The Dancing Monkey Jewelry Chronicles: tutorials

Saturday, March 15, 2008

If you make jewelry, you'll want to check out this web-site

I'm really excited to find this web site because it is a fantastic resource for those of us who create jewelry or those of you who want to create jewelry. I'm sitting here thinking I wish I knew of it's existence when I first started out. It would have made my life easier. The name of the web site is: Jewelry and Beading. This link will take you directly to my favorite page, "The Basics - information and tutorials to get you started. Now if I could only figure out to display some photos from this web site my life would be somewhat more complete.

Dancing Monkey Jewelry

How would I describe my jewelry? I could do it in two words: Funky Elegance. I love the jewelry in the Sundance Catalog - to me it's the epitome of funky, artistic, sophisticated jewelry.
Many times I've looked at their jewelry and have fallen in love with a particular piece and then looked at the price - most of it was prohibitively expensive. Then I took a few jewelry classes, learned some simple wire-wrapping techniques and the next time I looked in the Sundance Catalog I noticed that those artists were using the same techniques that I had learned to do. So, now when I look at the catalog I alway think "I can do that."

While Sundance was a source of inspiration of mine at one time, I've gone on to find my own style. One that is simple, with uncomplicated lines, but elegant and organic.

The materials I like to work with are sterling or fine silver, Precious Metal Clay (totally awesome stuff), semi-precious stones (Chalcedony, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Peridot, Citrine and Poppy Jasper are some of my favorites), and freshwater pearls.

I would describe myself as partly trained and mostly self-taught. I've taken all of my classes at The Bead Factory, in Tacoma WA. They are such an awesome business I don't mind putting their name on my blog. You should check them out www.thebeadfactory.com.

The Recipe of the Week - March 3, 2008

I love spicy, savory foods with complex flavors - and this recipe provides all that. However, this recipe takes time to prepare because you'll will have to marinate the chicken for 4 hours at the least, preferably overnight to infuse it with as much flavor as possible. It might sound like trouble but I guarantee it's worth the time. This is a delicious recipe.

In our house, couscous is a favorite side dish. Add a spinach salad with chopped dates, pecans, crumbled goat cheese and a orange vinaigrette dressing and you've got yourself a fantastic dinner.

So, here's my first recipe.

Moroccan Chicken

10 minutes to prepare marinade. 4 - 24 hours to marinade chicken. Approximately 55 minutes to cook chicken at 350 degrees. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 pounds chicken, pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)

2 teaspoon orange peel

1/2 cup(s) orange juice

1 tablespoon oil, olive

1 tablespoon ginger, fresh

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin, ground

1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground

1/4 teaspoon pepper, red, crushed

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoon orange juice

1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag set in a deep dish. For marinade, in a small bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup orange juice, the olive oil, ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and salt. Pour marinade over chicken. Seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together orange peel, honey, and the 2 teaspoons orange juice.

3. Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade..Place chicken, skinned sides up, on lightly greased broiler pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until chicken is done (170°F for breast halves; 180°F for thighs and drumsticks); brush occasionally with honey mixture during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the chicken is starting to get too dark, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent it from getting browner.

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The Dancing Monkey Jewelry Chronicles

Saturday, March 15, 2008

If you make jewelry, you'll want to check out this web-site

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The Recipe of the Week - March 3, 2008

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