Getting Picky

The beginning steps to a guitar pick bracelet-  

Sixty Six Bracelets Later

I finished the bracelets I talked about in the previous post! I'll admit it was not easy! My finger tips have yet to recover from handling the metal and sliding the waxed cord knots. I've been applying vitamin E oil repeatedly, which is quite soothing. I hope I don't develop huge calluses on my fingers... well, at least they'll match my unsightly nails!! The sanding did a terrible number on my nails.

So, after all that whining, I'll share with you some pictures of what started as basic pieces of metal and cotton string...

...is now this:

I really like the blue, waxed cotton (reminds me of jeans); I just love it!

All of the little bracelets have been neatly tucked away in cute, shiny, gift bags and ready to be shipped.

Although the project (66 handmade bracelets) was a bit daunting at times, especially when I would need to restart a piece because of an engraving error (this happened quite a few times because of a little mishap with my engraving machine. Although it set me back a bit, I powered through and was successful in completing the project without being overwhelmed. And I have to say, at the end of a project like this, I always feel happy to have given my all.

Awesome Shell Fragment

While spending a fun filled day at the beach with family, I found this beautiful seashell fragment!

What I love about it is that it's only a sliver of the clam shell which inspires me to make a necklace; I haven't started the work yet, but I think I will keep the design simple in keeping with the clean lines of the shell itself.  

Not sure if I will make it out of copper and silver combo or perhaps I'll go with brass and gold filled ...  Still mulling that over...  I will add the progress to my blog.

**We welcome customs orders.  If you have a vision and would like your stone, wood, shell or other turned into a piece of jewelry for you or for a gift, please contact us.

Finished, White Oak Leaf Pendant with Cab

Here is the final result of the White Oak Leaf Pendant I was working on.  I made a cab from a piece of White Oak which I formed and covered in epoxy to protect it from water.  

I made the leaf out of copper sheet and sweat soldered it to a plate of sterling silver.  

The pendant measures 1-1/2″ x 1/2″.

Order your custom jewelry design here.

Acorn Pendant With Oak Tree Remnant

I designed this little acorn to dangle along with an Oak Leaf Pendant I made.  

I made it so that it sits flat.  The whole thing is made of copper sheet which

was cut, formed, textured and soldered together.  

The best way to form a ball shape is with a dapping punch, a block and a hammer.

The wooden bead I made from a piece of an Old Oak Tree.  

I drilled a whole through the wood and through the copper cap (this step is not in the photographs).

Oak Leaf Pendant in Progress

I am working on another custom order necklace:  Oak leaf pendant on chain. 

I made a template of a leaf, traced it on copper sheet and cut it out, sanded and shaped it.

I love the look of the leaf as it is (the finish I mean).  I achieved this by annealing and lightly sanding the leaf.  Unfortunately, I will not be keeping the look for this project.  We're going for something much cleaner and shinier.  You'll need to stay tuned for the end results!

After doing all of this work, I realized I had to make the smaller version of the leaf... and I needed to cut down the size.  Not a big deal, but it gave me a bit more work.  

I'll have to post the smaller leaf so you can see the new, smaller version.

Happy Crafting all!

Beautiful Amazonite Stone

I love the gorgeous, cool, aqua shades of the Amazonite Stone.  I don't know about you, but I find Amazonite to be a lovely stone to show off with spring and summer apparel.

See more handmade jewelry with lovely stones here.

Custom Made Jewelry for Your Wedding Day

It's always nice to be able to find an artisan to make a custom jewelry set, including a tiara for your wedding day!  Having custom jewelry really personalizes your bridal jewelry without mentioning how your set would be unique to your personality.  In fact the jewelry set is so personalized, it could even be named after you.

Ask about our one of a kind jewelry.  We would be happy to design something specifically for you! Our designs vary from fancy pearls, to crystals, to gemstones and quality metals.  We can accommodate all budgets.  Email us for more information.

Thinking Outside the Box

A client wanted me to make two very special rings with some pieces of White Oak found on her husband's family's farmland.  I had never worked with wood for a cabochon before, and so I felt this would be an interesting little project.  Have any of you worked with wood in a jewelry application before?

I tested a piece of the wood with poly and I liked the beautiful dark grain it brought out, but I decided to go with resin epoxy instead because I really needed to ensure the wood would be completely sealed in order to protect it from water.  Nothing is more annoying than removing a ring every time you wash you hands!  Did you ever have one of those rings?

The raw bark all around the wood piece really adds to the overall rustic look!  Personally, I love textures, and these rings are a beautiful combination of textures: the lovely lines of the wood grain contrasting with the jagged edges of the bark against the smooth, shiny silver of the metal!  

As per my clients request, I made both rings so that they're adjustable in size because she wants to be able to wear them on different fingers; such a clever idea!

I've learned one important lesson with this project:  Jewelry is not limited to stones, pearls and beach glass; any material can be used to make jewelry!  The key is to think outside the box! Do you have an original idea for a jewelry piece?  We'd love to hear it.  Please share in the comment box.