'Tis the Season...

Even though we haven't carved the turkey yet, and we still have left-over Halloween candy, it is never too early to begin shopping for the Holidays. As you wade through endless advertisements for "Door Buster" Holiday Sales and "Black Friday" Super-Specials, remember this--gifts given with thought and care mean so much more than grabbing something on sale at a Mega Mall or SuperCenter. Handmade gifts are especially meaningful in many ways. Giving a handmade gift guarantees originality and quality. Buying handmade supports the Arts and the artists themselves. Buying from local artists also supports local economies, not some gigantic factory overseas. So, before you purchase a mass-produced item simply because it is on sale, consider visiting your local artists cooperative, or shopping online for handmade goods. Etsy is great place to start. You will feel so much better about your purchase, and I can guarantee that whomever gets the gift will be far happier as well!

Also, many artists will work with you to design a custom gift. What a great way to show you care!

Gallery Girl!

I am very happy to announce that I have been accepted into a new, fantastic cooperative gallery located in Lake Worth, Florda. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery is a non-profit artists group full of amazing talent. I am so excited to be a part of the group! Currently, over 20 artists are represented--sculptors, potters, jewelers, metalwork, woodwork...you name it, it's there!

The gallery is open seven days, and we have evening gallery openings the first and third Friday of the month, featuring three of the current artists. So much talent in one room!! So, if you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and see us!

Mmmmmmm...Mokume

Remember when I posted about Reactive Metals? Well, I purchased some copper and sterling silver mokume gane from them and...well...WOW! I bought a 3-inch by 3-inch square, and Baldwin's patina to bring out the color in the copper (which the super sales representative reccomended, thanks!!). It sat on my workbench for a couple weeks 'till I got up the courage to actually cut into it. It ain't cheap, but boy is it GORGEOUS! This is the result, a pendant in a series I call "Perseverance". I used brass pipe, copper and brass sheet, sterling silver wire, brass wire and a 5mm faceted green tourmaline. Available in my Beadkeepers Etsy shop. Can't wait to make more...a matching ring perhaps?

Don't Forget to SAMPLE!

I can't believe I haven't posted about this before. I am a self-taught jewelry designer on a tight budget. With that in mind, I am constantly searching for bargains, especially with metals like copper, silver and brass. Copper and brass are relatively inexpensive and there are tons of sources for sheet, bar, tube and wire. Just do an online search or take a look at the Google ads running to the left of this post...most are about copper and brass sources.

What I wanted to share here is the wonderful world of SAMPLES. I have discovered that almost every metal sheet manufacturer will offer samples of their materials. I just got a sample pack of copper sheet colored with a variety of patinas. Ten 4 x4 inch sheets of copper, each colored with a different patina, for under $20.00!!! SWEET!

So, if you are browsing a metals site and don't want to invest in a large order right off the bat, or are not sure what you really want, ask if they offer samples!! Sometimes you can even find them for FREE!

Eye Really Like This...

Those who know me understand my continual search for unusual and unique elements to incorporate into my jewelry designs. I love a new discovery, and would like to share one here.

A few months ago I stumbled across a website that really sparked my imagination and a new line of jewelry designs. Van Dykes Taxidermy Supply. Taxidermy supply??? Yes, taxidermy supply. Specifically, Van Dykes line of glass and acrylic animal eyes. These things are amazing! There are hundreds to choose from. Mammals, birds, exotics, reptiles, fish....you can spend the day browsing the selection. The eyes are calibrated too, so you can choose from sizes ranging from 6mm up to 30mm. Perfect for standard stamped bezels. Imagine the rings, earrings and pendants! These eyes are gorgeous, a great unusual element of design. The colors are intense, the construction flawless. Take a look at the site and let you imagination run wild!

I've posted here a few photos of some of the designs I've created using these eyes, including my newest and personal favorite--the mixed metal squid necklace. I call it "Calamari". I just got my latest order from Van Dykes...shark and sailfish eyes. Have no idea what I will do with them yet....but I'm working on it. I'll keep you posted....

The image below from left to right shows "Calamari" with a squid eye, "Crocodile Tears" with a croc' eye, "Woodsman" with a coyote eye and tooth, and "Crocodile Tears" ring with croc' eye.

New Tools - New Challanges!

Santa came early to my workshop and delivered some new tools. I am now graced with a drill press and flex shaft rotary tool. THANK GOD FOR HARBOR FRIEGHT TOOLS! In my dream world I have top-of-the-line everything, including a Fordham flex shaft. But, reality (and my wallet) dictate that I start with something a bit more affordable, like a Dremel 300 with flex shaft attachment. Fordham systems start around $300.00 and are worth every penny. BUT, if you are a newbie like me and can't afford that I highly recommend the Dremel set, which costs about $100.00 for the Dremel and the flex shaft.

What's the big deal about flex shafts you ask? Well, if you want to work with metal sheet, this opens an entirely new door for cutting, drilling, polishing and grinding. The small size and flexibility of the shaft allows you to work much closer, and the feel in the hand is great. Separating the powersource (the Dremel) from the shaft keeps things cooler as well. I rigged a hanger for the Dremel from a coat hanger and a clamp. Dremel offers a hanger system, just haven't bought it yet. Another $20.00 or so.

The Fordham system is operated by a foot pedal to power the motor for ultimate control of speed and I really, really wanted that but didn't think Dremel offered it. WRONG. Found a foot pedal for a Dremel on Amazon for under $20.00. Just ordered that bad-boy today. So, for under $150.00 I have a system that I think will really boost my productivity and creativity. I still want the Fordham, and someday I'll get one (when I am a famous jewelry designer....really), but for now this is a HUGE step up for me. I have been using my husband's ancient Dremel (much to his dismay) that was battery operated. I've burned through three batteries to date. The 300 is corded and multi-speed, hooray!

Now, on to the drill press. I use copper and brass tubing for all sorts of things and always have trouble drilling it. I also sometimes want to drill large holes in sheet metal and have been struggling with that as well. NOT ANYMORE! I got a great drill press for $40.00 (yes, I said FOURTY DOLLARS) at Harbor Frieght Tools. Drills pipe like BUTTER. What a time saver.

Who knew I'd get so excited about TOOLS. I am not a mechanical person--most power tools scare me to death--death being the operative word here. When faced with most power tools I can clearly imagine the grisly end I will no doubt meet as I attempt to use them. BUT, I'm proud to say that I have overcome most of my demons and now really enjoy using these tools.

Hey, if I can do it so can you. Google is your friend, and there are tons of great websites and YouTube videos to guide and advise you.

ATTENTION ALL METAL-HEADS!

I have been fumbling my way through teaching myself basic metal work. Many of my designs feature copper tube bezels I cut myself and lots of hammered and textured brass. I love textured metals. I've recently discovered shibuichi, or cast sterling silver. The patterns and textures you can achieve are just amazing. Same with reticulation--heating metal to the point the surface actually flows and changes, leaving behind amazing textures. I am NOWHERE near skilled enough to actually attempt these techniques myself and have simply been admiring from afar. Mokume gane--the blending of copper and sterling (or gold and sterling) into gorgeous patterns....sigh. Delicious. All these techniques are ancient in origin, many originated in Japan. Someday....

So, imagine my DELIGHT and SURPRISE to discover Reactive Metals online!!! My dreams are here! Now I can purchase shibuichi, mokume gane, and shakudo SHEETS!!! Are they expensive? YES! Are they worth it? YES! This site also carries all the tools and supplies needed for metal work as well as books, CDs and tutorials. They offer great information on patina techniques using these sheets (can you imagine?!?!?) as well as some traditional Japanese patinas I've not seen anywhere else. What a great site.

As soon as the piggy-bank is a bit fatter, I will be investing in some fantastic metals here. Take a look...and prepare to lighten your wallet. So hard to resist!!! I've included an image here of just a sample of the sterling sheet you can buy...love the sea urchin textured one. If you do invest in these sheets, let me know. I'd love to see what you create...