Stacking it On!

Remember just a year ago, I needed counseling to be in the same room with my torch? Now, just get out of my way, I am hell-bent on melting stuff down!  That's because, in my hiatus from writing, I took two very inspiring classes from two very inspiring women, Mary Hettmansperger and Diane Falkenhaven.  Both women have mastered alternative textures on metals and have generously imparted their many years of practice and wisdom on the likes of eager newbies like me.  I'm anxious to see how these new skills impregnate whatever is hatched next.

Birdy Frame necklace

One of the things I learned was that you can do some very interesting things to copper with a standing torch. 

Gertie's necklace front

& back

Reticulated & patina'd drops with Copper Rivets

 That fueled my curiosity of the reticulation process: a totally superficial delight given by repeatedly almost melting and then quenching a piece of silver.  I was born to do this!

Reticulated & patina'd drops

Assorted new work

On other fronts, I fulfilled my very first wholesale order to Timothy’s Gallery in Winter Park, Florida.  It was a BIG order for me and I wasn't sure I would be able to pull it off.  But, in spite of myself, I did pull it off!  (This might be a good segue into a story about the REAL reason my business is called Maggie's MELTDOWN, but let's leave that for another post.)

Finally, stackers--lots of 'em!  I found myself with a new standing torch and a bunch of silver wire and no one around to say ENOUGH ALREADY!  So, have I got a deal for you....

Now, where is the fire extinguisher?