Kristen Robinson

Come Mingle With Me - A Giftaway Courtesy of Stampington&Co.

Perhaps there is nothing better than a time spent together with family and friends. Moments that become more than combined minutes but rather memories to be cherished for a life time. To say Stampington&Co hit it on the mark with their new publication Mingle would be an understatement. Bold and modern with a crisp edge of luxe, the publication is absolutely divine!

Packed full of amazing photos, delightful tales and creative treasures Mingle goes the extra mile making one feel as though you are right there in the thick of the party. I am so excited that I get to share a bit of this magic with you as Stampington&Co. has so graciously sent me a copy to giftaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment perhaps you'll share your favorite way to mingle! I'll be closing the drawing on Friday the 14th at 6:00 a.m. PST. Happy Mingling!

On the Newsstands This Month

This a bountiful month for me on the newsstands as not only do I have the extreme pleasure of contributing a chapter to this years Somerset Workshop, but also articles and creative living ideas in Somerset Life as well as an article in Jewelry Affaire.

In this issue of Somerset Workshop I walk you through some of my favorite resin techniques that are applicable to everything from mixed media projects to jewelry creations, such as pouring into open backed bezels, creating molds as well as an array of must know jewelry techniques.

In the latest issue of Somerset Life I share with you my favorite ideas for gifting new neighbors with treasures, information and goodies sure to warm the heart of the home. Be sure to submit your own Welcome to Your New Nest idea to Somerset Life by January 15th 2012.

Also, in the latest issue of Life is a visit to the amazing Papaya Living located in Ashland Oregon. What a wonderful fun filled day Tina and I had shooting this amazing place of course spending time with the proprietress herself - Anahata Katkin is truly a joy!

As you many of you know I am absolutely completely enthralled with the past. With this comes a deep desire to keep the traditions of yesteryear alive and well. In the latest of Jewelry Affaire I explore a return to a classic with 4 brooches created with not only resin charms but bits and baubles that come together to create a bit of beauty.

Last but certainly not least is the new issue of Handcrafted Jewelry. Nestled within this publication is an array of ideas that range from resin, to wire to upcycled goods.

Be sure to pick a copy as it is full of inspiration and I would love to see your take on an upcycled belt cuff! 

Whispers of The Soul - Belle Armoire Jewelry Summer Issue

The ability to tell a story within the composition of a piece of jewelry is one I always strive to accomplish. From my earliest memory of looking through my Mother's jewelry box I can remember the magic locked in those moments. The glisten of diamonds and the sparkle of stones passed down through generations enthralled me, I was simply captivated by the great beauties that were delicately cocooned within the satin lining.

I was intrigued by more than just the lush nature of these beauties; I was completely drawn to the stories locked within them. A ring from a Great Grandmother held a tales of joy alongside moments of great sadness while a necklace given out of love spoke of romance and projected images of Prince Charming.

When presented with the opportunity to work with the LArge Hobnail Bezels I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. Deep walls and a broad width allow for a story to be told - they are truly more like shadowboxes then mere bezels. While each one speaks on their own there is a broader tale locked within the layers. Tales that I will one day share with you.

For now pick up the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry  as it is on the new stands now.

Spring Affaire Giveaway Winner

Everywhere I look Spring is popping up and because we have been experiencing cooler than normal temperatures the flowers are standing tall and proud a wee bit longer - a delightful and lovely sight to be sure. While today has been a busy busy day I have been full of anticipation and excitement as today is the day the Spring Affaire winner is announced. So without further ado the wee chicks in my studio would like to announce the winner......

  The numbers have been placed in the random number generator and Kathy of Buyrd Treasure Studio is the winner of the Spring Affaire Giveaway.  Kathy's comment "My fav part of spring is the sense of renewal" I could not agree more especially as this Spring brings a grand rebirth! Congratulations Kathy.

Stay tuned as I have another giveaway coming this week...

To give you a hint

There is something in print

Something Divine

Something I created for you to call all mine

 

A Recipe for Protectiveness

In the latest issue of Somerset Life (Spring 2011), there is a wonderful article which I am so happy to be a part of. Cynthia Levens penned the piece and through her words she created a lovely tale woven of truth and beauty. While the article touches briefly on the back story of my contribution I would like to share the rest with you.

Last Fall, shortly after moving the three of us set out on a little drive a day mean to be nothing more than relaxing and fun full of lovely visions of turning leaves and wisps of breeze. While on our drive we came upon an antique store that we decided we must journey into.

After a bit of walking around, absorbing the bounty of literally this and that I looked down and found a box full of very old recipe cards staring back at me. I could not help but feel dumbfounded, excited (as recipe cards were a task on my SL list of assignments) and sad. Needless to say I swooped up the box and rushed to the counter to pay for my treasure. My heart was literally thumping in my chest, not only was I excited by my find but I could not wait to start absorbing the words held within this box.

Arriving home, I made my way to the studio while the Little Man and My Love played a bit of catch. Sitting in my favorite chair I begin perusing the contents. My heart dropped a little as I thought of the countless hours spent collecting these recipes, many of which had been written in the hand of the owner of these delights and some that were given to her by friends. Within this box there was even a letter from the owner's son with a return address from a residence in Pasadena. I could not help but feel a longing to ask why these had been discarded; was there no one to pass them on to I wondered? 

I contemplated taking the recipes out of the box and altering them prior to sending them on however, I felt a simple adoration would be better as each of the recipes had been written on simple index cards; some typed and some cut from ladies magazines and taped onto a card.

I do plan on cooking a few of the delights from the box and upon their arrival home from Stampington I do believe I will share a few with you as well. Cooking is perhaps one of the most soul filled loving these we can do for another, with each word and ingredient written on the card there is intent; intent to nourish, provide, fulfill and share a little love. I do feel it is my duty to protect these recipes, pass them on and insure that the story they hold is carried with them.

 

Sharing Spring - A Jewelry Affaire Giveaway

 

Spring is here (sort of for us it is still chilly and raining) however the daffodils and tulips are making their way up through the soil to meet the earth. This month I have the honor of a featured article in the Spring Issue of Jewelry Affaire. If you have not yet picked up this issue it is a must. Beth Livesay (Editor of JA and darling friend) has outdone herself once again. The range of creativity is HUGE and so inspirational.

As I have mentioned before I find myself craving color on all levels of my life. Imagine my delight back in November when I received a box full of Industrial Chic Baubles (designed by my friend Susan Lenart Kazmer), they were chock full of color. Immediately I began to play and construct pieces that were not only whimsical but retained my voice as an Artist. 

So that said I would like to share a wee bit of Spring with you by gifting the above piece (a necklace composed of IC Charms). The task - leave a comment sharing your favorite thing about Spring. On Monday April 18th I will put all of the names into a hat and My Love will pull one name from the lot of comments. I absolutely adore the process of gift giving and have found doing so via my blog allows me one more opportunity to say thank you for stopping by.

Stay tuned as next week I will have another giveaway having to do with Industrial Chic and it is EXCITING!

My Life In Details - Somerset Studio January 2012

Our days are filled with details however often times we are so incredibly busy we fail to notice the smallest details. I have written about my love of these treasures in the latest issue of Somerset Studio available now on newsstands. I am also excited to share with you that this article has found its way into a class which I will offer on line in March - watch for details at the end of February.

Small snippets of fabric become more than scraps and wee bits of thread find there way into my heart (literally into my fabric heart).

Wee pieces of paper that once lay in the bounty of trash become words of inspiration and guidance adding a bit of documentation to my day.

Until we meet in the virtual classroom I hope you will obtain a copy of this amazing issue as it is chock full of inspiration, beauty and technique!

 

More Jewelry Affaire

In the latest issue of Jewelry Affaire I have the distinct pleasure of having one of my pieces highlighted alongside the ever talented and chic Sarah Elder. I love the idea of today's woman adding a chic little adornment that echoes a style from the past to her ever present and fashion forward ensemble.

Sarah's piece is definitely the perfect compliment to any little black dress or classic white blouse and jeans. I can definitely see a Modern Day Holly Golightly donning the bracelet. Needless to say a hint of the past definitely adds a bit of glamour to today! 

Sea Lace - As Seen In Jewelry Affaire

I can hear the sea. I feel it in my soul as the waves dance with one another, moving together, rolling as one to the shore. The soft sound they make as each drop of water falls onto the lush sand soothes me. I can hear the sea.

I can feel the sea washing over me, leaving a fine trace of water behind like a fine lace. The water offers a cool moment as the sun warms me. I can feel the sea embrace me.

I see the sea. The patterns it leaves as it pulls from the shore and joins its counterparts once again. I watch as it swirls about creating a tale of it's own. I see the sea as it dances away from where I stand moving to the place each drop of water calls home. I see the sea.

My piece entitled Sea Lace (composed of Industrial Chic Elements available at Michael's) seen in the new issue of Jewelry Affaire published by Stampington & Co.