Working with my hands [without yarn!]

It's really nice to have a new creative outlet that's not knitting-based. [When you make your living from your favorite hobby, it can get a little, um, inbred around here.]

So I'm taking an intro course in silversmithing. We cut the bands for our rings last night after fumbling over installing saw blades, learning how to read the alethiometer [or whatever you call that measury thing that jewelers use], messing about with annealing and soldering. I like playing with the propane/oxygen torch. Fire good.

We get to build a basic ring first, then create a bezel and set a cabochon on the ring [like this one that another student did]. And we get to do another project of our choosing as well. So I've got to get trolling the web for ideas.

Great. Just what this shopaholic needs - an excuse to obsessively browse Etsy.
Our teacher is Sarah Wan -- take a peek at her work. Totally inspiring!

Can you see how big I'm smiling? This is great fun.

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And big Michigan news...are you within driving distance of Lansing, MI? Read on!

As part of its September issue, Figure Magazine (plus-sized grooviness) is conducting a knitting roundtable. Guest star speaker: Jillian Moreno, co-author of Big Girl Knits!

We're looking for women who are willing to talk about being plus-sized and knitting & appear in the magazine. We just need two more. It'll be a really cool experience!

It's going to happen May 22 (Tuesday) from 9am-Noon at Threadbear Fiberarts in Lansing, MI.

If you are interested, please contact Lindsay Wurst: Lindsay.Wurst@meredith.com

p.s. No one is getting paid & all must provide their own transportation.