Weekly Challenge for the Week Of April 3, 2011

This is a Two for One Week Folks!!!

Well, It can happen. I have been working on many projects and getting ready for upcoming shows like crazy. These past 2 weeks have been wild. I have worked on 7 new pieces , drew up 12 new designs and worked on putting together my display at the Mindworks Gallery in Chesterfield, MO. I feel like I have a lot going on. It is a "Pressured yet Rewarding " feeling all at the same time. I enjoy the challenge and It is definitely a "Learning Experience".

I love working in copper. but I know I have to work on some of my designs in brass also. I just purchased a piece of sterling silver to work with as well and boy was that "Painful". I'm not sure if any of you work in silver, but the price sure has gone up lately. I've sold a major part of my silver collection and it was time to create new pieces. The cost is steep but when you finish your designs and people truly enjoy them. It is worth every penny.

Well because the weeks were so full, I have to double up this weeks entry. So here are two designs for one weekly challenge. This week's entries are "Organic Rings #1" -This the first in a series of 12 pieces and "Solid Yet Broken" - This piece reminded me that I have to work more in brass. I really like to golden tone with the Kyanite.

Well everyone have a wonderful week and stay creative. I will be working hard to finish up these new design and will show them soon.
Take care !

Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for the Week of March 20, 2011

And Now the Fun Begins....

I have plenty of drawing, plenty of concepts, plenty of plans. Now it is time to get into gear. High Gear!

I must admit there is so much to do and so little time. It is Exciting and A Little Scary. I'm not sure if you fellow artists are going through these types of thoughts, this business can be some what daunting. But I love it. This wonderful piece found a home this past show and I also had to create a matching pair of earrings and a bracelet to make a complete set. It was "Great Fun".

I'm now working on new pieces for 3 upcoming shows and new show applications are coming in all the time. It is really a challenge deciding on what shows are truly beneficial for me to participate in. Will this show be a good match for my designs? Do they have a good track record in show attendance and so on. There is a lot to consider when choosing new shows to apply for and I'm still new to the scene so wish me luck.

Well here is this weeks entry. Welcome "Nouveau Essence" to the family. I hope you enjoy the new design.

Take care and Stay Creative.
Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week March 13th 2011

New Shows! New Designs! New Lines!

It has been a busy weekend. This was the first of the Spring Shows for 2011 and it was Great!. Last year I really didn't apply for spring or summer art shows because of my summer work schedule. Also many other artist informed me how spring shows don't produce the same venue as fall and winter show. Many people do a lot of their shopping for the holidays season and that's why the end of the year shows are more profitable. This year however I thought I would take a chance and step out a little earlier to test the waters of spring. I truly felt I made a lot of new connections with this show and for an artist still in the "beginning stages", it is really a great help and plus I sold some of my major pieces as well. This week's design is one of those pieces that found a home this past weekend.

"Waterfall One" is part of a series of 14 designs in which I will be combining pearls, gemstones, and crystals to create a feeling of flowing waters down a textured background. Most of the pieces will be in copper, but I might play with other metals and textures as well. Keep your eyes open for the other designs as I showcase them. I love finding wonderful pearls and gemstones to enhance my designs and I have been blessed to find such great strands lately.

Well I have a lot on my plate to work on so I will sign off for now. I hope you all enjoy the new line. Take Care and Stay Creative !

Allison B

www.alnbcollections.com

http://www.alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week March 6th 2011

It is Catch Up Time......

Okay, I know two updates in one week is a little crazy but I was trying to kept up my end of the challenge. Well because I was working on the new pieces for this upcoming weekend show, I noticed that I was behind one week.

This is the final design from my previous shows. This piece " Call to Meditation" found a new home this past January on Supper Bowl Sunday. I was a participate in a small trunk show for all of the "Widowed Ladies" because of the Supper Bowl game. It was a fun event and this piece was purchased there. I still wanted you all to see it though. I really want to expand my use of texture and metal forming this year. I love working with the metal to see what type of textures I can create. This look I created using my Chasing Hammer. The Liver of Sulfur patina really brings it out. I also love using local and national Lampwork artist beads in my work as well. It is a way to showcase two artist in one design.

Well I have to get back to work. I have to add some clasps to 3 more pieces and then I will be set for the show. I have already photographed some of the new pieces and I will feature these new designs in the next upcoming weeks in March. I also just got accepted in 2 more shows for the April and June. So I have a lot of work ahead of me. I will keep you up to date on my progress.

Take care and Stay creative!

Allison B.

www.alnbcollections.com

http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week Feb 27th 2011

Getting Ready for a Busy Season!

I have to admit, I didn't expect the spring season to have so much going on. Everyone I talk to who is "Creating Art" as a living says this is the season for creating new pieces. There are not many shows at this time so this is a good the time to develop new concepts and create inventory. Last year I was trying to take it slow because I was still a beginner ( I still feel that way ! ) and focus on the fall season for shows. This year I wanted to expand my show calender and I never new there where so many shows to apply for. Spring had definitely sprung early this year for me. I also wanted to expand my gallery presence and I'm working on finding some great places to show my work on a steady bases. The search has gone great so far and I will update you with that news very soon. My first show is the Weekend of March the 5th. New Show! New Venue! It is at the Artist Boutique" in Kirkwood, MO. I'm very excited about the new opportunity.

I feel Blessed!.

Well here is a look at one of the ideas I love to work with. I love nature as you know and I love Agate. Geodes are beautiful on their own and with this nature inspired piece, I think they work well together. This piece already has been purchased but I wanted you all to check it out anyway. This is definitely a direction I like to work in. I hope you enjoy this week's entry "Boulders and Geodes".

Take Care and Keep Creating!

Allison L Norfleet Bruenger

www.alnbcollections.com

www.alnbcollections.blogspot.com