Comedy for a Cure Award

I was commissioned by Comedy 4a Cure to create a very special award for one of the top supporters of the event; we delivered the finished piece this afternoon & it was presented at the big event this evening : )

It's funny; the recipient of the award has actually talked to me about commisioning custom awards for his own company;  so I really hope he likes the design I came up with for his award :)

The main structural components were made from polished aluminum, with a layer of steel--treated with a rainbow effect, & then topped with custom engraved acrylic.  I am loving the final look; I could not be happier with the way the rainbow effect came out (it's a bit of a gamble; as it reacts with the metal however it wants...) 

The color came out beautifully, & I'm happy with the overall look of the award; I was nervous that the wings would over-power the whole award, but I think they came out just right

We have lots of trophies in the works; more on that later & lots of metal wedding bouquets to make this weekend.  OMG: so busy all of a sudden; it's great, but a bit stressful at the same time, lol. 

Looking forward to a new big machine in the shop; should speed up the trophy making & other projects as well!  So excited---the shop is in chaos right now; making room for it, but it will be worth it : )

Loving the fall weather; today I worked in the shop with both big doors open; the ducks came & visited, but I had to chase the chickens & geese out--they want to be inside & get in the way, lol :)

This is going to be working weekend; we have so many orders that I'm afraid we won't be able to keep up!  But that's a good problem, right?  That's what I keep hearing anyway, lol : ) 

Happy Autumn!

More updates to come; some big news!!

Amber 

Curb A'Faire Trophy-done & delivered!

Finished up the trophy & delivered it just in time for the festival today :)

Complete with rhinestones, feathers, & custom graphic; I think this one turned out really well--definitely a bit different than trophies I have been making, lol, but I had a lot of fun with it.  I really enjoyed adding in some more whimsical elements to the design.

 I even did the graphic design work: I think it came out pretty nice : ) Actually getting the sticker onto the trophy was a challenge, but we made it work ; )

 From the base to the top; there is an old wheel, the top of an aluminum bottle, bronze faucet thingy, part of a chicken feeder decorated with keys, a silver bowl, & an aluminum gear-ish cup thing.  Copper pipe & hardware for the handles, & of course the feathers :)  

-Amber-

 

Hyde Park Curb A'Faire-Boise's Newest Street Performance Event!

I'm going to be creating the Grande Prize Trophy for Boise's newest street performance event: the Hyde Park Curb A'Faire & I'm so excited!  

We have a shopping trip planned for tomorrow to hunt for treasures to create something amazing for this---Pacific Recycling, the Reuseum, Idaho Power Salvage, & a few other secret location... ; )

Not sure yet what it's going to look like, but I'm really looking forward to creating something whimsical with a bit of a steampunk influence....  We shall see.... I'll update on progress.

If you are a performer interested in this event; contact me for the application---email me at refinerii@yahoo.com & I might even be able to get the fee waived for you ; )  

This is going to be a fun new event for Boise, & I'm really excited to be involved---check out the FB event page at: Hyde Park Curb A'Faire for all the details.  

Hope to see you there!

-Amber-

I AM FUSION Awards

This is the 2nd year I have created the I AM FUSION Awards for Boise's Fusion Magazine.

Boise's only red-carpet celebration of local talent & business: & I am honored to be able to create the trophies that are presented to the winners :)

 The big event was tonight at the Egyptian Theater: I was not able to attend this year due to other commitments, but from the buzz on Facebook, it sounds like it was a great success again :)

36 trophies were delivered this afternoon for the event; & I must say: I really like the design this year; polished aluminum for lots of sparkle, steel, & copper: simple & elegant...

Thanks so much to Rogue Graphics for the help, along with Blake Trailers & Idaho Custom IronWorks--could not have done this without you :)  

Even though I already know who won, it's fun to see the winner's comments coming in on Facebook.

Congrats to everyone who was nominated & to the winners---I'm jealous, lol: wish I could keep one of my trophies ; )   Maybe someday, lol; but seriously; love being a part of this event!  I hope everyone likes the trophy design---this is one of my favs of all-time :)

Amber

Carnevale 2013: a magical evening at the Idaho Botanical Garden

I almost can't believe it's come & gone again; year #3 was a huge success!  Thanks to everyone who came out to the Garden & took part in the fun :)

The pic above is one of the few I had a chance to get; it was the very end; the fire dancers under the moon as the stars were just beginning to twinkle.  The crane was for the aerial silk dancer & also used as a stage earlier in the evening; thanks so much to ICS for taking part again this year!

And here I am; complete with a giant set of wings & lots of feathers; I think with the heels & all, I was over 7 feet tall; should have joined the stilt walkers, lol :)  Corset & hat are from SubSpace: the rest, I created/cut/pinned/glued/stapled the night before...

This year, the line-up included the Red Light Variety Show, Professor Algernon, Belly Dancers (with a huge snake), Fashion Show by Bourgios Chic, & fire finale by Pele Rising.  

There was also a costume contest on the Red Carpet where guests got to show off their costume creations for a chance to take home one of the 3 grande-prize trophies that I designed & fabricated :)

our Best Top-Hat winner; she had an amazing costume & very creative angel/devil theme :)  Notice the trophy wings are miniatures of the ones I was wearing ; )

It was such a fun event; the costumes this year were over the top, & the performances were amazing; the Garden is such a magical place for events like this!

Even the kiddos got into dressing up this year!  Titus was a very close second to Best Top-Hat award :)

And doesn't Danielle look stunning?--she is a fellow artist who does amazingly dark & dramatic paintings & illustrations.

Another shot of my wings, hehehehe!

We don't have final numbers yet; but looks like over 600 this year :)  

 It was a huge success & lots of fun; thanks again to everyone who came to take part in the fun!

We are already making plans for next year; any suggestions; please feel free to email me at refinerii@yahoo.com

All proceeds from the event benefit the Idaho Botanical Garden; thanks again to everyone who came out :)

 

Special Thanks to:

ICS-Intermountain Crane Specialties

the Red Light Variety Show

Professor Algernon

Pele Rising

the Idaho Botanical Garden

 

Don't forget to like the FB Carnevale page for all the updates, latest pics, & more....  Hope to see you next year!

-Amber-

Carnevale Awards--Custom Metal Steampunk Trophies

They are cleaned, polished, & ready for Saturday :)

(wish I could say the same about myself)

Mixed metals & hardware; I think very fitting for a Steampunk ball :)  They will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Mask, & Best Top Hat: so come in your best for a chance to take one home.

Standing over 2 feet tall; these are pretty massive trophies :)

I'm getting really excited about the party--we have been working on new inventory all week, so I'll have some new creations available.

Carnevale gets underway at 5pm on Saturday--at the Idaho Botanical Garden.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.  Hope to see you there--this is going to be the biggest one yet!

Check out my Events tab for all the details....

See you Saturday!  I'll be wearing a top-hat with purple feathers: come say hi!

Amber

And the Winner is.....

Congrats to Jenny Hansen: you are the winner of a pair of tickets to Carnevale!!

Thanks to everyone who entered; hope to see you at the Garden on Saturday :)

Omg: I'm getting so excited for the party---and I don't even have my costume figured out yet..well, I have a few things; a cute top-hat, matching spats, & a pair of big metal wings...the rest will hopefully come together next week ; )

I had wanted to reveal the trophies on Friday, but this preview pic will have to do: they are actually farther along than this, but the plaques will not be ready until Monday: so I will do the big reveal then.  I must say; I think these are going to be some of the coolest trophies I have ever made; right up there with the Nascar trophy :)  And they are big; over 2 feet tall. I can't wait to see what people think of them next week.

OK; back to work for me--busy weekend, & crazy busy next week with preparations.  Trophy pics will be coming on Monday & maybe even a sneak peek or two at my costume & wings tomorrow ; )

Amber

Carnevale Ticket Giveaway!

OMG!  Carnevale is right around the corner--I'm so excited for this year! 

Trophies are designed; looking forward to the reveal on Friday...

I have the beginning of my costume; a sparkly top-hat with tons of feathers...

Invites have been sent...

I think it's time for a ticket give-away :)  

For your chance to win a pair of tickets; just leave a comment below--the winner will be picked randomly this Friday with the big reveal of the award trophies :)  

Good luck!  Hope to see you at the party!

Amber

Carnevale 2013

It's coming...Carnevale 2013: the third annual magical celebration at the Garden: please join us!

June 15th, starting at 5pm at the Idaho Botanical Garden.

I can't believe this is the 3rd year already; what started out as my own little idea to celebrate art & performance has grown into an annual Garden event! This year we are starting earlier, to give everyone time to browse the artist booths, get a temporary tattoo, or even a make-over (steampunk style) before the performances begin.    The Red-Light Variety Show will be back again to wow us with their aerial silks, pole, hula-hoop, & other amazing acts.  We will also be treated to a magic show, high fashion on the runway, & fire performances at the end of the evening.   There will be a full bar & dinner service available, as well as fortune tellers, face painting, costume contest & more...

I'm working on some amazing trophies for the best costume, best top-hat & best mask; come in your best for a chance to win :)  Costumes are encouraged, but certainly not required--come dressed up or just as you are: either way, you will be treated to a magical evening :)

Check out the Facebook Carnevale page for lots of photos from the last 2 years, updates, contests, & more:

 https://www.facebook.com/GardenCarnevale

And, check back here--I'll be doing some ticket give-aways soon!

Hope to see you in the Garden on the 15th :)

-Amber-

Reception this Saturday

If you are in Boise this Saturday; stop in at Subspace & say hi.  I'll be there with new jewelry, wall art, & more.  Will be giving out tickets to Carnevale too :)  Wine & treats will be served;

hope to see you there!

Amber

Carnevale 2013--now taking applications

 Carnevale applications for performers & vendors are now available.

Download the apps at

www.IdahoBotanicalGarden.org

This is going to be another magical year in the Garden--mark your calendars :)

We will be bringing the costumes, gourmet treats & drinks, performances, art & fire back to the Garden in June: hope you will join in the fun!

Be sure to like the Facebook page to stay up to date on costume categories, new additions, vendor announcements & more.

GardenCarnevale

Hope to see you there!

Amber

Adventures in Event Planning

Right before the holidays, I got a call from an engineering firm asking if I would consider coordinating decor & entertainment at their annual party.  I said sure, sounds like fun :)

Well, after weeks of planning & booking & making new stuffs, the party was a great success :)

--sorry about the bad quality; phone pic--

There were nearly 400 guests, 40 tables, fire dancers, stilt walkers, photo-booth, fortune tellers, temp. tattoo artists & circus performers :)

The tree centerpieces looked amazing; I even gave one away as a door prize & have orders for a few purchases :) 

We also had quite a few huge vases filled with feathers, masks, & glittery trinkets spread around the room--so much fun :)  

We spent nearly the whole day setting up & decorating; it was a lot of fun, but exhausting: if I ever decide to do this again, will definitely hire some help for moving stuff in & tearing down.  I didn't take anything huge, but we did cart in a bunch of giant vases to go around the room, along with centerpieces for 40 tables & accessory decor too.  Whew; makes me tired just thinking about it, lol :)

If you are interested in owning one (or more) of these cute trees: let me know, I have 9 available & can offer special blog pricing of $100 (I'll even throw in 3 glass candle holders).

Email me at refinerii@yahoo.com to discuss details.

Cheers!

Amber

Carnevale 2013

Mark your calendars!  June 15th this year--plans are already underway :)

All the magic, performances, fire, & more, along with gourmet treats & specialty drinks.

Be sure to like the Carnevale Facebook page for the latest updates on performers, menu, plans & more:

Carnevale on Facebook

Amber

Black Friday Sale on my Etsy Shop!!

I'm having a Black Friday Sale on my Etsy shop (first time ever)!!

I just listed a bunch of new stuffs, yay :)

I'm offering 25% off everything; just enter the code BLACK7166 at checkout, & your discount will be applied :)

There is some new jewelry, garden art, & new wall pieces listed.

 Also, the discount will apply to any custom orders this weekend as well :)  If you have an old key that you want me to turn into a necklace, or an idea for a custom gift; send me a line & we will come up with something perfect :)

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Amber

 

Still RAW, but not so much...

Well: the RAWards Boise show was pretty amazing; I got an overwhelming number of votes & met lots of really cool people; even got a commission or 2 out of the night.  In the end, I didn't win; but came in 2nd: ahhhh; so bittersweet to be first runner up....alas, I have been here many times before.

Honestly, I really am disappointed; I wanted to get my work in front of the national judges & have the chance at the amazing national prizes.   But, that's the way these things go; I am still really glad I did the RAW shows & will consider trying again next year :)  

For now: we are on to designing some new fun stuff to add into the line, & some personalized Holiday gifts--pics coming soon...  And: Thanksgiving at the cabin this year: should be lots of fun!  I am organizing a turkey egg hunt; one for kids & one for adults, hehehehehe ; )  And, afterwards, I'm bringing the little camper aka the "silver palace" back to my place for a makeover; glamping style!  More to come---

Amber

Boise RAWards-Wish me Luck!

The Semi-Finals show is tomorrow night this evening; yikes; it's after midnight by a long-stretch...  I've been working on my display, slide-show, & a few new pieces today: I'm nervous for the show, to be quite honest....I'm up against 5 other very talented visual artists & I know that my style/work is a bit out of the box...   We'll see: I think I have a shot of winning & going on to compete nationally, but it's all soooo very subjective...wish me luck :)

Now, off to try & get some sleep...

Hope to see you at the show.

Amber

RAWards Boise: next Thursday

Thanks so much to all who voted for me: I am competing against 5 other amazing visual artists for a chance at the national RAW competition. (OMG)

The Boise RAWards show is next Thursday at the Revolution Concert House in Garden City; tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door; purchase online at:

http://www.rawartists.org/boise/rawards2012

Everyone who comes to the show will be able to vote for their favorites in Fashion, Make Up, Hair, Accessories, Film, Music, & Visual Arts.  Public votes will count towards 50% of the total score for each artist; the other 50% will be based on the professional judges. 

Eek!  I am so nervous & excited about this!

Working on my display; it will be sculptural & will hold my I-pad for a slide-show, business cards, lights & my stats sheets; we only get a 4x4' space; so I have to get really creative to display my best work :)

I hope you can make it to the show; there will be food, drinks, art, fashion shows, live music, performance art, & lots more.  All the winners in each category will be announced live that night; each vote counts!!

Hope to see you there :)

Thanks so much again to all who voted for me & got me this far; crossing my fingers to make it to the next level; would love to represent Boise at the national level--omg; I feel so weird saying that; not sure I'm good enough, but will do my best!

Amber

Idaho Botanical Garden Fundraiser: 3 of my Creations up for Bid

Can you think of a better way to shop for the holidays?  All proceeds will benefit a local non-profit that provides community events, education, an amazing venue, & the amazing Garden itself...

This year, I have 3 items up for bid:

A lovely steampunk inspired necklace; with a glass lense, fuse, old key, old rhinestone & pearl charm, & a silver teapot charm: a princess length chain--a nice size for anyone...

A steel BioHazard sign; 17 inches in diameter & cut from heavy 10 gauge steel.  The perfect apocalypse gift... ; )

 And; a set of 3 recycled aluminum bangle bracelets; as seen at Boise Fashion Week. Made from aluminum canisters; cut, cleaned, & polished; they are very lightweight & easy to wear.  Will fit an average sized woman's wrist.

Check out all the items up for bid at:

https://botanicalgarden.afrogs.org/

Items are available to bid on through the 21st of December; just in time for Christmas.

Happy Holiday shopping :)

Amber

Open Studio Tour

Thanks so  much to everyone who stopped in for Open Studios Weekend; I had a great time chatting about the creative process, projects, new work, chickens, & the shop/apartment make-over :)

It was so fun to tour everyone around my little world :)

Honestly; I was a bit nervous about what everyone would think: I live in my shop, have tons of junk & metal laying about for future projects, a few trucks, grandpa's old cars, chickens & ducks running a-muck, & lots of un-finished projects here & there...

But, everyone seemed to like the place, junk & critters & all :)

I did get quite a few inquiries about metal-working lessons; it's kind-of amazing to me, really: I never thought I would consider lessons, but everyone who has asked has been so nice & I think it could be really fun :)

Sooo, I am putting together some options: for those interested---if you are; please contact me directly by email or txt (my cell service is terrible out here)  I am thinking of one-on-one, low key, hands-on projects.  

I'll post more later when I have things a bit more clear :)

 Anyway: I had a great time with Open Studio weekend; & will definately be on the tour next year.  If you want to come see the space--just message me or txt & we can set up a time :)

Off to McCall tomorrow to deliver some new pieces to the ArtiZen Gallery---looking forward to the pretty fall colors...& we might even stop in at Gold-Fork Hot Springs on the way ;)

Loving the fall weather & color! It's my absolute favorite time of year----and my b-day is coming up--I'm seeing an annual clothes shopping trip in my near future: a ritual with my mom: her birthday is 7 days after mine & the shopping trip has become our tradition :)  I need some new boots, & girly skirts, & carharts, lol ;)

Happy Autumn!  Thanks again to everyone who came out to the studio this weekend :)

Amber