Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Playing with enamel in the jewelry studio

With some time off from my day job I've been able to get back into the studio and play with enamels. I'm using a little kiln that my studio mate bought and it is small but mighty. Here are some of my results with enamel and texture.  All of these are for sale on my Etsy webpage.https://www.etsy.com/shop/artnestbydiane





Friday, November 20, 2015

The doors of Istanbul and Ibrahimpasa

What a variety of modern and ancient doors to see in Turkey! They are portals to unseen rooms in my imagination.








Sunday, November 15, 2015

Drinking Boza.

One of my friends had recommended a place called Vefa Bozacisi. It's one of the oldest boza bars in Istanbul so I set out to find it on my last day there. After many wrong turns down backstreets in the University district a local finally pointed the way. Boza is a fermented barley drink that is served with cinnamon and often accompanied by a bag of dried garbanzo beans. To me it tasted a bit like apple sauce..it was thick and like nothing I have ever experienced before.

The establishment was old and charming. A portrait of Ataturk and one of a mosque adorned the walls, The room was full of students and older well-heeled patrons. I highly recommend the experience!

Boza sprinkled with cinnamon




Sunday, November 1, 2015

Istanbul

I have been in Turkey for almost two weeks. It is a magical place, a visual feast, a  collage of






sounds, smells and tastes. I am smitten.