Sign up for Studio McManus email and get free shipping on your first order* Sign Up Now

Search

Organically Inspired. . .

Category Archives: My Creations

Mount Dora, Here I Come!

I hope you’ll come and see me at the Mount Dora Craft Fair on October 26th and 27th.  With the “holidays” starting earlier and earlier, you could consider this your kick-off to the holiday shopping season.  Get a jump start and buy handcrafted jewelry for the people you love.  Trust me, you won’t find anything like this in the mall!

This will be my first outdoor tent show EVER.  Most handcrafted sellers progress from selling online and at shows to selling through galleries.  I sort of skipped over those earlier stages and jumped straight into the wholesale/gallery world.  As a result, I’m a bit nervous about this show.  It will be really interesting to see how people respond to the work in person.  I plan to be like a sponge and soak up every bit of feedback, knowledge and understanding I can glean from this experience.  Won’t you come out so I can see a friendly face amidst the sea of strangers?

Studio McManus at Mt Dora Craft Fair

Need A Bit Of Color In Your World?

I know I do!  Adding color to my copper and bronze pieces is truly a labor of love.  Early in the process, I’m like a kid slopping color around in pursuit of creating her masterpiece.  By the time I get to the final steps, with my back aching and sweat dripping from my brow, I…

What Was Handed Down

At the gathering after my dad’s funeral, my Aunt Elisabeth shared a little insight about him that just blew my mind.  Apparently, when Dad was a young man and it was time for him to choose a trade, he was encouraged to take up the family business and become a tailor.  But what did he…

Fifteen years of love and laughter

I’m feeling a bit sentimental today. It’s my 15-year anniversary, and I spent several hours last night looking through photos of Jim and me. The earliest days are not so well documented. Back in 1998, we were still using FILM CAMERAS! Can you imagine? Can you remember taking photos and having to WAIT to see…

Updated Earwires

I recently updated the type of earwires used in my copper earrings.  Previously, I used a surgical steel earwire with a copper accent ball.  I was under the impression that surgical steel would be a good choice, given that so many people are struggling with metal allergies.  They use it for surgery, so it must…

Harvest

Yesterday morning I ventured outside to do what couldn’t be ignored any longer.  The Bamboo and Butterfly Ginger that I planted just a year ago had flourished during this hot, wet summer.  Their bushy branches had encroached on patios and pathways, creating a jungle-like environment that was rather pleasant, but certainly not conducive to actually…

Moving in the right direction

Boy, this business of running a business can be tough sometimes. From one day to the next, it’s difficult to know if I’m doing the most important things to move the business forward, or if I’m doing them the best that I can.  To keep myself sane, I just try to keep moving in the…

Experimental

This image is a prototype of a sculpted pendant that’s been rattling around in my head for months.  It was in the greenware state in the photo, meaning it was still fragile, but when it comes out of the kiln, it will be solid bronze.  Then, I’ll start playing around with patinas to add some…

New Birdhouses

I’ve been creating some sweet new birdhouse designs. The are intentionally a bit wonky.  I think it gives them more personality, and it’s fitting coming from this cock-eyed optimist!  I’m offering them to my galleries for holiday sales, as well as my own retail customers.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing First…

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Here’s a sneak peak at a prototype for a new addition to my Nature Walk Collection in Silver.  This Dr. Seuss inspired birdhouse is intentionally wonky, curvy and hanging at a jaunty angle.  The momma and baby bird are embellished with 22 carat gold as is the tiny pine cone that hangs below the house.  This was…