Busy day

I finally got my instructions and photographs submitted to the 30 Minute Earrings book that I got into. I've been afraid to submit it because it's my first publication...and I wanted it to make sense :)

I picked up some PCB etchant and some baking soda for the etchings I'll be doing next week. I'll be working on drawings up until then. I'll post some images once I get some more done.

I also got a good jump on a custom order for a friend that isn't needed until May.

Tonight I'll be cleaning the basement, maybe doing some more studio work, and then getting a list of bridal shower guests together for my hostess.

Can't wait to get some jewelry made!

Box Clasp Adventure

I'm finally biting the bullet! I'm going to finish this bracelet once and for all! I made this beautiful Etruscan chain bracelet a couple of years ago. It took me several months to make and I've been afraid to touch it ever since.

Well, I'm going to finish it AND I'll be making my first box clasp for it. The clasp will be capped with this beautiful smithsonite.


It's pretty pathetic that I haven't made a box clasp already, but it's been one of the fears I've had to overcome. So, now that I've gotten some larger pieces of jewelry finished, and a bunch of things checked off of my to-do list I'm going to experiment with a decorative clasp.

Below is just the start of a sample. I'm sure I'll be making several samples in copper before I've got it figured out well enough to commit to a successful clasp.

Wish me luck! And any tips would greatly be appreciated!


In Tim McCreight's The Complete Metalsmith on the page where the box catches are found is a Chinese Proverb: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

I thought this was pretty appropriate for my current endeavor. Thanks Tim.

Milo Tail Necklace Finished

Here it is! I made a necklace to go with the earrings made from my Milo's tail. The theory behind this is a dog uses his tail to convey emotions and personality...and humans use jewelry and adornment to do the same. So here is a combination of the two.

I'd say the dog who donated the fur, and the person who wears this necklace have a fun and playful personality ;)

I Still Have All My Fingers!

IT'S DONE! I finally finished the Polka-Dot Jasper necklace!

bandwagon

I'm putting this silly picture of me up for imogene. I follow her blog and thought it would be fun to play along. Read her post to see why I'm posting this pic. (AHH! no makeup!)

Maybe you'd like to play along too? Leave a comment if you do.

Rainy day blues

I hate to say this because I'm very thankful for my job, but I'm sitting here at work- wishing I was in my studio. *Sigh*

Someday I will finish this.... Someday soon.

I've been working on this necklace for so long now. I made a giant leap today with it's assembly. I also added all of the tube settings on the links that will contain amber cabochons. I still need to fidget with the way the necklace lays. The polka-dot jasper is just sitting in the bezel, it's not set yet- but I can't wait until I can put in all of the stones and call this done!

100 American Craftsmen!

I got accepted into 100 American Craftsmen! A great show in western New York that emphasizes the importance of handmade and well designed objects. Hurray!

Milo Tail Necklace

Today I made some good progress on the Milo Tail necklace. I got most of the connecting links formed- which was more time consuming than I had expected. I'm starting to see the finished product, and it shouldn't be too long until it's done!

Book Progress

Yesterday, my Dad and I got all of the photographs taken for the 30 Minute Earrings book that I got accepted into. Half a day in the studio with my Dad was a lot of fun. He has always gone above and beyond when he helps with a project. The photographs turned out great!

Today I re-wrote my outline, and inserted the images we took. I still have a lot of fidgeting and editing to do, but I'm almost there. I'm ahead of schedule too! Hopefully by the time the deadline approaches I'll be all set with room to breath!

Thanks Dad!

More work

Some more pieces I've been working on. They're not quite done yet. I've still got to do some finishing, but I'm waiting for some supplies to come in from Rio :).

is a set with snowflake obsidian. The bracelet is very similar to one I made earlier, and the extra links made great earrings. These pieces will have a high polish when finished.

Below are a bunch of pieces I made using serephenite, ocean jasper, crazy lace agate, blue lace agate, and sun stone. The pendant to the left is a very translucent agate. I made the back completely open so it will take on the color of your outfit. It's really beautiful on

And this is another picture of my mookaite bangle. I had a request to show it on my hand. It follows the curve of my wrist just like I was aiming for. Yea!