My Pliers Officially Died Today!

Today a tragedy occurred... If you are a wire jeweler or an artist who relies on a particular tool you'll understand.

My absolute favorite pair of pliers officially died. Losing these pliers is almost as difficult as losing a finger. I have used these pliers more than most people use some of their fingers! They are a few years old and have thousands of hours on them.

My Excelta 44I pliers exploded in my hand while I was working! They will be greatly missed. I bought 2 replacement pairs last year and they are not the same at all... the difference is minute, yet makes such a huge difference in my work. I'm going to have to settle for one of those shiny new pairs as these have certainly met their demise!

What have I been up to?

Whew! What a crazy week---it flew by!

I have been making all kinds of pretties! Only a few will find their way into my ebay store. This has been a week of custom jewelry requests and clay requests.

I thought I would share this piece tonight. This is a 12x20mm faceted amethyst set in sterling silver with 2 natural phenacite crystal accents! I wasn't sure how to approach this piece as the amethyst was as deep as it was wide---which means the piece is apt to tip or roll around when worn if not properly supported. Then the little crystals...they were only 4& 5mm and were rod shaped, meaning not much to grab onto to secure them! It took a few days of thinking and a good day of making those thoughts come to life.

This is one of those pieces that had to be constructed and designed simultaneously---sometimes what looks good on paper (or in my head) doesn't work in real life. The final result was stunning....a little different than my original plan of attack, but that's what makes wire wrapping such a unique art! It is amazing how these stones came to life once they were set. They were beautiful before, but once set in the silver---they radiate sparkle and light like someone plugged them in!! This piece is on its way back home to join its owner...I hope she loves it when she sees it in real life. ---Thank you D. for entrusting me with these exceptional stones and allowing me the creative freedom to create this piece for you!

I get so excited when it comes to custom work... and scared sometimes! Custom work is often a labor of love--a lot of thought and time goes into designing a piece of jewelry... particularly with odd shaped stones/ crystals/ focals. Payment covers materials, but rarely covers the amount of time spent designing... The thing with custom work is taking on a challenge and conquering it successfully-- it pushes me to think out of the box and to try new things.

I remember presenting a customer with a pendant I crafted of a piece of jade she had in her jewelry box for years and never wore. Watching her open the box was like Christmas--I think I was as excited as she was--I just wanted to see her response. She loved it! I was like a little kid---so happy that she was happy! Crazy! It's fun taking others' stones or little sentimental odds 'n ends and turning them into something beautiful, new, and wearable. It is definitely a rush to see them look upon these things with new eyes. I've had no disasters yet---thank goodness---I think I would be a basket case!!

Abalone Abyss Rings

I've been stuck on abalone again--must be the warm weather. Actually I created several abalone and pearl pieces this past week. The pearl anklets and abalone rings are some of my favorite pieces. I also made a few coin pearl rings---they went as fast as I put them up for sale---I'll have to make a few more and take pictures this time!

These abalone rings are wrapped and coiled oxidized silver with highly iridescent abalone in the center. While I was making them I thought they looked like an "Abalone Abyss" --a chasm of illuminating color that never seems to end when you look into these shells!

Unbelieveable Crochet Designs & Artist: Kat Paws Crochet Designs

Hello, it's been a bit since I blogged, but I'm back and ready to roll again!

I wanted to say "Hello" to and dedicate this entry to a fellow artist I met on ebay... Kat of Kat Paws Crochet Designs! Kat creates BEAUTIFUL crocheted clothing, jewelry, stuffed animals, and all kinds of neat things. Her clothes are all handcrafted by her and made to your exact measurements to ensure a perfect fit. There's nothing like clothes made to order. Kat's designs are fresh, fun, and romantic & sexy...something I never thought I would say about crochet!

When Kat told me she does crochet I was thinking granny squares, blankets, doilies, and potholders... those things are nice, but Kat's designs are cool.

Kat's crochet tank tops and sweaters are perfect for us bead addicts to have fun customizing and embellishing with our own beads! Beads can be easily woven and sewn into the crochet to create a stunning one-of-a-kind top... and you can customize a choker to match. Perfect for summertime.

I asked Kat if she could make me a couple of wiener dog babies and she did! They are in the mail and I can't wait to see them...I've included a picture she took of my little Ollie & Sallie immortalized in crochet--they are so cute!

Thanks Kat for adding some fun to my week and sharing your creations with me.