thoughts of spring…

this ring is currently featured in 17 etsy treasuries!! wow! i feel really honored to be included – it’s such an awesome feeling to know that others enjoy what you’re doing, ya know? so i started to wonder “why this ring”? i don’t know what’s going on in your neck of the woods but this winter has been BRUTAL over here. a record amount of snow, roofs collapsing because of the weight, snow day after snow day after snow day…… (today’s another one, in fact!). i think everyone’s thoughts are turning to spring and rightly so!!

so what says ‘spring’ to you? is it a color? a scent? let’s share some happy thoughts about warmer times to come!

New website!!

Okay, first I'll start with my momentary lack of intelligence. I've written about three post since the last one.......where are they, you ask? On a draft blog I created with the intention of selling my charm necklaces. Fat lotta good that does you, right?

Long story (previously told to an audience of ZERO), the blog wasn't going to work out so I created a new website (yay, me!). My custom charm necklaces can now be purchased online at http://www.bonhomiejewelry.com/. At some point in time, I may move my blog over there but since I've just cleaned up my side bar - go ahead and look - I'll hang out here for a little bit. You'll notice that the top of my sidebar now features a permanent link to my Bonhomie Charms site. Well, what else? ;-)

And in other news........I've been giving some serious thought to my fall wardrobe. Jewelry design comes naturally to me but I can't put together an outfit to save my life! I admit with no shame a bit of shame that I've been checking out the Who.What.Wear videos to figure it all out. While deciding on my 'fall look' (which I'll probably never achieve - who has the time to go shopping!?!?!) I'm realizing that I'd like my jewelry to be a bit simpler than my most recent Couleurs line - though that line will work with some of my imagined fall outfits (I LOVE that line!!!). Mind you, simple doesn't mean lack-of-statement. At least not to me. So here's what I'm thinking:



My "Pebbles" collection - organic, natural, makes a statement without over-powering. Stack the rings, wear them alone.........I'm also going to add at least one necklace and maybe a bracelet. Speaking of bracelets, I've got some copper bangles in mind for the fall, too! So much to do!

So pop over to my new site, let me know what you think and give me some feedback on this new line - like, hate, don't care.......?? Either way, lemme have it!

Wish List

Now that I have some dedicated space to work on my jewelry, I'm finding even more of a desire to improve my skills and learn new techniques. And of course, new skills require new tools so I've begun a wish list ;-) Now, I'm not talking major tools - actually, the tools on my list I would guess most would consider a necessity and are quite reasonable. So I'll share with you:

I'd like a bench pin and a ring holder. I haven't done much stone setting as of late but I want to work on my bezel skills. These tools will make the job much easier. And of course I'll need a bezel roller!

Next on my list is a rotary tumbler. I'm becoming quite good at polishing with my rotary tool but a tumbler will also work harden my pieces. Good for smaller items like ear wires and post earrings.

I really need a Doming Block and Punch set. This should be at the top of my list and will make it a bit easier to create my spinner rings.

Last on my list (at the moment!!) is a Punch & Die Kit. Currently I'm cutting my shapes with what I believe are 20-year-old tin snips - not fun!! Granted, not everything I need to cut is a circle and I do have a jewelers saw (at which I'm not yet proficient!!) but this will certainly help!

So what's on your wish list?? What tool can't you live without? Share with me so I can add to my list ;-)