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The Trusty Foredom Flex Shaft
Today’s topic for our Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank is “What is your Favorite Tool?” The subject was not limited to the tools we use in our respective studios. There were many that came to my mind.
To qualify as one of my favorite tools, the tool must be practical and functional. My dad taught me the importance of good tools. So my narrowed down list ranges from my Chi flat iron (in purple of course!), to my NC Black Hammers, to the pooper scooper (yes, I know eeeiiiiwwww, but when you have doggies, it’s a necessity!!!), to my Husqvarna Viking sewing machine….yet, I kept coming back to my trusty Foredom Flex Shaft!
It’s hard believe that I acquired this tool in October of 2009! I was so overjoyed with it then that it became one of the topics for another blog post about tools. As much as I truly do enjoy the zen of hand finishing my metalwork, I find I go to my Foredom almost every time I work at my bench. Why? Well it has a multitude of attachments that make metalsmithing even more fun for me. It’s a great time saver since I feel I need to make the most out of the time I work in the studio. Here’s a list of a few of the things it does that makes my life easier when metalworking:
- Drilling holes is a breeze
- It can perform quick sweep, with the right attachment, to rid the metal of a scratch that could take 10 – 15 minutes or more of hand sanding
- Adding a bit of texture to the metal with one of those 3M ‘spiders’ (radial sanding discs)
- Smoothing out a bump in my soldered bezel wire
- Removing a spot of solder that would take a while with hand sanding
- Giving an polished edge to a finished piece with additional smoothness and shine
I truly love tools that make my life easier and this is definitely one of those. It goes to the head of the class and I have found using it invaluable in my studio.
Now lets see what my fellow blog-o-sphere think tankers shared on this fun topic! Please visit their blogs and enjoy the read. :)
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Shannon I’m On A Roll Koochin: http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.ca
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Robyn Hawk: http://flyviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Natsuko Hanks http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Christine http://sistinachapel.blogspot.ca/
WATTO (Mary) http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Wendy Kelly http://www.wendykianakelly.com
Stephanie Clark http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person
The Grand Tetons at Snake River
Photo by Daniel Krucoff
March’s topic for the Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank covers the topic of what photo or image inspires you?
Being at The Grand Tetons has always served as a place were I can meditate, reflect and just find tranquility. There are so many awe inspiring vistas there that is is hard to pick just one. Yet, this view of the Grand Tetons, is my favorite.
Dan took this photo during our last visit there in October of 2008. Hard to believe it’s been that long since we’ve been back. As is my custom, I will sketch, take my own photos or just relax as he’s setting up to take his landscape photographs. On this particular day, the temperature was perfect, the sun felt great and I just gazed at his subject matter. Those rugged shapes that form that beautiful set of mountains. I was completely relaxed soaking in that breathtaking view. You know when you have that feeling that there are a pair of eyes watching you? Well, as I turned to look in Dan’s direction, he snapped this photo of me.
It was a wonderful day and trip. Probably the best fall colors we’ve seen there too.
I’ve been so inspired by The Tetons that I created this stained glass window that hangs in our home. I’m thinking it’s time to create some more stained glass windows!!!
The Grand Tetons in Stained Glass by Kathleen Krucoff
For me, it’s a very special and inspirational place. I hope that Dan & I will travel to The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone again in the near future. It holds unlimited inspirations for me.
Let’s see what my fellow blog-o-spere think tank members had to say about this topic:
Andes cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
pencilfox: http://www.pencilfox.com or www.astorynontheless.blogspot.com
Renée Dolling: http://www.floatinglightsphotography.com/blog
Shannon Bet You Forgot About Me Koochin: http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.com
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Kathryn Cole http://kathryncolejewelry.com/blog/
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person
February’s topic from our Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank is Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
Profound. I’m pretty sure I have a top 10, probably a top 5 that are the superstars for me. All are important and I am grateful for their influence. The ones I mention in the post are in no particular order; each one has touched my life in their own unique way.
Definitely my parents were a huge influence in my life. How could they not? My mom raised me to be a strong, independent woman. Instilling the belief that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do if I put my mind to it and worked hard. My dad, for never limiting me because I was a girl. If I wanted to learn about a car engine, he happily described the parts and mechanics. Both of them ingrained in my personality the importance of a strong work ethic, by their actions and their words.
I have to give kudos to the many teachers who challenged & encouraged me. One who had the greatest impact was Mr Martin, my 9th grade Algebra teacher. I still remember the first day of his class. He told us everyone could be good at math and he expected all of us to raise our hands to answer questions. It became one of the most exhilarating classes I had that year and led to my love of math. That was the first year I got straight As. I think the overachiever in me grew and thrived on the rewards of studying.
There’s been a variety of personalities, that I have never met, but admired. Kate Hepburn. Her fierce independence and wonderful sense of style. I’ve started to read one of her autobiographies and have been fascinated by the public persona she developed and groomed vs. the private soul only intimates knew. Another is Steve Jobs. His brilliance and creative spirit have given the world such intelligent devices that make my life so much easier.
Then there is my sister, Lexi Erickson. She too falls into the category of those great teachers in my life, but there’s more than that, it’s that bond we share.
I couldn’t leave this topic without including my soul mate, Dan. His influence is great. A kind gentle spirit with wisdom beyond his years. He is my rock and keeps me centered.
There you have it. I couldn’t name just one as the greatest influence in my life. I guess that just confirms that we are the sum of the parts. I am a composite of all I have seen, heard and done. I think that’s wonderful. I know that I will continue to grow and be influenced by many individuals….awesome.
Let’s see what my fellow blog-o-sphere think tank friends have said on this topic:
pencilfox: http://www.astorynonetheless.blogspot.com
Andes Cruz http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Stephanie Nocito Clark http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Renée Dolling http://www.floatinglightsphotography.com/blog
WATTO http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
December’s topic for the Blog-o-Sphere think tank is, what I do just for the sake of doing it.
Listen to music. I love how music can alter my mood, feed the creative juices and bring relaxation or energy!
My mom wanted me to learn how to play the piano when I was a child. I took lessons. I never practiced enough to be good, but one thing I took away from it was an appreciation for classical music and I love, love, love piano. One of my favorite piano artists is David Benoit. What a master.
Jazz is probably the genre I listen to the most now. Artists like Brian Culbertson, David Sandborn, Richard Elliot….well, I could go on with quite the list. Let’s just say my iTunes library has a great variety of my favorites.
Listening to music is something I do everyday, just for the sake of doing it.
Now lets see what the rest of my fellow bloggers have shared!
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
November’s topic for my pals in the Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank is “What are you thankful for?“
I find this topic timely and one I feel I could write volumes about. I’ll try to condense it to a Reader’s Digest version that will hopefully be succinct.
Dan & me at The Tetons
One thing I am most thankful for in my life is my husband, Dan. He helps me in more ways that he may even realize. His love, encouragement and support, along with being my BFF, well, it just doesn’t get any better than that! I love you Dan; thank you for being the calming, centering force in my life.
The bassets and me
Our bassets are another aspect of my life for which I am very grateful to have. They are great companions and their antics are constant sources of humor, every day. It’s hard to stay glum when one is greeted with happy tail wags and kisses.
I feel I have received more blessings than I can count. My intellect. The ability to be creative. Supportive friends. My dear sister, Lexi. My health. Along with a good sense of humor; I definitely believe in being able to laugh at myself!
This past year as Lexi and I worked our way through a couple of books, The Simple Abundance and The Artist’s Way, I think that helped to provide an even greater awareness of all of the people and things I am truly grateful for. My heartfelt thanks to all.
Now let’s see what the rest of these Blog-o-Sphere Think Tankers shared!
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Diana Fazio: http://metooiguana.blogspot.com/
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
Pikes Peak ~ Photo by Daniel Krucoff
For this month, our Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank question is:
”What is the favorite thing about where you are located?”
Easy. My answer is the mountains! I can see Pikes Peak almost every day, depending on the weather. Just this past week, it received its first coating of snow as fall starts and I always find it breathtaking. It is a constantly changing landscape, depending on the lighting. Ever since I caught my first glimpse of a mountain, I knew I needed to live close to them. I am very thankful that I do.
Another view of Pikes Peak ~ Photo by Kathleen Krucoff
Please visit my fellow bloggers in the think tank to see their responses to the question:
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Mary Watson / WATTO http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Wendy Kelly http://www.wendykianakelly.com
Thomasin Durgin http://metalriot.blogspot.com
Andrea Bell: http://feathersfreesiasandfishingtackle.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Nocito Clark http://www.thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Barbara Donovan http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
This month’s Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank topic relates to The Bucket List. What are some of the things you’d like to do/ accomplish before you die and maybe provide your reason why?
As I thought about this topic, I realized that all of the things that came to mind initially revolved around travel. There are so many places I would love to visit and some I would love to return to, but for this, I’ll just cover the ones that are on the top of my wish list.
Ever since I saw Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies, I just fell in love with the beauty of where some of the movie scenes took place in New Zealand. I am hopeless when it comes to mountains and lakes; their beauty is beyond compare for me. So New Zealand is one of those places I would love to visit to hike, cycle, take tons of photographs and just relax. I’m afraid I would never want to leave once I got there.
See the Tour de France. Dan & I have watched the Tour for a number of years now and being able to see that great cycling event would be a blast. Plus, there are so many beautiful castles and chateau’s in the French countryside that it would be a great sightseeing trip too.
The Black Forest Region ~ Germany
My paternal grandparents and my maternal great-grandparents came from the Black Forest area in Germany. I would love to visit and explore. I know I have relatives that live there, but I have no idea where or who. I think it would be awesome to see some of those places where my distant relatives once lived. Plus, there would be more castles to see too and I’ve always been fascinated by castle architecture.
Dan & I have talked about a trip to Alaska for years. I feel like this is one that is definitely in our future. Alaska is such a rugged wilderness to me and I find it breathtaking. Plus, I would dearly love to see more moose….sure they are bad tempered, big and unpredictable, but to me they are such handsome, magnificent animals. Of course, Denali National Park would be one of the must see places for that trip. What a great photo adventure!
Yosemite National Park ~ Moon & Half Dome by Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams’ photographs of Yosemite (poster of this print available through AllPosters) have made me want to visit ever since I first saw them. I was a fan of his works even before I met Dan….it is one of many things we share in common. I think Ansel’s photographs of this area created my desire to see it in person.
There are plenty of other places I’d love to visit. I think these are the top 5 on my bucket list. Course there are other things on my buket list too, but I think this post is probably long enough and thanks for hanging in there … reading this far! 
So many of these places are great for photography and artistic inspiration, along with healing of the spirit and rejuvenation. One of the things Dan & I have discovered is that when you take the time to photograph a place, you take the time to soak it in and savor the experience.
Please visit my fellow Think Tank bloggers today and see what their responses are:
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Mary Watson: http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
Corn on the Cob
This month’s topic for the Blog-o-sphere Think Tank is “What is your Favorite summer food / meal?” Well, growing up in northern Illinois, the land of corn in my mind (along with some other midwestern states), I have to say corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer foods.
My parents had a garden and it produced many tasty treats. There was nothing better than fresh picked sweet corn, straight from their garden. Sweet, tender, juicy. I loved it. Oh yes, and please do not hold the butter….the more the better with sweet corn!
I don’t have it that often any more, but given the opportunity, I will snag one with my summer meals.
Fresh Tomatoes!
A close second is tomatoes from that same garden. They were extra flavorful; not like the hot house varieties the stores sell. At one point, my folks would put sugar on them. Then they switched to salt and occasionally pepper. I’m afraid I didn’t stick with any of those condiments and I just find having them plain is the best treat of all.
Please check out my other blog-o-sphere compadres and see what their favorites are too!
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Shannon Koochin: http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.com/
stephanie clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Laura FLavin : http://modernbirdjewelry.blogspot.com
WATTO: http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
This month’s topic from the Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank is: “What is your favourite past time activity?”
As you can see from the photo at the top of this post, one of my many favorite past time activities is playing with our basset hounds. This was at the end of a ‘photo shoot’; taken about 3 years ago. You see, when you are at their level, anything is fair game! They had had enough of the picture taking session and it turned into some wrestling on the floor. The bassets won!
There is something about spending time with the dogs. Ours have great personalities. They know my emotions and during those times when I may feel a little down, at least one of them will come and rest their head on my foot or leg. Living with a pack of hounds has all sorts of great moments.
It goes without saying, but another one of my favorite past time activities is spending time with Dan. I know, awwww. But it’s true. He’s my best friend and soul mate.
Lately, I’ve been able to resume a regular swimming schedule and that is also at the top of my list. The morning zen after a swim is one of the best ways I know of to start my day right.
Working with my hands feels like a past time activity, even though making my jewelry is not …it is one of my passions and I love that it affords me an opportunity to do something that feels so relaxing.
My fellow think tank members are sharing their thoughts on this topic too. Please stop by and find out what some of their favorite past time activities are.
Andes Cruz www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Mary Spencer (WATTO) http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Stephanie Clark http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Shaun Young http://shaunyoung.ca/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Shannon Koochin http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.com/
Brad Severtson http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
This month’s Blog-O-Sphere Think Tank question is: ” favourite quote(s)?” (and why? if you want to share..)
I definitely have one….actually I have several, so here is my short list aka my Top Five.
1. “Well behaved women seldom make history” ~~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I stumbled across this quote a few years ago. It struck a chord deep in my soul. I could and probably should write a book about finding oneself and coming into your own. Let’s leave it at, the Genie has left her bottle and she ain’t ever going back in there. So when I found this quote, I thought, YES! Well behaved women seldom make history. Joan of Arc, Kate Hepburn, and others come to mind. If you are going to leave your mark on this world, I’m not so sure being a well-behaved woman/person is going to achieve that. So it has become one of my signature tag lines for my email and something I live by.
2. “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.” ~~ Joan of Arc
The determination that echos in this quote from Joan of Arc helps reinforce the understanding I have that fear is the worst thing any of us can feel as we approach a daunting task, make a decision, or anything else for that matter. Do not give fear the power to hold you back. Know that each of us is born to do something special. Joan of Arc inspires me with her courage, strength and faith.
3. “Destiny is made known silently” ~~ Agnes De Mille
Thanks to the Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, I was introduced to this quote early this year. When I am experiencing self-doubts, I find this quote lifts my spirits and my understanding that my destiny is right there, right in front of me, no matter how quiet it may seem at the time. I believe in letting my work speak about who I am as an artist, a person. Yes, I believe destiny is made know silently. Meditate on that one.
4. “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” ~~ Albert Einstein
Mr Einstein was a genius; still is in my book. This quote just makes me smile and feel child like. Exhilarated, filled with anticipation. How true is it that we are only limited by our imagination? I agree that our imagination gives us a preview of life’s coming attractions! It’s one of my alternative email signature tags.
5. “Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person” ~~ Kathleen Krucoff
Yes, it’s my quote and what I like to use at the end of my blog posts. I like how positive this sounds and I want to encourage others to Aspire, yes, Aspire to be more as an artist….and also as a person. Strive to achieve what you aspire to be. I hope you find it encouraging.
These are my top 5 favorite quotes. What are some of yours?
Please see what my fellow blog-o-sphere think tank compadres have shared as their favorite quotes:
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Mary Spencer:http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Laura Flavin: http://www.modernbirdjewelry.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/
Kathryn Cole: http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Andrea Bell: http://feathersfreesiasandfishingtackle.blogspot.com/
And yes, I leave you with: Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person. I truly mean it.
