Friday, September 20, 2013

My first try...

My mother and patron-of-my-art commissioned me to create a pair of earrings as a birthday gift for her friend.  I experimented with a couple of designs, but none seemed to capture Kim's essence.  That's the fun part of designing for someone I know:  I know her general style, her face shape, her hair color, the types of accessories she gravitates toward, etc. 

Figuring she'd like something bold, and knowing she likes black, this is what I came up with.  I wire wrapped onyx beads onto sterling silver tear-shaped frames that I created. 



Both my mom and the birthday girl were very pleased with the end result.  This was fun and I'll certainly do it again. My mind is swirling with ideas and variations.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Beyond Excited About My Next Adventure


Can you tell what it is?  I bought an asbestos-free block, flux and silver solder.   I still have a few things to buy, including a pickle pot, pickle solution, copper tongs, a "3rd hand"...

I'm going to hone my soldering technique.  It's been years since I've taken my metal smithing class, but I still have my old notes and text book.   I'm also inspired by this book, Chic Metal by Victoria Tillotson.

Stay tuned!




Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Amazine.com

So what is Amazine.com?   Simply put, if Pinterest and Blogging got married, Amazine would be their awesome offspring!  

Amazine allows you to create/curate your own online 'magazine.'  It's still in the beta stage so they're working out some kinks, but it's a pretty cool place to play.

You can log in with your Facebook page, your Twitter page, or an email account.  You can also link your Pinterest page.  Like Pinterest, there is a bookmarklet app that you can add to your browser bar to copy 'stories' to your Amazine.

For example, I selected an item from my ArtFire shop, used the bookmarklet app to create a story (yes, it links back to my AF shop).


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Fun with wire!

Dainty bow rings.... I had a blast making these out of 22 gauge wire (14K gold filled and sterling silver).   I'll be listing these in one of my online shops soon.  Stay tuned....

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Even grownups need a toy box


...or seven.

While others in my area were at Mardi Gras parades catching beads, I was at home playing with beads -- and wire.