Sometimes I get caught up in doing using the same skills to create my designs. Of course I vary the designs using different gemstones, unusual shaped stones, a variety of texturing options and the type of metal I use. It is easy to stay in a comfort zone and keep using the skills I have mastered. But the artist in me wants to explore and grow! When I was single we always kidded … [Read more...]
A peek at my Beads Collection
My bead collection is a vital part of my design business. Over these many years I have purchased a variety of gems. In the early years I bought whatever was bright and beautiful and did not give much thought to the type of gem, the quality of the gem or the origin of the gems. Let's just say I have learned a LOT over the past years. Most of the those early finds are long gone. … [Read more...]
Getting Hammered at the Jewelry Bench
So Many Hammers... So Little time! Hammers are an essential piece of my design experience. Each year I purchase more and more hammers. To date I own 31 hammers. Each hammer is designed for a specific task. Texturing hammers (and I have several) are used to create texture and design in the metal. I have ones that create patterns such as tiny squares or circles, a … [Read more...]
Video Fun with my Designs
Right now I am in the learning curve for this new incredible equipment. While the Gem Light Box is easy to set up and use, I am still testing ways to take the videos and images. Since a couple of additional lighting options are included, I am taking photos and videos several times to see what works best for my particular style of jewelry design. For example, some of the … [Read more...]
The Zen of Jewelry filing
One of the final processes in my jewelry design is filing the metal so it is smooth to the touch. My husband has asked me many times if there is an easier way to achieve this finish.. one that does not involve so much of my time. He is the king of finding simpler solutions to save time! I tell him what I share with you now. I LOVE the process of filing these designs. Yes … [Read more...]
