Cab Grinding Part 1

I've finally got back into silver smithing and jewellery stone grinding:)

My second work room which will act as my silver smithing studio is coming along slowly, but steadily:) I'm just missing an anvil and a good gas welding torch (which appears to be a nightmarishly difficult to find!), and some tiny bits and bobs:) I'm so excited! One of my retailers, Mereija in Helsinki, has already promised that I can expand my collection into OOAK Sterling Silver pieces. Fingers crossed we'll have at least a small collection for the forthcoming Christmas:)

Here's a piece that I started today:)

It will be a 33mm x 44mm cab of Norwegian Pearl Granite

(larvikiitti in Finnish)

Doesn't look like much at the moment, but I think the Norwegian Pearl Granite is actually a very beautiful stone; dark grey to black with rich silvery bits that looks like tiny mirrors reflecting the light.

Next step is to grind it into a dome-ish shape. Watch out for the part 2. :)

Have you started a new hobby this autumn?

Autumn Skies

Most people know that I'm not exactly a summer person, but I'm quite proud of myself how I managed to contain myself and not nag about the way tooo hot climate we had this summer in Finland. Apparently most of the summer was much hotter than pretty much any other part of Europe and hotter than the "always hot" summer hol countries like Italy, Greece and Spain.

Well anyhoo, as quickly as the ever so snowy, record breaking winter, turned into summer, the autumn also arrived by snap of the fingers. Not much of the fall colours to be seen as of yet, but the temperature plummeted to +8 today, ha. Not complaining, I love my scarves, mittens and beanies:) And of course, like every autumn, am getting anxious for the first snow flakies and Christmas, my favourite holiday:)

But before the autumn storms arrive, (hope everyone is safe from the EARL in US!) I wanted to share some of the late summer piccies:) These are from my grandparent's garden in Helsinki:

What's your favourite season, and what do you enjoy most about it?:)

New Stuff

New Stuff Arriving to Daiga Daiga Duu in Kuopio and Jeti Shop (ex- Polkka Jam- store) in Turku early next week:)

New thingies also arriving to

Limbo, Helsinki

Mereija, Helsinki

All Fur Dogz, Helsinki

* OOAK Mickey Mouse and huge button necklaces; purple in Limbo, Helsinki

and orange in Mereija, Helsinki. Available NOW! Light green buttons in Daiga daiga duu next week:) More colours coming soon:)

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FHS Window @ Mereija

Funky Homo sapiens window display at Mereija- shop, mannerheimintie 56, Helsinki Finland, from 23rd to 29th of August 2010

From tiny Acorns Mighty Oak Trees Grow

Hakkapeliitta, Mustiala, Tammela 7.8.2010

A friend of mine invited me to attend the yearly Hakkapeliitta- event in Mustiala's Manor (7- 8.8-2010) which celebrates the Finnish Arts and Crafts period in the 15th century. The event was packed with stands featuring artists ranging from gothic jewellery, cast iron gates, handles and bits, hand made jams and other goodies, clothing to accessories, furniture and everything in between. All the stands, as well as the crafters were dressed from head to toe in linen clothing, and the audience were entertained by various musicians playing their part as well as the fancier upper class folk including the king Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and his court having a strut amongst the public.

How Sick is This Teddy Trooper!

Another accidental and ever so happy bump into amazing talents:)

I've known the existence of these wicked dudes previously,

but when I stumbled upon this piece I had to share:)

Ta daa:

It took 6 weeks from Honet, Sozyone, Craig KR Costello and Flying Förtress to finish off this some- what gigantic 50 meter high tower called "Bierpinsel" in Berlin Steglitz, Germany. I wouldn't mind seeing similar projects here in Finland either, or anywhere across the globe:)

More info and pics HERE **

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** All photos courtesy of Flying Förtress