Learn How to Make Awesome Jewelry with this Book

This is one of my favorite jewelry making books!  I wouldn't say this is for the beginner though.  I feel that you need a certain basic knowledge of jewelry making before jumping into this book.  I felt it was somewhat advanced.  What I really like with the book is that it has helped me grow as a jewelry artisan.  Through clear photographs and varying techniques, I have learned to push the borders of my designs. I would highly recommend this book!

What Are Crystals

I love stones for their beauty and how each one is unique compared to the other. Crystals are no exception; they are so special in the way that they are formed. Crystal formation is actually referred to as "growing." Since this fascinates and intrigues me, I have decided to research the subject and share my findings with you on my blog.

The first question I will address is "what is a crystal?"

In my research I discovered that it all comes down to atoms and molecules. Simply put, crystals are organized groups of atoms and molecules. When these atoms come together in an organized manner, in a repeated pattern, it's considered a crystal.  The shape and the color of the crystal depend on how the atoms and molecules are placed (they sort of are like the building blocks of the crystal).  These beautiful clusters of repeated patterns are what make crystals so attractive and pretty.   But they're not all about looks. Crystals are a marvel of nature because of  their underlying, complex, mathematical patterns which intrigue scientists to this day.

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How do they grow?

The chemical composition, temperature, pressure and space will all affect how crystals grow.  Basically, in the right environment, crystals grow by adding molecules to their surface, layer over layer.

Types of Crystals-

There are many types of crystals, for instance, salt, sugar and snowflakes are fascinating examples of crystals.

The rock crystal (clear quartz) is what has captured my attention at this point because not only is it beautiful, it is the most common mineral and has so many applications (in the above photograph, see crystal points cut from a raw crystal chunk which I made into pendants for a customer).  For instance, the watch you're wearing probably conceals tiny quartz crystals (used for accuracy); of course jewelry is a very popular venue for quartz crystal (often used to imitate diamonds); it also has many applications in the roadway system and building materials.

How to grow your own crystal points?

You read right!  You can actually grow your own crystal.  I found these awesome science kits with instructions and all the necessary materials so that you might create the perfect environment to grow your own crystals.

Crystal Pendants

I always enjoy custom orders because they force me to think outside the box and that's when the best ideas come. One of my clients brought me some lovely, Crystal point Clusters of various sizes so that I would make pendants for her grand daughters. When I sat at the bench and began cutting to separate some of the nicer Crystal points, the clusters fell apart leaving me with many little Crystal pieces. At first, I was a bit frustrated because things were not going too well with the project. But after some pondering, I came up with the idea of making little, sterling silver flowers with Crystal Clusters as the flower centers. I used Resin Epoxy for this design. I suggested making a different flower for each grand daughter and I personalized it by engraving the back with each one's initial. My client was very pleased with the end result! It's funny how custom orders push the borders of creativity and enables you to create something new and unique. I will be growing on the idea of this design for some of my future designs. I'm already working on something interesting and can't wait to share!

Black Friday, Cyber Monday Sale

Whenever you see a handmade item on sale, know that this is a big deal-

Why do I say this?  Because artisans are usually a one man show.  You get to see the finished product which doesn’t always seem like a big deal because they seem to make it look like it’s so easy, but the fact is that the finished product is the result of many, many steps.  This is without mentioning the costs for material and all of the time put into design, sketching, measuring, choosing the right materials, putting the finishing touches (that’s a large part), taking pictures, writing up a listing in order to put it for sale, thinking of and purchasing packaging, paying for  the costs of running your own studio (electricity, heating, lights, etc…), and taking the time to advertise it on the web…  Ouff!!  I’m out of breath!!  There’s a lot involved when you’re an artisan!

Support artisans in your community, buy handmade!  :)

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Pocket Vase or Wall Vase

Gorgeous, fused glass wall vase or pocket vase is perfect for welcoming your visitors and friends when they enter your home.  Add your favorite dried flower arrangement or add some beautiful colored, fresh flowers; the vase holds water.

Gold, Post Earrings are Featured!

Shimmering, flecks of copper, wrapped in a swirl of gold wire - post earrings!

I am so please that my little, gold earrings are featured on this beautiful blog!

The Royal Bangle Bracelet

This little gold and silver bangle reminds me a beautiful crown, and so I decided to name it:  Royal Bangle.  Royal bangle has beautiful, 14 k gold filled, twisted, diamond-shaped with a touch of sterling silver.  Lovely little bangle!

Gold Jade Bangle Bracelet

This awesome, 14 k gold filled bangle with gorgeous green Jade and black crystals will make head turns!  This certainly is an eye catcher ladies!  Want to see more bangles and bracelets? Click here.

New Gift Box Packaging

This is my new gift box - Add jewelry to your gift box-

Featured Item "Trio of Pearls Necklace"

We are featuring this beautiful, 14k gold filled necklace with a lovely, natural pearls in ivory color-