ARGENTUM GLASS DESIGNS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

I love glass

2011-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Working with glass is so different than working with metals. I call it "immediate gratification", meaning I can make something cool in a much shorter time span than I can something in metal. Metal is more labor intensive, it just is. So, as much as I love metal work, and you know I do, I love the ease of stained glass.

ARGENTUM IS BACK!

2011-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF ARGENTUM DESIGNS. PLEASE VISIT OUR BLOG TO SEE OUR LATEST CREATIONS FOR SALE.

driftwood.

2011-04-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

Bren and I went for a walk at Misquamicut beach in Westerly yesterday. What a gorgeous beach....during the summer, this place is crawling with tourists.

Found these pieces of driftwood on the beach and had to make them into something. Hope you like.

NEW START

2011-03-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Its been more than two years since I closed the doors to Argentum, the shop, in Wakefield. Just now am I starting to create again. I have some old work posted on etsy at argentumdesignsri.etsy.com. In the coming months, please come back to see new things that I and my partner Brenda, who bares a striking resemblance to prince William, are making.

2009-09-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

First paid vacation since closing the shop. Yes, it is worth going back to work so I can have this time away and not worry about money. Worrying about money made my hair gray. Alright, I know it was already gray, but it felt grayer. I'm getting inspired by the beach stones I am finding. They are beautiful. Already designing new stuff in my head. This is good.

MYOPIC BOOKS

2009-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'VE SURE BEEN BUSY THESE DAYS. AFTER CLOSING THE SHOP, I TOOK A FULL TIME POSITION WORKING IN PROVIDENCE. THE COMMUTE IS KILLING ME! ANYWAY, I REALLY LOVE THE WORK I'M DOING AND EVEN BETTER, I LOVE NOT BEING POOR ANYMORE.

SO ITS BEEN ALMOST SIX MONTHS SINCE I MOVED THE ARTOMAT TO ALL THAT MATTERS, THE YOGA STUDIO AND TODAY, I AND ONE OF MY BEST BUDS GREG CRAWFORD (OKAY, GREG DID IT ALL) WHEELED MY BABY DOWN THE STREET TO MYOPIC BOOKS. WHAT A GREAT BOOKSTORE. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT. REMEMBER, LOCAL BUSINESSES DEPEND ON YOU TO KEEP THEM ALIVE!!!!
FOR STORE HOURS AND OTHER INFO, PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT MYOPICBOOKS.COM

THE TRAVELING ARTOMAT

2009-01-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

THE DOORS TO ARGENTUM ARE CLOSED, BUT THE ART-O-MAT LIVES ON. THE ART-O-MAT WILL BE TRAVELING TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES IN SOUTH COUNTY IN AN EFFORT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THIS UNIQUE MACHINE. IT WILL REMAIN IN EACH NEW LOCATION FOR 6 MONTHS AT AT TIME. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE ART-O-MAT, PLEASE VISIT ARTOMAT.ORG FOR MORE INFO.

THE ART-O-MAT'S FIRST STOP IS AT THE YOGA MECCA ON MAIN ST., ALL THAT MATTERS, OWNED BY MY FRIEND JOAN DWYER. JOAN HAS BEEN A GREAT SUPPORTER OF THE ART-O-MAT AND HER EXCITEMENT ABOUT SUBHOSTING THE ART-O-MAT IS INFECTIOUS! PLEASE VISIT THE ART-O-MAT AT ALL THAT MATTERS, 315 MAIN ST, WAKEFIELD, RI 02879. OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE ALLTHATMATTERS.COM, FOR MORE INFO!

LAST SHOW AT ARGENTUM

2008-11-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

FIRST, THE BAD NEWS:
AS MANY OF YOU ALREADY KNOW, ARGENTUM IS CLOSING IMMEDIATELY AFTER CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR. I STARTED THE BUSINESS 2.5 YEARS AGO, HAVE BUILT UP MY ARTIST NETWORK, HOSTED SHOWS, WON AN AWARD, MET MANY FASCINATING AND WONDERFUL ARTISTS AND CUSTOMERS. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH THE TROUBLED ECONOMY AND "LUXURY" ITEMS BEING LOW ON EVERY ONE'S PRIORITY LIST, ARGENTUM HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE ENOUGH OF A PROFIT TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS.

NOW THE GOOD, WAIT, SKIP THAT, THE GREAT NEWS IS:
WE ARE HOSTING A FINAL SHOW AT ARGENTUM, FEATURING CORWIN BUTTERWORTH. CORWIN RECENTLY WON THE 2008 "BEST OF" AWARD FROM RI MONTHLY FOR "BEST HANDMADE FURNITURE"
CORWIN DOES INDEED MAKE GORGEOUS FURNITURE WHICH IS SHAKER-INSPIRED AND WITH HINTS OF SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN ELEMENTS. MANY OF YOU HAVE SEEN HIS WORK ALREADY AT ARGENTUM; ONE OF A KIND CUTTING BOARDS, TABLES, BOXES ALL HAVE BEEN AT ARGENTUM SINCE I MOVED 1.5 YEARS AGO. THE SHOW WILL FEATURE NEW WORK AND SOME OF HIS LARGER PIECES THE SHOW WILL RUN FROM SAT. DEC. 13-SAT., DEC. 27TH. OPENING NIGHT WILL BE FROM 7-9PM SAT., DEC. 13TH AT ARGENTUM. ALL ARE WELCOME.

SEAGLASS RING

2008-10-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

NEW STUDENT GREG CRAWFORD EXECUTED MY DESIGN OF THIS RING AS HIS FIRST METAL SMITHING PROJECT. THIS GUY COMES WITH ALOT OF SKILLS ALREADY, SO HE DOESN'T TAP INTO MY KNOWLEDGE RESERVOIR TOO MUCH! GREG'S BIGGEST CHALLENGE: BEING "OK" WITH THE WORK NOT BEING PERFECT. HE APPEARS MORE COMFORTABLE WITH PRECISION, BUT IS WILLING TO EXPERIENCE IMPRECISION....AND I AM ALL ABOUT IMPRECISION!!!! THIS RING CAN BE PURCHASED ON ETSY OR THROUGH THE SHOP.

E T S Y !

2008-09-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.....CHECK OUT MY NEW WORK ON ETSY, THE WEBSITE OF ALL HANDCRAFTED ITEMS.....THIS WEBSITE IS AWESOME. REMEMBER TO BUY HANDMADE AND SHOP LOCALLY!!!!! I CAN'T SEEM TO PUT IN A LINK, SO PLEASE CUT AND PASTE THIS ADDRESS: ARGENTUMDESIGNSRI.ETSY.COM

LATE SUMMER UPDATE

2008-09-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

BUSY SUMMER! AS WE HEAD INTO FALL, I JUST THOUGHT I'D KEEP YOU ALL INFORMED AS TO CHANGES AND HAPPENINGS AT ARGENTUM. FIRST, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE CUSTOM ORDER CUFF LINKS DESIGNED BY ME AND PRIMARILY EXECUTED BY SUMMER STUDENT WEN JENG. HE WORKED DILIGENTLY ON THIS PROJECT, WAS ABLE TO TAKE DIRECTION, AND HAD THE PATIENCE TO SEE IT TO THE END. GREAT JOB, WEN!

BY THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, ARGENTUM WILL NO LONGER BE IN ITS CURRENT LOCATION. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW SPACE IN THE WAKEFIELD, PEACE DALE AREA AND MAY NEED TO BE CLOSED FOR A BIT BEFORE WE CAN RE-OPEN. NOT TO FEAR, I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED AS TO ANY CHANGES! AHHH....CHANGE......

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SHOW!

2008-08-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

LAST NIGHT WAS RONNIE BORDEN'S FIRST SHOWING IN RI, SINCE MOVING HERE APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO.....THIS GUY MOVES FAST. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HIS WORK BEFORE THE SHOW CLOSES AUG. 30TH!

ARGENTUM WINS RI MONTHLY "BEST OF" AWARD

2008-07-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

ARGENTUM WON THE RI MONTHLY'S 2008 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR "BEST CRAFTY CRAFT"......CHECK IT OUT!

ALSO, DON'T FORGET THIS SATURDAY 7-9PM AT ARGENTUM IS THE OPENING FOR RONNIE BORDEN'S COLORFUL ABSTRACT ART....

"SWEET MERMALADE"

2008-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, AS I WAS WALKING PAST A FAMILIAR CORNER GROCERY STORE ON THE WEST SIDE OF PROVIDENCE, A HAPPNIN' SPOT CALLED "THE MARKET", I WAS CAUGHT BY THE SURREAL IMAGE OF A GLORIOUSLY DECORATED "CAKE" BY PROVIDENCE ARTIST JESS PERRY. THIS CAKE WAS TRIPLE-TIERED, WITH NUMEROUS MINI TABLEAUS INVOLVING SORROWFUL LITTLE WORRY DOLLS, OCCURRING ON EACH TIER. JESS' MEDIUM OF CHOICE IS, I GUESS WHAT ONE WOULD CALL, MULTI-MEDIA??? I CALL IT HILARIOUS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I GOT HER NAME FROM kHYM, THE ULTRA COOL OWNER OF THE MARKET AND COMMISSIONED A SUMMER PIECE FOR THE FRONT DISPLAY WINDOW AT ARGENTUM. WE MET DURING THE WINTER AND JESS SHOWED ME A SKETCH OF HER IDEAS. THIS IS WHAT SHE CREATED. ACCORDING TO JESS, SHE IS NOT YET DONE....."I FEEL LIKE SHE NEEDS SOMETHING MORE, I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT IT IS.....I GUESS SHE'S A WORK IN PROGRESS" JESS CREATED THIS PIECE WHILE WORKING AND STUDYING FOR HER MASTER'S DEGREE IN ART EDUCATION. LUCKILY FOR THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH COUNTY, SHE FOUND THE TIME TO CREATE THIS "MERMALADE". SHE WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR ONLY A FEW WEEKS DUE TO THE HEAT THAT PENETRATES THE FRONT WINDOW DISPLAY, AS WE WOULDN'T WANT ANYTHING TO HAPPEN TO THIS SWEET MERMALADE!

THE FAST TALKIN' TEXAN

2008-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

TRUST ME, YOU WILL MISS SOMETHING GREAT IF YOU DON'T COME TO THIS OPENING!!!! RONNIE BORDEN IS A RECENT TRANSPLANT FROM ONE OF THE BIGGEST STATES IN THE UNION TO ONE OF THE SMALLEST....ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE. WHAT COULD BE A BETTER REASON? HIS WORK IS ABOUT COLOR AND IS TEEMING WITH LIFE, AS IS RONNIE HIMSELF. ARGENTUM'S HALLWAY IS CURRENTLY ADORNED WITH SOME OF HIS WORK, AND ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND FROM 7-9PM, WE WILL HOST A SHOW OF HIS LATEST WORK. SO, PLEASE, COME AND TALK WITH RONNIE, THE CONVERSATION IS LIKELY TO BE BOUNDLESS....

JESS ZAKOWSKI OPENING

2008-06-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

AWESOME NIGHT FOR JESS ZAKOWSKI. LOTS OF DELICIOUS FOOD PROVIDED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, GREAT TURNOUT, ONE SOLD PHOTO IMAGE ALREADY! HERE ARE SOME PICS OF JESS AND PAUL AND OTHER GUESTS.

NEW SUMMER STUDENTS

2008-06-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

THIS SUMMER I AM LUCKY TO HAVE TWO VISITORS FROM TAIWAN WHO WANTED TO LEARN SOME BASIC METALSMITHING AND STAINED GLASS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS AT ARGENTUM. HERE IS A PICTURE OF WEN JENG, AND THE RING HE MADE THIS WEEK. WEN AND HIS MOM HAVE A PASSION FOR LEARNING NEW SKILLS AND ARE A DELIGHT TO HAVE AROUND THE SHOP. PLEASE STOP IN AND SAY HI NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN TOWN!

BRACELET BY AMY SUNDSTROM

2008-06-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THIS GORGEOUS PORCELAIN BRACELET SET IN STERLING BY ONE OF MY STUDENTS, AMY SUNDSTROM. AMY WORKED HARD ON THIS. IT WAS A TEST OF HER PATIENCE AND STAMINA, BUT SHE DID IT. MARVELOUSLY, I MIGHT ADD.

JESS ZAKOWSKI SHOW OPENING

2008-05-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

COME SEE THE MYSTERIOUS WORK OF PHOTOGRAPHER JESS ZAKOWSKI. THE SHOW OPENS AT ARGENTUM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, FROM 7-9PM, AND HER WORK WILL BE ON DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 31, 2008. YOU WILL BE FASCINATED TO LEARN HOW SHE CREATES THESE ABSTRACT AND VISUALLY STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES.

WELCOME SPRING!

2008-05-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

BE SURE TO STOP BY ARGENTUM SOON. WE HAVE ADDED MANY NEW ARTISTS AND JEWELRY DESIGNERS THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE! NEW ART BY PEG MEEHAN, JULIANNA RICCI, JEWELRY BY MARYANN SHERMAN, FOX CUB DESIGNS, POTTERY BY DEB LANG BEAUDOIN. ALSO, REMEMBER THAT THE MICHAEL KACHANIS SHOW WILL BE COMING DOWN BY JUNE 1ST...DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THIS ARTIST'S WORK. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!

KACHANIS OPENING

2008-05-04T08:32:00.002-07:00

LAST NIGHT'S OPENING FOR MICHAEL KACHANIS WAS A GREAT SUCCESS! WE HAD GREAT FOOD AND SERVICE PROVIDED BY CRAVE RESTUARANT, PLENTY OF OLD FRIENDS, AS WELL NEW ONES MAKING THEIR WINDING WAY THROUGH ARGENTUM.

MY DAD PLAYED CHARMING BARTENDER AND WAS A BIG HIT WITH THE LADIES! "I WISH I WAS TWENTY YEARS OLDER" TO QUOTE ONE GUEST! A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES OUT TO DANIELLE HETU, WHO WAS ABLE TO SECURE FUNDING FOR THIS SHOW, AND OF COURSE, TO MICHAEL KACHANIS FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. AND, THANK YOU TO ALL ARGENTUM PATRONS AND SUPPORTERS WHO CAME OUT IN FORCE LAST NIGHT, ESPECIALLY PRESTON AND JOANNE, MY FIERCEST SUPPORTERS, WHO RIVAL MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD!

OPENING

2008-05-04T08:32:00.001-07:00

UPCOMING SHOWS

2008-03-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

photo by Jess Zakowski

COME SEE SOME NEW ARGENTUM JEWELRY AT SECONDSTAGESTUDIO.COM ON DISPLAY FROM APRIL 1-APRIL 31, 2008. THE OPENING IS SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008 FROM 1-3PM. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

ON SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, ARGENTUM WILL BE HOSTING ITS FIRST SHOW! THE WORK OF MICHAEL KACHANIS WILL BE DISPLAYED FROM MAY 3RD TO MAY 31ST. MICHAEL CREATES THE MOST CAPTIVATING SELF PORTRAITS....YOU'LL FIND IT HARD TO LOOK AWAY.

OPENING NIGHT IS SATURDAY MAY 3RD FROM 7-9PM. WE'LL ALSO HAVE DELICIOUS APPETIZERS PROVIDED BY CRAVE RESTAURANT.

MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR RIGHT NOW! AND REMEMBER TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS!

UPCOMING OPENING

2008-03-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

I HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO PRODUCE NEW PIECES FOR MY UPCOMING SHOW AT SECOND STAGE STUDIO http://secondstagestudio.com IN CUMBERLAND. I BELIEVE THE OPENING IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 13TH, BUT CHECK BACK AS I WILL HAVE MORE DETAILS BY THE END OF THE MONTH. I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PREPARED IF IT WERENT FOR MY VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS; JESS ZAKOWSKI, AMY SUNDSTROM, TONJA FEENEY AND JULIANNA RICCI. THEIR HELP HAS BEEN INVALUABLE.

NEW HOURS

2008-03-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF NEW HOURS FOR ARGENTUM:

WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 11AM-5PM

SATURDAY 10AM-5PM.

THANKS!

SHOP LOCALLY!!!!

2008-02-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

SEVERAL SHOPS HAVE CLOSED ON MAIN ST THIS WINTER. I MUST ADMIT, I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT CLOSELY ABOUT WHAT THE PHRASE "SHOP LOCALLY" REALLY MEANT UNTIL I OPENED ARGENTUM ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO NOW. SURE ITS LESS EXPENSIVE TO "GO NORTH" OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL WALMART, HOWEVER, IF/WHEN FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE WE SHOULD, AS A COMMUNITY, SUPPORT THE PLACES IN OUR OWN BACK YARD. MY FELLOW SHOPKEEPERS AND I ALONG MAIN ST. ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PATRONAGE. WE PROVIDE YOU WITH QUALITY ITEMS AND PERSONAL SERVICE THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED AT THE MALL.

AT ARGENTUM, MOST ITEMS ARE MADE RIGHT HERE IN SOUTH COUNTY BY RI ARTISTS. IN THIS ECONOMY, IT IS VERY EASY FOR A BUSINESS TO FAIL, AND IT IS UP TO US TO LEND SUPPORT SO NO OTHER BUSINESSES JUST DISAPPEAR.

SHOP LOCALLY.

METAL LESSONS FOR FREE?!?!?

2008-02-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

YES, ITS TRUE. I WILL OFFER FREE LESSONS TO ANYONE WILLING TO HELP ME PREPARE FOR A JEWELRY SHOW OF MY WORK AT http://SECONDSTAGESTUDIO.COM IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. I WILL NEED TO HAVE ALL MY WORK READY (ABOUT 15-20 PIECES) BY THE END OF MARCH. I NEED SOMEONE WHO IS A QUICK TO LEARN, CAN WORK WELL WITH THEIR HANDS ON SMALL AND OFTEN TEDIOUS PROJECTS. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO REMAIN FOCUSED AND TAKE MY DIRECTION. IT WILL BE A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR THE RIGHT PERSON, GUARANTEED. CALL ME AT 401.284.2419 OR EMAIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT http://ARGENTUMDESIGNS@COX.NET. THANKS!

Learning something new every day....

2008-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy teaching metalsmithing. Turns out, I love it (so far). Breaking down a project into steps, I now realize how much I learned from the woman who taught me, Thea Ernest.

Thea has some of her work in my shop and every time I show it to someone, I feel compelled to say "that was made by the woman who taught me how to metalsmith". Then I usually say, "however her work here is not really representative of how meticulous and precise she is". I know the amount of work and calculation that goes into her pieces, but some people may not. Her work looks effortless and that is because of her skill and expert craftsmanship.

Several years ago now, she was asked by the The Preservation Society of Newport County to recreate much of the historic metal work, including intricate lighting details, for the Isaac Bell House on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI. I had the honor of working along side of her on this project and got a bird's eye view into how something historic is recreated from renderings to actual execution. It was then I realized the extent of her talent. Her precision and ability to replicate was staggering.

I was able to work on historic pieces of metal and got to sign my name on the backs of some pieces over which I had labored. It was a privilege not many people get to experience in life.

Thea taught me how to make things out of metal, and now its my turn to teach. I hope I am good enough and I can only dream to be such an inspiration.

SO RHODE ISLAND

2008-02-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF SO RHODE ISLAND FROM ONE OF THE VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION POINTS IN SOUTH COUNTY.....I GAVE A BRIEF INTERVIEW TO MARY LOU BUTLER FOR HER MONTHLY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT. CHECK IT OUT.

ALSO, THE ARGENTUM SALE WILL BE ENDING FEBRUARY 15. BE SURE NOT TO MISS THE GREAT SAVINGS ON ORIGINAL ART, JEWELRY AND OBJECTS FOR YOUR HOME.

BEHIND EVERY ARTIST.....

2008-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

BEHIND EVERY ARTIST THERE USUALLY IS SOMEONE THAT GIVES THEM SUPPORT SO THAT HE/SHE CAN DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO DO THAT FOR ME SO I CAN FOCUS ON KEEPING ARGENTUM GROWING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE KEPT THEM IN THE BACKGROUND, MY PARENTS HAVE CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED ME THROUGH THIS ENDEAVOR. THEY HAVE BEEN UNCONDITIONAL AND STEADFAST IN THEIR SUPPORT OF MY DREAM.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD. I LOVE YOU.

ON A ANOTHER NOTE, I HAVE TWO OFFICIAL METALSMITHING STUDENTS! CLASSES ARE 25/HOUR FOR A TOTAL OF 10 ONE TO TWO HOUR CLASSES. CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED ON AN IDIVIDUAL BASIS AT MY SHOP. THE STUDENT OBTAINS ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION ON THE BASICS OF METALSMITHING, SUCH AS LAYING OUT A DESIGN, SAWING, FILING, PIERCING, SOLDERING. LEARN A NEW SKILL THIS WINTER!!!!!

ARGENTUM TO OFFER INDIVIDUAL CLASSES

2008-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

STARTING FEB 1, 2008, I WILL BE OFFERING A BASIC METALSMITHING CLASS TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING METHODS. ONE IS FOR YOU TO BRING IN A DESIGN AND I SHOW YOU HOW TO EXECUTE IT AND THEREBY TEACHING YOU MOST OF THE BASIC SKILLS OF METALSMITHING. THE OTHER METHOD IS BASED ON LEARNING MOST OF THE BASIC SKILLS OF METALSMITHING THROUGH PRACTICING EACH SKILL, AND YOU MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY COME OUT WITH A TANGIBLE END PRODUCT. I WILL POST MORE ABOUT FEES AND SCHEDULES IN MY NEXT BLOG.

ANOTHER NOTE. LAST WEEK A RETURNING CUSTOMER CAME IN AND ASKED IF I CARRIED A PARTICULAR ITEM. I SAID I DID NOT AND REFERRED HER TO SEVERAL OTHER MERCHANTS ON MAIN ST. HER REPLY WAS: "THANKS BUT I WANTED TO BUY IT HERE, SO I WANTED TO CHECK HERE FIRST". I TRULY APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND KINDNESS OF ALL MY CUSTOMERS. THANK YOU, LISA! CUSTOMERS LIKE YOU GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO KEEP CREATING.

ARTIST APPRECIATION

2008-01-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I think it is important to acknowledge how lucky we are in this little state, in this little town called Wakefield, to have such an abundance of talented artists. In quiet moments, I look around the shop in awe of the art that surrounds me. Today, one of the artists brought in a lamp he made from stained glass. He also is a wonderful painter and sculptor, and constantly blows my mind with the variety of his talent. When he brought the lamp in today, I said, "Where did you get the lamp?" and he quickly responded "I made it, where do you think i got this lamp?" To which we both laughed and I thought "Stupid me, of course he made it". "And I made the little finial on top, too". The finial is made out of copper tubing and twisted wire with a hollow copper ball at the top. It is so very funky.

I love this job. I get to meet the most wonderful, creative, interesting and talented people. I have to pinch myself sometimes to remember that they have chosen to show their artwork at MY shop. And I do so appreciate it.

SELECT ITEMS ON SALE AT ARGENTUM 1/15/08-2/15/08

2007-12-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

ARGENTUM IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE A SALE BEGINNING JAN. 15, 2008 AND ENDING FEB.15, 2008. SELECT ART ON SALE, SUCH AS LOVELY HAND CRAFTED WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS BY CORWIN BUTTERWORTH(http://corwinbutterworth.com/), COLORFUL GICLEE PRINTS BY JANET MCCRAW, ARCHITECTURAL FILM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER UHRHANE(http://detailphoto.com/) OILS BY MYRON RUBENSTEIN (http://rubensteinfineart.net/), METAL WORK BY THEA ERNEST, SILKSCREENS BY JAMES POLISKY(http://jamespolisky.com/), STERLING JEWELRY BY DORA SZEKELY, BEADED JEWELRY BY JULIANNA RICCI (http://jriccidesigns.com/), DIGITAL IMAGES BY MAUREEN ZAHARIE (http://mobooksnart.com/) AND FILM PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA RYAN (http://gemineyephotography.org/) AND HAND KNIT SCARVES BY MELANIE MADDEN, TO NAME A FEW.

LOOKING FOR ARTISTS

2007-12-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, ARGENTUM WILL BE LOOKING FOR SOME NEW ARTISTS TO SHOW THEIR WORK. ARGENTUM OFFERS THE ARTIST 60% OF THE SELLING PRICE OF THEIR ART, A SPOT ON THE WEBSITE WITH A LINK TO YOUR SITE, AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE YOUR OWN DISPLAY IN THE ARGENTUM FRONT WINDOW, HIGHLIGHTING YOUR WORK AND FEATURING THE ARTWORK OF OTHER ARGENTUM ARTISTS........PLEASE EMAIL ME BY VISITING http://ARGENTUMDESIGNS.COM. PLEASE BE READY TO SEND ME A JPEG OF YOUR WORK, PRIOR TO SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT. OH, AND FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS ON TO THOSE ARTISTS WHO MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED! THANKS!

"Going North"

2007-12-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Sterling Earrings by Providence Jewelry Artist Heather Guidero

If you live in South County, RI, you know that sometimes you just have to do it; head "up north", meaning anything north of Wickford, RI. As I did yesterday for my traditional "Xmas shopping with mom excursion". Things are just more expensive in South County, and if you are on a tight budget as I am, then going "up north" is a necessity for holiday shopping. While shopping yesterday at the Warwick Mall, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by all the holiday regalia streaming from every possible corner. Xmas music abundant, choirs singing, people hustling by, and, in the words of Dr. Seuss from The Grinch, "all the noise, noise, noise!!!!" Being with my mom made it fun and the trip tolerable. Its a chance for us to catch up, and spend some quality time together. I love it.

Upon returning to my own home town of Wakefield, a sense of relief and calm settled over me.....how pretty and personal everything looks on Main St. The window displays at All That Matters, Purple Cow, Myopic Books, Orangelola, to name a few, all looked so warm and inviting. I love my little town. And I love that most of the merchants up/down Wakefield support artists and artisans in their shops. Most items are made by actual people and not machines or children.

I know that some of my presents this xmas will have been made this way, and i tell myself its because i cant afford to just by locally. I could just not buy at all, but I know this is not socially acceptable behavior and, being just as vulnerable as anyone to the idea of wanting to be liked, I succumb to the pressure. What does make me feel better is only purchasing a minimal amount of items from"up north" and supporting our local merchants to the best of my financial ability. So, it is with this sentiment that I extend to all my customers, a heartfelt "thank you" for purchasing your xmas/holiday gifts at my shop and from the others up/down Main St. We rely on you......

The season in full swing...

2007-12-15T14:53:00.001-08:00

We are in holiday full season mode at Argentum. Work, work, work all day. At the end of a long day, I like to have a few minutes to myself to reflect and wind down. Today I am thinking of all the people who have made sacrifices to help me make Argentum succeed. Since beginning Argentum almost two years ago, I have had limited amount of spare time to share with my family and friends. I have missed bithdays, recitals and other special events. I have had to schedule time to spend with my best friends. I am so thankful they understand my commitment to the shop. I have never worked so hard in my life and I have never not seen my family and friends so much. My friend Lorie stopped in the shop today. I missed her two-day summer bash this summer, yet she found a way to forgive me and understand that if she wanted to see me, she would need to see me where I practically live. I am humbled by my parents, friends (you know who you are)who have been so patient with me during this time. I love you all.

OK, enough sappy gunk. Its late and its time for me to close.

ARTOMAT and FREE ORNAMENT ENGRAVING

2007-12-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

Don't forget!!! ART-O-MAT tokens and art make fantastic and creative stocking stuffers!!!!! Make someone the owner of original art for $5.35!!!! Also, free engraving is available for all stained glass tree toppers and ornaments made by Luisa DeLuca/Argentum. Engraving really personalizes an ornament and makes it a treasured keepsake for years. As always, happy shopping!!!!

Ladie's night success and now crunch time!

2007-12-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Ladie's night was a success, we had at least one hundred people make their way down the hall to Argentum. The cider and brownies were a hit (thanks to the baking expertise of Melanie Madden)and we had a raffle winner! The lucky winner was Barbie French from Wakefield, and she was overjoyed at having won a piece of jewelry from Argentum. Now, its crunch time. A time to get all the stained glass stars made, ornaments, tree toppers, etc. Come see the paintings on sale by Julianna Ricci and the new stained glass lamp by Kristen Hudgik
....its a beautiful medieval inspired hand painted stained glass table top lamp....purely one of a kind.

Ladie's night

2007-11-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Thurs., November 29th is "Ladie's Night" on Main St. in Wakefield, RI, from 5-9pm Argentum will be offering mulled cider and brownies, a free polishing cloth with each purchase, and an opportunity to win a piece of Argentum jewelry. It's sure to be a crazy busy night and tonight I will try to get a good night's sleep so I can keep my cheery disposition intact. Merchants up and down Main St. are offering all kinds of fun stuff.....check out some of my fave spots: All That Matters, Purple Cow, Orangelola, Jennifer's chocolates......all women-owned businesses that need our support.

madness eve

2007-11-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the first official day of the holiday spending season. Part of me is hoping it is so madly busy that I dont stop for a minute. Another part of me is frightened of an onslaught. The "what ifs" circle around my mind like a ferris wheel...."what if i run out of tissue paper or boxes...or stuff? Or, the worst case scenario; no one comes in to shop. The sound of chaos scares me less than the sound of silence. So, if its busy and you find me complaining, remind me of that, will you? Happy shopping to all, and to all, a good night.

I'm already hating the holidays......

2007-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

Ok....its my first official day of staying open late for the holiday season and I'm already exhausted, I have a splinter in my left hand and glass cuts on my right.....maybe I'm getting too old for this? Today, I was very productive. I started out the day rummaging through the woods in my backyard looking for a Charlie Brown Xmas tree and I discovered it right away! I was psyched. Then I went to the shop and met with this awesome floor canvas painter and she left me with the most gorgeous floor canvas to sell. I finally got to work around 2pm, made three stained glass tree toppers, more stained glass tree ornaments and icicles. Guess I should be tired. I am always worried I will not have enough stuff to fill the shop, so I work myself ragged to ensure that this does not happen. I will sleep well tonight.

coupons

2007-11-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have posted two 15% off coupons at two great websites, http://whofish.org and http://merchantcircle.com. These coupons are good for the month of November on any item made by Luisa DeLuca and/or Argentum. Please leave a rating or a comment about Argentum while you are visiting these respective sites. Thanks and happy shopping!

Finally

2007-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Finally started at the bench today. Began a pair of thick hoops for my friend Diana who lives in San Francisco. Its nice to be able to make things for people I care about. I sat on this one awhile. For about a year to be exact. I anguished about the design for some reason. Guess I dont want to let her down, as this pair of earrings has special meaning for her. That's alot of responsibility,and yet my customers entrust me with making something for their loved ones. A woman brought in an australian opal about a month ago. She has had the opal for about 20 years and recently decided to have it made into a pendant for her nieces birthday. I have made wedding bands, commitment rings, anniversary rings. I am honored and humbled by these requests.

Art Block

2007-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to make jewelry today and talk about it, but I don't feel like it. I think I'm having "Art Block", like writer's block.....it has happened to me before.....prior to opening Argentum, months would go by before I would visit my studio (aka the basement, which I lovingly referred to as "il basiment0" to make it sound more exotic). I would go downstairs to do my laundry and feel very sheepish about looking over to the side of "il basimento" that housed my "studio". I somehow felt guilty, as if I had been neglecting a good friend. These past two days I have brushed past my jeweler's bench more than 25 times, I am certain, and I haven't yet made real eye contact with it yet. What's my problem????? I have been busy with other things, but avoiding the bench. I have been printing more digital cards and pictures for the wall, I emptied out a hutch in the store room so the landlord can take it, had a few customers, made a few sales. I guess maybe the creative process cant be forced. As my mother always says "I have to be in the mood to draw, Luisa", and she's right. When I force myself, I turn out items that I am less than satisfied with. So I need to be patient, but I also need to set myself some goals for holiday shopping. I will publish my list here so I can be held accountable for it. Here it is:

Things I need to make:

more stained glass stars

stained glass ornaments

stained glass nightlights

porcelain bracelets

porcelain necklaces

beach stone bracelets.

One good thing is that I will be teaching an apprentice who should be able to complete some tasks associated with these projects which will make my job easier while at the same time, teaching her valuable necessary skills.

First day of the week

2007-10-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is my Monday. That is, because I don't work on Mondays, Tuesdays are the first day of the work week for me. I've come to realize that no matter how much you love what you do, the first day of the week is always a bummer. Thankfully, I have the luxury of being my own boss and therefore can lower the expectations I create for myself on this transition day. So when Tuesdays come along, I tend to focus my efforts on non-creative tasks such as catching up on ordering supplies, doing paperwork, and tasks that don't require my creative energy or focus. That way, I ease into my week, I can let the weekend marinate in my mind, and by Wednesday, I am ready to get back to "work". I do struggle with the idea that doing the paperwork and resting my creative mind is a legitimate task. I think the very strong work ethic that has been handed down to me from my family is largely responsible for this. Then I remind myself that the mundane tasks need to be completed and that it is part of what allows my business to exist. So really, I am still working, just not creating.

Today's blog, "The Zone".

2007-10-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have been known to advise my friends when they are working on some sort of project that, "it will always take you longer than you expect". Even though I know this, I still underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes to complete a project. Inevitably, something goes awry; a drill bit snaps, you cut your hand, you've run out of the type of solder you need, used the last screw that is the perfect size and shape, etc. When this happens, I suggest you take a break. Go for a walk, do some deep breathing, go back to it later. It will still be there. This can be hard to do, for if you are like me, when you find yourself in what I call "the zone", it feels as if there is some sort of instant bonding glue keeping you attached to that work. It becomes personal. Its between you and the project, and you are determined not to give in.
On those rare times when I have been able to rip myself away, I am always grateful that I have. Like now. I was working on something that keeps breaking. Writing this blog has assisted me in not screwing up a project more. Now my time is up and I must return. My head is clear and I am ready to face it again and conquer.

New to ARGENTUM

2007-10-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

I will use this blog spot to keep you all updated as to what is going on at ARGENTUM as well as a space for me to publicly announce my thoughts, ideas, etc. NOW that I have you all captivated. Here is my first entry.

I have been preparing for the holiday season by feverishly creating jewelry for the shop, as well as doing custom work. Just finished a big wholesale order for the shop GREEN INK in Wickford, RI. Go check it out. I also will be featured in the November issue of the new magazine SO Rhode Island. I think they are online as well.

This Fall, Argentum received several new artists, please check out the website http://argentumdesigns.com/ and look under the section that reads "new artists".
Oil and acrylic abstracts by Gregory Ricci, Raku and Ceramic art by Deb Lang Beaudoin, giclee prints by Janet McCraw, etc. Oh, and come check out my new pride and joy, a salvaged old beautiful sink that I made into a display with the handiwork of master woodworker, Corwin Butterworth http://corwinbutterworth.com/.

Anyway, I think that is it for now.....oh, I was recently granted permission to link to Miranda July's website....I'm so excited....please, please, please do yourselves a favor and check her out, read her books and see her movies......http://mirandajuly.com/. She was recently interviewed by BUST magazine http://bust.com/. One of my new favorite mags.

I knew I would forget something. Every 2-3 months, one of Argentum's artists will use their unique creative talents to design a new window display. They get to feature their own work while incorporating the art of others to reflect the spirit of Argentum. This season's window was designed and executed by Melanie Madden. Melanie paints, sews, cooks (and, yes I do consider cooking as an artform). Check out her work in the shop and stop by the display window at night. It looks awesome. Thanks for all your hard work.

Ok this is really it. I need to work and so do you.