Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Shadow Boxes: Little Birds & Nests

I'm busy crafting away, making a bunch of soldered 3-D shadowbox pendants for an art event at a local winery happening this weekend.
some soldered, some not yet
I wish I had a crystal ball to know how much effort to put into all my labors...I hate to work myself to a frazzle if not that many folks show up.  And I'd hate to not make enough, in case people come out in droves.
Oh well, what doesn't sell will go into my one-of-these-days-I'm-actually-going-to-start-one-up etsy shop.  Or, they could be a great head-start on inventory for our next big holiday bazaar next November.  Or, maybe I'll sell out this Sunday!
I have to say, though, I really do enjoy making these little labors of love. They are so sweet and tiny, and allow me to be persnickety and a wee bit anal retentive.  Weird, but that's how I am.

Update:
The sale at the winery went great, even though the crowds never really came (another big wine event at the coast was stiff competition)!  I sold most of the necklaces and a bunch of other stuff despite the low turnout, so it was worth it :-)
 


19 comments:

  1. theyre great!
    I hope you sell out...or maybe if you do have a few left over you can sell them off your blog?
    have a good one:)

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  2. Well, I think they are beautiful and sometimes the "labor of love" is the important part. I'm glad you are having fun!!

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  3. Maggie, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and entering the little button give away. Hope you don't mind me leaving the message here. There was no email on the comment and I can't get your "contact me" button to work.
    I do appreciate you taking the time to visit my little blog and wish you luck in the contest!
    Kathy

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  4. I think thats why I like making the brooches! Pernickity..thats me. Love your pernickity-ness.

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  5. Oh.my.goodness Maggie!!! These precious shadow boxes are BEAUTIFUL!!!! I'm in love! Please open your Etsy shop girl...you will be amazing, I promise! I wish you could show me how to do that wonderful soldering technique ~ mine just seems to look like junk :) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, hugs and love, Dawn

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  6. OMG, they are so adorable! Did you sell out? Do tell!

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  7. I think these are fabulous and you are sure to sell out of them. The little nests are just the cutest!!

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  8. How lovely.... just perfect. I did tons and tons of glass years ago and have just fired up my soldering iron again... I tried making the little dots.....they all ran together and couldn't for the life of me figure out how to do the shadow boxes..... It just wasn't pretty. I have a Weller 100, is that what you use? I think it might just be too hot. I made a few things for my daughter for her birthday. More frustrating than fun. :-) I'd be thrilled if you could share some tips with me, but would sure understand if you don't want to. :-)

    I used to do cottage sales many years ago and know exactly what you mean about bringing the right things...in the right amounts. It would be great if we DID have a crystal ball. I hope you sell out. Wouldn't that be grand?

    Huggies,
    Spencer

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    1. Thanks, Spencer. I did well at the winery sale...people seemed to really like the little shadowboxes. If you email me (via the button on my right side panel), I can give you a few tips re: soldering.

      Thanks,
      Maggie

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  9. Hi Maggie... Oh whooopeee! I am thrilled......well, I'll have to check out the lack of e-mail scoop on my blog. I have tried to email you via your little button but my computer tells me I need agent 2.0 or more......and it won't let me do it. I thought I had fixed all that, but it still doesn't work and I don't know how to get past that........so...... :-) My e-mail address is you will find us at comcast dot net. I so appreciate your willingness to give this chickie some help. So happy to here you did well at the winery sale. Good for you. You should have .. your things are super dooper cute.

    Also sorry to read about your dad. I so understand how tough it is. I've lost both my parents. Things are different when you don't have them anymore. It's tough not having their support.

    xo
    Spencer

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    1. I'll look into my email button not working with all systems...a couple other people have said they have had trouble with it.

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    2. my email address is

      maggieraguse@comcast.net

      if all else fails!

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  10. Hi please tell me what are the tiny boxes made of?

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    1. I make the boxes with little balsa wood pieces for the sides, with glass to finish the front and back. Others have used small matchboxes (or similar) for the base, with glass to finish the front.

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  12. These are just beautiful & inspiring! Please do a tutorial!!

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  13. This is my first time coming across your site/blog. I love what you create!
    I think etsy would be so happy to have you...just beautiful work and a lovely website layout. Just like a true artisan.
    I'm just building my new shop on etsy, now.

    Cherie

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  14. Please a tutorial on soldering!!!! I have bought several different irons and tons of different solder and still cannot make anything look anything but rough and junky - definitely not beautiful and refined.

    Love your work and I have a whole collection of bird nests displayed that I have found blown to the ground over the years.

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