2 Dog Studios

How chain mail catapulted me out of my comfort zone

2011-02-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

I hate being photographed or, worse, filmed. Although, I don’t mind it if I’m spinning with my fire troupe, because it’s easy to look cool while spinning fire (left) -- well, unless you burn off your hair or singe your eyelashes. And, yes, I have experienced both (and let me warn you: melted mascara is very difficult to remove). But I was recently catapulted out of my comfort zone by an opportunity to host a new Jewelry Classes on Demand video called “Chain Mail Techniques: 5 Basic Weaves & More” (available mid-April 2011). I’ll admit, my love of chain mail is one of my weaknesses. Ask me to demonstrate, talk, teach, or learn about chain mail -- not only am I in, but I’ll drag any willing (or even not-so-willing) participants with me.

Besides filming the video tutorial, in which I demonstrated five basic chain mail weaves (European 4-in-1, box chain, Byzantine chain, round mail, and inverted round mail), I recently had another opportunity to pass on the love of chain mail. My husband is a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and when his “little brother” asked a question about the dragon scale bracelet I was working on, I saw my opening. Shortly after our conversation, that 12-year-old boy was picking out jump rings and planning a box chain bracelet-and-necklace set for a Christmas present, even though he had never made any jewelry before. He was so proud and excited when he finished (as were we), that he didn’t even wait until Christmas to give that gorgeous silver-and-magenta set to his mom.

He’s a fast learner and eager to learn all the weaves I taught in the video, but he still really wants to learn dragon scale. So, we made a deal: If he will learn and memorize the five weaves from the video, beginning to end, then I will teach him dragon scale. To help segue both of us into developing strong metalworking skills, I've found the perfect chain mail project, “Dragon Scale.” It’s a chain mail cuff with a silver focal plate.

When I teach, I’m constantly reminded of how both I and my students feel liberated when we get out of our comfort zones. That artistic stretching is empowering for everyone, and Art Jewelry March 2011 issue explores some great real-life examples of this in their annual education issue. In “The Many Faces of the Modern Apprenticeship,” you can learn how master jewelers and apprentices have developed symbiotic relationships to enhance each other’s careers. And you can read about the impact silversmith Emil Kronquist had on the hundreds of metalsmiths he taught. But you don't have to be part of a formal apprenticeship to be inspired or inspire others. Your catalyst could be that one teacher, article, video, book, piece of jewelry or unsuspecting 12-year-old boy with a question.

Dreaming of the Upcoming Summer Events

2011-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

So, anyone else manage to break or forget all those New Year Resolutions yet? Was your Resolution to find a creative outlet? Perhaps try more new hobbies? If so, 2 Dog Studios can help you out with that. Join us at the largest consumer bead show this summer in Milwaukee! The 2011 Bead&Button Show boasts teachers from around the world - but if you want to join in the classes that will be the most fun, check out Theresa Abelew's resin classes!

Recycled Resin Bracelet
Tue. June 7 • 7:00pm-10:00pm or Wed. June 8 • 4:00pm-7:00pm

Love to recycle? Come and explore this alternative use for scrap tissue paper. These bracelets are a unique canvas for self-expression. Students will make two bracelets that shine like glass yet are lightweight and durable. Since this is generally a two-day process, not only will you build the foundation for a bracelet to take home and complete, you will also be given a prepared foundation to segment, drill, link, and wear out of the class.

Rare Resin Bezel Bracelet
Fri. June 10 • 5:00pm-8:00pm or Sun. June 12 • 9:00am-noon
One part resin to one part hardener yields amazing results. Come and explore the versatility and beauty of resin. Each bezel is a unique canvas for self-expression. Learn how to play with color, paper, found objects, and molding compound. Once cured, your pieces can be linked into a rare and distinctive bracelet or worn individually as brilliant necklace pendants. The only limit is your imagination.

Ok, maybe you're not the classroom type, the Bead&Button Show hosts a mega marketplace with nearly 400 jewelry vendors! Speaking of summer art shows (and the dreams of blue skies and flip flops), if there are any upcoming shows you would like to see 2 Dog Studios participate in please let me know. We are just starting the application process for the upcoming season, but the shows will be finalized in the upcoming weeks and months. Be sure to check out our events calendar on our Facebook page. For those of you who can still resist the urge to join Facebook, no worries, you don't need a Facebook account to see the calendar - just click here!

One last thing - next time your near a magazine rack, be sure to check out the March 2011 issue of BeadStyle. The March Reader Gallery (pages 10-11) are featuring my work with vintage components. When I can get my paws on some of those images I'll be sure to post about them in an upcoming blog!

Dog Tired

2010-11-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

There are few certain things in life – death, taxes and puppies will try to eat anything. However, the puppy is proving to be the most expensive of the three. Under the cold glow of x-ray films at 2am last night the hubby and I were deep in conversation with an Emergency Veterinarian. As we discussed surgical options and went over the estimates, I realized I spent less purchasing my first car, (granted, it was a Ford Festiva, but still). Although you can’t put a price on love, the credit card companies have no problem figuring out an exorbitant percentage rate if you don’t pay off a life saving surgery in six months. So, between the lack of sleep and being fueled solely by caffeine today, if sense making I am not, please blame the dog.

Flying Monkeys in the News - AGAIN!

2010-10-13T10:31:00.001-07:00

The Joy of Teaching

2010-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

The new puppy was doing really well learning how to play Fetch. She would return the toy, drop it, lay down and stay while the toy was thrown, I’d give the release command and she’d bolt to the toy and start over. The last time I reached for the toy the game abruptly ended the same time as her attention span. I discovered that an enthusiastic, 45-pound puppy head is phenomenally hard when you stop it’s upward momentum using only your face. There was some blood and I sounded a bit like Mushmouth from Fat Albert, but I achieved the perfect full-lipped Hollywood Pout in mere seconds from the comfort of my own home. Hmmm, perhaps it’s time my dogs earn their kibble and start a side business... Perfectly Pouted by Zophia. And if things go awry, at least Halloween is just around the corner.

Can't Get Enough Flying Monkeys?

2010-09-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that the Editors of BeadStyle magazine have a good sense of humor about jewelry! Check out the Editor column from the September 14th newsletter.

Pirates & Pearls

2010-08-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Pink Punk Pirate

As the holiday that officially marks the end of summer draws near, the sounds of preparation are punctuated with bursts of, “Aarrrr!” and “Avast me Hearties!” That’s right, September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Piratical silliness has spread like fleas on a pack of scurvy dogs, as all the online Pirate-themed pages can attest. So, don your Capt. Jack Sparrow wig, parrot or skull and crossbones jewelry, slog that grog, shake up your normal speech pattern and ye’ll be swaggerin’ with all ye fine Pirattitude on this grand an d glorious holiday. After all, winter is nearly upon us and around here it’s hard to swagger in snowboots.

Wilma Flintstone meets Morticia Addams

Lampwork Day of the Dead Skull and Bone from Check Glass (Jan Burrows and John Hurlbert) in New Orleans

Flying Monkeys - part 2

2010-08-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

As promised, my updated Flying Monkey with coordinating earrings.

A Wicked Little Flying Monkey

2010-08-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

I read the book Wicked ages ago, (along with all the other Maguire novels), but until recently the only exposure to the musical I had was the Glee rendition of Defying Gravity. I joined a dozen family members (and friends) and finally saw the musical Wicked. Since this was the first time seeing Wicked for both my Mom and I we decided that we needed to commemorate the occasion with new jewelry. After throwing together a little molding compound, resin, sparkly dye, sharpies, more resin, oodles of chain and two paper punches, (one sustained a mortal injury - jewelry creation isn't for the weak), we finally came up with the Flying Monkey pendant!

Evidently a strange sense of humor is hereditary – upon hearing of our latest creation, the rest of the group put in their requests for a “Wicked” Flying Monkey of their own.

Before the show - Some of the group sporting their various Flying Monkey pins & pendants.

This little guy was mine. The Scarecrow's head is a response to a suggestion from my Father.

He has since been de-gruesomized - new photos coming soon!

Age + Activities is Directly Proportional to Pain + Suffering

2010-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to understand that a longer recovery time is directly proportionate to an increase in age and activities. The first year I went to the Bead&Button show I was completely fine the next morning, but now... Well, it’s been several weeks since the show closed and I’m still not quite up to snuff. I started feeling the effects during the show and tried to compensate with dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Although delicious, it’s a slippery caffeinated slope and I’m once again drinking fully caffeinated coffee in the morning. In preparation for next year, I need to start looking for a portable espresso machine...

Paper & Resin

2010-05-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Trying to free up some space around the house I came across a giant box of photos. It was such a wide range of embarrassing, yet youthful images of me. Everything from being the AquaNet soaked walking fire hazard with blue mascara and an oversized string of pearls, to the poodle-permed, acid-washed denim everything, to the grunge flannels, combat boots and purple hair. I wish I could say those were from costume parties, but in my diluted teenaged mind I was stylin’. You’d think my parents would have tried to stop me, but I think they were too busy trying not to laugh at my appearance.

Perhaps that’s how Facebook came about. Just think of it, you have a giant box of embarrassing, yet highly entertaining photos of old friends. You just want to share the laughter, right? Well, what better way than to post all those hilarious images of your friends. Note I didn’t say photos of yourself – those usually get posted by your friends trying to share in the hilarity. But those “friends” weren’t ever known for their comedic style and come to think of it, you’re not sure why you would have ever hung out with such an un-funny bunch of people like that in the first place. But then seeing your photo with the stir-up leggings, oversized shirt and giant silver chain belt – perhaps it’s a small miracle anyone still talks to you after all.

The majority of my jewelry from this period in my life has gone to that big jewelry box in the sky, but I used to love bracelets, the more the better. Half of my arms would be covered in a multitude of colorful jellies, or dozens of cheap metal bangles, or when I could sneak it from my mom’s dresser, a vintage turquoise and brass cuff (although looking at it now, it is a bit reminiscent of the Wonder Woman cuff). Then right around college I stopped wearing most jewelry, but now ...mumble, mumble... years later, I am rediscovering and embracing my giant and colorful jewelry past. This year I’ve been letting some of those past memories guide me on my experiments with colored tissue paper and resin. Here are a few early samples of the bracelets and earring sets to come...

On The Road Again...

2010-04-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Living in Wisconsin
+ Having family several hundreds of miles away
+ A hubby doesn't like flying
= Really, really long road trips

Some people dread the family road trip, but we really enjoy getting out on the open road. We stuff the iPod full of PodQuizzes and music and drag along a bag full of books and a few small projects. Then throw in the cooler full of drinks and snacks (human & canine) add in a dog or two and we are ready to hit the road.

Before our last trip down south my latest shipment of jump rings from Blue Buddha Boutique just came in. Too excited to wait until after the trip, I packed a small bag with jewelry tools and supplies. I had taken a chainmaille class at the Bead&Button show a few years back, and really loved the design that Colin Mahler taught, but between my middle-age memory and general lack of jump ring measurement prowess I ordered the wrong sized rings. Being the stubborn Scorpio that I am, I was unwilling to admit defeat and having several hundred miles left of the first leg of our journey I started playing with new designs. I’m a complete novice with chainmaille – but I think I created something pretty unique and rather fun.

So, without further ado, I’d like to present my roadtrip creation, the “Anansi Knot” bracelet and earring set. This particular set has been donated to our favorite rescue group, Milwaukee ARC for the auction at their annual Spayghetti & No Balls Bash. If you are in Milwaukee on April 16th, be sure to pick up your ticket for the upcoming bash!

Oh, and if you are wondering about the name, "Anansi Knot," with the eight spokes on each knot I thought it was reminicent of the trickster of many West African and Carribean folktales, Anansi the Spider. (Thank you to Neil Gaiman & his books “American Gods” and “Anansi Boys” for the inspiration on the name.)

2010-03-17T18:26:00.001-07:00

I have often heard, (and have even said), “You already have (x-amount) of animals, what’s one more?” Well, that certainly backfired on me. My husband and I help out local animal rescues by fostering injured, sick, and/or very young cats and dogs. In the beginning the hardest thing was letting them go, now I’m finding it harder to figure out appropriate names. A few weeks ago, my husband, (an even bigger sucker for animals than I am), brought home a mom with FIVE one-week old kittens (4 boys and 1 girl). Sure, I had a name or two in the queue, but they are more like dog names, not really appropriate for a cat, and certainly not enough for an entire litter! So, I started asking around for an idea or name suggestion - or six...

I was so impressed with the variety of names, but after much consideration and debate we chose their names based on the American version of "The Office" tv show. So, we would like to introduce...
• Mom - Meredith
• Daughter (white flame point) - Erin
• Sons (orange tigers) - Dwight, Oscar, Stanley & Toby

And for anyone interested in expanding their own family, all of these super sweet kittens, and mom will be available for adoption through Milwaukee A.R.C. (Animal Resource Center)

top - mom with one-week old kittens
bottom - five-weeks old and growing fast

Bead&Button Show 2010

2010-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

The snow is falling fast and furious today. The cars in the parking lot are doing marvelous impressions of snowdrifts, meanwhile the mammoth piles of snow the plows leave behind are starting to look a little like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man’s family reunion. It’s times like these that almost make me wish I would have bought a new pair of snow boots instead of jewelry supplies - almost. Let’s be honest, what am I going to wear more, a new bracelet or snow boots? After all spring is just around the corner, and no matter how hard I try, snow boots and sundresses just don’t mix.

And speaking of a new bracelet, if you will be in the Milwaukee area for the annual Bead&Button Show come and join my class and learn how to make this Uganda Paper Bead Bracelet-and-Earring Set. This set is the perfect combination of helping others and creating something fun and beautiful. By recycling old magazines into colorful and unique paper beads, impoverished Ugandan women gain income, food, medicine, money for school fees, independence, and hope. With a few basic beading skills, students will create a one-of-a-kind bracelet-and-earring set. The project is simple enough for the new beader, but interesting enough for all skill levels.

Student must be at least 12 years old to register for this class.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Although I did write this before New Years Eve, I'm posting it a bit late. Perhaps my resolution should be about procrastination instead...?

With New Years Eve right around the corner, it’s exciting to think of all the new possibilities that 2010 holds. But now that I’m a little older and wiser, this year my resolution is to make better choices. For starters, I’m not planning on doing the Polar Dip on January 1st again. Although there is something thrilling and very alluring about running down a frozen beach, wadding through broken ice and diving into the black, icy waters of Lake Michigan, (with hundreds of other slightly insane people by your side). But this year will be different. Sure, still I want to do something fun, a little warmer perhaps, but still something exciting and maybe a little dangerous... 2010 will be the year I learn how to spin fire poi.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already next week. I’ve have much to be thankful for this past year, but I think I’m most thankful for not having to cook a giant, elaborate meal. The microwave and I are close chums, as are the coffee pot and toaster, but the kitchen stove has it in for me. Sure, I realize that a smoke alarm shouldn’t double as a kitchen timer, but it’s entirely the stove’s fault, it has nothing to do with my lack of cooking prowess. Some of my earliest cooking experiences involved flaming hamburgers and an oven explosion sparked by a harmless yet tasty lasagna. Yep, nothing like a slightly scorched kitchen or a giant fireball to derail a budding chef. Perhaps that is why I have an affinity for sushi...

Meet 2 Dog Studios

2009-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Raised in a small Wisconsin town Theresa learned at an early age the joy of “Artistic Expression” as well as how to round up cows that broke loose from neighboring farms. Both of these talents served her well later in life, with a degree in Graphic Design she spent several years as an Animal Control Officer for Milwaukee County. When she wasn't trading web design for helicopter piloting lessons she could be found volunteering as a Fire Fighter/EMT, visiting hospitals and nursing homes with her certified Pet Therapy Dogs, teaching Maui Thai Kickboxing, Swing Dancing or working in her studios on various painting, photography, writing, stained glass, or jewelry projects. Several of those jewelry projects have even been featured on the pages of BeadStyle magazine.

Theresa began 2 Dog Studios with the encouragement of her supportive and very patient husband, Brit. The name 2 Dog Studios is derived from their two rescue dogs, Cecelia and Howie. Because of them and experiencing first hand the deplorable conditions of so many stray animals, Theresa & Brit foster numerous stray/injured animals, and 2 Dog Studios donates a portion of all proceeds to animal rescue and adoption agencies. One of their favorite rescues is Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center. If you are in the Milwaukee area, be sure to stop in and view the available animals or just make a donation.

Visit 2 Dog Studios on Facebook to learn more.