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 Trophy in Progress---chicken approved

This is what happens when I have the shop door open...there is also a cat in the corner, lol

Anyway; working on the trophy for this weekend's Hyde Park Curb A'Faire event; the first annual: taking place in conjunction with the long-running Hyde Park Street Fair.  The Curb A'Faire will be a showcase of performing arts & will include a chalk art contents on Sunday.

I'm really having fun with this one; going very whimsical & using all kinds of "junky treasures" in the design.  And I'm not even close to being finished: there will be colorful graphics, sparkle, feathers, & more; hopefully capturing the spirit of eclectic whimsy that is the Hyde Park Street Fair.

Chicken-Bird certainly approves, so I must be on the right track ; )

I'll be delivering the finished piece Friday or Saturday; stay tuned for the finished pics!

-Amber-

Boise World Trade Center Memorial--Sculpture Install

In between rainstorms today, we installed the finished sculpture at Riverside Park.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to help; including ICS Cranes, Blake Trailers & Fabrication, Lochsa Engineering, Jensen-Belts Associates, & many more.

The install went very well; no real issues: we had to re-adjust the mounting bracket for level a few times, but other than that, everything went smooth.  It helps that we have all worked together on projects like this before: this project in particular is really special. 

Everyone out there today has earned my trust & respect:  &  I knew that the sculpture was in good hands; I really was not even nervous for this install: which is a first for me, lol :)

It's always a bit surreal to see the finished piece go into place, but especially so for this one: to have the opportunity to make something out a such an important piece of history is overwhelming--& I'm very grateful to have been part of the project.

There are a few more details to finish up, but you can see the finished piece anytime at Riverside Park in Boise.  There will be a dedication on 9/11 in the afternoon--will update details as I have them.

 I'm really happy with how this project turned out; really curious to hear some of the feedback--hoping everyone likes it as much as I do : )  

-Amber-

New Duckies on the Farm

omg, a few weeks ago I saw a Craigslist add for Swedish Black ducks; somehow, they 

ended up in a pet carrier in the back seat of my truck, lol :)

I seriously could not resist taking them home...

 they really are the cutest things, ever!!  Quwaking & wagging their little tail feathers--way

better than anti-depressants, lol---you cannot watch them out in the yard for more than 5 minutes & be smiling: they are such happy little duckies!

For the most part, they get along quite well with everyone else--although the geese are big meany-heads... they so love to chase the ducks & throw their weight around.... Little do they know: they will be off to "freezer camp" soon.: if they weren't such bullies--I would love to keep them around: but  they insist on being mean: they chase the chickens & ducks away from the foods; just for for the fun of it; they don't actually  eat it...big meany heads..lol

 Everyone  else seems to co-exist quite nicely...

Except for the fact they we have 6 roosters at the moment.  Even though they are little, their crowing contests in the morning are getting a bit old.  The herd will be thinned next week, though when 4 of the little noise-makers join the geese in freezer-camp.

In other bird news: Grey Chicken keeps insisting on beeing broody: besides the fact that we don't need any more little chickens at the moment, it's been so hot that I worry about her sitting in the coop all day....  So, she got dunked in the pool: I have found that cooling them off will usually break the broody cycle. We'll see.

Yes, it's quite the little bird farm around here :)  

I've got some projects to do; nesting boxes for the duckies, improvements to the chicken house, etc.

And working on some designs for chicken/duck/farm garden stakes & signs; soon to be available on my Etsy shop.

 -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-

Trophies, Bouquets, Duckies, Installs, & Summer Madness!

Wow! Things have been busy the last few weeks!  I've made trophies, wedding centerpieces, wedding bouquets, worked on public art, proposals, & installed a fountain!  Plus, we somehow ended up taking in 5 adorable little duckies that have been nothing but distracting, lol :)

 

 

Starting with; the fountain--that has kept me busy for weeks!  Commissioned by the Idaho Botanical Garden last fall: this piece took 3 tries to get right (more on that later) It is finally in place & looks beautiful, just like we planned; I'm very happy with the overall look of it; even if it didn't go smooth the first (or second) time, lol ; )

In addition to 8 trophies that shipped to Japan last week, & the 12 that will go to South Carolina on Monday, I finished up this one for a copper mine in Nevada & sent it out.  It stands 22 inches tall; made from steel, aluminum, & copper, with a wood base--one of my best yet :)   This is a perpetual trophy; winners names will be added to the base year after year.  I hope they like it as much as I do ;)

And the new duckies!  OMG: so cute!  I found an add on Craigslist saying that a family had rescued these 5 ducks as babies, but no longer had the room for them: they were very concerned that they go to a good home with lots of room, & I was very happy to take them :)  They are young Sweedish Black ducks, as far as I can guess-4 hens & 1 drake. And so sweet & cute & happy!  I have missed having ducks around the place, & when I saw the add I couldn't resist ; )  I'll post more pics later...

And, the latest crazy alternative wedding bouquet; instead of pearls & flowers she wanted nuts, bolts, & hardware....love it!  One of my favs.   Also this week; shipped one out that will be walking down the aisle at Burning Man, another to Spain, & a whole bunch of tree centerpieces for a wedding in Canada.

Whew!  It's been quite the week!  I was so happy to sleep in a bit today & get caught up: still a few bouquets to make tomorrow & an order of trophies; thankful for the weekend & no one calling ; )

Updates coming; next week is Boise World Trade Center Memorial Week--it will be done & installed: one way or another :)  

Amber

Little Roosters

Anybody out there need some little roosters to add to their flock???  I have 4 available; all black--2 fancy frizzles, & 2 regular--all bantams: little crows (more like sqwaks at the moment, lol)

In the pic; the black ones with the fat combs are the roos...  One of the frizzles has really pretty gold tips on his feathers: so cute!

They were all hatched this spring & are just starting to crow (squeak).  So funny to hear them try to crow like the older rooster; they try but so far, not even close, lol: their little voices are changing & all they can manage is a squeaky sqwak; hillarious!  

 Bantams are 1/2 (or less) the size of normal chickens---I had a mixed flock earlier this spring, but decided to go with all bantams & I'm so happy with the decision :)  They are much less destructive in the garden (my chickens free range all day), they don't wander near as far, & the rooster is not nearly as loud.

My full grown roo is the goldy-red one in the center of the pic above: I never had roosters until this year.  The full-sized roo we had was gorgeous, but huge!  He could dig up any plant in my little garden & was so loud when he crowed: also led the hens way too far on daily walkabouts.  When he started getting aggressive, we decided to let him go.  He & his harem of 4 full sized hens went to live with a lady that also lets her chickens free range: I'm sure they are happy there :)

If you let your chickens free range & have the space, I would totally recommend trying a roo in the mix; they watch for predators & will protect the flock, give the hens the best treats, & their crazy antics are a crack-up :)  Plus: you will have a self sustaining flock; the broody hens will sit on the eggs & hatch out cute little fuzz-balls each year!  We got 11 this spring; & will keep the hens & hopefully re-home 4 of the 5 roos :)  

The bantam sized roosters think they are 10 feet tall, but aren't nearly as intimidating as a full sized rooster.  At only about 6-8 inches tall, their presence is not much of a threat.  Although, my little gold roo does chase my cats, lol

 So: if you want to take home a pocket-rooster, let me know; I would let them go to a good home for free.  I might even be willing to sell a few of the young hens too; email me if interested :)  The small eggs are so cute!  The most charming deviled eggs ever....

Amber

Trophies Week

This week, we will be cutting, polishing, & assembling over 50 trophies---I'm a bit freaked out about it, but it will happen, of that I'm sure....

38 of these; complete with custom plaques, including the category & name of the winner; Thursday is the big day to clean, polish & assemble; hoping we have the plaques done by then.  If not, I might be bolting on plaques Friday night---the event is on Saturday!

Plus this custom trophy: commissioned by a copper mine in Nevada; I still need to fabricate a wood base for it & get the plaques completed & mounted....

And 8, similar to this that are being shipped to Japan....

Plus 3 custom designs that I have not drawn up yet; for a Harley rider, a golfer, & a tree... & a few others.

Holy cows; add that to over 100 degree temps for the week, plus other custom commissions & the WTC project, & family in town for the week=yikes! 

Good thing the chickens & Skwishy Cat are a big help, lol ;)

Seriously: I'm really grateful for the work; just hope I can deliver everything on schedule!

Tomorrow; downtown retail development site visit to discuss a custom public art piece, then floating the river---it's predicted 113 temps in the afternoon; which means my little shop will be a hot-box until later when it cools off.  Wednesday we are cutting pieces all day, Thursday assemble, clean & polish--hopefully in full.  If plaques are not done; Friday we will bolt them on to deliver to downtown Boise on Saturday for the Fusion Awards.   The other trophies: hopefully we will be able to ship out before then...

Cheers to a busy summer season!

Planning a break in August to camp, explore, & recharge :)

Happy Summer :)

-Amber-

Summer Sunset

Tonight, while putting the chickies & goosey-poodles to bed, the sky was so pretty; I couldn't help but take a few pics :) Love the evening sky!

The sculpture is about 8 feet tall; one of my absolute favorites; I would only consider selling to to someone very special: it was one of the first large scale pieces I made, & I love it!  Stainless steel, concrete, cable, & a purple crystal on top: when you look through the crystal, everything is upside down.  

Anyway; I resides in front of my little studio these days, & the chickens love to scratch around it for bugs, lol

I'm so thankful to have a studio out in the "country": still in Boise, but an older neighborhood--big lots-no rules (pretty much)  I can garden & have a herd of chickens & geese, play my music loud & work whenever I want to.  My only close neighbors are a couple of elderly horses & a pair of cows, lol :)

Happy Thursday!

-Amber-

new Postcards

New postcards on the way; whatcha think??

These are just for give-away at shows & the like; trying to be a bit more clear in all the stuffs we have to offer :) 

Looking forward to next week--it's going to be busy: WTC fabrication, possible tv interview, lots of design work on the table, & of course keeping track of the bird herd...  Tonight the other Canadian goose decided she was grown up & flew away; I was expecting it, but still sad; she was so sweet.  Might have to bring home another Pilgrim this week to keep the other company ;)

Alarm is set for 6; first on the agenda is a nice long walk/run; then juice for breakfast!  Then it's phone calls & out to the shop for some good cleaning, organizing, & laying out trophies.

Have a good week!

Amber

The Bird Herd--Updates

Earlier this spring, 3 of my bantam hens decided to go broody & sat on a pile of eggs: all smooshed into one nesting box, lol.  We got 11 tiny puffballs hatched out, & they are about half grown now :)

Even though the mommies were white, grey, & black, all but one of the chicks are black.  3 frizzles in the mix; they crack me up--looks like they stuck their little beaks in a light socket :)  

They spend their days free-ranging the property, eating bugs, digging up my garden, & begging for treats at the door :)  I think they are very happy chickens...  When the chicks get old enough to tell hens from roos, I think we will keep one roo & sell the others: hoping for more hens in the mix.

And then there's the geese---so cute!  We rescued 2 Canadian geese a few months back (thought they were ducks back then, lol)  Last week one of them flew away, but the other seems content to stay.  She (I think its a she) was very lonely, though, so we did a quick search on Craigslist & found her a friend : )

This proper lady is a Pilgrim Goose: almost the same age as the Canadian.  She is very sweet & docile; so far I am enjoying the geese even more than ducks; who knew!?   They have the same cute antics in the pond; splashing & diving & being happy; but they are much calmer than duckies.  They wander around the property like a couple of Victorian ladies; always prim & proper, with a slow, deliberate gait.

It's quite the herd of birds: I'm so glad we have such a large lot for them to wander.  They do like to sneak into the shop & hang out when I'm not looking, but otherwise they help out with bug control & fresh eggs.

I started the coop makeover last weekend; this is just a small section, but it's a start :)  Need to trim out the windows, but otherwise I think it looks great!  The wood came from an old fence that was replaced at my parent's place; Dad brought me a pile of "firewood", but I love the aged look of the wood & couldn't just burn it.    So, I will continue around the other sides of the coop as I find more old wood : )

I wandered around this morning for about an hour & took pics: as I was going through them on the computer I noticed that grey chicken is a bit of a camera whore; I have at least twice as many pics of her than any of the other chickens.   She is very pretty, though; so I don't blame her for strutting her stuff ; )

One would think that being a creative person, I could come up with better names than gold chicken, grey chicken, white chicken, rooster, & goosey-poodles...  And, with 10 more mini black chickens in the mix, I'm going to have to come up with another method, hahaha : )

Any ideas?  Send them my way....maybe I should have a chicken naming contest when the chicks get older. Could give away a set of chicken garden stakes as the grand prize, hmmmm...

Skwishy-Cat says "have a great 4th of July!"

Enjoy the long weekend--more updates to come!

Amber

Boise World Trade Center Memorial Project Update

This project started well over a year ago, & we are finally gearing up to begin the heavy fabrication.  The goal is to have the sculpture & naming wall installed by the end of July.

The beam is sitting in the fab shop, with the beginnings of the mock-up for the stainless rings.  The major fabrication will start the week of July 8th: & I can't wait to get going on it!

Yes; this is an actual piece of beam that came from the 9/11 site...it's quite something just to see it; the damage, the rust, the history.   If you would like to see it in the shop, please feel free to email me at refinerii@yahoo.com & I can set you up with time.  Tentatively on July 9th, we will be inviting news & photographers out to get some shots of the fabrication: anyone is welcome to stop in & have a look & take some photos.  I'll be updating as we confirm the date & times.

 

This is what it will look like when we are done.

The finished piece will be installed at a new plaza in Riverside Park in Boise; right next to the current Fire Fighter's plaza.

And the original proposal, showing the plaza, landscaping, sculpture & details.

More to come, stay tuned!

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-