On the BENCH

With the recent drop in silver prices (yea!) I've begun creating a few new wide cuff-style bracelets. They have always been a big hit! However, this time I decided to work in FINE silver rather than Argentium or sterling silver. What's the difference, you ask?

Well, before I began working in precious and semi-precious metals, I thought the term "fine" was simply a word to describe the metal's aesthetics..like fine art. The term "fine silver" actually refers to the purity of the metal. Fine silver is .999 (99.9%) pure silver. In contrast, sterling silver is .925 (92.5%) pure silver which is alloyed with (typically) copper. Argentium sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver, 6.5% copper and 1% germanium. Although, different alloy recipes for Argentium exist.

The main disadvantage of traditional sterling silver is it quickly tarnishes. And, if you're like me, I dislike polishing my jewelry...I just want to put it on and look fabulous! There are some methods to slow the tarnishing (oxidizing) process, like storing silver jewelry in individual zip-top plastic bags or using anti-tarnishing strips in your jewelry box. Of course, some wearers like the look of aged or antiqued silver...so tarnish isn't really an issue. :)

This leads to the next issue: what are the causes of tarnish? It's the copper in the silver alloy which oxidizes in the air which causes the tarnish. Some areas of the US are especially harsh on jewelry (as I discovered while vacationing in Florida). Florida has a lot of sulfur in the environment and quickly turns silver black! (Tarnish is really silver sulfide) Other tarnish causing agents include eggs, onions, chlorine bleach, and latex.

What does that have to do with fine silver? Well, fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and, lacking copper, will stay bright and beautiful for a very long time! It's a win-win situation. Your jewelry stays bright and beautiful and you have an heirloom quality piece of pure silver adornment!

My new wide cuff bracelets are made from 1" wide fine silver and will feature a hammered texture with subtle cut-outs for interest and a slightly modern edge.

ETSY Front Page Treasury!

As luck would have it, I missed seeing the Front Page action. But CONGRATS to the sellers who made my Treasury Front Page worthy! Without your beautiful photographs and exquisite handcrafted items....well, you get the idea. :)

However, I must say I have been very fortunate to have had a small handful of Treasuries make the coveted Front Page over the past two years. I always get a little giddy when I see my Treasury or one of my jewelry pieces gracing the Front Page. It never gets old! :)

So, here is the list of sellers (starting top left):

f2images

JennyBlasenPottery

JudyB

MeganAuman

EmilyFrances

SandFibers

Zygopsyche

Xenotees

LingGlass

Shauno

ModRocks

Kimonomomo

More REBRANDING

While my talented and uber-awesome DH works on my website and Blog, my job and focus has been on the aesthetics and eco-friendliness of the 'new' Elements by Dawn. Like I have mentioned before, the color scheme will remain mostly intact and my logo will not change. (After all, when was the last time Coca-Cola changed their logo and colors?!)

In addition to an updated website and new Blog, my packaging will also change. I currently use white paper boxes, which while very nice looking and gender neutral, are not as environmentally friendly as I would like. As most folks know, in order for paper to become white it is traditionally bleached. The bleaching process releases all sorts of nasty chemicals into the environment. I say, "no thank you!" I will be phasing in non-bleached paper boxes which also happen to be made from 100% recycled boxboard! I've also sourced new ribbon. The new ribbon is made from 70% post consumer waste and 30% post industrial scrap and uses water-based inks. How cool is that?!

My shipping boxes are currently recyclable and contain 30% post consumer waste. I'm satisfied with my shipping box supplier, though if I find a higher percentage of recycled material content with a different supplier, I may switch too.

I'm a little on the fence when it comes to packing peanuts. Yes, I know there are peanuts made from biodegradable cornstarch. I'm not 100% sold on that idea...yet. I have had some experience with the cornstarch peanuts and I'm afraid if one of my packages gets left in the rain or otherwise becomes damp, the recipient will have a gooey mess in their box. That's not the impression I want to make.

I currently use Styrofoam peanuts. I like them because I (and my customers) can reuse them over and over again. I have yet to purchase packing peanuts in the many years I have been in business. I like that! When I receive some peanuts in a box, I save them and reuse them. Sure, I have just about every color and shape of peanut imaginable, but they protect the merchandise just fine. :) What is YOUR take on the Styrofoam vs. cornstarch peanut? Or should I use some other material for padding and protection?

2008 Fall Fashion Trends

Yep. I said it. Fashion trends!

Minimalism is IN this season. From Kenneth Cole to Valentino, the runway is filled with stark fashion. No prints, buttons, feathers, rhinestones, or even hints of contrasting stitches or embroidery is to be found. The lines are clean. Simple. Tailored. Perhaps I'm a little partial since I do consider my jewelry lines to fall into this category. But, hey, I have always been an admirer of simple lines and form.

However, bold prints, flowers, botanicals and flowing gowns are seen on other runways this season. Leaf prints and muted colors are taking center stage as well. Fendi and Ralph Lauren are embracing mother nature! Soft greens and Earthy browns are paired to really complete the theme.

Plaids and tweeds have also been on the fashion radar! Oh, and ladies...hips are in too! Show off your womanly curves with confidence (finally!).

Ha! Do you spy a 'trend' here? One of my favorite things about fashion trends are well....there always seems to be something for everyone. While I'm not much a fan of plaid and tweed and I prefer my hips to be underwraps, I do adore botanicals and minimalism. But the best advice I know of is "where what makes you feel good." Because when you feel good, you look good. You're confident, and that in its self is sexy and cool. Spend your money on great, well constructed basics and change up your accessories to keep up with the trends. After all, an awesome pair of jeans looks great with a plaid jacket, ruffled blouse, or even a silver sequined bustier!!

Everyone needs ART

I just added the Monet Art of the Day widget on the sidebar. Why? Everyone needs a little art in their lives!

Do you like it?

Preparing for a GRAND re-opening

Over the next few months I am aiming to relaunch Elements by Dawn!

We'll have an updated website, packaging, displays, photography, and maybe even some new business cards and promos.

I have worked, studied, and honed my business and jewelry making techniques. I know where I've been and where I want to go! I also know I still have a long road ahead of me too. A very long road.

I'd love to share some of the things I've been working on, but I think it would be best if I left it as a surprise.

Well, OK, just a peek.....

Located above is one of my new product photos (model: Lindsay, photographer: TSHarrington).

Isn't the image just outstanding? Isn't Lindsay just gorgeous?! I love the way the photo shoot went and I hope you like the results too. :)

P.S. Be sure to participate in a little Jewelry Poll on the right. Thanks!

Shopping, art, etc!

As a lover of all things sparkly, I happened upon Miner's North Jewelers in downtown Traverse City.


I was impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the variety of handcrafted jewelry. Yes, I said HANDCRAFTED! Granted, I know a few of their lines do not meet my definition of handcrafted, yet still it was surprising and refreshing to see some handcrafted jewelry in an upscale shop.

The area also hosted a number of pottery galleries/studios. Though pottery seemed prevalent, the styles varied from one locale to the next. Many shops and boutiques featured local artists and a few not-as-local artists too. Hilborn Pottery is a Canadian company which started in 1975 by husband and wife team, Rick and Nancy Hilborn. I love the undulating swirls and curls in their pieces! Elegant, beautiful, textural...just up my ally!

Of course I was tickled when I happened upon Earthenwood Studio's ceramic beads in a little bead shop too! It's surprising and oh-so-exciting to recognize a fellow crafter's work in a shop. :)

Oh, and there is at least one more gem of a shop too...The Grocer's Daughter. Yes, it's a CHOCOLATE shop!! The owner and chocolatesmith was in the shop helping with customers and making us feel right at home. Though we only purchased a few truffles, we happily enjoyed them in the little seating area tucked away in the corner of the store. The seats were big and comfy and situated around a small table covered in magazines and other interesting reading materials. Behind the small display counter you could see (and smell!) all sorts of chocolate-making paraphernalia and racks of chocolate cooling and getting ready to be enjoyed by others'. Pure heaven.

Hmmm...as I write this I'm feeling a bit guilty for not bringing home more goodies to share with friends and families. :( Well, if you ever decide to vacation or just drive through the Traverse City area, you'll know where to stop...

Well, back to business...

I'm BACK!

What a wonderful, relaxing, exciting, beautiful, awesome vacation!

The best part of the vacation is we got to do EVERYTHING we wanted to do, the weather was perfect, and we didn't blow our budget. :)

Traverse City, MI, was even more beautiful than I had imagined! Hills, lush forests, quaint villages, pristine waters, and art galleries of all types too!

Though some areas were geared towards tourists, we still managed to find tucked-away areas that were just our speed. In fact, one of my favorite spots was an unexpected find. On our way to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, we spied a little sign that read, "scenic drive." So we decided to take the scenic drive! The pictures above are from that drive. It took about an hour to complete the trip, but it was worth every second!

The photo on the left is of a carving in an old tree. Evidently Connie and Roger were in love in 1991! :) I hope they still are today too. The photo on the right is of an island perched in Lake Michigan. The aboriginals referred to this island as Alligator Island because is resembles an alligator lying in the waters.

I could go on and on about the shops, landscape, beaches and restaurants...but I will list a few of my personal favorites:

Moomers - homemade ice cream! This little ice cream stand is literally in the middle of nowhere...however, we had to stand in line for 20 minutes before we reached the counter...a little out-of-the-way, but well worth the drive! :) Yum! (try the orange-pineapple flavor!)

Murdick's Fudge - fudge! Need I say more?! Cute little shop in the heart of Downtown Traverse City offering over a dozen different flavors of homemade fudge. On the day we visited, we could watch the workers making the fudge on a marble slabbed table (very cool to watch!), sample a few bites of fudge, and were hypnotized by the fragrant mounds of fudge cooling in the display cases. We purchased a few slabs of fudge (peanut butter, chocolate cherry, double chocolate double nut, and rocky road).

Cherry Republic - a homage to all things CHERRY. Upper Michigan is known for its cherry orchards. In fact, it's pretty hard to go anywhere in this area and not see/smell/taste something cherry! I knew I had to partake in the world of cherry, and Cherry Republic suited the bill just fine. In their shop they has tasting stations for most of their products, the staff was friendly and they even offered shipping and a package holding area for customers. We purchased Hot Cherry Salsa....sweet with a touch of heat. Yum.

OK, I know it seems like all we did was eat in Traverse City! HaHaHa! But we did some non-eating activities too! :)

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with handmade cold-processed soap. I also happened upon Cave Girl Soaps in the teenie town of Alden, MI. This tiny town hosts an "Evening Stroll" nite on Thursdays to entice tourists and the like for extended shopping hours. The town has a number of independently owned specialty shops, a restaurant, ice cream shop, live music, and street performers. Perfect for families (leave the stroller at home, many of the shops are too small to comfortably accommodate strollers), couples or a girl's nite-out!

Kayaking - Crystal River Outfitters - here we rented a couple of double-kayaks and took a leisurely paddle down the Crystal River. The scenery was spectacular and the waters were indeed crystal clear! I could see every fish, blade of grass and pebble on the riverbed! The staff was nice and helpful.

Wow! There's more too! I haven't even talked about the art! I'll save that for another post. :)

Gearing Up for VACATION!

I know some families take mini-vacations all year, others might only take a vacation every few years...well, we (usually) take one big vacation a year.

Last year we went to Disney in Florida and visited with friends and family...in previous years we have gone to Canada (Niagara and Toronto) and Atlanta for my little sister's wedding....but this year we are doing something a little different.

As one can expect, we are staying a little closer to home. Rising gas prices are a bit burdensome and if we stay relatively close to home, we'll have more time to do activities rather than being on the road.

So, Michigan HERE WE COME! We'll start our adventures on the west coast, stop in Grand Rapids and visit an old friend. Then on to Traverse City! We plan on visiting the Dunes, doing some hiking and various water activities too. A few days later we'll make the journey to the Detroit area to visit more friends and family. While there we'll do one of our favorite activities...visit museums! The Detroit Science Center and Greenfield Village is on our short list.

Alas, I must finish up a project I've been working on and start packing...so I hope to share some adventures with you upon my return!

WIST Upcycled Swap

First...a little background:
WIST is "...a group of organized Etsy members who network, share skills, and promote their shops and Etsy together. A Team forms around a shared location, crafting medium, or another interest." Team WIST is comprised of Etsy members who live in Wisconsin and craft in a number of mediums.

In mid-June an Upcycled Swap was planned for our members. Each participating member was paired with a partner and was tasked with making a 'gift' for his/her partner out of recycled or repurposed materials.

My Swap partner was Stefanie of ArtsyMomma. She created for me the most wonderful tote! It was created from an old tablecloth, a pair of corduroy pants and bed sheets! Too cool. I L-O-V-E the soft butter yellow and the pop flowers!

Just a quick shout-out to MineFull for coordinating the Swap....thank you! It was a wonderful event and I can't wait to do another one soon. :)

Working on a FRESH start

Where have I been hiding? Well, I wouldn't say I've been hiding! Just elbow deep in creativity.

This past month or so I've been working on an Elements by Dawn make over. I'm doing a ton of research and reading on web design, ecommerce, blogging (well, how to integrate a blog onto my website, anyway!), graphic design, newsletters and so much more. It's all a bit overwhelming for someone who knows so very little about programing and computers.

Luckily my husband is much more tech savvy than I am! We actually make a pretty good team. He does the coding, I do the creative part.

So, this week I've been drawing (yes, on paper with a pencil!!) what I want my website redesign to look like. I've decided to stick with the same color scheme (burgundy, blush, and pink with touches of grey and white) but will be adding some new graphics (because before I didn't have ANY graphics) and a new header.

Of course, I maybe using the wrong terminology here....header, banner, graphic, illustration, wallpaper, background, sidebar, footer, button, etc. It's mostly Greek to me. I just draw it, DH gives it a proper name :)

My goal is to have my redesign completed by Fall. It's going to be tough, but I think with a little (OK...a LOT) of work, we can finish in time.

Off to go do some reading on GIMP and Inkscape.

Belated

The "Summer Bug" has really bitten! I'm finding it harder and harder each day to stay focused on jewelry and blogging and back office upkeep. Yikes!

Oh well. I should enjoy the sun and nice weather while I can...fall will be knocking before I know it!

I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing 4th of July. The three day weekend was greatly appreciated.

A new technique and a new material...

Though I love working with metal, I also love the idea of working with much more fragile materials too, like paper.

.

After a little trial and error, I made a Star Pendant. I am quite happy with the results.

.

If you are curious, it is created from 8 tiny 1" squares of scrapbooking paper and sealed with a medium-gloss finish. A fine silver bail was embedded in the Star.

Yellow Challenge - Number Two (officially)

Here is the finished bracelet:

Yellow Challenge - Number One and a Half

I must be on a bracelet kick this week! I don't usually make too many bracelets, so this week's color challenge is a double challenge for me!

1. I rarely use yellow in my creations


2. I only create a small number of bracelets a year

Note I also labeled today's entry as "number one and a half" because the bracelet is not finished. I still need to create a few more links and make a clasp. However, I wanted to show it in its unfinished state.

Currently the bracelet measures 6 1/2" (16.5cm) but due to the chunkiness (is that a word?) of the vintage Czech glass beads, it will need to have about two more bead sections added to fit an average sized wrist. I'm also using copper wire. Another rarity for me! Go figure! :)

Yellow Challenge - Number One

YELLOW!

14kt. Goldfill flexible bangle-style bracelet with large faceted citrine and crystal quartz gemstones. Yummy!

Color Challenge - YELLOW

Just a reminder that this week I will be posting items created using the color YELLOW as a focal color! I have already created a wonderfully sparkly bracelet with sunny yellow citrine coupled with 14kt. goldfill. I'm also digging in my box of cool vintage beads to see what I might find.

I rarely use yellow in my designs, so this is a wonderful challenge for me. It has made me venture a little out of my comfort zone.

Keep posted! Oh, and be sure to comment on your favorite(s)!

Visit the other Color Challenge participants too:
fedeDesigns
HotFudge
Sparkly Treasures
Glady andCloudy
RachelsAprons
TreasureField
DaisychainDesigns
AlwaysAmy
yarnPlay
BeadingInTheDark

Step Three - Weaving the Links

Step Three - Weaving the Links:

For this step you will need:

Patience, pliers (optional), clasp of your choice (I like toggle), and 4 sterling silver jumprings to attach the clasp, tumbler (optional).

Start with two links. With your fingers, open one end of one of the links so it resembles an alligator mouth or pac-man. This is where a little imagination and patients is helpful!

Slide the open alligator mouth into the other link. Pinch the mouth closed. If you so choose, you may also use your pliers to pinch it closed.

Do this with all the links until you have made your desired length.

Attach a clasp using two jumprings on each end.

Tumble with stainless steel shot and burnishing solution for two hours.

Rinse bracelet/necklace in clean water, dry with a lint-free cloth. ENJOY!

Step Three - Making the Links

Step Three - Making the Links:

For this step you will need:

Sharpie, ruler, round-nose pliers, and fused rings

Depending on the size of your pliers, make a mark on the pliers at about 3.5mm - 4mm diameter with the Sharpie. This will help make all your links the same size.

Slip your fused ring over the jaws of the pliers (lining it up with your mark)and pull the jaws apart, creating an oval link. If your link snaps, most likely it was not fused properly.

Measure the oval link and make another mark at the half way point. Hold the link at one end and with the round-nose pliers gently squeeze the link to form a bow-tie shape or peanut shape.

Grasp the bow-tie in the center and with your fingers, gently bend the bow-tie so both ends are touching.

You have just made your first link!

Step Two - Fusing the Rings

Step Two - Fusing the Rings
For this step you will need:
Torch, fire brick, heat resistant surface, cup or bowl of water, tweezers, closed fine silver rings.

After the rings have been inspected and made sure the butt-ends are truly flush, it is time to fuse.

TIP - Please, if you have never used a torch (or if you'd like a friendly reminder)...make sure all flammable materials are away from your work surface. Make sure your fire brick is on a heat resistant surface, and tweezers and water bowl are within reach. Make sure long hair is secured and sleeves are rolled-up (preferable above the elbow). Use ample ventilation.

Close the rings and make sure the ends are touching. TIP - Hold the ring up to the light to be sure the ring is closed properly. If you see light peeking through, try to close the gap.

Line up your closed rings on the fire brick. I find it helpful to have all the seams or joins facing the same direction.

Light the torch and begin heating the rings in a circle pattern. The hottest part of the flame is about 1/8" to 1/4" in front of the blue cone. Focus this part of the flame on the ring. I have found between 8 and 12 passes around the ring will fuse it. If it's taking longer, your flame might not be hot enough (turn up the flame) or you could be circling the ring too slowly and allowing the ring to cool as you circle. The ring will turn from silver to a dull pink to a bright orange. Once you see it turn bright orange....get ready! The ring will 'flash' just as the silver becomes molten (to me it reminds me of liquid mercury). Remove the flame as soon as you see the ring fuse (or you will end up with a molten blob of silver!). TIP - Be patient. If you are new to torch-work, it may take a little practice. However, once you 'get it' you'll be addicted!

Once the ring is fused, use your tweezers to pick up the ring and dip it in your bowl of water to cool it off (quench it). Caution...just because the ring appears to be cool, it retains heat for a few minutes (as does the fire brick).

Yea! You've fused your first ring. Repeat the steps above until you have made about a dozen rings.