Artyzen Studio

Getting Ready for WV Highlands Gallery Event

2012-02-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

A few words is about all the time I have to share with you. I'm overwhelmed with a deadline for an exciting event. WV Highlands Gallery is having a party and sale this Saturday to celebrate Presidents Day. That means my shelves need to be full.

Bracelet: Copper, Antiqued with Crystals. I found this link tutorial in a book by Sharilyn Miller.

I am looking forward to the party. They are always fun. I'm also one of the cookie bakers and have 4 dozen Snickerdoodles to bake. I wonder where and who came up with the funny word Snickerdoodle? This time of the year I take on a temporary job, from Jan through mid-April, in the local tax accounting office. I love it and all of the wonderful people I get to speak with, but it does cut into the time I have for preparing jewelry. Not to worry, I just need to watch less television!

Here are a few of the new pieces that I've prepared for the event. I don't usually post this many pictures in one blog. I guess I could have broken it up into several post, but then again they are all related to the gallery.

Bracelet: Silver Filled, and large Crazy Lace Agate. 'The Big and The Bold!'

Necklace: Copper, Hand Forged, Antiqued. This is a design by Linda Jones.

Earrings: Copper, Hand Forged, Antiqued, to match the necklace. This is a design by Linda Jones.

Bracelet: Silver Filled, Herringbone Weave with Composite Stone.

Bracelet: Copper, Antiqued with Composite Stone.

Necklace: Copper, Antiqued.

Bracelet: Silver Filled, Silver Filigree and Blue Crystals

Earrings: Copper, Antiqued with Glass Beads. Design by Linda Jones.

Earrings: Copper, Antiqued, Glass and Swarovski Crystals. Design by Linda Jones.

Necklace: Copper, Hand Forged, Antiqued Chain with 2 Filigree Copper Hearts safe inside the Locket.

Now, I get to take a break and maybe a bit of television.

Thank you for visiting.

Linda

Lynn Merchant has a Video on Youtube

2012-02-04T14:31:00.003-05:00

There I was minding my own business on Facebook. Ummm, actually checking out everybodies business on Facebook. There I spotted a comment from my friend and fellow wire jewelry artist Jeanette Blix Ryan. She had posted a Youtube link for a video by Lynn Merchant. I finally got to see her in action. Happy Dance time! For those who don't know, Lynn Merchant is the wire jewelry artist behind my madness. She's exceptionally talented and is the inspiration for many artist.

By Lynne Merchant

Here's the link if you'd like to see Lynn Merchant in action. http://youtu.be/LCyfUVUGR0U Or if you'd rather you can go to Youtube.com and search for Lynne Merchant.

Enjoy!

Linda

Making Cold Connections with a Cold

2012-01-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

Even with a head cold, I can manage a pun! The past several days have had me very non-productive and non-functional. The dreaded winter cold took up residence in my head. I try to be a good hostess. I truly do, but this visitor was not invited. I have served it with an eviction notice. Today I felt a tad better, so I used my time to twist and turn some wire. After taking the picture I can see a glaring imperfection! Sooooooo, I guess this pendant is mine! All mine! I'll get the pliers out and tweak out the kink! If the public seems to like it I'll make another, without the glaring kink and put it out there in sale land.

I found this design when I searched for Robin Dudley-Howes. I had recently purchased her tutorial on a tube bead from Fundametals.net Since I fell in love with the tube bead I was certain that I would love all of her work and I was right. When I saw the picture of her pendant I just had to attempt it.

Here's the earrings I made just for me from the tube bead tutorial. I was feeling like a sicko at the time so I decided to insert affirmations into the tubes. In the future I'll do something with flowers or more affirmations.

A New Wire Link

2012-01-10T18:01:00.000-05:00

I do my darnest to design a new wire link. Sometimes I'm successful. Sometimes I'm not. I guess it's like writers block, only its wire block. So that's when I re-read magazines and books in my jewelry library. There are so many talented and creative jewelry artist and they are very generous with publishing their tutorials.

Cindy Wimmer has created a lovely necklace in sterling silver. She has named 'Heart Strings Necklace'. I found it in the January 2011 'Step by Step Wire Jewlery' magazine. I'm certain that I've seen this necklace before, but for whatever reason it just wasn't the time for me to attempt. It takes a lot of effort for me to 'let loose' and let the wire be a bit relaxed. Even when it's absolutely beautiful. How loose is loose enough? It looks like I should be relaxed while making this link, but noooooooo I was uptight. At first I didn't have any fun, but with time and practice, I kept making them, and making them, until I had enough links that passed my quality control standards. This necklace was made with copper wire and painted glass beads. It is adjustable in length from 18" to 20".

Of course the public will be the real judge of whether I have achieved Cindy's technique, if or when it actually sells. I guess the important things to remember is that I completed the necklace.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you have some love, fun and laughter.

Linda

Loving Crazy Lace Agate

2012-01-07T14:27:00.000-05:00

If you’ve read my blog before, you know how passionate I am about Crazy Lace Agate. The first time I saw it there was instant love. It has beautiful natural lines and markings and then some genius magically colored it a vibrant denim friendly blue. Then I found it in a fuchsia pink, purple and now it’s available in green.

Today I put the finishing touches on a fuchsia pink crazy lace agate and copper necklace. It's adjustable from 16" to 20" in length. Sometimes I have an idea or plan for the piece of jewelry I want to create. Sometimes the plan changes or evolves. I was looking through my drawers of beads, stones and crystals and these lovelies caught my eye and then stuck to my hands. My next thought was ‘oh, these will make a nice bracelet’. I sat down with some copper wire and when this piece was about the size of a bracelet I laid it on my wrist. I really liked it. I remember thinking ‘oh, how pretty!’ But, I felt a strong pull to keep going and turn it into a necklace and I’m happy that I followed my intuition.

This necklace will go on display at the WV Highlands Gallery in Davis, WV (the link is on the left side of my blog), next month. I’m ordering a larger display and I have plans for a section dedicated to necklaces. The new display is a big step for me and for whatever reason I’ve been dragging my feet. But, no more procrastinating, I’ll be getting the order in very soon. I’ll write more about it later.

Thank you for visiting. Now, I urge you to go do something creative. It’s such a stress buster!

Linda

New High Tech Tool for the Studio

2011-12-31T15:22:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why it takes years of doing the same process before you realize there's a better way? This has made me scratch my head in wonder. Where has this simple idea been? I have found a new tool for my studio and it was right there in my utensil drawer for years. A small strainer.

I do a lot of dipping of copper wire into Liver of Sulphur. I typically use a plastic fork that the good folks at McDonald's include with my salads. I use the folk to fish out the small components and links from my solution. Sometimes those tiny components, that haven't been connected to a piece, can be annoying as they run away from my fork. This keeps them in the Liver of Sulphur for longer than intended and that makes more work for me to remove the excess. Today I woke up with my little strainer on my mind. Whoa! What a great idea! So I put it into action immediately!

I have found it easier for me to oxidize the components before assembly. This allows me to clean some of the nooks and crannies quicker and easier. Sometimes I even run them in the tumbler before assembly, especially if I've made a chain or necklace. It helps to keep it was knotting up and putting me in a bad mood. grrrrr.

I like using the gel form of Live of Sulphur. I stir the goop from the bottom of the container and mix it up before adding it to the warm/hot water. I don't know why it settles and the directions don't say to stir, but it makes sense to me and seems to work.

After most of the excess has dripped back into the original container I dip the fork with the balance into the warm/hot water and swish it around.

Now I dip the little strainer with all those loose pieces into the solution. I use my fork to move things around to make sure everything has good exposure until the copper wire becomes the color I want.

Then my little strainer takes all of my little parts for a trip over to the clear water to stop the oxidizing. Some folks put some baking soda into the water to stop the oxidizing, but I never have. The plain water seems to do the trick.

One more trip in the strainer up to drain off the water and then the components go onto a paper plate or paper towels to dry. Then the real work starts. After they are completely dry I'll take some 0000 steel wool and maybe the Dremel with a silicon disk and remove some of the oxidization, assemble, take pictures, list in inventory, add a price tag and store until it's time to take a road trip to be sold. As soon as this necklace is completed I'll post some pictures.

Thank you for visiting my little blog. I hope that I have written something of value and maybe entertaining. Have a Happy New Year full of positive blessings, excellent health, abundant prosperity, fun and laughter and the love of family and friends.

Hugs,

Linda

Earth to Linda

2011-12-10T17:15:00.001-05:00

I am such a creature of habit. Sometimes I forget to take a second look at things to see if there is a wiser way to achieve the same result. Thank goodness someone put me in front of a PC or I'd still be using a typewriter. This same approach just came to light with jump rings. Why keep taking all those finger steps to achieve a goal when there is an easier and quicker way? Not to mention customers won't care.

I was taught 'why buy jump rings when you can make your own'? Well, certainly that makes sense - sometimes. Perhaps this makes sense when I need one or a hand full or if I run out of inventory. But today the light bulb finally went on. I think I had a brown out. I was in production making 5 necklaces. Each takes about 30 jump rings for a massive 150 jump rings. I found myself coiling, coiling, coiling and thinking, wow I need to cut and align each of these. Light bulb time! I can buy them! And buy them cheap! Input a picture of me banging my head against the wall. Where or where did my common sense go?

I can buy 100 jump rings, already antiqued, 18ga at 6mm for a whopping $1.37 I bet if I do some research I can find them in bulk for even less money.

So I can spend less than 2 cents a jump ring or I can spend a lot of time making them. I figure it is now costing me about 10 cents a jump ring based on my rate and materials. Did I mention that I used to be a cost accountant? Good thing I changed career directions!

Thank you for visiting my blog. Now I am signing off to order some jump rings!

Linda

Earring Frenzie

2011-12-07T10:02:00.001-05:00

I'll keep this blog post short on words, but long on pictures of earrings. I need to get ready for Santa Claus.

Copper and Riverstone

Copper and Tiger Eye

Copper and Seed Beads

Silver Filled and Crystal

Copper and Riverstone

Copper

Copper and Crystal

Copper, Resin and Crystal

Copper and Seed Beads

Copper and Crystal

Silver Filled and Crazy Lace Agate

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope you enjoyed the earrings. They will be at Mountain Made Gallery in Thomas, WV and WV Highlands Gallery in Davis, WV.

Linda

Twisted Wire Earrings

2011-11-28T17:28:00.001-05:00

Here are five new earring listings now in my on line shop. As much as I absolutely love these I must admit they require a lot of time to make. First I doubled up some wire and twisted it. Then the twisted wire went around a mandrel. Time in a bath of liver of sulphur, but more time removing the excess, etc.

These copper earrings are 2 5/8" long and are listed for $20 in my on line shop

These earrings are 2 5/8" long with Swarovski dangles are listed for $20 in my on line shop

My all time favorite stone is the Crazy Lace Agate. These can be found in my on line shop for $20

I'm always fascinated how a different stone or crystal can have such a large design impact.

Clear Swarovski crystals are like diamonds and go with everything! They are in my on line shop for $20

These have some extra Swarovski bling with Capri Blue crystals. They can be found here for $20

I am seriously thinking about buying my antiqued copper ear wires in bulk. They just take so long to make that I believe it would be less expensive to buy them. It would certainly save me a lot of time. I've watched customers and listened as they look and purchase and I have never ever had someone make a remark about the hand made ear wires. I really don't think they notice or care. It seems like they are focused on the decorative component. Sorta' like buying a car. Folks look at the body of the car and not the tires.

These earrings have been adapted from a design in Wire Style by Denise Peck, published by Interweave. Her original design calls for sterling silver with a lovely blue bead. You can find this book here.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope this addition made sense. I'm a bit tired, but really wanted to get this post out to you.

Linda

3 Necklaces 1 Influence

2011-11-23T12:37:00.001-05:00

I have just completed 3 necklaces. If you look closely they have a similar theme, a similar pattern, but yet I believe they all have different personalities. I even think I could expand on this pattern and continue to create more personalities.

This necklace is accented with blue metallic crystals is now listed in my on-line store at Artyzenstudio.etsy.com

To begin a new jewelry project I need a new idea. I have actually woken in the morning with what I think is an original idea. I've even had an idea 'pop' into my consciousness while engaged in a mundane conversation. I wish this happened all the time, but it doesn't. New ideas, for me, require research and experimentation.

This necklace is accented with clear crystals and will be at WV Highlands Gallery

Often I have my face buried in a new jewelry publication. When I have seemly memorized every book or magazine I find myself surfing the Internet. I love looking at the creations on Flickr. And I'm always thrilled when my Google search presents me with a jewelry artist that I hadn't seen or found before. This is how I came across Zoraida Bros. I immediately fell in love with her wire jewelry.

This necklace is accented with double spirals and will be at MountainMade

Making a duplicate of what we find in a book, magazine or from a wire artist web presence is (I think) typical of so many of us. I want to see if I can do it. I want to learn the technique. But, claiming the original design as our own, well I don't think that's cool. I personally think if the design is out there in public land, then its to learn from and enjoy the talent. But if we use it to inspire our own creations, well we should put our own personal touch on it and it would be nice to acknowledge who was/is our inspirational artist. I don't think there is anything legal that requires it, but it's nice. When I worked in the corporate world and a co-worker had a great idea and their boss ran with it as their own, well that just wasn't nice.

Each necklace starts with many components being made and sorted in my high tech ice cube tray.

So kudos to all the original jewelry creators out there and thank you for your inspiration.

All of the components are assembled in their raw copper form.

I started out by falling in love with Zoraida's necklace and wanted to see if I could make one for my personal use. As my wire was cut and shaped my mind (yes, I talk to myself) said, 'why not change the spirals in the original design to the double spirals (I call them mother and child). So I added my double spirals. Then as I continued to think and have an inner dialogue I thought, 'what if I added crystals?' And so I did. Since there was still time in the day I wanted to continue and asked "what if I incorporate crystals in between the links? Well you can see from the pictures how the personalities of the necklaces differ
.

The necklaces are then oxidized in liver of suphur which turns them dark. Then each link is polished to remove most of the oxidization to reveal the depth and shine of the metal below.

I've thought about using twisted wire, using silver and bronze wire, add pearls, hammer and texture the links, change the size of the links, use more than one type of wire, well the ideas and changes keep coming simply by asking and then doing, what if I changed......

Thank you for visiting. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Linda

A Great Folding Cart For Hauling Our Creations

2011-11-21T10:16:00.001-05:00

A Great Folding Cart

I was blogging around the jewelry world and found this perfect and very helpful list prepared by Jennifer Kahn, for those of us that haul our creations to festivals, fairs and farmers markets. I'm planning on buying this folding and expandable cart that she mentions. Plus, I love the idea of handing out stickers to the children of my shoppers. I hope that you will find this link helpful. Have a wonderfilled and joyfilled day. Linda

Here's the link to read Jennifer Kahn's list and for a link to the cart.
http://jenkahnjewelry.blogspot.com/2011/11/show-time-some-helpful-tips.html

Double Helix Pendant on the Drawing Board

2011-11-16T15:24:00.001-05:00

I was looking and thinking and contemplating a new pendant idea. It was staring me right in the face. My favorite bracelet! I've decided to design a double helix link into a pendant. Sometimes if I look to hard I miss what's obvious. I'll post a picture, as soon as this new design comes off the drawing board and becomes a dimensional new piece of jewelry.

Here's my inspiration.

Reality Check

2011-10-29T13:07:00.030-04:00

When I would walk through the aisles of art and craft fairs, as a customer, it was so much fun. Excitement filled me with what new treasures I would find. The crowds of people would enhance my experience. I so looked forward to the up coming events. I would day dream about my future plans to be a vendor and exhibiting my jewelry creations. Notice I am writting in the past tense and as a customer.

Just a few pendants that have been oxidized. Now for the steel wool.

Fast forward to the present. My goals are quickly unfolding. I have done some smaller fairs and the experiences were pleasant. Then I achieved my next goal for a large festival. I submitted to the jury process and was accepted for the Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, MD.

My least favorite part is using the steel wool to remove the excess darkness.

Now for the reality check. I don't mean to be a downer or complainer, but it's interesting how a dream doesn't have all the facts, simply because they aren't in my head - yet! Since I didn't know how the crowds would respond to my wire jewelry I decided to make as much inventory as I could. I knew that any extra jewelry would sell at either MountainMade Gallery or WV Highlands Gallery. But still, I didn't have any numbers to relie on, so mass amounts were made. This process was a new high in stress for me. Rushing and making consumed my time. I was intense. Where was the fun? I asked myself. My dreams of these events were filled with fun. This certainly felt like work. Not to mention all of the mental anquish I put myself through. My friends who have years of experience tell me that it will get easier, but some of the stress will remain, just not as much stress. I'm looking forward to it getting less tense.

Getting there. Now for the tumbler.

Yes, the event was successful. Whew! And the 2 days that followed were spent sleeping late and chill'n out. In fact, I didn't touch my tools for a week. Nor have I blogged. Both of which I typically enjoy. I was burned out.

The bottom line....My goals are to find a couple more galleries or shops. Tamarack is high on my list. I'll do some fairs in the future, but not as many as my initial goal.

More pretties! I enjoyed making these. I love the colors!

Thank you for visiting. It is my wish that you will achieve your goals and that happiness fills your days.
Linda

A New Jewelry Book to Inspire Us - 'Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry'

2011-10-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited!

Two of my favorite jewelry artists and bloggers Erin Siegel and Lorelei Eurto have their first jewelry book published. I say first, because these ladies are so talented that I'm certain there will be more publications in their futures. I have never met these lovely ladies, but I follow them on Facebook and their blogs. I just can't wait to get their new book Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon, and Cords.

Now that I've tempted you, I'm sure you want to check it out, perhaps do as I'm doing and pre-ordering it so that we will be the very first to be mesmerized and inspired by their talented designs.

As soon as my copy arrives I'll let you all know how addicting it is!

Have a joy filled and creative day!

Linda

Rainy Day Change of Plans

2011-10-02T09:25:00.000-04:00

Each Saturday morning, I typically take my tent and jewelry on a drive along the winding mountain road and setup at the Elkins Farmers Market. Here I enjoy conversations and jewelry sales with the many tourist that are waiting for the trains to arrive. But, not today. Today is filled with rain and wind. So today I will spend the day inside the studio.

I'm getting ready for a the Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County, MD. So I will be putting some final touches on jewelry. There's a lot of tumbling and polishing in my future. Here are some of the final pieces.

I decided to make my outside in the rain photo-shoot really quick and have all these pieces in one picture. I have a covered deck, but it's wet and chilly. Brrrrr.

The bracelet is from a tutorial by Denise Peck from her book Wire Style 2. Here's a video of Denise Peck being interviewed and lots of pictures of the beautiful jewelry in the book. http://www.amazon.com/Wire-Style-New-Jewelry-Designs/dp/1596682558

Getting Ready For Christmas Sales

2011-09-23T13:05:00.000-04:00

It seems a bit weird making Christmas Jewelry in September, but that's the nature of art and craft fairs and festivals. I personally start to shop for my Christmas gifts and decorations early. It helps with the budget and of course to help reduce the stress of last minute shopping and the search for the perfect gift. So I have begun. There is a lot more that needs to be made. I'm waiting on a delivery with silver wire so there will definitely be more designs, not only earrings, but bracelets and pendants. In the meantime here's some eye candy for the Christmas season.

Copper, antiqued and crystal

Bronze with crystal

Bronze with lampwork

Bronze with lampwork and crystal

My Jewelry Adventures in the Waiting Room

2011-09-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

I've had a few interesting jewelry making encounters lately while sitting in the waiting room. For the past couple of months I have been traveling with my niece to her dentist appointments at the School of Dentistry at Morgantown University. She has several very long appointments scheduled. The drive from our small town in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia to Morgantown, WV is 2 hours through some isolated forest and yes, mountains and there isn't always cell phone service. It's a good idea to travel with a friend.

Have tools will travel. Carrying a tool bag with me, most of the time, does create some staring.

While waiting for my niece I use the time to cut and spiral wire. I'm getting use to the staring, but recently I was approached twice by lovely ladies with their curiosity and smiles. As we spoke they shared with me what they create, from quilts to crochet. What a wonderful way to meet and share creativity with new friends.

Inside my tool bag there is usually a book or magazine. Today it's all about art business.

I've learned that I need to have a completed project with me so I can show them how the wire link I am making will look in a final piece of jewelry. It can be hard to imagine a piece of wire and a bare crystal as a finished herringbone weave bead cap earring.

Under the book are some yummy crystals.

I'll be making several more trips with my niece, Brandy. But, my unexpected demonstrations in the waiting room will have the finished product with to me. And should they seem interested, my business card will be handy so they can look at the pictures of my jewelry in the gallery section of my blog.

Here's the finish project that I didn't have in the tool bag this time.

Also in my tool bag is my must have wire. The wire in the clear cosmetic bag is pre-measured and pre-flush-cut and ready to wrap. The zip lock bag has some jump rings to be cut for inventory.

I love meeting new people. Who would have thought that a waiting room would be a fun adventure and experience.

The most important part of my tool bag is of course the tools and my visor.

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my adventures.

Have a wonderful and prosperous day,

Linda

Bad Wire Choice

2011-09-05T19:18:00.000-04:00

I started the day in the studio with a feeling of accomplishment as I coiled wire for a new pendant design that was inside my head. I found some 'silver' 20 gauge wire and coiled it around a 2mm mandrel in 3" lengths. I had decided to make 7 similar pendants to fill my inventory. Once the wire coiled frames were completed I thought they looked dingy and decided they deserved some time in the tumbler to work harden and to polish. When I took them out of the tumbler I thought they had a strange color, but told myself it was the lighting in the kitchen. So I took them to another light. Still the strange color. Some emotional discomfort was building inside me. In one last attempt to see better, I took them outside in the natural light. Blah! Grrr! Awgh!

The coils on the right are made with the correct, pretty silver wire. The coiled frames on the left were made with craft wire that I had accidentally used. The craft wire is now in the box marked 'give away'. Most likely to the art classroom of the local school. The coils with the bad wire were dismantled because the core wire and the bails were made with the correct wire.

Here's the final pendant. I was outside in the rain taking this. So there are rain drops in the picture, plus I didn't take the time to straighten the crystals and the lighting wasn't the best. That lovely round rose Swarovski crystal should be pointing south and not west.

After all this drama with this pendant I'm not totally happy with it. It needs something else. It looks a bit wimpy to me. Maybe I'll wrap some wire over the coil. Or add a piece off yarn or ribbon at the top near the bail. But I'll wait until my frustration passes and take another look before I make a final decision.

Thank you for visiting and for your patience as I have expressed a not so successful day in the studio. Tomorrow will be better! Linda

Crape Myrtles and a Spider

2011-09-04T13:10:00.000-04:00

Some of you know that my previous home in Reston, VA occupied my spare time with lots and lots of gardening. To the point that my townhouse yard was completely full of flowers and plants. There wasn't a blade of grass to be found. My new home here in WV has a large yard, but I haven't had much time to develop the garden since I've been occupied with establishing my jewelry business. Last year I did manage to plant 4 Crape Myrtles even tho they are best suited for a plant zone 6 and I now live in a colder zone 5. But I so love Crape Myrtles that I took a huge risk and planted them. I was so happy to see that they survived their first winter. Today while mowing I have discovered that 1 of the 4 has a bloom. You just can't imagine my excitement. I am over joyed.

Eventually, my Crape Myrtles will grow to full size. Two are going to be 8 feet high by 8 to 10 feet in diameter. The other two are Crape Myrtle trees and are going to be 20 to 25 feet high. I just can't wait for them to be completely covered with these passionate blooms.

Silly me, I got a bit upset when I discovered that one tiny blossom had fallen to the ground. It looks so pretty surround by my lawn. Yes, my lawn is full of 'other stuff'. Let's call it ground cover - ha!

Now on to the scary part of my gardening story. The spider! It had weaved a web between the bush and the porch post right at my front door. I've never seen a spider that looks like this. There's a yellow color and stripes. Oh and did I mention big!? The second picture gives you an idea of it's size. I quickly went back into the house and fetched my can of bug insecticide. The last picture shows you my plan of attack for all of the insects that feel the cool brisk mountain night air and think they are moving inside to my warm home. Not!

Thank you for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful and happy day.
Linda

New Link and Necklace

2011-08-31T16:21:00.000-04:00

I have admired this link whenever I have seen it in a jewelry piece. The first time I saw it was in a necklace by Cindy Wimmer and then again when I saw it in a design by Lori Anderson. Each time I saw it I fell in love with it. I love the uniqueness, plus all of the movement and femininity.

I have finally decided that enough time had past with my fantasizing about it and to put my pliers into action. I decided not to incorporate this link into a multi-link jewelry piece. I wanted the design to stand on it's own so it continues all the way around the necklace. Even tho the links took quite a bit of time to complete, the real time dedication was during the antiquing. As you know, removing all of the excess liver of sulphur takes a lot of patience. It's not my favorite part of a jewelry design, but I do love the final look, so the reward in the time is so worth it. The accent beads are a blue metallic that I believe I bought at the Chantilly Expo Center when I lived in Virginia.

Prototype Pendant Is Mine

2011-08-22T11:30:00.002-04:00

I've decided to keep this pendant for my own. In the past I have used the double helix technique in bracelets. I've always had it in my mind to use in a pendant and today it finally was created on my work table.

Here's a jewelry math question that I (the retired accountant) need help with...If a 12.75 mm manual is used to make the circle, wouldn't that mean there would be a 12.75 mm opening in the center? Then how did a 14 mm bead fit perfectly in the center? I'm scratching my head with this one. Where did the 1.25 mm extra space for the bead come from?

I've made this double helix larger than the bracelet link. There were a few road blocks in it's design, as the eye loops simply did not want to align correctly. I think it's clear in the picture. There was a happy accident that helped me continue with my frustrated adventure. I decided that the hole in the center was too large to be attractive. I picked up the first blue Crazy Lace agate bead that my hand could reach and sah-zam! It fit the opening exactly. Happy dance! This made the several hours that were invested into this pendant worth it. I haven't decided whether or not to reproduce this pendant for sale. After all I do need to make a profit and the public really won't pay for 4 hours of labor for a bronze pendant. I'm just not famous enough! So somehow I need to be able to get it made in under an hour. Perhaps I'll be more successful with practice. But not today. Today I'm frustrated with the time I've spent. The reward however is something for me! And, that's a good thing!

Rainy Day Pendant

2011-08-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

Today is a wonderful rainy Sunday. A perfect time for a pot of coffee. Yes, I said pot of coffee, not a cup. Then into the studio with a new idea. New for me that is. I've seen a coiled bail before and have always loved it.

Some bronze wire was coiled to create a bail. Then I went through the closest box of beads sitting on the floor next to my work table. There I found this lovely lampwork bead. It just happens to have the same bronze color creating the design. Then a couple of open spirals were attached, because I felt the pendant needed a bit of swing.

Enjoy your day. I'm going back to the kitchen to finish off that pot of coffee. Linda

You Might Have OCD If.....

2011-08-19T09:00:00.006-04:00

You might have OCD if you find yourself compelled to use up every last bit of wire to make twisted jump rings, even if you don't have a project in mind for them.

Maybe, I like the sound of the drill when it twists the 2 strands of wire. Maybe, I gain satisfaction in using the drill to wrap the twisted wire around the knitting needle mandrel. Maybe, it's the cutting. Maybe, I just need to admit that I'm again putting my OCD 'skills' to good use to make a living.

Here they are in a completed bracelet.

Accepting Credit Cards with SquareUp and iPhone or iPad

2011-08-18T16:54:00.003-04:00

I'm doing some research for accepting credit cards. I've had so many customers ask if I accept credit cards. Since I don't I just know that there have been many lost sales because people don't carry a lot of cash.

In the past I haven't accepted credit cards because of the monthly fee, even when you don't have sales. Ouch! Those of us who sell jewelry know that there are very few, if any, sales during some of the months of the year. So we shy away from that monthly expense that just doesn't make sense to a small business.

SquareUp.com doesn't charge a monthly fee! And it's used on our phone. For a very, very clear description and details go to FAQ.

They do not charge a monthly fee! Brilliant! These folks saw the huge art and artisan market and a way to help us and a great business opportunity for themselves.
They only charge 2.75% of each transaction - period! So if I sell $100.00 in jewelry to someone, they keep $2.75 and I get $97.25. Not a bad deal! Especially since this might not have been a sale at all if the customer didn't have cash on them.
All you need to do is tell them you want it. You don't need to have a special bank account or good credit.
The only requirement is that their credit card swiping device only attaches to an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.

Here's a Youtube video that shows the iPhone and the SquareUp in action

You will need to use an iPad if you already have a cell phone and you are under contract with a phone provider that won't operate with an iPhone. With an iPad you don't need a contract, just pay the monthly $15 internet connection charge (AT&T). (Updated info on 8/28/11 - the internet connection charge is $25 a month. Apparently more money means more connectivity) I almost went this route, but the iPad price starts at $499 at Walmart. So I scratched my head and sighed when I looked at my bank account.

The other option is to use an iPhone or Android. The iPhone seemed like the best option for me, since I am not under a contract with a phone company. The iPhone3 is $49 and the iPhone4 is $199 on the AT&T site. This is a lot cheaper than the iPad.

Since I'm going with the iPhone I need to get a phone contract....boo, hiss. I live in the mountains and good cell phone service is limited to AT&T. I can get a contract for $39.99 a month for 450 anytime minutes. Since I'm not a phone junkie this is perfect. Then there is a $15.00 fee to have internet connection. I contacted AT&T and was told there would be a total of $3.00 a month in added fees (because they can!) So I'll be spending $58.00 a month for cell phone, internet and be able to accept credit cards. Credit cards will increase my income with more sales. Yippee!

I hope that this information and the on line links are helpful to you all.

Linda

My Outside Studio, aka The Deck, Gets A Make Over

2011-08-16T08:54:00.002-04:00

After a year in my home here in West Virginia, my deck is finally getting power washed and re-stained. What a difference. It was way over due. David is my contractor and he's doing such a terrific job. He's so dedicated he's working in the rain. Yes, that means I was out in the rain taking these pictures.

After the Deck (outside studio) is cleaned and dries I will assist him with applying the stain. The goal is to have it all completed this week. I'll post pictures of the final make over as soon as the deck is ready.

It's amazing how the deck is being transformed.

I Love The Hardware Store

2011-08-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've been looking at all of the wonderful jewelry being created from hardware. I love the industrial look and the interesting pieces that can be found at the hardware store. The various sizes and different metals called my name. The washers seem to have been design perfectly to be used as links or focal points.

About a month ago I made a bracelet and earrings from copper washers. Perhaps those jewelry pieces have been in my mind working away toward another design. Today I was 'driven' to make a pendant from a washer. I needed a certain size and my stash only had it in the steel (silverish color), but my wire stash is low on silver in 20 gauge. I felt frustrated. Then the light bulb went off 'I could mix my metals'. This certainly isn't a new idea, but for some reason I had blocked this from my brain matter. So out came the copper wire to wrap and hold some Crazy Lace Agate beads. Then I decided to antique the pendant. I wasn't sure what result I'd get on the steel washer, or even if the project would look pleasing. Turns out the steel washer remained unchanged. I'm pleased with the final design. Since this is the first or draft I can see where I want to 'tweak' areas for future washer pendants. The truth is telling when it sells or how long it's on display before it sells.

Happy Accident

2011-08-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Happiness is finding out that your newly made twisted wire fits into the pretty pink crystals. I was making some twisted wire for jump rings and thought it would be nice if the links on my pink crystals could be made of twisted wire to match the jump rings. I really wasn't hopeful, but took the chance to see if the wire would fit and whoa la'....happy dance time!

Here's a trivia question and answer for you about wire....If you twist 2 strands of 22 gauge wire together what is the gauge of the newly twisted wire? Now I thought, being the retired accountant, that 2 times 22 would result in an 11 gauge wire. But, nooooo. It turns out to be 16 gauge. How and why? Haven't a clue. Perhaps there's a chart out there in wire land, but I haven't found it yet.

Now back to my pink crystals. I went on making a pink crystal bracelet from the twisted wire and jump rings. Another moment of happiness when I found a pink Swarovski crystal in my stash for a charm to match.

You Might Have OCD If .....

2011-08-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

You might have OCD if you can't stop making love knots

Yes, I have a touch of OCD, but it's put to good use with wire and pliers. Here's a picture of the creative result of my madness in bronze. Oh, I need it in silver, then copper, then...

Sadie Says 'Woof" (No Beads This Month)

2011-08-11T18:13:00.000-04:00

But, that's okay. I spent my budget at the Vet for my girl Sadie. She's feeling much better today, now that she's on antibiotics and pain pills. She has a small urinary track infection...owie...or according to Sadie...grown.

I'm already feeling better

Yesterday, I didn't feel so good

Mom says I need to stay in bed and take my medicine. Maybe she'll turn on some cartoons for me.

Those pain pills make me sleepy

I'm feeling better. Can I have some chicken soup without the soup part?

I always feel better when mom does this

Ahhh, yes! That's the spot

I mean that's the spot

New Pendant For Charms

2011-08-05T08:46:00.000-04:00

A very special 'Thank you!' to my friend and colleague Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio for creating a new pendant to hold charms. She recently blogged about the new EMag Live Wire and her contributing tutorial for a pendant for charms has been published in it's depute. I absolutely, positively Love It! So, I have put my tools and wire together to make my own. After a few attempts and some sacrificed wire, I did it. Not bad. In fact I think it's really unique and it becomes very personal to you by adding your own charms. I decided to go the simple route with just a leaf. Perhaps it's because there is a forest surrounding my town, perhaps my love of nature, perhaps I'm already prepare my inventory for fall weather. Whatever the reason, the charms you add will make each pendant special and different. I'm already thinking about future pendants and all of the charm possibilities.

Pendant: Bronze with Brass Charm

A Sign For My Booth

2011-07-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

I've registered for a few 2011 fairs and festivals. So along with a nice white tent there is a new sign. I ordered it from Vista Prints for a very resonable price. All that is needed is to upload your logo, add some verbage like your name. Then select your size. Mine is 4' x 2 1/2'. I also elected for the heavier plastic coating and the 4 hanging tabs. When I'm outside I'll be hanging mine with S hooks from the tent frame. When it's an inside event I'll hope that there's a surface that will work for hanging.

Not a bad picture considering it's laying on my floor

Eye Candy

2011-07-10T09:42:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I make beads just to make them. Then they get zip-locked and put in a bin. The unthinkable...I forget about them. But when I find them it's like finding a treasure chest. That's what happened the other evening. I discovered a baggie full of bronze Love Knots. I'm pretty sure my heart raced and my blood pressure increased.

Necklace: Bronze Wire, Love Knots, Twisted Jump Rings, 20" Length Or Shorter

I just adore the Love Knot link. I don't know who the originator is, but kudos to whomever you are. I'm mad crazy in love with twisted wire jump rings. They seemed to be the perfect touch for joining everything together.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Have a joyful and creative day! ~ Linda

Don't Try This At Home

2011-07-08T11:00:00.004-04:00

Or, don't waste your time doing this. I've excelled at failing at this 'technique'.

I found some 12 gauge copper wire in my stash. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. When did I buy 12 gauge? I don't remember, but finding it has made me a happy camper. I decided to try to use this heavier wire to make some gigantuous links for a bracelet. It's always a happy day when I cut exactly the length of wire needed. In this case 6". It's even happier when the link just creates itself, especially after having a design challenging day, yesterday. Then the second link was made. No big deal since it's a clone of the first link. Then these two links needed something different that they could snuggle up to. I started to think. There's a problem when the left brain is activated to do a right brain function. But within a few minutes and some fumbling with the tools the middle link started to take form. The spiral needed to be open so the jump rings could connect, so I started to stretch the wire outward. Then I noticed an egg shape starting to form. Exciting! Looky, looky. Magic! Ya' just gotta' love how that creative right brain can make special things happen.

Once the 3 focal links were attached with a few pair of jump rings I needed to figure out what the rest of the bracelet would look like. That's when pairs of jump rings ran the show. A charm was added near the connection, just because I wanted it.

There's a bunch of hammering and texturing that went into this project and I thought I'd be intelligent (duh!) and use the jell form of liver of sulphur directly from the jar and paint it onto the textured area, leaving the balance of the bracelet raw. Well, dang if it just wouldn't adhere and came right off. My guess is that the heat used with the rock form of liver of sulphur must do some sort of chemical magic. So I reverted to plan b and immersed the entire bracelet into hot liver of sulphur.

Earring Components And Waldo

2011-07-07T16:24:00.001-04:00

A mad rush to make earrings gave me a photo opportunity. Here are some earring components in the strainer getting ready for a bubble bath. Can you see what I didn't crop out of the picture? Waldo's self portrait.

The brightly colored resin beads remind me of jelly beans

Shoot I Shot The Shot

2011-06-28T22:01:00.001-04:00

I know, the title made you groan! Well, guess how I feel right now. I just finished hours of photographing jewelry. Then I went to my laptop to edit the pictures. I kept looking at this pendant. Maybe because I really love it, but really I was looking at the details. I was bummed because it looked like I hadn't quite made the curl on the end of one of the tendrils the way I'd like. I looked closer. Then closer. Drat! The good news it's not an error with my hands and tools. The bad news is there is a piece of shot stuck in the curl. Well, I thought, I moved this pendant while shooting, perhaps it fell out and some of the pictures could be saved. HA! No such luck. I'm tired. It's late. I'll re-shoot this pendant, less the shot tomorrow morning.

For those of you who might be new to jewelry making this piece of shot is a tiny piece of steel. There are thousands of pieces of various shapes that are inside my tumbler. The tumbler removes all those rough edges on the wire and makes it feel oh so smooth. Plus it gives the wire a nice polish.

Display Setup

2011-06-23T19:44:00.002-04:00

This morning I looked at this box and thought 'I hope everything is in there'. This box seemed so small considering I had my inventory in here for my display at WV Highlands Gallery.

I was scheduled to meet John and Titi Ferguson at 10 AM to help setup the glass displays that would be housing my jewelry. They have graciously offered to lend me these displays until my budget permits me to purchase my own. I'm thinking I'll have my own display furniture in less than 2 months. So John assembled and moved furniture and got it ready for my jewelry. I then had to tag each piece and decide how I wanted each item displayed. I'll be going back next week because there are a few more shelf displays and some more jewelry that need to be added. Here are a some pictures of the shelves at what I'd consider 85% completed. Just in time for the 4th of July shoppers.

This view is from the front looking toward the back of the gallery. There's Donall McCoy a watercolor artist behind the counter.

Right now I'm using a round display and a cube tower. My permanent display will be 4 cubes wide and 4 cubes high, plus I'll have a black pedestal to the side that will have an earring rack.

This view is from the back toward the front of the gallery. There are a few customers shopping (happy dance).

Combining Copper and Silver Wire

2011-06-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

This is just a brief post. I made a complete set of jewelry with copper and silver wire combination. The core of each link is heavy copper wire and the same wire extends from the end of each silver coil to form links. I started out with the idea of making just a bracelet, but my OCD kicked in and I kept making links. Before long I had enough for earrings, bracelet and a necklace. These pieces will be placed in the WV Highland Gallery tomorrow. On a personal note, I'm tired. Getting ready for a show or a new display takes a lot of work and I have a new level of respect for all my friends out there that have lead the way. But I wouldn't trade it for any other type of career. Tired I might be, but it's also fun and rewarding.

Jury Process Experience For WV Highlands Art Gallery

2011-06-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

I am a contributing writer for Create Tucker here in West Virginia. I recently began a series of articles on getting juried into galleries, based on my personal experience. Since these topics relate to this blog, I'm going to reprint them here. I hope they will be of value to someone. Here you go...

As promised in a previous post (on Create Tucker) this is one of several articles on having your art work juried into a gallery. I have had the pleasure of being accepted into some of Tucker Counties, WV finest art galleries. Each location has its own process. I encourage you to take your art and get it out there into the galleries. The experience is exhilarating.

WV Highlands Art Gallery

Today I’ll discuss my experience with WW Artisan Gallery in Davis, WV. The first step for me was to confront my fear of rejection. Every negative thought that my imagination could muster up reared its ugly head and did its best to discourage me. But, being the stubborn, errr determined person that I am, I confronted my fears head on.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/

Okay, so step one was checked off my list – squash the fear monster – done

The next step was to download and complete the forms that WV Highlands Artisans Gallery provided – done
Write the small processing check – done
Take excellent pictures of the pieces that were being submitted for the jury process. Yikes! I’m not a photographer. Well there are a few ways to get this accomplished. The smart way would be to find a professional to take the photographs. In my house that means finding the money to pay the photographer. Okay, that’s an option, but I don’t like sharing my money. It’s better spent on art supplies. So what was my other option? Take them myself. I refer you to the earlier sentence “I’m not a photographer.” So this is how I managed to get my pictures. I took dozens of pictures. Yes, dozens, because, I have more time than money. I then uploaded the pictures onto my computer, went into the photo editing software and proceeded to learn the software. Then I looked at the dozens of edited photos and began the process of deleting, deleting, and deleting. Finally, I was left with pictures that I was happy with. I should warn you that during this step there was a lot of frustration and cartoon language symbols forming around my head for the “expressive thoughts” I was experiencing. So whatever path you take, get good pictures of your work. (Hiring someone might be easier than my chosen path.) – done

Bracelet: Bronze wire

Put everything in an envelope and mail it. – done

To my delight I received a notice that I had been accepted for the second phase of the jury process. Yes, there is another step. Now I was invited to meet the jurors in person and bring my physical work to show them.
I collected all the pieces I wanted to submit in person. These did not need to be the same as those in the earlier photographs. Then I drove up Wild Maggie (very steep and winding mountain road) on Rt. #19. Of course I managed to time my drive so I would behind a series of tractor trailers. The 30 minute drive at 55 MPH became 50 minutes at 30 MPH. Some people would call this karma, others might say I somehow created it out of that fear of rejection issue I have. Never the less, I made it.

Once inside the gallery I met with three lovely ladies. There was an informal question and answer session where I was asked to describe my process and materials. I was asked how I anneal my wire and I blanked out. What’s annealing? DAH! It’s the process for changing the wire temper. How could I blank that out? How inexperienced did I sound?
I was asked to step outside for about five minutes while they discussed me and my work. When I returned I was delighted to find out that I had been accepted. They provided me with the details of the gallery and the rules and regulations that they required and asked if I agreed. I then signed the document of agreement to their terms. Happy dance!

Source: http://www.pinterst.com/

I drove home, down Wild Maggie (very steep and winding mountain road) with a smile on my face and magically not a truck in sight! Go figure!

Master Mind Group ~ So We Would Like To Believe

2011-06-17T16:26:00.004-04:00

Since March 11, 2011 I have been a member of a group that meets once a week for an hour on a telephone conference call. I thought I'd write a bit about these meetings because they have helped to motivate me with my growing jewelry business. Perhaps one of my readers would find my experience useful.

Don Sinish (my ex-husband) created this group originally with 4 members. It has since settled into 3 members, Don, Janet Carlton and myself. This seems to be the perfect amount of folks, at least for our purposes. We aim to keep our meeting to one hour, giving each member 20 minutes of discussion time. Sometimes our meeting extends for another 20 minutes when we are on a roll.

Don Sinish is an artist and wants our Mastermind Group to help him find ways to sell more of his art.
Janet Carlton is a personal coach and wants our Mastermind Group to help her increase her clientele.
Me, I make jewelry and want our Mastermind Group to help me to increase the galleries and shops that sell my jewelry.

So you can see we are a diverse group. I think this is of value since our backgrounds and businesses are so unique. Some of our ideas and suggestions will not be of use to everyone, however most of the time each of us will have a profound comment that is exactly the right words needed to motivate someone to create.

The concept of the Mastermind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his classic, "Think And Grow Rich". I've attached a link that goes into detail about a mastermind group. I'm certain each group that is formed will have it's own personality and design. But here's how we three have formed and operate our group. We meet weekly for an hour by telephone (we use Free Conference Call) to discuss our personal business; the landmarks, the hurdles, and the roadblocks. We encourage each other. We take suggestions from each other. We keep each other honest. We let each other know what we are hearing, which might be different from what the speaker thinks is being said. This is the keeping each other honest part. I would encourage anyone that is thinking of joining or creating a Mastermind Group to keep in mind that your friends or business relationships are there to help and sometimes to bring our personal fears and roadblocks to our awareness.

A little bit about today's meeting: We each experienced a frustrated, bizarre and confused week. We all had successes, yet we seemed to have a bit of frustration in our awareness. We blamed it on the recent full moon and decided to have a better week. Who knows the truth behind three sensible people all having bummer weeks at the same time, but the full moon just made sense in a not so sensible week.

Homemade Art & Craft Tent Weights

2011-06-12T11:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a new experience for me at the Elkins Farmers Market in several ways. First I needed to set my tent up in a different location and this required me to flip my design from left to right to right to left. Plus, I used the new corner cabinet for the first time. The corner cabinet really worked to attract people and have them take a peak inside the little suitcase where I sell inexpensive earrings.

Before the winds came

While I was setting out my jewelry I noticed that the clasps on most of my anklets had developed tarnish. This happened in one weeks time and while my jewelry was safely stored in a jewelry carrying case. Each tray has an active piece of anti-tarnish paper. Since the tarnish was isolated to just these lobster clasps, I'm thinking they are defective. The good news is the tarnish came right off with tarnish remover.

Toward the later part of the event a big black cloud loomed overhead with a nice gentle breeze. I loved the breeze and hoped the cloud wouldn't release it's water on the market. My hope failed. The droplets began slowly and the gentle breeze transformed into wind. I mentioned in an earlier post how silly we all look when the wind gusts. Imagine if you will, all of the vendors with one arm extended into the air so our hands can hold onto our tents to keep it from taking flight. All awhile we are smiling and chatting to our customers. How do you express this in professional language on your resume'? Gone are my days as an accountant and now I play a tent anchor who also sells jewelry. I did learn from some nice man who appeared entertained by my new talents, how to weigh the tent down. He said to take empty coffee cans, fill them with Sacrete or Quikete and before it dries insert a large eye bolt into the center. Then take a rope over the tent frame and attach each end to these weights. He said to do this at each corner of the tent. Of course I immediately began to think how I would decorate the cans!

Since my conversation with this kind man I have done a bit of research on line. I found Art Fair Insiders a great site for artfair folks. Here's their link with detailed pictures and descriptions to make tent weights. This site uses pvc pipe instead of coffee cans. I think the pvc will look more attractive than the coffee cans. I've heard that the hardware store will cut the pvc pipe to the size you need.

Source: Art Fair Insiders

Source: Air Fair Insides

Source: Art Fair Insiders

Booth Setup and Changes

2011-06-09T17:31:00.000-04:00

If you have been following along you may have read and noticed how my tent at the Elkins Farmers Market has been changing. Last week I decided to connect my two tables into one L shaped display counter and I added the tall louver door. The louver door is secured to my table legs with black bungee cords and the shorter shutter louvers are attached to the wooden crates with plastic electrical ties.

The right corner is the perfect place for my new treasure

I was seeking opinions and ideas and Don suggested that I add a small table to the right front area. So my mind started to reel and I began a search on line. But this didn't provide what I wanted. During my errands I stopped at the local thrift store. I mentioned to the owner that I was looking for a piece like this....and I pointed to one of her displays. To my delight she said it was for sale for a whopping $7. I claimed it immediately and placed my new treasure in the back of my vehicle. It is the perfect size and just a bit taller than a table, so it's ideal for me to do demos or to use for writing up sales. On the way home I stopped and bought some black paint so it will match my other displays. Right now it's outside drying. I'll take a picture for you as soon as it's complete. In the meantime I'm sure that your active and creative imaginations can see how it is going to be perfect.

A few cans of black spray paint will magically transform my find

Learning To Use The Jewelers Saw

2011-06-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hoo! Hoo! Today, I finally learned to use the jewelers saw. I've had this saw in my tool cabinet for, hmmm, years. I've watched many videos on You Tube. Today, I finally mustered up the nerve to use it. I needed to make some jump rings for a bronze bracelet that is in production. In the past I would make my jump rings by cutting them with a flush cutter. Since this piece is destined for a gallery, I thought I'd step it up a notch.

New blades in the plastic bag on the left, the blade lube to help the blade glide, under the saw are some broken blades that I made during my learning curve and then those beautiful jump rings.

At first there was some frustration. It was slow going. I even thought I'd put down the saw and pick up my cutters, because it would be faster. And quite frankly the cutters do a really good job. But I kept at it. I was relentless with my determination to learn. There were several saw blades that broke in the learning curve. At one point I thought it just wasn't worth the effort since nothing was cutting. Turns out there's a right side and a wrong side to the blades. DAH! Then there's the direction of the teeth on the blades. DAH! Once I got the presser to use under control to eliminate the breaking of the blades I was on my way. With each jump ring that was successfully cut I would feel so much success and drive to do more. I am pretty sure that the process will get faster as my experience improves. The final jump rings look very professional.

A Perfect Day Here In The Mountains

2011-05-30T14:33:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was an absolutely perfect day. I was scheduled to participate, in the Tucker County ArtSpring event, as a demonstrator at Mountain Made. After I loaded my tools and project materials into my vehicle I drove up, up, up the mountain. My sun roof was open and I had the volume turned way up listening toVan Morrison on my CD player. The sun was out and a breeze was blowing. It was everything I could hope for.

Here are some of the beads that were made yesterday, along with some more from today

Once at Mountain Made I shared a space with Heidi. She works at Mountain Made, but on this day she had her art apron on and was throwing mud on the wheel. As visitors came into the gallery they followed the sign to see us hard at work...err...hard at laughing. What a great time we had. The visitors came from all places near and far. There was a photography club from Louden County, VA, very near to the home I recently moved. Later there was a motorcycle club that came from Ohio on their Honda Gold Wings. We chatted with our visitors and laughed together. I'd repeat this day again and again.

Heidi and I didn't get as much done as we had both expected, but we did many demos and encouraged people to experience the joy of the arts either as a hobby or a profession.

Today, I made a few more of the wrapped beads that will soon become a bracelet or more

Rose Pink Herringbone Weave Bracelet

2011-05-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

I finished the bracelet that was started the other day when I was doing wire demos at Mountain Made. It is now listed in my on line shop.

Rose Pink Herringbone Weave Bracelet $35.00 at my shop

I hand weaved wire around each bead in a herringbone pattern forming a frame around each bead. The beads are chalk turquoise chips and magnesite mosaic. All of the framed beads have been linked together with double jump rings for a secure and interesting design. Several double jump rings form an extender connector chain on the end. This allows this bracelet to be adjustable in size to fit a 7 inch to an 8 ½ inch wrist. The lobster clasp allows the wearer to connect to any of the jump rings for a secure attachment.

Pendants From My Studio

2011-05-27T20:47:00.002-04:00

I'm gettting ready for tomorrow's farmers market and needed to add some more pendants. I have listed one to my on line store, but the rest are going with me in the morning. I thought I'd share some pictures. I do love the herringbone weave. As I write this I realise that I will make a herringbone weave bracelet later this week. I'll post it when I have it completed.

Herringbone Weave Pendant in my on line store for $18.00

Below are going to the market tomorrow.

Pendant: Silver Jewelers Wire and Polymer Clay

Pendant: Silver Jewelers Wire and Glass Bead

Pendant: Silver Jewelers Wire and Polymer Clay

Add captionPendant: Silver Jewelers Wire and Polymer Clay

Confronting the Cowardly Lion

2011-05-23T09:00:00.017-04:00

Well I did it! Finally, after months of procrastination. The application has been completed and submitted to the West Virginia Highlands Gallery. This morning the paperwork was completed, scanned into the laptop and submitted, along with 8 pictures of wire jewelry pieces. The application fee has been written and the stamps are on the envelope. Now, some of you many wonder what the big deal is. Some who know me and my compulsion to complete a task may be scratching your head. It's not typical of me to postpone or procrastinate. But, I did. Inside me I found the cowardly lion. That part of me that has a fear of rejection. I could write volumns on my emotional roller coaster, but I'll let you use your imagination.

This is how I felt before I completed the application

This is how I feel now that the application is submitted

Here's a peak at the pieces I've submitted.

Bracelet: Bronze Wire and Swarovski Crystals

Earrings: Antiqued Copper Wire and Crystals

Earrings: Copper Wire

Necklace: Copper Wire and Fresh Water Pearls

Pendant: Copper Wire (adapted brooch design by Sharilyn Miller)

Pendant: Silver Wire and Swarovski Crystal

Bracelet: Antiqued Copper Wire (adapted from class taught by Jeanette Blix)

Bracelet: Bronze Wire (adapted design by Sharilyn Miller)

Anklets, Anklets, Anklets!

2011-05-21T09:00:00.002-04:00

I've had more than a few people ask me for anklets. I really had never given it any thought. I don't know why, just haven't. Then a friend reminded me that it's summer (well, almost) and that means toesies showing and sandal wearing, so people want to decorate their ankles.

So I sat down and made a few classic style anklets. My thoughts were that classics are pretty straight forward, they have that light, breezy and a little flirty personality, This style or design has been around for a while for a reason, it's lightweight, so there's no heaviness on the ankles.

Let's imagine an anklet on our feet. Our shoes tossed to the side and walking along the edge of the water.

Miracle Beads ~ Listed in my on line shop for $15

Cats' Eye Beads

Fresh Water Pearls flanked with Clear Crystals

Fresh Water Pearls and Pewter ~Listed in my on line shop for $15

Miracle Beads ~ Listed in my on line shop for $15

Cloisonne' beads

Playing With Glue

2011-05-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've been experimenting with the glue gun. I need more practice. The stuff is all over my fingers as I type. I had the setting on high and next time it will be on low, the hazards of being ambitious.

I have wanted to make a brooch or brooches for a while. I have several ideas and none of them include wire. As much as I tried I could create a feminine brooch from wire. I really want it to say girly girl, sassy and fun. This is made from some silk and glue, then I added feathers and glue, finally I took an earring finding apart and used the chain and glue. I covered this glue extravaganza on the back with felt and attached a pin with you guessed it glue.

This is the first one and I can see where I want to improve and change it. I like it. I hope I'm not blinded by my personal opinion. I think it will be pretty on a hat. Maybe use it to bring the front of a big brimmed hat up, or on a baseball hat on a bad hair day.

Coupons For Etsy Shop

2011-05-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yippee! I can now offer coupons for my on line shop listings. This will make us all happy. If you have a shop on Etsy there is a detailed article on their blog titled 'Tech Update: Coupon Codes for Your Etsy Shop' dated November 22, 2010. I'm embarrassed! Why has it taken me 7 months to find out about this wonderful new Etsy feature?

I have been restocking my on line shop and have noticed some new features and decided I should check them out. That's when I stumbled across the coupon feature. When you go to 'Your Account' in the upper right corner of your page, a drop down menu appears. There at the bottom is 'Coupon Codes'.

As soon as my on line shop has been restocked I'll be offering a whooper dozee discount to announce the grand new reopening. It won't be a wimpy coupon either. After all it's a celebration. All of this will be happening soon.

E-Z UP Tent On Sale

2011-05-13T13:47:00.002-04:00

This picture shows the rain guard up, but it can come down to help protect your jewelry from rain.

I was at Sam's Club in Clarksburg, WV yesterday and they have white E-Z UP tents for $199.00. It's 10' x 10' and comes with sides and a rain visor thingy (I don't know the actual term). This model is also on Amazon for $249.00. But if you go to Sam's Club you can see it and touch it and also save some money. If you don't have a Sam's membership they usually will give you a free pass for the day. I haven't bought this tent yet since it's not budgeted until next week. I can't personally vouch for it, but it looks like it will serve the purpose for starting an outdoor business. Do your homework before you make a purchase. If you read my last blog from the Elkins Farmers Market you'll read how the wind can take your tent for a trip to OZ. However, I think this tent will serve me for a while. I'm posting a couple of pictures so you'll have an idea of what's being sold at Sam's Club. (note: they sell a different brand on line for more money.)

I don't know the vendor because I did a search for this picture.

A Perfect Day At The Market

2011-05-09T12:22:00.002-04:00

It's been 2 days since the Elkins Farmers Market at the Train Depot. It's taken me this long to get back into the groove. Sunday I did absolutely nothing and I thought today was tomorrow. I am so relieved because I thought I lost a day. Ever do that!?

The market was perfect! I loved every moment of it. Even when the gust of wind kocked some of my displays down, and then did it again. It was toward the end of the event so if it's going to happen that was the time. There were a few times when a lot of the farmers and artisans were standing with one hand holding down their tents. Apparently this is normal. The market is in the paved courtyard of the train station so there is no way to anchor the tent legs into the ground. So I'll be redesigning my jewelry displays. I have a few heavy duty displays that I'll bring next time. I was trying to avoid lugging them around, but a gals gotta' do what a gals gotta' do. My signage needs to be completed so it can be displayed. I'm hoping that it will be ready soon. The picture frame signage likes to pretend it's a kite. I'm questioning whether I should bring my bi-fold louver door. I use it for hanging earrings. I'm afraid it might catch too much wind, but then again, if I secure it to the table legs....hmmm. I'll post a picture of the wind resistant booth very soon. One last note, the table to the left didn't have bed risers under the legs, that let my table drapes hang too long. That's already been resolved for next week with a short trip to K-Mart.

Some of the guests were locals and many were tourist who come from all over the States to ride the train. Now lets talk about the train whisle. It's LOUD! I guess because the train is so BIG! It goes off to announce loading or perhaps last call. But, there is no warning. So when it honked both of my feet left the ground. I couldn't have jumped that high if I tried. I wonder if I'm going to be as startled next Saturday.

The above picture is the Americorp tent. They were helping children build bird houses and the Division of Forestry were handing out red spruce saplings. .

Getting Ready For The Farmers Market

2011-05-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

If you've been following along you may know that I was juried and accepted into the Elkins Farmers Market. This coming Saturday is the start of the season and I've been busy getting things ready. I've done a practice setup of my booth and arranged and re-arranged the displays. The inventory is all labeled with my logo tags and prices. And the table covers are washed and ready.

I thought it would be fun to add some theme veggie earrings. So my order from the Golden Hissing Monkey on Etsy, arrived and I've finished all the behind the scene things on my to do list. After placing the order, checking it in; make the earrings; taking pictures; edit pictures; doing the math to make sure they are priced correctly; added them to my inventory data base. Yes, these are the very boring parts of the very fun job of making jewelry. These are the things you don't read about perhaps because this stuff is so Zzzzzzz oh, I think I dozed off.

Here are the latest earring cuties. Not a lot of wire creativity, but a whole lot of fun.

Check out the back of the cans. There's a bar code and nutritional info. Cute!

Thank you for reading along ~ Linda

Abstract Copper Necklace

2011-04-29T15:23:00.000-04:00

This copper necklace has been in my work in progress box for weeks. It had been oxidized and I've been avoiding the long task of removing the excess with fine steel wool. I always love the final look of the aged copper. But my least favorite thing is all that rubbing. A gals gotta' do what a gals gotta' do.

Necklace: Copper

I have the perfect dress to wear with this piece, so it will remain in my jewelry cabinet. I think it needs a pair of really long earrings.

I love this clasp

Persistance Leads To Success

2011-04-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

Here's my new beauty. It feels wonderful on the wrist and it looks fabulous. I'll be submitting this piece to WV Highlands Gallery for the upcoming jury process.

Bracelet: Bronze wire

As much as I truly love wire work there are times when I get stumped. This bracelet has finally been completed. It took me hours and hours. At first glance I thought it should be easy and a breeze. But my mind and my hands needed to get in sinc. There was some fumbling, lots of frustration, and the process took way too long. I worked through the annoyance of attaching the links. I have a huge respect for chain maille artist.

Source: www.thephotozoo.etsy.com

The selling price of a piece of handcrafted wire jewelry is calculated based on the actual materials and then the time involved and any overhead costs. If it takes a lot of time to complete then the selling price gets expensive. At some point I must ask myself if this piece is actually worth the price of my investment. I know from experience that the next one I make will take less time and the 3rd one will be even quicker. This is when the sales price becomes fair and reasonable.

I think I heard a gasp when I wrote I would make another one and then a 3rd. There are those that think each piece should be unique and one of a kind. I have to admit I like that idea. But truth be told in some cases it would just cost to much, because of that dang learning curve involved with certain techniques.

This bracelet was adapted from 'Wire Art Jewelry' by Sharilyn Miller and published by Interweave Press. I made several changes to the design, including the type and gauge of wire.

Thank you for stopping by the blog ~ Linda

Elkins Farmers Market at the Train Depot

2011-04-25T17:37:00.000-04:00

I am very happy to announce that my jewelry and I will be spending Saturday mornings under a tent at the Elkins Farmers Market from May through October. Several weeks ago I sent an inquiry asking if the market had artisans along with the farmers. A few pictures of my latest designs were included so they would have an idea of my style. They kindly invited me to attend their board meeting and to have my jewelry juried. I fully expected to leave my jewelry with them while they judged it in private. There were just a few people in the conference room when I entered. I was welcomed with smiles and ask to display my jewelry on the table. I then took a seat. Gradually the room began to fill up as more and more artisans and farmers entered. A few looked, touched and asked me questions about my jewelry. 'Did I make this (link) from wire?' Later I was to find out that these three interested people were the judges and headed up the jewelry committee. I noticed my stress level increase as more people entered the room, about 30 in total.

Source: http://www.artunderglass.etsy.com/

The meeting was called to order, minutes read, and the agenda started. Little did I realize that I was part of the agenda. Gads! I had the fleeting thought of how I could escape! I was not comfortable. I really felt like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz holding onto his tail. But, I was brave. Nervous, but brave. Then my name was mentioned and the President of the board asked the committee what there decision was. Yippee! They accepted me. But, I have to think, what if they hadn't accepted me. How embarrassed I would have been.

The Elkins Farmers Market is held in the large courtyard of the Elkins Train Depot a very popular place. Some of the people are residence of the area and come to buy their weekly locally grown fresh veggies. Other people are tourist that come to ride through the mountains and forest on one of the several different types of trains.

Here is the link for a 15 second video of the markets' TV commercal from their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10150156476757012&oid=108701375866826&comments

Here's a video of one of the trains that will take you on a trip through the natural beauty that I now call home.

I'll be seeing and hearing trains every week. I must admit it looks like fun and I'll be taking train rides soon and letting you know about my trips.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit ~ Linda

Shop Lifters, Fangs And Talons

2011-04-19T20:30:00.000-04:00

Recently I have become too aware of a lesser type of shopper. Yes, the infamous shop lifter. An item was taken from one of the lovely shops that sell my jewelry, and then recently from a fair where I was selling directly.

I refuse to be a victim! I refuse to not make and sell jewelry! So I have asked myself what I can do to empower myself and to discourage shop lifting. I would love to hear from you with your ideas, so they can be shared with our other jewelry making friends.

One question I had for myself is what makes a person become a shoplifter? By understanding their thinking and value system it will hopefully help in planning a strategy to lower the rate of theft. I wish I could say eliminate, but I don't think this is possible. If it were possible then the department stores out there wouldn't have security cameras, silent shoppers and security guards. Ugh!

When jewelry is on display in a gift shop, sometimes the shop keeper is occupied with a customer or is busy stocking and organizing. I had placed a lovely crystal and silver bracelet on a small display. It looked very attractive here and easy to remove. I thought the ease to remove would encourage someone to try it on.

This is the display, but not the vanishing bracelet

I guess I was successful, because it remained on the wearer as it went out the door without being paid for. So heartbreaking in so many ways! The time spent to select the crystals and focal component; then to design, construct, photograph, price, inventory, promote and display the bracelet. Then add the cost of the materials.

I think there are two types of shop lifters. The first one is the amateur. The second one is the professional.

The amateur shop lifter steals on a whim. Perhaps they do it just because they want it or because it looks easy. This may have been the type of person who took the bracelet mentioned above. It was flashy, it was easy to remove from the display and the shop keeper wasn't near the display. So, perhaps they tried it on and kept it on. It’s as if they have an image in their head of the Staples “Easy” button. I need to stop making it easy!

Source: Staple.com

The professional shop lifter is conscious of what they are doing. It’s planned and deliberate. They have developed a tactic, a procedure and they get some sort of thrill or satisfaction from this act, or more.

At the recent art and craft fair I experienced the professional shop lifter. I was amazed and shocked. I wonder what I should have said to her as I actually watched her in action. It was obvious to her that I was there and that I could see her every move. I was a mere 3 or 4 feet in front of her. I even spoke with her by introducing myself and letting her know that I was available if she had any questions. I then watched and was ‘alerted’ as she dropped the bracelet ‘by accident’ onto the floor.

Source: Bill Engvall.com

While picking the bracelet up she ‘straightened’ her large open purse. There were papers sticking out of it. Then there was a second drop to the floor. I have to say that I froze with shock! It was so surreal. This couldn’t be happening in front of my eyes! I think my emotions jolted and caused me not to react. While I stood there in my daze she walked away and there was no bracelet! Now how do I prove this? What should I do? The polite lady that some of you know as Linda felt the vampire fangs extend, the finger nails turn into talons and the adrenalin surge! Not so nice words formed in my head! Then I thought better. This would not serve me personally. It wouldn’t serve my professional image. And perhaps this is exactly what she was looking for. Perhaps she needed or wanted my anger to validate her dysfunctional mentality. Hey! I watch ‘Criminal Minds’ on TV!

What I don't understand is why the unsub didn't take the matching earrings. (source: CriminalMinds.com)

Have you seen anyone wearing this bracelet? (source: CriminalMinds.com)

Where is the bracelet? (source: CriminalMinds.com)

Do you promise never to shop lift again? (source: CriminalMinds.com)

So, I have asked myself: How could I have stopped or discouraged this from happening? From now on if I’m not present to watch over my creations it will be displayed on a velvet board with security pins, sitting up on an easel. With a sign that says something like: "I would love for you to allow our shop keeper let you try on any piece of jewelry".

At fairs I will need to be on alert. Perhaps the less expensive, less time consuming bracelets will be easy to try on and the more expensive will be secured with a pin. When I see someone drooling over a piece of jewelry I will smile and offer that they try it on.

Always forgive your enemies – nothing annoys them so much.

Oscar Wilde

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Mahatma Gandhi

Let us forgive each other – only then will we live in peace.

Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

Thank you all or visiting. ~ Linda

Happiness Is Having A BFF

2011-04-15T21:12:00.001-04:00

This week I have been recouping from last Saturdays fair. It took the wind out of my sails. I had a remarkable time, yet emotional. The day before I felt nervous about getting everything together and the worry that I might forget something important. Yes, I have a check list, but that didn't stop me from fretting. The next morning was filled with anxiety. Why? No reason, I just did. On the way I stopped by the Heritage House to see if they needed any help. These professionals were all set. We set out in a convoy of 4 vehicles traveling the mountain road of Route #219 to Elkins, WV.

My display

As we pulled into the parking lot, there was an immediate flurry of activity as vehicles were unloaded, hand trucks and carts were loaded. There were looks from the locals with the 'what are they doing?' expression on their faces. In the event room there was high energy as everyone scurried to setup their area in time for the doors to open for the public.

I met so many lovely people. Some very familiar faces and a lot of new friends. The bestest, bestest thing happened. I was completely surprised! There I was face to face with a lovely lady. I smiled and said 'Hi, let me know if you need any help.' The lovely lady said 'I'm selling something!' I said, 'You are? What are you selling?" Lovely lady "I'm selling friendship." My mind raced. Who is she? I must know her. I've met so many people since I moved here. I don't want to be rude. Who is she? She said 'Don't you recognized me?" My mind continued to race. Then another voice, standing to the side said "Well, do you recognized me?" I turned and there before me was Diane, my dearest and longest friend that I hadn't seen since 1994!!!! My heart beat faster, my eyes filled, I was overwhelmed! I almost cried (and feeling it again as I write). We embraced. We laughed! We couldn't stop talking! The lovely lady is Sandy, her sister, who I hadn't seen since about the 1970's. Diane and I have been friends since 8th grade and I ain't a spring chicken.

Diane brought me daisies. She remembered that I had decorated my kitchen with them in 1970. Awwww.

Without getting too long winded, Diane and her husband Roy moved to another county in West Virginia a few years ago. How weird was it that we both started out in Anna Arundel County, MD and both moved here? Really weird! I sent out an invite announcement about the fair on Facebook. I really didn't expect a long lost friend to drive 3 hours. But, truth is stranger than fiction! And best friends are really BFF. We need tee shirts!

BFF Me with Diane

The Simple Decisions Seem To Be The Hardest

2011-04-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

My brain is packed with so many details about this weekends fair. I need more RAM! Today I couldn't decide on which chain or cord to use for some of my pendants. One of my problems is having too many choices. I opened 2 drawers of cords and the big plastic bin of chains. My first mistake! Now which one is the best? I finally narrowed it down to three choices. Do any of these speak to you? Your opinion is so appreciated. I really need to stop thinking so much.

My First Art and Craft Fair in West Virginia

2011-04-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

Here's the info for my first art and craft fair here in West Virginia. Please stop by and say hello, if your in the area.

Shower Power

2011-04-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

Last summer I found this wooden bi-fold door at my neighbors yard sale for a whopping $3. I was walking Sadie, when we noticed the yard sale. A giant magnet inside of me drew me into the yard, where I found this treasure. I had seen louver doors used at many art and craft fairs to display jewelry. I asked her to hold it for me while I went home for some money. At home I opened my quart size mason jar that is filled with change, borrowed some coins and went back to the yard sale to claim my treasure.

The Treasure

It needs to be cleaned before I can paint it. My original idea was to take it outside and use the garden hose, but the weather is too cold. So, on to plan B. I decided that my shower would work just fine and it would be warmer.

The Tool

Here's a lesson learned about taking a picture, while standing inside the shower with the curtain close, so water stayed put.

How to make fog

So, let's try this again. this time with the shower curtain open, the exhaust fan running and the bathroom door open.

Rinse, Wash and Repeat

Once it is completely dry it will be spray painted with some matte black paint. This must be done outside, so I'm hoping for a warm dry day in the very near future, because I want to use this during the fair that is scheduled for this coming Saturday.

Escapee - The Bead That Ran Away

2011-04-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I'll admit it! My studio is a mess. Apparently so messy that this little bead decided to hide itself in the blue specks of the studio carpeting.

So in-order to keep more beads from rolling away I'll be doing some much needed house keeping in the studio. The boring part of making jewelry for a living.

The Soap Queen Sent Me A Surprise

2011-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

I went to the mailbox to gather the days mail and was surprised to find a box. A heavy box. I had expected a package from one of my friends on Etsy, but certainly it wasn't going to be this large or heavy. Once I looked at the return address I was quickly reminded...I had won a 'Play It Forward' from my friend Cheryl Taylor.

Boy, oh boy, is she ever generous. Seven delicious bars of homemade soap. All sorts of luscious fragrances. I can't wait to use them. I'll put a bar in the guest bathroom and a bar on the kitchen sink and the rest will be for my spa days. You know...hot water, nice music, fragrant soap and a jewelry magazine. Breathe!

Cheryl has been exploring different creative outlets. It looks like she's hit a homerun with homemade soap making. I first met Cheryl when she attended jewelry classes in my studio, when I was in Reston, VA.

Cheryl has named her biz 'Bare Naked Soaps'. I think her logo is adorable! She is planning on opening a web-site and a shop on Etsy. She tells me that the soap needs to cure before it's ready to sell. Plus, I've been reading her posts on Facebook and she has received a lot of specialty molds, so the soap will not only smell beautiful, but it will look amazing. I can't wait for her shop to open. Everyone will love it.

Since I won 'Play It Forward' I'll be doing some give aways here in the very near future. Get ready to play and win!

Loving Etsy

2011-04-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've had my Etsy shop open for quite some time and have made many new friends all over the world. Some because they have bought jewelry from my Etsy shop and others because I have bought from their Etsy shops. Recently, Etsy opened up another opportunity for me, as a networking tool. Who would have thought?

The owner of a mortar and brick gift and jewelry shop found my Etsy shop on line. She has invited me to sell my jewelry in her shop. She found me! So, for all of the creative readers out there in the cottage industry, stay patient and be persistent, because you never know who is looking at your creations. Get your creations out there, so they can be seen!

Picture Source: www.facebook.com/etsy

I am thrilled and amazed at how things fall into place at exactly the right time and the right place. - Linda

Picture Source: www.facebook.com/etsy

April Fool's Day

2011-04-01T13:14:00.001-04:00

Okay, the jokes over! Today is April 1st. As I made my way toward the coffee pot I did a double take out the window. No, I wasn't dreaming. It's true! The Easter Bunny might need to borrow the sledge from Santa Claus.

Sure, I live in the mountains, but eventually it should stop snowing. Right!? Just a few days ago I took the snow brush and ice scraper out of the vehicle.

The snow clouds are hiding the higher mountain ridge in the distance above the tree line.

Open Your Hearts For Japan

2011-03-28T12:15:00.002-04:00

Click on Youtube video

Be in service to Japan at

The American Red Cross Donations for Japan

Earrings for WV Highlands Gallery

2011-03-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

These earrings are the 3rd jewelry project being submitted to West Virginia Highlands Gallery. I'm nearing the finish line for my goal of 6 items for their jury process. I'm hopeful to be accepted, so my jewelry can be shown and sold in their gallery.

These earrings are copper and have been antiqued in liver of sulphur. The color in the picture above is a bit orange. The next picture is true to color. The crystals have been wrapped with a herringbone weave cap.

The colors in this picture are on target. My photograph style is - take enough pictures and one should turn out.

Using a Mirror to Photograph Jewelry

2011-03-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love the way jewelry has a reflected image when photographed on black Plexiglas. But I don't like all the lint that is attracted by the static. No matter how much I clean, the final picture has more lint than jewelry. So I asked my good buddy Don and he gave me a lot of great ideas. My favorite is to lay the jewelry on a mirror. So, I went and got my little hand held mirror and took these shots of my latest earrings.

Earrings: Silver and Lampwork

Earrings: Silver and Crysal

Earrings: Silver and Lampwork

Earrings: Bronze and Crystal

Necklace for WV Highlands Gallery

2011-03-24T10:00:00.002-04:00

Here's the second of six pieces of jewelry for West Virginia Highlands Gallery. The goal is to have everything completed by the end of this week.

This necklace is made from copper and fresh water pearls. My initial intention was to oxidize the metal, but after some research I discovered that the liver of sulphur and the tumbling would remove the luster from the pearls. So I have left it natural. The links without the pearls were tumbled to work harden the metal, prior to assembling.

After coiling the wire for the focal pendant, I used a plastic card to open all the spaces equally. The pearls have been spaced with small coils.

It took a while and some patience to assemble all of the links. It was a task getting all the links to be connected in a consistant direction. Just when I thought the links were correct, I would find one that was backward or upside down. After some time, what I thought was a simple design, finally came together.

New Bracelet for the Jury at WV Highlands Gallery

2011-03-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

I've been stressed. I shouldn't be. I can make wraps in my sleep. But, still I'm stressed. It must be the norm for getting ready to submit jewelry to the experts to jury into their gallery. Yikes! It doesn't make sense, since I've done this before and no one threw rocks at me.

Here's the first of six submissions that has been completed and photographed. This bracelet is made from bronze wire and those lovely Swarovski crystals. I call the wraps in the center of the 8 link a fat wrap since the wire is wrapped a second time on top of the first. Sometimes I go so far as to add a 3rd layer.

The picture above is an example of a happy accident and shows that I'm not a photographer. The background is really white and the butterfly on the display is green. Yet, there is a lovely lavender color. the crystals are true to color which makes me scratch my head and wonder why they didn't change color since the background did. Hmmmm.

I love taking pictures on top of the black plexiglass, but clean as much as I can there are always pieces of link in the photo.

Thank you for visiting. Have a beautiful day. Linda

Two Awesome New Magazines

2011-03-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I finally found a Barnes and Nobel book store. Of course I had to drive nearly 2 hours to get to it in Morgantown, WV. There is something very satisfying about actually being in a book store. Certainly I can order on line and allow the mail carrier to deliver my treasures to my home, but being surrounded by all of those wonderful volumes of books, not to mention the treasure hunt, is so much fun.

There in the magazine section I was spellbound and so happy with my discoveries. Not one, but two wonderful jewelry magazines had to come home with me. They are fabulous! Both are equally wonderful, but I'll list them in the order in which they are on my desk.

Handcrafted Jewelry from the editors of Beadwork magazine. As the picture tells a thousand stories or at least 25 project tutorials, you can see why I'm excited. If you've been thinking of trying your hand at resin, there is a very clear and creative project by Deryn Menlock. Plus, other projects with fiber, polymer, wire, and enameling. This magazine is endless with possibilities.

And then there is Wirework published by Art Jewelry magazine. Drum roll please....More resin and more wire. I can't wait to start to make the 'infinity love knot' by Kimberly Berlin. And then there's the beautiful wire cuff on the cover by Lisa Niven Kelly.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a joy filled and creative day! Linda

West Virginia Highlands Gallery

2011-03-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

My pliers and wire have been keeping my fingers entertained making these little goodies. Can you guess what they are going to make?

Everything still needs to be antiqued and polished. The wire links will be tumbled to work harden, before they will be assembled. I'm not going to put the pearls in the tumbler, because I'm not sure if they will get damaged. The pearls have double loops to add some style, but really it was to add strength. Once this piece is completed I'll post some pictures. I must say I was getting a tad bored with so many of the same link. I think there are 70 wire links, not counting the pearl links. But, it should be well worth the efforts.

This will be one of six jewelry pieces that are being submitted to the West Virginia Highlands Gallery for their jury process. If accepted I'll be able to display and sell from their beautiful gallery.

Thank you for reading. Have a joy filled and creative day. Linda

Another Display Idea for Art and Craft Fairs

2011-03-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are looking for a display for selling your jewelry, this might work well for you. I love it! It's light weight for carting around, yet very stable, it doesn't distract from your jewelry and the price is good. Oh, and it's small enough to fit in the vehicle for transporting and a black sharpie will cover any scratches that might happen in transport.

This is a telephone stand that I found on the Walmart web-site for $39.00 with free shipping to my home. This stand measures 35.5'' H x 16'' W x 12'' D. I think this is a perfect size for placing on top of a table so your jewelry will be at eye level and it allows your table scape to have more height. It is really quick and easy to assemble.

I'll set mine up with some jewelry and take a picture and post it here on the blog soon, so you can see it in action.

Have a joy filled and creative day. Linda

Displays for Art and Craft Fairs

2011-03-08T12:30:00.001-05:00

'Energy follows thought.' author unknown

I've been thinking about the displays that are needed for my art and craft fairs that are on my to do list. There has been way to much over thinking on my part going on. The displays need to be functional, but also unique, something that will catch the eye, but not distract from the jewelry, and not cost me an arm and a leg. I found a few things and not in the typical display catalogs or web-sites. This past weekend I ventured into Charlotte's thrift store. There in the 2 large rooms were tons and tons of old stuff, used stuff, discarded and unwanted stuff. I started to explore and found a couple of old table top shelves and a couple of stands. There are hearts cut out. Not at all my style, but the symbolism is nice and why not add some love.

Yes, that's snow on my deck in March...hmmm

After taking the above picture, these 2 plant stands remind me of the old school house desks. You know, how they stacked and the student sat on the front of the desk that was behind them? These plant stands will be perfect after I add a coat of paint. Then a couple of necklace busts will display nicely.

More shelves needing some paint and imagination

I started chatting with Terry, Charlotte's husband about what I was looking for so he could keep me in mind if something came into the shop that I'd like. He could tell Charlotte and Charlotte could tell my sister Sandy, who could tell me....ah, how we communicate in a small town. The next thing I know, Charlotte is inviting me into the back room that's not open to the public. There hidden under piles and piles of stuff is this beauty of a jewelry display rack. It has lots of hooks for hanging cards with jewelry and it revolves!

Yes, it does need to be hosed down and scrubbed. And, the labels need to come off and replaced with my blatant advertising. But for $6.00 it's 'such a deal'.

Out in my shed is an old wooden bi-fold louver door. Some paint and it will be ready for tent cards with earrings. Now to make more jewelry.

Heritage House at the Depot

2011-03-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

Everything in my jewelry world is happening at a quick pace. I must say that I am very grateful. My jewelry has found another home at the Heritage House, which is located in a restored train station. It all started a few months ago when I was very nervous and drove to their shop to discuss the possibility of their selling my jewelry. Nervous, nervous, nervous. I drove the 2 mile trip that felt like a 100 miles filled with anxiety. I parked, check the mirror to make sure my lipstick was on my mouth and not my teeth, combed my hair, did as much as possible to delay getting out of my vehicle. Finally, I ran out of delays and went up to the door. It wouldn't open! I was embarrassed. Perhaps I forgot how to actually turn the handle. I attempted again and was now convinced that it wasn't my inability to open the door, because the sign clearly said 'closed on Wednesday's' Dah! Another blond moment! Yes, I had a feeling of relief. They are closed, I can't be rejected! But, I knew I needed to get beyond this fear if I had any intentions of making a living from my jewelry. So, after a few self imposed delays, after a few weeks I went back and was accepted. There! I said to myself, see that wasn't hard.

I took this picture of Heritage House during a huge snow storm, brrrrr

After a few discussions in person and on the telephone I have delivered my jewelry and they are on display. There is some paperwork that I needed to complete, an inventory sheet and each piece needed to have a tag completed with an item number assigned, that matches the inventory sheet. These folks are very well organized and have a price sheet to work from that basically says how much the item will sell for, how much the artist will received and the rest goes to them for doing the selling. Their rate sheet is not the typical percentage split, so I needed to put my thinking cap on, so this process took me a bit of time. I only had time to put out about 12 of my pieces before the shop was getting ready to close. I bought the paperwork home so I can finish tagging the rest of the pieces and will return tomorrow to finish filling up my space. They are being very generous and allowing me to display on 2 shelves that are about 4 feet long each. Again, I am grateful.

Earrings: Copper and Crystal

The Heritage House gets a lot of tourist traffic, beginning in March. So I need to load them up, so we all win. Since I'm new to this region I really didn't know that the tourist start to visit so early, now I need to really get into gear because there are a few other galleries and gift shops that I have on my list. I really need to get moving to be ready for those lovely visitors. This is all part of my business plan, but now that it's happening I'm a bit shocked. It's one thing to dream about something, but its a new level of excitement when it starts to happen. So setting aside my stable accounting job and jumping into the deep end of the pool is scary, but it's actually happening. Who da' thunk!? Now of course the real truth will come to surface when I see an actual sale. I'll let you know how the public responds to my jewelry.

Earrings: Bronze and Crystal

Thank you for reading along with me as I explore a new career. Linda

New Packaging

2011-02-26T15:15:00.000-05:00

Today, I received my order from Papermart. I am so excited! Everything is just as I wanted. The colors, quality, sizes are all perfect. It's been a while since I ordered packaging materials and I finally got down to the bottom and knew that I needed to restock.

I thought I'd go with the same colors and packaging as my previous order, but, my original vendor seems to have vanished. So I choose to order from Papermart. Since this was my first time ordering from them I took a few precautions. First, I checked around with my jewelry blogging friends to see who they used. Lori Anderson was kind and generous with her information about Papermart. Second, I only ordered a minimum order. But, since I have seen and touched them, I will now order a larger supply.

I choose my colors and textures based on what I thought you would love and what would be pretty on your vanity or dresser. Plus, it would help you with gift giving, since the jewelry is wrapped already. The boxes are for my necklace orders. They are in a sapphire blue. To think I almost ordered a different color, but couldn't because they were out of stock. Thank goodness, because these are beautiful. There are two sizes of satin bags. The hot pink is really passionate and is perfect for bracelet orders. The turquoise blue makes me happy and will be used for earring orders.

Thank you for reading about my happy colors. I hope that you like them. Linda

Lights Out On The Mountain

2011-02-23T13:14:00.000-05:00

The electricity went out last night - again! I am adjusting to my new environment and life style here in the Appalachian Mountains. The power goes out frequently and for extended periods of time. It's not that electric company is doing anything wrong. It's nature. Lots and lots of nature. A tree or branch can fall on a power line deep in the forest. Yes, my home is surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest. So it takes the power crews some time to locate the source. In the meantime, plan B is used with battery powered lamps. If it takes too long to be restored and the house gets a chill, I need to setup the propane heater.

I was sitting on the living room floor with my portable studio, listening to the television. When silence and complete darkness filled the room. It was startling! I was engrossed in wire wrapping. I was in a Zen moment. When it goes dark here, it goes really dark. There aren't other lite communities to spread a bit of light, no major highways with car lights. Even the stars and the moon were hidden behind snow clouds. So I walked, carefully, to my night stand where I keep one of my battery lamps, then gathered up a couple more lights and went back to wire wrapping.

I found humor in my obsession and went for the camera. I really didn't think I would be able to capture a picture, but I am surprised. Here's where I play when I'm not in the actual studio.

I've been reading my blogger friends posts and they have been showing their work areas and thought I'd join in and describe what is going on in last nights work space. In the below picture I used the flash, so it's a bit clearer.

Here's how I work at my portable studio, aka serving tray. The tray keeps 'most' of the wire and beads from taking up housing on my floor. Here I've added 3 battery powered lamps, which were not enough light to work well. Talk about working in the dark! A glass of orange juice, because I'm encouraging a cold to leave my body. In the tray is part of a plastic card that I use to slide between coils to open them for cutting; then split ring pliers with red handles, that are used for the same purpose; orange handled heavy duty wire cutters for 16 gauge and thicker wire; blue Lindstrom chain nose for just about everything; black fine point sharpie for marking pliers to make consistent size loops; under these are black handled small step pliers for tiny loops; blue handled flush cutters for 18 gauge and smaller wire; under them are red handled flat nose pliers for a second pair of hands and my U turn loops; red and black handled short round nose pliers for loops; in front of these is a 6" metal ruler, a must for measuring wire; on the edge is about a pound of 20 gauge copper wire; and my head piece thingy, oh, so attractive! So I can see those tiny details. In the tray are some successes and failures. I was experimenting, err designing, a pair of large loop earrings. In my head they are wonderful. In reality - not so much! There are some coils of wire that have some jump rings cut and ready. There are many spirals of different sizes and gauges of wire. I finally made a decision on the size and they are being made into linked earrings. I like these and will have a picture for you soon.

Yes, the lights came on in about two hours, but by then I had put down the wire and picked up a novel.

Signs of Spring

2011-02-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

Sadie was barking, which is her way to communicate to me. As she gets older she has become more verbal, especially when she wants a walk, a treat, help getting up on the sofa or dinner. It doesn't matter, as with today, if I'm recovering from a cold. Like so many moms of children, my girl Shih Zhu, Sadie must be attended to, whether I'm sick or well. So I bundled up to keep this head cold warm, put her sweater and leash on her and out into the drizzling rain and snow flurries we went.

While she decided to take her good old time and smell everything, I struggled to keep my patience, all the while hoping she would complete the task at hand. While I waited I glanced at the flower bed near the studio door. I wondered when the 4 rose bushes would start to turn green. As I dazed at the debris in the garden I saw purple. 'What type of weed would grow and bloom now?" As I looked closer at the 'weeds' I recognized the blooms of crocus. (Insert happy dance!)

I took Sadie back inside and dried her off. I went and grabbed my camera to snap these pictures to remind us all that even though there are snow flurries mixed with rain, there are beautiful signs of spring, if we only take the time to look.

Spring will be here on March 20th, just 25 days from today.

My First Show in West Virginia

2011-02-17T09:00:00.003-05:00

I am flattered and grateful! A local art and craft show promoter called me to see if I would be interested in being a vendor for an event scheduled for April. Of course! How did they find me? The local newspaper 'The Advocate'. I love these people. Did I ever mention that the house I bought was from the owners of 'The Advocate'. Hmmm, how'd that happen?

The details of the art and craft show are still coming to me, so I can't really elaborate. I do know that a lot of advertising is planned and budgeted. I think one of the real advantages of this event is the location. It is planned to be held at a large popular steak house in Elkins, WV in their new event room. So those lovely diners can mosey over to the show when they are finished their meal. And of course, after the show I'll be moseying over for my meal.

Here are some of the goodies I plan on taking to the show:

I'll be extra busy in the next few weeks with completing my inventory. Plus I have to paint my folding louver doors from my new yard sale find. I'm planning on using it for earrings on cards. I'll post pictures as my to do list unfolds and is completed.

My Invitation to be a Contributing Writer

2011-02-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

Who'da thunk! I am now a contributing writer for another blog www.createtucker.wordpress.com I received a telephone call from Katie Griffith, the coordinator for the blog asking me if I would be interested in being one of the writers. I was flabbergasted! The other writers are all very successful and deeply immersed in the arts community.

Why me? How did she find me? Questions, questions, questions. Somehow my name came up at the local newspaper. That's right! The newspaper! It turns out that 'the Advocate' is behind this blog. One thing lead to another and here I am. No! I am not a professional writer. I do like to talk and talk a lot! So I usually put my conversation into key strokes, then go back and re-read and edit, edit, edit. Asking questions along the way. Such as, is that sentence too long? (I seem to love paragraph sentences), How do you spell that?, Did that make sense? Just how many commas should I use and where on earth should I put them? So now I write this blog for me and over time I have gained a readership. And you don't seem to mind my lack of grammarship. Why can't spell check find this? I do love to make up words! On a personal note I must chuckle and look, back at my creative writing professor and his hurtful comments. I have a sense of satisfaction, as I continue to chuckle.

So back to my writing for another blog. Here's what the Create Tucker about page says: (better words than mine)

'Welcome to CreateTucker — an online community dedicated to all things Arts-related in Tucker County, West Virginia. This blog, in conjunction with the Parsons Advocate, aims to create a place for discussion about the Arts and Music scene in and around Tucker County.'

I think a lot of readers no matter where you live will gain some insights and value from reading the blog posts. I've already published an article about Hertiage House an art co-op. My next post will appear this Sunday, when I aim to open a discussion on 'Inspiration and Creativity'

Thank you for listening and reading. Have a joy filled and creative day! Linda

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you Lea Gilbert for letting us share your daughter's gorgeous wedding picture

When I saw this wedding picture on my friend Lea's Facebook page I thought is was from a magazine. She was kind enough to let me publish it here for Valentines Day. How perfectly the reds match, down to the grooms shoes and the brides hair. How fantastic the brides ink is! And the pose is oh, so romantic.

Who do you love? Every day should be Valentines Day, but today is full of extroverted LOVE.

Here's a pictures of some sweets for the sweethearts in my life...my wonderful family!

Yummy New Book: "Wire Style 2"

2011-02-11T12:08:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week I received the newly published book from Interweave "Wire Style 2" by Denise Peck. Since it wouldn't fit into my post office box, I had to ask the man behind the counter for my package. I was so excited about receiving this gem that the nice man gave me a puzzled look and a grin at my enthusiasm. I am hoping he is a book lover as much as I am and wasn't thinking 'Oh boy! A crazy women!' I'm going with book lover.

I could hardly restrain myself from tearing into the packaging and start looking at the book in my vehicle that was parked out front. But I maintained my composure. After all, I now live in a small town and I might become the topic of conversation. Not an image I'm wanting to portray. But if you are one of my like minded friends who adore books, especially when it's about your personal passion , well you know what I was going through emotionally.

When I arrived home I grabbed a cup of coffee, a throw blanket for my lap and my yummy new book. Awhhh! With each page that I turned, the book and the projects continued to get better and better. I want to make everything! The dusting and vacuuming will need to wait. Meals will be delivered or micro-waved, as I immerse myself in my obsession.

Created by: Cindy Wimmer

The jewelry artist in "Wire Style 2" are the best and I am delighted to say that I know Cindy Wimmer on a personal level and Lorelei Eurto and Kerry Bogert are friends from their blogs and our Facebook connections. Here are the links to their blogs. You won't be disappointed when you visit them in the Internet sky: Cindy Wimmer at http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/, http://www.lorelei1141.blogspot.com/, and Kerry Bogert at www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com.

Created by: Cindy Wimmer

There is a bonus inside this delicious book. Inside the back cover is a DVD where Denise Peck teaches you to make all of the techniques that are used. I am especially thrilled with her excellent instruction for using a kitchen torch to make balled head pins. Now I need to buy a torch. Oh, darn! Now I need to shop!.

Tumbler Learning Experience

2011-02-04T13:07:00.002-05:00

Can you spot the difference? A lot of changes have happened to what are 2 simular pair of earrings. They are both made from copper wire and the same color of field stone bead.

The orginals, top picture, were made with twisted wire that I made by twisting 2 strands of wire together.

The second pair, bottom picture, were made with a single strand of the same gauge of wire and the same field stone bead. In addition, this pair of earrings was placed in the tumbler. Besides hardening and polishing the wire, which was my goal, the bead has lost some of its color.

Since this bead is a rather inexpensive bead and light in color it really hasn't bothered me, but it is noticable.

I should have known better. A few years ago I placed a sterling silver and time extensive bracelet in the tumbler. The wire turned out perfect, however every bead lost most of their color. It was a frustrating and expensive learning experience.

The moral of the story? Don't tumbler color enhanced beads or stones. Yes, I do know better. It must have been a blonde moment!

New from the Work Bench

2011-01-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

This morning at the work bench, these earrings were begging to be made.

I put my spin on the design with some twisted copper wire that I found in the studio. It was left over from a previous project. Then some river stone beads were added. These have a nice earthy feel to them. The original design is by Kathy Thompson, from the September 2010 edition of Easy Wire.

Perhaps the next pair I'll oxidize/antique the wire, but for now they are in the tumbler getting nice and smooth and shinny.

As I look at these earrings I'm thinking they would be fun with some colored wire. Stay tuned to see what I come up with. I do love experimenting with color.

MountainMade Paperwork Completed

2011-01-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

It's been a long process, but well worth it! All of the legal mumbo jumbo paperwork has been signed and submitted to MountainMade Gallery and my jewelry will soon be on display. I have enjoyed every moment of the process. It has been a remarkable journey. Everyone at MountainMade is delightful and has made the entire process a pleasure.

This is a fantastic gallery in Thomas, WV and I encourage everyone to visit, when you want to be transported away and experience a large dose of art and artisan creations, along with the beauty of the mountains and waterfalls of West Virginia.

This picture is only a small portion of what you will see when you enter the large MountainMade gallery.

The historic Buxton Landstreet building (original on the left) has been completely renovated into the home of the MountainMade Gallery.

Treasure Hunting Success

2011-01-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

The trip to Clarksburg, WV the other day was a lot of fun. On the list was Staples, as a destination for office supplies. My expectations were to get the unexciting office essentials and get out quickly. While searching the isles I caught a glimpse of intense color. My brain was immediately full of questions and decided to focus in on the distraction. A pink chair! Perfect for my studio! I was in need of a new chair for my office desk and thought that another functional piece was necessary. I'm going to roll my black task chair out of the studio, to my office. My worktable in the studio will now have this happy and whimsical PINK chair.

What is this? A new pet? Well, I couldn't resist her. There I was in Marshall's and Little Miss Happiness was adopted! A fun way to save, so I can buy more beads and wire!

Pretty Colors for the Wall

2011-01-18T12:56:00.001-05:00

Yes, I did it! I decided to go with painting the brick on the wall, in the studio. I want to thank each and everyone of you who commented and gave me your suggestions. Yesterday, my friend Tammy and I took a road trip to Clarksburg, WV (over the mountain and through the woods.....) The nice men in the paint department, at Lowes, were very helpful. Perhaps a bit puzzled at my painting idea, but helpful. They suggested that I buy 1/2 pint samples and they would mix whatever color I wanted. (Woooowhaaa.- insert evil sound!) Little did they know that I wanted 7 samples.

What a great deal this is at only $3.00 for each sample and it's just enough paint for several bricks in each color. Plus a bit more spent on a quart of white paint and some primer.

The colors are: Cautious Yellow (nothing cautious about this color!), Frosty Melon, Souvenir Orchid, Magenta Mist, Clear Amethyst, Tidal Pool and Lime Parfait. All are Valspar interior house paint. What if I don't like it? I can always paint over it with white Zzzzzzzzzzzz. But, I'm feeling confident about my plan. (Famous last words!)

Painting the Fireplace Wall in the Studio

2011-01-16T10:30:00.001-05:00

I am going to paint the brick wall and maybe the brick floor in my studio, at the gas fire place. I'm looking for your thoughts. I want to randomly paint some bricks fushia, lime green, bright yellow, purple, turquoise, white and leave a few bare/organic. The studio needs more whimsey and high energy. Do you think this is a good idea?

The rest of the walls are now mostly paneling and will be painted later, perhaps in the spring, but I thought the fire place wall is a good focal, to begin. I'll be going to Clarksburg tomorrow (1 1/4 hour drive) for paint. I'm looking for your opinions. What do you think?

Linda

Evolution Of The Creative Process

2011-01-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

How does our mind take a thought or idea and expand it into something else? We are amazing humans.

This big thought came to the fore front of my mind when a necklace that I made began to reshape and turn into another design. The SciFi folks call this shape shifting. The art folks call it creative. It looks to me like a creative idea can continue to evolve and re-create perhaps endlessly. I find it fascinating. I want to explore this creative evolution even further.

Here's what's happened; I made a heart necklace, in silver with 5 identical hearts as the focal point. As I looked at it, a strong thought landed in my mind. I wanted to only have 3 hearts and the center heart should be larger than the two flanking hearts. I also wanted it to be in bronze and with crystals. So I began the measuring and shaping of the larger center heart. At first it was too narrow and simply didn't look like the other 2 hearts, repeatedly, I adjusted my measurements and the position where I placed the beginning of the wire in my round nose pliers. After several attempts I was satisfied with the larger heart. I then proceeded to write the measurements and directions down, so I wouldn't forget. I've done that before, where I've tried to recreate something, but forgot the instructions. Not a happy time when that happens!

Since I didn't have bead caps, twisted jump rings or headpins in bronze I had to make them from my wire. I changed the fresh water pearl to a happy rondel crystal. What a difference! Even though the 2 necklaces are similar, there is a distinct and unique personality to each of these necklaces.

Now my mind wants me to go forward and tweak this design again. I feel strongly that the back of the necklace should be changed from wire wrapped crystals to a chain or cording. The creative process of this one design keeps evolving. I have a wonderful and satisfying sense about this process. I'm wondering how far I can evolve this one design and can I continue this creative process with other designs?

Pearl Of My Heart

2011-01-10T11:30:00.003-05:00

Valentines Day always inspires me. I love the romance and sentiment. The way little kids exchange heart cards in elementary school and those boxes of sugar hearts with sayings like 'Be Mine'. I wonder how the symbol of the heart came to be. Maybe, like our red Santa here in the U.S., from an advertising campaign.

It really doesn't matter, because we all get it. When we see a heart we think love.

Here's my latest piece of jewelry. A necklace with a center focus of 5 silver hearts, with fresh water pearls traveling all around the neck. It measures 18" in length, but I can adjust the size if needed. I'm going to list this on line at http://www.artyzenstudio.etsy.com/ This necklace is silver jewelers wire, so I'll list it for $58. I'm thinking of doing something similar in sterling or perhaps bronze.

Free Earring Give Away Results ..... And The Winner Is.....

2011-01-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

I love the concept of Play It Forward (PIF) and have been encouraging it with free jewelry give aways for several months. The idea comes from the book of the same name and the movie. For more information, click on the PIF tab, at the top of my blog. A few days ago I listed a pair earrings made of bronze with blue stones. Several wonderful and participating ladies added their names.

I put the names in my little ballerina jewelry box......

Congratulations to Brenda Smith!

Brenda's is the winning name that I drew from the box. These earrings are going to swing with happiness from her ears. Hey Brenda - I'll mail these out to you. - Linda

Free Give Away

2011-01-06T06:27:00.004-05:00

It's time to 'Play It Forward'. This time I'm giving away these earrings. All you need to do to enter is add a comment to either my blog or to the post on my Facebook page. The winner will be announced this Saturday, 1/8/11.

Field stone beads were wrapped with bronze wire to make the cages, spirals and ear wires. They measure 2 1/4" long from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the spiral and about 7/16" wide.

Yes, yes, yes, if you have already won you CAN play again!

Just drop me a line. It doesn't need to be long. Just something to let me know that you are interested in playing and winning.

On Saturday I'll put all the entries into my little ballerina jewelry box and draw a winning name.