What Are You Working on Now? Show Us Your Stuff AND Enter Our June Contest!

It's that time again, folks! Each month we can't wait to get a peek inside your studios, see images of your works-in-progress, and hear about the evolution of your pieces. Each month we also feature the work of a random winner—who, in addition to getting a moment in the spotlight, wins a $10 Rio credit!

This month’s submissions were impressive and wildly diverse! They included some really exciting and experimental copper chasing/repousse, a spinning woven bead ring, a jasper belt buckle complete with horse and cactus, and some bold, colorful resin bangles! All that and MORE too—check it out for yourself!

And the winner this month is Erin Austin of Eureka, CA. Here’s what Erin had to say about what she’s been working on lately:

I’m currently working on some new pieces featuring partial bezels/alternative bezels and beach pottery. My mom collected a good bit of this tumbled pottery on a trip to Mexico and I’ve been thinking about incorporating it in my works for a couple of years now, but just couldn’t seem to make it work. Similarly, I was an assistant for a surface embellishment workshop last summer and in my down time created a few etched and roller printed bezels that have also been waiting for the perfect project.

Enter the Brooch A Week challenge taking place on Flickr this year! I tend to go exploring with these challenges, but I also like to work through a design a few times. Up until now my brooches have mainly dealt with exploring the fibula and then moving parts, but last week I suddenly knew that I needed to pull out the pottery and roller printed bezels. 

They are open on the back so the wearer can still have contact with the tumbled tile.
I’m still working out their chains, but so far I’m pleased.

Thanks for reading!

I visited Erin’s Etsy Store, Erin Austin Design—where she calls herself a "Small Metals Artist" (which suits her!) and what I found inspired me. Erin’s work is inventive, outside-the-box, wearable, and prolific. Don’t be surprised if you see me walking down the street in an Erin Austin Design sometime next week! Several of her pieces have already made their way to my shopping cart.

Here are a few favorites:

Now it's your turn to show us what you're working on. What inspires you these days? What materials are you dying to work with? Add a comment to this post with photos of something that's on your bench right now. This next part is REALLY important, so take notes!

WE NEED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN ORDER FOR YOUR ENTRY TO BE CONSIDERED:

1. 1.Your full name (and a link to your website/Etsy store, if you like)
2. A photo of your chosen project. Include a few photos if you like!
3. A description of the project you're featuring. If you can include a little about your approach or technique, even better! Your fellow jewelers LOVE to read this stuff and so do we.
4. After you add your comment, be sure to check back and make sure your photo has uploaded as it should. We don't want to miss your pic!

Enter and you might be spending an extra 10 bucks at Rio Grande this time next month. Our next winner will be in the spotlight in June—Amy, over at Rio's facebook page will keep you posted on the deadline, so stay tuned!

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