Plucked Pins, A Music Box Blog

Damage Control: How to Tiptoe Away from the Smoking Wreckage of your Latest Screw-Up with a Minimum of Harm to Your Reputation

2012-01-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

I would like to have this book in my life. Not just because David Eddie is completely charming in interview, or because of his advice to "I skipped my sister's mother-in-law's funeral", or because he's actually laugh out loud hilarious sometimes.

But, like some brethren and sistren klutzes that I know, you might consider me a case study of what happens to your social skills when you weren't invited to any parties in 7th grade (which is kind of a chicken or egg situation isn't it? We have a few theories about this, but the chicken might have been my unfathomable straight-laced demeanour, the result of my party-harder-bohemian-mama & fire-and-brimstone-pentecostal mixed-heritage - probably an entire blog entry on its own).

Anyway I am that weird, shy person who suddenly roars the wrong thing at inappropriate moments at dinner with your mother, or who hides in the bathroom during your friend's cousin's band's raucous gig trying to finish the last chapter of a good book and hoping no one notices. Although I haven't gotten to the Smoking Wreckage stage of screw-ups, fire insurance is always wise.

Make Your Own Glittering Musical Ornament!

2011-12-04T17:52:00.001-05:00

An excellent tutorial by Amber of SaltTree who shares how to make your own top notch ornament with a working music box inside.

Using this:

and This:

Step-by-step instructions are on Amber's blog: http://salttree.blogspot.com/2011/11/glittering-musical-ornament.html

The music box mechanism employed in this project is available here: http://shop.tunedteeth.com

Delightful!

Handmade Market at the Good Earth last weekend

2011-11-29T19:22:00.000-05:00

This is what my booth looked like at the HandMade Market in Beamsville Ontario over the weekend.
The show actually went better for me on the 2nd day, rain and all. I will attribute this to the lights I added to the display on Sunday - plus, I do believe it's a serious and shopper crafts lover who comes to the fair in the rain.

I really like the little cabinet seen in the centre of my display. A lucky find, it suits my miniature music boxes perfectly.

I debuted the little folding heart lockets at the show on Saturday.

This is my point of view - the reverse side of the display

It was a well organized and very well attended event. It was still hard to balance the expenses of coming from Toronto overnight though.I had some good conversations with some of the visitors. We chatted about clocks, music boxes, and Saturday morning cartoons of the 80's.

About a show: The More Than Metal Show

2011-08-09T17:07:00.000-04:00

For the past few months I worked relentlessly to put produce a very successful jewellery show here in Toronto.

The show went great, just really tiring. I'm planning on doing it again, but with more help next time for sure. I did all the website stuff, press copy and releases, ad, postcard and poster design, door-to-door flyering (I was really paranoid about getting the word out effectively), getting sponsors, performed the catering etc. etc. OMG.

The funny thing is that the show was partially conceived out of frustration with my experience with a lot of craft shows - I wanted to put on a show that would suit my type of work and others like me, but of course I had no time at all to man my own table. Very ironic.

I only had a chance to take a small handful of photos, but you can see the ones I got with the help of a friend here some photos One of the participants blogged about it too http://sahetahscrazedwritings.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-than-metal-show.html

I mean, everyone looks like they had a good time and all of the written feedback I got from the artists says they had a very positive experience so I'm relieved.

5 Questions: Interview with Dave of Bix-Reed Handmade

2011-03-27T17:37:00.002-04:00

I sat up and cheered when I saw these musical boxes on Etsy, handmade by Dave from Bix-Reed Handmade. Dave makes delightful wooden music box nightlights that incorporate charming retro woodland and nursery images.

They are meant to "keep the bogeyman away", but I think they are also brilliant decor items to light up the dark corners in any space.
I had to know more, and Dave very graciously let me into his creative mind to ask 5 questions.

Squirrel Buddy Musical Night Light by Bix-Reed Handmade

"Why did you choose to integrate music boxes in your work?"

since my night lights are primarily for kids (and adult kids), it just made total sense to add music to them. my friend, who bought one of the first boxes i ever made, has said it's now turned into a tradition with his 2-year-old daughter: her tucks her in, reads her a story, then clicks on the light. and before leaving, his daughter always points to the light, signifying she wants the music. and he's said that the first few minutes of bedtime had been the worst for her. she was always getting up or getting scared or calling for him to come back in. now she just listens to the tune and nods off, while he and his wife get some much-needed quiet time.

"What is the most challenging step in your creative process?"

time. i can only get into the workshop on tuesdays and thursdays. but once i'm there, i'm just so excited to work on the projects i've been cooking up in my head that everything goes very smoothly. since time is precious, i don't waste any of it fretting or doubting myself.

Duckie Music Box Night Light by Bix-Reed Handmade

"When do you know a piece is finished?"

this is lame answer, but it's instinctual. i just know. there have been plenty of times that i've finished a piece, but something about it just doesn't look right. and if i don't immediately think 'love it!' then i know i need to rework it. or shelve it altogether. but when it works, it works.

Happy Cat Music Box Night Light by Bix-Reed Handmade

"Do you have a favourite piece?"

i love them all, really. but if i absolutely have to choose i'd say "happy cat." "bedtime bear" is a close second, though.

"Where can we buy your beautiful things?"

right now, only on etsy.Shop: Bix-Reed Handmade

thanks!
dave

3 good things at my door

2011-02-15T18:28:00.002-05:00

Three wonderful things arrived for me by delivery yesterday.

This spectacular mug by Meow City was the first. I think it's wonderful and I can't wait to see what this artist does next.

meow city ceramics, by Drury Brennan

This was the second; a Dancing Skeleton, just about the size of my palm

And the third was a Valentine from someone who knows I love flowers.

A cure for feral children

2011-02-11T12:08:00.000-05:00

Given this....."the world has crumbled and the cities have exploded; uprisings and social disorder due to energy shortages have destabilized the country; and two mighty warrior tribes have gone to war. The crumbling remnants of the government attempt to restore some form of order, but life has become a whirlwind of looting and a firestorm of fear, in which men began to FEED on men."

I certainly did not expect this:

But it could happen, I suppose :-)

Toronto Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair

2011-02-10T02:51:00.000-05:00

My Secret Music Box will be at the Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair this Saturday at the Gladstone. Remember, romance is erotic too! It looks like a good day to be at the Gladstone Hotel; Skin Tight Outta Site Rebel Burlesque will be performing downstairs, too.

Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair
Saturday, February 12, 2011

NOON – 8:00pm
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West
Toronto
Admission: FREE
http://www.eroticartsandcrafts.com

Have a warm and safe holiday season

2010-12-21T14:27:00.000-05:00

Have a warm and safe holiday season. I'll be hibernating with my family for the rest of the year. See you in 2011 :-)

This weekend: Make your own music box & the Wandering Winter Craft Show

2010-12-18T09:24:00.002-05:00

I'll be running a workshop today to teach 5 or 6 people how to build a real mechanical music box using my DIY Music Box Kit. No flimsy paper strips here, this is the real deal with a mechanical wind up movement at its core. This happens from 2-3 PM at the City of Craft event. If you miss the event you can also pick up a kit at one of my favourite shops, the Wise Daughters Craft Market in the Junction at 3079 Dundas Street West.

do it yourself music box kit - supplied by Tuned Teeth Music Box Supply Company

available at Wise Daughters Craft

THEN on Sunday December 19th, I'll be doing my last gift show of the year at the Gladstone Hotel Wandering Winter Craft Show. The Wandering Winter Craft Show happens from 10-4 PM.This is just down the road from City of Craft and happens at the same time, so it's a good chance to hit two excellent craft shows at once if you're in the neighbourhood.

after packing up and heading back

2010-12-15T19:10:00.001-05:00

After packing up and heading back to homebase when the show was done, instead of relief I felt strangely sad. I think it was like the very mildest sense of 'empty-nest syndrome", because I had worked for months up to the night before preparing to do this show, and when it was done and the laughs were had, the crowds were met and friends made and my little display was finally taken down and carted home, my craftoholic heart said "what next?" And the answer was not "plan, plan, panic, make" - it was "take a rest, the show's over!" I had to recalibrate.

The best part is meeting other creative vendors who I know have been working day and night like myself in putting our stuff out there. It was nice to meet Susan J in person and I do believe I saw the founder of Bust Magazine moseying around. Although I could tell attendance was down, I had a lot of fun at this gig and hope I get a chance to do it again. The Bust Craftacular gets a thumbs up!

My pretties

2010-12-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some brand new pretties that I'm preparing for the upcoming Craftacular.

pretty floral hair combs ~ www.mysecretmusicbox.com

an array of musical pendants ~www.mysecretmusicbox.com

as earth turns in her winter sleep

2010-12-06T22:11:00.001-05:00

"Will she EVER update again?" you wondered.

I just got some vendor info about the BUST Holiday Craftacular in my email. It gave me an unexpected rush of nerves. It's very exciting -- this is my first time at this event and I've heard about it for years. I wonder what to expect. Doing all I can to make it a good experience...

Me and my musical jewellery will be at table #46 on the first floor. I also learned that me and Mr.Man will be sitting across from puppet makers, which is just, one our favourite things in the world, besides squirrel monkeys

Some new woodland items and one old favourite

2010-10-11T22:21:00.002-04:00

1.Stag 2. Sweet Owl 3. Fly Away Home Swallows 4. Bluebird of Happiness

Some of the newer woodland music box pendants I've been working on. I quite like them all (of course!) although designs number 2 and 3 can be customized with a favourite tune from this list and this makes them special in a different way than the others for sure.

For the uninitiated, my music box pendants are now available at http://www.mysecretmusicbox.com

Ola

The Lil' Swami

2010-09-26T11:03:00.002-04:00

This is an adorable music box I'm cleaning up.
A mystic ~~cat~~ monkey rises up to reveal secrets from the unknown in the swami's crystal ball. The music box within this cute little toy plays Luck Be A Lady. You can see it in action in the video below.

Lil' Swami video (linked until my embedding tool agrees to work again. Okay and it's sideways. If anyone knows how to fix that, please tell me!)

December, already?

2010-09-21T14:50:00.001-04:00

Getting things back in gear again after the Danforth East Arts Fair, which was such a great show.

I got a "no" from City of Craft (again) so yes that was very sad, but later on the same day - a big ole "we are happy to announce" from the 16th annual CBC show so that was heartening. I was so relieved, I was able to get all philosophical about it too. It's important to find the right show for your particular product and the jurying process usually helps with that step, though it may not feel that way at the time.

I saw the vendor list for the CBC show and recognized a few other names, including two whose wares I had my eye on at the DECA show last weekend; Kynk Natural Hair & Skin Care and Coy Clothes, so I know it's going to be great. There are 62 vendors in total, plus a fair trade market.

Oh and in honour of Dec 1st World HIV/AIDS Day, vendor fees and a day of donations at the CBC Craft Sale will go to Unicef and directly to Child Protection around the world, which includes testing and prevention for mothers, babies and children.

December is going to be so busy, and it all starts now too. I'll also say, although it is only almost official, that though I won't be a vendor at this year's City of Craft, my little supply shop is in plans to be one of the sponsors, and I'll have the opportunity to spread the word about how fantastic music boxes really are.

Aging, Changing

2010-09-12T19:44:00.000-04:00

I'm intrigued by this blog - http://thefemininetouch.blogspot.com which appears to be a long meditation about female beauty and age. It's almost entirely devoted to posting portraits of young female celebrities (artists, actresses etc.) alongside images that show how their appearance has changed after adulthood.

Some of the posts veer off in a slightly different direction - a recent post is about "vintage" celebrities famous for their beauty, alongside modern look-a-likes; another one is about how they've been seen through painter's eyes vs photographers, the rest seem to be entirely about youth, age and what can be perceived as beautiful.

I've been thinking a lot about aging recently and watching my mind and body change.

Changes come with autumn

2010-08-25T14:54:00.000-04:00

This month marks the first anniversary of my two little shops - in between the sites of New Mexico and Brooklyn and the hazy hot days in Toronto this has been a good month to evaluate both their progress and a good year of meeting other wonderful creative women in business.

Changes are coming to both shops - big changes and I'll be hosting a few announcements and small giveaways in the next few weeks to bring them in, so watch this space, and let me know what you think of them.

Things so far...

2010-08-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

It's a little intimidating to blog after a longish break. During my blog break business has been chugging along steadily like a cheerful train.
I visited New York City - I saw the sites of Coney Island from the dizzy giant Wonder Wheel. Mr Man won me a bear. We lost track of gravity and our senses on the roller coaster and watched the lovers still in love dance on the boardwalk.
I've made plans for the future of Tuned Teeth Music Box Supply and Clockwork Fantastica and I've been making plans and decisions about my allotted time in this world. I'm enjoying my life.

Steampunk Music Box by Devil's Jewel (and 5 questions)

2010-07-15T17:03:00.000-04:00

I've always seen a connection between the mechanical music boxes that I'm smitten with and Steampunk fantasy. Devil's Jewel (AKA Elaxir) is a designer on Etsy who saw the natural connection too and has made it a reality, creating tiny, exquisite musical boxes inspired by Steampunk. I was graciously obliged with answers to a few of my burning questions about these perfect little marvels.

Why did you choose to integrate music boxes in your work?

A music box is a machine, made of metal, something we are used to seeing as heavy and industrial. However this machine can create music, and this music is unique due to it's mechanical origins. I love when science and mechanics meet art and creativity. Music boxes and vintage analog watches are the best examples of this science-art relationship.

What is the most challenging step in your creative process?

The most challenging step in creating unique items is plenty of small metal parts that need to be firmly attached together. Glue is not always an option, so sometimes I need to use a gas torch and soldering iron, working with them can be tricky.

When do you know a piece is finished?

In most cases I simply rely on my creative intuition. Sometimes I have a clear concept, draw a few sketches and follow it till I'm done.

Do you have a favourite piece?

Yes, my favourite item is actually the first one I've created. A "Happy Birthday" music box for my girlfriend.

Where can we buy your beautiful things?

You can check some of my items at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elaxir
or the full collection on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bat-Yam-Israel/Devils-Jewel/123368157681667?ref=ts

World Cup Mural - The 32 Teams

2010-06-11T16:26:00.006-04:00

When I got out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York I saw this phenomenal 32-part mural on the outside wall in honour of FOOTBALL WORLD CUP.

There's a frame for each participating country with a painting illustrating the heroes, power & secret weapon behind each country's team and it's all told with anachronistic game history, myth and legend. Good stories - here are some of my favourites - you can see all of them at: The 32 Teams

Most moving? Honduras. Most sly? France - check out Thierry Henry’s left glowing hand.

The Illustrators are the Am I Collective from Cape Town.

P.S. I saw a man walking by touch "Greece" with the palm of his hand, for good luck....Wouldn't you??!?

Renegade Craft Fair and What I Saw and What I Bought

2010-06-08T22:50:00.016-04:00

Keep your cool, love thy neighbour, and never underestimate the power of a man who knows how to secure a tent - all's I can say is it would have been a very different scene this weekend without the help of Mr. Man at my booth, keeping the entire tent on the ground, literally! After standing alongside the artists that attended the fair in Brooklyn this weekend I respect all of them even more than I already did before if that's even possible. I used my break time to go around part of the track to visit some of the other makers.

Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet. I came around to this side of the track very late, long after I'd spent my allotted pocket money. So their soaps are now on my wish list - especially the Grapefruit Mint with the adorable packaging. He was undefeated on Sunday even when he had to do away with his tent because of the gale winds. He's also a lovely person.

Ferdinand Home Store
Ferdinand Home Store - another shop on my wish list. The tee-shirt I'm in love with has a squirrel playing drums. (I don't know why I like it so much.) There's also a stag with dragonfly wings and they both come as onesies too.

Orangy Porangy
Orangy Porangy. They were across from my booth and must have caught me looking covetously at the pretty skirts that they make and sell.

Buttafly Unlimited
Buttafly Unlimited. I hope you can see the tee-shirts that the artist is displaying on the table in this shot. They say I HEART MY HAIR. I heart her for making them. They are available in a few different designs too and on very high quality, soft material. I have my eye on the scoop neck jersey
EDIT: Kissa just sent me a gorgeous photo of the shirt - you can see it on the left and on her site too Buttafly Unlimited

Cherry Box Studio

Cherry Box Studio. We talked about doing a trade sometime later in the day, but the weather kind of flummoxed that plan. Maybe she's still up for it? Her shop is a carnival of fun by the way and worth taking a look at - you'll laugh, you'll cry! She is valiantly holding her tent down during a particularly exciting moment of Sunday's weather and smiling all the way through.

Tam Aura
Tam Aura. The maker of wicked silver and concrete jewellery. The combination is surprisingly elegant and light weight.

Artikal Millinery Artikal Millinery. A seriously down-to-earth artist. She's based in New York and we talked a little bit about her bridal line of hair pieces and fascinators and I hope we talk some more about it soon

Molly Gee Designs
Molly Gee Designs. My booth mate! She also has a terrific bridal line of veils and hair pieces.

Olaria Studio
Olaria Studio. She was right across from Me and Molly and we kept meaning to check out each other's work - but we waited too long and the wind storm overtook us before that could happen. It's one of those things, like arriving late to school when you live next door!

Melody's Addiction
Melody's Addiction. She is actually based in Brooklyn with a lot dates set up for some upcoming markets, so you can still check out her work if you live there too - or visit her online shop if you don't.

Girls Can Tell
Girls Can Tell. It was pretty cool to see her at the fair since I started following her blog just a couple of weeks ago. There's always something interesting happening there too.

Raw Toast Design
Raw Toast Design. He was our next door neighbour for two days at the fair. As soon as I got a good look at his prints I knew I would be leaving with at least one of them. It took me a while to decide, but I ended up getting two - one as a gift for Mr.Man and one that is on my room wall right now.

Derrick Velasquez
Derrick Velasquez. He makes very beautiful hand bound and eco-conscious journals. It was hard to choose just one, but I took home a teal-blue squirrel appointed blank book. I'm not sure what it is, I've got squirrels on the brain lately.

Clockwork Fantastica
Clockwork Fantastica. I always forget to take photos of myself at these things - but the Mister took this one of me talking with Don Caine and his friend both of whom I was thrilled to see. All three of us are obsessed with music boxes so it was a very friendly meeting of minds and extremely encouraging for me.

And this is what my booth looked like

A handy map and a coupon

2010-05-25T13:43:00.003-04:00

(I most likely won't be blogging again until after the Renegade Craft Fair in June. Our regularly scheduled programming - stories about musical mechanica, misfits and I think an upcoming giveaway - will keep until until the ecstatic return of Tuned Teeth & Clockwork Fantastica to Canada.)

Hello Brooklyn! This is approximately where our booth with be in the track area of McCarren Park - Close to Lorimer Street. I'll be selling music box pendants, my DIY music box kits, and I might even be holding a contest for a handmade miniature ballerina music box, depending on how quickly the elves in my studio can work this week (might have to up the bribes from lollipops to bourbon...we'll see)

If you happen to be a blog reader here, this is a small gift towards the wares that will be available on my table at this fair.

Hope you and yours are well and hope to see you there.

So, you want to visit the Renegade Craft Fair

2010-05-13T12:27:00.002-04:00

Blah blah blah it's all I ever talk about these days, I know! The Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair, if you missed my half dozen other posts about it, is one of the hugest independent craft fairs in the land, where 300 makers of stylish, splendid hand created wares flog the hell out of them to thousands of visitors for two days in June.

Thinking of coming by? Here are some things you should consider bringing:

1 Comfortable shoes. Whether you decide to stroll through the fair or speed walk don't let your feet fail you half-way through the extravaganza. Over 300 sights to see!

2 This show happens rain, snow or shine so bring an umbrella, a sun hat or kerchief to keep the elements off of your head. I think I'd squeeze sunscreen in here too.

3 H2O - don't leave home without it, with all my love this is my advice to you.

4 Cash and credit card - this will be the best way to claim the wonderful goods at the fair as your own to love, cherish and keep. All of the vendors will accept cash, many will also accept credit cards, but hand-held debit systems and cheque acceptance are less frequent.

5 An over the shoulder shopping bag. A nice big one will keep your purchases safe and your hands free all day long.

That's my list! Did I forget anything?

Coming up for Air, and A Story

2010-05-07T10:40:00.008-04:00

In case some of you were wondering why I haven't been posting lately, it's because I'm in full swing preparing for Renegade Craft Brooklyn in early June:

I'm busily preparing little pendants, little boxes and little kits that play music. I'm also busy getting my transportation sorted out, getting things printed etc. The fair is a HUUUUGE fiesta and you'll find me in the track and field park at booth #195

So anyhow, there's a story that's been on my mind for the past few days called Who Owns the Land?
Peter had a fallow garden that he left in the care of Paul. Paul was not a lazy man, he went to work drawing out rocks and dead trees and tended the soil until he was able to sow berries, tomatoes, corn and pumpkins, small trees that he tended and weeded harvested and replanted day and night until, eventually, the land was lush, green and abundant. When Peter came back he said to Paul who had been taking care of it, "Give it back now. The land belongs to me."

"No," said Paul, "I won't. This land belongs to me. You are the owner, but I am the one who has taken care of the land all this time. The land is mine."

Peter's face got puffed up with rage. Paul tightened his grip on the rake in his hand. Well, you can imagine.

Hodja who happened to be walking by saw the fight brewing and walked over to the field. The men decided to use him as a judge. They told him the story and Hodja listened. Then he lay down on the ground with his ear to the earth. "What are you doing?" they asked.
"I'm listening"
"What are you listening to?"
"The land."
Both men laughed. "Listening to the land? So what does the land say?"
Hodja stood up and said, "The land says that both of you belong to the land."

This story was adapted from a story in a book called Tales for an Unknown City . It reminds me of a saying that I heard at my grandmother's last week, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." They both ring true don't they.

Dance for me! Pictures of a Thorens Movement/Rotational System

2010-04-21T09:36:00.001-04:00

I was restoring an old Swiss musical manicure kit and I wanted to share pictures of this one.

She's very beautiful, but she wouldn't spin.

Before I exposed the movement I had never seen a rotation system quite like hers. I'll share some of the pictures I took for my records although it is probably a very common Thorens system. However you don't come across a great Thorens movement very often anymore.

Happy ending: she works now and when her lid opens she dances to the tune The Happy Wanderer

Friday Confessional

2010-04-16T15:14:00.002-04:00

My confession today is that housecleaning is 40% more fun when I can annoy my obnoxious neighbour in the process.

He has this THING where he starts banging our shared wall manically whenever he hears people talking, my cat walking, or papers rustling in my apartment. Whenever he feels justified by the sound of a closet door opening in the still of the morning, he likes to turn up his radios so loudly that people walking by on the street look up. He also likes to stomp up and down his corridor, banging intermittently like a poltergiest when he's feeling oppressed by the masculine footfall of my roommate or the Mister, or when I need to sweep the hallway (barefoot and on tip toes so as not to arouse his terrible displeasure).

What can I say, Life is sweeter since I stopped worrying and learned to roll with the tantrums. My confession is that if I can toss mats across the hallway instead of placing them gently, or drag the recycling and rubbish bins instead of lifting, or clatter the cutlery against the plates on the dishrack - if it makes Mr. Bang Bang apoplectic it make me happy and I'll be supressing a smirk. I'm not sorry.

Do you have a confession to make this week?
or if you prefer to stay remain angelic
Have you ever had an annoying neighbour? How did you cope?

12 dancing princesses

2010-04-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

These little dolls are getting their finishing touches before being used for my latest project. Can you guess what they're being prepared for?

The two on the far right look like they're going off somewhere to giggle and share secrets.

Clockwork Fantastica will be at Brooklyn Renegade

2010-04-08T22:14:00.001-04:00

By the way, it's official - Clockwork Fantastica will be participating in the awesome Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn, NY on June 5th & 6th

Yaaaay!

This will be my first time at a Renegade show and I will be flogging my wares to you with Molly Gee.

I'll share more info about this a little closer to the date, but I will tell you now that I'm working on some exclusive and wonderful items that will only be available from me in person at this fair. Wheeeee!

Damage Control: How to Tiptoe Away from the Smoking Wreckage of your Latest Screw-Up with a Minimum of Harm to Your Reputation

2010-04-07T12:11:00.007-04:00

New Tunes in Stock

2010-04-05T18:52:00.001-04:00

Nothing makes the elves here at Tuned Teeth happier than a new shipment of music box tunes. There is singing! There is dancing!

My favourite new arrival is called Shadow of Your Smile. You can hear what it sounds like here: Shadow of Your Smile

Brooklyn Renegade

2010-03-27T15:32:00.001-04:00

It looks like the Renegade craft show has just posted the artist list for Brooklyn. I'm burning with jealousy! I am still on the waitlist, but applying for this show actually helped me to see all of the places where I needed to improve my application, all the important details I left out and the photos I'll need to take. It was the first big show I've applied for this year so it's a good time to know this stuff. All in all, even though I'm languishing on the wait-list, I still think this is going to be an amazing year for me.

The line-up looks very good: http://www.renegadecraft.com/brooklyn-artists?site=bk

5 Questions: Interview with percussionist and drum maker Leo Brooks

2010-03-08T10:46:00.007-05:00

Sometimes you're lucky enough to meet the most interesting people in your wanderings. My favourites are the creatives among us, especially those with the ability to turn a pile of yarn, block of wood, or silence and nylon strings into something beautiful, strange, or exquisite.

Leo Brooks is a percussionist living in Aylmer, Quebec, just outside Ottawa. He has been building and repairing numerous types of drums and xylophones for about 10 years under the banner of his company “Treefrog Percussion”. This year, he added music boxes to the list of instruments he creates, and this is my interview with him.

Why did you choose to integrate Music Boxes into your work?

Well to answer that, you have to know my drums a little. One of the styles of drum that I build, called a Djembe, is made by cutting various sizes of rings out of wooden planks, and then gluing them all together. The inside cuts of the rings are then cut down again into smaller rings which can be used for smaller drums. As far as I know, I am the only person that makes djembes this way.

Some of the planks I use are made by laminating thin strips of wood to create what is essentially a striped plank. I use both domestic and exotic woods, so the resulting stripes vary in hue. There are many shades of brown, naturally, but the exotic woods add colours like red, yellow, black and even purple – all natural colours. Once these planks are planed down to the correct thickness, I cut my rings out of them. The result is that these round pieces show cross sections of the many species of wood used in the plank. Once the whole drum is assembled, it appears as a mosaic of dozens of different woods.

The problem with the process is that there is always a circle of wood left over from the inside of the rings. Because the wood is so beautiful, I have never been able to let myself just throw it away, so I have been keeping it in Rubbermaid bins since 2000, just knowing that I would find something to do with it someday. But the bins were starting to take up a lot of space.

For reasons I don’t recall, the idea to make music boxes with this wood struck me in the fall of 2009. My first boxes were done in early 2010. I have always been fascinated by music box movements, so I think it is a really good pairing with my other work.

O.K. – That explains the raw materials, but how are the boxes made?

The main piece of wood is bored out with a hole saw, after which the top edge is routed to accommodate the glass which will be inset into it. At this point the bottom piece of wood is glued on and the movement screwed into place. The glass is then tapped into place – it is designed to fit snug, as this seems to help the resonance of the music box, particularly the low notes. The top and bottom wood rings are glued on now, with careful attention being paid to centre them as well as possible. Once the box is assembled, it is turned on a lathe, being held in place by a special clutch which holds it from the inside of the top ring.

Once the box is turned and cut on the lathe, it is sanded, then finished with three coats of water based clear finish. The box is sanded between coats, so the resulting finish is very smooth and lustrous.

What is the most difficult step in the process?

No process is particularly difficult, but I find the woodturning to be both rewarding and nerve-racking. Most of the time the turning process is uneventful, but occasionally the cutting chisel will grab the box and throw it off the clutch. The box can quite literally explode if it hits something turning that fast. Luckily, I have never had the glass break when this happens, but I have wrecked a few boxes this way. It’s hard to have put a lot of time into a box only to see it go into the firewood pile (the movements are removed first, obviously).

Do you have a favorite music box that you have made?

I knew my first half-dozen prototypes would be for my family, and while they are all slightly flawed, they are meaningful and appreciated. My favorite box was the first one I made, which I gave to my Wife. It plays “The Anniversary Song” – a tune I had never heard until I put it into her box. I made one for each of my three kids and my nieces as well.

Where can we buy your beautiful boxes?

As of yet, I have not created any forum to sell these boxes, mostly because I have quite a few on order from people who have seen the prototypes. I make the boxes in two sizes based on the diameter of the hole for the glass on the top of the box – either 3” or 4”. I have decided for the time being to sell the 3” boxes for $60 and the 4” boxes for $75. People can simply mail me at Leo@treefrogpercussion to place an order or for more details.

What your favourite scene from Alice says about you?

2010-03-08T10:25:00.003-05:00

This is nice, HGTV's Design blogger mentioned one of my (favourite) Alice pendants in their homage to Alice in Wonderland inspired design.

In fact I have two Alice in Wonderland music box pendants in the shop at the moment; both Tenniel illustrations of my two favourite moments. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party is one of them (as if you couldn't guess) and the other is little tiny Alice in the forest, asking advice from big, surly, hookah-smoking talking caterpiller.

I should probably mention here that if YOU have a favourite scene from the story that you would like to wear, I can incorporate it into a pendant just for you, if you ask me nicely (oh yes, a naked plug right in the middle of the post...hey, a girl's gotta eat!)

How much you can tell about a person from her favourite scene in Alice in Wonderland (and Through the Looking Glass)? Are people who like the Cheshire Cat scene a little bit secretive? If the Queen of Hearts losing her cool on the croquet lawn does it for you, is it possible that you're exceptionally well-suited for a job in Naomi Campbell's entourage? Or does the scene of Alice surrounded by tumbling cards hit particularly close to home (I think it does a lot of us). So, I'm curious to test it ha ha, what's your very favourite scene?

The Burlesque Bazaar - a sneak peek and a coupon

2010-02-05T20:12:00.005-05:00

It's the last night before the Burlesque Bazaar and my last chance to lure to you my table. Here's a little peek at some of my newest work.

Mariposa: A blue butterly themed music box pendant with vintage metal butterflies and silver swallow detail.

This already spoken for peice, may be scheduled for a trip to the U.K.!

Sweet Hibou: I love this owl's little face peeking out in front of leaves. He is part of my new Woodland Collection.

Sweet Heart Locket for your sweetheart. Pink glass drops and vintage faux pearls, this locket is part of my Clockwork Fantastica Heirloom Collection.

And finally here's the coupon for show attendees:

I hope to see you there,

Ola

I'll be at The Burlesque Bazaar Trunk Show & Sale

2010-02-04T12:44:00.002-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, come get your Valentine's goodies at The Burlesque Bazaar! We have everything from pasties, jewelry, fascinators, lingerie and even Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons!!

Workshop Schedule - each workshop is $5 to participate

Crash Course in Tango (BASIC BEGINNER TUTORIAL) 11:30am

Stocking Tease Workshop w/Esther De Ville - 2pm

Belly-Dance Burlesque Workshop w/Emmanuelle La Gitane - 3pm

Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons - 4pm

There will also be a swap meet area open to all Burlesque Dancers and Glamour Enthusiasts alike!!! Bring your old costumes, jewelry, supplies or fascinators to trade and barter with!!!

Cover: PWYC (suggested $2)
Featuring:
UvKITTY Handmade Hair Accessories Bows and Jewellry!
At Home Vintage Love!
Clockwork Fantastica Handmade Musical Jewellery!
Love Poetry Corsets!
Jaloux!
Kaotic Ekkos Curiosities!
Decadent Betty Handmade Sweets!
Cherry Riot Alternative Fashion Accessories!
Kiss This Boutique!
Fashion Whore!
Cinched Tight Corsets!

Interview with Don Caine the Music Box Repair Man

2010-02-03T18:09:00.006-05:00

Don Caine, aka the Music Box Repair Man, has been a music box specialist for almost as long as I’ve been alive. Music boxes have taken him to Switzerland to learn about the manufacture of the musical mechanisms. To Florence and Sorrento, Italy to learn how the finest inlaid music box cabinets are made. To France and Germany to learn about mechanical musical automata, mechanical singing bird boxes and bird cages, and back to his home in the U.S. to work with Canadian & American collectors and sellers of those wonderful mechanical musical creations of the past. I recently had the pleasure to meet with Don personally and to interview him about his passion for his work and his almost compulsive obsession with precision and perfection in what he does.

" You can take something mechanical and make it ethereal. That's the wonder of music. Somehow or other sounds resonate within us on a different level than anything else."

What is the best way to describe the work you do?

I provide repair/restoration services and parts for music boxes and try to restore them to their prior glory. In the process I have found that I am often able to bring great joy to people by restoring family heirlooms that sometimes haven't been heard in years. So, on a philosophical level, I guess I make my living by restoring other people's memories.

What is the most interesting piece you've worked on?

Probably an intricate late 1800s French mechanical singing bird box. Also, a really troublesome 1890's Thorens disc player that has taken me a long time to restore - in fact I still don't have it completely restored to my satisfaction.

Have you ever repaired anything that you wished you could keep?

Oh yeah (laughs) almost everything I fix I wish I could keep; they're beautiful, I put a lot of love and affection into each of them.

Do you think your fascination is with the mechanics or with the music boxes themselves?

I think it's a combination of the two . The fact that you can take something mechanical and make it ethereal, I guess. I guess that's the wonder of music. Somehow or other sounds resonate within us on a different level than anything else.

Would you say you have a nostalgic streak?

Well Yes. I tend to be more at ease at a when things are quieter, kinder, gentler and less hectic...

In what era would you have liked to have grown up?

I think the late 1800's. I would have liked to be around when Edison was inventing. I love to tinker and make things work, hopefully better than they did before. I could certainly also see myself as the Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.

What is something that you are really proud of and why?

Diligence, honesty, the quality of the work that I do. I strive towards perfection in my work.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

I think as a kind & generous person who did the best he knew how.

I Heart Design Awards 2010

2010-02-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

Do you have a favourite Designer who deserves his or her moment in the sun? Valerie over at RoseFlash is hosting the I Heart Design Awards, and giving away prizes and blog exposure to participants and winners.

The Categories:

Best Website Design
Best E-commerce Website Design
Best Illustrator
Best Blog Design
Best Logo – Visual Identity
Best Etsy Shop Pictures
Best Paper Design (prints, letterpress invites, calendar, it HAS to be on paper)
Best Packaging Design
Best Online Zine

To nominate your favourite designers, visit this link: I Heart Design Awards 2010 Nomination Page

Nominations begin immediately! Voting begins on February 14th and ends on March 12th.

It's not too late too give!

2010-02-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

This is good. The Canadian Government is matching donations from individual Canadians to registered charities until February 12, 2010, up to $50 million.

So many of the deaths are happening because of basic injuries like broken legs that become infected as a result of the devastation of hospitals and the decimation of medical staff - I'm making my donation out to Doctor's Without Borders.

Small Birds in Flowers by Carlo Valtrain

Let's leave

2010-01-25T14:43:00.002-05:00

"let's leave," she whispered, "on a ship with smooth white sails and wooden planks that smell like seaweed, with a prow that shines as the ghosts of mermaids dance across the deck."

2010-01-17T00:53:00.001-05:00

I've never lived where an earthquake threatens to happen and I've never wondered what it would be like to see the foundation of everything give way, suddenly, and to suddenly not know where my family members are. I don't know what it would be like, any of it, to search and to fear in that way, or die in that way or to be in the dark at night trying to understand why.

I can try to imagine though, and I hope those of us without close family or friends in Haiti will be kind, heartfelt, giving, and compassionate after our first flush of goodwill goes to some good use. The grief and trauma must be almost unbearable and it won't stop after the headlines do and so our care and interest in each other mustn't either.

It seems the history of Haiti is replete with the ways it has been crippled and punished financially by powerful countries, from its remarkable inception out of slavery to the present day, where poverty and a difficult social infrastructure flummoxed by debt create the climate for an even more painful situation than necessary. Is there a way to change these patterns?

Little Crippled Haiti (mixed media on aluminium, 48" x 48"), by the Haitian artist Edouard Duval Carrié.Contrasts and combines the resilience and genius of the Haitian people with the history of violation, injustice and migration spanning the globe.

The Music Box Repair Center

2009-12-24T14:29:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt like the luckiest gal in the world? I do! Because right now I'm in California studying with one of the very few specialists left in music box restoration and repair in the Americas, Don Caine. (Hopefully he'll consent to an interview later on too.)

His workshop is home to more tiny tools than you can imagine as well as big industrial gear that is surprising to see being used here, and of course all sorts of clockwork fascinations in various states of trauma, restoration and repair.

There is a small red bird the size of your thumb, that twirls on brass gears in her golden cage and really sings, and a more sullen mottled blue bird in a ruddy red cage that's lost it's voice and just needs some expert mechanical care. Does anyone remember the magical harp in the fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, the one that sings? There is one here too and it plays "Music of The Night" with a perfect ethereal harmony.

My mentor is incredibly kind and patient, and for someone who deals in the world of the tiny, the intricate and the precise, he has a big loquacious personality and loves to laugh.

We've taken apart and repaired a Thorens disc player, (which I've never seen in person until now), diagnosed a multiplicity of problems with hissing and clicking and stock-still Romance movements, disassembled and corrected the same, and me, I'm learning first hand the patience and attention to detail absolutely necessary in this work.

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR Dec 12th & 13th

2009-12-09T12:05:00.001-05:00

One down! Next I'll at the Artisans' Gift Fair at the Tranzac, this weekend on the 12th and 13th.

SAT. DEC. 12, 2009

SUN. DEC. 13, 2009

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.

Toronto, ON.

Every year during the holiday season, The Artisans' Gift Fair hosts a fine collection of one-of-a-kind gift products. Vendors gather at the Tranzac, located in the Annex at Bloor and Brunswick, displaying quality handcrafted gifts that range from funky contemporary to a sophisticated classic style.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

FREE ADMISSION!!

The season is upon us

2009-12-04T21:47:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh, I have been so busy preparing for an artisan gift show this weekend. I'll report back on how it goes and on some other happenings once I catch my breath!

For those of you in Toronto this weekend, it promises to be a good one

2009-11-25T18:24:00.000-05:00

These days have been thick with chores, duties, work and creation. I huddle over my desk making little boxes and take short breaks to sip soy milkshake. Does anyone like how soy milk tastes? It took me about a week to get used to it, now it just tastes like milk. This leads me to believe that if I drank murky pondwater for a week it would end up tasting like milk.

There's another giveaway ending today

2009-11-22T16:48:00.002-05:00

What, another giveaway? So soon? Yes indeed, by an accident of fate a fellow blogger is hosting a giveaway for one of my Alice in Wonderland music box pendants this week. If you've been curious about them here's your chance to check one out with no obligato. She also hosted a nice little interview with me. It's my first interview ever :-)

The giveaway ends tonight at 11PM EST I believe

You can enter here: interview and giveaway

I hope you're all well and feeling good :-)

How to Install a Music Box Mechanism quick tutorial

2009-11-17T10:00:00.007-05:00

~swan lake~

Some people forget that I sell music box supplies as well as making musical gifts. I was explaining my weird music box hobby/habit to someone recently and she didn't run or slowly back away so I guess the frayed edges of my obsession are still tucked in neatly enough, even though not many people seem to share it. And as for supplies, I found out (the hard way) how tough it is to find a really good and affordable selection of tunes so I had little choice but to open a shop for people trying to pursue this hobby and art.

When it comes to creative work, there is so much that people can do with music boxes, but they are old fashioned and only on the radar of a very few people, so no one thinks to use them. To be fair, sometimes music box craft gets a treacly rep, but it doesn't have to be that way! With a little bit of creativity and attention to detail a hand created music box can have both the moxie and the charm .

The most basic question I get from people who visit my supply shop is "how do I install my movement?"

Well, if you aren't interested in making your own music box, the next bit is going to be BORING. Sorry!

This is a quick and dirty tutorial that explains how a typical modern music box mechanism can be installed inside your box.

You can sometimes install the movement while it is still in its white protective casing. In most circumstances however, you will begin by removing the movement from the case and unscrewing the plastic base. The case can be pried open with a flat edge such as a screwdriver or butter knife.

Cut out a small piece of paper that fits the part of the housing that you'd like to place your movement in. Place your movement on this paper and press against the bottom to create an impression of the mounting holes and winding shaft on the paper - you will need to punch a hole right through the paper with the shaft. You can also rub chalk or a lead pencil against the mounting holes to gain an impression. Trace the edges of the movement as well.

Remove the movement and mark the hole locations more clearly. Place the paper into your housing in the same position you would like to place your movement, and push through at the locations of the holes with a sharp point (a needle or the point of a compass).

Remove the paper pattern and deepen the hole marks. Drill 3.. (1/8") mounting holes and a 6mm (1/4") clearance hole for the winder shaft.
Now you can place your movement. It can be mounted with #2 wood screws.

Fin!

This tutorial was penned by the elf who works at Tuned Teeth Music Box Supply & More

Wild at Heart Mermaid Musical Locket

2009-11-17T09:10:00.004-05:00

A new locket is just about ready to be added to my jewellery store. And I just love this one. It's a very old piece with a lot of wear that has been re-designed into a musical locket. It's foundation is vintage 60's and I think the previous owner was a bit of a wild one. It just needs some finishing touches I think before making its way to someone new.

This locket and others like it are available at My Secret Music Box

A giveaway winner is announced

2009-11-11T11:27:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! Lucky number 6 was picked as an eligible entry using the True Random Number Generator. Ashley wins her choice of Daisy Chain pendants. Congratulations Ashley!

Don't worry - there's still hope for everyone else - no sad faces here :O) News about sales, giveaways and FIRST dibs on the newest items will always be listed on the music box blog.

Giveaway

2009-11-10T09:22:00.001-05:00

There is one day left to enter a special giveaway - the gift is a Daisy Chain miniature music box pendant from my Garden Collection (the winner gets to choose his or her favourite one below)

The giveaway is being hosted by my friend over at Chez Chani. There are a few steps necessary to enter the contest, but it's pretty easy.

1:Take a look over at Clockwork Fantastica, and then

2: Leave a comment on Chez Chani's post about an item in the shop that caught your fancy.

If you're a reader here, you can also leave a 2nd comment letting me know what type of content you would like to see on my blog, and that will count as a separate entry for you in the draw.

The winner will be chosen by the magical random number generator and announced on Thursday. Good Luck to you!

40 Years of Sunny Days: Happy Birthday Sesame Street :-)

2009-11-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

A headline in the Globe & Mail reminded me that tomorrow is Sesame Street's 40th birthday. 40 years, kids!

I think Grover was my favourite even though he was a bit neurotic. Seriously, does anyone remember The Monster At The End Of This Book? Poor little guy. I found an online version of that classic here --> Oh, Grover just when I'd given up ever finding it again.

My little sister was on Sesame Street in the 80's with a dozen other children in her kindergarten class. It was a french clip where all the little kids ran around one of the circa 1970's log sculptures that adorned our playground. She was wearing a pink dress and long braided pig tails; all of the kids were a little bit dressed up since being on tee vee was a _really big_ deal then. I think the clip taught us all the difference between "Aller!" (Go) and "Arrêt!" (Stop) by using freeze-frame camera-work, which was perhaps the only way they could make running, dancing 5 year olds in front of a camera stop moving.

Sunny Days. I have a vintage Sesame Street music box movement that plays the ORIGINAL Sunny Days not that new-fangled version. For anyone with a creative spirit, this is perfect to put inside your own handmade Sesame Street character or music box. If you're not a music box maker, you can still hear what it sounds like here -- Sesame Street Music Box Sounds ; I dare you not to smile when you hear it.

Midnight Roses and "Hart" of Brass

2009-11-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

I've made some recent additions to both the Heirloom and Fascination collections at Clockwork Fantastica.

The first was dubbed Midnight Roses almost as soon as it was deemed ready to leave the studio and my favourite features, aside from the charm of the musical element, are the two little abalone-inlaid butterflies fluttering on the hematite plate chain, almost like they're on a vine.

The "Hart" of Brass is a piece of whimsy that I've added to the Fascination collection. I'm one of those city-gals who can't immediately see the difference between a moose's head and a buck - so I wasn't certain when I first held the brass stamping, but the features are very fine and certainly don't look like the back of our Canadian quarter. So I realized that it is in fact a noble deer jutting out his proud nose and antlers.

(I think he has a right to preen though, he is rather dashing.)

CUTENESS and genius resources (non-music box related)

2009-11-06T13:48:00.021-05:00

It's hard to restrict my blog to music boxes when there are adorable handmade softies in this world too.

I can't resist sharing these little creatures made by Tiny Warbler. This bunny's tummy makes me ticklish.

There's also a snowy owl. And a wee elephant!

Another non-music box related thing happened today, which is I had my links put up on the Toronto Craft Alert so, let me take this moment to tell you the Toronto Craft Alert is where you ought to visit if you're in Toronto and make or appreciate handmade goods. It's a genius newsletter and blog that highlights crafty events and resources in the city and nearby. It's where I find out about most of the shows that are happening. They have a mailing list, but I like to visit the site.

I think this is the most beautiful Autumn I've experienced in years. And the sky is bright blue, and my belly is full, and my cat is curled up in a snoozy ball asleep by the window.

More Tunes!

2009-11-03T09:34:00.002-05:00

More music box tunes arrived today at Tuned Teeth which means more variety, and more music box love and cheers from music box lovers everywhere (wild dancing)!

Available for your crafting and artisan needs:

Fur Elise
My Wild Irish Rose
Tomorrow (from Annie, take note 80's children!)
The Candy Man
Amazing Grace
You Are My Sunshine
Danny Boy
Historia de un Amor (very haunting)

and for the holidays (just remember to order these early so that the presents you're making for your loved ones will be ready in time)

If you'd like to hear what these clockwork mechanisms actually sound like (of course you do), take a trip over to my listening page: Listen To Them Play!

My favourite at the moment is the Historia de un Amor. So wistful (I'm actually planning to make a ballerina music box using this one). Which tunes do you like? (just curious)

The Heirloom Collection

2009-11-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

This will be the first piece in my new Heirloom Collection found at Clockwork Fantastica.

The Heirloom Collection is an offering of classic and embellished pieces from the early 1900's to the turn of the century. This particular pendant plays Fur Elise. What do you think?

New Tunes in Stock

2009-10-29T21:40:00.002-04:00

Good morning music box crafters and artists, I have some new tunes available for you today at Tuned Teeth.

You can now find:

My personal favourite is Close To You by the Carpenters (click to listen). As always you can hear many of the clockwork tunes I carry here: Listen To Them Play.

The True Story of Elayne and Roz, and a Marvellous Package

2009-10-26T21:27:00.018-04:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string

these are a few of my favourite things

Now, first things first – if you like what you see in this post, then GET THEE to Roz and Elayne’s Etsy shop for more. This story begins this morning when one of my favourite things happened – a package came for me in the mail. I participated in a Shop Swap this month, so I did expect it, but I was surprised to see not one, not two, but THREE shimmering burgundy organza bags in the envelope, all filled with works from the crafty hands of Elayne Teitelbaum.

Elayne says: Chez Chani is the mother daughter team of Roz and Elayne. Both driven by the need to craft, eventually we each ran out of room for all the finished pieces, and out of money to create more.

Thus we turned to Etsy to sell our wares. While I (Elayne) would love to do craft shows, there are not an abundance of them in Las Vegas, plus my work as a Poker Supervisor gets in the way...

When I first started jewelry making, I did simple strung beads. After a class in Peyote stitch at the local bead store, I was hooked. It was only Peyote for the next 1-2 years. Then recently I became intrigued with the many possibilities offered by resin. I'm just growing in that area while still finding time to do some stitching. I don't know what the future holds, I just wait for something else to catch my eye.

_____________

So, what was in my exciting package? This story ends with, lucky me, flaunting a matching three piece set all handmade by Elayne – first, a clever black resined scrabble tile with the initial “O” on a silver bail with a vintage effect. Second, a black glass seed bead ring, (which amazingly fit me perfectly, is very smooth to touch and is comfortable to wear- this comfort point is so important to me when it comes to rings. I have a phobia of rings that crush or pinch or rub the wrong way, so I was super pleased to wear this one). And three, a black and white glass bead bracelet, made with what I believe is a Peyote stitch. It is a famously intricate stitch that can take many hours. I am so pleased to say this beaded bracelet is very well worked and fits beautifully. My favourite detail of this bracelet is the large button that fastens the piece to my wrist.

a happy matching trio

So of course I eagerly went over to Elayne and Roz's shop to see what other intricate delights are available from them - and you can too

http://www.chezchani.etsy.com - Etsy Shop
http://www.chezchani.blogspot.com - Blog
www.twitter.com/chezchani -Twitter
http://www.facebook.com/ChezChani - Facebook fanpage

Fascination

2009-10-23T15:04:00.008-04:00

These are two little music box pendants and a musical brooch that will be part of my Fascination Series. They are almost ready to leave my studio and have adventures of their own.

2009-10-22T12:46:00.003-04:00

It's a spectacularly busy time in the Plucked Pins studio - I see a lot of crafter-types are in the same situation as me - all of us are preparing our goodies for our upcoming holiday shows. I'm also finishing up some custom work and a gift for a new friend in Las Vegas. In between work and family I've been dreaming of mountains.

Oh! I almost signed off without mentioning - my music box pendants are now available on the Tuned Teeth sibling site, Clockwork Fantastica!

And I almost signed off without thanking my friend Mary Goldman for sharing some secrets for enjoying Der Rosenkavalier with one's future-parents-in-law (which is where I've been this past week, visiting my beau). There's always room for learning something new when it comes to music.

Hah, what a topsy turvy entry, for a tospy turvy day.

Mystery Solved

2009-10-06T12:18:00.004-04:00

A very kind woman from the UK recognized the Stratton music box tune - it's the song "Where Is Your Heart" from the 1952 Moulin Rouge. This song is a romantic dream. Pretty. This song is your grandparents in their twenties, played by Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, dancing and falling in love.

The Mystery of the Red Rose Stratton Musical Compact

2009-10-04T09:02:00.006-04:00

I just put a vintage Stratton Musical compact up on Ebay, but I don't recognize the tune it plays. I'll post it here just in case any passing Reuge buff can recognize it.

(p.s. I made the recording VERY loud you might want to adjust your volume before clicking play)

Today is today

2009-09-30T14:04:00.005-04:00

It's a quiet day with my to-do list, although my mind is pinwheeling against the forces of procrastination.

Not like last night. Last night I was laying down with peace of mind. I could see the night clouds traveling big and slow across the sky like migrating mastodons, or grey gypsies, a traveling circus full of magicians, illusions and strange faces.

Queen West Love-In

2009-09-26T21:00:00.001-04:00

Gentle Readers! It's Saturday night. I'm finally getting around to sharing some pictures of our day at the Art Crawl. I got a ton of love at my table from people I've loved almost my whole life. Thank you for supporting me! Every couple of hours there would be a familiar face approaching my booth; it made my day when this happened.

Mr Man helped me run things at an even keel, even on Sunday when most of the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood converged on the park towards mid-day, snapping up some of my favourite pieces too.

A lot of people's faces broke into great big smiles and wide eyes when, after approaching my table and looking at the pendants & pins on display they were told "you can wind them up you know - they are mechanical music boxes that you can wear." (Me and the mister joked about a drinking game based on my booth and the phrase "Ahhhh So Cute!!!")

This was my first show presenting my own work - I'm ridiculously happy to say "they love me! they really love me!"

I'm setting up my booth a few hours before the show

A vintage Japanese lacquered music box presents my business cards.
A ballerina music box holds my miniature creations.

Booth D27

My silent familiar looks on from her perch. "chirp"

Meet me at the Queen West Art Crawl Booth D27

2009-09-06T20:58:00.022-04:00

I've been itching to announce that my work has been accepted into the Queen West Art Crawl show and sale happening on September 19th & 20 - two short weeks away. It's the arts event of the season featuring downtown artists and it happens in Bellwoods Park, nearby the Plucked Pins home and headquarters.

I live in an apartment in a converted Victorian house in my city's Little Italy. It's a good place to be. My favourite time to work is Sundays outside when everything is steeped in quiet and mild early morning sunshine, when the older people who live in my neighbourhood take their walks in twos with slow care. It's the time of day that requires no translation if you were a child in Italy once but find yourself now across the ocean in your 70's in Canada.

Of the different pieces I've been preparing for the show, I've really been enjoying filigree and floral themes the most lately. Here are a few examples in those styles that I'll be bringing to the Art Crawl.

These pendants have winding keys on the reverse side that operate the mechanical music boxes that they contain. The filigree pendant plays a song called Love Story. The sunny yellow pendant and the pretty pink one are decorated with vintage floral findings and they play You Light Up My Life.

5 Questions: Interview with Kim Chatel, author, fiber-artist, photographer

2009-09-03T09:36:00.015-04:00

I recently came across the beautifully rendered work of the talented and prolific artist Kim Chatel. Do you know what caught my eye? Colourful, detailed creations that, as she puts it, "sing"! Kim agreed to answer 5 questions about her art.

"Why did you choose to integrate music boxes in your work?"

I have always been a crafter and I’ve dabbled in many different media. I was making gift boxes with my photography when I discovered needle-felting and fell in love with this unique art. Needle-felting is like sculpting with wool, and I’ve discovered that I can make anything out of wool. Like many crafters, I have oodles of miscellaneous supplies hanging around. I was looking for embellishments when I came across some crank-style music box movements I had bought, thinking to add them to my photo-boxes. I held one in my hand for nearly ten minutes, turning it and listening to the music, wondering if I could incorporate this into a felt sculpture. In the end I wrapped the music box movement in velcro so it would stick to the wool and began making felt music boxes! I’ve made dozens now—bears, toadstools, puppies mermaids, dragons and more. I like to let the music dictate what creature will be shaped around it.

"What is the most challenging step in your creative process?"

Needle-felting is not a craft for the impatient. Simply building the structure around the music box can take days. This used to be frustrating to me, but I’ve learned not to rush it. My music boxes are a labor of love. They are generally too expensive to sell easily at craft fairs. I make many of my smaller critters and ornaments for these. As a result, my music boxes are made just for me. I take my time and let them evolve slowly. Though I’ve sold many music boxes, I often give them away as special gifts.

"When do you know a piece is finished?"

As a writer, I appreciate the value of revision. However, with needle-felting, I could continue to poke and prod the wool endlessly. Eventually, I have to be satisfied with my product. I generally have an idea in my head, what I want the music box to look like, but I love to add fun details and when the creation makes me smile, then I know it’s done.

"Do you have a favourite piece?"

Needle-felting generally has a built-in cuteness factor, because it’s fuzzy and soft. Some of my boxes, like Peter Cottontail and Terry Terrier make me all warm and squishy inside. However, the one I am most proud of is Hailey the Mermaid. I started making her at a book signing and promised a little reader that I would name the mermaid after her. Hailey is the culmination of many years of practice and I think she is my most technically challenging piece. Plus she is whimsical and full of fun details.

"Where can we buy your beautiful things?"

My Esty store (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5913111) has all my current pieces (including Hailey). I can also make custom music boxes and ornaments.

Chatel Village (http://www.kimchatel.com) is my website for children’s books and here you can find “Rainbow Sheep” my picture book illustrated with needle-felted art.

The Art Gallery in Chatel Village (http://www.kimchatel.com/D1A_Art_Gallery.html) also showcases many of my past creations, including a video of Hailey the Mermaid as she spins and sings.

The Delacorte Clock: a bronze disco and parade

2009-08-28T18:30:00.008-04:00

I'm still in New York City and yesterday I got to see the famous Delacorte Clock in action. Me and the mister were strolling through the archway between the Central Park Wildlife Center and the Children's Zoo when the bells struck 5:30 and the bronze bear, the penguin with a drum, the hippo with a violin, the goat with pipes and the Kangaroo starting spinning and dancing. Of course I had to run back and take a picture. Here is a very short 16 second snippet of what I saw. (I recognize the tune, but I can't name it.) The clock plays 26 different children's nursery songs on the half hour (26!).

Depending on the time you can hear: Frère Jacque, Au Clair de la Lune, Hickory, Dickory Dock , Ding Dong Dell , Old King Cole, I Had a Little Nut Tree, Hey Diddle Diddle , Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Georgie Porgie, My Bonnie, Little Jack Horner, The Merry Farmer (Schumann), Mary Had a Little Lamb, Cradle Song (Brahms), Three Blind Mice, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater, Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Anvil Chorus, Sing a Song of Sixpence, There’s Music in the Air, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Baa, Baa, Black Sheep , A Tisket, a Tasket, The Farmer in the Dell, Row, Row Your Boat , Sailing, Sailing

note: there are much better videos of the clock on youtube - give yourself a treat and do a search for them. If you're ever in New York City lucky you - put the bronze parade on your itinerary.

About this blog

2009-08-09T15:58:00.003-04:00

This page serves as a community building website for artists and crafters who use mechanical musical elements. The goals here are pretty simple - to:

1 Offer simple music box creation techniques
2 Showcase the amazing work of artisans and people new to this art
3 Relate news about Tuned Teeth shop developments.

Everything ELSE that happens in this space is a pure bonus :-)

If you've bought music box supplies from me before, then goal number two is a secret message for you - now is your chance to showcase (or simply show off) your musical creation (and really it would be an honour for me to do so with you). Submission guidelines are below -they will help me to get your post up quickly and with accuracy.

Submission Guidelines
1 A photo of your project/creation.
2 Any short words you'd like to add about the creation of use or meaning of your project.
3 Contact or website information to include in the post if you would like to give readers a method of contacting you.

If you're interested, send me a message and I can help get you started!

A Natural Violence Tempered By Enchantment

2009-07-14T11:00:00.016-04:00

Today I launched my new web store, Tuned Teeth Music Box Supply (and more! There's always more) with happiness and excitement.

I'm a music box girl in an electronic world. I think a music box movement (the part that makes the sounds) has a build like a violin; it is completely utilitarian and waste free, but used correctly is capable of producing sounds that are deep, nostalgic, playful, lonesome, and even a little bit mysterious.

When you hold a music box you can feel it vibrating. Sometimes if you listen closely you can hear the gentle whir of tiny gears in motion and here is why: all in miniature, a metal fan spins, pushed by a gear against a gear, abut a dome. Tuned metal teeth pluck pins that are set precisely on a revolving cylinder and in your hand, a small key to power it all.

There's a natural violence to this, tempered by the enchantment of the sounds that can be produced and all the kinetic excitement of a palm-sized self-powered symphony.

If you make music boxes, like me, or want to learn how, if you are interested in the world of music box crafts and music box people, or are just wandering in and slightly bemused by all of the above, watch this space, there's more to come.

Plucked Pins, A Music Box Blog

Damage Control: How to Tiptoe Away from the Smoking Wreckage of your Latest Screw-Up with a Minimum of Harm to Your Reputation

Make Your Own Glittering Musical Ornament!

Handmade Market at the Good Earth last weekend

About a show: The More Than Metal Show

5 Questions: Interview with Dave of Bix-Reed Handmade

3 good things at my door

A cure for feral children

Toronto Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair

Have a warm and safe holiday season

This weekend: Make your own music box & the Wandering Winter Craft Show

after packing up and heading back

My pretties

as earth turns in her winter sleep

Some new woodland items and one old favourite

The Lil' Swami

December, already?

Aging, Changing

Changes come with autumn

Things so far...

Steampunk Music Box by Devil's Jewel (and 5 questions)

World Cup Mural - The 32 Teams

Renegade Craft Fair and What I Saw and What I Bought

A handy map and a coupon

So, you want to visit the Renegade Craft Fair

Coming up for Air, and A Story

Dance for me! Pictures of a Thorens Movement/Rotational System

Friday Confessional

12 dancing princesses

Clockwork Fantastica will be at Brooklyn Renegade

Damage Control: How to Tiptoe Away from the Smoking Wreckage of your Latest Screw-Up with a Minimum of Harm to Your Reputation

New Tunes in Stock

Brooklyn Renegade

5 Questions: Interview with percussionist and drum maker Leo Brooks

What your favourite scene from Alice says about you?

The Burlesque Bazaar - a sneak peek and a coupon

I'll be at ** The Burlesque Bazaar Trunk Show & Sale **

Interview with Don Caine the Music Box Repair Man

I Heart Design Awards 2010

The Categories:

It's not too late too give!

Let's leave

The Music Box Repair Center

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR Dec 12th & 13th

The season is upon us

There's another giveaway ending today

How to Install a Music Box Mechanism quick tutorial

Wild at Heart Mermaid Musical Locket

A giveaway winner is announced

Giveaway

40 Years of Sunny Days: Happy Birthday Sesame Street :-)

Midnight Roses and "Hart" of Brass

CUTENESS and genius resources (non-music box related)

More Tunes!

The Heirloom Collection

New Tunes in Stock

The True Story of Elayne and Roz, and a Marvellous Package

Fascination

Mystery Solved

The Mystery of the Red Rose Stratton Musical Compact

Today is today

Queen West Love-In

Meet me at the Queen West Art Crawl Booth D27

5 Questions: Interview with Kim Chatel, author, fiber-artist, photographer

The Delacorte Clock: a bronze disco and parade

About this blog

A Natural Violence Tempered By Enchantment

I'll be at The Burlesque Bazaar Trunk Show & Sale