Orange Starfish Designs

2011 - week 9

2011-03-06T14:05:00.003-07:00

Nothing photographed this week because nothing got finished. I had two short sessions at the bench though. The first was disastrous. The second I got a lot of little components for things started but nothing got finished. I was so happy to have a good session that I quit when I started to get tired and didn't try to force anything to come together. Maybe next time!

2011 - week 8

2011-02-28T12:38:00.003-07:00

I had one of those days where nothing wanted to work. Finally, in a fit of frustration, I gave up all thoughts of finishing something good and just made this little (1/2" diameter) bead. Another day I will pickle it and polish it and maybe even embellish it. For now I'm calling it done.

2011 - week 7

2011-02-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

Away on vacation in Mexico all week so nothing happened on the bench.

2011 - week 6

2011-02-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

Experimental open backed bezel set coin pearl pendant. It has proven more difficult to set than I expected (and I expected difficulty) but I think the basic idea has promise.

2011 - week 5

2011-02-06T13:56:00.004-07:00

Iolite, moonstone, and plain sterling rings. I intended the whole group to be a stacking ring set but didn't think about the clearance needed under the moonstone and set it too low into the band. It fits nicely on the adjacent finger though so all is not lost.

2011 - week 4

2011-02-02T07:33:00.001-07:00

The Ring That Wouldn't Be

Sterling silver. Amethyst. Size 4.

This ring did not want to come together. I ended up having to remake almost every component in it, sometimes more than once. The kid is happy with it in the end though so I can't complain.

2011 - week 3

2011-01-25T04:27:00.001-07:00

No photos this week. I did get some time at my bench but nothing came together.

2011 - week 2

2011-01-19T13:55:00.001-07:00

Teeny tiny little ring for a kidlet. This is approximately a size 1-1/2. Isn't it cute?!

2011 - week 1

2011-01-19T13:53:00.001-07:00

Square bead. Sterling silver. I had a hard time getting this dapped neatly because my tools aren't the right size for these pieces of metal. Next time I'm going to make a smaller bead to see if I can't do better.

Wicked cool!

2010-11-07T14:41:00.003-07:00

I whipped this set up last weekend to go with my witch costume. I intended it to be single-wear so I just used cheap base metal components. In the end I liked it so much that I think I'm going to dismantle it and remake it with sterling. When I do that I'll retake the photos and hopefully get a better one.

Black druzy and lava, green and black seed beads, and assorted metal components.

Spinny spinner and more teeny tiny bling

2010-09-13T13:35:00.002-06:00

This ring was harder to flare evenly than I expected. I think I just assumed that each side would flare neatly. Worked okay in the end though, and it fits me perfectly. I'm going to take full credit for that even though I started it so long ago that I honestly don't remember what size I intended it to be.

More teeny tiny stud earrings. The white one is the one I made previously and the butterfly is just in the photo for scale. It looks a little tarnished because it probably is - I've been wearing this little post almost daily since I finished it.

Bouncing back after a dry spell

2010-08-11T06:29:00.002-06:00

I've been in a bit of a slump at my bench this summer. The rings I showed in the last couple of posts came together quite easily and then it seemed that everything I touched was a disaster. So I took a little break, did a little organization and planning, started prepping the walls of my workroom for painting, and then finished these. I worked on them on and off for ages - all through my disaster period - and I think I always expected them to end up as little molten blobs on my soldering block. In the end though everything just clicked and they came together nicely.

Deep red garnets. Lustrous freshwater pearl drops. Sterling.

I also made a single tiny stud earring. I had a terrible time photographing it and the photo below at least shows the scale. A 2mm CZ is tube set in sterling. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out and have several more colours in the works.

Stacking rings

2010-05-08T07:59:00.002-06:00

Made these last weekend - a dainty stacking ring set with CZ and sterling silver. About a size 6.

Purple agate

2010-04-27T05:03:00.002-06:00

I have not made much since my life was packed away in boxes last summer. This weekend I made a simple pair of fused earrings (not photographed, sorry) and this beauty. I made it for myself but unfortunately it turned out about half a size too big. I'm wearing it anyway.

YOJ weeks 24 and 25

2009-07-01T21:49:00.003-06:00

Week 24
Simple carnelian ring. Bezel set oval stone on a slightly hammered wire band.

Week 25
It is a bit of a miracle that this piece turned out. It started as a casual "wonder if I can bezel set this pearl". Once I had the bezel in hand I was driven to add the wire border out of admiration for Deborah (Sneakbead)'s pieces using a similar technique. I figured out lots of things to do differently next time. Then, at the last minute, I realized the bezel wasn't high enough to hold the pearl. Luckily I was able to cut out the back of the pendant which reduced the height of the pearl enough that I could set it. I like this - there will be more.

YOJ weeks 22 and 23

2009-06-30T10:40:00.002-06:00

I'm working on multiple pieces at once these days. More efficient but often means I don't finish a piece every week and then have several all at once.

Week 22
All sterling.

Week 23
Sterling, with a mystery stone faceted cab.

Interesting Educational Experience

2009-06-20T18:37:00.002-06:00

This mostly rectangular felted vessel got the name Interesting Educational Experience during the felting process. I learned quite a few things that I shall try not to repeat in the future. Purple and brown handmade felt embellished with seed beads.

YOJ weeks 18 to 21 - more catchup

2009-05-26T17:19:00.003-06:00

Week 18

This needs cleaning up but I was sloppy while making it because I honestly didn't expect it to turn out this well. Prong set CZ in sterling silver. I have not used prongs before.

Week 19

I cleverly dismantled my week 19 piece before I photographed it. I know that I did it which is good enough for my purposes.

Week 20

These pretty little half drilled pearls are one of three pairs I got recently. I've not worked with half drilled anything before. I wanted these to look clean so I soldered tiny posts onto tiny rings rather than doing any wire wrapping. I might have to keep these.

Week 21

I am so pleased with these! I used my new disc cutter to make the sterling discs, dapped them, soldered on earring posts, soldered on posts for the pearls, polished, tumbled, patinaed and polished again before gluing on the pearls.

YOJ weeks 15 to 17 - playing catch up

2009-05-20T13:07:00.002-06:00

I've made a piece in each week but I got behind in the photography. Catching up with a number in one post seems neater to me.

Week 15 - Grenadine and keshi earrings

I like the way the orderly cube shape in the ceramic beads contrasts with the flowing form of the keshi pearls.

Week 16 - Fused fine silver earrings

This and the next pair are formed from fused and hammered fine silver links. I've made a number of variations on this recently.

Week 17 - More fused fine silver

YOJ wk 14 - Jess's wedding bracelet

2009-05-12T20:05:00.005-06:00

I was asked to make this bracelet for a family friend's wedding. Freshwater pearls, sapphires, and sterling silver. I think it turned out perfectly but you can judge for yourself.

The following photos were sent to me by the bride. She wore no other jewellery.

Felted vase

2009-04-08T10:14:00.003-06:00

I actually have a cup that fits neatly inside this, making it a slightly useful vase-like object, but the original name stuck. This is mainly wet felted, with a bit of needle felting near the end, and then embellished with tiny blue and green seed beads.

YOJ week 11 - fused fine silver

2009-04-07T13:17:00.002-06:00

Fused and hammered fine silver links hang from sterling handmade earwires. I alternated oval and smaller round links in this pair.

I will be skipping weeks 12 and 13 in the Year of Jewelry. I was out of town for those two weeks and my personal goal with this is to work on my jewellery every week that I can, not to make up extra pieces for the weeks that I can't. Week 14 is coming next!

Wk 10 - small Montana hoops

2009-04-07T06:44:00.002-06:00

Small handmade sterling hoops accented with tiny blue Swarovski crystals. Simple little earrings in a stunning colour.

YOJ week 9 - Octopus pin

2009-03-14T22:05:00.002-06:00

Copper, pencil crayons, resin. I still need to attach the pin back.

This is very much an experiment. I love the colours I get with resin over pencil crayons but am not confident of the wearability. I thought riveting it might secure it, and a second layer of copper would add depth, but the drilling and riveting actually started to lift the resin off the pencil crayon layer. Also the way I did the drilling several of the holes got large enough that I'm not confident about the rivets holding the piece together.

Pouring the resin over a flat piece had its challenges too. Without a lip to contain the resin it slightly overflowed in two places. I found it didn't coat evenly, added a second layer, and ended up with definate lines and dimples in the resin.

Despite all its flaws I am very fond of this piece. I am looking forward to wearing it.

YOJ week 8 - hoops

2009-03-12T09:59:00.001-06:00

Hand made sterling silver hoop earrings embellished with 3mm indicolite coloured Swarovski crystals.

I am trying to take one good photo these days rather than snapping off a bunch in hopes of getting one that is great. The depth of field on this was a little shallow but I am not unhappy with it. I have a number of pieces waiting to be photographed so I'll be getting more practice soon.

YOJ wk 7 Ametrine and leather earrings

2009-02-18T14:06:00.003-07:00

I've had a scrap of deep blue leather kicking around from a project I made several years ago, and the idea to make spacers out of it occurred to me a while back but I hadn't dug out the tools until recently. I like the contrast between the clear faceted stones and the deep blue rustic leather in these earrings.

Wk 6 - Fused fine silver earrings

2009-02-11T14:05:00.002-07:00

Recently I went on a binge of fusing fine silver links and made a number of these triple links. I thought they looked good all on their own.

Simple silver pieces are hard to photograph without either the details being lost or getting bad glare in places.

YOJ week 5 - citrine and amethyst earrings

2009-02-08T21:58:00.003-07:00

I always enjoy it when pieces fall into place. These stones have been kicking around on my work surface for ages - I've tried them in all kinds of combinations that just didn't work, and then one day recently I tried them together and they fit perfectly. The colours are incredibly rich and the shapes compliment each other nicely. They need nothing more.

Closing Up Shop SALE

2009-02-05T09:42:00.002-07:00

I am closing my Etsy store and I'm having a sale! All items have been discounted by 25% and I will take an additional 10% off orders of multiple items. Please drop by and have a look.

Orange Starfish Designs on Etsy

YOJ wk 4 - The Blues earrings

2009-01-28T10:55:00.003-07:00

Perfect pearls, iolite brios, sapphires, and sterling silver.

Year of jewellery wk 3 - Monet earrings

2009-01-21T12:33:00.001-07:00

I didn't set out to follow this week's theme in the Year of Jewellery but I think I was influenced by some of the other submissions (posted on time, unlike me, although these were done on Sunday). Green quartz, pale ametrine (just looks purple to me though, so I suspect it is actually amethyst), tourmaline, sterling silver and tiny Bali spacers hanging from my own handmade earwires.

Year of Jewelry wk 2 - 10 gauge cross

2009-01-10T20:11:00.003-07:00

I had some 10g wire left over from the bangle I posted last week and I picked it up to play around without having a specific goal in mind. This is where it ended up. I am quite pleased with this piece. As often happens there are scuffs or scratches visible in the photo that are not noticable to the naked eye.

Year of Jewellery wk 1 - hammered bangle

2009-01-07T13:34:00.003-07:00

This came about as a result of a challenge on the Jewelry Artist Network forum. The idea was to make something with a maximum of 12" of 10g wire. We could use solder and a small amount of other wire for findings - clasp, earwires, whathaveyou - but otherwise the piece had to be made of the 10g wire. No stones, no wrapping, no other adormnents.

I didn't start it with a plan but just went with the flow. First I flattened the ends, drilled and riveted them together, and then realized my bangle was very blah. So I hammered a bunch more to put the curves in. Didn't like the hammer marks so I did some filing, sanding, and polishing to remove them.

Don't like this much but it was a fun exercise.

Lemon quartz globes

2008-12-17T07:33:00.005-07:00

Lemon quartz rondelles, Bali silver, and handmade sterling earwires. These are light, swingy, and sparkly. I'm not totally happy with these photos. The quartz is not dull at all - it is clear and sparkles nicely.

Ruby Slippers revisited

2008-12-03T09:07:00.001-07:00

I was unhappy with the colour in the photos I posted previously so I redid them. These are much better.

Ruby Slippers

2008-11-30T20:55:00.003-07:00

More Wizard of Oz earrings - each with three ruby brios and a single faceted ruby rondelle dangling from sterling chain beneath a slightly peachy pearl.

Hand knotted turquoise

2008-11-22T15:48:00.003-07:00

Turquoise beads, silk, and a sterling clasp. This was my first serious attempt at knotting, although I have practiced on some trial runs, and I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Etsy front page!

2008-11-08T09:47:00.003-07:00

This bracelet made the front page on Etsy this morning. I missed it but managed to find a screen shot of it on Flickr. You can see the screen shot here if you are interested.

Yellow Brick Road earrings

2008-10-19T13:16:00.005-06:00

Carved citrine, deep golden citrine brios, and gold filled wire. I'm having fun with this Wizard of Oz theme.

I'm liking the way earrings look hanging with this setup. Still needs a little tweaking - this pair is a bit far apart - but the potential is there.

Emerald City earrings

2008-10-05T14:59:00.004-06:00

I've been hanging onto these incredibly sparkly quartz crystal brios for a while now, knowing that they needed to be paired with something smaller but unsure exactly what to use. Then I got some tiny little (real) emeralds and I knew what exactly what to do.

Prompted in part by a joke with a friend (Connie, this one's for you) I'm embarking on a Wizard of Oz theme in earrings. These will not be the last in the series. The earwires and headpins are handmade.

This second photo shows the earrings hanging naturally. I need to tweak my setup so that they hang closer together, but I like the overall effect.

Etsy front page!

2008-08-11T10:46:00.004-06:00

This stunning treasury by
backwoodsophisticate made the front page on Etsy yesterday. It looked slightly different than this, as at least one item sold, but I took this screen capture before it went up on the front page.

Not much new in the jewellery department as I've been working on my website. You can reach it through the links in the header on this blog. I'm still tweaking things, but I am beginning to suspect that will be a never-ending process.

Last post I was tagged by three enthusiastic members of the eSMARTs team - Tanya Ross, Robin Schiltz, and Kimberly Ries. I'm afraid that I'm not going to tag six more people, like the game requires, but I will tell you six things about me.

1. I love bright colours but most of my clothing is neutrals.
2. I've lived in the high arctic.
3. I didn't like ice cream as a child.
4. I'm allergic to cats, guinea pigs, and porcupines.
5. I love to plant things but I'm not so good at watering.
6. I wish I took better photos of my dogs and kids.

If anyone reading this wants to join the game just let me know - I'll be happy to tag you.

Ametrine earrings

2008-07-11T20:06:00.005-06:00

Long sleek earrings of sterling chain and ametrine, made with my handmade earwires. These may be the longest earrings I've ever made.

I am experimenting with photographs again. This was taken in RAW, and I confess I didn't get it quite right. Don't have time to redo it tonight, so I'm posting this as is. The colour is off, just a bit, but I like the effect of the earrings hanging in mid air.

ETA: I just realized that I took this with the wrong settings on the camera. No wonder it looks off!

Technorati Tags: earrings, ametrine, quartz, chain, rondelle, faceted

A bead, just a bead...

2008-06-28T20:23:00.004-06:00

My first metal bead - isn't it pretty?! This started off as two 1" diameter sterling silver discs. I had a devil of a time getting it soldered but it worked in the end, and I couldn't be much happier.

Technorati Tags: sterling, silver, lentil, bead, solder

Carnelian ring

2008-06-22T17:23:00.005-06:00

This ring has been in the works for a while now but finishing it kept getting put on the back burner. 14g wire, hammered, and a basic bezel set oval carnelian. It would work well as a stacking ring except that I didn't make any more of them. I'm going to have to find this ring a home as it doesn't fit me.

Technorati Tags: bezel, carnelian, ring, stacking, sterling, silver

Front page!

2008-06-12T17:07:00.005-06:00

Right around lunch time today this was on the front page of Etsy. I was too excited to think straight and didn't get a capture of the whole treasury - just this. By the time I went back to do it right, just a minute or so later, it was gone.

At least I got to see it.

This is turning into a pretty good month!

It's Yard Sale Season!

2008-06-11T13:39:00.004-06:00

Ginko earrings

2008-06-09T17:50:00.004-06:00

These are my first post earrings! My first successful ones anyway... I ran into some issues getting the first pair done and kind of seriously over cooked them. These ones turned out okay though!

Tube set pale blue cz and sterling silver. The ginko pattern was printed with a rolling mill. I don't actually have access to a rolling mill - I made this sheet at a class in BC - but I'm starting to think I might need one.

Hmmm... I just looked at this photo at full magnification and it looks like the settings still need work. I shall fix that now! Have a look anyway to compare to the ginko pendant below - these aren't nearly as scratched up. I'm learning...

Pretty simple ring

2008-06-08T12:13:00.003-06:00

I'm working on a number of silver items out in the garage right now. I've made some incredible mistakes, but that's what happens when you just jump in and try things. This had several hiccups along the way but I'm happy with how it turned out.

On a roll!

2008-06-07T16:33:00.003-06:00

My chartreuse bracelet is in a treasury chosen by scarfitup. How exciting!

Treasuries and giveaways

2008-06-04T14:09:00.005-06:00

I was included in a treasury on Etsy this week. It is only the second time (that I know of) that I've been in a treasury. Treasuries are a bit of a mystery to me - part game, part thrill seeking, part bragging rights, part hopes of a front page jackpot. All I know is that it is very exciting to find out that I'm in one. Thanks catrocks!

The TransCanada Etsy Team is giving away a book next Wednesday. The Boss of You: Everything a Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run and Maintain Her Own Business by Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears is a book I would really like to read, so I'm half hoping no-one reads this until after next Wednesday.

Kidding. Really. Go, enter, and good luck!

Tube setting

2008-05-02T06:54:00.004-06:00

I finally got to mess around in the garage yesterday for the first time since last summer. This is rather badly scratched (although looking much worse in the photo than to the naked eye) because I was just playing so wasn't as careful as I should have been. I'll probably clean it up a bit more but my mom has already claimed it - she says (correctly) that since she was watching my kids while I did this she should get to have it. Sounds good to me!

Tube set 3mm CZ pendant, on ginko imprinted sterling sheet. My first tube setting as well as my first time playing with a bunch of new toys I have. Life is good!

Photography

2008-03-01T18:29:00.004-07:00

I struggle with photographing my pieces. I know this is a common problem, but it is still very frustrating. Today I got a neutral grey background. I only had time to try it quickly, and most of the photos didn't turn out, but this one has me pretty excited. This is the sparkliest I've managed to show these Oh-So-Sparkly stones.

Of course - now that I've posted them - I see a dog hair in the photo. Oh well, just another opportunity for improvement!

Tourmalines from November

2008-02-17T17:30:00.004-07:00

I made these several months ago and forgot all about them until now! Tourmalines and sterling. I am still messing around with my photo setup. The colours are brighter than in the photo. If I get a better photo the next time I'll update this.

Back in the saddle, sort of...

2008-02-15T15:55:00.003-07:00

I've pulled out all my stash and I've started playing. I haven't actually made anything, mind you, but I have some ideas and I will be soon. In the meantime I took a bunch of photos with my new camera. I was trying something new for lighting, and I don't think it worked fabulously. This was adjusted in Elements and while the colours are not particularly accurate I think the sparkle comes across.

Does this happen to everyone?

2007-10-11T16:11:00.000-06:00

I had hardly started The Ladder when the basic idea for the next piece arrived in my head. I've started it now, and despite the fact that three days ago I hadn't a clue what the third piece would be I now know. I had the idea that I wanted three - three is an important design concept to me - but didn't have any idea what they all would be.

It just seems like I'm always finishing something so I can begin the next thing.

Someone asked the size of the piece I showed in my last post. It is approximately 6" x 4-1/2". The new one will be 6" x 4", unless something strikes me.

No photo today. The camera went off for repair, and will be another 5-7 weeks before it is back.

Therapy beading

2007-09-27T10:38:00.002-06:00

The Ladder is the first in a series (tentatively titled Back Off - Get Your Own Body, although on more meditative days I think of it simply as Therapy). I found out this summer that I have breast cancer, and for a while I was rather unhappy. Visualization doesn't usually work well for me, but I was talking to my husband about how I felt like I had fallen in a hole, and couldn't get out - couldn't get happy again - and that I thought I might need to find a physical representation of the hole in order to deal with it. He said that I didn't need a representation of the hole - I needed a representation of the ladder. He was right. In the grand scheme the unhappiness didn't last very long, but the image of the ladder helped me climb out of that hole.

Mostly done improvisationally, this is my first completed bead embroidery piece. Miscellaneous seedy-beads, some Swarovski crystals, and one special (to me - thank you Sander!) faceted hessonite garnet.

I'm having camera & photo editing software problems, but I didn't want to wait any longer in posting this. Please believe the colours are much richer in person.

I recently started working on jewellery again too. Just stringing for now, but at least I'm pulling out my stash and playing! This extra-sparkly three stranded bracelet of faceted tourmalines has a tube clasp for added security. Now I just have to decide if I can part with it.

Update

2007-07-14T16:34:00.000-06:00

I know, no-one wants to read an "I haven't posted for too long" post, but I'm posting this anyways. I am going to have to drop out of the Year of Jewelry. Especially frustrating because I would have completed a whole year if I could have stuck it out for this one quarter. Hopefully I'll be able to rejoin next time.

I still owe two pieces for the last quarter. I've done some - just earrings, nothing exciting - but I haven't got my photo setup up right now and probably can't take photos for another couple of weeks. I will get them up eventually.

I'm going to keep this journal going. It'll be updated infrequently, but I'll at least be posting my new work.

YOJ week twenty-four

2007-06-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

A not-quite-finished piece of fingerweaving here! I originally thought I might take photos of this piece at various stages of development, but then didn't. I'm not sure I'll get the gluing of the knots done today, so I decided to photo & post this now, and I'll finish it later.

This lush bracelet combines such a wide assortment of beads that I feel compelled to list them all.
-carved shell flowers in brown
-flattened shell discs in purple
-effervescent boro beads in brown
-multicoloured boro beads in a shape I've seen described as "teardrop swoops"
-Swarovski bicones in 4 different sizes and two different colours
-Czech firepolished beads in 4 different sizes and 3 different colours
-an assortment of seed beads, mostly in purples, ranging in size from 6/0 to 15/0

I'm thinking this series might have to be called "Medley"...

I love these toggle beads as clasps, although they are a little tricky to use as both ends of the bracelet end in a loop. Previously I shaped the loop part of the clasp first and then had to deal with finishing at the toggle end; this time I switched them around and did the toggle end first. I don't know if it was any easier, except that I didn't have to guess how big the loop end needed to be. I'll do it this way again next time.

YOJ week twenty-three

2007-06-08T09:56:00.000-06:00

Another finger-woven multistrand bracelet, this time in a metallic mix of browns & bronzes. I just love doing these, although I am becoming fixated on getting them to twist in different ways. This one was an attempt at a tighter twist but ended up with different strands twisting in different ways and different amounts. I like it anyway - adds interest!

I have made minor decorations on previous clasp loops, but this time I made the decision to put beads all the way around the loop. I like the richness it adds - I'll be doing it again.

The clasp bead is one of my own lampwork. There is no metal in this piece. I almost kept this one (and still may), but listed it on Etsy today.

YOJ week twenty-two

2007-06-03T16:52:00.000-06:00

I've had a productive week, but I'm not caught up on photography. I wanted to get this week's entry in on time - I've been late a lot lately - so I'm putting up these simple summery earrings. Dyed shell, iridescent glass beads, and sterling. Fun, simple, and lightweight - perfect for hot summer days.

YOJ week twenty-one

2007-06-01T18:49:00.001-06:00

Another multistrand finger-woven bracelet, this one combines chartreuse with gold-green and cream. I like the way these feel on, and I'm working on the next one already. The closure bead on this is palmwood, which has very interesting markings.

I was tagged on my last post. I shall try to get to that this week.

YOJ week twenty

2007-05-21T16:24:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity to spend several hours in the garage today, so I decided to tackle my first bezel. I knew I didn't have any appropriate tools to set the stone, but I didn't actually expect to get to that point and thought I could just get the piece ready for setting.

It turned out that I've misplaced my file too, so I had to sand the bezel down. I thought it might be a bit high, but I was tired of sanding, so I stopped too soon. The first time I thought I soldered the bezel to the back plate it actually didn't, but the second time worked just fine! Woo hoo!

I didn't have anything that let me strike the tube rivet on the front without damaging the bezel, so I basically didn't. That worked okay, but isn't ideal. And the lack of a file meant that finishing the edges of the piece wasn't done as well as it should have been. Oh, and when I soldered the jump ring I almost undid the solder on the bezel... But aside from that I thought it was all going well!

So I foolishly decided to try to set the stone. I had read that you can use a cut-off old toothbrush to bezel set fragile items so I thought I would give that a try. I couldn't hold the piece steady, and although the toothbrush worked, it didn't work easily. I ended up using my hammer to push over the bezel. This created a very rustic look that I almost like, but it does need some refinement.

All in all this was an entertaining and educational experience, even if the piece is far from perfect. Very far...

YOJ week nineteen

2007-05-13T15:21:00.000-06:00

This was my first time tackling viking wire weave. I was pleased with how it turned out, although I was adding in new wire incorrectly at first and my joins are quite obvious. Got that figured out though, so next time will go more smoothly.

I used some sterling cones and a clasp I had on hand, but I want to make my own for future chains. This is a nice technique to become a piece that I can say "I made that all myself".

I tried to patina this, but it just turned yellow. Since it is partially fine silver and partially sterling I suspect I either need to treat it more or not at all. I shall clean it up and wear it shiny for a while, I think...

1000 Jewelry Details

2007-05-11T10:54:00.000-06:00

Exciting news! I just found out that my Caged Bangles have been chosen to be included in the upcoming book 1000 Jewelry Details. It will be a new picture in the book, but here is one I submitted for consideration. I know I've posted this before, but I'm thrilled and want to show a picture anyway!

YOJ week eighteen (WIP)

2007-05-07T16:12:00.000-06:00

This is a close-up of a bracelet I am working on. It is not finalized - I like the look of this arrangement but four sections is too short and five is too long, so I need to come up with something different.

I have been struggling with a pair of earings that were intended to be this week's entry. I have given up for the day, but perhaps I can make them work tomorrow.

YOJ weeks 15, 16, and 17

2007-05-02T14:19:00.000-06:00

I thought that I was going to have to skip a couple of weeks in the Year of Jewelry, but then I had a couple of productive days (and a new camera card) and decided that it was better to put something in rather than leave those dates blank. So, here are a bunch of Swarovski and sterling earrings. A couple left for new homes before I could get them photographed, and a couple are waiting on earwires. I am not happy with photo quality on these but didn't want to get any further behind.

No camera!

2007-04-29T07:14:00.000-06:00

I'm currently without access to a camera. Hopefully I'll be able to replace the card in the next few days, and I can get back on track. I think I'm going to have to skip a couple of weeks of the YOJ. Either that or whip up a bunch of earrings and use them.

Check back soon, please!

YOJ week fourteen

2007-04-08T21:34:00.000-06:00

I used memory wire as the core of this caged bangle. The additional strength of the steel is the main reason for the choice, but it is also more economical than silver. I found that the wraps all go the same way, which surprised me, and while I chose to continue that way I think I like it better when they spiral in both directions, so I guess I'll have to figure out a way to do that next.

This next photo is of several of my Caged bangles in a stack. I think they look fabulous that way, although it would be rather heavy on the wrist to actually wear them like this. Still - might be worth the effect to do so sometime!

Altar is up on Etsy

2007-04-02T16:02:00.000-06:00

I bit the bullet and listed my Altar print on Etsy.
I really want to get one of my ammonite prints up too, but I don't have the packaging to ship it when it sells. Need to get that first.

YOJ week thirteen

2007-04-01T19:56:00.000-06:00

A claspless caged charoite bangle, with a single Thai silver bead. As always, the caging wires are sterling. The centre wire is also sterling, although I am planning to try memory wire next. I bought some, so now I just have to figure out how to joint he two ends invisibly. I am hoping the memory wire works, because it will decrease the cost and should increase strength, and because it won't be visible it shouldn't make an aesthetic difference.

Wooden beads

2007-03-31T16:22:00.000-06:00

This is another fingerweaving bracelet. I was taken with the patterns on the palmwood beads, and wanted to showcase them. I think I actually made this bracelet too full - not something I realized was possible - so in the end it reminds me constantly of a caterpillar with wheels.

The wooden beads are marvellously lightweight, and blend nicely with the assorted seed beads. I especially like that this technique allows for no metal, which makes it perfect for people whith metal sensitivities. I am enjoying the process, even if this one doesn't please me. Had to happen sometime!

Another linocut

2007-03-22T10:43:00.000-06:00

These are three colour variations I did for this print. It is a reduction linocut, which means the block was destoyed in the process of printing the various layers. It is a detail of an altar from the Mayan ruins of Copan in Honduras. This is the smallest print I've done so far at 2-1/2" x 3-1/2". (edited for spelling)

YOJ week eleven

2007-03-18T10:57:00.000-06:00

This week's YOJ entry is a caged iolite bangle. I've been working for a while to try to make this in a claspless style without an obvious join. This one hides the join using a thai silver bead in a size and shape that echos the stones. I am quite pleased with it, although I do want to try a variation using memory wire that should be stronger.

The other photo is a pair of earrings made for an informal contest on WetCanvas. African turquoise, amethyst, and sterling. Simple little earrings but with a compelling colour combination. I have been hoarding the amethyst, but I really have to start using some of my stash.

YOJ week ten

2007-03-16T16:20:00.000-06:00

This is another of my custom made "dog tag" necklaces". Etched copper, sterling rivets, stamped brass. I made and patinaed the clasp to match.

Jellyfish

2007-03-15T08:56:00.000-06:00

Last week we went to the Vancouver Aquarium. I took too many photos, most of which didn't turn out. This is a jellyfish - there was an awesome jellyfish display. The dog trainer in me also enjoyed watching the beluga training session very much.

I'm struggling with motivation to work on jewellery these days. My YOJ piece is overdue, and only requires about two minutes to finish, plus the time to photograph and publish it. Instead I use my free time to work on my latest print - I'm tackling a reduction linocut. Today I am going to force myself to pull out the jewellery first, and only allow myself to work on the linocut after a reasonable effort.

YOJ weeks eight and nine

2007-03-12T12:35:00.000-06:00

These were done early, honest, but I didn't get them posted.

The week eight entry is a multistranded bracelet using Robin Atkins' instructions. I seem to be typing her name a lot, and getting it wrong a lot, so I've added her as a link (see the column on the left) to save myself the typing. I encourage everyone to have a look at her blog as I find her very inspiring!

The rich range of pinks in these seed beads seemed to want to be combined with the plain cream and brown in this bracelet. The closure bead is one of my own lampwork.

The week nine entry is a simple little pair of earrings. They are a gift for a woman whose dogs are mostly black and white. I've had the charms for a while, waiting for inspiration to strike, and this happened. I think I'll have to make a pair for myself, in brown, to match my own dogs. Or maybe in blue or green - I don't tend to match well.

No photos, just an update

2007-03-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am away from my normal computer right now, unable to post photos. I'll have several catch-up posts next week, so please check back then.

I'm messing around with my template, trying to get things the way I want them, so don't be surprised if this page looks different from time to time.

YOJ week seven

2007-02-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

My local bead store has started to get in their Tuscon stash. This strand of african turquoise called my name, so I brought it home. Combined with tiny faceted rubies and bali silver, these earrings are a smidgen too heavy for me so won't be staying here. They aren't HEAVY, just not as light as I prefer. The colours are fabulous though (she says modestly...)

YOJ week five

2007-02-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Another piece using Robin Atkin's finger weaving technique (you can see her blog here). I made multiple errors on this one, although I think I've fixed all but two. One, just discovered during photography, is that the glue on the knots got a little blobby (technical term) and needs to be tidied up. The other I plan to leave, and we'll see if anyone but me notices. The closure is one of my own lampwork beads, and slightly wonky, although not too much for this use.

This was fun, all in all. I have two more flowers, intended for earrings, and enough seed beads to make a colour coordinated bracelet. They may happen next.

Linocut

2007-01-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

My newest semi-obsession: an approximately 9" x 11" ammonite linocut. This is a test print on newsprint, just to see where the image needs to be cleaned up. I'm about as thrilled as I can be with how it is turning out.

YOJ week four, and Etsy

2007-01-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

These simple earrings combine lepidolite with Bali and new jade on one pair and with Thai silver on the other. They dangle nicely to provide the right amount of movement, with is important to me.

I ended up signing up for three Daily Showcases on Etsy. Last week I had a spot on the Gifts for Girls Valentines showcase, which resulted in all my items being viewed (between 3 and 21 times each), and a sale. My 3-strand tourmaline bracelet, pictured earlier, has gone to a new home. Thank you C, if you read this!

Yesterday I had my Naked Lady in the Gifts for Boys showcase. No sales yet, but she was viewed a whopping 68 times, so I'm happy with the decision none-the-less. I have another Gifts for Girls showcase coming up, so I need to make sure I have several more listings between now and then.

Etsy promotion

2007-01-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

I signed up for the Daily Showcase on Etsy. Actually, I signed up for two dates on the Valentine "Gifts for Girls" special event daily showcase. My dates are January 20th (this Saturday) and February 9th (a Friday). I have done some revision on my store in preparation but need to really focus on that over the next two days.

YOJ week three

2007-01-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

Pink peruvian opals, tiny faceted rubies, sterling. What more could you want? I am trying to use what I have, using what I know. This piece does both.

YOJ week two

2007-01-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

I bought Robin Atkin's Beaded Treasures book on the weekend and just had to give it a try right away. This is the result. I am calling it "And Now For Something Completely Different" because it is. I don't know when the last time I used seed beads was, and I've never used cord of any type before. This was fun, if rather a lot of work, and I'm very happy with how it turned out.

My own lampwork, in camo colours, along with czech firepolished beads, seed beads, pearls, and some little mystery-metal spacers. The toggle is wood. This isn't something I'm goign to do a lot of but I do have a couple of other ideas floating around in my head now so it probably won't be the last in this style either.

2007 YOJ week one

2007-01-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

My first submission to the new and improved Year of Jewelry was not particularly a success. I got sloppy with this one, and I'm going to have to do something to fix it, but for now it is staying as is until I've reviewed my options.

Amazonite, sterling, and one spiffy twisted cage Thai silver bead. I made the S-clasp along with both soldered rings (soldering is still new enough that I'm pleased with that).

FSOJ week 13

2007-01-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

I made these two little bracelets to go with my kids' Christmas dresses. They were done and photographed on time but I couldn't get them posted until now. Here they are in their fancy new clothes. Didn't get much in the way of pictures of them as the older one fell asleep on the couch before dinner, and ended up with the flu.

FSOJ week twelve

2006-12-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned lately that I love tourmalines? I've thought more than once that I should change my name to "Tourmaline Girl" although it doesn't suit me particularly. This luscious three strand bracelet uses an entire strand of tiny faceted tourmalines, strung to show staggered bands of colour.

FSOJ weeks ten & eleven

2006-12-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind in posting. Was a bit behind in creating too, although I've got several bits and pieces on the go all at once. This set was made for an exchange, after changing my mind at least five or six times about what to make. I settled on one of my favorite combinations - "Russion jade", tourmalines, and Thai silver.

FSOJ week nine

2006-11-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

These earrings were started for week eight of FSOJ, which had the theme of The Goddess - Motherhood & Fertility. The idea came to me pretty much all at once, but getting the piece to come together was a different story. In the end I'm very happy with the result, but they took far longer than they should have. All wire is 20 g sterling, including the earwires, and the tiny balls are fine silver. This is the first time I've made earwires with balled ends.

Weeks seven and eight

2006-11-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Posted late today for both these weeks. I have an on-theme piece for week eight but it isn't done yet, so it'll be coming at a later date.
This is a little etched copper pendant. The bail is attached with a sterling rivet. I scratched the bail pretty badly when bending it into shape so I think this is going into the pile of experimental bits of metal. I like it though, so I may wear it myself and ignore the scratches.

These are lampwork by Julie Wong of Uglibeads. I've had them for ages and was never quite sure how to use them. Put together with a bit of bali silver and a black rubber cord they practically made themselves. I have a s-clasp that just needs some finishing touches that I'll be adding tomorrow.

Flu season sucks

2006-11-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted recently because I really haven't made much recently. Several bugs hae been running rampant through the house for a couple of weeks now. I'm the only one who isn't feeling better today, so there is hope.

Hopefully I'll manage a FSOJ post tomorrow, only a week late, and then maybe I can play catchup soon!

FSOJ week five

2006-10-26T20:10:00.000-06:00

Completely not on the theme of "Copper Nights" but I have a copper WIP that will show up in some other week now. These are simple pendants made with my own lampwork - the first time I've ever made anything with my own beads. I recently annealed every bead I have ever made that survived unbroken. Actually, as long as they didn't break through the hole they were annealed. I wasn't picky. I'll probably never use most of them but I like some well enough.

October 21st torching session

2006-10-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

I restricted myself to the new 4pack sampler I have of CiM Messy colours in celadon, ginger, butter pecan and Gelly sty pink. Mostly. There is some white as well and the fish has sage eyes.

The fish lost a fin which you can't see because it allows him to lie nicely on that side. I'm most pleased with the dot bead on the end. It isn't all that well done, but it is the first time I've intentionally made a bead with both layered dots and raised dots, and I think it turned out okay.

Here's a closeup of that one, and the fish too for good measure.

Copper etchings

2006-10-19T15:41:00.000-06:00

I realized that I forgot to post these photos earlier in the week. Two copper etchings. The house is 3-1/2" on the long edge and the tiger is 5-1/2". I am going to redo the tiger to try to get more detail.

FSOJ week four

2006-10-19T15:34:00.000-06:00

The theme this week was monochrome. I had invisioned a wire and silver bead creation but didn't go there in the end. These are not quite finished but I decided posting slightly rough pieces was better than posting any later than today.

The rings don't fit me. I am not quite sure what fingers I intended them for but they fit none perfectly. Oh well. The plain ring has a really rough join - I'm calling it a learning experience.

FSOJ week three

2006-10-11T15:23:00.000-06:00

This week the theme was synergy. I was planning on tackling a simple soldered silver ring but decided to go with the theme instead. These peruvian opals were supposed to have small tourmalines scattered along them but I couldn't make that work in a manner that would prevent the tourmalines from scratching the opals and still not look too busy. So the only tourmaline is the one on the dangle, and I may remove the dangle as I'm not completely happy with it.

I am completely happy with the clasp. My first S-clasp, and I soldered it onto the purchased chain with a jump ring I made as well. Not rocket science, but it pleased me greatly.

The colour in these photos is too peachy, but I wasn't able to make them accurate without comletely distorting the colour on the tourmaline.

FSOJ week two

2006-10-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

This idea has been floating in my head for a while now. I believe it was inspired by a bracelet I saw in a store but I'm not 100% sure. I bought the amazonite nuggets specifically to try this. The wire, lobster claw, and spacers (not visible) are all sterling. This piece will be going up on Etsy later today.

How cool is this?

2006-09-27T08:40:00.000-06:00

FSOJ week one

2006-09-25T20:19:00.000-06:00

Since this blog is going to mostly record my FSOJ entries for the next while I figured I had best bring it up to date ASAP. I learned to solder this weekend - now I know it all. Pft. There are lots of messy joins on this bracelet but I couldn't be much more pleased with it. Instructions from a recent issue of Art Jewelry magazine.

I also owe a photo of my entry from the contest. Now that it is over and my favorites all either won or got honourable mentions...

FSOJ

2006-09-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

I signed up for the next session of Four Seasons of Jewelry. I'm not sure this is entirely wise - it may be a bit more than I can handle - but I want the incentive to work regularly and this should provide it.