GIVE AWAY & HOW WE GOT STARTED

Hibiscus brooch 

I am not the best blogger, It's like dieting, I have good intentions, but then life takes over ! So, just to see if anybody is actually out there, I am having a give away. ( Not a subscriber? become a new  subscriber and your name goes in the "hat" twice.)

To be eligible, either ask a question pertaining to the video, or tell me what you would like to read about in the future. For example: More about African life, more about the artisans, more tutorials, more about our products ? etc.

At the end of January 2013 I will draw the winner.

The link below is a video about how I got to Africa and how Work Of Our Hands got started.

Merry Christmas to all ! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSyDiiMcIbw#

SO MUCH TO DO !

I always do this.........whichever side of the equator I am on, I think that on the other side I will have more time........but it's never true!
First thing to do upon arriving in the Northern Hemisphere is of course to unpack.  Amazing that nothing was broken since we all know how luggage is handled. We only bring a few clothes. The rest is all merchandise.

Then, there's the jobs I left unfinished in Namibia, like getting these pendants attached to their necklaces.   I still have some to finish.......

Last year we bought a town house with a basement, so for the first time since moving to Africa, I can have a studio when I'm back in the USA . Had to do it on the cheap, with used equipment, but I'm happy as a pig in mud. Yea for Craig's list !

Here's my 30 year old Shimpo wheel (still working like a champ) with home made splash guard, and foam on a bucket seat. I think Shimpo is a pretty great product to be working so well at such an age !

Of course I'm twice as old and also still in good working condition. "Knock on wood ."

Some bisque I just fired.

My Paragon and Skutt kilns. The big one came with the wheel, but I was afraid I could never fill it. Plus to tell the truth, I'm a bit scared of figuring out the kiln sitter, and if it's working right. (  just when I thought I had used every type of kiln from manual to automatic, now another one to learn)

All the ceramic products are different here, so I'm preparing some color test tiles.  Amaco Velvet underglaze.......they will perk up and look much better when fired. So far I am thrilled with the feel and coverage of the product.

Had a small home show last week end. It wasn't well attended, but I think it will grow in time. Everyone who came was very positive, and better yet they bought!

There was lots of jewelry too, only I forgot to take pictures.

Now for the decision as to whether to put some products for sale on line while I'm here.  People always ask me about that and then when I do it, no one buys. It's a lot of work, and I'd rather be in the studio ! What'cha think?

SOME NEW WORK

Things are a little slow getting into production right now because some of my artisans took farm jobs while I was in the USA.  Our winter is coming soon, so hopefully they will be back and eager to work once the fields are harvested. In the mean time I am training some new gals.

Art Bead Scene Blog: Garden Gate Clasp Tutorial

Art Bead Scene Blog: Garden Gate Clasp Tutorial: "Garden Gate Clasp Tutorial" This is such a beautiful clasp. Also a bit different than usual. Thought you all might like the link. Myself, I can't wait to try it!

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-gate-clasp-tutorial.html