I Love It When I Teach Myself Something NEW!

Ever get an idea in your head, think about it and think about it, and then finally you just have to try it? This ring has been in my mind for ages, and I am so glad it came together like in my dreams! I taught myself flush setting ( also known as gypsy setting) a while back, after much practice and research. I love finding new ways to incorporate this technique into my designs. I completely fabricated this ring from scratch - it was not cast! I love how modern and chic it turned out. I will definitely be creating more rings like this, now that I've come up with a "method". 

LINEAR - Unisex Ring ( with champagne Diamond)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24397148

This is another new piece in my shop today. I'm really digging these Botswana Agates right now. There is such a glossy high dome on them, and the colours are incredible! 

OF THE EARTH - Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=24397588

Nature Inspires Yet Again!

I've listed two more new pieces that have been inspired by nature :-) The first reminded me of a trip I took to the Dominican Republic a few years back. The ocean was so blue, like you can only get in the Caribbean, it was almost surreal. The beaches were filled with white sand, soo powder soft it was like baby powder, and rarely was a pebble or stone found. 

My inspiration :

( This was on a super windy day. That was an incredible ship wreck right out front in view from where I stayed. Honestly, the photo doesn't do justice to the colour of that water.)

CARIBBEAN MOMENT

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24285792

My next piece is named BACKYARD. I have warm memories of summer sunday mornings, waking up to the sound of church bells chiming (I grew up next door to a church, and in the summers they opened the doors and windows) My brother and I would scramble to get outside and play, so early that sometimes the grass was still covered in dew. The glossy green blue in this turquoise reminds me of the lawn in our backyard, with tiny flowers growing along the fence :-)

BACKYARD

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24285474

I am very thankful to live in a city with such inspiration and I am grateful that the jewellery I have been making has brought many good memories forth :-) 

Although - I wouldn't mind going on another tropical getaway for more creative exploration ;-P

A little shout out!

:-)

More gorgeousness - Hello Turquoise!

Although I have always been a Turquoise lover ( and addict!) I've been working with it more and more as the summer promises to come. There is something so perfect about turquoise & silver on a sunny day, or at a warm summer night soiree.  I will be adding these beauties to the shop shortly and will edit to add the links as soon as I do :-)

VALLEY TEARS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24237691

Isnt the depth and colour in these turquoise stones stunning ?? I love the little hints of green and blue.

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TINY FIGS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24237322

In Vancouver in the late summer the fig trees bloom, and there are bright green pods hanging from trees everywhere. These green turquoise teardrops look just like them before they turn dark and drop to the earth!

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BREAK FREE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24237537

My dad recently gave me some of his punches. They had been in his possession forever, and all had hand sculpted tips. I am lucky enough to have them now, and to have such a crafty dad! I used my fave punch, it leaves the impression of a little crescent shaped dimple, on the silver pebbles in this piece. I named it Break Free, because I felt that the pink faceted amethyst needed to venture out on its own, and be slightly independent of the turquoise and sterling.

I also took two hammers over to my dad for grinding. I had a really old (older than me therefor OLD)  texturing hammer that he gave me when I first started smithing and a brand new dainty lil riveting hammer. He gave me a nice round point on the older hammer (for dimpling! ) and brought the wide end of my riveting hammer to more of a point ( for lines and cross hatching) Thanks Dad! 

Now off to check and see if the postman brought me a mailbox full of goodies (I hope!!) 

Later Gators! ( gearing up for seeing gators in New Orleans!)

Smiles and Sunshine!

The sun is shining here in Vancouver, and the weather has perked up a bit temperature wise - finally. After the most miserable, cold, snowstormy winter it really has boosted my mood to see some sun! I posted a while back about a custom ring I did for a dear friend of mine, she loved it, and wanted more where it came from. I am really proud of this set, the little marquise stones were buggers to set, and I soldered, and re-soldered until I had them set at perfect angles. They fit together just like a puzzle and the colour of the emeralds really pops against her skin!

She really loved them, and couldn't stop smiling at them today when I gave them to her. Nothing makes me feel better as an artist to give someone that feeling. I hope all my pretties make their owner smile when worn :-)

I also added these cuties to the shop this morning. I am head over heals for the colour in these matching turquoise stones. Wouldn't they be perfectly matched with a summer white sundress, big oversized shades, while sitting near the beach, icy drink in hand ??

SUMMER BREEZE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24158791

Oh and I totally forgot I added these darlings yesterday! They are made from beach glass and I fabricated the prongs from scratch - what do you think ?

DAY AT THE BEACH - Studs in Soft White

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24142732

I have tones of these lovely sea glass pebbles in chocolate brown, soft aqua, deep aqua, green and white.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! Don't forget with any two purchases you choose a free pair of earrings ( up to a value of $22!)

HUGE Shop Update - Done!

Phew! Im drained and its only 10:43 am - the worst part - I still have to work a full closing shift tonight (EWWW!)

I finally completed a rather large shop update, complete with 32 new nose studs and a tone of rings. I still have more items to come, but those will be tomorrow. I have a TON of new stones that should be arriving here any day - and I already have ideas ready to go for them when they do get here!

In other fabulous news, our trip to NOLA is booked! I had posted a while back that the trip was indefinitely cancelled due to Dan and I not being able to get the same time off, however, we found a pocket at the end of May beginning of June when we could go so we jumped on it! I am so excited to visit with Dan's sister and her hubby, and since I've never even been close to New Orleans, I can't wait to take it all in! We leave April 23rd and come home June 3rd - that 10 whole days!!! I've never even been able to go on vacation for that long! For any out there who have any good tips for things to do while we are there - please let me know!

Ok on to some new pretties!

RUGGED ROSE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24081584

ROYAL

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24082246

SAUCER - Snow White

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=24082534

MATRIX

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24083091

SAUCER - Icy Blue

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=24083284

POND LIFE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=24083797

In the Works!

I had all these ideas drawn out on paper for days, and the motivation just wasn't there. I had started a few projects here and there - but the solder just wasn't flowing yesterday, so I stepped away and came back at it tonight. I will be doing a huge shop update very soon with all these new goodies, but I thought I'd post a teaser pic of them in the works! I will be finishing up and posted 6 new rings tomorrow after I get home from work, as well as 2 new nose studs! 

For now anyways...

Its poorly lit I know, however it was taken at 11pm! A couple of the rings have the stones set, and need a final polish, while others need some more time in the pickle pool. I've hit a wide range of styles, so hopefully they are snatched up soon and some sales come in!

Blogging from my new MAC!!

So yesterday was an amazing day! The sun shone, it was a little

 warmer out, and I spend most of the day with my mom. I started the day by scoring sweet tickets to AC/DC which is only of the only bands I listen to that is still together ( other faves are Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Guns n Roses - well you get the point)

My day got even better when I went and got my BRAND SPANKING NEW MAC NOTEBOOK!!! I've been wanting this soooo badly and now I finally have it! My sweet little toshiba pc laptop didnt owe me anything, she was 4 years old and I will still use her as backup. Im so excited because there is a camera right in my screen so that means more video blogs! ( If I can ever get past my vanity over how awefull i look on video)

I was then suprised with getting a very early birthday present from mom - a new pair of Seven jeans ( Im not even gonna talk about how pricey these jeans are but boy they make even my bum look amazing!) She said I needed them now, which is true because I was wearing the rattiest pair when she said that hahaha.

Its been a busy weekend away from working, which is kinda nice. I didnt touch a thing on my desk yesterday, which is RARE. I did manage to sell this sweet necklace, which I have always loved! I'm happy it is heading to a good home tomorrow :

This MAC thing is sooooo different from a pc, normally learning a new computer in itself is a challenge - but this is going to take some patience!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend - and all your sales were successful!

I was gonna introduce some new pretties this weekend, but it will probably be tonight and tomorrow now!

Thunnnnnnder!

Breaking News! I got tickets to AC/DC!!! Hehe - Ok so its exciting for me! They've come to town twice in the last 10 years and I missed them both times - but not this time! Im going with 3 other buddies and we are all pumped - can't wait for August 29th!!

In honour of my fave AC/DC song :

big Big BIG Sale This Weekend!

I'm having the biggst sale I've ever offered in my shop this weekend! The sale will run Friday April 17th through Sunday April 19th.

All items are buy 2 and choose a free pair of earrings (up to a value of $22!!) Just leave your choice in the notes to seller - choose from 15 different styles!!

All individual pieces prices $100+ will automatically get free shipping - Worldwide!

My next big sale likely wont be until my birthday ( June 10th) so if you are waiting for a good time to buy - nows the time!

Remember when we were young?

You shone like the sun! ( love that song - Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamonds)

I have no new items today, but a bunch in the works for tomorrow and saturday hehe

Just for the hell of it - a fun pic of me! ( I am 3 here)

Just Breathe

I love this song, it came out when I was going through a difficult time, with a difficult guy. Everytime I feel a little down, this reminds me that I could still be where I was :-)

Shimmer and Sparkle!

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend! It was my little brother's 23 birthday so we had birthday dinner instead of a traditional Easter Dinner (which I was happy about, I don't eat ham, and Turkey doesnt like me) So we had(by request from Jason) Beef Dip with Au Jus, Caeser Salad and cheesy potatoes - soooooo not healthy but so yummy! Then for dessert we had raspberry rhubarb pie, and it was divine!

I was lucky enough to be featured in the Etsy Storque this weekend, and did gain a couple sales from it, and many hearts. But I also supported 2 of my fave metal peeps - Lisa and Carolyn in their sales! I cannot wait to get my earrings/spinner girls!!!

Finally, a couple pics of some new designs.

These are fun and summery, with a pop of colour!

CANDY STACKERS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23621555

PEARLIZED - Hoops

(just a subtle hint of ivory/gold shimmer in these, perfect for everyday!)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=23622101

Happy Bubbles

I've added another permanent addition to my line : Bubble Studs! These are the first 2 pairs - I've stamped,domed,oxidized and then brushed them.

FIRE AND RAIN - Bubble Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23465979

QUEENIE - Bubble Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23465818

These are priced very affordably, and I think they are the cutest everyday earrings!

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Don't forget, this weekend only! Spend $50 in shop and get a free pair of WEE CURLS in your choice (sterling or 14k goldfilled) Spend $100 - get two!

Etsy Finds: Great Values with Moms in Mind

How excited was I this morning when I saw that I was featured in Etsy's Weekend Deals email!! I nearly jumped out of my chair ( Dan thought I was losing it Im sure...)

Check it out!!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-great-values-with-moms-in-mind-3757/

Every purchase of $50 or more gets a free pair of WEE CURLS - in Sterling or 14k Goldfilled! Spend $100 - get two pairs! just leave your preference in the notes to seller!

Happy Easter SALE!

I'm having a fun little sale for easter weekend! Spend $50 in my shop and get your choice of Sterling Silver or 14k Goldfille WE CURLS!! That means you spend $100, and get two pairs!

Gotta love lifes little bonuses :-)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23253793

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23241193

HAPPY EASTER - hope the bunny is good to you all! I will be creating all weekend!

A Few New...And a Few Thoughts

I've got a couple new pretties to show you all! I've also been thinking alot, about my dream of one day quitting my crap job and working from home full time. I say "dream" because I often doubt I can make it there. I want nothing more than to bring enough money in to pay for the car/rent/groceries/insurance etc from jewellery sales. While I feel blessed with selling the items I do sell now, I push myself to work harder towards my goal. Sometimes I wonder if I put too much pressure on myself ? But then again, If I am serious about being a business owner, like I am, then I always need to strive for better. It can be so hard not to compare myself to other jewellery sellers ( like some of you wonderfull ladies who read my blog! Hi Lisa! Hi Care! Hi Candace! Hi ALL!). It's a struggle wanting to do well, and knowing that because of my location I often can't get my hands on many of the goodies I would like to ( darn you customs, duty, shipping charges etc)

I know inside I shouldn't concentrate on what others have, and focus on my own store ( which I always try) but sometimes it gets the better of me, and I get a little envious streak. I find I especially think this when my day job is particularly miserable ( im sure some of you rememeber reading about some situations I've been dealing with)It makes me so badly want to be my own comander in chief!

Do any of you out there ever deal with this ? I tell myself to focus on new ideas, and throw myself into my work. Hopefully my passion, and comitment to my art shows through my work.

Anyways, enough boring you all. I just feel that honesty and writing freely sometimes sets you free, and helps you rid/ease the thoughts you struggle with.

On to the new pretties!!

INTO THE BLUE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23450101

I'd been holding onto this stone forever! I finally decided on a setting that was "worthy" of its beauty lol.

RIPTIDE - Stackers

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23449814

TIGER LILY - Ring

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=13664592

CREEKBED

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23432627

Birds are Chirping...

Ok, so I shouldn't complain right ? I mean, the sun has finally come out from the hideous black cloud which has been this winter, and the little birdies are chirping by my windows in the morning. Here's the problem, so are the big birdies. They aren't making delightful chirping noises either, they are sqwaking! So instead of waking up like sleeping beauty to all her merry little forrest creatures, I am slowly annoyed awake by the constant abrasive sqwaks from the airbeasts outside. Ahh well, at least I am getting a head start on my day!! I did get plenty accomplished today, and I have a bunch of ideas scribbled down for through out the week when I get a moment to work. These are what I have for now to show you :

PARROT

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14067069

Aren't the colours in this Agate amazing!?!?! I opened up the back so that the light could shine through.

POPPY - Ring

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17609134

I riveted this- it spins!

WEE CURLS - Hoops in 14k Goldfilled

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23241193

Just like their sterling cousins! Perfect for everyday, second piercings etc.

Did You Miss Me ?

I've been away from blogging for the last week or so. I've been working on my taxes ( eww) and my shop has slowed to a crawl again so I've been brainstorming. This weekend is the last couple of days for my Free WEE CURLS sale, so hopefully that brings in a couple of sales!

I did finish a custom piece for a lovely lady who had ordered a pair of my POPPY earrings and wanted a bracelet to match. What do you think ?

Each Poppy is hand cut, domed, heat patina, and then riveted to the cuff.

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I also listed this ring today. I ADORE it, and would keep it for myself, but think it deserves to find a good home out there in the world where it wouldnt make my others rings jealous ;-p

MOCHA - Ring Size 7

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23240813

And yet another pair of copper earrings with a heat patina. I just love the rich depth copper gets when heated.

BRICKS - Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23241669

The rest of my weekend will be spent organizing my bench ( got new bins for my tools and stones!) and then working on a few more new ideas! Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!