Preparations for Carnegie Arts Wine Tasting and Art Auction are underway

At least on my end, preparations are underway.  Last year I had the pleasure of being asked to donate a few pieces of my jewelry to the art auction.  Of course I was delighted to do so.  It is a great way to get my jewelrypieces out in the public eye and the proceeds go to benefit a local art gallery.  I made three pieces especially for the auction.  For my trouble, I received a pair of tickets to the event.

A piece from last year's auction, made by myself.

Lee always likes to attend this event so he had been going for years.  We went and had a great time.... except for one thing.  I had donated thre items for the auction.  All three of my items were placed on the Silent Auction table instead of in the actual auction.  I had donated three items in the hopes that they would at least place one in the full blown auction.  I was hurt and upset by this.

Another of the pieces donated to the auction by myself from last year.

This year, I have once again decided to donate items to the cause. I will once again be creating brand new pieces fr this event.  However, I am stipulating that at least one of my items be placed in the actual auction. If they do not agree to this, I wil not donate anything.  I don't really think it's too much to ask.  I just want the exposure of having the auctioneer takes public bids on my item and watch it being displayed by the lovely volunteer "Vanna White"s. 
I have been planning to begin work on these pieces all week.. and have yet to actually sit down and do so.  I have however been giving a lot of thought to what kind of pieces I want to create.  My goal is to once again make three items.  I plan to make one piece out of something vintage that has been repurposed, like an old vintage rhinestone piece or beads or chain from a broken piece of vintage jewelry.  I plan to make one small copper wire wrapped pendant with fresh water pearls.  And the last piece I can not decide on a design yet..... perhaps a large pair of wire wrapped earrings. 

A few finished pieces for Art Auction consideration!

I have put the finising touches on a couple of those focal pieces I was working on for the Art Auction. Now, I am not sure they are both the pieces I will be donating but they are finished so.... here goes.

With the blue piece, I played with the idea of doing a swarovski crystal beaded chain but once I got it together and set it beside the focal, it looked way to gawdy and cluttered. So I settled for simply putting the focal on a streling silver knotted wire chain. It looks stunning!

For the copper woven heart, since it is such a large piece, it absolutely NEEDED a long chain and some additional embellishment. I added some wired pieces with the same swarovski crystal beads dispersed with the bright copper chain to acheive a more balanced look. Its become a real statement piece I believe.

More art auction inspiration

I have made another focal piece for consideration to be an art auction piece. I REALLY love this one. I bought some fantastic rhinestones from a seller on Artfire who's shop is called Supplies and More. http://www.artfire.com/users/SuppliesAndMore They are excellent and I may need to get another of this blue stone... for myself. ;)

Art Auction Assignment

The local art gallery holds a wine tasting and art auction every March to raise money. Since local artists are allowed to display and sell art through this gallery, I obviously am supportive of this cause. The auction last year was superb and I had a great time. This year, I've been asked to donate a piece or two for the auction. Of course I said yes. In exchange for my donation, I will receive two tickets to the event plus all the free PR and exposure that this event will bring my shop. Thank goodness I ordered those new business cards with my artfire studio listed on them.

The plan is to make several pieces and choose the two that best represent my style and will appeal to the attendees. I've created a few focal pieces already and plan to build the rest of the necklace or bracelet around them. I am by no means finished creating pieces for this auction yet.... this is just the start!