Taking the Plunge

Last week, I spent approximately $172 million dollars on new tools and supplies, thanks to a fabulous book I’m reading. Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making is a delightful tome that teaches far more than soldering alone. Obviously, I don’t consider myself a beginner, but I am new to many of the techniques […]
The Captivating Beauty of Larimar

It seems like everyone is talking about larimar these days, and it’s no wonder why. This sky-blue beauty, found only in one part of the Dominican Republic, possesses a mesmerizing allure that captures the essence of the ocean and sky. Larimar is a rare gemstone that originates in the majestic mountains of the Dominican Republic. […]
By the Sea

I had hoped to introduce my summer collection, By the Sea, in time for, well, summer. A wind storm and shipping slow-downs have ensured that won’t happen, but I’m almost there! This collection combines the aqua and turquoise, sky-blue, and delicate brown tones of a gentle beach, where sea grass and bleached wood abound. The […]
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

The Tiny Oak family (that would be my partner and our two boys) spent Saturday morning outdoors, enjoying time with friends and staying in the shade to beat the increasingly intense Oklahoma heat. Despite the busy morning, we were all up late, which is why we were able to get the warning, just around midnight, […]
Playing with Fire, Part 3

Last week, I talked about creating silicone rubber molds for metal clay, attempting to use said molds with said clay, and the trials and travails of equipment failure and lack of experience. I had ordered some new supplies and was ready to dive into new ventures. As I waited for my supplies to arrive, I […]
Playing with Fire, Part 2

Last week’s post took a somber turn as I contemplated the depth of meaning behind this year’s Memorial Day. This week starts on a cheerier note with some exciting updates from my time at the bench! Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of successes, setbacks, learning curves, and a few equipment failures. I took last […]
Playing With Fire

I’m finding it difficult to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. As the symbolic start of summer, it’s a festive occasion filled with sales, barbecues and pool parties. Conversely, it’s a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in war. This reflection inevitably leads to the somber […]
Picture Perfect or AI-fails? Unveiling the Quirky Side of Product Photography with AI Magic

While browsing Facebook, I came across an offer for 20 free images from one of several companies now offering AI-assisted background enhancements for product photography. I’m a sucker for AI, so I couldn’t resist. I moseyed over to the website and happily signed up for an account, and was immediately granted access to the technology. […]
Do You See What I See?

I have colored-grapheme synesthesia, which means that I perceive letters, numbers and many symbols as having an inherent color—and not just any color, but a very specific hue that has remained consistent my entire life. I have a positive or negative reaction to certain words and number combinations based strictly on how well or how […]
I Cleaned My Room

I’ve carved out my studio in a converted porch that previously served as my boys’ playroom. It’s still a collection point for toys and craft supplies, but I am gradually making it mine. My stuff is stored with varying degrees of organization, from obsessively sorted, to artfully messy, to utterly chaotic. When I learned today […]
Welcome, May!

Welcome to May! In many cultures, the first of May has long been celebrated as a spring festival, marking the beginning of the warm and fertile months of the year. In Europe, this festival is often associated with ancient pagan traditions and the worship of fertility goddesses like Flora and Maia. Festive maypoles, flower garlands, […]
Mad for Magenta

Do you totally geek out over color? I do. I get super excited when Pantone announces the Color of the Year. Ten years ago I painted my bathroom in the 2013 selection, “Emerald,” which happens to be a close match for the green in the Tiny Oak logo’s little leaf. “Veri Peri” in 2022 validated […]