Just Stringing Again

I had the creative desire to do some stringing this weekend. It's nice when you have all of these supplies hanging around that say "make me today".  I think this necklace has a modern feel with the donut shape beads. The red beaded beads do make the statement. Of course, this is a one-of-a-kind necklace and it looks awesome with a black or white tee shirt.  It is appropriate named Pretty Woman.

Ready for Spring

With the lack of snow (no complaints) the feeling of spring is just around the corner. My tribute to the sunny days we are getting in the month of February. I called these earrings Sun Flowers which are for sale in my Etsy shop today.

Upcycled Necklace

The only plan I had was to upcycle copper scraps from an electrical job. The end result has more character than I could have ever imagined.  It's a keeper!

Cupid's Month

Just a splash of red for the upcoming month.  I like red, but I don't love it. Here is my contribution to celebrate February. My Heart is On Fire is for sale beginning today.

Hello 2012 - Another year to explore

There are a number of things I would like to explore and accomplish this year. When I began making jewelry in 2007 I had big eyes for tools, beads, silver and findings. I liken it to going into a candy shop,buying a little of everything and cramming it down as fast as possible. Over time, I realized there was not enough time in a day, nor did I have enough talent in jewelry to quit my day job.  So, I have happily dabbled with jewelry, my blog and Etsy shop with great satisfaction.  Along the way I have met a community of talented artists and many new acquaintenances.

For 2012 I would like to explore new metal techniques, but first I will need to expand my tools.  On my wish list is a disc cutter and dapping block.  I really like those lillypilly aluminium sheets. I would love a set of nylon pliers to help me bend and twist metal without dings. Another couple of luxuries would be a textured hammer, metal stamps and a metal punch.  I think these are all attainable this year with a few sales here and there. 

Lately, I have enjoyed working with copper because it is reasonably priced and I have a good supply. I also have a good selection of orphan lampwork beads. These two supplies make it easy for me to dabble with the pins.  I never get bored because each pin is unique. In avoidance of perfection, I let myself twist, bend and hammer without limitation or a design idea.  I know this pin does not look complicated, but these pins are an hour plus of work. The hammering of 14 gauge wire is no easy task.  The liver of sulfur and steel wool rub makes for black hands that have to be scrubbed repeatedly in avoidance of looking like a car mechanic who just got off their shift. I was delighted with this pin because the latch fit so perfectly in the first curl. This lampwork bead is a gorgeous shade of maroon and lime green.  I wish I could remember who I bought this bead from because I would certainly give them a shout out.   One thing I have learned from making numerous pins is to plan on cutting 12 inches of wire for a 3 - 3-1/2 pin. 

The next piece I had planned to show is just not ready yet.  I am looking forward to showing it because this copper was left over from an electrical wiring job we had done in the basement. Stop back this weekend for a look at my upcycled copper necklace.

Branded and Almost Ready

The name of the new earring design is official.  I have worked these up in different beads and I have to say that the Swarovski Crystals and Pearls are the most suited for the design. What I like about these earrings is the back and front are a mirror image with the criss cross.  They have been branded for 2012 because they will appear in my shops on New Year's day. That leaves me a few more days for the final details. For one, I need to work up a white pearl set for the design views. In alignment with the Seed Bead Flower Tutorial I will be giving permission for these to be made in small quantities for sale. 

We have eyes for you.... but really, when do we eat?



An unplanned snapshot of the tabby boys, Diego (left) and Charley. They were using my legs as a warmer while I surfed through my email on my iPad.  Charley is a lightweight at 8 lbs, but Diego is just a little over 14 lbs.  In October he began gulping down his food and then looking for more. The Vet said his natural instincts were kicking in to fatten up for warmth and that he did!  

As to beads, here is a quick and easy tutorial I am planning to finish up in the next few days. I have not decided whether to call them Glamour Drops or Figure 8's. 

Looking forward to the New Year and one thing to celebrate is the lack of snow here in the northeast at this date. Let's hope that the weather pattern does not try to make up for lost time in the next 10 weeks!

New Beginnings

Keeping it simple with pins these last few weeks of the year. This pin is called "Plain Jane" replenishing a similar piece that sold this week.  I chose not to repeat the patina dip.  Instead, I pulled out my dusty tumbler and gave it a palmolive bath with steel shot. Viola! It came out so shiny and sleek looking with all the strength of tumbled metal.  The tumbler and me are an item again. I have forgotten how magical it is with silver and copper.

This pin is a random mix of some of my favorite seed bead colors. Simple and effective accessory.

Simple and quick designs are about all I can manage during the final days of holiday preparations. On the upside, the end of a year pushes me to either finish designs or rip them apart. I like starting the new year with a clean slate to pursue new ideas and colors. The box of half finished designs is gradually becoming a heap of beads to be sorted and restocked.  In a strange way it is satisfying because I have closure and a door open to new beginnings.