Uranium Cafe

Albert Noyer Book Signing

2011-05-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Book Signing: Albert Noyer
May 20th from 5-8pm
Noyer author of several historical fiction novels, will be signing copies of
The Ghosts of Glorieta, Plainview Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-935514-03-9

With an artful mesh of page-turning excitement, indigenous folklore, and
historical detail, Noyer, author of the A.D. 5th century Getorius and Arcadia
Mystery series, serves up another compelling literary adventure with his
New Mexico-based thriller, Ghosts of Glorieta.

Celebration of Clay

2011-05-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

June 3-30, 2011.
The exhibit will be held at The Old Schoolhouse Gallery, 12504 N Hwy 14, (505) 281-1250.
East Mountain Area - 1/4 North of Frost Rd - Sandia Park, NM
Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 6 PM

Opening reception June 4th, 2011 from 2 to 4:30 PM
Awards will be announced at the reception.

Etsy Metal Clay Team Charity Auction

2011-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

This charm bracelet is composed of a sterling silver 7.5 inch cable chain with 21 handcrafted fine silver, copper and bronze charms. The charms range in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. These handcrafted charms were made by members of the Etsy MetalClay Team. The Etsy MetalClay team is a global group of jewelry artists and designers using silver, gold, copper and bronze metal clays to create their work. We strive to make innovative, unique, and boundary pushing designs -embracing both modern technology and old world traditions.The Etsy MetalClay Team would like to donate 100% of the sale of this charm bracelet to the Red Cross in a effort to help the people of Japan.

This is the second charity bracelet that was made using the charms from the Etsy Metal Clay Teams 2010 charm swap. Please share this link with your friends and family. Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130516153882&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT#ht_500wt_1156

Trinity Site April 2, 2010

2011-04-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Open to the public: http://www.vivanewmexico.com/sw.trinity.html

New Blog & Etsy Store

2011-03-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am alway looking at new ways to market my jewelry line(s). I started a new blog: benvenutistudios.blogspot.com and Etsy Store:www.etsy.com/shop/BenvenutiStudiosThese will be dedicated to all things "metal clay". The new blog will feature tutorials, publication updates, and more.

The Uranium Cafe blog will have all the science geekery stuff I can find time to share with everyone. And my original Etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/UraniumCafe will be converted to a place for all my other quirky creations, and vintage collectables. Plus, components for you to create you own designs with.

So stay tuned, spring is finally here and it's time to hit the road for more fun and adventure.

The 2010 Etsy Metal Clay Team Charm Bracelet

2010-11-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Metal Clay Team will be auctioning off this fantastic handcrafted sterling silver charm bracelet loaded with pure fine silver, bronze and copper charms individually handcrafted and donated by members of the Etsy Metal Clay Team. All proceeds -- that's 100% of the proceeds from the auction -- will benefit Autism Speaks. The charms are loaded with detail and some include colored resins, enamels, gemstone beads, etc. A unique and beautiful collector's item. I will post again when the auction goes live. Please help us help Autism Speaks!

Participate in this auction of a charm bracelet made by members of the Etsy MetalClay Team. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.Thank You for helping us raise money for this wonderful organization.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320612944730&ru=http://shop.ebay.com:80/%3F_from%3DR40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=320612944730&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1&_rdc=1#ht_915wt_978

Ooh La La Christmas Home Tour - New Mexico

2010-11-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ooh La La Christmas Home Tour in New Mexico, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, started by a group of New Mexicans who wanted to make a difference in the lives of severely injured service men and women. In 2009 and 2010 they chose to support the Wounded Warrior Project. On December 12, 2009 at the Army/Navy game, Ooh La La Christmas was proud to present a check to Wounded Warrior Project for $352,000.

Friday, November 12, 2010 is the date for this years Benefit Dinner & Dance. There will also be a live auction of items donated by local businesses and artists. I have donated two of my jewelry items.

For more information:

OOH LA LA CHRISTMAS
8500 SNAKEDANCE COURT NE
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111
505-856-8582
505-821-4351 FAX

info@oohlalachristmas.org

Water Etching

2010-09-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 25 - I was fortunate enough to have the time to take a new Metal Clay Class. Water Etching is a technique traditionally used by potters, and is now used by metal clay artist.

I had seen some information on this technique on another artists blog, and thought it would be a intriguing new way to create texture to metal clay. So when I saw the class offered I was thrilled. Our group consisted of only eight artists in the class, all of which have been working with metal clay for several years.

The easiest way to describe this process is that you paint a design on to dry (unfired) clay; using a damp sponge, gently wipe the clay so that the unpainted section is slightly lower than the design; allow the piece to dry again, and then fire. After the piece is fired you can finish it in which ever style you desire.

For my bracelet, it was tumbled for 20 minutes, brass brushed, and a patina added using liver of sulfur. For more information on local classes visit the PMC Guild (www.pmcguild.com) or New Mexico Clay (www.nmclay.com)

The Road to Trinitiy

2010-08-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer we were fortunate enough to have some time available to partake in an exclusive tour of the Trinity Site. Hosted by the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (in Albuquerque, NM) the tour was limited to two bus loads of adventurers.

The Trinity Site is the place where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945 at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain Time. Located within the White Sands Missile Range the site was declared a historic landmark in 1975. The 51,500 acre area includes the spot where the bomb was exploded – Ground Zero, the Schmidt/McDonald House – where the plutonium core for the bomb was assembled, and Base Camp – where the scientists and support personnel lived.

Twice a year the site is open to the public – once in the spring and once in the fall.
But our tour took place on June 24, 2010 – and was very different in regards to the volume of people attending the event.

The advantages of going on the tour are that the museums docents provide great information along the way, you don’t have to do the driving, you’re in a comfortable air-conditioned environment, and lunch is included. Did I mention you don’t have to do the driving – you’ll really appreciate this on the way back home.

While there be on the look out for Trinitite – the name given to the green glass that formed on the desert floor from the explosion. Please do not remove any of the Trinitite you might find. Not only is it strictly prohibited, but so much of it has already been removed that there are only a few pieces left to be discovered and enjoyed by the next group of visitors. The piece in the photo was returned to the ground – maybe you can find it again on your adventure to Ground Zero.

BTW: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will be hosting another Trinity Tour in October 2010. For more information you can visit the museum at 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, or call 505-245-2137. Plus don’t forget to check out their web site: http://www.nuclearmuseum.org/

Trinitite

2010-08-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

Ground Zero

2010-08-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

For a 360 view of Ground Zero go to:
http://www.uraniumcafe.com/video/Trinity%20Ground%20Zero.mov

The Beginning

2010-06-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

This is the start of what will be a batch of 24 Fine Silver Hearts for the Etsy Metal Clay Teams Charm Swap.

Step Two

2010-06-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Allowing the heats to dry for a while with out the aid of a warming plate will give you time to stamp your initials on the back. Plus helps to keep them from warping from drying to fast.

Drying

2010-06-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hearts need to be completely dry before they can be sanded and smoothed.

Assembly Line

2010-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

While newer hearts are drying the first ones are being transformed into the mended heart theme.

While newer hearts are drying the first ones are being transformed into the mended heart theme.

Assembly Line (cont)

2010-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Bars are added first. Faux rivets are added last

Ready for the Kiln

2010-06-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

These became the 24 Mended Hearts for the Etsy Metal Clay Team's Charm Swap. I made 25 - the one extra was a "just in case" one breaks thing.

New Spring Babies

2010-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last year we had a couple of birds that took up residents under our back porch. One of their offspring returned this year to raise another family. From fuzzy babies to feathered fledglings - Just one of those circle of life things :)

Artful Mosaic Supplies

2010-06-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Creating the Route 66 Necklace was a long time in the making. I had spotted the Red & Black Ceramic Picasso Faces on Etsy about a year ago – and knew I had to get them – only I hadn’t figured out exactly why.

Dana Flemming a fellow New Mexico artist owns/runs a wonderful Etsy store, known as Artful Mosaic Supplies. Here you’ll find everything for your mosaic needs. She also specializes in MDF shapes for your creations. It was in her store that I found the ceramic Picasso Faces.

Having a love for all things vintage & retro, the faces reminded me of the art deco designs from this by gone era. After the pendant was made it had to be accented by just the right combination of beads. After deciding on the diamond shaped onyx & sterling silver beads, it was evident that only a hand made clasp, created in the cubist style would finish off the necklace.

If you are looking for unique and fun shapes at great prices this is the store to visit.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/artfulmosaicsupplies

It has been a honor and a privilege to share the success of the Route 66 Necklace with Dana – for if it wasn’t for her ceramic Picasso faces, the necklace may not be here today.

Please Visit Artful Mosaics at: http://artfulmosaicsupplies.blogspot.com/

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

2010-05-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Route 66 Necklace
As seen in Bead Trends Magazine - May 2010

Focal piece infomation:
The Ceramic "Picaso" Face is made by Dana Flemming
Artful Mosaic Supplies: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtfulMosaicSupplies

The Metal Clay (PMC3) work by Carrie Benvenuti
UraniumCafe
http://www.etsy.com/shop/UraniumCafe

Necklace design and fabrication by Carrie Benvenuti

Instrustion available on:
northridgemedia.net/blogs/beadtrends

Marvelous March

2010-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived, and the snow is starting to melt – visions of warmer weather fill my head. The daffodils leaves are about four inches tall and the trees are starting to bud – and soon the hummingbirds will return – and then the subdued landscape will once again be teaming with life.

And with the change of season, comes new creations designed to celebrate the rebirth of the world around us. The March issue of Bead Trends Magazine offers some wonderful ideas to jumpstart your spring/summer creative thoughts. Included in this issue is my Enchanted Forest Bracelet (pages 22 & 23). The bracelet features handmade bronze charms, a colorful array of 4mm glass beads, and glass leaves. Along with beautiful photos of artists work are tutorials on how each piece was made.

Enjoy your new creative adventure…

Enchanted Forest Bracelet

2010-03-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

As seen in the March 2009 issue of Beads Trends Magazine

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone Peace, Love & Joy on this Valentine's Day

New Items on UraniumCafe.com

2010-02-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

I have just added two new albums to my online gallery - Studio UC

Bronze & Copper Creations:
Sterling Silver:

http://www.uraniumcafe.com/carriebenvenutisstudiouc/index.htm

Off to Texas

2010-01-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give an update. The necklace I donated to Etsy's Heart for Haiti sold some time early this morning. It is going to a lovely lady in Houston, Texas.

Please visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti

With your purchase you not only help Doctors Without Borders in Haiti, but you recieve a wonderful handmade item as well.

Thank you
Carrie B

Hearts For Haiti

2010-01-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

I just donated a necklace on etsy to the http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti
Hearts for Haiti shop, all proceeds go to DoctorsWithoutBorders this is a great cause and some super items are being offered in this shop check it out!

Earthquake In Haiti

2010-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

My heart & prayers go out to the people of Haiti.
The loss and devastation is truly unimaginable.
If you want to help please visit:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/

Bronze Oak Goddess - Fall 2009

2010-01-13T19:05:00.001-08:00

Bronze Elm Goddess - Fall 2009

2010-01-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

2010-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Bronze Clay Musings

2010-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

In the summer of 2008 the PMC brand of metal clay released the new and anticipated Bronze Clay. The unveiling took place during the PMC Conference that June. And the world of metal clay has never been the same since.

This revolutionary product offered the versatility of the already popular Silver PMC, but was less expensive, and allowed artists to add new dimensions to their creations.

Over this past summer I started experimenting with this material. I would have liked to participate in a class but the only one available was already full, and it would be several months before the new one would be available. During some online searches, I found a reliable firing schedule on CoolTool.us and decided it was time to give Bronze Clay a try.

Now, what to make… Hum - So many ideas - So little time…

I have a fascination with the steam-punk genre. A blend a fantasy and old world designs – think – Jules Verne. As one travels down “the path not taken” – dare to dream of an alternate future where all our modern day marvels are still powered by steam. And this is where the adventure begins…

The first couple pieces where disc shaped and an experiment in make something look old – they were fired in acid washed carbon which gave them the appearance of a bronze sculpture salvaged from the depths of a long forgotten shipwreck. Purposely distressed and repaired to reflect the way we humans have an innate ability to rise above our own shipwrecks and sail on…

The “Mended Heart” Series was born from this concept. I am not the only one who has created works of art which include the concept of the “mended heart” – and I certainly won’t be the last – just “Google” the name and you’ll understand what I am referring too. But each artist’s creation is different because everyone has their own story, and sees the world in their own way.

After the first successfully firings of the Steam-punk Discs and the Mended Hearts, I set my sights on something more complicated. For a while I had been trying figure out how to create my “Goddess” pendants in a less expensive material other than the fine silver .999 – and still keep them individually handmade. Bronze Clay turned out to be the answer.

November Bead Trends

2009-12-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy past couple of months and I haven’t found the time to post any updates. And since I have a couple days off – I’ll be playing catch up ;)

In November, I was thrilled to be a part of Bead Trends Magazine’s November 2009 issue. If you are looking for new and exciting ideas – this magazine is for you. I love their style of photography. Their use of complimentary colors and props bring each piece of jewelry to life.

The two items in this issue were:
“Primeval” (a necklace/earring set) on pages – 58 & 59. When I finished the focal bead, it reminded me of some strange primordial ooze were life began; the pearls represent the connection of land & sea, and the pyramid shape speaks of the connection between nature & science. Everywhere we look we can see this divine interaction from the construction of the honey bee hive to the crystalline structure of gem stones.

“Fallen Leaves” (earring set) November Editor’s Pick for 2009 page 44. The concept behind the design/texture of the 18mm Fine Silver .999 (Precious Metal Clay) beads was to invoke the sensation of traveling back to a long forgotten era – and walking along an ancient stone pathway. The leaves are representative of the future changes which would come to this world – much like fall changes into winter.

To download free instructions for the “Fallen Leave” beads go to this page:
http://northridgemedia.net/blogs/beadtrends/?p=470

I would like to thank all the people at Bead Trends Magazine who make this publication possible and for the opportunity to again share my treasure with the world.

Carrie B

The Survivor

2009-08-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Elm Goddess, aka “The Survivor”. Like many of us this Goddess hides her scares behind a pretty face. She was created during the same time as the Oak Goddess. The concept of the two pendants was derived from the idea that all things are connected and alive.

We cohabitate on a living planet, Earth is not just some rock floating in outer space. It is alive, and fluid – both internally and externally. Molten Magma push against the tectonic plates and the Ocean Waters caress the coastline of every continent. Earth will always continue to change and evolve – sometimes quietly and sometimes violently.

During the firing process the two pendants (The Elm Goddess and The Oak Goddess) both slipped off the kiln shelf as I was loading it into a hot kiln, and landed in the back of the kiln. As I reached in with a pair of tongs to pull the Elm Goddess out first, it slipped out of the tongs and crashed on to the table. Leaving the shattered pendant lay on the table I retrieved the Oak Goddess from the kiln; it was now on fire as the organic binder in the PMC (precious metal clay) had started to burn. I managed to blow out the flames, and allowed it to cool. To my amazement the Oak Goddess was unharmed. I rearranged the kiln shelf and proceeded to fire the remaining items.

I then looked at the disfigured pile which had been the Elm Goddess just minutes before. Feeling disappointed at what seemed like such a waste of materials and time; I could not bring myself to throw it away. I had heard that broken PMC pieces could be repaired using paste, so it would be a project for another day. I placed the pieces on a saucer and set it aside on a shelf in my studio – where it sat for a long while.

The next spring as new leaves were forming, I noticed the elm trees which grow sporadically out were we live. They reminded me of the Elm Goddess sitting on the shelf. Her leaves had all broken off and her face was cracked in two. One afternoon I started to put her face back together. The front matched up fairly well, but it needed a heavy layer of paste to hold it together from the back. After it dried, I repaired the oval ring on the back that is used as a support for the piece. Once the face and support were stable, I proceeded to layer new leaves around the face. Carefully placing the leaves to hide the scars, she was once again transformed into something beautiful.

After being fired, polished and finished with a antique patina, the evidence of her rough beginnings was only visible from the back. The pendant reminds me about how funny life can be sometimes. We have all had times were we have had to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and put things back together again. In a way we are all survivors.

Wicked

2009-07-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

After a weekend of taking care of some unplanned home repairs, I thought I would take a minute to post one of the photos from Saturday nights thunderstorm. Summer storms in this mountainous area of New Mexico can provide an incredible light show. It's been about four years since we have had this kind of activity, it was a welcomed relief from the heat. My husband captured this shot with a one minute exposure.

TODAY

2009-07-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !!!

Oak Goddess Necklace

2009-07-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

The Oak Goddess necklace in the July issue of Bead Trends Magazine is one of my favorite creations. The center piece was finished some time ago, and only recently transformed into the wearable art work you see today.

For many years my husband and I attended Renaissance Fairs as vendors. Some of my designs are a cross between Celtic & Contemporary. My introduction to PMC (precious metal clay) was in late 2006, the flexibility of the media gave me the ability to create truly one of a kind works of art with out the cost of casting equipment.

The first time I worked with PMC, was at Mama's Minerals, here in Albuquerque. It was a reasonably priced half day class, with only about 7 students in attendance. Although the class was structured, students were encouraged to experiment and come up with our own ideas. My Double Calla Lily focal piece was one of the creations from that class - and is currently part of my private collection. PMC has become kind of an addiction, and now with bronze & copper clay – the possibilities are endless.

With that said, after investing money into a kiln, tools, and pmc; the concept of the Oak Goddess was developed. Wanting to create something on the line of the mythical Green Man, I started experimenting with different face molds. Once I achieved a face that I liked, it was a matter of how to form a base to support the pendant & shape the leaves around the face.

The Oak Goddess has a sister the Elm Goddess aka. “The Survivor” and she has her own story. Both were ready for firing at the same time, but do to a kiln mishap, The Survivor would not be fired for another six months.

Once fired the Oak Goddess was tumbled polished, and then treated with a solution of liver of sulfur giving it a slight antique look. At a later point, on one of my trips to Mama’s Mineral, I found the Olive Jade beads. It just seemed to click – I could see in my minds eye exactly how the necklace should be put together. It’s like having a good song or computer code in your head, it bounces around, and at some point has to be let out.

When I found a Bead Trends Magazine in our local Barnes & Noble book store, I was hooked. All the beautiful items handmade by other artists, with instructions on how they created them - what a great idea – so fearless! I know some artists who are so guarded that they are afraid to share their ideas with the world. It is my philosophy that if you can follow my instructions and create something similar for yourself, it will never be an exact copy; for the simply fact we are all different.

I would also like to thank that all the people at Beads Trends Magazine, who allowed me the opportunity to be published in such a prestigious magazine, and share my art work with the world. You Rock!

Doulbe Calla Lily

2009-07-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

One of the first pieces I made from PMC was the Doudle Calla Lily pendant, it was later turned into a necklace.

Spring in the Mountains

2009-06-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Part of the joy of living in a mountain area is the wildlife. Spring always means new babies of all kinds. This year a couple bird families found shelter in the rafters of our porches. One couple built their nest just outside our back door. The was incredible to watch this pair care for their young from the building of the nest to the day when the fledglings were strong enough to to fly. As we didn't want to intrude on the new parents, we kept photography to a minimum. My husband was able to get a couple pictures on the baby birds day a departure.

Micheal Jackson

2009-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

My condolences to the family,
friends and fans of Micheal Jackson.

My heart goes out to his three children in this time of sorrow.