It's Friday...

My kids are home for the weekend, I have pink extensions in my hair, it's a 3 day weekend for me and I just made a $108 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!! A big thank you to the girls at work who purchased the Cancer Awareness Necklaces !!! I'm so appreciative for their caring and giving nature. What a wonderful way to start my weekend!

I hope you all have a great weekend as well!

Beads!

I just got back from the Rings and Things Bead Show! Lot's of beautiful gems, but I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more high quality stones, they only had 1 table this time. If I remember correctly the last time that I went they had quite a bit...not this time though :( I only found a few things on my long list of desired stones, and bought some that I didn't need but couldn't help myself!

Here's the list of items I purchased:

Faceted Biwa Pearls
Coin Pearls
Larvikite (aka Black Labradorite)
Labradorite
Rainbow Moonstone
Amazonite
Kyanite
Botswana Agate
Tourmalinated Quartz

The best prize was a strand of eye clean brilliantly faceted briolettes that included Smoky Quartz, Lemon Quartz, Citrine, Peridot, Swiss Blue Topaz, and Amethyst. Nummy!!

I also picked up some sterling and some misc. findings, but I was really hoping to pick up some more tools for pmc...but again for some reason they didn't have them there this time like the last. Oh well...saved me money I guess :)

Working with Art Clay

So I set out to make some pendants today using Art Clay 650 low fire, slow dry. Let me just tell you, I have a new appreciation for those who work with this medium on a daily basis. It was no easy task for me, and apparently will need a lot more work on my part to perfect it in any way. I have also discovered that working with pmc will have to be my weekend project as I don't have a lot of time during the week.

So here is a picture of them after being fired. I meant to take a picture of them prior to firing but my batteries for my camera were dead and needed charging. The impatient person that I am couldn't wait for the batteries to be done charging before I fired the pieces.


I found that colored CZ's also tend to change color during firing. The daisy with the single stone was fired face up. The other pendant was fired face down...but the stones were still affected by the heat. Also as you may or may not be able to tell, I could've done a better job at sanding the pieces prior to firing them. The bezel settings definitely could've used more attention, but yet again the impatient part of me didn't want to wait....I really need to start listening to the more patient side of me :)

Right now as I type this, these pieces are being oxidized. I'll try to touch them up a bit more after their done, and I'm really hoping the flaws or imperfections are less noticeable when I'm finished. If not, then I guess I have a couple of new pendants for myself, or I guess I could list them in my shop as "Oops" pieces...we'll see!

I'll post more pictures of them after they're done oxidizing...see you soon!

Treasury Feature and New Additions

I was so excited to be included in this treasury on Etsy...it's made of my favorite shade of blue!


Here are a couple more additions to the Soledad Collection in my Etsy shop:

Ametrine Gemstone and Sterling Silver Necklace

Cushion Cut Citrine Gemstone and Sterling Silver Necklace

A New Addition

I just wanted to share a new addition to the Soledad Collection that I carry in my store. In case I haven't shared it with you before this is the story behind the collection:

Named after my beautiful filipina mother, whose name means solitude. The Soledad collection features a single gemstone necklace where the stone speaks for itself, big or small they all have beautiful attributes, as do each of us.

This necklace features a blue Chalcedony drop, wrapped in fine silver, then strung on a 16" sterling silver necklace.
When I showed my mom the collection that I named after her, she was thrilled...she glowed, which of course just thrilled me to death. It's nice that I can pay homage to her in some way. She is an extraordinary woman who would literally give you the shirt off of her back before you went without anything. She's stunningly beautiful with her raven black hair that has silvery moon kissed streaks . She's sacrificed a lot (though she wouldn't see it that way) to give her family what she lacked as a child. I'm so thankful that she's my mom, I love her more than words could ever say.

Almost to 300

Wow...I can't believe that I'm just one sale away from reaching 300 *Happy Dance*

So now I'm thinking of a free gift to go with that sale....hmm...maybe a pair of the Itty Bitty Rustic Hoops?



Or...maybe a pair of stud earrings...I don't offer the stud earrings in my store, so that might be a little nice surprise. I guess I'll just wait for the sale and ask my customer then...hehe


I'm not sure what my 2nd year anniversary goal will be....I think I'll just be content with reaching each 100 sales milestone! A huge thank you to my customers, friends and to my dearest Etsy friends.....thanks for being with me every step of the way! Hehe...it almost sounds as if I'm receiving some sort of award...honestly this feels better than that and couldn't have come at a better time :)

Ohh.....This So Made My Day!

My muscle spasms have ceased a little, at least I'm able to sit here for a bit to write another post.

~ Lisa, thank you so much for your lovely compliments and well wishes! Hugs to you my dear :)

Okay....so I go to check my mail and a package is there waiting for me....I know what it is and with excitement I tear open the package! In a beautiful box is a treasure that I couldn't wait to put on my finger :) It's the lovely ring below made by Debora of BeadinByTheSea , a dear Etsy friend who kindly made this with me in mind and gave me the opportunity to purchase it from her! I don't often get to splurge on myself but this was an absolute must have!! It couldn't have arrived at a better time...it completely brightened my day! Thank you so much Debora for creating such a beautiful, earthy, and just an all around stunning ring....I'm so happy :)

Just A Quickie....

It's been a bad day for pain, so I'm going to lay back down again, but I wanted to post these earrings first. I made them last night and was able to grab a few quick photos of them. I'll be back later after some icing and heating....bleh!

Earrings....Gotta Love 'Em

I love jewelry, especially earrings. There's something so very feminine about them, whether they're short or long, simple or adorned with gemstones....they really are the perfect addition to finish off your look. While making a pair of earrings or any type of jewelry for that matter, I normally make myself a pair too. Mostly to test the style...see how they wear, but also because I can't help myself :)

Below are a couple of pieces that I made today to list and no need to ask...I made myself a pair of each of these..hehe

I made a Peridot set to sell and a Garnet set for myself...it's my birthstone and it had to be done!

For these earrings I made myself a very small pair and a 2" pair as I tend to like big earrings. The pair pictured are comparable in size to my Large Rustic Hoops also sold in my store.

I'll be ordering some PMC (Precious Metal Clay) soon, and can't wait to start working with this medium. I have so many ideas and sketches that I'm looking forward to making. I was going to order some this weekend, but I've decided to wait just a bit to allow myself to gain more knowledge about working with it. Oh, I so love the creative outlet that jewelry has given me!

New and Discontinued...the verdict is still out

Here's a couple of new earrings that I've added to my store today. With any luck and time allowing I'll be adding a couple more tomorrow as well. These are just really simple designs that can be worn everyday and with any outfit.





Now on to the discontinued subject. I love this pendant below and made the originals 4 years ago for my best friend and myself. I've sold quite a few of these, but I'm considering not selling these anymore or at least for the time being. It's one of the few pieces along with the meditation/prayer beads that I carry in which I put a lot of my healing thoughts and energy into. It really is about focusing on the metaphysical properties of the stones and while creating sending that intent into that particular piece. I really enjoy making these pieces but find with my time constraint that I can't dedicate the energy that I want to....or that I feel needs to be dedicated to them. I've just sold my last Chakra pendant today and I only have 1 Meditation/Prayer beads left, and more than likely will not relist either one of these until I've figured out a solution. Maybe it's as simple as better time management...I'm not sure, but I'll let you know when I've figured it out!

Then in Now.....Photographing Jewelry

This was inspired by a question from a fellow Etsy seller beadinbythesea who asked if I take my photos using a light box or natural light. Though I've discussed this with her personally I thought I'd share it with the rest of you too.

When I first started selling jewelry I had no idea how to photograph jewelry or anything about the camera I was using. Macro?...what's that? A pasta? Laugh all you want but that's exactly what I said!

Below are the photos that show the progression that I made not only with the lighting but with backgrounds too. I originally started photographing on black velvet, but couldn't find any of those photos...must have destroyed them, the lint was so embarrassing! I obviously learned what Macro was after that!

At first I just used the flash of my camera...eek, blinding!

Then I read a tip to use a piece of paper towel or toilet paper to diffuse the flash...okay...got that...much better I can take off my sunglasses now.

Then I got a wonderful light box....oh what did I ever do without it!?! But on occasion I still had problems with the photo's not representing the colors of the stones correctly, but that's what my photo program is for right?

Oooo....but then I discovered natural light...and I haven't looked at my light box since!
There's also a trick to using natural light, at least in my experience...don't take photos in direct sunlight....you might as well have your flash on because when the sun hits the metal...it's blinding! I now take all of my pictures in my home at the sliding glass doors (which faces northwest). I generally wait until about 3 pm...it's when the sun hits the backside of my house perfectly. I honestly don't think I will ever go back to using my light box....sad because it wasn't cheap, but you just can't beat natural lighting!

The camera I use is Samsung S630, it's just a hand held point and shoot, small, and very easy to use. It has a nice Macro setting and ASR (stabilizer), works great for what I need it to do. The reviews weren't so good on this camera because of how fast it goes through batteries, but I just bought rechargeable one's (I get about 2 months of use before having to recharge) and I've never had the problems stated in the reviews.

Many sites say that you need a DSLR to take a decent photo, if you have the money by all means purchase one....but a point and shoot will work just fine if you're on a limited budget.

If you have any questions or suggestions post a comment!

Rings and Ritual

Here's another fine silver ring! I really struggled with a name to call them. I've made one for my friend, so a Friendship Knot. I've made 2 for my son to give to his girlfriend as both Forget Me Knot and Love Me Knot rings. So as of right now in light of Valentine's Day they are called Love Me Knot rings, but the title may change as I don't want them to be perceived as just a holiday gift.




Imbolc is upon us, and I haven't decided how I will celebrate this Sabbat. I had planned on making some candles (in honor of Brighid) but I'm finding that my time is very limited to do so between my day job, and my personal business. I think I'll make some bread with seeds to symbolize growth, it'll have to be in my breadmaker as my time is restricted but the intent is the same and I have plenty of cheese to enjoy with the bread :) I may plant some little seedlings to represent my hopes and dreams for the coming summer months. Hmm...I think I've just decided on how I will celebrate Imbolc....Yay!

Ohh and another celebration........Mercury is direct......FINALLY!! *Happy Dance*

New Addition

I've made a new addition to the Soledad Collection. Named after my beautiful Filipina mother, whose name means solitude. The Soledad collection features a single gemstone necklace where the stone speaks for itself, big or small they all have beautiful attributes, as do each of us.

This necklace features an A Grade faceted Ametrine gemstone on an 18" sterling silver chain. The featured gemstone measures 10mm.
A friend of mine let me know that one of the Trinity necklaces made it into the Just Jewels Gift Guide on Etsy. I was surprised, I just listed it yesterday...and I was wondering why it was getting so many views. I'm honored that it's been included! (Second row from the top, second one in from the left)


I made another necklace to add to the Soledad Collection, the featured stone is a Rainbow Obsidian. I literally get lost in the depth of these stones! The only thing is, I'm having a heck of a time photographing the necklace to show the chatoyancy....aarrrggghhh! I'll go ahead and share one of the pics with you, but I won't list it until I can capture the beauty of the stone.

Trinity Collection

I just want to share with you some new necklaces that I've made. The Trinity Collection are necklaces that feature a union of three gems, brought together not only for their beauty but also for their complimenting colors.


This necklace features an A grade bi-colored Lemon Smoky Quartz, a smooth round Smoky Quartz and a faceted round clear Rock Quartz.



This necklace features an A Grade Ametrine briolette, Citrine teardrop, and an Amethyst marquis.


I've been having some fun fusing fine silver.....so much easier than soldering...I just love it! I drew up some designs this week that I'm going to try to create using the fusing method. I've got my fingers crossed that they will turn out :)

My birthday was fabulous, my best friend took me for a pedicure and a manicure. Oooo...the lemon sea salt was marvelous...the massaging even better...and the hot towels on a cold crisp day....need I say more?? When I arrived back home, it was so dark and quiet...SURPRISE...yelled my kids! A waterfall of confetti covered me, balloons and birthday banners everywhere. My kids gave me a mini surprise party of their own and it brought tears to my eyes, they are so thoughtful. Then off to dinner we went to meet the rest of my family and friends. It was a lovely day!!

Love Charm II

This one's a quickie because it's way past my bedtime...I'm looking at my clock it's 1:11...triple digits have been a constant occurrence in my life especially this past year.

111-the energetic gateway is opening for you, be quick to manifest your thoughts into reality and choose wisely when doing so. Don't put any energy into fears as you don't want to manifest those. Keep on this track, don't stop....think positive!

Anyways, here's another rendition of the Love Charm:



I won't be posting anything tomorrow (I guess tomorrow would be today..I seriously need some sleep) Okay so I won't be posting anything else because the 28th is my 38th birthday! My best friend is taking me for a day of pampering and then the evening will be spent enjoying a birthday feast with friends and family!

~Wishing that everyone has a wonderful day!

Hoarder....Oh in a big way!

Look at what was waiting for me in the mailbox today. I am so bad....but I couldn't resist! Here I just posted a couple of days ago that I have too many beads now look at what I've done. But they were so sparkly and shiny and pretty and did I mention sparkly?? Oh I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to pretty little gems. Though some of these are 12mm and 10mm...so not so little but pretty nonetheless :)


Here's just a short run down of what I've got here:

Strands:
The large almost black stones are Rainbow Obsidian
10mm Faceted Ametrine....oh so stunning!
7mm Rhodolite garnet
and a strand of mixed, Peridot, Amethyst, Rose Quartz bicones


Loose:
Lemon Smoky Quartz faceted briolette's
Blue Chalcedony drops
Aquamarine faceted briolette's
Amethyst faceted twist briolette's
Iolite faceted twist briolette's
Ametrine faceted drops
Green Topaz faceted heart
Pink Topaz faceted briolette
London Blue Topaz faceted hearts
Peridot faceted onion
Then about 20 more mixed faceted little gems

I'm so excited I can't wait to start working with all of these!! Can we say happy, happy, joy, joy??

A Friendly Notice

"FLIRTY AND FEMININE"

I just received a convo from Kristen a wonderful artist on Etsy, that she had created a treasury with a necklace of mine in it. I love getting these notices because I generally don't spend a lot of time looking to see if one of my pieces are included (the treasury is normally 20 some odd pages long with over 300 individual treasuries), BUT I've seen where some people consider this spam. To me it's an honor when someone includes me, not only because these treasuries are pieces of art themselves but it's another way of unsolicited advertising. I just always feel so blessed :)

With the lovely tips from Debora of Beadinbythesea I actually went in and created a poster sketch of a treasury that I want to do, if I ever get a chance to :)

"SHADES OF LOVE"

Shades of Love is made of wonderful pieces of jewelry that include Garnet (my birthstone), Rose Quartz and Ruby. I just wanted to share this with you and I hope to some day be able to turn this into an actual listed treasury!

Hoarder? Who me?

Oh no, not I! Okay so fine, I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to beads. This is just a portion of what I will be selling on Etsy when I finally open up my destash store. I have entirely too many beads and they are quite literally overtaking my little work area.

I figure that I better start getting rid of them now before I move into my studio, because when I have all of that room available, I may not part with them.

I know what some of these stones are, but there are some that I'm not quite sure of. There are some that are dyed, and some that are not a high quality but are still pretty to look at. Ranging in shapes and sizes these gems could be made into something pretty to adorn yourself with.

I still have to figure out a name for my destash store. Once upon a time when I had one it was ShiSupplies, but I closed it because I didn't really want to part with some of the stones. Even though the store is closed I can't use the same name :( Hmm...what about GoddessGifts, the natural stones are gifts from the Earth...or EarthGifts...aye! I'll have to think about this one a bit. If any of you have any suggestions let me know!

A Valentine's Gift

Okay, I'm such a romantic at heart....I love Valentine's Day, and always have. Though I don't believe that you should wait until this day to show your romantic side...nice touch...but even nicer would be to see it everyday :)

Anyways, here's a little necklace that I made that speaks softly of true love, at least my rendition of it. ~Enjoy

New Fine Silver Creations

This one is going to be a quickie because I'm off to have coffee with the girls! I just wanted to show you the latest pieces that I've made and listed on Etsy.


"Unity" necklace - Fine and Sterling Silver

"Coiled" ring - 12g Fine Silver

"Coiled" ring - 16g Fine Silver

As you can tell I've been having a bit of fun creating using this method! ~Enjoy