ goals. One thing I would like to start doing here on this blog is a weekly art/jewelry project. I'm about 90% sure of the parameters so far. I'm thinking of some sort of weekly reliquary project; maybe post the raw materials on Sunday and then the finished piece by Saturday.
What do you think? Have any suggestions on getting back one's creative mojo?

Spring Bada Bing! Sunday April 18!

2010-04-12T12:13:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again, folks. Richmond's Spring Bada Bing! craft show time!
THIS Sunday, April 18th, from 11am - 4pm at Plant Zero.
Visit My Precious Studio at table 12. Come by and see all the wonderful things we'll have to offer!

Flowers on the brain!

2010-03-31T12:18:00.008-04:00

It's that time of year when all I can think about is, "what will my garden look like this year?"
The weather has been warm and rainy (the worms in my garden are being very productive) and spring flowers and trees are blossoming. I've got a lot of ideas for my gardens this year. A. LOT. but we'll get to that later.
The one flower I NEEDED to plant last year were dahlias. They are my all time favorite flower. I grew some successfully last year and it seems they survived the winter. I brought cut dahlias into my studio and once they dried I just couldn't throw them away. The color was still so pretty!
So....I decided to use them in my jewelry. They can live on!
I made some rings and some reliquary stud earrings (which I just added to my Etsy shop) using these dried dahlia petals. They are precious.
Now you can take the garden with you where ever you go!

ps-the flowers in the photos are the actual ones used in the earrings

Wednesday in the studio

2010-02-17T18:25:00.003-05:00

Some Things I Still Remember

2010-02-10T11:13:00.028-05:00

Today is the 4 year anniversary of my mom's death. It sucks on so many levels, but it is what it is. Every year I go through the same ritual; I remember the day I signed the papers to take her off of life support. I remember our last visit together. I remember picking out her plot at the cemetery. It's like the memories are part of my physical body. They pop up so vividly it amazes me sometimes. It feels like I'm trapped in a time bubble where I relive the past over and over again. Just hit 'replay'. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't all sadness and grief. We had some fun times grieving. But this year hit me harder than last year. Not sure why.
So I've decided to share some things I remember from her last days.

the stained glass window in her living room

the jewelry I wore as she died in the hospital

the blizzard before the wake

digging out in the snow with my sisters

filling up the car with flowers from Trader Joes to set up at the wake

walking into the viewing room for the first time

the full moon on the night of her wake

picking up mom after cremation

taking mom on a tour; on her front porch with Carla

video chat with my sisters while unwrapping her ashes for the cremation necklaces I made

mom and me (nope, don't remember this but I like it)

Of course, there are a million details that I remember from that time. I'm sure I always will...at least until I become senile *wink*.

What snowstorm? Shop online!

2010-01-30T12:27:00.004-05:00

Valentines Day is just around the corner and lucky for you, I'm kind of obsessed with hearts. We're having some serious snowfall here in Richmond, VA so what better time to add to my Etsy shop. I'll be adding more items during the week so please check back.

Featured in The Storque!

2010-01-27T15:01:00.003-05:00

Once again, my large wing ring has been featured on Etsy. This time in The Storque: "Etsy Finds: The Connection is Strong"
Thanks for all the love, Etsy!

RVA press

2009-11-30T11:02:00.005-05:00

Thanks RVA Magazine for including me in the Bizarre Market Holiday article!

Free shipping!

2009-11-30T10:50:00.005-05:00

Free shipping! I will be offering free standard shipping on all orders placed through my website and through my Etsy site. This offer ends in ONE WEEK (ends at noon Monday December 7th, eastern standard time).

Check out my booty!

2009-11-24T20:27:00.008-05:00

all boxed up and ready for delivery...

sneak peek! these rings are kind of an experiment for something I'm working on. I arranged some dried dahlia petals (from my garden) underneath these acrylic cabs. I think they came out pretty cool. I apologize for the not so great photo. They really do look better in person...

Bizarre Market Holiday at Chop Suey Tuey, Richmond, VA
Black Friday through Christmas Eve

Next up...Handmade Holiday!!!

Lullaby

2009-11-07T13:40:00.009-05:00

my piece on display at Art6 Gallery in Richmond, VA.
title: Lullaby
materials: oxidized sterling silver ring, dirt as display

ThinkSmall5 opening this week

2009-11-03T19:20:00.013-05:00

I created a piece for the biennial installment of ThinkSmall5. The show opens officially on Friday November 6, 2009 at Art6 & Artspace Galleries here in Richmond, VA. There is a special preview party on Thursday (tickets can be purchased from Artspace).
There will be lots of small works by some great artists. This event is a fundraiser for both galleries so artworks are priced under $400 to sell and raise some funds.

Here's a sneak peek at my piece.

Hope to see you there!