Catch Up // Happenings + Inspiration

It's been a packed couple weeks and though I've been taking lots of photos, I haven't put together posts on each topic.  Instead of fretting or letting photos go to waste, I've created a mash-up cheater post to share with you ....everything all at once!  Sneaky-sneaky...  and enjoy xoxo

Emma Robertson of Emma Dime and Lo Crosier of LoCro invited a bunch of ladies over for happy hour at their co-joined studio spaces {dreamy}.  Also check it: Emma's book just came out! http://amzn.to/1gACDTe

Made this little rosecut diamond ring for Heather and Jon.  Jon actually made the band himself!

After getting back from the Grand Canyon and Zion, I was hungry for a good view... so I went for a 10 mile run on Mt. Tam.  Lovely.

For some reason I got a crazy craving for oysters, so I drove out to The Marshall Store and ate a dozen BBQs with a buddy.  We then stopped at Tomales Oyster Co. and picked up a sack to BBQ at my childhood friend's house in West Marin.  This here is a Golden Nugget, a name right after my jeweler heart.

Uh, did I mention we got featured in SUNSET MAGAZINE?!  Guess I should have mentioned that, it was such a huge honor!  My neighbors Marion and Rose + Umami Mart were featured as well.

Took an overnight to my namesake/god-auntie's house in Sebastopol.  We had a campfire with wine and great conversation, and I did an early morning jog through the orchards the next day.  I also did an Enneagram and discovered I am a 7-- The Enthusiast/Epicure.

Just a pretty Oakland Sunset captured from my bedroom window.

Took a weekend trip to my Grandpa's house near Whiskytown Lake, and took the boat out for a picnic.

Found a bunch of old photos at my Grandpa's house, this one is of the two of us.  He calls me Katy-Bird.

My favorite place to sleep in the whole world, out on my Grandpa's porch during the summer.  Crickets singing, stars blarring.

Hiked out to Alamere Falls/ Bass Lake.  I grew up in West Marin and unbelievably had never been before.  Gonna go back with my bathing suit for a dip next time.

Bass Lake is a 3 mile hike in from Mesa Road in Bolinas.

The Falls.  Like Whoa.

Walked out to the new tower on the Bay Bridge.  Pretty awesome.  It's 7 miles round-trip though, so wear sunscreen {this dummy forgot}.

Got out my sandcasting tools to craft a special ring for a client who wanted to use silver her Dad had given her, in remembrance.  

The result.  

That about brings us up to date, friends.  xoxo

L O V E + M E T A L 

S P R E A D T H E L O V E

CLASS SCHEDULE // Fall 2013

All summer we've been hearing that you want jewelry making classes, so voila!  We are offering 4 classes before the end of the year.

Please be aware that we will not be adding any more courses, so clear your calendar and dig in for some soul-moving type fun.  Classes are super small and intimate with lots of time with instructor, Kate Ellen.  She will focus on introducing concepts with hands on practice and practical advice for getting started for both hobbyists and pros learning new skills.  We don't sell you anything once you arrive, so just come with some creativity and an open mind.

If you would like to offer this class as a gift for a friend or honey, please email crown.nine@gmail.com or purchase a Gift Certificate online (we ship you a gift card).  Space is limited to 6 people per class.

CLASS OFFERINGS

Wax Carving

SATURDAY | September 21 | 4-7 PM

SATURDAY | December 7   | 8-11:30 AM

Mitsuro Wax

SATURDAY | October 19  | 3-7 PM

Sawing

SATURDAY | November 9 | 4-7 PM

S P R E A D T H E L O V E

Mitsuro Class This Sunday

This Sunday afternoon I will be teaching a really special technique that is close to my heart: Mitsuro.

Mitsuro is a technique dating back to 760 AD in Japan, and is an art that is being kept alive by a very small group of artists.  I started experimenting with the wax myself, but it's a super finicky formula that changes with the weather, the seasons, and the quality of the ingredients.  I have finally found a recipe that I like to use, a modification from one that an artist in Washington shared with me.  It takes a few hours of cooking, I do it in my kitchen in a pot, and the house fills with an incense-like aroma of pine resin and beeswax.  

The real draw for me to Mitsuro is how free and loose the process is.  Usually when carving waxes I am planned out in advance, I have a specific thing I am intent on making.  With Mitsuro, the process is totally guided by the material, I can only make it do so much and I have to make quick decisions and not get attached to any particular outcome.  I think part of the reason why I am so attracted to jewelry crafting is because it really gets me connected to some spiritual lessons I need to learn about acceptance, patience, letting go, and being present in the moment.  You really can't bully or force your way through the craft, which is a great check on my temperament which tends to be fast moving and forward-looking.  I love being at my bench, being totally quiet, and letting the practice alone be enough.

In the class, students will learn about the history of this craft, which is only being practiced by a handful of American artists, as well as how to source ingredients, how to cook your own recipe, and each student will get to choose an object to cast in silver.  Students will also go home with a small batch of the wax so that they can begin practicing right away.

See more details on the class >>>

Email me if you have any questions about the class: crown.nine@gmail.com

S P R E A D T H E L O V E