As indicated by the poster, patinas can be tough to deal with because it is a chemical reaction which obviously isn’t easy to control. Because we are environmentally conscious, the patinas I’m working with currently have low environmental impact. The patinas you’ve seen were all done using a torch exclusively. Liver of Sulfur is really as far reaching as I plan to go. Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound, but the formulation isn’t free of other synthetic chemicals, so it’s limited use I can accept. Personally, I prefer the patinas that are created with the use of a torch alone. I’m wearing some pieces with regularity to see how they perform because heat patinas are the weakest. The metal itself has been known to interact with the personal chemistry of the wearer, so that’s an interesting wrinkle as well.

The copper work serves more as a testing ground for working in silver. However, you can’t patina silver with heat. The textures & methods you see on the metal itself will translate to the silver & maybe some limited use of liver of sulfur. This weekend I’ll post a recent cuff that displays several textures and various methods. Since I make the copper ‘test pieces’ I didn’t want to invest time and not make them functional, then of course I received great response. Buyers are waiting, etc. and yesterday I was in a total panic because I can’t find my new favorite pair of oversized copper hoops. :p So maybe they will become a separate line of work. There’s a balance that’s hard to strike when you use copper or brass but invest time in construction.

Again Manny, thanks for your inquiry!

So how do you make a 12 hour drive to Georgia feel like 4 without an ipod? SA-RA!!! Ti$A (of Sa-Ra) released a great “Vote Obama” vid.
Don’t miss the footage from the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (Go Spartans!) @ LACMA, featuring Chris Burden’s Urban Light.

Thanks Nick!

TI$A’s Myspace is rather interesting (nsfw), there’s a great photo of Romare Bearden obscured by two bottles of Bond No.9. LOVE IT.

And just a reminder…

Get that Dirt Off Your Shoulder!
I LOVE the hypeman over his left shoulder!!! Real recognizes real.

The little graphic designer in me adores this logo.

So much has happened… one of my fav couples tied the knot.  Snaps for the kids!!!

Just general fabulousness to share.  Two of my fav super talents, Estelle & Christian Siriano.  Estelle is wearing a most stunning chunky necklace, which is unfortunately hidden in this photo.

Spring has arrived, so a few spring fashion highlights…

I *heart* Tory Birch, probably my fav socialite/business woman of the moment.  Loving the sandals in the collection too.

from the Spring/Summer line

And the bracelet lover in me couldn’t resist posting this tasty morsel.  Gucci Bamboo.

Nanette Lapore… consistent as always.  Contemporary, feminine and comfortable.  Homerun.

Feeding the Diva, Rachel Roy.

I love this dress… Brushstroke Print, Rachel Roy.

Alright Lovelies, next time all Ansley.  Promise. 

The other project that I have promised to share for ages… my (incomplete) cuff! I’m sitting with it for awhile, we stare at each other daily at the work desk. There’s a final design element that’s missing. It will come to me or I will find satisfaction as is. The outer piece, w/the squares, had the most beautiful rose-purplish-gold patina. As soon as I lacquered it…. mmhmm, gone. But it has a very rich orangish-gold tone, which is quite spectacular in daylight (and otherwise, but I LOVED the original tone). The inner is made of brass. The two pieces will be riveted together (open rivets), I may add add’l design rivets for effect. It will come to me. The squares were all done with a hand saw & ages of filing. I hope it’s owner someone sincerely appreciates what that means.

Upcoming…
I’ve also begun to cast my own fine silver beads. A few have found their way into pieces. But I’ll gather some for posting. I’m also going to begin casting toggles. A super oversized toggle is on the horizon too. Several earring styles, links/chainmaille, etc. I promise I won’t stray for so long!

The fall line will also feature a stunning peacock agate (premier on site), the latest bracelet design using the stone might just be one of my all time favorites. I do have this dreadful habit of falling madly for most of these little confections. :p

UPGRADE!!!
You may notice an upgrade I thought we all deserved. WHITE TOPAZ. Not just any white topaz however, white topaz with an amazing new facet. The facet is so new that supplier couldn’t provide a solid name. They fall on a diagonal, imagine a cross-grain on a gleaming stone with total clarity but a light sparkle. Ab. Fab. It’s challenging to find any restraint using them, seriously.

Enough chatter, right?! Enjoy!

Just a site to share. Our friends and Brooklyn’s finest, Groundwave Design Corp., are dedicated to preserving the sexy in web design. They designed one of the coolest fashion sites I’ve seen in a while, Street Peeper, all street fashion, all the time. Makes me thirst for Paris & ache for Montreal. Definitely a good look!

Trying some new things w/the beading. Going w/a very oversized toggle for a bit. Just to see how it works. It seems I’ve been thrust solidly into designing something masculine via a gift of chunky red amber. Thus far I’ve mapped out a pair of earrings. Umm, yeah. Still working on that one. *kicks a rock* Of course I have new magnificent materials. Peacock agate squares and this really mod looking agate I found while traveling have proven to be the winners I’d hoped. Of course any interesting shaped jade catches my eye and now I’m regretting not buying more. My workspace is a mess as usual, but I’ll snap a few pics soon. Seriously.

Can’t come and go without mentioning PR4! CONGRATULATIONS & 3 snaps to the Magnificence known as Christian “You Betta Work” Siriano!

I really do think this is one of the most talented groups they’ve had on the show. So the reality tv fan in me wants what…. an all star show!!! LOL.

All-Star Cast: PR1– Kara Saun, Austin Scarlett, PR2– Daniel Vosovic, Santino Rice, Nick Verreos, Kara Janx, PR3– Mychael/Michael Knight, Lora Bennett, Uli Herzner, PR4– Chris March, Jillian Lewis, Rami Kashou Bonus Pics: Malan (just b/c he’s Malan) & Jack (b/c if anyone deserves a do-over, it’s him)

Okay and maybe Kayne Gillaspie, b/c he and Chris March would just be tooo much fun together!

Some of the fabulousness from Christian. Until next time.

Did Project Runway just hit it’s stride or what?! The candy epi followed by the Avant Garde! I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! I was sad to see Chris depart because I thought he was top 5 material. The Prom epi left no clear winners. I retract all statements about Elisa, let’s keep moving. And then there was Ricky. Again, what star was he born under?? It’s AMAZING to me that he’s still on the show. But let’s take a look at my favs one more time.

by Team Fierce (Christian & Chris)

by Victoria & Jillian

I can’t say that either of the casual dress were satisfactory. Jillian just has to make it to Fashion Week. She must. Rami, though I love his style is boring me. I’m tired of the same not. I see now why the panel was anti-Santino but he was never this one note imo. Christian is still a fav. He keeps the show alive and I’m just waiting for he and Chris to do a walk-off.

Okay, so back to real life. I just started two cuffs, working on my hand sawing skills. The plan is to layer metals, but I may layer one and work on patina skills w/the other. I’m on the copper layer now. I’d like to use a bronze and maybe an silver based alloy of some type. Still researching that one. I don’t want to use sterling or fine silver, b/c these are more everyday pieces. Something fun and chunky for the summer. I’ll show you the process as soon as I clean it up a bit w/filing.

Yes, I’m still working on those SAME rings. *insert eyeroll* I think they are finally polished enuff, well almost. I swear I’ve buffed and polished off $150 worth of gold. But whatever. I’m ready to start making the other half. I just want them done now.

I have two beading projects on my desk, a necklace and bracelet. Both are almost done but neither will complete themselves. They aren’t stuck, but they need the wow factor. I have to find it. I also have a nice short list of pieces I want to rework, so maybe I’ll start deconstructing those this weekend. Maybe what I need will be found there.

Next week I’m going to start a braided bead project in fine silver, hopefully I’ll get to this bezel set idea I have bumping around in my mind. I also have a simple bezel I need to finish (another ring). I decided to expand and start a line for men, so the bezel and bead project will become one of my first products in that line. Hopefully they’ll be successful.

XOXO

jan 10 – feb 6, 2008

Presented by the Marygrove College Department of Art
Curated by Richard Lewis

Images by Senghor Reid

I’m so excited about 2008!!! How about a wish or my sentiments for the year in TinyPics. Why not?! Let’s start it off w/the new! Before we get to that I wish you all a wonderfully healthy, happy and certainly prosperous new year!!!

First…

Remember…

Reap….

Enjoy the Small Things

Love Life!

Create!

Keep it FAB!

(with accessories by Ansley Parker, of course! :p)
My fav quote of the moment: Life is too short to wear a bad outfit. Word.

**If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere!**

Party!

Love. Hard.

On a final note….

and…

Love Ya! The Ansley Parker kids.