Spring has sprung here on Cape Cod. A couple days of warmth rotating with chilly and rainy days. Of course everyone would love it if it was all sunshine and warmth, but that isn't how it works. The reset button for Spring comes with rain and sometimes a step back into what seems like winter. The same is true for the Artists reset button. We, like everyone else, going through changes or taking on new challenges find we have some very sunny days and also some rainy ones filled with set backs.

     I am sure you can relate. But Spring is wonderful. T o me it's even more of a chance to change than New Years. It's a chance to try new things and find hope in the reset. My wish for this Spring is to find new ways to look at the world, to go back to a place of wonder and awe. I am planning more away time to rekindle that spirit in me. I am also refocusing my business and my way of making my art to put myself into uncomfortable places so I can grow into a more fearless place of inspiration. Easier said than done, but that is my goal.

     My wish for you is to also find a place of reset to become the person you want to be. Never stop challenging what you think you know. Never stop wanting to see what you've never seen. Never stop having new adventures. Life is a journey and you can't have one if you never step outside into the rain and the sun. 
                                                                                                        Happy Spring,
​                                                                                                           Dawn Rosell

         November is the month of giving Thanks. I have a lot to be thankful for, even when my life is upside down. At first it was really hard for me to feel thankful because life is really difficult right now. But the more I tried to look away from what I was making me unhappy, the easier it was for me to see what I was thankful for. I began to think of just the small things I was thankful for, like the girl in the burrito shop who makes the best burritos and always has a smile for me when I go there. Then it became easier to see the bigger things I was taking for granted because I was no longer buried in the thinking of my difficult situation( or self pity blunty put). So I will be sharing some of the many things I am thankful for with you and reminding myself along the way how Blessed I truly am today and every day..

         First of all, I get to celebrate not only my birthday this month, but three others in my close family, My mother, my sister in-law and my brother in-law. All these birthdays fall within a week of each other and so we do one big birthday dinner and cake celebration. It is really quite wonderful. A roomful of Scorpios would normally sound pretty intimidating to any outsider, but I assure you we all get along very well and enjoy the celebration together.
     
        I am also thankful for all the amazing friends and family I have that have pulled in to help whenever I needed them. They have come to me to listen, hold my hand and do whatever they can do without hesitation when I needed them most. They have been there to celebrate the good and brace for the bad. I am so very blessed by them all.
       
       I am thankful for my doctors and physical therapist, who have made it possible for me to continue to do what I love and made my hands healthy again.
       
        I am thankful for all my terrific customers who support me and my art.They make it so I can keep my business alive and growing. They allow me to be a part of so many special moments and  inspire me to create pieces that bring them and others joy. 
           
       I could not be all I am today and do all that I do without any of you, friends, family, doctors, therapists, and customers. Thank you so much for being you and doing what you do.

         I encourage you, even if you are feeling low or having a difficult time right now to look harder at your life and see the many things you can truly be thankful for this season. Try starting small like I did, then look deeper and see all the things you have that maybe you too forgot while you were busy being unhappy. 

                                                                       I am thankful for you.
                                                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                                                        Dawn Rosell

Ps. No Winter classes to be held. No new events as of this date. I am currently getting a new line going for the Christmas/Holiday collection. I am still accepting custom work and am able to complete those within the normal 4-6 week time frame at this time. 

Need anything made for a special occasion, or a special someone? Contact me and let's get creating!

      Normally Fall is one of my all time favorite times of the year, I just love everything about it. The change of the colors, the smells of the kitchen, the warmth of the clothes and foods. The excitement of Halloween and the coming of all the family gatherings. But this year I am having trouble letting go of the warm days, I am hating all the wet in the earth and I am not feeling excited by the idea of gatherings. I feel as though I am falling into fall, rather clumsily I might add.

      I know it is because I am still trying to find my own way through a maze in which I am unfamiliar. It is partly because the world seems to make so much less sense these days, not just because of my own struggles that I am going through but because of what we as a country seem to be going through. We are in some very uncharted water where the accepted is being challenged and for very good reason. We are seeing people we thought we could look up to, wavering in their morals and forsaking us. People we though of as friends, become strangers by where they seem to stand on issues they never knew we have kept as secrets because of shame that we should have never felt was ours to bear. This is a time of change and turmoil. Not just in the country and media but in many of our personal lives, including my own. It can be very unsettling, painful and lonely. But I wanted you to know, you are not alone, we are not alone and we are stronger than this moment.
    
     Life sometimes sends you down roads you have never traveled without a map. Hopefully you learn how to be a better driver and a more patient passenger. I realize this seems as though it has nothing at all to do with my art and business, except that it actually does. As an artist, my mind influences my art in what I create and my ability to be able to create. I find some days I can't stop creating. It helps me think and I burn myself fiercely into my work, hoping to find clarity somewhere within the work. Other days, I feel nothing at all and can't find a shred of inspiration to create or to understand what in the world makes sense. This is the blessing and the curse of an artistic brain I suppose. Not that I am naive enough to believe an inartistic brain does not suffer a similar fate, I do believe it does. It is just a different kind of sorting through that happens. But this is where I am, at the moment and how my artwork comes along for the ride.

              So what does this all mean to me. It means that I am still working, growing, changing and evolving, like everyone else out there. I am learning patience I had forgotten how to show, finding  immense strength I never knew I had, and becoming ok in the skin I own, as mine, as beautiful, as worthy of respect and accept nothing less. It means showing others to find these qualities within themselves.  It means accepting all diversities as beautiful and marvelous and wondrous. It means feeling adventurous and curious again. It means I will try to see this falling simply as a jumping off point to begin flying. I will use this growth to fuel my art and work into a new life of it's own and allow myself the time and patience to fail as I try new things. It means that I hope to find peace and other kindred spirits who can help me make sense of the madness. To bring back that hope and common decency to a lost world.

It means trying with all my heart to fall in love with Fall again.

                May your own Fall be a journey of peace, let your struggles be paths that lead to a place of learning and as always be patient and kind to yourself. 

Sincerely,
​Dawn Rosell


PS.  I would like to invite you to send me stories,feelings or comments on your own journeys in the comments section.
Much love to you,
Dawn

       So wow, I totally forgot to publish the august newsletter, oops. I guess I was a bit busy, lol September has been very busy also, hence why it is being release a few days out. I am sure you all are busy as well. What with summer winding down and school days beginning. So much to do, such excitement! Our school was delayed a few days because of the heat and we loved it. Let summer last as long as possible! But it comes with days of catching up too. I sit here typing and all I want to do is go out and play at the beach, such a kid, right? 

          My August saw me doing two different stays in the Hyannis shanty program. My first was at the new overlook on Ocean and South street with two other fabulous ladies. The marvelous twins, Mary and Marilyn and I had a terrific time. It was a slow but successful week this first year and I look forward to doing it again next season. A few weeks later I did the Harbor Shanty with , Chris, Deb, Linda, Sue, Sarah and Laura and it was an amazing week! I had a very successful week that resulted in my getting many people to see my new keepsake pendant. I am so happy to have had the chance to get it out there for everyone to get excited about how beautiful it is. I am back in my studio getting it ready for release into another market as well and I am very hopeful that it will have a huge response. I met so many wonderful people that also asked about custom work. I look forward to hearing from them with their treasures to be custom wrapped in the near future.
        
      My store items have changed a lot as I sold out of many pieces, and I did make quite a few new pieces while at the shanties. I will be updating my website as soon as possible with the new stock, but if you have any requests or questions about anything, please contact me, via my website or my etsy store. Of course as always never hesitate to ask about custom work either, I love ,love, love custom work!

          I am not doing a fall class at Nauset at the present because the last classes didn't have enough enrollment and because I have other things going on, however, I am still available for personal lessons and/or one day events/parties of up to ten students if anyone wishes to book for a few hours class with me. For a party it is only $25-$30/person dependent on project and for personal lessons it ranges dependent on number of classes. So contact me for information if you are interested. It is a great ladies night, bridesmaid's get together, older teen party idea or even just a me time gift to yourself or someone else.

           Well, I do have some fun planned among all the work as I hope you all do to. So remember to keep enjoying the days among the craziness and I will hopefully see you out there on the beach, in the class room or maybe on the dance floor some time! 

Much Happiness,
Dawn Rosell

​Happy 4th of July! I hope this letter finds you all enjoy the beginning of summer. I hope you enjoy the holiday and remember to never take it for granted. Honor those that gave us those freedoms. Keep the freedom fight alive for those who still don't have it and free yourself from the oppression of ignorance and hate. Freedom is not free, even though it should be. Preach over, time for a beer,lol. 

   I have my First show this Saturday June 30th to begin the holiday week so I hope I might see some of you in Sandwich for this great family event.

   I am currently available for personal lessons to be held in your home or mine, right here on Cape Cod. I also do parties of up to ten people including the host. It is a two-three hour party/lesson where you learn and create your own piece of jewelry. Or if you want to host a retail jewelry party we can do that too. I not only bring a small selection of pre-made items but your guests can pick from my collection of stones and beads to have something custom made for them, or bring a special item for me to wrap for them. If you have any interest in any of these events just use the contact button to get a message to me for details.

   At the end of the month July 30th- August 5th I will be down near the Hyannis Harbor in the New Shanties on the corner of South and Ocean street! Park at the town hall off Main or South Street and take a walk down the walkway to the sea path to find me in the Green Shanty on the hill. These new shanties are so bright and cheery. I can't wait to try it out in this location. 

   Until next month have a wonderful July and may the sun shine on you.

Sincerely,
Dawn Rosell

     That's me and my mom up there. It is one of the many awesome days we have spent together. We went to a garden in in the spring a few years ago and wandered for the day through the woods and gardens enjoying some quality time together. My mom and I are truly friends and I love her so very much. I am blessed to have such a great mom and friend. Don't get me wrong, just like all mother's and daughters, we have our moments and there are things that I am sure drive her as crazy about me, as there are things about her that make me insane. But this is true of all great friends as well. My mom has been a terrific teacher to me in many ways and has helped me be a better mom to my son through her own example. So this being the month to celebrate mom, I wish to say Thank you mom for all you do, all you are and all your love. You were and are the best mother in the world to me! 

     I only have a few updates for you this month. My next show will be  June 30th at the Sandwich Fest in Sandwich ,MA.  Also, I am currently offering a free pair of earrings with any purchase of my Keepsake pendant until the day after mothers day. The earrings are simple hoops to match the pendant choice, it is the perfect Mother's day gift! It takes two to four weeks to complete, so get your orders in fast. I will send you a card to give in the meantime as your gift until the pendant and earrings arrive, so your mom will be super excited! 

        No classes until the fall so enjoy the time off or feel free to visit my projects section for some practice this spring and summer. Or give me a shout and we can get a group of your friends together for a personal class right in your home! I can teach up to ten people at a time and we complete one project in approximately 2-3 hours. It is great fun for bridal parties, they can make their own earrings for the wedding! Or maybe just a fun ladies night or celebration with a group of moms. I am local on Cape Cod, so a Cape getaway class is fun too. I can come to your cottage or house while you are visiting. 

         I have added quite a few new pieces to my Etsy store and they are also available on my Square store if you prefer to use that website. If you want to see me in person I will also be doing two week long stays at the Hyannis Shanties in early and late August, or shoot me a message and we can try to set up an appointment for you to visit my home studio some time.

       As always have a wonderful month and remember to not only celebrate your mom ,but also celebrate yourself if you are a mom cause you are awesome!

​Dawn Rosell
         
       

          It is all the rage these days to recycle, reclaim, reuse and remake everything in sight, and I for one am all for it. But many DIY show would have us all believing that all this means making great thing for free and selling them for a premium simply because it's the latest craze. Well guess what folks, it just ain't true in most cases. I create many wonderful items out of found, reclaimed and recycled pieces, and let me tell you it isn't for a huge profit. Let me explain.

           I began making recycled items like most people, as a hobby. To do something with my old items that I didn't use anymore, or to update things that had lost their appeal. This kind of up cycling is perfect and usually can save you money. I began making jewelry out of recycled and reclaimed copper electrical wire and plumbing pipes about ten or so years ago for my business. All the materials were left over from house projects, so essentially they were free. Then the hard work began. If you have ever seen electrical wire you know that it comes very well wrapped in plastic coating and this has to be removed, with minimal damage to the wires of course. It becomes work hardened while you unwrapped it and a bit kinked, up so you have to heat it up with a torch to soften it and smooth it out, which requires you to descale the wire from the torching and finally polishing it and removing any remaining dings or scratches. The same is true of the pipes with the added possibility of water scale, adhesive removal and possibly crushing to fix.  So it may have been essentially free in dollars, but the time you spend on material could be up to a few hours of time, cleaning materials and expertise to make it like new and workable. Not so free any more. In fact it's probably more expensive than a new roll of wire or a new pipe.

            Some of the pieces I make are from shell, stones, sea glass that I pick up off the beach. Totally free right? Yes, well sort off, unless the piece need to be cleaned, or polished. Don't get me wrong many of the stones and shell I find can be perfect just as is and that is a true treasure for sure. But many of them need cleaning, resin sealing, drilling or polishing to bring out their beauty or to make them ready to use.  Polishing can take up to five weeks in a tumbler and although it does most of the work for me, it runs the entire time 24 hours a day using my electricity. The polish compound and the tumbler weren't free either. The good thing is I can do a large quantity at one time so that helps a bit in the cost break down for sure. Drilling has it's own dangers for me as well as the shell. It might break in the process and it requires me to use a special mask to protect my lungs. Sealing in Resin is to help with a more delicate piece so it makes it stronger and more durable. It takes time and precision to get all the air bubbles out, and 24 hrs to harden. 

            I also make items from other people old jewelry into new item. Now this you say is absolutely free and these are ready made items so they can't possibly take much to be ready to use. Well, yes they are free and no they are not easy to work with. Items someone gives me from their own treasures are even more special. Many times they are pieces that have a heartfelt meaning behind them. That means I have to be extra careful to not ruin them. Removing a stone from a setting can be quite tricky to do without scratching it. Sometimes they have adhesive that which need to be removed as well.  All in all it can be nerve racking and a long process to get it ready to be turned into something new.

              Now I want you to know I am not complaining about any of this, I am merely stating what happens behind the recycling scene so you understand the amount of time, and energy that actually goes into an item before the creating process begins when an artist uses recycled or reclaimed materials. I love all these steps, I actually enjoy every one of them and the challenge to me is exhilarating. But is it free? Not by a long shot. Would I give up doing it for all new materials? Never. No artist makes recycled or reclaimed items because it is cost effective, they do it for the love of it. To see something old, set aside or thought no longer useful become something fabulous and ability to let their creative selves run wild in the process. 

                So the next time you see a piece of work made with recycled,or reclaimed materials, just remember the materials were far from free and the items being sold are priced according not only to what the artist created with them, but the amount of time and love they gave to the material to give it a new life and to bring you an extra special item.

Dawn Rosell

​     Easter is a great time for reflection. Of course it has many meanings for many people, we all celebrate in our own way whether it be a religious one or filled with fuzzy animals and chocolate shaped eggs, but truly it is a celebration that signals the rebirth of spring and the coming of longer and hopefully warmer days. I love this time of year for the fact that it is a chance to rediscover old loves and try new adventures as well. I hope you feel the pull to do the same.

         I am gearing up for my busy season of art shows and outdoor markets, and preparing for my last jewelry class before summer break with Nauset Community Education Program. The Spring class will be a back to basics class. All wire jewelry making in a true beginner style , so if you ever wanted to give it a try this is the perfect class to test the waters.  I am also working on a few new pieces to get ready for my first show on June 30th in Sandwich, Ma on the Main Street called Sandwich Fest. It is a one day event with local food vendors competing for the best sandwich around and loads of local artists showing of their amazing talents and items. There will be fun for the entire family to enjoy and of course great tasting food , entertainment and fabulous gift items to purchase. So come by and say hello and have a great time!

         I am also running a very exciting Special on my Keepsake pendant that I recently released. From April 11th till May 13th 2018(Mother's Day),  I am giving away a FREE pair of hoop earrings with every pendant purchase! The earrings will be made in the same metal as the pendant purchased so they can be worn as a matching set. They will be 1/2" classic teardrop hoops on hook ear wires and will fit nicely with the pendant or any outfit  at all. Just go to my Etsy store and order any stone, style, metal and size you like in the pendant during those dates. I will send you a confirmation and a request for a high quality photo and in 3-4 weeks you will have an amazing, very special gift to give. 

        Of course keep your eyes checking up on my Facebook page for any new items or news in between, and have a marvelous April! May you all get inspired by the fresh sprouts coming up and the birds returning to nest. Happy Spring!

Dawn Rosell
         

            

    As the days grow warmer and the sun shines longer we begin to feel the pull of mother nature once again to get outside and renew ourselves. I love this time of year for all it's possibilities. It is a time of trying new things like maybe planting a new type of vegetable or planning a new trip this summer. Finding new paths to follow and meeting new people. So even if you find yourself struggling with things you weren't counting on, remember that those too can be an opportunity to do find something good you may not have found otherwise. This is where I am at the moment.

   Like everyone, I have struggles to face that sometimes pop up without any invitation or notice. Thankfully I am very blessed to have many wonderful friends and family to help me through them and I try with all my heart to see the good that may come from it. I am also blessed to have many in my life who are amazing examples of how to keep my head up and move into the light even when it seems hopeless. I am so grateful to those heroes in my life. Anyway, I only meant to say that this is a  good time to let the renewing of the Earth help renew your own world and spirit. Now onto some of the many good things coming in to my Spring.

     I just finished the four week pendant class in the Nauset program so make sure to check out the DIY projects for those to try your hand at some fun stuff. It was a terrific class of just five ladies and we had a great time together. I have a Spring class planned in the Nauset adult program that will begin in April and it is a beginner class on wire jewelry. A back to basics type of class, that will run for just four weeks on Tuesday evenings. I also applied to join the annual Sandwich Fest in Sandwich ,Ma and I just got news that I will be participating in the event! I hear it is a lot of fun, so check it out. I was accepted for two different weeks in late summer for the Hyannis Shanty program again this year. I am super excited to get to try out the new Shanty section they added across from the Aselton Park, it should be a great location. And of course I am looking forward to getting my Photo Keepsake Pendant moving forward and running a Mother's day promotion on it very soon! So keep your eye open for the announcement!

     That's a lot of stuff to come but it is spaced out and remember if you have questions on projects, custom work or anything I do feel free to shoot me an email, I love to hear from you.

    Have a Wonderful Spring and may the days ahead bring you much happiness and luck!

Sincerely,
Dawn Rosell