Stage fright….
March 11, 2010
After 10+ years of doing craft/art shows, I still have the occasional butterflies and nerves about a show.
Scenario: new event on Friday…myself being somewhat OCD, I want to know all the details (who what where when how) as soon as I sign up. It’s Wednesday night and I still don’t have them.
Last night, I had one of “those” nightmares about this event. In my dream, I am parked several blocks from the venue, and when I try to set up, I don’t know where I’m supposed to go. When I finally find that piece of information out, I start to set up, but discover I don’t have a table or any of my stock. I run several blocks back to my car to get the table, but then realize I’ve forgotten something else. Over and over again.
I wake up, panicking. Even with all the checklists (and my 10+ years of experience) I have at my disposal, I don’t want to recreate the dream! So what do I do?
Well, it’s Wednesday. And the show is Friday. Of course, I pack my car with the tables, displays, and stock I’ll need in two days.
Steampunk Style Jewelry: Interesting concepts!
February 21, 2010
I’m intrigued by the Steampunk movement – described as “Victorian meets Jules Verne”, Steampunk combines romantic elements with mechanics for an instantly recognizable design style.
Jean Campbell’s Steampunk Style Jewelry is the first book I’ve found that focuses on Steampunk jewelry…and it does a great job of doing so! From the 20 projects, to Sidebars, to a Gallery of Designs, this nicely written, beautifully photographed book is well worth purchasing.
Steampunk projects are full of “found objects” – items you pick up in a flea market or garage sale – but Campbell includes a nice listing of supplies for projects at the end of the book. You’ll probably end up finding Steampunk Style Jewelry offers more inspiration than “follow to the letter” instructions, but the instructions for each project ARE clear and easy to follow. You find the goods – Jean and the other artists credited with projects will walk you through how to create cool-looking jewelry!
In addition to the great projects, I found the Sidebars to be extremely interesting. Campbell has written great mini-articles about other facets of Steampunk, from Modding (modifying modern items) to music, films, and costumes. Yes, the Steampunk movement is not just about jewelry…there are entire conventions that focus around the lifestyle!
Bottom line, if you find Steampunk interesting, pick up the book and be prepared for entertaining reading as well as giving you some great ideas. At $24.99 US ($31.99 CAN), it’s chock-full of inspriation and information and a great value!
Silver 101
February 16, 2010
Sterling silver chainmaille bracelet and soldered charm by Lynn Kvigne
Sterling silver, fine silver, argentium silver, copper, aluminum, bronze, brass.
I use all of these metals (and more!) when making my jewelry…and a recent conversation with one of my friends (a fellow Karate Mom) made me think that while the characteristics and properties of different types of metals may be second nature to me, my spouting off “.925 silver”, “.999 silver”, and “sterling versus fine” might closer to a foreign language to others!
I thought I’d start with a quick primer on silver, one of the materials I commonly use, along with answers to some of the most common questions I’m asked.
Silver is shiny, but it’s not all equal! Pure silver, like gold, is much too soft to use on it’s own for jewelry. Alloys are added to the silver to strengthen it, resulting in a “less than pure” state.
Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5 parts pure silver and 7.5 parts alloy, usually copper. Because of the relatively high copper content, sterling silver will naturally tarnish when exposed to oxygen and other elements, such as humidity. Sterling silver is usually stamped or marked with “.925″ to identify it.
Fine silver contains less alloy than sterling (99.9 parts silver, .01 parts alloy), so it tarnishes much less quickly, but is a lot less durable than sterling.
I generally use fine silver only for components that don’t have much stress on them (headpins used to hang beads from earrings or dangles on necklaces or bracelets) or for links I know will be hardened by hammering. (Hammering is soooo therapeutic after a long week at the day job, it’s a wonder I don’t have ONLY hammered pieces!)
Fine silver Knot pendant by Lynn Kvigne
Argentium (pronounced AR-<JEN>-TEE-UM) silver is desirable because it combines the best of sterling and fine silver into one metal.
Approximately 1% of the copper alloy used in Argentium silver is germanium, which doesn’t oxidize as quickly as copper. Argentium silver still has 92.5 parts silver, so it’s strong like sterling, but tarnishes very slowly, like fine silver. Argentium is fairly new to the jewelry making world, and is more expensive than sterling silver, but does make very nice jewelry!
Some of your work is BLACK or really dark, but you’re telling me it’s real silver! What’s up with that? I use chemicals or natural oxidizing agents to artificially tarnish and antique some of my pieces. Complex wire wrapping especially looks great when it’s been oxidized – makes that wrapping pop! All my oxidized pieces are polished in my tumbler for at least 12 hours, then hand polished to finish them off to a perfect sheen.
ACK! My jewelry doesn’t look pretty and shiny any more! What do I do? Cleaning and care of your jewelry is something I’m frequently asked about. If (okay, WHEN) your silver jewelry starts looking a little dingy, or even (shudder) has a yellowish tinge, use jewelry cleaner, a polishing cloth (I like Sunshine cloths) or Lynn’s Super Secret Jewelry Cleaner* to get it sparkling again.
In extreme cases, you can even use Tarnex, but be VERY careful…it’s strong stuff, so use it sparingly! (Plus it smells horrible.)
You do need to be extra cautious about cleaning any jewelry that includes porous stones, such as dyed stones, turquoise, opals or pearls…liquids can potentially damage them! When in doubt, use a polishing cloth.
Sterling silver and jade pendant (oxidized) by Lynn Kvigne
Okay, what’s the super secret recipe….
Shhhh…it’s a secret! But since you asked, here’s an easy and natural jewelry cleaner that you can make at home!
Combine 1c white vinegar and 1T salt. Stir (or shake, I’m not Bond, so it matters not to me) until the salt is dissolved, and drop in your jewelry. Swish it around for about 30 seconds, remove, and RINSE THOROUGHLY in clear, cool water. Dry (I use a ShamWOW!…they are great for drying jewelry!) and admire how shiny it is!
Hope this helps you to understand silver a little better.
Rings N Things: Your Designs ROCK!
December 29, 2009
Just found out that the Rings N Things “Your Designs ROCK” contest is accepting entries beginning January 1, 2010! Early entries get a great perk – if your entry is received before February 3, you’ll be entered in a goodie giveaway! Additionally, first time contestants are entered into a special drawing as well.
Wondering what to make? Some info straight from the source:
- 2010 categories are glass & crystal, gemstones & pearls, mostly metal, metal clay, and found objects/miscellaneous.
- You don’t have to be a Rings & Things customer to enter. You do need to include a majority of parts in your design that are available from us.
Details are available on the Rings N Things web site. Contest deadline is February 28, 2010…so get working on the designs that rock your world!!!
(pssst….R&T has a great “5-day” sale going on through January 3!! Check it out for fantastic bargains that you can use to create your contest entry!)
Which beading wire should I use?
December 8, 2009
A frequent question new beaders ask is “what is the best beading wire to use?” I’ll admit, it can be confusing…there is wire, beading wire, seed bead thread (Nymo type), and different weights or thicknesses of all! Here are a few tips to make sure you are using the best wire for your project!
1. Start with the right type of wire.
If you are stringing beads for a bracelet or necklace, you’ll want to use one of the multi-strand, nylon coated brands such as SoftFlex, AccuFlex, or Beadalon. These are most commonly referred to as “beading wire”. These wires are flexible and strong, and even under the toughest conditions, I’ve found they hold up well!
Seed bead projects will use something more like a thread or even like fishing line. Look for brands like Nymo (thread), Supplemax or Fireline (monofilament). Flexible and thin, they can be re-threaded through beads multiple times for complex seed bead projects.
Wire wrapping is the one type of project where you will choose actual uncoated wire. Use fine gauge wire (24g or smaller) to attach beads to a wire frame or clasp.
2. Select the right gauge and number of strands in your wire.
I’ll focus on stringers in this post…it can be confusing, especially if you are new at making jewelry! As far as gauge goes, the best rule of thumb is to use the thickest beading wire that will fit through your beads. Remember that at the end of your bracelet or necklace, you’ll want to run the wire back through one or two beads…so don’t make it too tight of a fit!
Another good general rule is to evaluate the weight and size of the beads you are using, and determine what size wire will work best. Heavy beads, like the river rock and silver in the first bracelet pictured, need a stronger base. I used .019 Accuflex for the tan bracelet pictured.
Lighter or smaller beads can use a smaller gauge wire – .014 beading wire was used for the pink necklace comprised of 4mm coral and glass beads.
When it comes to the number of strands in the beading wire, the more strands, the more flexible the wire. So…49-strand (7 twists of 7 wires!) will be more flexible than 21-strand. You will usually want more flexibility in a bracelet than a necklace, but 49-strand is a good pick for most projects if you are trying to limit the number of spools of beading wire you have on hand.
Brag, Brag, Brag!
December 2, 2009
It’s been a few years since I began making “mother’s bracelets” using engraved beads from Generation Gems. I love their products, and their customer service simply cannot be beat!
My most popular design is a women’s bracelet, using hematite, Swarovski pearls and assorted Bali silver beads. Neutral and understated, most of the folks who look at the sample I have of my own mother’s bracelet have a harder time pronouncing my daughter’s name than deciding on what style to order!
But lately, I’ve noticed a trend…can you believe guys like to brag too?! Why yes! I have more and more men who are interested in (and order!) my chainmaille version of the mother’s bracelet.
So I’ve started calling these Brag Bracelets, after a friend ordered one for her husband and used the term. Recently, a client named Brad ordered his own version (pictured), using beads with the names of his children and his wife in a strong Byzantine weave. I can’t wait to deliver it to him this week.
After all, Real Men like to brag about their family too. 
What Makes Up Handmade?
November 20, 2009
As I finished up a batch of my Holly Jolly earrings this morning, I thought “geez, if people really knew what goes into these things…” and had a brainflash. What if I took a photo of all the materials and tools used to make them? I started gathering…..
Wow…for a cute and seemingly simple little pair of earrings, it’s amazing what it takes to make them! After I took the photo, I realized that I forgot a couple of things – a round nosed pliers, a punch pliers, 22g wire, and I didn’t include my tumbler.
Starting with the copper sheet (top right corner) I punch out the discs, then stamp them using letter stamps (middle). After stamping, holes are punched for the ear wire and dangle, then I carefully file the edges to remove any messy little bits. A Sharpie marker is used on the stamping to accent it, then I use one of the little white polishing squares to clean off the excess Sharpie.
The discs are then domed, using the dapping tools (top center). I make all of my own head pins and ear wires, so at some point, I use my butane torch and 22g wire to make the headpins that hang the crystals. After the dangles are complete, I use 20g wire to make the ear wires, hammering them just lightly.
Last step is to toss the earrings into the tumbler for a last polish and remove any excess burrs.
Here is the finished product (this is a prototype…I don’t put 3 dangles on the bottom any more, Holly gets a red crystal, and Jolly gets a single green one.
I’d love to hear what goes into YOUR handmade products…and the next time someone stops to look at your work, or asks about it, be sure to tell them about all the details that go into making handmade!
Sioux Falls Sidewalk Arts Festival
September 15, 2009
C-My Designs booth at Washington Pavillion Sidewalk Arts Festival 2009
Had a fabulous time at the Washington Pavillion Sidewalk Arts Festival last Saturday…we drove to Sioux Falls on Friday night, and stayed at a very nice Super 8 on 10th Street. Clean, quiet, very roomy room…just what we needed.
Up “before the chickens” on Saturday morning (Jeremy grumbled but was such a great help!) to get to the site by 6 a.m. and set up…we were essentially ready to roll by 8, which was a Good Thing, because there were already folks shopping!
Met some really wonderful people at the show, and while it was a long day (drove back home after tear down at 5), it was well-worth the trip. I even got to meet a fellow jewelry maker who I’ve gotten to know through a jewelry forum – it’s always great to chat with someone that I’ve just “talked to” online! Plus, I got to visit again with Brenda Flourish, a fabulous glass artist that I got to know at the 2008 & 2009 Grand Cities shows.
Looking forward to this venue next year!
Intergem Review and Stash
September 4, 2009
Last weekend, I made a road trip to Chicago to visit my friend Ami, as well as do some shopping at the International Gem and Jewelry Show (Intergem for short). After a great (but cold!) night at Navy Pier, we woke on Sunday morning to a gorgeous day and set out to explore the goodies at the show!
Intergem is set up with two sections – Retail is for the general public, and there are booths with beads, stones, clothing, purses, and more. It’s also VERY crowded, noisy, and busy!
The Wholesale section is all about jewelry making – from strands upon strands of beads, to cabachons and faceted stones for setting…even booths with great settings to put those fabulous stones in! Lots of finished jewelry as well.
Ami and I had a great time shopping. I scored an unbelievable find of .59/gram for Bali silver, and picked up a nice stash. I use Bali for my class kits as well as accents in my Brag Bracelets and other items, and there were plenty of choices at the Silver Planet booth!
Additionally, I got a LOT of beads. From gorgeous new shades of glass (chocolate cherry and red velvet – ooh la la!) to dyed hot pink moonstone with an unbelievable flash, I was in heaven!
The funniest thing we saw (over and over again) were carved “turquoise” (I think they were actually dyed howlite) peace signs in pendant and large bead sizes.
Overall, the quality of stones and other items in the wholesale section was very good. You do have to examine every strand (just like you would at an LBS!) but for the most part, these are not low grade beads! Vendors may give you a discount, and shopping on the last day of the sale will garner additional savings. We shopped all day on Sunday and found several vendors offering 70% off wholesale prices!
I would highly recommend Intergem to any beader or jewelry maker – to access the wholesale area, you need to provide a tax ID and proper identification (bring a photo ID and business card!) and register prior to entry.
Plan to spend the day – we started at the beginning of the show (11 a.m.) and left shortly before closing at 5 p.m. Take breaks periodically – the bright lights and sparkling strands will give you a bit of eyestrain – but have a blast!
My favorite jewelry cleaner
July 18, 2009
I LOVE Sunshine polishing cloths. I buy mine from Fire Mountain Gems, and they are really the best for getting a nice shiny finish on silver, copper, bronze, brass, even gold!
The best thing about Sunshine cloths is that they last FOREVER. I have a couple that I’ve used for several years, and even though they are black and tattered, they still polish up my metal very nicely!
To use, simply polish the metal with the cloth. Store the cloth in a zippered plastic bag, and don’t wash it, no matter how “dirty” it looks!
Another great use for Sunshine cloths is to use them as a giveaway to your customers. You can cut a large square into 2-4 pieces, put in a zippered bag with your business card, and it’s a great way to thank customers for buying your jewelry!
