Some New Earrings... continuing the experiments in enamel and solder

I enameled some gear-shaped copper disks then had no clue what to do with them for two days. Finally put together this pair of earrings and was fairly pleased with them.



I really like how this pair of earrings turned out. I dapped the dome out of copper, sawed it in half, then soldered it to square frames. The patina was a two-day ammonia and vinegar fumes set-up and there you have it.



Decided the book will have to wait. I’m working on too many projects at the moment. Spent several weeks doing nothing but writing tutorials that were being requested.

I’m also at the tail end of a large custom order. And I did another tweak on my Jewelry Pricing Calculator (that took all day).

Today, I plan to clean the studio and try to get some metalwork done. Not exactly sure yet what I’m making, but have a hankering for some solder work. Will probably save enamel day for when Dawn and I can get together this week.

Dr. Seuss Enamel Earrings and A Necklace Giveaway

This Friday I'm giving away a necklace from my Etsy shop. I will select the winner from the people who have "admired" the necklace. I'm not letting on which necklace it is that I'm giving away, but go ahead and add a necklace in my Etsy shop to the list of items you admire and see if you end up winning it. :-) Click here to see the necklace section

Aside from a special project I’m working on and aside from the tutorial I’m trying to get out as fast as possible, I managed a little enameling time recently.

Here are my efforts. Two pair of “Dr. Seuss inspired” earrings, one organic pair of earrings, one cosmic feel pair, and in keeping with the “it’s full of stars!” theme… a cosmic feel pendant and earrings.

(Click a photo for more info.)








21 photos to restore your faith in humanity.

And now back to work. Will be enameling tomorrow so what to try out my new solder today… make some shapes to be enameled.

New Stuff All Around

Took a couple days off to go to the Bay Area with Monica. Watched her play a game using her new leg pads (new to her… but still used). Here’s a shot of her protective big brothers.



And here are some of the new items. Colorful bracelets that work year round and a “House of Elliot”-inspired rope-length necklace. (Click on a photo for more details.)

New Copper Etched Pendants and A Couple Gemstone Charm Bracelets

I recently posted two new charm bracelets. These ones feature gemstones.





Stay tuned for two more charm bracelets coming soon that feature vibrant resin beads.

I love how this next piece turned out. Sometimes, when a design is very simple I worry that the piece will get lost in the crowd, but I’m not worried about this one being passed over. Alex’s Lampwork beads are beautiful and the copper wire-wrapping really meshed well with them.



Listed a couple of hand-etched charms in my Etsy store.



And I think I’ll that for the upcoming holiday season I’ll be offering custom portrait jewelry, similar to this piece I just made for my daughter’s friends.



And for some hockey moms a few years back.



And yes, I plan to put the tutorial for this process in the book which I’m desperately trying to complete before the end of the year. Fingers crossed.

More Enameling Experiments and New Copper Etched Pendants

Tried out sgraffito (an technique in enameling) the other day and ended up with some double-sided earrings for myself… yay!



Then a day or two later while the kiln (and the enamels and what not) was still out, I decided to do a little more enamling experimentation.

Did blue and green on a cheap metal filigree bead, practiced some more sgraffito, and tested out my ability to wet-pack.



Then I did a reversible pendant that I listed (click on the photo to see the listing).



Last week, I did some copper etching. I used designs that are ancient Japanese crests for these one (click on a photo to see more info):





Then I did some of my own designs for these ones…





Took Mom and Monica to Calistoga yesterday for an afternoon in the hot springs. Here are two photos from a little walk we took while up there.




Okay, hope to have word on an exciting new etching project by the next time I blog.