Hello Wire Harmony friends,
New Brand
Let me first say that I am updating my brand! I started this journey about 5 years ago with wire, which I still use to a degree, but I have moved on to all sorts of metal techniques and using sheet for fabrication, piercing, enameling, etc. So, "Wire" doesn't quite cover it anymore. "Harmony", yes! My connection with nature and the source remains strong. In the last couple years, I have been much more focused on my yoga practice. This has brought me more fitness, strength, flexibility, wonderful friends, peace of mind...and inspiration! So much has progressed. So, I thought a more fitting brand is "Wire Harmony Metal Arts". I think that says it all.Education and Community
I have been enjoying camaraderie, information and machinery at the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society for a couple years now. That is where I cut my stones and use the rolling mill. It is also a wonderful community of rock hounds and silver freaks! (Said with great love.)
sdmg.org
In the fall of last year, I started my journey (with proper instruction, ha ha) into copper enameling. I had been futzing and winging it with my torch and books,You Tube etc. at home but it was super frustrating! I am so blessed to be going to San Diego Continuing Ed. at Pt. Loma with Master Enamelist Rick Schneider. You may see him at the Enamel Guilt in Spanish Village at Balboa Park. He is so patient with the students and is a never ending fountain of information.
sdce.edu
As 2016 came roaring up, I am determined to move into the official on-line sales realm. I have been on-line posting for a while, but have not used a sales platform that takes me and my phone out of the equation. I am learning about Wix, which is an amazing site builder. It also has a blog option, which will likely take the place of blogspot. Time to pull it together with one interface. I also plan to sell on crafty sites such as Etsy, but these days you need to spread yourself out there in multiple places.
I had a brilliant idea while running one day (that's when they all come) to create a new blog with my new site that includes interviews with local creative inspirational people. I have so many friends who are amazingly creative and pushing all kinds of boundaries. This inspires me so much, I know it will inspire my readers. It's all in the idea stage right now, but I can see how it is going to happen and can't wait to pick their brains.
New Retailer
Speaking of which, I have been blessed (again!) by meeting Tracey Plascencia, a tennis instructor for my kids, and a yogini! She is the owner and instructs at Mt. Yoga in Poway. She liked my jewelry and has agreed to display my yoga inspired pieces. I am so excited about this opportunity! I am hard at work building up work for a display.
mtyoga.org
I am also working on getting into a handful of great art shows this year. I think quality, not quantity is the key here. But patience, drive, hard work and some luck also play into this. It's tough to be told "no" sometimes, but it happens to anyone who extends past their comfort zone. Who wants to join with me this year in pushing your limits???
Small Biz Conference
My last note will be about a conference that I am attending this April in Ventura through Dear Handmade Life. I heard some of their podcasts and I know of the Patchwork Festival in Santa Ana and Long Beach. I get to learn from and rub elbows with guru creative entrepreneurs! I am learning about the business end of this venture, which is all new to me. Thanks to my amazingly supportive hubby Craig, for making this happen!!
dearhandmadelife
That hits the highlights, friends. Thank you to so many of you who have supported Wire Harmony Metal Arts with kind FB and Instagram posts, coming to my shows and buying my pieces. You guys are the best.
Here are a few new pieces for fun.
Namaste,
Sarah
Gallery
