Going Higher End

These are my latest creations.  Now that all the rug rats are in school and the weather has cooled off a little I have more hours in the day to spend out in the studio.  This was my work from yesterday. 

I have an opportunity to wholesale to a high end market somewhat close by so I'm working on more substantial pieces that also don't require customization. 

I'm also trying to build up ready to ship inventory for the holidays.  Who knows, maybe I'll even do a show.

More Earrings and other things.

I have collected these fun vintage pieces for over a year.  I've decided to use the remaining pieces and make earrings. Yay. They are so fun and very summery.

I've also added to my "looking glass" necklaces.  They are bigger and in different shapes.   

From the Bench

Although it may look like I haven't been productive in the last few weeks I have actually been working my tail off on two custom orders.  I didn't take pictures of the first order because it was the same stuff I have in my shop.  I've finished the first part of the second order and was so glad to have it done I rushed it into the mail to meet my deadline.  Hopefully I'll have pictures of the second batch (crossing fingers) that will be done today. 

My hold up is I am stuck on one pretty large piece.  It is a 1.5 by 2.5 piece with details and embellishments and, honestly it is killing me!  For those of you who don't know, in order to get things to stick with solder a piece needs to be heated evenly and to a high enough temperature for the solder to melt and "glue" the pieces together.  Well, with such a large piece I am having a lot of trouble. I've melted two already.  Today will be my third time and, hopefully, third time's a charm as they say.  I've worked it out in my mind how to do it differently so hopefully it will all come together smoothly.  Here is the sketch I worked up:

For my mental sanity I had to take a break and create a couple of things that have been in my mind, just so I could get them out of the way and concentrate on this one last piece.

 This stone is called Pinolith.  It's is big, chunky, and round.  I love it.  I added the filigree on the side that mimics the white "feathers" in the stone.  It's pretty fun to wear.

A couple of months ago I bought two gorgeous strands of graduated turquoise nuggets.  They have sat and sat, tempting me into creating something but everything I have put them in just didn't do them justice.  I think these finally do it.  I clustered the smaller pieces together and the varying colors and matrix seem to really show them off. 

These aren't many pieces but they get me refocused on the work at hand.  Enjoy!

Lampwork

I finally got around to getting these put together. I swear I made the components six weeks ago and just never got to it.

Done! ~yay~

More Earrings

f...and while I like the ready to ship items these are NOT and easy thing to make!

When setting stones in rings I can place the ring shank into the holder and have a tight grip so that I can really muscle the bezel tight around the stone. With earrings....nothing, nada, zip, zilch. I just have to hold these tiny little things and work and work and work the metal. The muscles in my thumb and fingers cramp, hands shake and the skin of my thumb really gets sore!

But, I think the results are worth it.

Studs

New From the Bench.... and second attempt at a logo

In an attempt to start creating things that are ready to ship in preparation for the upcoming holiday season I have begun a line of earrings. Here is the newest pair. They are 6mm faceted pink amethysts. The stones are so pretty with a little purple hue to them.

How do you like my new earring card?


On a second note, I spoke with the person who is designing my new logo about how I felt about the previous designs. While I said I liked the design I didn't feel it represented my work well. I was looking for something more sophisticated, sleek, etc. (see the first design here ) Well, I am guessing either I am not communicating well or she doesn't understand...because this was her second try. Disappointing a little. I think the colors are okay, but *sigh* the flower again...

I haven't responded because I just don't know what to say. I felt I was clear last time so, well, I just don't know.
Maybe I'll show her my earring card and tell her to go in that direction. I'm liking the way that looks. I'd love some input! Critique away!