That Ridiculous Blue Pendant

Actually it's really nice, now that it's finally finished- see?

Available here!

I tried to work out a few different sized filigree pieces for the rounded back. Since it's not a flat back, that was actually a challenge to round over perfectly. A few banged up pieces later, it looks pretty good. Lesson learned- take the stone out, and bang that metal into submission! (carefully and gently, so you don't mar the pattern.)

 Then a manufactured bail was too awkward, and the wrong color. A wirewrap job was nice and tight, but small and insignificant against such a dramatic crystal. So, I put it away, away for another day. It was in my "for sale" box. But, I didn't put it out on my table for sale, and I didn't list it online. See, I was sort of embarrassed by it's awkwardness.

Today, I realized that my shop on Etsy is getting pretty thin, what do I have made already to beef up the inventory? Well, this thing is floating around, but I'm NOT proud of it. Why is that?

So I pulled out some filigree, and tried to add it, and cut it up, and add some more, and cut that off and trim it down..... you know what! I finally like it! I hope the darn thing sells!

Showing the Process-Copper Pipe Pendants- Part 1

It was recommended that I make something to show how much work it takes to make my little pendants. This isn't really a tutorial- just kind of show and tell, in action in the shop

Cutting pipe- about 30 turns goes through the copper pipe.

Some etching went right, but it needs to show up more.

Lined up, like ducks in a row!

Polishing with the Foredom.

20 gauge wires, cut about 3 inches.

This is my butane torch. Not my favorite, I prefer the oxygen, but it needs new lines.

Making headpins.

Painted with fire.

Punching the hole for the bail. takes loads of hand strength.

All of that work- and the copper pipe bezels are just about ready to fill. This was a longer show and tell then I expected! See the finished product here:Pendants

When you Drop a Jar of Peanut Butter

Just in case, the jar isn't attached to it's lids, and you happen to drop a jar of Cashew Butter... remember that a decent amount of Dawn Dish Detergent will break up the grease and renew your clothes and kitchen to it's former glory. It worked on the marble  tiles, old painted cabinets, painted popcorn ceiling, socks and yoga pants. The tee shirt is going through "phase 2 of the washing process again.

(If your kitchen's former glory includes 70's Formica counter tops, That is the previous glory I'm referring, sorry!The Dawn will not upgrade you to modern Formica counters!)

I have no advice if you or your children are uncoordinated, just know you are not alone!

Copper and Filigree Together

I wanted the copper projects to be a bit more fancy: More finished and polished. Maybe I'll make a more grungy version later- keep your eyes peeled! (do people even say that any more? or make banana references?)

Well, I still have a few filigree things floating around. So, I married them together. The copper projects are a huge endeavor. So I need to set-up some baby sitting, before I can make more. Little fingers in the resin- really, REALLY bad.

In the shop here

Hooray for Hardware Store Jewelry!!

Perseverance

Perseverance

Well, I kept pushing for this project to turn out, and it finally did! So, on this super sunny day, I got a few pictures made.  Now, I can share with you the final product, that made me so crazy!

Copper pipe pendant with gold sparkles, red pearl, and azurite beads embedded. 

This copper pipe pendant has blue sparkles and freshwater pearls, with a red Swarovski bicone crystal. (SOLD)

This pendant has the addition of a Swarovski Fire Opal crystal it matches so beautifully. Pearls are embedded and one Moss Agate. (AVAILABLE)

Imagine if I threw in the towel? The trick was the resin actually had to be measured with a syringe, the measurements had to be PRECISE! I think weather might affect it as well. Too Humid!

I also started making my own earring hooks, so a few more earring options are now available.

Now, if only I could take a decent picture, I assure you these are super fabulous in person! 

The new Morning Pages

"tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it." Miss Stacey.

Well, it is a rocky start. Today's morning pages looked a lot like this;

Let's hope Miss Stacey is right, those earrings won't make them selves.

New Year"s 2015

Morning pages go great in a fresh clean journal! I happen to make those:)

Happy 2015 everyone! I am one of those weird people that actually likes making and keeping New Year's resolutions. Right? What a strange duck.... because I have actually had some moderate success at keeping resolutions. You see, they help me evolve, grow up and continue to move forward. Some resolutions I have kept in the past- eat 2 vegetables a day, lose 15, 20, 70 pounds, drink my water, and create every week.

 I find that putting a system in place, pretty much takes care of the resolution as I life my life. I joined a veggie box program- it got me introduced to new and exciting veggies- until I could recognize them at the grocery/farmer's market. I like to garden, but it is hard keeping the kids from digging everything up. I figured out that I don't lose weight while eating sugar. I used to count calories, but it only got me through the first 30 pounds or so. I found a meal plan that works for me. LOTS of cooking, though. As long as I eat what I'm supposed to, I meet my weight goals at a steady pace. Only 30 pounds to my Ultimate Final Goal! I drink my water, because I bout a cute 24 ounce cup- I just fill it up 3 times a day, and usually one of those has straight lemon juice in it.

The resolution that got away from me: keeping up with morning pages. I made it about 3 months, then I adjusted my schedule to 2 days a week, and I found that sustainable for a few more months. But I simply petered off. Having young kids at home makes it almost impossible to do morning pages. If you don't know where your next sleep is coming from.... well, coffee is WAY more important in the mornings.

One of the ways that I feel helps me with success, small attainable goals. Value the little progress that you are making. Little jumps and starts are helpful. I do value morning pages- they help me filter, set goals for myself and plan future projects. This last year I planned over 20 projects out on paper. I think that I got frustrated because I never had the time to actually create and experiment with all the new ideas.

Enter Epiphany:
1) Morning pages making you frustrated= definitely going to quit!

2) Maybe I don't have to use the time actually writing! inspired by Dirty Footprints Studio. She is a painter, not really a jeweler, but the creative process is still there.

3) It is totally okay to start again! (I also make birthday resolutions)

You see, what if I steal the same 20 minutes with my coffee, and actually take those few minutes and create instead? It might be more satisfying.

Enter my new New Year's resolution- spend time in the studio every day- even with an egg timer, even bleary eyed with my coffee. See F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote:

For what it's worth: it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over again. So now it's simply time to start again, and have the courage to change. so, take stock, are you, being the best you?