Baldur Studios
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Musings & Missives

Free Shipping for the Holidays

12/6/2016

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On all orders made now thru Sunday December 11th.

​Use Code:  " SantaShip " @ checkout.

Enter the code in the coupon area.

​Happy shopping :)

​
The fine print:
This applies to all standard shipping rates (not priority) within the US.
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You are Not Alone

7/28/2016

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As and artist and maker here in Arizona, I  am compelled to help support the community here locally.

It helps friends and colleagues.  And, it helps me too.  

"If you can't find the support and network you need, then go out there and  CREATE IT!"

We have created a totally cool framework and home for tons and tons of services for our members.

But I thought it was probably important to summarize  the options when it come to getting out of your studio and connecting with other, like-minded artists and entrepreneurs....

​So here goes.

Stay Cool & Happy Making.
~Miriam

Three Great Ways to Get Connected

We have three ways that you can join our community and connect with others in the ARIZONA ARTISANS Collective...  Check them all out:

Each option provides a slightly different vibe and certainly different content.

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1. Join our private Facebook Group
​
  • Participate in on-line discussions.
  • Connect with other Facebook-ers 
  • Ask questions
  • Learn about our free Meet-Ups.

Join Facebook Group Now

2. Get Free News, Tips & Inspiration
​
  • We will stop by your email in-box now  & then with some awesome content
  • Hear about upcoming programs, workshops & events.
  • Get tips on building your business.
  • Hear about Member News.
  • We won't spam you every day or even every week.
  • Your email is safe, we will never share it with anyone.
  • You can unsubscribe at any time.
  • Receive a  cool Thank-You GIFT !


Thank You Gift:
​
You will receive our latest E-Magazine on one or our hot-topics for Arizona Artisans,  as a thank you for joining our list.  Currently in production:  Trunk Show & Pop-Up Best Practices.
Inspire Me !!
Get to Know Us

Get to KNow Us
3. Become a MEMBER
​
  • Membership is currently FREE.
  • Apply on-line and complete a member Profile. 
  • You’ll get access to all our content on our website including:
    • Show & Events Calendar
    • Membership Directory
    •  Collaboration s
    • Vendor & Stockist Directories 
    • The list is too long to put it all here 
  • Attend our in-person Meet-Ups around the State.  Say hello to us!
  • Attend Workshops and Round-Table Discussions
 
Become a Member Now
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Announcing... The Show & Events Calendar

7/28/2016

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​We have ton-loads of Member Services lined-up and will be rolling them out in a ... well ... calm, organized, and thoughtful manner... Right?!

At least that's the plan.  Because at the moment this is a one-woman show on the back-end and I am embarrassed to admit how long it takes to develop each element.  But - I digress.
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​One of the key features that Members have asked for was a way to keep track of upcoming local events - Craft Shows & Festivals, Pop-Ups, Workshops, and more.

And not just when the events are going to occur - but just as importantly, the deadlines for application and even some constructive reviews and tips from Membership about each event.  You know - how to get the good booth locations, what types of products do well, price points to target, etc etc.

Each event has its own vibe and core customer.  So it's important to understand what it would take to be successful before you drop $400 for a space.  

Please check out our Show & Events Calendar on our website:
 
Step 1:  
  • You need to become a Member first, if you aren't already.  

Step 2:  
  • You can view the events that are already posted and start planning.
  • You can  view the  calendar in 3 different formats:  pinboard, agenda, or monthly.  Nice.

Step 3:
  • ​ Submit new events that you'd like to share with the group via the web-link there.  Cool, huh?!    
  • Just click on the  blue "Submit Event" button in the top banner and fill in the blanks.  
  • Include as much info as possible... details, live links, and images.  Plus any comments you wish to add.
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I'll have more on the guidelines and calendar submission process in a future newsletter.

Keep in mind, since this is a group effort - the Member submissions will be a key part of making this calendar a success.  

And, of course, you KNOW that I will be scheduling a whole bunch of content in the near future about how to nail-it at all of these great local Shows and Events.  

We've got you covered.  Stay tuned... 

​Happy Making!
​~Miriam
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"Why" a Collective for Artisans?

7/11/2016

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There are countless aspects to creating a healthy business and artisans/makers have some unique struggles that deserve dedicated attention and personal support.
 
Information Overload
 
The internet and social media is overflowing with information and generic advice - much of it targeted at makers.  Even more of it focusing on small businesses.  And much of it is exceptionally good and useful, but most of it - not so much. 
 
Honestly, though, even the useful content feels disjointed and often vague to the real people who are the entrepreneurs, the makers and artisans.  It might make sense, and even speak to your deepest emotions. 
 
Analysis Paralysis
 
But how to put those gems of wisdom to work and actually make it all happen as a unified, organic whole business often feels hopeless. 

  • Where to start? 
  • Where can I get help? 
  • Who will give me honest, thoughtful feedback?
  • Who will listen to me?
  • How can I get that extra push when I feel unsure?
 
There must be priorities.  There must be focus.  Clear direction.

​And honestly the nerve to know when it's time to shift direction. 
 
We cannot do it all, by ourselves, all the time.  Really.  
 
Together We Rise
 
I want to change that.  And as a local Arizona artisan and business-woman, I know from personal experience, that what's missing is the face-to-face, human dialogue and partnership. 
 
We need the opportunity to connect with real people.  We need local connections and resources.
 
When we know each other, trust each other, and have access to a meaningful knowledge-base, we can help find solutions to very real challenges that work in the context of our community and culture where we are doing business.
 
Personal contact and shared experiences will allow us to foster a strong local community which in turn lifts each of us up a little closer to our dreams.
 
We need support and a network.   Big Ideas.  Big Energy.  We need a Mastermind Group.  

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​Let's do this.  It is  going to be amazing!   Come on in...


Happy Making,
~Miriam
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February Newsletter

2/4/2016

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New and Newsworthy

Hello!  

Welcome to February!  We wanted to share some news and happenings with you. Check it out~
  • our newest artwork  now available on our website
  • previews on what's coming soon
  • news about shipping and payment options
  • oh, and a recipe (of sorts) for good measure

I love this time of year here in the Sonoran desert - it's near freezing in the early morning and in the high 60's or low 70's by midday.  Glorious.  

Wish there was a way to have part of my studio be mobile-ish.  Shift it outdoors for the midday and soak in the desert winter.  Well, there is never enough time in a day, and no lack of new ideas... come along for the ride, won't you?
~ Miriam

~ read the rest of the newsletter here ~

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Coming Soon -

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Read the Newsletter
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The Colors of  Winter

12/23/2015

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Today is the Winter Solstice.
​Winter is desolate and dark and cold.  Grey.  Quiet.

In the far northern hemisphere, where my family hails from, the days are short and glancing.  The harsh light and landscape gets dimmer and the light slower to rise and then, we celebrate.

​In Scandinavia, this is the celebration of light.  When the winter solstice comes it is the darkest day of the year - the shortest day and the longest night - and we can begin to watch the days grow longer, the light glow brighter.  

​The colors of summer wouldn't be what  they are  without this rest.  And so we celebrate and sing.

Sankta Lucia

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Sankta Lucia by Elsa Beskow
We have a holiday in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland that marks this cycle of the earth around the sun and it is also the beginning of the Christmas season - always celebrated on December 13th.  

The holiday is in honor of Sankta Lucia (or Saint Lucy).  It's a feast.  A celebration of light. And the beginning of the 12 days of Christmas.

The solstice this year actually occurred on December 23rd, 2015.  At one time, under the old Julian calendar, the feast of Saint Lucy fell on the winter solstice but calendar reforms have caused the celebration to occur now on December 13th.  

The feast commemorates Saint Lucy, from Syracuse Sicily - who was born in 283 AD.  Legend says, she desperately wanted to help the poor, and brought food and help to Christians hiding in the deep catacombs.  Her hair was wrapped with a wreath holding candles so that she could find her way and have arms free to carry her offerings.

Songs and Poetry

​The celebration now represents so much aside from the historic religious connection.  

I remember it as a small child as a magical and mysterious time.  All the children would participate in a peaceful and beautiful procession dressed in long white robes each carrying a candle.  

Sankta Lucia was represented by the oldest girl who wore a red sash and a wreath of candles in her hair.  Elsa Beskow is one of my favorite authors and illustrators.  Her sketch above gives the sense of the tradition.

And, the lovely song that we sing is so beautiful - both the haunting melody and the poetic lyrics:
Swedish

​​Natten går tunga fjät
rund gård och stuva;
kring jord, som sol förlät,
skuggorna ruva.
Då i vårt mörka hus,
stiger med tända ljus,
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia.

Natten går stor och stum
nu hörs dess vingar
i alla tysta rum
sus som av vingar.
Se, på vår tröskel står
vitklädd med ljus i hår
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia.

Mörkret ska flykta snart
ur jordens dalar
så hon ett underbart
ord till oss talar.
Dagen ska åter ny
stiga ur rosig sky
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia
English

​​Night walks with a heavy step
Round yard and hearth,
As the sun departs from earth,
Shadows are brooding.
There in our dark house,
Walking with lit candles,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Night walks grand, yet silent,
Now hear its gentle wings,
In every room so hushed,
Whispering like wings.
Look, at our threshold stands,
White-clad with light in her hair,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Darkness shall take flight soon,
From earth's valleys.
So she speaks 
Wonderful words to us:
A new day will rise again
From the rosy sky…
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia

Meditation with Molten Glass

I spend several hours a week working with molten glass in a flame.  "Lampworking".  There is a connection with light and warmth that is kind of ... obvious. 

​When I work my glass in the flame, I have come to enjoy the process of exploring a palette of colors and patterns - using a fairly limited selection of glass rods to build my pieces.  It's an alluring thing to create combinations of color and material that react together in so many unexpected ways.  I will choose a limited palette and then work with it for a few weeks at a time - playing and testing and creating.  

After working the glass in the flame for sometimes close to an hour, the steel mandrel with the burning hot bead is tucked into a kiln at something like 970 degrees Fahrenheit to slowly anneal the glass to room temperature over many hours.  It's kind of exciting to retrieve your work.  Sometimes (quite often honestly) the finished glass comes out of the kiln later and it's -- not what you had imagined or hoped.  And other times, it's so much better.  

While the torch is lit,   I feel calm and mesmerized as I work the glass in the flame - the progression of rods to molten glass to  shapes and patterns -  requiring focus and control, it is almost a meditation.
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"Tysta" Glass-Pendant
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"Jorden" Glass-Pendant

The Winter Solstice Glass Collection

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explore the collection >>
​Earlier this fall, I was looking forward to this cooler season (since I live in the desert, rather desperately) and started working with colors that came to mind - cool, and fresh whites and creams with flecks of color.  Lots of white, bits of red, and flecks of sparkle like the candles.  

The resulting pieces brought to mind those fond memories of this celebration of light, and the winter landscape and season.    And that song.

So, when I sat down to design and fabricate the necklaces, I knew that we should be calling this collection the Winter Solstice Glass Collection.  

​And, just because it's fun and fitting, I chose to name the pieces in the collection after the lyrics in the lovely Sankta Lucia song.  Why not? 



Happy Solstice and let there be light!  See you on the other side… 

~Miriam
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So, who is "Baldur" anyway?

9/20/2015

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                                        This one's for you, my lovely friend, Jules xox


I've recently had lots of folks asking me: "What in the world does 'Baldur' mean?  Is it Swedish for something?" 

Well,  earlier this year I wrote a little piece about it.  Mainly just for me and those unusual folks who like to read long posts (like my Mom).  I figured it was just a backdrop kinda thing and didn't want to bore people with it.  You know - all those w-o-r-d-s.  Blah blah blah.  So, I buried it at the bottom of  my "About Us" page on the website.  Just a footnote.

Funny - Because now I find myself trying to direct everyone on where to find this little entry way down there at the bottom of the page.  And it's been a bit awkward so... I decided it was time to give it a home on my blog and it's very own link.  Here you go:

Why "Baldur" Studios?

Just in case you are curious, here's a little bit of the back drop.

I have a fond connection to my Swedish heritage, and love of things nostalgic and organic.  Consequently, it seemed appropriate when I stumbled across the story of this ancient Norse mythological figure from Viking times, named "Baldur".  He was going to be my muse and connection to my heritage.

Baldur was known as the spirit of hope and renewal, like a "shining day in spring".  Imagery of him suggested that he glowed.  He represented innocence, peace, beauty, and kindness.  And he is often connected with white blossoms and flowers - in particular Lilly of the Valley which is so lovely and delicate and innocent!  And special.

For those of you really into the mythology, Baldur was the son of Odin and Frigg, and his siblings were Thor and Vali. 

According to legend, Baldur lived at a place called "Breidablik", where the roof of his house is made of silver which was resting on pillars of gold.

I just love what this figure represented to ancient Norse people and want a tiny bit of that romantic energy to visit this little venture of mine.

More on the lilies

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"Convallaria majalis"

I absolutely adore Lily of the Valley. More so because it seems so remote to me now, living here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.  It feels like such an elusive, and mysterious bloom.  The sweet fragrance appearing only briefly for a show in earliest spring.  Is it really true that the roots are poisonous? 

An old botanical print of a Lily of the Valley is even more fabulous! This one is a 19th century illustration by Franz Eugen Köhler, in Germany. He was an incredible illustrator who published three books focusing on medicinal plants.

Meanwhile, until I can get my hands on one of these prints, anyone out there living in the... "north land" have images of Lily of the Valley growing in your garden, or nearby woodlands? PLEASE SHARE!

My mama recently shared this lovely memory with me:

When I was a young girl, living in Uddeby Cottage, we went to a special place -- an island in a big lake -  although the ‘water' was a farmer’s plowed field and the "island" was in the middle of this field where there was an ancient pile of enormous rocks.  There were many birch trees and other wild plants growing.  It was quite large.  And, that is where the beautiful, elegant, fragrant Lily of the Valley grew in the spring.  It was such a special thing.  And usually it was a fleeting moment of early spring, and then gone.  They don’t last long.  As far as we knew it was only there they grew.  On this rock "island" in the farmers field in Sweden.  Never found them anywhere else.
~ Ulla
"Uddeby" is the name given to Mom's family home on the water of the north shores of Lake Vänern nearby the ancient fishing village of Kristinehamn in Sweden.

Our brand new Logo

And, I am so excited to roll out our new logo design, which features this lovely blossom along with the name "Baldur".  

Feels comfortable to me!

Thanks to Jonna from @illustratorjonnasjoblom in Sweden for her help on this project.  I am grateful.

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If you still want more --
For more background on us and how we got "here" you can read lots of words on the About Us  page.
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The Incognito Artist

8/20/2015

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I have been working diligently in my photography "studio" the last week or so.  I've been on a mission to capture some of my inventory of handmade turned wood to share and add to the Store @ Baldur Studios.  And, it's truly only a start.

Truth is, it's really hard to part with some of these pieces.   Each piece is wholly unique in every respect.  The shapes.  The wood species.  The finish. 


One thing they all have in common, is the artist who works quietly in his garage shop, every day, sorting, and forming, and twirling the wood on his lathe. 


He creates, not to make a sale, or to show his work, or even get credit (he told me he'd prefer to be "un-named" in this little venture of mine!). 

He creates, just because he loves it.  The tools - oh, so very cool.  The wood - what to do with all those random pieces of mystery found-wood?  It's often hard to recall where some of it even came from.  Being in the shop.  The smell of the wood shavings.  The feel of the shapes in his hand.  The process of creating something elegant out of a chunk of wood.


These wood pieces are all lovely, organic forms that make a fabulous vignette on a shelf or a coffee table.  But better still, most are tremendously useful. And, I love that kind of art.  Something beautiful that also has a purpose in life. 

Surround yourself with hand-made beauty.

Coming Soon to our On-Line Marketplace

Just a smattering of examples here....
You can see much more on our Gallery Page  and in our Store. 

​Stay tuned, and follow us to get updates.

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100% Handmade with love by a talented and dedicated artist. 

My Dad.




Happy Birthday, Dad!!  I love you.



Shop Now !
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Stifling Heat and Stunning Beauty

8/14/2015

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It's the dog days of summer here in the Sonoran Desert and that means that the heat can be brutally stifling.  Like -- you just don't want to go outside unless it's really absolutely necessary.  Or something compels you. 

And in the last few weeks we have been taking moments here and there to slow down and look just a little bit closer at the beauty around us here.  I wanted to share a couple of images that have just stuck in my mind.  Nature inspires while it tests you.

I try to remember:  don't forget to keep your eyes, and ears, and nose open for the little gems all around you each day.  Try to capture them in your mind, or a photograph, or your heart.
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Opuntia

This is the botanical name for the Prickly Pear cactus.  What a work of art - the geometry and color, and shadows.  And those flowers!  They are stunningly beautiful.  The raw scent of the desert after a summer monsoon is of this place, where we are now.  Enjoy.
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The prickley pear pad with fresh bright green nibs. 
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And then the buds start to develop - always reminds me of tiny artichokes.
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How dainty and ethereal - the downy white feather perched on the very edge of the prickly pear pad.  This one was taken by my daughter, Sonja, at just the right moment in the late afternoon. 
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    Author

    Miriam Carlson-Maier

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