Metalsmithing part 2

This week I finished the last of 8, two hour metalsmithing classes. It was all new to me. I've never held a soldering torch or worked with some of the machinery and tools used in class before. It was great to learn a little about it and I'm thinking of ways to incorporate what I have learned into my designs.

I missed one class, but these two projects are the only ones that I managed to (almost) complete in 7 weeks. There is a lot to learn. I have new respect for metalwork. I'm definitely going to get set up to drill holes in metal. I think that one skill will open up a whole new world of possibilities for my designs. As for the soldering torch . . . maybe not quite yet.

Sue

NEW item!

I'm trying to move into a more personal direction with my designs and I hope that I find my customers like what I like. One of my favorite combinations is to mix copper with natural pink freshwater pearls. I don't know what it is exactly that I like about it, but it's incredibly beautiful.

Copper buds necklace

This piece was inspired by the emerging plum blossoms in my front yard this week.

Sue

Happy Valentines Day!

Copper heart earrings

NEW item!

This is one of those pieces you will wear again and again.

BLACK PEARL and sterling chain necklace

NEW item!

Black teardrop pearl necklace set

I also have these in white!

New Designs in Copper

The price of gold has hit an all time high this week and silver isn't far behind. Thankfully, copper is a great, affordable alternative. The manufacturers of jewelry components are realizing that designers need more options in copper and brass and are coming out with more gauges of wire, sizes of beads, charms and other findings for us to use.

I'm designing a new line of copper jewelry. Most pieces haven't been photographed yet, but I took a couple of quick snapshots of a few pieces to show you the coming attractions. There are many more.


Because copper wire is fairly inexpensive, I am able to play with and "waste" pieces trying new designs. I think you'll find my new copper designs to be more playful and casual. I've been using copper wire to hand-craft my own jump rings and to try new creative designs in ear wires and teardrop shaped hoops.

Copper is a beautiful metal that looks good on everyone. It has cool rosy undertones and a warm glow that will really spice up your autumn wardrobe and take you right into the winter holidays with its brightness.

And, yes, if you wear a piece for a long time it will oxidize and turn your skin where it touches harmlessly green, but that will wash right off. Copper develops a beautiful patina over time. Copper has been worn for many centuries because of its reputed healing properties especially in the case of arthritis and joint pain. Current studies do show that it has some small effect as an antioxidant, but wear it for it's beauty.

New Photos

The other day I was on Facebook chatting with my best friend when she mentioned that she really liked the earrings photos I took this spring of earrings hanging on a branch of our blossoming purple leaf plum tree. That got me thinking. This past year we planted a nice apricot tree and the fruit is nearly ripe. It's the perfect time to get some new earring photos. Here are the first few:

The first pair of earrings are in my Etsy.com store, the others are on my website.