Musings of an Obsessed Jeweler and Former Mermaid
Monday, May 23, 2011
Finding Our Own Way
I was reading a little post in ART Jewelry Magazine Vol. 7 Issue 4 by Jeremy Dunn. He was struggling with a project,it was just not coming out the way he wanted. He went home and went to sleep disappointed with his work that day. Dunn woke up the next day with a new perspective on the piece and was able to finish it. How many times has that happened to you? I know with myself, I have at least 3 or 4 pieces going at one time. I like to create, then sit with the piece for a few days. This is a process I go through fairly often to develop new eyes. I seem to get a clearer prospective of my work when I don't see it for a day. Some people need to finish from start to finish without breaks, to each his own. As a jewelry designer and instructor I show and teach my students a specific technique but always follow up with letting them know that is only one way, they may find over time they develop their own process to create.I love to see students and former students who find a passion along with a new or different way to make a beautiful piece. That is the beauty of life, everyone has their own way of doing things and looking at life in another fashion.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Do you do Smoothies?!?
I am on a smoothie obsession now!
I just came off the lemon juice fast and thought I would
try blending my veggies instead of juicing them. I was a avid juicer fan.
I was very put off by the idea of drinking a whole lot of veggies just blended
whole instead of juiced, but I was feeling adventurous one morning. It was also a little bit laziness too. I just cannot stand to clean the juicer! So messy. Ick!
So, I had a bag of frozen spinach, a frozen banana, frozen grapes and some ground flax seed. I put it all in my blender wondering if the motor could handle everything or would it start smoking. I added some OJ, held my breath and hit the button. It whirled and made lots of noise, but it did the job with flying colors! I was so proud of my old blender. And speaking of colors! wow, what an incredible green! I put my daughters in a dark color cup in case of complaints or "What the heck is this" comments. I guess she is used to my experiments on her(poor thing), because she drank it up without too much of peeping and finished with a loud "YUMMMM"! Husband sucked it up without a blink. It was cold, so smooth (hence the name Smoothie!) and wonderful!
I couldn't help but pat myself on the back for giving my family and myself
such a nutritious start. I seem to crave them now.
I can't wait to experiment with other fruits and veggies!
More to come....
I just came off the lemon juice fast and thought I would
try blending my veggies instead of juicing them. I was a avid juicer fan.
I was very put off by the idea of drinking a whole lot of veggies just blended
whole instead of juiced, but I was feeling adventurous one morning. It was also a little bit laziness too. I just cannot stand to clean the juicer! So messy. Ick!
So, I had a bag of frozen spinach, a frozen banana, frozen grapes and some ground flax seed. I put it all in my blender wondering if the motor could handle everything or would it start smoking. I added some OJ, held my breath and hit the button. It whirled and made lots of noise, but it did the job with flying colors! I was so proud of my old blender. And speaking of colors! wow, what an incredible green! I put my daughters in a dark color cup in case of complaints or "What the heck is this" comments. I guess she is used to my experiments on her(poor thing), because she drank it up without too much of peeping and finished with a loud "YUMMMM"! Husband sucked it up without a blink. It was cold, so smooth (hence the name Smoothie!) and wonderful!
I couldn't help but pat myself on the back for giving my family and myself
such a nutritious start. I seem to crave them now.
I can't wait to experiment with other fruits and veggies!
More to come....
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Radiance, Love after Death by Debra Jayne East
So Exciting!!
I just created this necklace for a talented author, Debra Jayne East for her fist book, a paranormal romance novel "Radiance, Love after Death". The butterfly and the pink stone are all in the book.
Sounds intriguing! Can't wait to read it.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73273897/heart-stone-rose-quartz-and-leather
Monday, May 9, 2011
Rise of precious metal prices
How crazy is the rise and fall of silver and gold prices?!
Six months ago, I was paying $17. for an ounce of silver. Now I pay $45.!!
What fuels the rise? I don't know and I think not many people do.
I have tried not to increase my prices, but I had to just by a dollar or two on some pieces. I hope silver prices will come down, which would mean my prices will come down too. I am happy myself and my customers like the look of alternative metals, like copper and brass. I LOVE the look of mixed metals. Silver with copper and a touch of brass. Keeps costs down, but still looks ROCKIN! I try to keep up with
my customers likes, so if there is anything you can think up, but don't see on my site, let me know and I can try to bring your idea into reality.
Six months ago, I was paying $17. for an ounce of silver. Now I pay $45.!!
What fuels the rise? I don't know and I think not many people do.
I have tried not to increase my prices, but I had to just by a dollar or two on some pieces. I hope silver prices will come down, which would mean my prices will come down too. I am happy myself and my customers like the look of alternative metals, like copper and brass. I LOVE the look of mixed metals. Silver with copper and a touch of brass. Keeps costs down, but still looks ROCKIN! I try to keep up with
my customers likes, so if there is anything you can think up, but don't see on my site, let me know and I can try to bring your idea into reality.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
CLASSES
Basic Earring Class
Learn how to wire wrap earrings just like the professionals!
You can use these skills for the basis of almost every jewelry project.
We will begin by learning and practicing hands on techniques to transform
wire into works of art with beads that you have chosen from a large selection.
I supply the beads and tools, you just need to bring your creative self
or your want to FIND that self.
By the end of the class you will be a pro at wire wrapping loops!
1PM-3:15PM
$38.00
Sunday May 29th
Bracelet Design Class
Do you want to begin making bracelets and don't know where to start?
In this class you will learn how to use a design board,
how to attach clasps and figure out proper length,
and what tools and materials are needed to start your bracelet.
Create a one of a kind piece made by you, just for you!
and be able to take those skills home and practice.
1PM-3:15PM
Call classes are RSVP only.
Seating is limited.
Please call 609-379-1750 to register
Learn how to wire wrap earrings just like the professionals!
You can use these skills for the basis of almost every jewelry project.
We will begin by learning and practicing hands on techniques to transform
wire into works of art with beads that you have chosen from a large selection.
I supply the beads and tools, you just need to bring your creative self
or your want to FIND that self.
By the end of the class you will be a pro at wire wrapping loops!
1PM-3:15PM
$38.00
Sunday May 29th
Bracelet Design Class
Do you want to begin making bracelets and don't know where to start?
In this class you will learn how to use a design board,
how to attach clasps and figure out proper length,
and what tools and materials are needed to start your bracelet.
Create a one of a kind piece made by you, just for you!
and be able to take those skills home and practice.
1PM-3:15PM
Call classes are RSVP only.
Seating is limited.
Please call 609-379-1750 to register
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