Solstice Art Project: Out of the Darkness, Into the Light

At Sundown on this longest night of the year, I begin a new project in my Jewelry Works.  You’re welcome to follow me on my 13-week journey as I explore one of my favorite topics: Local Native Legend

Turtle Island: Turtle Shell

Sleep Bear Dunes

 

The Winter season is known as the Storytelling time.  What better way to pass the chilly, dark season.  Winter is also the season of exploration and development for artist; I thought marrying these two ideas would be fun and educational.

There will be no imitation of Native Art Beadwork, just my interpretations in Metals and perhaps a bit of Deer Hide or Birch Bark.  I have a deep respect for Native Tribes and traditions and encourage the preservation of their works.

Some of these stories were told to me by a fire, some over the phone, and some I’ve read in books.  I’m guessing my fascination started when I lived on Torch Lake as a young child.  My mother explained to me that the Ojibwe term for Torch Lake was “Waaswaaganing”.  That translates to Fishing by Torch Light.

Over the years, the stories of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Great Turtle Island, and Petoskey Stones inhabited my thoughts.

Already, my mind is racing with ideas:  I should have some sketches to share soon!!!

Julie

Loving the Great Lakes! A Mission

I make pretty jewelry based on the Great Lakes and the North Woods. However, my mission goes way beyond pretty and profit.

I’ve aimed to gently create an awareness of environmental issues dealing with our amazing corner of the world. My heart is in this. I’ve tried not to politicize this, simply to raise awareness and let folks do their own research.

I have another fundraiser coming up in regards to this. This has been well received in the past.

Sometimes it amazes me that my business page receives more attention than some wonderful Environmental and Educational Organizations. I subtly highlight their virtues when I can.

I have lived in and traveled all around the Great Lakes and so Water and Land Quality is very near and dear to my heart. I have seen much growth in my Thirty something years and hope to marry my love of the Arts and Sciences with Conservation.

One good organization  Is the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Trust.  They are a Non Profit Organization that WORKS to ensure Water Quality in the Lake Superior Basin.  Most folks don’t realize just how huge the Lake Superior Watershed really is!

I’m starting here, because this is where the water starts, it flows from Lake Nipigon into Lake Superior, through the St. Mary’s River and down into Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

http://www.superiorwatersheds.org/

Like them on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Superior-Watershed-Partnership/172598236095743

Do take a look.  Let’s keep our Great Lakes Clean, Fun, and Beautiful!

How to Care for your Great Lakes Art Jewelry by Julie Maxon

I’m so grateful for the positive reception of my work within the state of Michigan and way beyond! Thanks for your interest and kindness.

The various metals and materials that I use often require some maintenance to keep the desired appearance. I want to share my favorite Metal Maintenance Tips so that you may get the most enjoyment and wearability out of your Great Lakes Art Jewelry.

Sterling Silver:
Most of you are familiar with Sterling Silver. Over time, oxidation causes a dark patina to form on your jewelry. Because there is so much texture involved in my work, I use patina to enhance the depth of that texture. That is why I recommend using a soft polishing cloth and gently rubbing the piece on the highest surfaces. Be sure to allow some patina to remain in the low points to enhance the texture.

Fine Silver:
Fine Silver oxidizes differently than Sterling Silver because of their different chemical components. Fine Silver consists of 99.9% Pure Silver while Sterling Silver is an alloy/combination of 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper. While the Copper adds strength to the metal, it also creates a much greater opportunity for oxidation.

Fine Silver does not naturally form a black patina like Sterling. Therefore, I apply a special acid called Liver of Sulfur to create the defining patina. Do not soak your Fine silver in jewelry cleaning solution; you will lose the depth of image provided by the patina.

Copper/Bronze Treated:
Your piece should require no maintenance. The metal has been sealed to prevent oxidation causing oxygen from touching the metal.

Copper/Bronze Untreated:
Copper and Bronze naturally oxidize and turn quite dark over time. Eventually, they will even form the characteristic green patina. If you want your metal with a dark or a green patina, that’s great, leave it alone.
However, if you would like to maintain the original finish, you will want to use a soft polishing cloth to polish off the high points and leave the low points dark. As with Silver, I love to use a darkening patina to accentuate the depth of the texture!
If you want to really make your piece shine, do not use a traditional jewelry soak. I recommend Brasso or your favorite polish. If you decide that you don’t like that high shine, that’s fine, your piece will oxidize again.

Scratches:
Normal wearing of jewelry will create scratches over time, especially with softer metals such as silver. This is fairly easy to remedy. I learned this trick from jewelry instructor Lexi Erickson; find a piece of Scotchbrite (or your favorite scrubbing pad) rub new scratches into your jewelry.
Yes! Create more scratches. Don’t worry, you will not ruin your jewelry.
1. Grasp the scotchbrite in your dominant hand
2. Push the Scotchbrite across your piece in the direction of the original Matte I have created (probably the Northwest Wind Matte)
3. ONLY PUSH IN ONE DIRECTION; scrubbing back and forth with make unattractive Zig-zag scratches.
4. The more well used the Scotchbrite pad, the softer and more lustrous your matte will be.

Feel free to ask questions!!! You may comment/ask here!

Notice my Signature Northwest Wind Matte; you can repair and recreate this… read on

Why I love Matte Finish:

I have owned Silver jewelry and inevitably, I add unintentional scratches.  Adding a Matte Finish not only  creates a more subtle, deeper luster but it serves another practical purpose:  It increases the wearability of your jewelry.

When the Matte is present, those scratches caused by natural wearing are far less likely to mar the appearance of your piece.

I really want you to enjoy your Great Lakes Art Jewelry for many years to come.  I want you to be proud of them and pass them down to your children as heirlooms.

Thanks again for choosing my work.  🙂

Written by Julie Maxon  www.greatlakesartjewelry.com

With the Ice finally melted, we are free to scan the beaches for Agates, Basalt, and Unakite, among other Lake Superior Stones! I love to collect these stones and add the raw elements to my jewelry. It’s a perfect way to remember a day at the beach. Even for me, as I create each piece, I remember collecting the stones. My daughter often helps me in this endeavor. Even though the stones she picks are usually the size of an adult’s fist, it’s great to have her with me. 🙂

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

EXCITING NEWS: The Great Lakes Art Jewelry Family has scheduled a “Circle Tour” around Lake Superior. I will be sharing our photographs here and writing about our unique experience. We’ve worked in a few days at various campgrounds for hiking and beach strolling.

Indian Rock, part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Some of the places include Pukaskwa, and Lake Superior Provincial Park! We’ll also be hunting for some local Amethyst! That’s right, Amethyst is found here in Lake Superior as well. We’ll be heading out some time in July! For now, we’re doing home improvements and I’m trying hard to build up my stocks before the busy summer season begins. ON THE WAY: More Enameled Great Lakes, Traditional Stone and Bezel Settings, Turtle Pendants, and so much more! It’s amazing how many ideas I have that I wish I had the time for!

 

Spring is here…. FINALLY!!!

I love winter very much, this year she was like a house guest that refused to leave.  I’ve heard rumor that another snowstorm is crossing Minnesota and headed our way, but I blocked it out with the calls of Red Eyed Vireos, Cranes, Loons, Ducks, and Spring Peepers.

My spirits have been revived with the warm weather and returning greenery.   Jewelry-wise, I turn my attention towards spring leaves, flowers, mandalas, unfrozen flowing waters, and birds.

When my turtles awaken, I will start to share my turtle pieces as well.

SPECIAL EVENT:  Tomorrow, May 3rd, I’ll be at Zero Degrees Gallery for their Mother’s Day Open House from 6 to 9 pm.

I’ll be brining in some of my Etsy items so you can see them up close and in person.  Looking forward to meeting you.  Happy Spring!!!

 

Silver Lake Superior Mandala

 

 

 

 

2012: A Year in Review

 

2012 was an amazing year!  It certainly dealt it’s challenges and triumphs for all of us.  In April, I started Great Lakes Art Jewelry, the best endeavor of my life.  In late June, I lost my mother to a very sudden and tragic illness.  My mother was my strongest supporter who knew better than I just what was coming my way.

Perhaps it was the loss of my loving and strong-willed mother that made me so steadfast and determined to the cause of my Art Business.  A business that became way more successful than I ever imagined.  

I am ever so grateful for all of your support, whether you have purchased something or simply “liked” one of my photos on my Facebook page.  What you don’t know is that you have helped me to face and accept her loss.  I have inherited her hand, her eye, her sense for art, balance, and fun.  Through me, her talents may continue to live.  

 

I am very excited for the year 2013.  I have so much more to share.  Stay tuned…  

 

Autumn is So Here

As I drove into Munising, the home of Pictured Rock National Lakeshore, my breath was taken away by what I saw… the bright blue of Munising Bay hugged by the Golden Ambers of the Maple Mountain Range. Wow. Autumn is so here.
This is my favorite time of year, the reason I live here. The reason I raise my family here. The reason I started making my Great Lakes and Northwoods Jewelry.

Today, I made the Sterling Silver Michigan Pendant Available on Etsy!

What a delightful way to cherish your Michigan Memories! This heirloom quality gift is sure to give you and your family pleasure in the years to come.

Next weekend, I am attending the Mitten Moms’ Blogger Conference in Petoskey, MI. I’m really looking forward to learning more about blogging so I can share Quality Content and FUN with You!

Thanks for reading and Stay Tuned!!!

Love of the Lakes

I am thrilled with the  very supportive response my work has received from so many kind people all over Michigan, the country, and way beyond!  One piece has even been sent to Guam.  

Great Lakes and North Woods themed jewelry was not just a whim for me.  I have had these images in my mind for a very long time.  As a Michigander, I grew up in the midst of a water wonderland.  Myfondest memories consist of going to the beach at my Grandmother’s Cottage and Petoskey Stone hunting for hours and hours in the Summer Sun!

I did not expect such an enormous response from the public, at least not so quickly.  However, my Love of the Lakes is shared by many!  

Stay tuned.  I plan on sharing Great Lakes Photos, Activities, Restaurants and Breweries, Parks and Camping Information, and, of course, some Great Lakes Art Jewelry.  You can see what inspires me, view my sketches, and learn just how I make it… And for who! 

Cheers!

http://www.greatlakesartjewelry.com

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