Showing posts with label newies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newies. Show all posts

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A few newies..

Something new for summer! I've been wanting to combine leather and metal, and here is my first offering. Another first for me in this bracelet is the PMC butterfly.

For those of you who don't know, PMC stands for Precious Metal Clay. When fired, it turns into solid .999 fine silver. I've been having a lot of fun playing with it and trying to get to know it better. It can be a little finicky, likes to be handled just right, but I think I am starting to get the hang of it.

I've made a couple more pieces using PMC....


I was able to combine the fine silver pieces with sterling in both of these pieces...I read somewhere that you either hate PMC, or love it, and I would have to say I LOVE it!!! So expensive though...but aren't all precious metals these days? So, as you can see, I am experimenting with textures, and am really loving it.

I am forcing myself to try something new....I am usually bothered greatly by lack of symmetry in my designs, I like everything to be just so....but there is beauty in imperfection...after all, nothing is perfect is it? It is a lesson for me in letting go, creating without constraint, so... Viva la Rustica! I'm hoping to create some additional rustic designs, as you can see, I'm starting out very simply....

The butterfly bracelet, and both of the little heart rings have my "rustic" elements in them...well, rustic for me anyway....:)

And because I can't step too far away from refined, I also made this beauty...

Featuring a vintage West German plastic cab that I coated in resin for durability and shine. I'm also loving the double band on the ring shank. I just love the pattern in this cab... I have several other vintage cabs that I have plans for if I can ever get around to it!


Lastly, a custom order. I had a lovely customer request my Sleeping Beauty's Rose Wreath ring with roses on the band. Truth be told, it scared me a little to attempt it, but was so glad I did! The band turned out beautifully, and I am thankful to my customer for suggesting it, I just may have to incorporate the idea into other designs!

Everything will be listed in the shop as time permits. Right now, I have housework that needs to be done.

The first official day of summer was just this week, but we have been enduring 100 + degree days here for a couple of weeks. I am having a hard time adjusting to the heat. I always do. I've been tired, lethargic, wanting to do nothing but sit in a dark cool room....It's hard to want to play with fire when it is already so hot.

I've been on a tv watching jag as a result, and have been catching up on episodes of Little People Big World that I recorded last November! I love that show. After the Jon & Kate debacle, I have had a hard time watching anything on TLC...but I love the Roloff's...I hope they stay the same great family they have always been.

I've also been watching The Big Bang Theory.. Have you guys seen this show? I love it..smart, funny, Star Trek references, what more could I ask for? ;)

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I plan on playing more with leather and PMC, spending endless hours with the girls at the pool, and trying to stay cool!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Snowflake Earrings


Sterling silver filigree on solid sterling disc, featuring Swiss Blue Topaz.

I'm still trying to figure out a good way to take pictures of the earrings hanging. I like the weathered wood look, but I think my fence is a little too weathered. The gray is too close to the color of the silver.

I am totally in love with these snowflake earrings though. Will you just look at that Topaz? A beautiful color!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

New Earrings!


My first pair of sterling silver earrings with bezel set stones!!!!!! That's it, I'm totally hooked. I had so much fun making these, and I am in love with them. I love, love, love Carnelian. It is a gorgeous orangy, reddy, browny color.

I took a few quick pictures this morning because I was dying to share. I haven't decided what will become of these yet, they may end up in the shop, or I may keep them for myself.

I already have a few more designs I'm working on with bezel set stones. So much fun!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Cranberries


I really didn't want to do holiday themed jewelry per se, but these have a distinct winter/holiday feel to them. I am so pleased with how they turned out. I fired the silver in my torch until I could see it just starting to melt, and then stamped on the floral motif. After oxidizing and polishing, the texture left on the silver is beautiful. Very antiqued. And the garnets, don't they look just like cranberries?
Matching necklace coming soon!