Fish Head

Every now and then I see something in my scrap sheet that just cannot be ignored. Sometimes it happens because I have sawing block (like writers block) and I just stare at the metal until I see something, other times it slaps you in the face just like this fish head did.

Look to the left side, do you see something?









So, when you come down with an artistic mental block, try looking at the shadows of what you have done before, and you may see something new.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pendants

I've been in production mode. Here's a peek of a bunch of new pendants.  I'm making more critters, they are so much fun to make.  

come together

The 7 little pieces come together. 

How cute is this little doggie?  So much fun to make, and the flower on her tail spins!  I really love making pendants that move in some way; jewelry that the wearer can interact with...if that makes sense.

I have 9 finished pendants in the tumbler right now.  It was a good day, a productive day. 

7 little pieces

I've been making some strange characters the past couple of weeks.  Some pretty cartoony looking animals among other things. This little guy is all ready to be riveted together.  Stay tooned to see him finished. :).  (tooned, heehee)

crazy rings

I've been making some very impractical rings. This is fun.

driving miss Dolly

high five

Irene didn't do much damage in my neighborhood, but we did lose power at 4pm and it did not return until the wee hours of the morning.  

I'm at the gallery today. It's gorgeous out. The door and window are open and the breeze is lovely.

Have a great day!

Irene

She's a coming...

Thistles

Beautiful thistles around our cottage on Prince Edward Island.   While we were there, the thistles began to bloom.  



Gorgeous, purple prickly weed.

I learned to knit.

I can knit and I can purl.

Every summer, my husband, dog and I drive 680 miles up to Prince Edward Island, Canada. My husbands family owns a cottage up there far from any city or town on a cliff of an ocean inlet. We are basically cut off from the current high speed world up there. We get two English speaking television channels and one French channel. We have a wood burning stove :)

In good weather, I search daily for seaglass and other interesting beach related gem-like goodies down on the beach when the tide is out. This year, however, the weather did not support that kind of activity. This year, I mastered the art of fire starting. This year, I taught myself how to knit.

I bought a knitting magazine that came with two free sets of needles. It didn't matter what the projects in the magazine were, I just made sure there was a section in the magazine showing how to do the stitches. Honestly, I wasn't even going to attempt anything more complicated than a scarf. So I made a scarf!


It's almost done! I may try to make a hat to match, next.

My husband wants me to knit him a sweater now...something argyle no less.

Oh Canada, keep an eye on your children.

TMZ comes on at 2:05am in Canada. I know that because I am up watching it right now. It's currently 2:15am and I am having a scotch while watching TV and listening to Scott snore in the bedroom. The walls are very thin here.

I turned my phone on today just to see if I had any messages from my Visa card about charges in Canada since I recently had all that trouble...I chickened out and shut the phone off before getting my voice mails. I really don't want to get an obscene phone bill next month, and I don't have an international plan. I should have upgraded before I left, but data wasn't included, so I said forget it (I checked into it before I left). I have had my phone shut off since before we crossed the border on Saturday afternoon.

I'm feeling like TMZ is the only thing connecting me to the States up here on the island right now. As usual, everything up here is strange. Even having TMZ up here is strange. We haven't come up for the last two summers, so things have changed a little...but not too much.

I met two small children on the beach today who clearly were not warned about strangers in any way (really!?). They ran up to me and wanted me to help them find some hermit crabs and starfish. They were so small, and seemed even smaller since there wasn't another soul around. I was silently disturbed by their innocence. I wondered who their parents were, what their parents were doing, and why these kids weren't being watched. It kind of ruined my beach walk. They would not stop talking to me and asking me questions. I ended up wishing them luck in their respective hunts and turned a cliff corner to get the hell out of dodge. Later, I saw one of them riding their bike up on the dirt rode. I think she was curious to meet Rusty who was barking at her, but thankfully she kept her distance this time.


I'm hoping to get into town at some point tomorrow to actually mooch some free wireless Internet somewhere. If I do, I will post this and get my emails. If not, oh well...

I'm having fun doing crossword puzzles, playing the Sims app on my iPad, and reading 'Too fat to Fish'. We are not lacking entertainment. Plus, I'm keeping busy cooking all of our meals, and killing bugs...good times!

Today is my 5th day without a cigarette. This was my plan. I am not out of cigarettes, I just don't smoke anymore. I urge my friends and family to help me succeed. Thanks for reading.

The nightmare continues

A few days ago I started getting emails telling me to check my credit score. This is probably spam and I am not going to click any links in an unsolicited email, but I've received 6 of these since Friday. In the past, I have received these emails, but never 6 in three days, and with my recent email hacking and facebook hijacking, I decided to react in panic mode.

I cancelled all my credit cards after checking for fraudulent charges, and have called in a fraud alert on my social security number to all three credit report companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. At Equifax, I spoke to an agent who told me that a fraud specialist would call me on Monday. I am really looking forward to this phone call.

I emailed login@facebook.com after reading on someones blog to do that with all my info, and I got an automated reply with some links to their help pages. Of course when I click on these, they want me to login...impossible. Any 'help' I ask for is going to the email of the hacker. This is so frustrating, I can't even put it into words how annoyed I am.

I am hoping that Equifax will be able to help me get this fraudulent email address that's in my name destroyed. I know I probably won't be able to identify the jackass, but I'm going to do everything in my power to. He messed with the wrong person, I will not lie down.

In his last email exchange of about 6 or so with the criminal, my husband wrote, 'I hope a bus runs you over and you die with the taste of your own blood in your mouth' or something like that. My sentiments exactly.

If you read this post, please post a link to my blog anywhere you can. And change your passwords often!

More on the hacking of Nancy.

I've been stewing in some bitter anger all day. I have been on the phone trying to find someone who can help me delete that false email address (that sent out the spam and thieved my identity) to no avail. 45 minutes on the phone to AT&T the host to my spammers email (mostly on hold), to find out that I have to go through yahoo.com because att.net is powered by them. I have been frustrated all day long. This is a total rant. Yahoo was no help so far.

So, the worst of my problems right now is not the fact that the hacker changed my login info so I can't even see my Facebook page or post on it (I locked it this morning so even the offender cannot access it...i think) but the fact that he/she also deleted all of my contact info in my email accounts. I have empty address books and no emails prior to this morning (and believe me there were hundreds in there, and the folders! Oh the folders!) I am violated, and so are all the friends and family who love and care about me who got that email. I'm horrified. I've been trying to find out how or if I can get all my info back, hopefully I'll be able to, but I'm not holding my breath.

The one thing the AT&T operator was able to tell me was that I have been a victim of a keystroke tracker. As she explained it to me, it is something that tracks frequently used sequences of keystrokes such as usernames, email addresses, and passwords. I am scared to log into anything right now that requires me to type in a password. I have no idea how she came to this conclusion, but I WAS on hold for a very long time, so I'm sure she researched my case thoroughly...Anyhow...

I hope to make a new FB page soon, and maybe someday in the next few months FB will let me move all the photos over to my new page once I jump through hoops to prove who I am. In my extensive research within the last 14 hours or so, I've been learning that it is almost impossible and nobody at FB cares enough to even put in any effort to help (notice how I said 'almost impossible' since I'm still trying... NEVER GIVE UP!...right?). They sure don't make it easy to find the right links to report that you are in trouble.

So, I'm sorry to everyone who worried, but I hope that you are all Internet savvy enough to know not to fall for that kind of scam. I wish I had everyones emails who this scam went out to so I could follow up with a warning, but I don't, they've been lost. Lost by someone who is such a monster spammer, who has evolved from the traditional spammer to one that really thinks things through...you know, nips it in the bud.

I apologize as well to all of the nancyrosetta fan page on facebook. The fan page is linked to my regular page and so it went the way of the ghost when I locked my account...but I had no choice. I'll be back.

As of this minute, this is the MOST I can do about the problem. :(

I've been hacked

This morning, I woke up to text messages and phone calls from concerned friends and family.

Two of my email accounts as well as my facebook page have been hacked. An email went out from namaccallum@ att.net. This is NOT my email address and I am trying really hard to get it deleted and get my facebook page back. I changed my passwords for my other email addresses, but the hacker changed my login email to the one stated above, so this is going to be difficult to remedy.

If you have received an email from namaccallum@ att.net, please go ahead and write back telling the imposter to go to hell. The email is asking for money to be wired to an address in "Europe, United Kingdom", because I am apparently there and have been robbed and need money to get home.

This is a headache and a half.

A Couple of Recent Commissions

Recently, I have been getting more and more commissions, so I thought I would share a couple of recent ones with you all.

This commission was for 6 charms with the phrase 'sole sister' accross the bottom and the date of the '11 Boston Marathon on the back. On the front is also NYC over BOS. The significance, is that the runners 5 friends supported her at both the NYC marathon last year, and the Boston marathon this year. She wanted something that would combine both races, but focus mainly on the Boston marathon (why we used the date). I'm not usually a metal stamper, but I did have the appropriately sized letters and numbers, so I thought I'd give it a go. I thought they came out good, and the runner thought they came out wonderfully! :) The picture has 5 of the charms facing front and one facing back. They all have that date stamped on the back. It's really sweet that she wanted something special to present to her friends for their support.


During the Dedham Open Studios in May, a woman came to my table three separate times. She kept looking at my pendants and each time she came back, we talked about them, especially the ones that look like pictures. I gave her the scoop about how I make them. How all the little pieces are cut out, how I make my wire rivets, how I piece them together...it's always fun to talk about the process. Anyhoo...a week went by and she emailed me that she wanted to buy a Happy House pendant, but a much smaller version. I told her that since I would have to make that up special anyway, we should personalize it in any way that she wanted. She decided on having 11:11 on the back with a small heart above the colon. I don't know the significance of that, but I told her I could do it. So I did it, and she loves it!



This is smaller than a quarter. I loved making it.

New Tool Review

The Knew Concept Saw Frame


Last Christmas, I asked for this saw frame from Knew Concepts, and I got it from Santa (ok, Scott) I have been using it ever since, and I thought I would write a review about it.

Firstly, here is a picture of the saw frames I have been using for years. Very generic, 5" throat and 3" throat.



I wanted to try the Knew Concept saw frame mostly because I do break a lot of blades and the company claims that by using their frames, you will break less blades. This claim is spot on.

This saw frame, at first, was a bit intimidating. It looks like something from outer space. I got a 5" frame which is much larger than the 5" frame I am used to using. The way I saw and pierce is very fluid, so it was inevitable that I would bump into bench related things as I was first getting used to using it, because it's so much bigger (if you can imagine a saw pumping up and down and turning constantly). I almost gave up and went back to my tried and true, but I persevered.




The Knew Concept saw frame is made of lightweight aluminum which resists bending and warping and is only a few ounces.The weight (or lack of) also took some getting used to. The way it first felt in my hand almost defied gravity. I was afraid I would break it! But much to the contrary, I have not yet broken a blade while using it, and I have been using it since January. It feels good to throw a saw blade away because it's dull (not because it broke) I also have less arm strain after a long sawing/piercing session...bonus!

Another reason this frame took so long to get used to using is the tension setting spring. Tension of the saw blade is of utmost importance if you don't want to constantly break blades. Traditional saw frames take brutal human force to achieve the ping of a high E guitar string. My new frame has a knob to tighten the tension (missing out on some exercise there). There is a trial and error period to figure out the right combination of tightening the knob and lowering the 'top of the blade' holder, which bizarrely are the same motion. But I've figured it out, so I'm happy.




The key to smooth sawing and piercing is letting the saw do the work while you guide it along. This saw frame is perfect if you can 'let go' like that. After an initial 'break in' period (mine was about 2 months) this could end up being your favorite saw frame. It is my favorite saw frame now. I really love it, and I also love the fact that it saves me hoards of broken saw blades.

If you are a jewelry maker and have a need for a new jewelers saw, I would recommend getting this one. It is more expensive than traditional saw frames, but you will save money in the long run (on blades). After getting used to it, you will love it!

Rapture?

I'll keep this brief.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you are well aware of what's supposed to happen tomorrow at 6pm: Jesus will take his children up to heaven and leave the rest of us to roam the earth in misery for the next five months. The Rapture. The end of days. The beginning of the end. (yes, you can quote me)

I guess after the five month purgatory period, we can expect the earth to implode or explode, or whatever happens during the end of time. Personally, I can't wait to witness this. I want to see the 'saved' drift effortlessly up to heaven, or disappear, or explode or whatever happens when they are rapturing. I barely know what to expect. I'm looking forward to the ultimate 'learn as you go' experience.

I'm spending the first few minutes of Armeggedon driving to meet some friends for dinner...6:30 reservations. :)

Location:Everywhere at 6pm tomorrow

Just Desserts Group Show

JUST DESSERTS
a Sweet Show
this Friday, May 6th 6-8pm


In an open-call to local artists, Gallery9 requested artists to consider the phrase "Just Desserts".


Cupcake by Ann Gorbett

All work displayed is for sale with 20% donated to the Norwood Food Pantry. An opportunity to add or begin your art collection and support local artists.
Wine, sweets, friends and
affordable artwork.


Sundae by Frank Quinn

Invest in your soul. BUY ART.

Scotts reaction

Courtesy of Suzanne

Scott's Birthday gift.

I would like to share a very special gift I commissioned for my husband's birthday. I found this artist through a post on Regretsy in which April Winchill commissions a portrait with a flip flop on her head, wearing a magic marker moustache. That was back in February. Then in early April, I read this post where others sent in their photos for portraits.

Well, I am only human. I HAD to have one! And what better reason to order one than for my husband Scott's birthday? So, this is the photo I sent to Sharie of ShariesCraftworld




Yes, I know...this could have gone horribly wrong, but I'm an adventurous gal. I've been with my husband for half of my life, so he obviously knows me and my humor. I received the finished portrait with plenty of time to oogle it before giving it to him on May 1st at his birthday dinner party.



I have to include an angle shot here, so you can see how 3D it is!



Now, like I said earlier, this could have gone horribly wrong. He could have had silent distaste, could have screamed in disgust and thrown it accross the table...but, Scott is my husband...I could not have asked for a better reaction.

click here to see the video of the unveiling.

I have to say that Sharie was a pleasure to work with, and that this portrait is one of Scotts favorite presents ever! Thanks so much again for this awesome portrait, Sharie!

My sister sent me this picture, and I think it says volumes.



By the way, I love to cook. I just think this is funny.

I've upgraded my phone to a smartypants phone.

I've had a blackberry for the last two years, and anyone who knows me well, has heard me say 'I want an iPhone, I don't care...I want an iPhone' too many times to count.

Well, guess what I got on Sunday?  No, not an iPhone, an HTC evo.  I'm loving this phone! 

It's a lot bigger than I would have liked to get, but I'm getting used to that.  The battery does not last as long as I'm used to, but when I first got my blackberry, that battery was awful...it got better over time.  I hope this one follows suit.

Plus, the pictures are 1000% better! 

I'm testing out this Android app for Blogger.  This is the maiden post.  :)

Rusty update

Rusty tested positive for Lyme disease. This may be old news to some (he was diagnosed over 3 weeks ago). We are 5 days away from completing 30 days of doxycycline, 3 pills a day. It's been pretty easy to give him the pills. It's become a ritual of sorts. He wants cheese. I'll feel bad for him when his pills are gone.

8 days ago, Rusty lost his backyard freedom. It was my birthday, and some vicious howling winds were celebrating a little too hard and blew a whole 4 panel corner section of our 6 foot fence down. Now my landscape looks like it's missing a couple of teeth, and Rusty has no place to run.

Oddly, this situation is not as bad as it appears...apparently we are winning (get the reference?). I have been forced to walk Rusty several times a day. This 'forced' walk is actually quite pleasant and the more we walk the easier it gets. The more we walk the less he sits at my feet and barks at me. The more we walk the more he 'gets it' when we are training. The most recent training accomplishment is Rusty getting his kong and placing it in my open palm without me grabbing for it. I say 'get it' for him to get his kong, and 'give it' for him to give it to me in my hand. If he drops it to the floor, I just say 'get it' and 'give it' again until he gets it right. He's been getting it right frequently. Good boy. And...the more we walk, the more exercise I get. Bonus!

Crappy cell phone pic of Rusty at Bird Park.



Our fence is going to be fixed, hopefully tomorrow. And Rusty will have free range of the back yard once again. The walks will not cease. The walks will continue!

A couple of months after he finishes his medication, Rusty will be tested again for Lyme disease. If his number doesn't drop below 30, he may have to go on another run of antibiotics. At this time his number is 67. He has no symptoms of Lyme, let's hope it stays that way.

Blogpress

I just bought this BlogPress app for my iPad. Since I no longer have my own computer, it's been a bit of a struggle to write blog posts.



Picture test! I wear this pendant a lot. I made it a couple of years ago and can not part with it.

Where does the time go?

It's February.

This blog is a ghost town...I've gotta do something about that.

The weather has kept me shoveling snow for most of January. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting an early spring...let's hope he's right.