Day in the Life of a Metalsmith

So, I thought I would start a new bloggy series today. Figured it was as good a day as any, and I actually thought about it before it was too late.

This new series is called A Day in the Life of a Metalsmith. This first edition will feature the making of a cuff. Gasp. Can you believe I actually called myself a metalsmith?! I mean it's what I do, but, and I'm not fishing for compliments, I always think 'metalsmiths' are far more talented than myself. Anyway. This edition will show what goes into the making of a cuff from start to finish. This is not a tutorial but more a glimpse into the fabrication process.

First, I start out with a sketch. This design was actually inspired by the stone. As soon as I saw this handmade stone, I knew what it wanted to be and would look like. Then I cut out and dry fit all the pieces to see if anything needs to be changed.



Then I start soldering all the accent pieces in this particular design and again dryfit to make sure nothing needs to be changed or resized.



Now since that fits and I've got all the accent pieces figured out, I solder the whole thing together essentially making the cuff. Here's a pic of the cuff after the first sanding...



I could be done now with just sanding left to, but I felt it needed something else. So I added some resin in those circles, and since I'm a bit messy with my cloisonne technique..



And here's the finished project after all the sanding steps, added matte frosted finish, and stone all set. A really unique one of a kind cuff.



I hope you've enjoyed a peek into my process. Perhaps I'll show you the steps into making one of my Mad Hatter rings on the next edition of A Day in the Life of a Metalsmith. My psychedelic cuff is available in my etsy shop because you know you want it.

Finally.....

Something new. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. I do have an excuse. I haven't been feeling well this week and sleeping even worse. I've gone through bouts with sleep since I was kid. It really wears me down now that I'm getting older.

I'd like to introduce you to my latest piece.... Art Deco Medallion Studs



Aren't they divine?! Though I have to admit, and I probably shouldn't tell you this, but they kind of remind me of a frozen turkey. I don't know why. The great part about them is you can wear them any way you want in your ears, and they still look good. You know studs never sit the way they're supposed. For all my ladies who have nickel allergies, guess what?! Hypoallergenic. Yah. Sterling posts, copper. No nickel.

Plus, I love they have a steampunk vibe to them. You can find them currently in my etsy shop and soon on my website.

Off to finish watching the Wendy Williams Show. If you get this show and haven't watched it, do. She's hilarious. If she was a blogger, you'd visit everyday and she'd have a million followers. Her show is like if one of us had a blog. I love that she has "friends in her head", and she uses regular people to model when she has clothes on.

Bloggy business tomorrow including a coupon code for Disney on Ice. I'm talking like tickets for $11.

I'm too sexy...

Well, my blog is too sexy for me now I think! Don't you love it?! April did on heck of a fantastic job on my new design. That's my sexpot alter ego up there in the header. We'll call her Miss Jewel. :) That's what I'm going to look like when I lose all this weight.

The jewels have been busy this weekend! Where to begin? Cause they are sportin' themselves all over the web. Remember I said I was entering the two shows on Ebsq? Well, the Mad Hatter Fashion ring" got a Member's Mention. Woohoo in the words of Dipaolo Momma! And, the Magnolia Earrings got a Patron's Mention. Can I get another Woohoo?!




My hardworking jewels then decided to get themselves featured in some treasuries. First is the lovely Tara's treasury- Hold onto your secrets tonight. It's a beautiful and inspiring treasury.



Then there is Ayala's classic and timeless treasury- My first Solid. It's a fashionista's dream treasury.



Sorry for the fanatical linking that is my trademark, but I couldn't let the jewelry's pimping go to waste! I told you they'd been busy getting themselves recognized. Off to give the jewelry a high five!

Black Friday Sale Preview

I'm doing a couple of post switcheroos. I was going to do this post tomorrow, but I thought that was a little close to Thanksgiving. Plus, my about/getting to know me post works better for tomorrow.

Black Friday is fast approaching, and there is only 29 more shopping days left until Christmas. Just so you know, I am all about stress free shopping. I offer free gift wrapping, can/will ship directly to your gift recipient. I also have gift certificates available and will custom size just about everything.

I am having a Black Friday sale if you want to stop by. Starting at 6am EST, I will be posting hourly specials and discounts. These can be a deep shop discount, free with purchases, discounts on individual items, but they will only last the one hour. And, I won't be repeating the discounts. I only do this once a year so make sure you're here on Friday. It's going to be good! Check out my shop to get your shopping list ready!

Come back tomorrow for my getting to know me post! All about my whacky family and myself so when I talk about their craziness you'll know who they are.

Jewel Street's Jewelry Review

Dun, dun dun dun, duh! Time for the Jewel Street Designs Jewelry Review. I should play music just for this each week. And, I really ought to put it on video with models and everything. Now if I just had you to model.

I was quite busy this week. And, I have to say I LOVE everything I made. So with no further adieu.....

A sweet little ring made just for you-Cubist Ring.

Love these! Magnolia Earrings are mini copper flower studs.

An ideal ring for that modern GQ man in your life- the Off Center Ring

Weathered Earrings have an organic feeling in an ususual shape.

A petite band ring- the Ammonite Fossil Ring

And finally, a dance until you drop cuff- Disco Dawn Cuff

All of these items are in my shop. Stop by and visit today. Hope you've enjoyed the Jewel Street Designs Review and will visit my little bloggy world again soon.

Artisan Jewelry Review

Another Sunday has arrived. I had fun with last week's jewelry in review and thought I would do it again. It's a nice way to give you some sneak peeks without taking all the fun out of blogging or visiting my blog. I enjoy showing my creations and getting opinions on them, but I don't want to bore you with that everyday. Besides, I have some fun things to talk about later this week.

So, once again, let's start the Sunday Jewelry Review. (I think that shall be it's name here on out.)

Something hot off the presses for the men- Lines Band Ring. A simple copper and sterling hammered ring.

The Illusion Earrings are a perfect for showing off those lobes when wearing jeans or dressing up.

The Off Center Cuff is another simple piece of man jewelry.

My most favorite bangle ever- Honeycomb Bangle. How sensationally modern is this blue bangle?! It's actually copper that has been patina'd. No two will ever be the same.

And, so concludes this week's jewelry review. There are more new pieces in my shop, but I'm saving those for another day. I'm thinking about doing fashion shows for youtube like this as well. Wouldn't that be fun?! If this is your first time to my blog, make sure you check out my giveaway.

I hope you have a beautiful and awe inspiring day!

Giveaway!

In case you haven't been checking out my sidebar like it is your duty to do, I am having a giveaway. I know it's not your first thing to check my sidebar, but you really should because you never know what kind of bloggy goodness could be hiding there. Anyway....

About the giveaway. I will giving away two, not one but two, Sterling Silver Patchwork Rings. They will be custom made for the winners in their sizes or whatever sizes they'd like in case they want to give them as gifts.

Now here's all the boring details. To ENTER, just subscribe to my newsletter which is on the top of the right sidebar. I only send one newsletter per month so don't worry about being bombarded by emails. Plus, you might find more giveaways and coupons in there. It is a double opt in newsletter(for your sake and mine) so just check for a confirmation email. For EXTRA entries, leave a comment here. I will be doing these once a month so if you are all ready subscribed to the newsletter you will automatically be entered in the months to come.

Giveaway will end on November 2nd, and winners will be announced on November 3rd.

Have fun, and I hope you enjoy!