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.

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

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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.

Simple Chain Tutorial - Step One

I'm a minimalist at heart...and I believe in simplicity...understated elegance! This chain is fairly simple to construct and the materials and tools needed are also minimal. Most novice jewelers and metalsmiths should have these tools on hand. Perfect!

This chain is commonly referred to as the Foxtail or a Loop-in-Loop chain.

Tools:
Mandrel, 1/2" in diameter
Flush cutters or jeweler's saw
Round-nose pliers
Ruler
Tweezers
Micro-torch
Fire brick
Tumbler

Materials:
Fine silver, 20 gauge

Other Supplies:
Sharpie
Small bowl or cup (for water)

Techniques Used:
Fusing
Wireworking
Cutting or sawing

Step One - Making the Rings:
Gather a mandrel, fine silver wire, flush cutter (or saw).

Coil about three feet of 20 gauge fine silver wire around the mandrel. Be sure to make the coil fairly tight and straight. This will ensure your rings will be the same size.

Remove the coil and stretch the coil until it resembles a loose spring (if you are using a saw, skip this step). Using the flush cutters, snip off individual rings (if using a saw, saw the coil to make individual rings). Inspect the ring-ends to make sure they are truly flush. This may require additional trimming with the cutters. TIP- the ring ends must be flush or they may not fuse properly. This is where prep work is especially important!!

The Color Challenge is on its Way!

OK, I'll be working on some YELLOW projects this week and have them ready to post early next week. Remember to 'vote' or leave comments!

Visit all the participants too!
fedeDesigns
HotFudge
Sparkly Treasures
Glady and Cloudy
RachelsAprons
TreasureField
DaisychainDesigns
AlwaysAmy
yarnPlay
BeadingInTheDark

Bead and Button Show - Milwaukee

Today I will be attending the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, WI. Yeah!

In light of the Color Challenge, I will be hunting (yes, hunting) for yellow, red and pink beads to incorporate into the Challenge pieces. :) Wish me luck!

Color Challenge!!

Fiona of fede designs proposed a weekly color challenge on her blog and in the Etsy forums. The Challenge goes something like this:

"So I've got this idea. To make my sewing world even more fun & challenging over the next 6 weeks (alright...honestly...maybe it's also an attempt to minimise my terrible procrastination) I'm going to do this.........
This week (starting Mon 9/6) I will be only sewing in BLUE. All creations will be posted (the good, the bad & the ugly) for your perusal and comment, and the winning designs will hit my Etsy store. Each subsequent week will have a colour assigned in this order.
BLUE YELLOW BROWN RED GREEN PINK
As much as I have a soft spot for black, I have excluded it from this challenge."

Knowing what a s-l-o-w designer and perfectionist I am, I decided to accept the challenge with this exception...I will participate every other week. This way I am positive I will have more than one submission for each color thus allowing readers to vote! I will create using the colors yellow, red and pink.

Disappeared??

Yes and no.

Busy. Very busy!

Ah, TAXES

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, tax time is upon us!

If you are just staring your business or are still in the planning stages of starting a business, do yourself a giant favor and really spend some time planning and researching how you plan on keeping your financial records. Believe me when I say it will save you a lot of time and maybe even a few headaches and tears down the road.

The IRS's website (www.irs.gov) has a wealth of information! Though it may seem a bit overwhelming with all the publications, forms, instructions, and other various items, take a few minutes to really become familiar with the website.

You can go here to find information on starting a business. And here for information on operating a business. And finally, if you're looking to close shop, look here.

If you're planning on operating as a partnership, look here.

Organization is key! I have several 3-ring binders where I keep all my records. While I have heard of the fabled shoebox method of record keeping (you know who you are!), I strongly advise against it for two major reasons:
1. If EVERYTHING is in a shoebox, how do you know how your business is doing? Are you in the red or black? Are your supplies being purchased at the same price as your last order? How much have you spent on advertising this month? This quarter? Granted accounting software can alleviate some of this uncertainty...but only if you use it properly.
2. Accountants don't work for free. If you walk into your accountant's office with a shoebox full of paper work, he/she will either:
a) Laugh. Then tell you to come back later after YOU'VE straightened out your box.
b) Charge you an arm and a leg because it took him/her hours to sort through the chaos.

Save yourself time and humiliation by being organized from day ONE!

If you choose paperless record keeping, always have the information backed-up on a CD or in a journal. I learned this the hard way. I had to spend days reentering information in the computer (luckily, I had everything in my 3-ring binders, but a CD would have saved a lot of keyboarding).

Next...Quickbooks and other accounting software....

MORE Good Reading

Here is a short list of jewelry and metalworking books I have read over the past few years:

Chain Mail Jewelry: Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques by Terry Taylor and Dylon Whyte
I adore this book! It is well illustrated, the instructions are easy to comprehend even with limited chainmaking skills or knowledge. The book progresses from beginner weaves through more challenging weaves to "expert" weaves. It features over 30 projects in full-color and easy to interpret computer-generated graphics. If you are thinking about trying you hand at chainmaille, I highly suggest this book.

Contemporary Bead & Wire Jewelry by Nathalie Mornu & Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott
I read this book solely based on the front cover image. The herringbone weave was featured in a lovely pair of sterling silver and red bead/gemstone earrings. Well, to my disappointment, the book contained very little visual instruction and relied heavily on written step-by-step instruction. The photographs of the completed projects were inspiring, but the how-to instructions were lacking.

Creative Silver Chains: 20 Dazzling Designs by Chantal Lise Saunders
A very well written and illustrated book. I was pleased to find a book which focused on chainmaking (not chainmaille). Just a note...this book requires the use of a torch and knowledge of soldering and fusing. This is not for a novice jewelry designer.

Making Metal Jewelry: Projects, Techniques, Inspiration by Joanna Gollberg
Every jewelry designer and budding metalsmith should own this book! This is one of the few books I have purchased to keep in my home library too (most books I use are borrowed from the library). This book uses cold-connections exclusively (no torch or soldering required). One of the down sides to this book is the number of tools required to work the projects, so if you are just starting out the number of projects you will be able to create are limited. However, skills such as piercing, sawing, riveting, and joining are covered in detail. Other techniques include: metal texturing and finishing, chasing, etching, and adding a patina to certain metals.

A GOOD Read

Though I think I have read what seems like hundreds of books on crafting and the business of crafting, I am just now getting around to compiling a list of some of the best/better books I have read.

In no particular order....

Crafts and Craft Shows: How to Make Money by Philip Kadubec
Though this book was written in 2000, it is written from the perspective of a seasoned crafter who has been touring the Pacific Northwest exhibiting at craft shows for 18 years. It covers such topics as: marketing yourself and your product, pricing, show selection, booth display and set up, customer service and more!
The book is an easy read and written in common language...in other words, you won't need an art degree or business degree to understand any of the topics.

Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry : The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit by Viki Lareau
Published in 2006, and written by a jewelry/business mentor, this guide to entering the jewelry business compiles firsthand knowledge and wide experiences for those looking to take their hobby to the next level. The books starts with the basics of assessing style, time commitment, and target markets Equally important, the sections progress through business licenses and tax numbers, developing a cohesive presentation for a business, and the fine art of pricing for a profit.
Another easy read. I finished the book cover-to-cover on a train ride to Chicago (1 1/2 hrs.).

More to come.....