Beth Cyr

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 2.6.12 - Who would you like to see wearing your jewelry?

2012-02-06T10:20:00.004-05:00

This month's Etsymetal blog carnival topic is:
Who would you like to see wearing your jewelry?

I think I'll answer this in a couple ways. The first "person" I would love to see wearing my jewelry would be a total stranger in another state. Like if I were to travel to California and be eating in a restaurant and look over and the person next to me is wearing one of my rings, I think I'd probably be beyond thrilled. How fun would that be?

The other interpretation of the topic, as in, what celebrity would I like to see wearing my jewelry - I would have to say Natalie Portman. If there was a movie made about me/my life and I could pick who would play me, it would be her, so of course I'd love to see her wearing my jewelry! haha!

(insert my earrings here, photo credit)

Make sure to check out the other participating members this month (there are only 3, so no excuses for not reading all of them!)

Maria - fluxplay - http://www.fluxplay.blogspot.com
Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Danielle Miller - http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/

I am an Artist, This does not mean I will work for free.

2012-01-27T13:05:00.005-05:00

"I am an artist" image by PearlEden

I'm generally an easy going person. I get along with most people I meet and do everything I can for my customers. Rarely does someone or something really get to me. Recently I had a transaction that hit me the wrong way. This is my remedy. It was ironic that I saw this image yesterday, in the midst of my issue.

and my response to my situation... some details slightly changed to protect any identities. I know this is a common issue. It is something many artists have faced. But not only artists... many people that run their own businesses put hours and hours in to work that goes unpaid or uncompensated.

I have many absolutely wonderful customers that are fabulous people. Often when asked nicely and respectfully I do what I can to work with budgets or time lines or any other restrictions. I don't want to take away from all the lovely and easy transactions as they far, far, far outweigh the bad.

This is to deepen understanding of what goes in to the cost of a handmade good.

I run a business. It pays my bills, buys my food, buys materials, tools, health insurance and anything else it takes for an average person to live a modest life. I don't take vacations, I don't go out, my car is 15 years old, I save what little I can.

When I make a ring, the cost of the item has to cover EVERYTHING. What is everything? Most costs can be easily overlooked unless you know what it takes to run your own business. This is not a hobby, this is my job. Yes, I like my job, but that doesn't mean I'll do it for free.

The work that goes in to a single piece takes a lot of time in the actual making and everything surrounding it.

I create the wax - I had to buy the wax, buy the tools to work the wax, the alcohol that goes in the lamp, and the lighter I use. It gets put on a sprue base and a flask goes over it. Both of those items had to be purchased. It then gets investment poured over it - which also costs money. It goes in a kiln that burns out overnight - costing electricity, cost of the casting equipment. Not to mention that electricity and other bills, like heat, or firewood that are incurred during the entire process. I use a torch to melt the metal in a crucible. I go through acetylene gas pretty quickly. After the piece is cast there are many many more steps that go in to finishing the ring - most of which include tools or supplies that cost money.

All of this takes time.

And like everyone else who works, I deserve to be paid for my time. I cannot simply work to cover the cost of materials. If I did this, I wouldn't be making a living, it would be a hobby and I would need someone to support me. I wouldn't be able to pay for the internet I use to list my item, the gas it takes to drive to the post office, or the labels I print for shipping.

Again, all of this takes time. When a ring is returned that I cannot resell - I lose money for all that time if I give a full refund. So basically, you asked me to completely work for free, make a custom ring for you how you wanted it, the recipient didn't like the look and wasn't open to me doing anything to change it to make him/her happy, so I'm just out being paid. This is why I feel it is more beneficial to make alterations, I still get paid and I can still produce an item the person wants. It may take a little more of my time that comes at a loss, but it is much less of a loss than the alternative. It feels like a win/win.

Casting metal once degrades it. Each time, new metal has to be used and mixed in with old metal b/c of this. It isn't like that one ring can be melted by itself and turned in to a whole new ring without much more costs adding up.

And the time it takes to communicate all this, not paid.

So as far as your friend doing full refunds, that is great and if that works for his/her business than that is good for them. I can give you many references of other jewelers who do not take returns of custom items at all, much less a offer a partial refund. While I do not feel this is fair, I do feel it is fair for me to be paid for my time and for the supplies that were used. Luckily in 5.5 years of selling etsy, I've only had a few returns (less than 5). I'd prefer to lose a sale than take a return.

My return policy is clearly spelled out on Etsy and hasn't changed in quite a while - directly from my policy page -

RETURNS: If you have a question or concern about an item you are interested in, ask before you buy! If there is an issue after the fact, please by all means, let me know and we can work something out. I stand by the quality of my work but I cannot accept a returned item due to an error on anyone else's part. If I've approved an item for return, please make sure to package it as it was shipped and with insurance. If receiving a refund, one will be given minus shipping costs and a possible restocking fee. Most custom order items are not returnable. Some may be returned with a 10% - 50% restocking fee. It will depend on the style, material and size of the ring.

So hopefully you have a bit better understanding now as to why I feel justified in having a policy that only gives a % refund on a ring I cannot resell. I should still be paid for the time I have spent at each step of the process - from listing the item, computer time in communication, actually making the item from start to finish, general expenses from running a business, packaging and shipping the item, the time until leaving feedback and finishing communication completes the entire transaction.

Regardless, you're not happy, so you got a full refund minus the initial shipping cost (which should have gotten to you by now). The order has been canceled, so it's all taken care of.

all the best,
Beth

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - January topic - if you could live anywhere... where would it be, and why?

2012-01-21T09:37:00.004-05:00

Doesn't this yoga retreat look awesome?

If you could live anywhere... where would it be, and why?

Such an interesting topic! I love watching that show, House Hunters International. The other day I asked my husband if he could live anywhere for a year, where would it be.

My own personal answer... I think somewhere like Bali. Lush, vegetarian friendly, yoga destination, interesting decorative arts... I don't know about long term, but thinking of a place to live for a year, that sounds really lovely!

Long term... I actually really like where I live and I don't know any place I'd rather live right now. It is vegetarian and arts friendly, not too cold in the winter, but we do get snow every once in awhile. It does get hot in the summer.... but that means it doesn't get too cold in the winter! I have an amazing yoga community here that I don't think I could easily find anywhere else. I'm kind of centrally located in the middle of a most of my friends that have moved away. Not close enough to anyone for a short day trip unfortunately, but close enough to be able to make a long weekend trip. And... the cost of living here is pretty low - makes for a great location to make a living selling online!

So, yeah, I'm really happy where I am, but wouldn't mind going to Bali for a year :)

make sure to check out the other participants this month!!

Andes Cruz http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com

Mary Spencer (WATTO) http://www.wattoonline.com/news

Natsuko Hanks http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com

Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - What am I thankful for?

2011-11-20T12:47:00.002-05:00

Such a fabulous topic for this time of year!

A friend of mine asked me to substitute teach for his yoga class. It's a little bit different class than what I've been teaching, or even just the standard beginner class, so I've been doing a bit more preparing than I usually do. I decided I'm going to add a "gratitude" theme to the class - seemed fitting as it will be 2 days before Thanksgiving!

In thinking about what to teach, it has gotten me thinking about all that I have to be thankful/grateful for. All those little things that we usually take for granted every day (or maybe not depending on who you are!) - easeful breath, smooth joint mobility, the ability to bring awareness to all those little things...

I'm thankful to be happy, to have learned tools to work towards greater ease and happiness. I can still get stressed, have a mental melt down and feel unnerved, but I've learned how to move past those things much more quickly. It is kind of subtle, but something I am extremely thankful for.

There is also a huge list of other things of course, love of my sweet heart, amazing friends and family, the best kitty in the world (although most cat owners think that... haha!), my health, a successful business, no debt other than the usual mortgage and student loan (though i am thankful those are both being paid down at an excellent rate!), health, happiness, and my brand new yoga ball that is super fun to sit on while I work. :)

Make sure to check out the other participants this month!

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
Diana Fazio: http://metooiguana.blogspot.com/

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 11.7.11 - Holiday Preview

2011-11-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

This month's EtsyMetal topic is "Holiday Preview".

When I first saw the topic, I thought I might not participate. The past couple years since my business has changed, my approach to the holidays is much different. Considering the vast majority of my orders are "made to order" and I'm usually on a 5 - 6 week turn around... well, most shoppers are too late by the time they notice or get around to thinking about it. I, too, am a late shopper, so I totally understand.

This year, I'm trying to think ahead a little bit. Though I may not end up actually making a lot of new pieces for the holidays, I will be offering a lot of ready to ship items. I often make rings as samples, or exchange out sizes, and end up with a stock of rings that, in theory, wait around until someone comes along and just happens to need that exact width/size/style, etc... Which does happen sometimes.

However, with rings I make as a new design or sample idea... often, not many people ever see them. I even have photographs of most of them! It is the editing and the listing that I never seem to make time for. I wish the photos would magically just directly upload to etsy, perfectly sized and that the descriptions would write themselves.

So this year, I've already started getting to work - taking and editing those photographs and *gasp* actually creating listings! Friday I put up 9 new listings! woohoo! and more will be added every week. Great for me, great for customers who want me to be able to actually ship something the next day (or same day). I also have a lot of earrings, pendants and bracelets just sitting around up to no good. Pieces that would be fabulous for holiday presents!

These items have been listed already:

Diamond Studded Lunar Landscape Pendant

Autumn Leaf Ring

Love Knot w/ 4mm diamond

Argentium Sterling Organic Vine Earrings w/ 14k Gold

And each of these rings will be listed soon!!

Make sure to check out other EtsyMetal members for their holiday previews as well!

Michele Grady Designs
Erin Austin
Cynthia Del Giudice
2Roses
Nodeform
Rebecca Bogan
Panicmama Jewelry
Kate Jones
Evelyn Markasky

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - Favorite season

2011-10-20T11:59:00.001-04:00

The month's blog-o-sphere think tank theme is our favorite season.

This is so easy - Spring! I'm not crazy about the cold, course, I'm not super crazy about the extreme heat either. But the feeling of spring coming alive after it's been cold and dead all winter is intoxicating. I love all the beautiful spring flowers and the days getting longer. The spirea is one of the very first flowers that comes out in my yard in the spring time. It says "Spring is coming, spring is coming!" And it makes me happy. Winter makes me want to hibernate, though because of our society, that isn't generally accepted, when you know, things like work have to happen.

Fall/autumn is a close runner up - the change in season after a long hot summer is so welcome and exciting. But it also means that winter is coming, so it isn't an occasion for joy the way spring time is.

make sure to check out the other participants this month to find out which seasons are their favorites!

Andes Cruz: www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Kathryn Cole: www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com
Natsuko Hanks: www.jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com
Barbara Donovan: www.barbaradonovan.blogspot.com
Diana Fazio www.metooiguana.blogspot.com
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com
WATTO: http://www.wattoonline.com/news

New Shop Name!!

2011-10-18T18:47:00.006-04:00

I am incredibly excited to announce that my original etsy shop - bcyrjewelry - is now just BethCyr! woohooo! When first signing up for etsy back in the day, before I had any cohesive idea of what I was doing, I signed up w/ that name. I've wanted o change it for a long time b/c people seem to never realize that it was supposed to be B. Cyr Jewelry. When to me, it looks like bc yr jewelry or often people would call me "bcy" - what? so, anyway, no more confusion! I also did away w/ the jewelry since I am still selling tshirts and whatever else I feel like. I feel like it is wide open to do with what I want now and it doesn't have the word jewelry attached!! Yayyyyy!!!!!

SALE!

2011-10-18T10:28:00.002-04:00

Pearl and Sterling Drop Earrings

It is EtsyMetal's 5th Anniversary and my birthday (it was yesterday), which are both cause for celebration. Going on now in my regular jewelry shop - all ready to ship items are 17% off (b/c my birthday is the 17th) - enter code ETSYMETAL for the discount when checking out. I will be photographing and adding new items throughout the week, so check back! Feel free to ask me to reserve something for you. Sale ends Saturday Oct 22nd so any reserved items would need to be purchased by then to receive the discount.

For my wedding ring shop - US customers can receive free shipping (no international shipping and % no discount) - entering the same ETSYMETAL code.

Also - be sure to check out all the other shops participating in the EtsyMetal anniversary sale:

discomedusa
metalriot
Inbar
markaplan
Juju By Sarah
Maria Goti
wildflowerdegsigns
AdobeSol
Silentgoddess
Shirlee Grund
Lichen and Lychee
Under Distress Jewelry
Hartleystudio
ReaganHayhurst
Panicmama Jewelry
alisa miller
LaJoailliere
Cynthia Del Giudice
L. Sue Szabo
Erin Austin
Jennifer Lawler
Michele Grady Designs
SimplyAdorning
Victoria Takahashi
NRjewellerydesign
Karla Wheeler Design
QuercusSilver
Kathryn Cole
Ashley Akers Jewelry
Iacua
Sarah Hood Jewelry
Howlindoggie
LivelyHood

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 10.3.11 - Food!

2011-10-03T08:55:00.005-04:00

This month's topic for the EtsyMetal Blog Carnival is Food!

The weather is cooling, Fall cooking season is 'round the corner. Tell us about some of your eating habits, philosophies, favorite foods and share a seasonal recipe!

I thought it might be an easy topic at first... now I'm having way to many ideas! I don't really use recipes, so I can't easily share a favorite. It would turn in to add a little of this and that or if you don't have that, you can use this, etc etc.

An easy thing to start out with is that I'm vegan. I'm not much of a philosophical vegan in that I want to convert anyone or talk about it much. I don't like people questioning how I eat, so I'm not going to tell anyone how they should eat. I can say that I feel incredibly wonderful not eating meat or dairy. I do think that food is medicine and believe that if people were a lot healthier with their diets, there would be far fewer health problems.

Being vegan has also made me so much more creative in the kitchen, which is really fun. Though to be honest, my husband does cook more than I do! We watch a lot of cooking shows and figure out ways of adapting their dishes in to vegan ones. We eat a lot of Indian and Thai (lots of stir fry), Mexican (just started making empanadas), Italian (made some fabulous "meat balls" the other night). Now that it is cooling off too, there are lots of soups I love making. I'm pretty cold-natured, so I love a good hearty soup! Last winter I had posted a "recipe" of one of my favorite's - "chicken" and rice soup.

Another recent fun thing I made - mashed cauliflower. My brother had told me a couple years ago how good it was and I just now got around to trying it. Though I love veggies, it has been lower down on my list of favorites. After trying this, it has definitely moved up. SO easy and far more yummy than I would have imagined. You should try it.

Make sure to check out the other etsymetal members and see what they think about food!

Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
Cynthia Del Giudice - http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
kate jones - http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
nova of sweden - http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Panicmama Jewelry - http://panicmama.blogspot.com
Evelyn Markasky - http://www.evelynmarkasky.com
2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Jenny Baughman (Gecko J) - http://ridgeschool.blogspot.com/

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 9.5.11 - Etsy Metal Studio Tour

2011-09-05T14:07:00.001-04:00

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic is:

A Few Tips On Buying Handmade Jewelry
Share a few of your personal tips when it comes to the purchase of handmade art jewelry.

For a long time I didn't buy any one else's jewelry. Then I started trading and buying my friends' work.

Though it probably isn't necessarily advice on how to buy handmade jewelry, but for me, it is one of my criteria. If I wear something that will get a comment - I like for it to either be a piece I made or a piece a friend made and be able to advertise. It is great for people to know that the most amazing jewelry is handmade by a real person.

Other things I look for:

Uniqueness or trademark piece - sometimes the pieces just really speaks to me, other times I like getting a pieces that is very expressive of that artist's style, particularly when it is something that either I don't know how to do at all, or something I find to be really difficult (or annoying) to make!

Quality - of course! Who doesn't want quality craftsmanship?

Material is something that is important to me - I don't care for anything that is plated or "filled", just my own preference. I'd rather spend extra and great a really great quality piece, than spend less just to buy something I like the look of.

Those are the main things I look - not too complicated! It is a great perk of being part of a fabulous group of metalsmiths.

check out everyone else's tips/advice/buying preferences:

Danielle Miller-Gilliam - http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.net/
Cynthia Del Giudice - http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
Thomasin Durgin - http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/

EtsyMetal Project Runway Challenge Season 9 - 1

2011-08-04T18:37:00.005-04:00

scrap pile

Yay! I skipped participating last season and maybe the one before that too! I'm going to do my best to make something each week this time.

The first week's challenge was was to make something from scrap on our workbench. What a fun challenge! I had a piece I cast probably about 2 years ago, maybe more - with a rough green sapphire. It was still attached to the button! I cleaned it up and using only other bits of wire and chain from the same scrap pile - I finished the necklace I meant to make so long ago! Maybe not the most creative, but I'm glad I felt inspired enough to get it done! yay!

August EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: Roots

2011-08-01T13:25:00.002-04:00

It's August already! And the topic this month for EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival is "Our Roots" - Where we came from. How our families have influenced us, artists in the family, etc.

I think I was like a lot of kids who loved to draw and color - starting with crayons and markers, and colored pencils. I remember when I was 7, having drawing of a tree I did in the Alabama State fair. It was a crayon resist - yellow crayon and brown water color. There was probably more to it, but I don't remember... I'm not even sure if I ever got it back. No artists in the family, but my mom was always very supportive and really creative. I had a wonderful art teacher in elementary school, Mr. Lyles. I used to stay after school and use the kick wheel - learning how to throw little pots was the first 3d thing I remember learning. There were a couple week long art camps during the summer I went to. One of my grandmothers was really creative to and did a lot of different crafts. I remember painting and decorating fancy easter eggs with her, as well as a lot of other crafty creative things.

Sadly - there was minimal instruction or direction once I got to middle school. There was a fire in my school that damaged the wing the art room was on - my art class was relegated to a small trailer - so the curriculum was a bit lacking...

I had a great and supportive art teacher through part of high school. We even had a dark room where I learned how to develop my own photos and really became passionate about photography. Sadly my wonderful teacher left and was replaced by someone... not so wonderful and I didn't even get to have an art class my last year in high school. The other high school in the county had a dark room and a couple times I got permission to go over there and use theirs after ours was out of commission.

And then I went to college and was surrounded by wonderful art teachers and all the art classes I could ever want!

make sure to check out the other participating etsymetal members:

Erin Austin - http://metalmusing.blogspot.com
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Scott - http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.net/
Cynthia Del Giudice - http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
2Roses - http://jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Evelyn Markasky - http://markasky.blogspot.com/
Twigs and Heather - http://twigsandheather.blogspot.com
Andrea - http://www.artigianojewelbox.com/category/blog
Danielle Miller-Gilliam - http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/

Rising Temperatures, Rising Costs and Rising Prices

2011-07-25T20:36:00.004-04:00

Watching the price of gold continue to increase so drastically over the past couple years, I've been a bit like an ostrich - with my head buried in the sand. Occasionally I'd peak out flutter my prices up a bit and think that was good enough and how I felt bad for increasing the price for my customers. Alas, the time has come that I'm having to truly evaluate everything with a fine tooth comb. Part of this occurrence is the fabulous accountant I have. I've become a lot more organized and actually calculate my profit and loss each month. *Gasp* (That's what I do when I see it calculated)

And it is time I quit keeping my head buried, quit being in denial, and realize that my cost of materials has gone up so. much. more. than I have raised my prices. In the past year, gold has gone up about 33%.... in the past TWO years - gold has nearly doubled... While, apparently I've raised my prices less than 10%. So if you know anything about math, I think you can see how the price of gold really affects my income. Instead of getting a raise, I've been demoted... It all goes back to that being in denial and thinking the price of gold will go down and it'll all be okay.

So I've been doing some seriously calculations and changing prices - some quite a bit and some not so much. But I am feeling a bit more secure that I'm not merely buying gold and giving it away.

I'm puttin' on my big girl pants and realizing, that yes, this is what it means to run a business. I love my customers and I want to provide an excellent product at a fair price - fair, for both of us.

Oh and what do raising temperatures have to do with it all? I have no idea, but it is darn hot in my studio. I'm ready for fall - and falling gold prices. One will come in a couple months - the other... well... I don't think I can keep my head in the sand that long.

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 7.11.11 - Artist Inspiration/Influence

2011-07-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

This month's EtsyMetal topic is:

Artist's Work That Has Influenced My Own

It is a really interesting topic - particularly because I've tried to not be influenced too much by anyone and really prefer to try to find my own way. For a long time I didn't want to look too closely at any other jewelers' or metalsmiths' work. Going through art school - we were often assigned projects where we had to choose another artist and base something off of their work. I generally tried to pick artists far away from metal! For years I did a lot of mini nude female pendants and rings inspired by Gustav Klimt. I loved the flowy nature of their bodies in paintings like Medicine and Philosophy - which are a bit different than the standard you think of when you hear the name Klimt...

medicine

philosophy

You can read more about these paintings - on wikipedia of course!

Though to look at my work now, you probably wouldn't see the influence so much, but I know it is there.

Another artist I love that I think has influenced me on a deeper level is Andy Goldsworthy. If you aren't familiar with his work, you should check it out! His connection with nature is truly incredible as is his way of looking at patterns and attention to details.

Make sure to check out all the other participating EtsyMetal bloggers!

Theresa - http://tkmetalarts.blogspot.com
Kate Jones - http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
Fluxplay Jewellery (Maria Whetman) - http://www.fluxplay.blogspot.com
2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Scott - http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
Andrea Ring- http://www.amuckdesign.blogspot.com
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Inbar Bareket - http://inbarbareket.net
Cynthia Del Giudice - http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
Evelyn Markasky - http://markasky.blogspot.com/
AdobeSol - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Quercus Silver - http://quercussilver.blogspot.com/

Look for photo updates on Facebook Fan Page

2011-07-10T15:24:00.006-04:00

Recently I got an iPhone - which I love - including the amazing Hipstamatic app which is really fun for taking interesting photos. I also figured out how to post photos on my fan page really easily and have started updating with progress photos of customers rings! So "Like" my fan page and keep an eye out if you've ordered a ring from me - you may just catch a glimpse of the process!!

Inspiration

2011-07-01T10:08:00.007-04:00

It's create your own quote day!!

Okay, so I doubt that is ever really a day... but today is mine!

I woke up super early this morning - feeling full of inspiration. So early, it was still dark and I was hoping to fall asleep again. Lots of thoughts were coming up, mostly about inspiration. Not just the inspiration for being an artist and being creative, but inspiration to DO things.

and the thought I had (here it is... my quote! and yes, you can quote me if you want)

Allow your inspiration to become action.

How often I am totally inspired by something, but nothing further than lovely and pretty thoughts. Which is great, the feeling of being inspired is wonderful. But it is totally another world to put that inspiration in to action and actually create something from it. Is there some sort of inspiration threshold. Something is SO inspiring it triggers some sort of action button in the brain? maybe... after thinking about it further though, I am going to work on it being an awareness - harnessing that inspiration and allowing it to come out.

What am I so inspired about... skydiving. Elephant Journal posted this video (loove the elephant journal) and it nearly brought me to tears (not so much the swimming w/ the sharks or base jumping from the Eiffel tower) as the gliding in the special flying squirrel suit - which after some reading is apparently called proximity flying. and the song is amazing - I bought the album and now I think about skydiving when I listen to it...

I've only been skydiving once (tandem, wonderful present for my 25 bday from my boyfriend/now husband), but it was possibly the most amazing feeling ever. My thought at the time was, "when I have the money, I'm going to take lessons." Then it was more like, "when I have the time, I'm going to take lessons." And that is currently where I am - finding the time to have a "hobby", much less a hobby that needs to be taken seriously. I can't even seem find the time to paint - which wouldn't require going anywhere or buying anything! But skydiving is something I want to do, not something I want to have only done once. So my goal - within the next year, go tandem again. Get that feeling back first hand, not just the fabulous feeling of watching an inspiring video. (which by the way, Roberta, the gal in the video, is only a year younger than I am) Then I'll talk to them about the specifics of taking lessons. Sounds reasonable right? Making a (very public) declaration I find is also extremely helpful in following through.

But even more than this one instance - it really has sparked this internal dialogue of what inspiration is. Not just what is inspiring, but what do you do with that inspiration? What do I do with that inspiration?

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - Favorite Past Time Activity

2011-06-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

For this month's installment... the topic is a favorite past time activity.

Interesting.

I'm not really sure I have any "past time activities"... it makes me think of things I used to do as a child for fun and maybe still do?

And pretty much the first thing that came to mind was holding my breath. Most kids do that don't they? Like in a swimming pool or bathtub - see how long they can hold their breath. And I still do. sometimes yes, in the bathtub. I'm sure if I had a pool I would test it out in the pool as well. But now, because of my yoga practice, I can hold my breath in a much more controlled and healthy manner. And still love it.

So I'm not really sure if that was a good answer for the topic, but it was the first thing that came to mind, so I figured it would be an entertaining post :)

Make sure to check out everyone else's favorite past time activities!

Andes Cruz
Kathleen Krucoff
Mary Spencer (WATTO)
Stephanie Clark
Shaun Young
Shannon Koochin
Brad Severtson
Wendy Kelly

EtsyMetal Book Club - Hyperion

2011-06-15T08:48:00.007-04:00

Yet another new fun challenge from my buddies in EtsyMetal. Erin proposed a book club - and since I love reading, it sounded like a great idea to me! And to have an excuse to make a fun, non-commissioned piece sounded nice as well.

The first book we read was Lost by Gregory Maguire. It was... not so great in my opinion. I can't remember reading a book where the lead character was just so horrid. It wasn't very inspiring even though I did have a good idea for a piece. I think I resented the fact that anyone could think this was a great book and didn't want to actually make the piece. Either that, or I was just too busy and not really all THAT inspired... But I just wanted to mention it since it was technically the first one we ready. Moving on....

To the second book - Hyperion by Dan Simmons, was by far more inspiring, and well, a better read. Science fiction tends to be one of my favorite genres, so that helped. Simmons is also an excellent writer and I found very easy to read. It was a little rough at first. Many of the 'other worldly' aspects were given names, but not really described. To start with, it seemed a bit confusing, but very quickly I found myself just accepting these new words or objects and using my own imagination to create the mental landscapes. What better to create a jewelry piece than an author who encourages the reader to use their own imagination so strongly?

So I don't have time to write a full review or description of the book (you can look it up if you like) - the basic plot - there is a group of people going on a pilgrimage to see the Shrike at Hyperion - the planet that is home to the Time Tombs. The Shrike is a legendary "being". From Dan Simmons's description, my own imagination and discussion with the EtsyMetal gals - the idea for my piece was developed. The Shrike is a dangerous and vicious creature - maybe somewhat humanoid - or giant armadillo/sea urchin made out of metal. An entirely metallic being with armored plates and spikes and blades, but still organic in nature. It is mostly a character of legend, not making a direct appearance in the book. And I found it to be wonderfully inspiring - and created the Shrike Ring! Maybe a ring one of it's followers would wear... since I doubt it has anything resembling a finger or any need for a ring...

It was the first piece I have just made for fun that isn't a wedding ring in a really really long time. In fact, I can't really remember the last time I just made something. Yay!

And there are more photos on flickr as well.

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 6.6.11 - Etsy Metal Studio Tour

2011-06-06T07:31:00.011-04:00

Yay! It's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival time! This month's topic is:
Etsy Metal Studio Tour

Show us where you work!
Describe what you love about your work space and/or any changes you would like to make in the future.

This past weekend, I got an iPhone! and I am SO excited. I love some of the photo apps, particularly the one I've been playing with the most - Hipstamatic. I mean, it just makes my studio look so interesting doesn't it?!

Today I was doing a quick casting (very short burnout) and decided for the blog post, I would document the process, in addition to some other general studio photos of my work stations. I meant to get a photo of the thermometer today... some other day... There is no air conditioning and by the afternoon most days, it's near 100. ouch. and with the kiln going, it doesn't make it any better. ah, well, I think it's better than huge blizzards in the winter.

Here's my photo journal for today!

investment about to be mixed

mixed!

debubbleddddd

more debubbbblingg

setting up

metal all weighed out!

flasks are ready (and normally, no, the door isn't wide open)

melting sterling

melting gold - sooo pretty! it's my favorite part!

cast!

cast and cooling

quenching

all cast and ready for clean up!

casting area and torches

soldering/fusing area

second workbench, mostly for engraving and mini drill press (hidden under the bag)

my main work bench - a total mess like most jewelers' I know!

So that was my studio! Hope you enjoyed the tour! Make sure to check out the other EtsyMetal members who are participating in this month's blog carnival!

Rebecca Bogan
Shirlee Grund
Elizabeth Scott
Cynthia Del Giudice
Michele Grady
Erin Austin
Nodeform
Evelyn Markasky
Kathryn Cole
2Roses
Lauren Anabela Beaudoin/Creative Dexterity

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - #4 - May Edition - Favorite Quote

2011-05-20T11:59:00.004-04:00

It is that time again for the Blog-o-sphere Think Tank! This month's topic is a fun one. And though I thought it would be easy... apparently it isn't! I'm one of those people who loves quotes. In college, I had different quotes pasted all around my room. It's hard to not love anything by Einstein. I mean, he was a genius after all!

"Imagination is more important than knowledge" just might be my favorite. I had this tshirt when I was in high school. Though I quit wearing it, I kept it b/c I loved it so much - it's in my studio for inspiration.

I also remember loving this one the first time I heard it:

"Your mind is like a parachute. It only works if it is open." - Anthony D'Angelo

And really they both relate to each other. Having an excellent imagination and an open mind go hand in hand!

Must post one from my dear Swami Satchidananda: "People often ask me, "What religion are you? You talk about the Bible, Koran, Torah. Are you a Hindu?" I say, I am not a Catholic, a Buddhist, or a Hindu, but an Undo. My religion is Undoism. We have done enough damage (with religious dogma). We have to stop doing any more and simply undo the damage we have already done."

Love. It.

And my favorite made up quote.... "Everyone has issues, some people just have more than others." catchy right?

Make sure to check out everyone else's favorite (or favourite) quotes!

Andes Cruz
Brad Severtson
Kathleen Krucoff
Wendy Kelly
Mary Spencer
Stephanie Clark
Barbara Donovan
Laura Flavin
Thomasin Durgin
Shaun Young
Kathryn Cole
Natsuko Hanks
Andrea Bell

Jess and Erin

2011-05-19T08:29:00.011-04:00

I had been having a rough day this week when I got a wonderful email from Jess sharing her and Erin's wedding photos with me. It warmed my heart, brought tears to my eyes and completely made my day. Like most artists and jewelers that I know, I have days where I wonder what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, etc. And then I get to actually SEE the why. It is wonderful to see two people completely in love and my rings involved in that! I feel so honored to be a small part in the lives of these two gorgeous women. Thank you Jess and Erin!!

Jessica bought Erin's engagement ring from me last year,
and then I made the two bands as well.

these photos taken by and copyrighted by Gary Sexton

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival 5.14.11 - Pages from a Sketchbook

2011-05-14T12:35:00.010-04:00

So this is a funny and kind of ridiculous topic for me to write about. I just hardly ever use a sketchbook, and if I do a sketch is usually for a piece I am making right then. I suppose if I had times when I could just make something as opposed to having a list of commissions, I would try to sketch things out, write things down etc, to have them fresh and ready to go. Most of the pages in my current sketchbook are notes and tiny sketches from meeting w/ customers. It rarely happens in person, so I don't even have that many pages like these - but I thought it would at least bring another image in to this blog post!

and the rings as they turned out...

and I scanned two more pages - these were from over a year ago, but at some point will be a new wedding ring design. I thought they were particular fun b/c you can clearly see my doodle to idea fulfillment process. and on the one page you can see the sharpie bleed through from another sketch. clearly you can see how serious I am about my sketchbooks! haha!

Make sure to check out pages from everyone elses's sketchbooks! (or lack of sketchbook)

Rebecca Bogan
Shirlee Grund
2Roses
kate jones
Erin Austin
Nodeform
Michele Grady
Elizabeth Scott
Su Trindle
Evelyn Markasky
ArtigianoJewelBox

Emailed Hacked

2011-04-25T17:11:00.006-04:00

So... in case you were wondering - no, I did not take a trip to Malaysia. Though that would have been lovely - the getting mugged part wouldn't have been.

Sadly - it has been a giant mess to clean up. When they hacked my email, the completely locked me out, changing the password and the backup email so there was no way for me to get in to my account. Gmail's customer support... for lack of a better word... sucks. The account that got hacked was the one connected to this blog and my google checkout account (which is no longer). I will not be opening another google checkout account at all. Ever. Because I was locked out of my account - there was no way for me to easily contact ANYONE about shutting down my account. Long story - but just beware, unless you have to have a GC account - I wouldn't bother. Even with all the paypal issues people have had - at least they have customer service people that are fairly prompt and not simply robots... but that's a whole other soap box.

Long story short - I finally have access back.

Thank you to everyone that contacted me and even sent links to government websites for reporting these sad pathetic people.

My advice to all of those like me that think "oh it'll never be me":

- change your passwords - make sure no two passwords are the same and really... not even similar. The time and energy I have spent dealing with this is far beyond what it would take to change your passwords every few months or so.

- back up your email contacts - I had the vast majority of mine backed up on another email address, but was still missing several hundred... and those of course are the most recent ones.

- back up your email if you can - Luckily through the apple mail system - and my lack of deleting emails - I still have 10,000+ emails from the past 5 years. (sad I know...) but still - it would have saved me if I hadn't gotten access back.

I have no idea how my email got hacked and I doubt I ever will. I feel like I'm generally pretty cautious, but obviously not enough. I suppose I'd gotten too comfortable in my little online bubble. Now I am utterly disappointed and let down by gmail/google. I feel out of sorts in terms of security. And am completely overwhelmed by the fact that my whole business and much of my life revolves around the computer and that one particular email.

The good news is, I appear to have everything back. No loss of contacts, no loss of emails, no tampering with anything of super importance that I've found yet... but I still feel like I have hours and hours ahead of me of changing passwords and log-ins, deleting certain things and reorganizing everything in a new email. Sadly a new email I don't like as much.

There is part of me that feels like overall I'm handling it okay and more calmly than I might have thought I would. And there is another part of me that feels totally overwhelmed and is ready to shut down.

So for any customers that are waiting for a response from me, many apologies in any delay.

oh oh and the kicker... I'd planned on emailing my entire contact list to tell everyone what was going on... apparently b/c of all the emailing... I can't do anymore mass emails or I would be in danger of having my account shut down for being a spammer. great. thanks. so... here's this blog post!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - #3 - April Edition - Favorite Book or Movie

2011-04-20T11:42:00.005-04:00

oooh such a fun topic, but oh so hard! There is NO way I can pick just one.

I tend to be the sort of person that doesn't rewatch movies and rarely rereads books. I think it is because I like the surprise or the suspense of not knowing what is going to happen. Once I've read it or seen it, I know already and it just isn't as fun the 2nd time around. I would say I've read far more books than I've seen movies over my life time - though recently most of the books I've been reading are 'fluff' type books - highly entertaining and easy to read - but uh, most aren't something I would even mention...

So I guess the qualification comes then in what some of my favorites are by ones I am willing to read or watch again and again.

I'm going to start with books b/c that will make you giggle. Yes. I read the Twilight series. and yes, I read all of them more than once. more than twice. But that is all you get from me on that topic. oh, and no the movies are no where close to the top of my list. I haven't even seen all the ones that are out.

As for movies - I can't pick just one - just can't do it. All of my top movies are equal in some way - they're all different and fit in to a different favorite category... but the image is a bit of a give away. The Fifth Element is one of my all time favorites. It is one of those movies that if it is on tv, I'll start watching it from where ever it is. MULTI-PASS! And honestly, I don't know why I love it so much. I think the visuals are so fun and quirky, there is always something new to notice.

Next on my list is the first Lord of the Rings. I have seen that movie maybe more than any other movie. When I was in college I would just put it on when I was working on some random project. I couldn't quite figure out what I liked to much about it. The costumes were great - the jewelry fantastic and utterly inspiring - lots of trees and forests. What it comes down to though, is the complete and utter devotion of having friends there to protect you and help you along the way. And seriously... there were some hot friends, just sayin'.

Then there is the Grindhouse duo - Planet Terror and Death Proof. I think Death Proof slightly wins over those two, but they each have their charm. I love a strong badass female character, or group of them.

Changing genres now... Best In Show. Hilarious. If you haven't seen it - you are missing out. One of those movies I laugh so hard I cry. Parker Posey is incredible.

And then... last but not least in any shape or form are my beloved kids movies. I love animated movies. I have seen Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc more times than I can count. And my newest favorite is Despicable Me. The little girl in Monsters Inc - who is very much like one of the little girls in Despicable Me - that was me as a child. "It's SO FLUFFY!!!" again - a must see.

So that is it - all my favorites - sorry I couldn't pick just one over all winner.

make sure to check out everyone else's favorites!
Andes Cruz
Kathleen Krucoff
Brad Severtson
Stephanie Clark
Wendy Kelly
Andrea Bell
Barbara Donovan
Shaun Young

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival 4.4.11: For the love of Tools

2011-04-04T16:05:00.002-04:00

This month's EtsyMetal blog carnival installment is a fun one! The topic for April is:

Most coveted tool. Why? How would you utilize it if you got it?

a robot.

that I can program to think just like me. Apparently, like the one pictured above - it will actually check on me if I should collapse and could even call 911. how handy! I could even put it in some of my clothes and an image of my face! awesome! I bet it could saw off sprues like a pro.

but since I honestly don't EVER see that happening any time in the near future... the other tool I've been dreaming about is a microscope for stone setting. I've never tried one, but I imagine it would be fantastic. I always thought my eyesight for stone setting was good. Until I used a macro lens to photograph! haha! It is amazing the tiny detail yours eyes don't pick up.

There is this one - I do love GRS...

And then there are these... which are a bit more feasible in terms of use, space and budget. so... I might actually get them! annnndddd.... they are dead sexy.

make sure to check out what everyone else is coveting!

2Roses
Elizabeth Scott
Tosca Teran
AdobeSol
Nodeform
wildflowerdesigns
Evelyn Markasky
Erin Austin

Ara: Episode 3

2011-03-28T11:21:00.004-04:00

Episode #3 of Ara is up! Here it is!

Susanna and David

2011-03-24T13:24:00.000-04:00

Susanna and David are a wonderful couple that drove from another state to meet with me, so fun! I normally meet up with customers at a local coffee shop - but on the particular day I was meeting with them, it was utterly packed. The Publix was right across the parking lot and had some picnic tables - so we just went there! It was quite humorous and they totally charmed me. (and they took a photo of us with the Publix sign in the background! haha!)

Susanna already had a gorgeous ring - so I was just commissioned for David's. A little different than my usual love rocks style, but really fun to make and loved the end result!
Their amazing photos were taken by Inlux Photo - you should totally check them out if you're needing wedding photos in Ohio!

Wishing them both all the very best and as much happiness as humanly possible :)

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - #2 - March Edition - best childhood/ younger years memory

2011-03-20T08:17:00.005-04:00

This month's topic is

best childhood/ younger years memory

I'm not sure that I have one particular memory, more like a collection of memories I guess. Growing up from ages 3 - 14, I lived in a fabulous house in Alabama - it wasn't so much the house as the property that was really memorable. We shared a large "pond" (I think it was about an acre or so) with our neighbor. Our half included the dam and the runoff - which created a wonderful eco-system for a child to play in. We also had quite a bit woods behind the house and around the pond. My fondest memories are playing outside in a variety of ways. I remember loving climbing trees, particularly the little pines that had small broken branches that served as ladder rungs. Something that as a small child - it seemed like I could climb up so high in the tree. I use to make all kinds of things with twigs and leaves and bark and sweet gum balls. My brothers and I built forts, tried our hand at a catapult or two, made little bark boats with leaf sails.... so many fun creative things. I remember making little fairy "dwellings" - and even in college, recreated a giant village based on my childhood creations for an art project in a sculpture class!

It is curious to wonder if I would love nature so much if I had grown up in a neighborhood filled with concrete....

my memory is something like this irene suchocki photo - minus the bench... we had a wonderful island that had a giant willow on it - and there was so much green...

make sure to check out everyone else's posts for this month's topic - sure to be some fun reads!

Andes Cruz
Kathleen Krucoff
Laura Flavin
Wendy Kelly
Stephanie Nocito Clark
Brad Severtson
Andrea Bell
Natsuko Hanks
Shaun Young
Pal Gooz

-------------------------
the blog-o-sphere think tank is the creation of andes cruz - it is a fun way to blog together as a group on NON jewelry, metal, or art business related topics. yay for variety!

Rebecca and Scott

2011-03-17T09:19:00.006-04:00

Isn't that gorgeous!! Rebecca sent me these photos ages ago and I've had them in my "starred" important email folder for months and finally got them posted! Such a great couple in an amazing setting. And Rebecca was sweet enough to write something for the blog post too! Thank you so much to both of them :)

Scott and I got married on August 8th in Essex, MA. In our regular lives, Scott is a paramedic and I am a teacher. We found Beth by searching for tree rings on Etsy, loved her tree bark rings, but ended up falling in love with her Love Rocks rings and purchasing them in white gold. We love the fact that each ring is unique and created for us. We couldn't be happier with them.

Wishing them both much happiness in their life together.

10 year silver prices...

2011-03-14T13:05:00.003-04:00

I started working with silver 10 years ago. At the time I was in school and it seemed expensive in comparison to copper and brass - the really cheap metals.

Looking at the 10 year chart makes me sigh.... wow. I didn't know how fortunate I was. Even 5 years ago it was about the same. now.... I'm kind of speechless.

Ara: Episode 2

2011-03-09T08:22:00.003-05:00

Part/Episode/Chapter/Installment... #2 of Ara is up

Here it is! (and in less than a month!)

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival 3.7.11: Private Jewelry Collection

2011-03-07T08:36:00.011-05:00

It's time for the EtsyMetal Blog Carnival!

This month's Topic: Private Jewelry Collection

What do you wear?
What is your favorite piece (or pieces) from your private collection?
How many finished pieces do you keep for yourself and why?
What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you didn't make?

Oooh such an interesting topic... In general - I don't actually wear that much jewelry and on a daily basis... none (except for my tiny wedding band)

I used to only ever wear my own jewelry - particularly when I had a job working w/ the public and was starting my business, I always wanted to be able to say "why yes, I did make this"

Then I started collecting work from friends and love being able to say "no, I didn't, but my friend made this and here is there info - isn't it fabulous?"

As far as favorites.... well, that is difficult. Though I have many fabulous pieces, I tend to go pretty minimal most of the time w/ just a little pair of earrings I made like these:

My absolute favorites of my 'special' earrings are these from Caitlyn and Stacey

I have loads of other pairs of earrings from friends as well, but sooo many I just picked my top 2!

Rings - it was really difficult to pick - so I photographed the ones I pick out most. I don't wear rings other than wedding band on a daily basis - so when I collect rings from friends, I tend to like them to be quite different and possibly... big! All the rings I've made that I wear are pretty small and kind of dainty. They tend to be experiments or sample pieces that when working on a new design - I make it my size - my fingers are so small, it is great for saving money to have a tiny sample ring :) From left to right back row Norsola, Rebekah, Kerin, Janos, Bill, Ashley (and front row) Norsola, Ann, Sophie

And necklaces - I kept two of my own pieces - not intending them to be mine - the one on the far left I made as an idea for a made to order piece and just loved it so much I just kept it and never made another! The second from the left was a piece I made for an EtsyMetal challenge yeeeeears ago - no one ever bought it and after trying to sell it so many times and loving it so much I decided it was a sign that I should keep it. I absolutely love it and was tired of no one else loving it as much as I did.

After those two pieces from left to right Tosca, Victoria, Sarah, and the next two are Ashley's.

I have lots more super special pieces I've collected from friends, but for the time I had today to photograph (and create links for) these were the ones I could share!

Make sure to check out the other participating members this month:

Rebecca Bogan
Nodeform
Inbar Bareket
Twigs and Heather
2Roses
Quercus Silver
Thomasin Durgin
Michele Grady

Denise and Terry

2011-02-26T10:00:00.005-05:00

This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I love getting photos of my beautiful happy couples. Denise and Terry were so wonderful to work with and really touched my heart and I could just feel the love and joy radiating from them - so I wanted to share some photos they sent me and send a special thank you to them for making my "job" so meaningful!

With the deepest gratitude, wishing you both all the very best.
xoxo
Beth

A New Blog - what ever am I thinking...

2011-02-24T10:15:00.007-05:00

Just a little note to say I've started a new blog, writersanvil.blogspot.com - a place my for fictional writings. I'm hoping to post once a month or so, maybe more or less. Right now I'll be continuing a story I started here.... oh, about a year and half ago! As well as a second story I have developing. It is something I've been wanting to do for awhile and I thought started a blog devoted only to writing would help with the motivation, as well as organizing it away from jewelry type stuff.

Please follow along if you're interested.
Thanks thanks!!!

New Texture has a name: Sands of Time

2011-02-23T08:39:00.006-05:00

There is a certain level of enjoyment and anxiety about 'naming' a new ring design or texture. Some names were kind of a given, like my tree bark rings - they were "just" rings before they were wedding rings, so I didn't have any particular wedding thought in mind when naming them. Unlike the "Love Rocks" and the "Tooled w/ Love" rings. Then there is "Subtlety" who is in danger of having their name changed. I feel like it fits the rings, but is so irritating to type - and then I had a customer who even commented on it too! It's a mouthful and complicated - the exact opposite of what the rings are. I'm thinking I should just change the name to "Comfy Cozy" but not sure that would be the best either! haha!

For these new rings, an idea popped in to my head pretty quickly as to what the texture reminded me of. Maybe it was the fact the first ones I did were in yellow gold. Combined with a strong hint of ancient Egypt - and lots of sand. At first I was a bit against the idea of sand because it might make some people think the texture is from being sandblasted, which it isn't. But then someone commented that it did remind them of dirt or sand, which confirmed my thought, so I decided it would be fine.

When I was a kid my mom sometimes watched soap operas and I remember one "Days of our Lives" and the slogan was something to the effect of "Like sands through the hour glass, so these are the days of our lives" (in a deep throaty voice while the image of a big hour glass was on screen - think... early 90's soap opera cheese).

And I really liked the sentimentality of giant hourglass and the sand representing a couples life together, the grains being days or special memories shared together over the many years of their lives... thus... the name Sands of Time. Sweet huh? Little bit of ancient Egypt, loads of sand and a soap opera memory from childhood! And I'm totally in love with this texture. I hope loving couples are too - as this texture is SO fun to create!

And I also did a diamond prototype, for either an engagement ring or for a wedding band w/ a diamond (or a ring that someone wants to wear um, for whatever) It is a 4mm band w/ a 2mm diamond - super subtle and almost blends right in w/ the texture. I love it!

oh and did you notice the sandstone as my nature prop? clever huh? :)

The first listing is up and available here.

Blog-o-sphere Think Tank - #1 - Feb. Edition - What is your favorite winter meal/recipe?

2011-02-17T14:06:00.005-05:00

(since I don't have a photo - you can listen to this song! haha!)

My dear friend Andes has started a new blogging group "Blog-o-sphere think tank" - for a fun blogging monthly topic - non-jewelry related!

This month's topic is:
What is your favorite winter meal/recipe?

I wish I had a photograph, but well, I'm not used to photographing my food. And.. well... I don't actually use recipes much either. But, I can kind of make one up!

Being vegan, I've learned to adapt all kinds of "normal" food to being delicious in a vegan way. This winter a favorite of mine was 'chicken' and rice soup.

so for my made up recipe:
olive oil
onion
celery
carrots
maybe mushrooms if you have them
brown rice
tvp - Textured Vegetable Protein (you could also use tofu or some sort of fake chicken substitute... or er.. real chicken if you're a meat eater)
seasoning (HA! how vague) I'll give more details in a bit...
broth

As far as measurements - it depends on how much you want to make - and I season everything to taste, and never really know how much I add...

so, to start out - you need to cook the brown rice. this recipe is great if you already have left over rice in the fridge, but of course, you can make some fresh too.

Next - prepare the tvp - if you don't know what tvp is, you can read a bit here:
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/g/TVP.htm
There are different kinds - we get one that has no real flavor, so it means it needs to be flavored on it's own, as well as reconstituted since it's dry.

For this recipe I like using a fake chicken flavored bullion cube, mixing boiling water w/ it, as well as poultry season which is usually something like parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme (you know, like the song) - sage is my favorite, so I usually add a bit extra and some garlic. The bullion generally is prettttty salty, so if you use that you probably won't need extra salt, but if you are mixing up your own broth or just using boiling water w/ the seasoning, you will definitely need salt.
So mix all that up and let the tvp sit and soak up all the flavor and water - you may need to add a bit more water after a bit if it has soaked it all up.

So while the rice is cooking and the tvp soaking - time to start the veg!

Chop up the carrot, celery and onion (and mushroom if you like) - saute in the olive oil until they're cooked down. I go ahead and add some seasoning to the veg -
poultry seasoning
extra sage
garlic

Sometimes de-glazing w/ white wine is fun if you have some, or you can use just a little broth maybe, I don't know, 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup or so? Not too much.

Then I add the rice - maybe about 1/2 cup of cooked rice if you're making a big batch for 2 people.

From here, I kind of treat it like risotto for a few minutes - let it start to simmer, soak up the liquid and stir it, letting the rice start to break down. I like making risotto, so this is fun for me, but you can totally skip this step and just toss the rice in.

Add broth - you can either make up more w/ bullion, or whatever veggie broth you use. Probably in the 2 - 3 cup range? again, it would depend on how much you're wanting to make. It's good to have extra as the rice will expand even more.

Tasting the tvp before you add it is good, just to make sure that it has some flavor - it will also soak in flavor from the broth and veggies, but better not to put it in too bland to begin with.

*if you want to use tofu, but don't cook tofu often - you can treat it similarly to the tvp - marinating it in the seasons and you can even saute the tofu separately to give it a better texture that will stand up in the soup.

Once everything is added - I taste it again and add more seasoning if needed. It usually does b/c I tend to be one of those people that adds a little bit several times.

Then you just let it cook for awhile. The longer the better - the rice will break down more and add a wonderful thickness to the soup, making something a bit more like porridge - yummy stick to your ribs goodness.

So that's it! My vegan chicken and rice soup - so yummy.

Make sure to check out other fabulous posts for this month's Blog-o-sphere Think Tank:

Andes Cruz

Stephanie Nocito Clark

Kirsten Skiles

Natsuko Hanks

Shaun Young

Brad Severtson

Wendy Kelly

Kathleen Krucoff

Kathryn Cole

Handmade Division's Talk about blog - Feb. Edition - What’s the most romantic piece you’ve ever made and why?

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

For this month's installment of the talk about blog - the topic is of course Valentine's related!
The question is:
What’s the most romantic piece you’ve ever made and why?

I am in the fortunate position to have made many many romantic pieces - people often tell me wonderful stories of their loved ones that they are getting engaged or married to. And many 'regular' pieces have amazingly loving stories as well. So really it tends not to be so much about the piece as it is about the people and the story.

I think one of my favorites was Liz - who was traveling to Alaska from New Zealand to meet up with her soon to be fiance who was going to propose to her under the northern lights. Just imagining it was so wonderful - it really stood out in my mind.

and to continue the fun - make sure to checkout the other participants for this month's theme:
Rickson Jewellery
andes cruz
Jewelry by Natsuko
Barbara Donovan

New Year, New Policy, New Design

2011-02-10T12:38:00.009-05:00

I love the new year (i know we're already well in to it, but my working year started late). I love reevaluating and making changes. I love trying out new things and finding what is most efficient. So I've come up with a new "policy" that is written out in my announcement. I realize I get so easily caught up in answering questions and convos and emails every morning - it takes me literally hours and hours. depending on the question, I can spend an hour working on just ONE convo - looking up stones, figuring up prices of different metals, etc. I like to be thorough, but this takes time. I also realize that in doing this, I am actually putting that person 'above' customers who have already placed orders and are waiting for me to make and finish their ring. Granted, there is balance in everything, but if I spend 4 hours on the computer in the morning, that drastically shortens my day in the studio. So I've started limiting my time on the computer and not answering everyone right away. In some ways it seems like it is good customer service to answer quickly, but to what end? That I am taking more time away from working in the studio? Would someone prefer I answer them immediately or that I finish their ring more quickly?

Does this seem reasonable? Here's what I wrote for my new announcement. I do want to make sure it sounds nice and for people to know that customer service is important to me. And I want my 'paying' customers to know that I am putting them first. sooo... whatcha think?

*Please note* I am in the studio most of the day and since my computer is not, my online time is a bit limited. This means that it may take a little while to answer some convos. If it is an easy answer, I can respond quickly, but for a more lengthy response such as custom order price quotes, it may take up to a week to respond. I apologize for any inconvenience. If you are working with a tight deadline, please let me know and I will do the best I can to get back to you quickly. Thanks for understanding :)

In addition to my goal of spending less time on the computer (oh the irony of writing this blog post) I want to be making time to come up w/ new designs. Even if it is just a subtle new texture like these I finished yesterday. So, sorry computer, I will be spending less time with you. I think you can deal w/ just a couple hours a day right?

The new texture is built off of my subtlety bands, so still a nice organic base, w/ this super tiny hammer texture. I haven't come up w/ a name yet... so in addition to feedback on my policy - if you have any ideas for names, or what the texture reminds you of, that would be great! I used a rough diamond for this one b/c I have so many, and I really like them. But will most likely do another version w/ a regular cut diamond.

Hope everyone is finding the balance they need this year :)

Where have I been?! + EtsyMetal Blog Carnival

2011-02-07T09:59:00.006-05:00

So I totally missed last month's group blogging efforts. And considering that the 'blog carnivals' and 'talk about blogs' have been pretty much the only blogging I've done in the past few months - well... my blog has been sorely neglected. But I'm back, at least for today! haha! I'll post the blog carnival topic first for those of you that just want to read that - and then a longer update will follow :)

This month's topic is:
Tell us about other kinds of art and craft you do. What other media do you work and play with? How often do you get to create? Does it relate to or inspire your metalworking?

Recently, jewelry has pretty much taken up all my time. There are other things here and there that pop up, but for the most part I haven't been making the time. When I'm not working on jewelry orders, I do those 'adult' things like cleaning the house, paying bills/trying to keep up with my business 'books', showering... you know, the usual things.

I do sometimes knit - but not very seriously. just a scarf here or there. I do some screenprinting - which is really fun, but I don't do it very often now either. I do enjoy photography and will often go out and take a mini nature walk with my camera. Painting is my most missed 'hobby'. It has honestly been a few years since I've actually done any. I use the excuse of not having a space to paint, but maybe it is just laziness. I like using oil paints, so painting in an enclosed space w/ no ventilation is not a great idea. My studio is soooo dirty, that isn't a great idea either. And I like painting BIG. Which is also an issue of space. I did a series of large 4' x 6' paintings when I had my jewelry exit show and that size was just perfect. Smaller is okay, but just not quite as fun or therapeutic. I dream of having a separate painting studio so I can keep things set up all the time and have a little 'escape'. Maybe some day.

The photograph of the painting I posted has an interesting story. I used to work at a local coffee shop and managed the artists each month - about once a year or so I would have my work up. The last month I worked there, I had this painting up and it sold the same morning I turned in my notice. It was a wonderful sign to have a nice big check coming to me right as I was quitting my job! I guess the interesting thing was that I was quitting to make jewelry - and my painting helped me to do that!

So... I guess to answer the other questions... kind of hypothetically since I haven't been painting recently... the painting I've done does totally relate to my jewelry. Very nature themed - particularly lots of trees. Just like my rings. haha!

Anyway, I'm going to wrap this up and send you off to read everyone else's answers to this months' topic. And my update will be below.

kate jones - www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
kathryn cole - www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com
2Roses - www.JewelryTutorial.blogspot.com
Twigs and Heather - www.twigsandheather.blogspot.com
Erin Austin - www.metalmusing.blogspot.com
Thomasin Durgin - metalriot.blogspot.com
Nodeform - nodeform.blogspot.com
stacey hansen - wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com
Nina Gibson - ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com
elizabeth scott - esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
Evelyn Markasky - markasky.blogspot.com
Amanda Conley - amandaconley.blogspot.com
Jenny Baughman - ridgeschool.blogspot.com
Catherine Chandler - catherinechandler.blogspot.com

Now for the update!

Winter is particularly difficult for me. I really want to just hibernate. When nature is asleep it whispers.... "beeetthhhh, gooo to sleeeeeep" The sun isn't up as much - often when it is, it is still cloudy and gray. So it takes most of my energy to try to stay focused on actually working and making things people want. Lots of other things (like blogs and facebook, etc) get put aside until the days grow longer and more sunny and the trees are once again vibrant.

But...

The big news is that I am now officially a yoga teacher! Yay! For two weeks in January I finished up the final session of the Beginner Intergral Yoga Teacher Training. It was an amazing life changing experience with a group of fantastic individuals and incredible teachers. I don't have any specific plans for teaching yet. I'm open to whatever might come along. Right now, I'm mostly trying to get back in to 'work mode' and getting caught up on wedding ring orders. I do have some ideas brewing as far as doing some youtube videos - on the topic of "Yoga for Jewelers". So... we'll see! Stay tuned and I'll try to update a bit more often than once a month. Even though its been about 2 since I last posted!

Hope you have a lovely day! And seriously - go read the other participating bloggers (many may not be posted til later today/tonight)

Handmade Division's Talk about blog - Dec. Edition - Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

2010-12-15T11:59:00.004-05:00

This month's installation of Handmade Division's talk about blog is:
Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

Which is a very interesting question... I used to have very specific goals and long term plans and maybe it is just the mood I am in today (been working on my yoga teacher training midterm), but I really have no idea what will be happening in 5 years and I'm not sure if I have any specific goals.

I think I'd like to have moved within the next 5 years to a little bit larger house with a bit more land and have a studio that is climate controlled (oh how nice that would be for my freezing studio that was 24 degrees yesterday morning).

As far as what I will be doing I have no idea! I'm sure I'll still be making jewelry and most likely still doing wedding rings. Maybe teaching yoga as well. I would like to be more organized in 5 years, perhaps with an assistant that does all my paperwork? Maybe gotten to a place that I can take off all of January and February and travel some place warm. And maybe have a small RV and the ability to take several long vacations through the year. That sounds like a good plan to me!

I am happy where I am now, though I know I will be in a different place in 5 years and expect to be happy there too.

Now for the fun of the talk about blog! Please check out the other participating artists to see where they'd like to be in 5 years:

Andes Cruz
Tess Norberg
Rebekah Timlin Meddles
Jewelry by Natsuko
Bella-Bijou Jewellery
JJ Papke
Tosca Teran
Thomasin Durgin
Lisa Hopkins Design

Handmade Division's Talk about blog - Nov. Edition - Talk about one/some teachers/mentors/masters you'd like to study with

2010-11-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

photo via david huang

It is time for this month's installation of one of my street team's - Handmade Division - Talk about Blog. It is similar to the EtsyMetal Blog Carnival. Each month a topic is given and we all write about that topic. It is great fun to see all the different variations of the same topic.

This month's topic is:
Talk about one/some teachers/mentors/masters you'd like to study with.

Initially - I almost didn't even sign up for this b/c my first answer was "I have no idea!" I tend to like to work things out on my own, 'learn the hard way', which I know is silly. I just don't often look around at people's work and really delve in to what they do - and then think I'd like to learn from them. I guess I am more drawn to work of people who do things that are quite different from my work. So the idea of studying with one of these people hasn't necessarily ever been a desire. However... I did think of someone - so it makes this topic much easier!!

When I was in school - the semester before I started the program - the chasing and repousse class was taught. And it wasn't taught again until after I was done. So sad! I did make a few chasing tools - but not having a great idea of what I would be doing with them, it felt kind of pointless. At one point, I asked one of my teachers if they would show me how for an indepth project we were given. Sadly - he told me to go find a book and learn on my own. I had a friend in class show me the basics and played with it a little on my own. Since I was young and in school and learning so many techniques all in a short period of time, I never truly learned how to do it. When I started my own studio there were other things I was interested in more, so once again, it has been put on the back burner. When I went to the SNAG conference in Savannah a few years ago I saw David Huang's work in person and was utterly amazed. I honestly remember very few other people's work! So he is one person I could think of that has mastered a technique I would like to learn one day. And I'd love to see his fabulous solar powered studio!

Make sure to check out the other participating members:

Andes Cruz
Nancy Dale
Tosca Teran
Lisa Hopkins Design
Rickson Jewellery
Sand Fibers
Purified
Emily Watson
Thomasin Durgin
WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival 11.8.10: Business Success Secrets

2010-11-08T09:51:00.006-05:00

It's time for the EtsyMetal Blog Carnival!

Business Success Secrets: What does it mean to you to be "successful" in business as an artist? How do you walk the line between creativity and profitability? What is the best thing you've done for your business?

What a fantastic topic!

When I was just starting out, I felt successful when I started earning enough to completely cover all my bills and quit putting myself further in to debt. Of course, the more successful I have become, the more that definition changes. I felt even more successful when I started earning enough that all of my bills were paid and all of my debt was gone. Being able to have extra money beyond covering the bills was/is huge. Being able to buy something fun with money I have, and being able to save! (oh my goodness, is this what it is to be an adult??)

As far as walking the line between creativity and profitability - I think I am the wrong person to ask at this point. Most of what I sell now are custom wedding rings. Most are designs that I have been making over and over. It feels more fun and creative to actually being making them individually. It keeps me from feeling like a total factory. I do get to be creative with truly custom designs - but for the most part, I think I have been focusing on 'becoming successful'. As my business has grown - the demand from the customers has been wonderful, but it has also, for the most part, kept me in the land of production. At some points, I've felt my artistic creativity has dried up a bit. I am creative in ways of becoming more efficient, trying new tools and new ways of doing things. But new "creative" work has taken a bit of a back seat. I think I am fairly business oriented and enjoy 'running a business' (most days!), but finding that balance can be difficult. There is constant readjustment. But I guess that is true with just about everything.

I do think one of the best, most recent things I've done for my business is to become more focused. Opening up a wedding ring only shop has helped that part of my business grow and helps to keep me a bit more focused. I have let the 'regular jewelry' side of my business rest for awhile, mostly because of time and energy constraints! Though the list of customers can sometimes be overwhelming, it is easier for me to work that way than to have many wholesale and/or consignment accounts, making lost of 'random' jewelry that I hope will sell and creating lots of stock that I have to store. For me, that is less enjoyable than working directly with a customer to create something meaningful.

Though I haven't quite made it there yet - I'm hoping that by focusing my business in that one direction, I can start to let me artistic creativity come out in fun ways on random jewelry projects. We'll see! :)

Make sure to check out all the other participating bloggers this month!

wildflowerdesigns
victoria takahashi / experimetal
2Roses
Jenny
Heather
Purified
Nina Gibson

Happy Sale - you should buy stuff.

2010-10-29T12:57:00.006-04:00

So a couple weeks ago, I started a sale. I had every intention of photographing and listing a whole bunch of new stuff when I started it, however, that didn't happen. Today! Finally! I am getting things photographed and listed - I'm up to 11 new things - all of which are on sale and all of which are things I would really like to sell. So far, just lots of fun little earrings - those kinds that are easy to thrown in as you walk out the door realizing you've forgotten to put ANY jewelry on. All are under $35, most are $20 and under. A lot are $10 off or more. I'll be listing some bigger and more expensive pieces as well as the day goes on. The sale, though not indefinite, does not have a definitive end. "Get while the gettin' is good!" Here's a direct link to the SALE section.

Here are a few things of my favorites I've just gotten listed (pieces I'd almost just kept myself)

ALSO - and this was one of the main reasons for having the sale (besides my annual birthday sale!) is that EtsyMetal is turning 4! And we've been having big promotions and loads of other etsymetal members have been having sales too! You can check out the etsymetal blog for more info.

Handmade Division's Talk about blog - Oct Edition - How did you get to where you are now with your skills?

2010-10-15T08:05:00.004-04:00

This month's edition of Handmade Division's talk about blog is: How did you get to where you are now with your skills?

For me, this one is pretty easy!! It somewhat had to do with my skills, but also to do with tools. I particularly loved casting in school and after I got the set up to do my own casting - it all kind of grew from there! Now the majority of my work is cast - all unique castings (no molds) and my entire line of wedding rings is now all cast! so my entire wedding shop is based on that one small decision to get the equipment to be able to cast on my own. The skill was there with the wax and the knowledge of being able to do the casting - and with the right tools it was all possible!!

I guess that was a pretty boring and simple answer - a couple years ago the answer would have been different - but now, it is such a clear and easy answer!

Make sure to check out everyone else's answers to see how they've got skills too! :)

Andes Cruz
Tess Norberg
Jaime Pickering
Purified
Nancy Dale
Jewelry by Natsuko
Sand Fibers
Alice Istanbul
Thomasin Durgin
Susan Moloney
Emily Watson
Tosca Teran
Lisa Hopkins
Tamra Gentry
JJ Papke
Alisa Miller
Mary Spencer

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival 10.4.10

2010-10-04T21:00:00.005-04:00

This month's blog carnival for EtsyMetal is in celebration of our 4th anniversary.
EtsyMetal and Me
When/Why did you join? Is it what you expected? What does it mean to you to be a part of the team?

I was one of the first members of EtsyMetal - way before there was a jury. I think there were 12 of us to begin, or 13... I remember making a treasury with featuring everyone in the group and no one was left out! how tiny is that?! I'm pretty sure I didn't include myself, but maybe included someone twice. And if I remember correctly, I think it made the front page! I wish I had a screen shot of that! It was the first street team I was on and I really had no idea what it would turn in to - but it is definitely fabulous!

It is quite amazing how 4 years have really changed the group as well as my own business. Being in the group since the beginning makes it a little difficult to say how I might have evolved on my own vs how the group has helped me to evolve. I know that being in EtsyMetal has been life changing. The emotional and business support of other amazing metalsmiths has definitely helped me through some rough times as well as celebrate at wonderful victories. I've constantly been amazed at the camaraderie, openness and willingness to share knowledge and information without batting an eyelash. With such a huge field (jewelry) particularly on Etsy - it seems that we've been able to band together instead of become competitive with each other. The success of others have inspired me to work harder and try new things. I don't know where I'd be without EtsyMetal, but I do know I wouldn't be where I am.

I really think I could keep writing for pages of how much I love this group, but this pretty much sums it up without getting too boring to read!

Make sure to check out the other participating members blogs on this topic:

Catherine Chandler
Danielle Miller
Victoria Takahashi
Inbar Bareket
Stacey
Caitlyn Davey
Nina Gibson

Handmade Division "Talk About" September Edition

2010-09-14T20:34:00.006-04:00

Every month, Handmade Division has a 'talk about' group blog event. (it's like a blog carnival if you're familiar with that)

This month's topic is:

Where do you draw your inspirations for creating from?

It's a pretty broad questions, and I guess I have to give a pretty broad answer! Like most artists, I draw inspiration from the world around me, mostly nature based though. I love trees and plants in particular. I also really like insects and have some ideas of insect projects I'd like to do.

I love the cosmos, the stars, nebulas (nebulae?), galaxies, outer space! I find it all really fascinating and easily translatable in to metal.

I've always been slightly interested in the human body, but since starting my yoga teacher training, have become more and more interested and inspired and have some ideas concerning internal systems.

And then on the total flip size, I love architecture and architectural elements. When I have the time to just play around, I am often inspired window shapes, buttresses, brackets, turrets, whatever interesting bits that seem to translate well in to a current stone or metal shape I'm working with... not that I've had the time to do much of that recently.

so the very easy answer - Nature! :)

make sure to check out the other participating members this month!

Andes Cruz
Susan Moloney
Alice Istanbul
Rebekah Meddles (Lunasa Designs Jewelry)
Jewelry by Natsuko
nanotopia
Bella-Bijou Jewellery
ArtJewel Designs
Lisa Hopkins Design
Thomasin Durgin
Abhaya Fibers

Ring Engraving!

2010-09-10T10:38:00.014-04:00

I am very pleased to announce that I will now be doing my own engraving! I am super excited to have gotten an inside ring engraver. And that it is SO fun to use.

I have 5 different fonts available. So far I've just been practicing on some cheap brass rings, so the samples are just really generic. As I do real rings, I'll photograph them and add them in so you can see different words/letter combos and numbers.

The dial it came with has 2 block styles - a larger, slightly italic upper case font - this one had been available before. I'm going to just call it simply Large Block Style And a smaller and more blocky all upper case font that reminds me slightly of Copperplate if you're familiar w/ that font - I'm going to just call it Small Block Style.

Large Block Style

Sample on 6mm wide ring

Small Block Style

Samples on 4mm width ring

The next block style is called Modern Block - and it includes lower case letters! Which I am very excited about. It kind of reminds me a little bit of Comic Sans, minus a little comic :)

Modern Block

Samples on 4mm ring

And then there are two different Script Styles - one is similar if not exactly the same as one I offered before. The other one is totally new.

Fancy Script

Samples on 4mm ring

Modern Script

Sample on 4mm ring

and that concludes my engraving overview! As I do more, I'll take some more photos - the engraving shows up better when a patina has been added. This is for in the inside of rings only, not the outside or on a flat surface. The cost is $15 for one ring or $25 for a pair. The number of letters/words that can be engraved depend on the size of the ring and a little on which font is chosen. The block styles do take up a little bit more space. On average, I would say most ring sizes could handle at least 15 - 20 character spaces (counting the letters and spaces in between words) Larger rings closer to 25, maybe more. Yay for new tools!!!

Blog Carnival 09.05.10 "Back to School"

2010-09-06T09:26:00.004-04:00

My final body of work from UGA

This month's installment of EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival is:

Back To School
Where did you go to school? Are you still a student? What kind of student were/are you? If you had the opportunity to go back to school, would you? Where and what would you study?

Hm... not sure how far back we're supposed to go with this question.... I went to elementary and middle school in Alabama - and moved to GA at the beginning of 8th grade. Went to high school at Lakeview-Ft.Oglethorpe Comprehensive High School (it has the longest name ever which I find hilarious, so I like to write it all out for humor value - LFO for short) I was a really good student. Then college came. I went to the University of GA and majored in Jewelry and Metalworking. I wasn't as good of a student in college - plenty of grades below an A - b/c I discovered what having a life outside of studying was like! And I also decided it was more important for me to learn what I needed to and not worry so much about getting a good grade. And being able to have so many art classes made me put my energy somewhere else than studying out of a book. Looking back now - it makes me think that college students between 18 and 19 should maybe just take the first year off of classes!

I guess one thing that I did love about particularly being in art school, is that I had the time and was supposed to make time, to just make something. I guess that is what I miss most is that I don't have as much time to do that now. I've become so business oriented, and since business is good, I make what my customers want me to make. At some point, I'll either have the time or make the time to get back to those creative roots I had in school where I was all about making something big and spectacular for no particular reason other than to make it!

Would I go back to school? Hm... I don't know, probably not. I love not having a structure of being required to be somewhere at a certain time every day all week long. Sometimes I do miss the learning aspect. I do learn really well as a student in a classroom environment. I learn better from a teacher than just reading something out of a book. The few anatomy classes I had during my yoga teacher training reminded me of that. But with such a more relaxed environment of lounging on a floor with a notebook in a yurt is much more fun than a sterile classroom in a desk. Some day I may change my mind, but I don't see it happening any time soon.

To take advantage of the fun of the blog carnival - make sure to check out everyone else's posts:
victoria takahashi - experimetal
caitlyn davey- discomedusa
Thomasin Durgin - metalriot
Danielle Miller
stacey - wildflowerdesigns
Ann Hartley
Konstanze - Nodeform
Jenny Baughman
Kathryn Cole

Cuff Links!

2010-08-19T16:43:00.004-04:00

I hadn't made cuff links before - and had a custom order for some. I am so happy with how these turned out! And I've totally fallen in love with the format of a cuff link. I'd been hesitant about making any as I've never worn them, nor do I know any men that wear them - I guess I'm sheltered?! But now that I have, I'm totally looking forward to making some more.

If any cuff link wearers have any tips for things they like or don't like - I'd love some opinions!

Handmade Division "Talk About" August Edition

2010-08-15T07:51:00.001-04:00

This month's installment of the talk about blog for Handmade Division "Talk about something you'd like to create, that you maybe don't have the skills or technology to do currently? "

One of the many dreams I have is to design formal evening gowns and jewelry together - a fabulous necklace and designing the neckline around the necklace, that sort of thing. My sewing skills are pretty limited - and well, no sewing machine! ha ha! In theory, teaming up with a clothing designer would work too, but then time becomes more of the constraint. I love the idea of creating really ornate and non-traditional 'fine' jewelry with more of a focus on the metalwork and not so much on using as many diamonds as possible!

I'd also love to forge out an entire bustier of sterling silver, completely contoured to custom fit someone's body. how fun would that be! My skills are a bit on the rusty side of forging and raising, and I'd definitely need some new tools!

Make sure to check out all the other participating members!

Blog Carnival 08.02.10 - "Food for Thought: What do you eat? "

2010-08-02T10:22:00.008-04:00

(image - c/o the coconut bliss website)

This month's Blog Carnival for EtsyMetal is:
Food for Thought:
What do you eat? What won't you eat? Do you suggest any interesting pairings? What is your favorite studio snack?

What a fun topic! And quite interesting for me. My first inclination is to say 'everything!' but that is quite far from the truth! I'm vegan, so I don't eat any animal products (no meat, no dairy, etc) Fruits and vegetables are some of my favorite things to eat so it doesn't feel like I avoid anything. and honestly, if it's vegan, there isn't much that I won't eat. I love ethnic food and am particularly fond of Thai and Indian food... and Mexican and Italian and Mediterranean and Chinese. My husband and I cook a lot, though I have to admit he does a bit more than I do :) I like to be creative and sometimes make things that he doesn't think are so great - I think he just has a more discerning palate than I do :)

Oh, actually I did just think of this weird fungi thing at an Asian vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco that was not so great and was kind of like chewing on a rubber band - so after trying it, I left the others on my plate.

What is my favorite studio snack... hmmm...That's tough. I guess it kind of depends what mood I'm in. I think my snacks run to full gambit of healthy to junky. Today I had an apple. Sometimes it's crackers (I do love a triscuit) or a bite of leftovers (the other day it was spicy basil tofu and eggplant) and sometimes it's a cookie. Or if I feel particularly stressed, hot or overwhelmed - it's a few bites of ice cream. Now I know you are thinking "But you're vegan" Yes, yes I know. I remember loving real ice cream until it started not loving me and I actually quit eating ice cream before I became a full fledged vegan. In the years since then, there has become a demand for dairy alternative ice creams. And coconut milk ice cream is one of the most amazing creations ever. I had some soy ice creams now and then when the craving would hit - but it was good, but coconut milk ice cream is in a category all of it's own. I do love coconut, so that helps, though many of the flavors don't have a particularly definitive coconut flavor. I also really like that they aren't made w/ sugar, but agave nectar instead ( do try to stay away from sugar). There are usually only a few ingredients - which is also a huge bonus (can't say the same for the soy ice creams) and so far every one I have had is incredibly yummy. And it likes me too. My particular current favorite is Luna and Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss Cherry Amaretto. It is truly amazing.

I have experimented w/ making my own and so far coconut w/ lime is a real winner. I have yet to try using guar gum to make the right consistency, though eating it right away is just fine - one day when I have all that time on my hands...

As far as recipes to possibly share... hm... I don't do recipes much - kind of like most of my jewelry, I just wing it. We do have a lot of great vegan cookbooks that we sometimes look at for ideas, but we usually just adapt them to whatever we feel like that is similar.

Any interesting pairings... hm... i love apple and peanut butter sandwiches. I think that's probably the oddest thing I make. I wasn't so much on banana and peanut butter - too much mush. But a thinly sliced apple w/ layers of peanut - yummy!

Make sure to check out the other participating EtsyMetal members (some may not have posted yet, but check back for updated links)

ninaG

vic - experimetal

wildflowerdesigns

tomi - metalriot

ann hartley

cynthia del guidice

caitlyn/discomedusa

Inbar Bareket

Lauren/Creative Dexterity

Maria/Fluxplay Jewellery

Blog Carnival 07.08.10 - If you couldn't make jewelry, what would you do instead?

2010-07-08T10:51:00.007-04:00

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic is "If you couldn't make jewelry, what would you do instead?"

Its kind of funny that I came up with this topic and that now I'm thinking of all kinds of qualifications! Can I not make jewelry b/c there is something wrong with my hands, or b/c I've suddenly become allergic to metal or a freak accident and all the creativity was sucked out of me? Haha! So... I've decided I'll pick a few different things.... depending, you know, on what the reason is for not being able to make jewelry.

My first easy answer is painting. Its one thing that because I make jewelry, I don't really seem to have time or make time for it anymore. I really miss it. So if I had to get rid of all my jewelry tools/equipment and use my studio for something else, it would be painting!

Beyond that, I would be a yoga teacher! It IS one thing that I continue to make time for, so if I couldn't make jewelry or have a studio, I would teach yoga. Though at some point in the future, I'll probably be doing that as well as jewelry, so I'm not sure if that counts for a proper answer....

And then I have all these other ideas of things I would like to do. Combined with yoga, I've become extra fascinated with anatomy, health, and nutrition. And I really love plants - the idea of being an herbalist or botanist or some sort of scientist is really appealing.

I think I could go on and on if I had to think about alternate lives I could have led if jewelry weren't what I'm totally in to. But maybe that is too far off topic!

Make sure to check out all the other participants for this month's blog carnival:
Victoria - experimetal
Tomi - metal riot
Ann - hartleystudio
Brooke Medlin
Maria - fluxplay
stacey - wildflowerdesigns
Inbar Bareket

Starting to get caught up!

2010-07-07T12:58:00.003-04:00

Starting.... but not quite there yet. There are still lots of orders to fill, but after getting most of the batch all mailed out, I don't feel behind anymore. Depending on how much I get done this week, I just might start to feel ahead! wooohooo! Course, for me, I don't feel ahead unless I get orders mailed out two weeks early. Mailing something out on time seems to be late. I'm hoping I can let go of that feeling and realize that on time IS on time! I'd hoped to get some new designs made and listed soon, but it might be August before they're up! We'll see.

On the yoga front - I'm pleased to say I have successfully been able to do some aspect of my practice every day since the teacher training ended, whether its a busy day and all I did was a quick hatha practice, or a relaxing Sunday where all I did was meditate! My first practice class teaching session is coming up on Monday the 16th. I hope I'm ready by then! Luckily the 'students' are my fellow trainees. Great for feedback!

Back in the Saddle...

2010-06-24T07:45:00.004-04:00

during one of our many practice teaching sessions

Not that I was entirely out of any saddle... just side saddle maybe! But I am back to work on the jewelry front. The first two weeks of yoga teacher training were amazing. Despite the excessive heat through about half of it (heat indexes over 100) - it was fantastic. It was definitely one of those life changing experiences and wonderful to share it with so many fabulous people who are now very much like family.

Over the next 6 months we'll continue to practice teaching, do some studying and a few other homework tidbits, then in January we'll have the second two weeks.

The ring business isn't quite as jumpin' in January, so I think it'll be a little bit easier in that aspect. Though I'm quite pleased that I was successfully able to take the two weeks this summer and come out of it not stressed at all. I guess 2 weeks of yoga helps with that, regardless of how intense it was!

I've got a new batch of waxes full in the kiln this morning and am headed off in just a few minutes to cast again for the first time in almost 3 weeks!

The Before and Afters

2010-06-04T07:32:00.009-04:00

Just a quick post! Hair officially shortened! I absolutely love it. My dear friend Maranda did an amazing job - if you are in the Chattanooga/Ft. Oglethorpe area - you should check her out at Serenity Salon! She caught me mid laugh on the befores - the shot before was even goofier! And it all got donated to Locks of Love. Its the third time I've donated. I kind of feel like if I'm going to get it cut - do it all at once and donate!

And I washed it this morning - what a HUGE difference. I'll save tons in hair conditioner!! ha ha!

and ps - the shirt is one of my fabulous new pieces by my friend Gaby - who is not only a talented jeweler - but is a goddess as far as I am concerned in making clothing that is amazing. You should check out her shop InnerEvolution. I got several pieces from her and LOVE them all.

Where I've been and Where I'm going....

2010-06-02T08:00:00.006-04:00

So this title sounds a bit more 'deep thinking' than its really meant to be, but it might be fitting!

I've been really busy that last two weeks wrapping up all the custom orders for any June/early July weddings. I will be taking two weeks away from the studio for a yoga teacher training course starting on June 5th. I will be back in the studio on June 21st - but during that time, I will not be making any jewelry! I'm pretty excited on many levels.

The photos are all the rings I made in the last week and a half - it was a HUGE push - which is why I haven't been around here much! I wanted to make sure everything got done that needed to be done. I got them all finished and then some. There are a few more rings I'll be finishing up today that aren't in the photos - though I think they may deserve their own photo finishes. :)

I'm also really excited to be embarking on my yoga teacher training journey. The first session is 2 weeks this summer. The second session will be in January of 2011. I haven't been this excited about something in a long time... well, I don't know about that. I'm a pretty excitable person. But this does feel different in terms of it being a major life changing experience. I'm debating blogging about it over the next two weeks. If not during, I definitely will after it is all over.

I'm very interested to see how it affects my jewelry as well. I haven't taken a two week break, well, since I started my business full time in 2006.

Oh, and I'm getting my hair all chopped off. Big Changes! I'll post some before and after photos :)

Handmade Division "Talk About" May Edition

2010-05-15T21:42:00.008-04:00

Our snow leopard team is now Handmade Division!

This month's topic is:
What item do you most treasure made by another artist? ( if there is one) If not, how about what would you *like* to have?

When I read this topic I was really stumped. I've got quite a few pieces that I feel all serve a different purpose and I'm not sure I have ONE that totally stands out. So I decided to pick my most recent acquisition - a fabulous ring from Bill Martin of purifiedart. It was one of those cases where I saw a few he had done on flickr and just totally fell in love. So he made one special in my size and I put it on before I got out of the parking lot of the post office. (picture above) Its utterly fantastic. I think of it as a futuristic or alien artifact. I'm not usually very flashy when it comes to wearing rings, but I do love wearing this one. It totally makes me feel special :) So right now, thats my favorite!

Make sure to check out everyone else's posts!

Andes Cruz - andescruz.wordpress.com
Jewelry by Natsuko - jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com
Tosca - www.nanopod.wordpress.com
Susan Moloney - susarto.blogspot.com
WATTO- www.wattoonline.blogspot.com
Ceeb Wassermann - mettledesignstudio.blogspot.com
Rickson - RicksonArt.blogspot.com
Tamra Gentry - jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com
Purified Art - purifiedart.blogspot.com
Sandfibers - SandFibers – sandfibers.blogspot.com
ArtJewel Designs - artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com
Kerin Rose - kerinrose.blogspot.com
Abhaya Fibers - abhayafibers.blogspot.com

HandMade Division Blog - handmadedivision.wordpress.com

Good Morning!

2010-05-05T07:10:00.002-04:00

I was up early this morning - its 7:00 and I'm done with all my computer stuff, which for me is cause for major celebration. So I thought I'd take a few minutes to do a pointless blog :)

I woke up with this song in my head this morning and listening to it has put me in a lovely mood and much more awake than I was an hour ago! I'm off to finish my tea, do a bit of a morning yoga practice, and start on all those waxes I need to be working on.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

(oh and ps - though i rarely watch the full videos - i watched most of this one - wait for the girls w/ the boomerangs... what?! makes me giggle though.

Blog Carnival 05.03.10 - "What motivates you to create"?

2010-05-03T10:31:00.008-04:00

What motivates you to create? In a down market when things are not selling well? When you are tired? When life makes you busy?

This is a pretty interesting topic - especially since it is similar to what inspires you to create. Though to me, there are some distinct differences.
The automatic answer is "I have to" but that is on so many different levels. I feel an internal compulsion most of the time to create.

Though now that it really is a business - I'd say that my customers are my biggest factor. I feel responsible to everyone that orders a piece and pays for it. Once the order is made, I write it down on my desk calendar and on my erase board calendar. I feel an obligation to get it done as soon as I can. Because this is my job, it's what I do every day (well, weekday. I do take most weekends off). I do have days where I feel less than motivated to work on a specific piece - but if that is the case, I just delay it by working on something else! So I'm still always getting work done.

I also think that 'being successful' is a motivation for me. I've always disliked the idea of the 'starving artist' and wanted to instead be a successful artist! Hm... and maybe now that I'm thinking about it, this might be my biggest motivation. Even growing up, I wanted to be successful in whatever I was doing, whether it was getting all A's or working really hard on a drawing. (apparently learning to play the guitar didn't fall in to that category, playing the clarinet did though!)

I guess in the end, a really short summary would be that I am very driven and motivated naturally - and on days when I may rather sit and read a book or watch tv, I rely on the expectations of those around me to make me feel responsible and keep going.

1. - Nina Gibson
2. - stacey hansen
3. - Danielle Miller-Gilliam
4. - Victoria Takahashi / Experimetal
5. - Maria Whetman
6. - Ann Hartley / hartleystudio
7. - Brooke Medlin
8. - 2Roses

New Website!

2010-04-30T10:24:00.002-04:00

My dear friend Kate (of jetkatdesigns) redesigned a webpage for me. My last whole site was very much out of date and though I don't have the time or energy in to getting a whole site redone, I needed at least a new page. Though, in total, way more went in to it than just what you see.

It all started because I got a new fax machine... and was running out of business cards.
I need a new phone number and the fact that I was almost out of my business cards was perfect. So I got a new phone number for calling purposes, while my old number stayed with the fax machine. But the phone number on the old site (which was pretty much inaccessible) was wrong and if you had seen it recently, you'd have known how out of date the whole thing was.
Now, its just a landing pad for the most important of my sites - my two etsy shops, blog, flickr, and my artfire site. And has all the current contact info. It's clean and simple and I love it. The old email platform (is that the right word??) was horrid and I hated it - now w/ the same email address - its set up through google. And all of my email addresses come to one location. Its almost so organized I don't know what to do!
I have my new business cards, new web page, new email, new phone number and I also got new ring boxes that are pretty great. Now that I think about it, its no wonder I've been so overwhelmed! I'm one of those people that likes change. I really embrace new things and love that every day is different. Sometimes if too much is going on, its like my brain capacity can't handle it. But now I feel like its all falling back in to place.

In the future - may it be 6 months or several years - I'll get around to having a whole site set up that will have its own gallery of images, shopping cart, etc. Right now, that's way more organizing than I can deal with - b/c afterall, I do have rings to make!

Make sure to check out Kate - she is an amazing artist, designer, photographer and new mother... her website and etsy.

new business card possibilities

2010-04-26T11:45:00.006-04:00

so i've been working on a slightly new business card, not too different from the last one, but it needed some updates... i can't decide which orientation i like better.... i've had them horizontal and so i feel more drawn to that one, but i'm not sure if its just what i'm used to or that i do like it better. oh and imagine them w/ rounded corners.

which do you like better??

edited horizontal version:

Dandelion Rings and Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-04-23T07:49:00.003-04:00

I had a custom order for the men's band and finally got photos of a set taken of the gold dandelion wish bands. I think they turned out so lovely and with the giant crop of dandelions everywhere, its the perfect ring to post for today! Doing them in yellow gold seems so natural. Love them!

and there was a new tea tab quote today! The past few days have all been repeats. This one may be from a long time ago... but I don't think I have posted it before.

True wealth is the ability to let go of your possessions.

have a great day!!!
xoxo

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T09:26:00.006-04:00

one of my favorite trees

I am sure many of you are aware that not only do I love nature in general, I love trees in particular.

So for Earth Day, I decided to do a couple of things.

1. Give the gift of trees through Heifer.org. This is something I've done before and a group I like to support. Its not just planting trees, its helping people, the economy, and well, the world, through trees! If you'd like to give a full gift of trees you can, or you can donate a small portion that will go towards the full gift. You can check it out here.

2. Make a donation to the Sierra Club and Sponsor the Giant Sequoia National Monument. I have yet to make it there, and hopefully my small donation will aid in its being there by the time I can make it! If you'd like to sponsor a wild place, you can check out Sierra Club's full list here.

and yes, i do live in a garden paradise

I know everyone can't donate financially, but I hope that everyone can at least stop for a minute and think about their actions and think about how beautiful and amazing our earth is. And then turn those actions in to something positive. Plant a tree, plant a flower, donate your time (or money of you have more of that than time!), use re-usable bags, recycle, eat local, eat a veggie instead of a burger, tell a friend to not throw their cigarette butt on the ground, walk, bike, carpool, buy a hybrid!, buy organic, or don't buy and grow your own, every little bit helps. Happy Earth Day!!

Engraving pt 2

2010-04-21T15:53:00.004-04:00

I recently posted a photo of the script style, but didn't have a photo of the Block style of engraving available. Here it is! This style is all upper case only, a little bigger and a little easier to read.

check out the script style here.

Gold Nature Collection.... sort of

2010-04-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

This little collection just happened to all be ordered and cast/cleaned up at the same time and I loved how they all looked together!! So I thought I'd share since I've been quite delinquent in posting recently.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day and studio update

2010-04-16T17:30:00.002-04:00

so, apparently, with a new box comes new quotes! fantastic!

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.

(and the photo is from my castings this week - only a rush order sent out, but I got a lot done and will work on getting these all finished up the next few days. Some really lovely pieces in there!!! 11 individuals or couples are represented here - look at all that love!!!)

Snow Leopard Network Team "Talk About" April Edition

2010-04-15T08:00:00.005-04:00

I'm on another street team - the Snow Leopard Network - and we're having a monthly blog "carnival" as well - where many of the members will all blog about the same topic and link to each other so readers can get a wide range of viewpoints all on the same topic.

This month's topic is:

How do you view the topic of "copying"? What does it mean to you? I.E. - is it a concrete thing of an exact duplicate of your work, or do you consider design elements and style? Have you felt you have been copied by other artists? And, how do you deal with this?

*** disclaimer: this is a really long post and in order to go ahead and get it posted, I didn't go back and edit/proofread, so... i'm sure there are some random run-on sentences, horrible grammatical errors and the like... ***

This is a very interesting topic and one that I'm not quite sure about anymore. I think in the days before the internet, it may have been easier... then again, maybe not.

When I was in school, we had a "multiples" project. I created a little rose, molded it and cast a dozen roses, created stems for them all and had a sweet little bunch. Maybe not the most original idea - a dozen roses are everywhere, though I hadn't personally seen it done in metal like that. A few weeks later in class a girl said she was going to make a rose. I completely called her out and said, "NO! You can't do that, thats copying." and probably a few more words as well... We were in class together! I was utterly appalled A. that she would think it, B. she would say it and C. had no problem at all about planning on doing it.

In an enclosed setting like a class - for one person to see your work in a critique and then start to do the same exact thing, to me, isn't open for debate on whether or not it was copying.

Now in the age of the internet... the lines are much fuzzier. There are many pieces I've created that the online community hasn't seen. I may have felt it was a totally original idea and then I happen to see some one else has created something nearly identical. With no way of seeing my design, it gets chalked up to "great minds think alike". Others will say "there are no new ideas" (which i don't agree w/, but thats a whole other topic)

But then you move in to the realm of work that is created and put out there. Visually in an online gallery or something like flickr, or for sale on any of the many websites available.

Or take two artists that create something similar around the same time and start posting images nearly simultaneously. Artist A. is more popular, has more fans, more followers etc. Artist B. is more obscure, tinkers on the weekend and has sketchbooks filled with ideas going back years. Artist B. recently started creating one of the ideas they had had years before because they lost their job and now have more time to actually create. Though specific designs are not duplicated down to a minute detail - the ideas are remarkably identical. A fan of Artist A may stumble upon the work of Artist B and scream copy cat... but how can it be proved. Since my case is purely hypothetical - I can say clearly that neither copied the other, however, it would blatantly look like it. The popular artist is presumably the one that was copied! There were is out there more, more available, more seen, more open for the taking, surely they were being copied b/c no one else could create something like theirs right? Or maybe the popular artist A got popular by capitalizing on stealing designs of lesser known artists and being able to mass produce them and market them in a way that makes them seem special and talented.

This is the sort of thing I think about. I often give everyone the benefit of the doubt, because without concrete proof, it can be so difficult to say. If you've had friends on either side of being the accuser or the accused (or you yourself been there) the feelings of conviction are there regardless of proof. When you put your heart in to something, it feels like it is yours. And to see it appear somewhere else is heart-wrenching.

So when can something be considered copying? I was actually having a brief discussion w/ a customer who happens to be a law professor at UGA and teaches copyright and trademark law. For actual designs he said, it is really difficult to be able to prove anything. Where a line can be better distinguished is in the entire presentation.

Take Etsy for example.... (since we're all on etsy) Some one has a "copier". They start creating a product that is nearly identical to someone elses, but they don't stop there. They copy the whole description (hey, if the design is the same, why not just use their description too!) and then take photos that are really similar and then market them to the same blogs, etc. This IS the sort of thing that will appear more blatant as far as any law is concerned.

Or repeatedly coping design after design, even through slight style changes and stone choices...

But what if a copier loved... lets say... caterpillars. They were looking around to buy a caterpillar photograph and happened to see... a cute brooch of a caterpillar chewing lines through a leaf that spelled out someone's name. how cute would that be? I haven't seen anything like that before, though it is entirely possible someone has had that idea and portrayed it in some manner (sounds like a kids book doesn't it?) But the copier loves it so much they think, Oh, I'm going to make one of those, but just for myself. But then some friends see it and want ones made for them w/ their kids names on them, etc etc. So the copier starts to sell them. They market them towards moms, kids blogs, do an entirely different photography style. Fast forward and the original artist finds out/ sees it etc... and feels certain they were copied. They would in fact be right (b/c this is my hypothetical story, so I know), but the copier denies it. etc etc... Still, it is a blatant copy. The original started creating the design a few years earlier and has plenty of documentation to prove they'd been selling it ahead of time.

What if the copier was a painter. And they thought, oh what a great idea. I'm going to start doing custom paintings of the same caterpillar chewing on a leaf w/ the names of kids, market it towards parents, and on and on... I still consider this copying. I don't consider it "making it their own" or "being inspired". Maybe its a whole other market and they aren't competing for jewelry sales, but the integrity of the person copying, to me, is lacking. Making it their own would have been painting ants tunneling through the underground to spell out a kids name - well, much more creative - and honestly not too far of a stretch from Charlotte writing out words for Wilbur. I mean, we all know insects have extraordinary abilities :)

I've been witness to many accusations of copying. In most cases, I find it difficult to say. Though its nice to side with friends, I'm finding myself to be more and more objective. Maybe its that I've had friends on both sides and been able to see both sides of being accused and being the accuser. And after having seen the accused and knowing that they were in fact NOT copying, well, it makes you see the whole debate in a new angle. I've seen designs that I think are possible "copies" and sure my little feelings get hurt. But I'm going to keep creating new designs and keep pushing myself to be the best that I can in both creativity and techniques. I hope that no one creates a blantant ripoff and I also hope I don't inadvertently step on someone else's toes and have them accuse me of copying them.

Since this is turning out incredibly long, I guess I'll sum it up by saying - I do think copying is wrong. I do considered "it" to be copying based on the intent of the copier. Whether it is specific designs down to the very detail or whether it is a general idea. But how can you prove the intent of someone? Most of the time, you can't. And honestly, I think its a waste of time to get sucked in to the drama of it. And just because two people have similar ideas, it doesn't mean one copied the other. With no intent, I don't think it can be considered copying. It is all very nebulous.

I'm sure I could keep writing on and on about this, but you should check out what others have written too!

ArtJewel designs- http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Andes Cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko - http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Tosca Teran - http://nanopod.wordpress.com
Tamra Gentry - http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/
Mary Spencer - http://wattoonline.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin - http://www.metalriot.blogspot.com
Susan Moloney - http://susarto.blogspot.com/
Rosy Revolver - http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com

Tea Tab Quote of the Day and studio update

2010-04-14T10:16:00.007-04:00

Yay for springtime!

Well, my tea tab quotes may be a bit on the way out. I think they must have one for each of the tea bags in the box, but I am starting to have more and more repeats. Today's was a new one though!

Serve humanity so that people feel we are kind to them.

Indeed.

Things here in the studio are quite busy. And by "quite" I mean, the busiest I've ever been. Its very good and very exciting, and I'm doing much better about prioritizing, which means my computer time is being cut short so I can stay on top of the incoming orders. This means my blogging time is one of the first to go, especially w/ repeated quotes coming in! I've been trying to take photos of the week's groupings, though I often mail out a few during the week, but this is one shot from last week:

and from the weekend's batch (I normally take most of the weekend off, but this was a little bit of a work weekend)

(These are also counting as my ring-a-days #90 - 104!)

front page!!

2010-04-09T16:56:00.002-04:00

Yay!
The front page is up from the "voter favorites"! I love being on the front page. For etsy, that's about the best free advertising you can get!

I'm a Winner!

2010-04-08T14:28:00.002-04:00

Yayy!!
Thank you so much for the support in the Voter. I'm super excited and really appreciate each of my votes :) Thank you thank you!!

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-04-08T09:19:00.002-04:00

Be Happy so long as breath is within you.

Its funny, a random lady at the post office said almost this exact same thing to me the other day. We were headed out the door at the same time and I guess she'd been talking to someone at the counter about why she was happy. And she said to me, "Any day is a good day I'm breathing". I told her that was a great attitude!

Recycle Your Packing/Packaging Material

2010-04-07T07:52:00.000-04:00

So often I hear people say they buy their packing material. I've never had the need to, I recycle! I order so many of my supplies and most boxes come with their own stuffing. Some have styrofoam or the eco-friendly dissolving peanuts, the little inflatable air packets, others just use paper or my favorite, bubble wrap! Though I know its fun to simply pop it, save it instead and reuse it!

I have a large bag I use to collect the variety of materials I receive and then I simply pluck something out when I am mailing my own package. If I happen to be using a flat rate envelope instead of a box, old bubble mailers are great for an additional inside cushioning.

Plastic bags are great to reuse as are old newspaper, magazines or even shredded bits from your paper shredder (just make sure they are thoroughly mixed up!)

Bottom line - recycling your incoming packing material is not only good for the environment, its great on your wallet!

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-04-06T08:15:00.002-04:00

May your inner self be secure and happy.

... and allergy free!
Not as "pretty" of a photo as I usually post, but goodness, check out that pollen. Yesterday the pollen count was around 1900 and today it is a bit over 2900! in a day it jumped that much! It is definitely the time of year that the neti pot comes in handy. I'm hoping that this year I will consistently stay with using it and not have my one week of allergies. Many people I know feel terrible during this time of year. I only have a tiny dose of one particular plant in my yard that seems to affect me. I'm not sure what it is, but it's usually later in the season a bit and I think is something I've never been around before b/c it never happened until I lived at this house. Though I'm hoping this year it just won't happen! I'm planning on keeping my immune system boosted and "cleaned" out. Spring time already makes me feel like a super hero, so I'm hoping I'll just plow right through with no problem!

Voter Update!

2010-04-03T17:12:00.003-04:00

I'm currently in the lead!! Yayy!!! if you haven't voted yet, but would like to, I would really appreciate it! Every little vote counts and that saying about "it ain't over til its over" is totally true! Even if I don't win, I'm hoping to just stay near the top!! :)

the tea tab quote for this morning: By listening, you comfort another person.

hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Please Vote for Me!

2010-04-02T17:56:00.004-04:00

My rings made it in Etsy's Wedding voter!
Please vote for me! (its the rings above) and here's the link.

How wonderfully exciting!!!

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-04-02T10:18:00.004-04:00

Delight the world with your compassion, kindness and grace.

My sweet little Japanese maple is so lovely right now and looks better than it ever has before!

Blog Carnival: The Creative Process: How do you plan and organize for design?

2010-04-01T10:49:00.001-04:00

So EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival this month is: The Creative Process: How do you plan and organize for design? and we're supposed to take a photo of our workbench. Which is pretty funny. I promise I did not clean it up at all (uh, of course I didn't, drawers open, tools ALL over the place) - I'm wondering how many of us will??

As far as answering the question - thats an easy one - I don't plan or organize!

Well, that isn't entirely true, but the vast majority of the time I don't. I'm much more of a process oriented creator. When I'm working on new designs, its very much material based in terms of deciding what direction to go in. My themes are all kind of connected - in my head anyway. Mostly nature and plant based - though I go through periods of liking bugs and being inspired by them. I really like earth sciences, rocks, trees, oceans, bugs, animals, etc. If I am interested in doing something new, I think about all these things and what I'm most interested in on that day.

If I have a stone I want to work with, I look at it, and see what it reminds me of and then base the design and texture off of something in the natural world that goes with that stone.

If I'm working in wax, I just like to play with it and see what it reminds me of and then build off of that.

If I'm working with metal, pretty much the same thing. I like to "see" what might want to appear.

The idea of a sketchbook is nice, but I hardly ever keep one. There IS a new project I have rolling around in my head that I think I might need to use a sketchbook as it is a bit more complicated than I usually work. It involves non-existent insects, or hybrid bugs. Even if I do a sketch though, I know the final product won't look quite like the sketch, so that is why I rarely do them!

Most of my creative process is looking and thinking and then doing.

Checkout the other participants from this month's carnival!

Victoria Takahashi/Experimetal
Thomasin Durgin/metalriot
Su Trindle/QuercusSilver
Inbar Bareket
Stacey Hansen
Nina Gibson
Danielle Miller
Corliss & John Rose/2Roses
Maria Whetman

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-04-01T07:48:00.000-04:00

Appreciate yourself and honor your soul.

Thats a good one if I do say so myself :)

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-31T09:53:00.004-04:00

Happiness is nothing but total relaxation.

And that is the super bright sun, its going to warm me up to a lovely 78 degrees this afternoon! I will aim to be totally relaxed while working today.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-29T12:15:00.001-04:00

May your mind learn to love with compassion.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-26T09:17:00.002-04:00

The best way of life is to be, simply be.

Spring is here and I want to 'be' outside in the sunshine - well, if the sunshine wants to come out and play that is. The flowers are finally starting to come out - Its been so cold this year that the early flowers (daffodils, crocus, spirea) were all a month or two later than usual!! Oddly it seems to have made them all come out with a vengeance though. The tulips (flowers) aren't up yet, but there seem to be more (leaves) than we've ever had before. Which is exciting b/c I love tulips.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-25T10:07:00.003-04:00

The greatest tool you have is to listen.

FAQ

2010-03-24T14:19:00.004-04:00

I finally got a complete FAQ section set up! Hopefully it will answer the vast majority of questions that customers have. Its posted in its entirety on the Policies page of my etsy wedding shop and most of them are on the same page of my regular shop. And I thought I might as well post it here too for quick reference! Its lengthy I know, but I have to answer these questions over and over again, I can't believe it took me this long to get it done!

FAQ:

*DO YOU DO CUSTOM ORDERS/DESIGNS:

If a new design is created, a $50 design fee may be added. If a simple alteration is desired, just ask, there is usually no charge for that! Please feel free to contact me either through here or by email: BethCyrWeddings@gmail.com

*DO YOU USE MOLDS FOR YOUR DESIGNS?

No, all of my rings are “made from scratch”. Most designs are made from a huge lump of dark brown soft wax. This allows for any alterations you might like in addition to creating a truly unique ring for each of my customers.

*HOW ARE YOUR RINGS CREATED?

Most of my rings are cast using the lost wax casting method. You can see my full process on my blog - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/03/lost-wax-casting-process.html

*WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR METAL AND STONES?

All of my metal comes from a supplier, Hoover and Strong, that offers 100% recycled metal. I recycle my own in addition to buying my “fresh” casting grain, sheet or wire from this company.

All of my diamonds are conflict free. I also use some synthetic stones (colored CZs) and will be adding similar options in the future including synthetic diamonds.

*WHAT SIZES DO YOU OFFER AND HOW CAN I FIND MY SIZE?

Ring sizes available 2 - 15 including 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 sizes. Since each ring is made to order “from scratch”, I can make exactly the size you need.

As far as sizing for fit - Most hands do change through out the year, generally a little smaller in the winter and larger during the hottest months of the summer. Time of day can also affect sizing. Personally, my fingers are larger in the morning but after I get up and moving they are get back to their normal size.

Different people like a different fit for their rings. I prefer something as loose as possible but that never falls off. There are times during the winter when it gets close, but never does. And for the summer, its just perfect. I do not like when a ring is too tight - it makes me feel constricted and I find it really uncomfortable. Other people wear rings so tight that they can't come off and they don't find it to be a problem at all. The shape of the finger can have an effect too as to what would be comfortable for you. Some fingers are very slender and it doesn't take much for the sizing to be off. Other fingers are more "curvy" and as long as the ring can go over the knuckle, a full range of sizes will fit and be fine. The width of the ring can also affect the size of the ring. A narrow band can be much smaller and fit just fine, but for a wider ring (depending on how wide you get) The size may need to be 1/2 or even a full size larger. One of my fingers I can wear anywhere from a 5 (very narrow band), to a 6.5 (very wide 15mm+)

The ring sizers I offer are around 4mm which is a pretty standard width for most of my rings (4 - 6mm).
If you are sized at a jewelry store, make sure they use sizers that are close to the width of the ring you are interested in. Or try rings on that are the same width you want.

For the majority of my rings, it is easy to size them up a 1/4 or 1/2 size. Sizing down usually requires remaking the entire ring.

*ARE THEY COMFORTABLE? HOW WILL THEY WEAR OVER TIME?

I do think my rings are comfortable - I wouldn’t want to make a ring that wasn’t. Though many of my designs are too wide or thick for my own personal preference. I have very small hands and wear a 3 3/4 - so large rings don’t make sense for me to wear every day, especially with some of the tools I use! I find that it really is about personal preference. Some people will want a very thick ring, while others like me need something a little daintier. Most of my styles can come in a narrow thinner version to a thicker chunkier version. Average widths are between 1.5 and 2mm thick.

Metal does wear over time. Patinas are sealed with renaissance wax, but over time will wear down as well. It will depend on the person as to how quickly it may wear down. For some, it may look nearly identical 20 years later, for others, it may wear much more than that. Different metals also will wear differently - see next section.

*WHAT METALS DO YOU OFFER AND WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

Silvers:

Sterling Silver - 92.5% fine silver, 7.5% copper. This is a standard sterling alloy. Fine silver (99.9) by itself is much too soft (in my opinion) for a ring. Sterling is much softer in comparison to gold (will wear faster), but the addition of copper makes sterling much stronger than fine silver.

Palladium Sterling Silver - 92.5% fine silver, roughly 4.5% copper and 3% palladium. Palladium is a more precious metal and a relative of platinum. It gives a little added preciousness to sterling and makes it a little harder and a little more expensive. The color is nearly identical to regular sterling, but has a very slightly warmer tone when they are next to each other.

Argentium Sterling Silver - 92.5% fine silver, 7.5% copper and germanium. Though I don’t cast with it often, it is an option. Similar to the palladium sterling, some of the copper is replaced by another metal, germanium. It gives some different and unique properties to the alloy. (different melting temps, tarnish resistant, fuses easily)

Golds:
All the gold I use are alloys. 24k is close to as pure as you can get with gold and it is very soft. Mixing it with different metals creates a variety of properties and colors.

14k Yellow Gold - a traditional yellow gold. All 14k alloys contain 58.5% yellow gold. The other metals vary per alloy and in amount. I buy all of my casting grain alloyed already, so the make up per % of the rest of the alloys is unknown to me.

14k Palladium White Gold - contains 58.5% gold, and instead of nickel as in traditional white gold, it contains palladium as a bleaching agent. The color is often referred to as “straw white” though I think of it as a “warm steel” color. It is a lovely soft and buttery gray color that is not plated in rhodium as traditional white golds are. If you are attempting to match a current white gold ring, be aware that it may not. It is the hardest of all the metals I use and is more expensive than other 14k alloys. The qualities that give it added hardness as far as wear is concerned, also make it harder to work with. This and the added value of the palladium are the reasons for it being more expensive than the other 14k alloys.

Palladium is in the platinum family and makes the alloy overall and more precious metal. (though palladium is much less expensive than platinum!) If you want the bright white look, you are more than welcome to have your ring plated at your local jewelry store. Most rhodium plating needs to be redone every year or couple years depending on your wear.

Palladium white gold will take a patina, though it is not as dark as the patina on sterling, nor is the contrast as great since the metal is darker and the patina not as dark. There are several comparison shots if you search for “comparison” on my flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcyrjewelry

14k Rose/Red Gold - a lovely coppery rosy reddish toned gold - again contains 58.5% gold. Can take a light patina, though wears off more quickly, so starting out with just a little is best.

14k non traditional colors - Though not commonly used, brighter “royal” yellow, green and peach gold - just slight variations of a traditional yellow.

18k - contains 75.2% gold - due to the higher gold content, 18k alloys have a different color than their 14k relatives. Most commonly requested for the subtlety bands, though I can upgrade most styles to 18k instead of 14k. It is a little softer and more expensive.

*IS YOUR METAL PLATED WITH ANYTHING?

No. Rhodium plating is common for traditional white gold and much of the mass produced commercial jewelry is also plated in rhodium for a bright white finish that doesn’t tarnish. Plating WILL wear off over time. I do not offer the service, though most jewelry stores can rhodium plate a ring for you if you want.

*DO YOU USE PALLADIUM OR PLATINUM?

I am not able to personally cast with it in my studio, though I use a larger casting company that has the facilities to cast both of these metals. The melting temperatures are much higher than I am able to do with the equipment I use for silvers and golds. A model can be made in sterling and then sent off to be molded and cast in either of these metals. Generally this adds an extra 3 - 4 weeks.

*HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELRY?

For rings that get worn ever day, the natural oils from your skin and constant wear should keep it an even color and shine. Certain chemicals like chlorine can cause a bad reaction and dull or even darken the metal. I find that it will wear off again as you wear it, though a polishing cloth can be used to clean it up. It is best if you frequently are around chlorine to take the ring off as it can corrode the metal with prolonged exposure.

For jewelry that gets taken off, with proper storage, your piece should remain lovely for a long time. Air and moisture cause tarnish on silver and letting a piece sit on the bathroom counter will dull it rather quickly (yes I know this by experience!). Keeping it in a bag or box will help to keep this from happening.

Patinas will wear down over time. I seal them with renaissance wax, though if you are interested, you may think of resealing once it starts to wear down, or just let your ring age naturally.

*I HAVE METAL ALLERGIES, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

Everyone has a different body chemistry and will react (or not react) to different metals or chemicals. Usually an allergic reaction occurs when another chemical is introduced and gets trapped between the ring and the skin. Certain lotions, perfumes or soaps can cause a reaction. While one person may be able to wear a particular metal and use lotion with no reaction, their spouse may have a completely different reaction due to their own personal body chemistry. People are different and not everyone can wear the same metals.

The most common metal allergies are copper and nickel. I have a completely nickel free studio, though there are small amounts of copper in all of the alloys I use. I have had some great feedback for the palladium sterling and palladium white gold. Some customers w/ a slight intolerance to regular sterling have worn the palladium sterling with no problem. Since there is no nickel in the palladium white gold, it is an excellent alternative to customers who have had problems with standard white gold.

Rhodium plating often tricks people in to thinking they are not allergic to certain metals - though as they plating wears off, they may find that they are in fact allergic to the metal underneath. None of my rings are plated with rhodium or any other metal.

*DO YOU WHOLESALE OR SELL ANYWHERE ELSE?

No, at this time I do not do any wholesale or consignment. I like to work directly with my customers, though I know at times this does not allow for seeing the work up close. Some designs may be available for a sample ring to be sent.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-24T08:19:00.001-04:00

Where there is love, there is no question.

Lord(ess) of the Rings

2010-03-23T08:45:00.003-04:00

I usually work on large batches of rings all at the same time - its more efficient and it means that more people will get their rings faster. I rarely get them all photographed together as the clean up and shipping usually gets spaced out more than the casting. But this week, I managed to get a big group shot and I loved it so much I wanted to share. It makes me feel really productive to be able to see them all together. One big happy ring family - they've all been mailed off now to their new owners.

Today I'll most likely start on a new batch, though I do have a few other small unrelated ring things I need to work on... like getting a form for my county notarized saying I am a US citizen - apparently some new law (GA or county?) passed and all business owners I guess have to do it? It came w/ my business license stuff and I've been putting off doing it.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day -

Life is a gift, if you do not value your gift, nobody else will.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-22T10:05:00.004-04:00

Happiness comes when you overcome the most impossible challenge.

and... Its Monday!
Happy Monday to you - may you overcome that impossible challenge.

I have loads to do today. Friday I worked on cleaning up castings from the week's creations.

I had hoped to get them all finished up - though... apparently that was the impossible task and I was not able to overcome it! That's okay though - I got several of the sets finished and a few in the mail already. I'd thought it would be fun to have them all finished so I could photograph them together. Maybe today I'll get a photograph of the next batch I get finished up. Hopefully early enough in the day that I can get started on this week's waxes.

Vote for Maria Goti!

2010-03-20T09:53:00.003-04:00

My friend and fellow EtsyMetal teammate needs your votes! She is in Etsy's "Who Rules Euro Week" voter. Her work is amazing and she is wonderful too - so you should vote for her!
Check out her shop here and go vote HERE.

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-19T08:23:00.001-04:00

Find happiness within yourself. Then share yourself with others.

Very similar to yesterday's, but hey, you can never have too much happiness!

Tea Tab Quote of the Day

2010-03-18T10:29:00.002-04:00

I drink a cup of tea every morning. Sometimes two or three! Most of the I drink the Yogi brand tea. I love the little sayings they have on the little tabs. Today's was particularly sharing worthy - so I thought it might be a nice regular thing for me to post. Short and simple and a lovely thought for the day.

Today's is

Be so happy that when others look at you they become happy too.

Isn't that lovely?! So your mission today, should you accept it, is to be that happy, be infectiously happy and joyful and have a wonderful day!

Man Man, my new favorite band!

2010-03-10T11:47:00.001-05:00

Fantastic! If you haven't heard of them, you need to check them out - Man Man

New Rings - Redwoods

2010-03-09T07:46:00.005-05:00

I had a customer request something similar to this a couple months ago and since then I've been wanting to create an offshoot of my tree bark collection and call it Redwoods - a heavier and chunkier tree bark texture cast in 14k red gold. EtsyMetal has a new wedding ring challenge and I figured this was a good excuse to create them. I also made a simple twig engagement ring to go with it. I used a chocolate diamond for a nice earthy look with the red/rose gold. A very light patina has been added for a final touch. I really love the look of them and I hope many other people do too!

Engraving

2010-03-08T08:32:00.002-05:00

I often have customers ask about engraving. Though I don't personally do it, I use a local engraver that has been doing it for years. Just the simple, standard engraving. There are two styles - this one is the script style. I finally thought actually posting this would be a help to people interested and that would like to see what it looks like. And I particularly thought these "messages" were really sweet. The next customer that orders the block style - I'll photograph and post here as well.

edited... check out the block style here.

Happy Monday!!

Kitty Times

2010-03-03T10:29:00.002-05:00

My sweet kitty Nya is laying w/ her "boyfriend" Bruno. She loves him, regardless of her immunity to the catnip with which he is filled.

Wendy of CatsCanJump also made a special "girlfriend" kitty for a gift for a friend of mine. Not only is she one of the sweetest people ever, she makes amazing jewelry and amazing cat toys! So why not buy a little friend for your sweet kitty and you'll make everyone happy!

Blog Carnival 03.01.10 - "Create an inspirational 20 things to do, to kick start creativity."

2010-03-01T15:30:00.008-05:00

For those of you not familiar - the blog carnival is a fun thing we do every month with any EtsyMetal member that wants to participate. We come up with a theme, all blog about it, then link to each others blogs so we can see what everyone else wrote too!
This month's theme is: "Create an inspirational 20 things to do, to kick start creativity."

Wow!
20 things.... lets see, this shall be interesting - I'll probably keep it simple, even if something are sort of related, I'll probably make it two things... Also, since I do some creative things other than jewelry - some of them will seem to be a little out of place!

1. Walk around outside in my yard and look at nature stuff.
2. Go somewhere else like the botanical gardens that would have different flora from my yard.
3. Listen to new music or music that will lead me in a certain direction
4. Look at books on a variety of subjects, depends on what I'm wanting to do, could be technical or completely unrelated to jewelry.
5. Go to the library - I like picking some sort of science subject like "weather" and then checking out a bunch of books to give me some new fresh ideas and photos to look at.
6.Watch a period drama or a fantasy movie that has wonderful costumes. I am incredible inspired by this type of thing.
7. Read a fictional story of the same type genres - creating my own ideas for what the characters would wear.
8. Write a story, either mentally or written or typed.
9. Look around my studio or house for items with interesting textures.
10. Play with wax - mush it around, squish it against different things, drop it in water or on something cold to see if I can get a new patter to develop.
11. Painting related - spread some paint on a canvas and stare at it until I see something I want to paint.
12. Photograph patterns in nature - great for jewelry or painting.
13. Photograph larger scenes that might turn in to a nice painting.
14. Play with materials - melt metal together, hammer it, with no objective other than making something that might end up looking interesting and that could be expanded upon.
15. Go to a lecture - preferably of some one interesting!
16. Travel to a new place - either by car or fly far away - aka: vacation.
17. Take a Bath - what a great place to sit and think
18. Actual meditation - leaving my mind open to wonderful ideas really works!
19. Do something I really don't want to do, like work on my taxes - has the effect of making me want to create!
20. Sketch - this is a last resort.

20! that wasn't so hard at all. I actually deleted one that was less than stellar. And these are in no particular order - except for number 20 - which is meant to be last, b/c it really is my last resort!

Check out the other participants this month!

Chris Parry
Sara Westermark
Katie Miess Kohlhagen
Ann Hartley
Amanda Conley
Wildflowerdesigns
Esther Eve
Maria W
CosmosMoon
Victoria Takahashi/Experimetal
Berenice Schaltegger
Brooke Arin Medlin
Thomasin Durgin/Metalriot
Catherine Chandler

(having the wrong white balance set on your camera can be good too!)

14k Palladium White Gold Subtlety Set

2010-02-22T09:46:00.006-05:00

Oy! Where have I been?! busy busy and feeling like I have things pretty organized and under control. Though that does mean I've been lacking in A. editing photos. B. uploading photos. which then leads to C. blogging! Both flickr and blog have been sorely neglected, though my jewelry has not been. So I say this is a good thing, though it does portray me as a bit on the boring side. And it does leave my RAD #'s needing to be organized...

I do have a new lovely set to share - Subtlety Bands in 14k palladium white gold. The photos got taken, edited and listed on Etsy in my wedding shop! So they are the winners for the week, while other designs got neglected and are sitting unedited on my desktop. Maybe this week...

My Ring for Haiti

2010-02-19T10:41:00.002-05:00

Ring A Day #6
Originally uploaded by B. Cyr

Tomi of metalriot - fellow etsymetal member, has put together an amazing ring auction to benefit Haiti. All proceeds will go to the Global Giving Relief fund.

So head on over and make a bid on my ring! Check out the auction here.

Oh the Busy-ness!

2010-02-12T14:12:00.004-05:00

Well, sadly I am very behind in posting lots of things... but for right now it is just my ring for the day which was also the etsymetal project runway "heart" challenge for this week. I really didn't want to do a heart anything, but I decided to suck it up and just do something quickly that I would wear and quit whining about it! So here it is! A little organic vine heart ring w/ patina that fits me. The heart is very subtle - camouflaged in the vines you might say! ha ha!

Ring a Day #32-36

2010-02-05T17:10:00.008-05:00

Some of these rings may at first glance appear to be 'cheat' rings... and well, maybe they are - but they are all somewhat experimental variations of previous rings. So I'm counting them!

#36 - the paperclip triangle

#35 - Palladium Sterling - a new alloy I'm just starting to work with!

#34 - 3mm love rocks milled down from a little piece of 5mm stock, and with a new gold patina. Its different from the previous one I had and I'm not sure I like it - its the first time I used it... so we'll see...

#33 - 2mm love rocks - milled down from a tiny piece of scrap 5mm stock - so proud of myself! I couldn't believe I'd managed to use that little chunk and turn it in to a ring I wanted to make. Granted, it is a sz 4, but it fits me just perfect :)

#32 - two rings, but since they are a pair I'm counting them as one! The new palladium sterling alloy with a satin finish and a more subtle texture than usual.

EMJC-PR7.3 - "Inspiration from the Met"

2010-02-05T15:14:00.005-05:00

This week's challenge was fantastic. Though the idea for the piece I created was something I've been planning on doing for years now, I used this week as an excuse to actually make it! I had a little more time than usual to play around with it, so I decided now was the time.

When I was in college I made several bra/bustier pieces and am really inspired by full chest ornamentation. There isn't an easy market for it, so I haven't done much in the past few years, I was glad for the chance to do something super fun!

I was really please with how it turned out, but there are some things that I would like to work on more, time wasn't allowing it this week! Guess that's how it is on the show, always something more you could do!

My inspiration piece from the Met:
created by the Cadora Jewels Corp - there's no real information about it.... but it was the first piece I saw when I typed in jewelry and I knew that was it!

My piece, all argentium sterling silver, all fused, no solder! Handmade chain and large organic vine "cups":

Beth Cyr Weddings is up and running!

2010-02-05T08:37:00.003-05:00

My new shop is finally looking a bit more 'full' and I've added a few new things that I never had in my other/regular shop, so I figured it was time I actually posted about it here! Many of you might remember I was trying to decide if it would be a good thing or not to have a separate shop and I decided it was the right thing to do. I think I had forgotten a little bit on how tedious it is to create a new listing, which is why I only have 22 items in my shop right now. Going back and finding photographs of listings I created in my other shop is quite interesting! So I've only been doing a few here and there, though I got even more added yesterday. I'm hoping by the end of the month I will have my full current selection available. The biggest improvement is having the different sections. I think it will make seeing the different width and style options much easier for browsing customers.
Also, I will be adding a few new designs within the next month or two. January was really really busy and I've been working hard to get all caught up. I feel like I am really on top of everything right now and even have some time to do some other creative projects without feeling guilty that I am putting someone on hold for a day or two! Such as... project runway! The next piece is due today by 3:00 est... so keep a look out for it... its going to be something special!
I feel like Feb. 1st was the new Jan 1st and is starting a whole new year. My taxes are done, I'm much more organized, new designs in the works, fantastic!