Susanna's Sketchbook:

This is what I've been working on this week. Well, that and cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen. Both projects are coming along slowly but it's satisfying taking stock of what we already have in both the kitchen and in the art room. Now I have an idea of what to make for dinners this week and all those empty spice containers currently soaking in the sink will hold the beads, chains, and fasteners scattered across my drafting table.

These two necklaces are destined for two very good friends of mine, Jodi and Moe, who I'll be meeting up with tonight for a girl's night in with pizza, wine, conversation and laughter. The necklaces are made with old chandelier crystals found in a junk store, chains and fasteners from Michaels and bits of metal details that I bought from Metalliferous in New York several years ago. Jodi has a thing for rusty ol' whatnots and she's been wondering what to make with the chandelier crystals. I hope she likes what I did with them.

I've always thought these little rusty pieces looked like insects. Next time I'm in the city, I think I'll pick up a few more of these - fingers crossed Metalliferous will still have them! - and experiment with painting on metal. It would be interesting to see if I can achieve a permanent, dark iridescent look on the surface. If you have any suggestions how to do that, please let me know. I'd certainly appreciate your advice.

On a similar note, eb is currently making these really cool patterns with rusty bits and fabric. I think they are quite fascinating, particularly because they are made by wrapping the metal in fabric and leaving the bundles outside for a while so nature plays a part in the final designs.

Ahhh...the early days of January. I haven't made any resolutions for the New Year or picked a theme word for 2012 or drawn up blue prints for accomplishing goals over the next twelve months. Not yet. You see, a wish and some effort were sent out into the world a few months ago and I'm waiting now to see what will appear on the horizon. Fingers crossed, God willing, it will happen!

In the meantime, there is pleasure to be found in the quiet, slower pace of this month. Holiday decorations are back in storage, closets are being reorganized and new-to-me lighter recipes have been bookmarked and printed out for future experiments in the kitchen (if you have a favourite vegetarian recipe, please send it my way.)

I've also been playing with chains and old chandelier crystals in my little art room. It's been such an enjoyable experience and the hours have slipped by easily as I adjust the layout or length of a necklace. This is the first one that I made. It's pretty simple. I may fiddle around with it again tomorrow. Tonight, though, I made another necklace that I am goshdarn excited about! I'll post a picture of it on Sunday night - after I give it to a friend as a belated Christmas present.

And you, what are you up to these days?