Finally working in the studio again

It's been a busy week getting ready for college again and all that wonderful stuff. Although it's been a little rough getting time for the studio and the site. I am on a mission to fill nancycreations.etsy.com with lots of new goodies and the return of some of my oldies. The site now features two new items and pendant of labradorite and the silver organic bud earrings I featured here on the blog. A new rainbow moonstone will arrive this evening as well as a Labrdorite ring yes I have been busy in the shop at last hurrah , I have just got to be firm about this shop time. It's a short post for now until tonite see ya or go check out the new additions and let me know what you think.

My ring will visit Hollywood

I was contacted on etsy last week and this ring was purchased to be worn on a certain actress hand when she does her televison show that will be featured in January, sorry folks that's all I can tell you until just before the show airs in January and I will tell you when to turn in to see it on television. I am very humble and excited to have this happen to me.

The Love of a Sunday Afternoon

I love Sundays , it's the best day of the week , laying around the house , cooking big feasts, making cookies today , yes Franks favorite Sugar cookies. As I promised here are so pics I did when I was making the little silver flowers they are dainty sweet with a little organic feel to them they will arrive in the shop on etsy this week along with a couple of other pearl earrings in both silver and brass.  This is a sneak peak at the new studio bench, well it will be nicer when everything finds a place to go on it. haha

In the pictures following the photos of the studio you will see the flowers as they are made, formed, soldered they will be post earrings , pickled and ready for the shop. Hope you enjoy a sneak peek in the studio and how I work on earrings and if they are any questions please do not hesitate to ask in the comment section or email me at nancy4133@gmail.com and they are no stupid questions especially in making jewelry, always please wear protection for your eyes and well as your nose for inhaling things you shouldn't always adhere to all safety rules for your own protection.

Part One of the Prong Settings Cab Style

This is the style we will be using today, the style can be made for a pendant or a ring pin really anything. This setting is using a cabochon of any size or shape , I will be using 14 ga sterling silver wire. I chose this larger gauge of wire because the pendant I am making is quite large and I wanted the size of wire to compliment the size of the finished piece which is a consideration I think of importance. Thats my opion not a definite thing you have to do , do your own thing make it cool with your own art attitude on it. Anyhow this is the stone set we will be using for the pendant set. These are my own cabochons I cut and cabbed.

This set is huge of course I love big jewelry  and just for info one of my bestfriends in the world is probaly 5 ft tall  and she wears huge jewelry and it doesn't look odd on her at all so go big . As I said sterling silver wire , now I use a jewelry to saw it with and file it down so the cut ends are nice and smooth, and I use plastic coated pliers that I actully got a Michaels a hundred years ago this is the pic of what type of pliers you will want to  use so long as they are plastic coated they should be alright.

Now you will want to anneal your wire first because this is a sorta heavy gauge to be working with, just anneal it like you would any silver just till it becomes dull not red hot. Take your first stone measure around it , you will want the wire to be just a teeny little bit inside the diameter of the stone.

Measure and cut the piece of wire. Now onto the second piece of wire shaping

and cuttings . Now you are ready to solder . On each piece make sure the wire ends butt up against each other with no gaps showing if you can see light through the gap , go file them up nice and straight and check them again. Go ahead and do both pieces like this. Now place both pieces on the soldering block and apply flux and solder with hard solder.

This is the time where you must bow down to the solder gods to let it flow and melt or fry your wire. Just kidding but I always do a little solder dance afterwards that is really important to do. Now get out your clean up gadgets and get started making all smooth with no bumps this is a good time to straighten up any wommpies on your wire using the coated pliers, you can look at old jewelry zines, reference books look at online jewelry artists to see where the placements of prong should be used, this however is just for interest because your piece is your original piece , your cab may be irregular in shape , a fossil, anything so you will have to figure out what will work for you and your design , this is also a good time to figure out if it's a pendant like mine how to attach a bail , what kind of bail to use . For our next part if you can get a charcoal block or a soft fire brick , you can order them from Jff in Atlanta I will be happy to give you their number 770-455-1871 They are a jewelry supplier and just mention that you want a soft soldering brick and they will know what you want, they are very inexpensive and I love them for this technique.

I hope you have enjoyed part one of the technique of prong settings part two is being created as we speak so its coming up soon, If you should have question please email me Nancy4133@gmail .com. I do not pretend to be an instructor just a girlie who shares what she learns with others hopefully this will help you I hope you enjoy .

It's another week

Good day to all, my adopted Boxersocks kitty got spayed yesterday, here in Jacksonville if you live in a certain zip code they will spay or neuter your animals for free although you have to buy a license for the . I think this is a wonderful option for animals as well as for their owners. There was a great turn out of owners doing the responible thing.Gosh baby Beast as he affectionately called is growing so fast he weighs in at 30 lbs now I cannot even begin to tell you how into everything he is and his favorite thing is to bark alot, he will bark at you when he wants something you are eating. Of course Frank just gives him anything he wants he is such a lil monster. Daisy girl has finally accepted him and is now enjoying their play together. I am still working on the tutorials for the blog especially the prong one its coming along really good I ask for a little bit more patience from you and I will publish it. Well got to go study for school stay tuned in for the tutorial.

Checking in on the world at large

Umm Yeah I am still alive and kicking, just taking a little private time.  Get prepared info coming your way a couple of tutorials I have been working on. They will be on embossing and how to make my version of the prong setting of Joanna Golbergs great new series of rings. I admit I am one of those people who is intimated by the prong setting, but I love this new style using the cabochons. With this new method of Joanna's you can use less silver which in todays silver market great, and add a new twist to style which is always great. I had no info on this method just really examined her jewelry on her website and made up my own version I personally don't think it's cool to copy anothers jewelry, I want my own style my own look, but I do admire her greatly she is a fantastic artist so hopefully she want mind if I do my own version of this type of style, now do keep a watch out for her style in a jewelry mag that is coming out can't remember which one but I did see an advertisement for it gosh I would love to attend one  of her workshops, wouldn't you? I have seen her jewelry in person and i have got all her books , almost met her in Atlanta at a gallery a couple of years ago but I had just missed her she was doing an opening there. One day when all gets right in my little world of finance I am off to lots of workshops everywhere I can go .

A Day for Making Earring Cabochons

Finally I have slowed down long enough to make some earring cabochons, I have wanted to do this for so long but just simply been to busy. Do you ever get just way to busy to be able to accomplish something you really want to do. I am reading up on some information on time management. This is something I have a little problem with, there's just so much I want to do and experience in life that I am going to schedule some time frames and dates to do exactly that.
Today was the first day of trying this out, I got all my errands ran for the day, new sewing machine needles for the tshirt knit I am working with which was not doing so well with a regular needle on the sewing machine, got a new blouse and finally after much searching a new purse. For me searching for a purse is always a journey, looking for just the right one. I am choosy, I want a great looking purse for a cheap price, I usually shop for them at Marhshalls or Tj Maxx. I found it finally it's a SAK purse bluish black leather with alot of sassy style just for me. Thankfully the search is over for awhile. Tomorrow I will go visit my pals over at Follett and get my college books since I will only buy from them. I am really excited to hang with them for a short while.
Bubba is growing like a little weed getting very tall he is now up to 20 pounds and is definetly Franks baby. Daisy now loves him and he uses her as his favorite chew toy .

Earring Cabs I used a dopping stick with glue on them to make the cabs. rough cut the little slab, do your design, apply to stick. and get cabbing really that simple. And here are the results. I am practicing for now and will place some in the atticktreasures site on etsy soon.

So what do you think do you like them?

Ode to Aunt Zinnie

     I have lost my beloved Aunt Zinnie or better known as Zinnebelle Markham Speiglberg, the aunt who some how added to me her love of the kitty kats. As long as I have known her she has loved the kitties all colors and makes and models. What a wonderful person she is and will be missed alot by all of us of whom lives were blessed by knowing her. In her later years Aunt Zinnie joined in our family heritage of getting Alzheiemers seems to unfortunately run in our family gene pool. She was usually happy with a little touch of spice to her thank goodness she never showed me this side of her personality but I think my poor Aunt Florence sure got some of it when she got really sick and had to stay with Aunt Zinnie and Jimmy poor Aunt Zinnie couldn't figure out who this stranger was in her house. Jimmy my cousin who is her firstborn child, and son, took care of his mom through out all of it, right by her side walking with her in the yard and helping her feed her herd of cats as she did quite often, you will not find many men who would devote themselves to that task. She is a pickle as is as she is always with me everywhere always telling me to"Keep up my chin it will get better it always does" This article is to honor her while I sit here and write to you with tears rolling down my cheeks lets all honor a woman who raised I think seven children , spent a lifetime with one man, who we think personally crashed his plane in the field at the farm so he could meet her and his partner met my Aunt Era and fell head over hills for her also, so don't you know these farm girls must of had something. She raised her children through two wars I believe and a hubby who fought for our freedom we enjoy today. She is an incredible woman, my hat off to you Aunt Zinnie I know you are flying high with Uncle Cliff in heaven. 

     So today I started this project out in honor of her, made with vintage findings lots of color and as soon as I find one a vintage kitty will be added ot the mix. The idea comes from the the Spring 2010 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry . I used all components already on hand which is new rule of mine to try to downsize my stash of goodies

I tried to use the colors of spring flowers for she really enjoyed her flowers.

As you can see I am a bit messy of well that what having fun is all about being  carefree when you get a chance .

This is part of the inside of the mag showing all kinds of wonderful ideas. This is the greatest zine and one of my favorite's. Please take a moment and remember the special aunt you had in your life who was your favorite or if you are like and blessed with a whole bunch of aunties who are each one special in their own way just to you. Love ya Aunt Zinne may you have lots of kitty kats with you always.

A New Addition to my Lifestyle Begins

     Well lately I feel like I am all over the place everywhere and no where all at the same time. Today after alot of drama I finally got registered for college. So at the bright age of 52 I return to college . Enough said on that subject.
     I have been trying to get some time in on making some different types of jewelry, I have been putting some vintage pieces together and seeing what comes of it, I will feature some of the new styles when they get completed I want to incorporate some natural gemstones with the pieces for  a special meaning. You know how I love my gemstones and their secrets from long ago. The first piece I am working on will feature citrines and vintage pearls and some other long ago treasures .

Isn't this a wonderful turquoise from Arizona this one has ring ear marked all over it for me.

These are available on Atticktreasures.etsy.com for only $15.00 each what a bargain this is for someone looking for handmade cabochons made by me I sell my cabochons in my etsy sister store called Atticktreasures.

A Very Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone

Isn't Valentines day just the best day in the world. Lots of candy to eat and flowers everywhere in your home, little gifts and tokens of love and affection everywhere. Got to go and get Lil Daisy something for Valentines day tomorrow, although her newest toys Piglet and Tigger she is enjoying wonderfully, I think she still misses Bella but she seems okay just plays all the time. I am still working on a set of stacking rings to put on the site and finish up a new necklace in copper one of my friends at etsy wants to see so this week it's back in the jewelry studio again. Still working on my art a day projects need to find some time to post them so you can see them. Waiting on the pirate ship to arrive here in Jax this week to check it out hopefully Johnny Depp will be on board yeah right not likely.

Tuesday off spending it peacefully

Lately days have been spinning by so fast and quick, never enough time. I started my Art a day and am really enjoying the challenge of having to come up with something new everday a project to accomplish. Having a sense of achievement is so good and it makes one feel elated. I have chosen to make a schedule of the different mediums in art I wish to try out to seek knownledge I always feel as though I search for knownledge everywhere. Tomorrow will bring forth something new for each of us, enjoy it experience it acknowledge it and go forth on your own personal journey towards wherever it may take you. On the etsy site you will see a ring that has been added to my shop, I have also been trying the new techniques out that had once been taught to me, I hope you like it, the ring involves mixing metals silver and copper in this instance together to make a single piece of art .

War with the Blogsite

I honestly have been doing my Art a Day, I have been having a little issue with posting some pics for you to see, so here's goes another attempt. Please may the force be with me.

Art for the Day

My next art for the day project was another pair of baby blue pj's which are the most comfortable oh man are they also nice and warm, believe me it does g et cold in Florida. I have a secret project to show you next week of course unitl my daughter recieves her present you can't see it yet sorry. Well this is the first RAW (Ring a Week Project) yeah I took that challenge as well, will show that this week so get ready, I have been so lazy this week in the studio. Time to get busy in there again. So stay in touch should be a good week.

A New Year Begins

Ah for all of us a new yeaf begins for all of us, bringing new challenges and changes but is't that what life is all about for us. I am starting this new year with going back to school, continuing on to learning more about the techniques I have studied in the various classes I have taken over the years. Now is a time for all of us to settle back and work on ourselves our economy is going crazy all the issues everyone faces everyday to try to make ends meet and survive these times we live on. It's definetly one of those glass half full or half empty I choose to half full and work on filling up the other half.
On one of my journeys into the Saturday Market here in Jax I saw some wonderful little birds that were filled with lavender, unfortunately I could not find any info on these little birds so I go to the big internet of the world in search of them and guess what, I found something I could use see I wanted to put some of these little birds in my linen closet and through out my home so here is the info I found hopefully you can use it , now if you don't sew you can find them in I think March at the market under the bridge here in Jax or email me and I will send some info to you on them of course you still have to wait until March. Here is the site http://www.flickr.com/photos/8515428@N07/3227421439  there are lots of folks on etsy.com that sell the lavender in fact this lady may sell them on her site on the flickr info . Good Luck enjoy the new year and bring it on with  some positive attitude! 
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A New Week Arrives

 Tomorrow a new week will begin for all of us, hopefully everyone is fine and looking forward to Thanksgiving which is right around the corner. I have big plans for two Thanksgiving Dinners so I will be very busy with all that. I have started looking back on my life this last week and my jewelry and have decided to go in the direction of my heart and go back to doing my own personal style of jewelry and not trying to do jewelry that I don't enjoy making or stuff that is not in my heart. So that's that and so be it. I am going to design something totally new and awesome for my site and I am hoping you will like it, SO this week lets start by making some chasing tools. Now to make these tools you can use old allen wrenchs any old tools you can possibly find at yard sales or flea markets will do you can use old screw drivers nails just about anything , Find an old BASTARD FILE first off mark this file for steel use only never ever use this file on anything else again just for steel stuff.

If you tool steel ( your old tool will now be called this) is now sorta clean you will begin to anneal it.
So take the tool stell put it on a firebrick and heat it up with a torch on the end till it turns cheery red.
Remove heat and let it air cool please be careful and let it totally air cool before you mess with it;.
Now that it has cooled , take your bastard file and start filing the point of your tool flat. Remember to file in only one direction . File until end it nice and flat. This  is the time that you will need to start thinking of a SIMPLE DESIGN you would like to stamp on your silver, Maybe a square or a triangle or something else.
Okay tomorrow we will begin the making of a chasing tool , please comment on what you are thinking of making on your stamp.

A wonderful Wednesday coming up

Thank goodness tomorrow I am off from my little normal job and onto my have great fun job. I got up really early this morning to finish up these little pretties, I had already made some for myself and thought I would feature them on my etsy site. They are the greatest of earrings I just love them. Tomorrow fun is to begin work on the shell pieces I showed you the other day. I want to do some pendants of them, they're texture is so intriguing to me, I am always drawn to sea shells they seem to mysterious to me , I often wonder where the rest of the shell on what distant shore it landed upon. These shells are some of work of the hurricane that the rough seas brought ashore here in Jacksonville. I am enjoying being near the beach for the first time in a long time, I really don't think I knew how much I missed living in Florida. My little Daisy who is not so little anymore is enjoying her sister Bella so much, poor Bella has had a rough time in life but fate landed her with us , it's a little rough getting her use to living outside a cage which is where she spent alot of time in before she came to us , now she has total freedom and is finally learning what "calm down baby " means thank goodness and she is now loving to ride in the car and go for walks although she is still a little scared of the walking she is doing great.

HOME FROM HAWAII

Ah there is no place like home accept when you go to Hawaii. It was wonderful it is truly paradise, the surroundings are wonderful. There is always a breeze and it isn't to hot just perfect gosh I hated to come home. The grandbabies were great and we had a blast. This week I will share with you some of my experiences there, some of the places I went, and would you believe an Art Festival was going on so you know I went and got to meet alot of wonderful artists at the show. So this week we will be going back in time to Hawaii to visit a pineapple plantation , a laui, some of the local scenerie and an arts festival and some of the artist that displayed there, so all aboard the blog for a week of adventure with me.

Still working on the ring

Well you know how you design a piece and then somewhere it starts to take on a life of its own and you are no longer sticking to the original design umm that's starting to happen here folks, when i took classes my good friend amy rowe and i always laughed about how this would happen to us, and bless her heart HB our teacher would just look at us with that certain look like she knew here we go again.haha! Now the ring has decided it wants some wire on it and it still can't decide on the protection ring for the stone exactly how that is to look oh it will have the prongs but it thinks it wants a little extra something who knows what at this point. here's the latest pic of how things are proceeding.

DAISY UPDATE: Yesterday my precious Daisy puppy swallowed 14 sewing pins , the cats helped her out by getting my pin cushion off the sewing table, she has had to have surgery on her stomach to remove them , three are still in her they were unable to remove them couldnt find them except on the xray, they are mixed up in her food in her tummy so hopefully she will pass them okay , will keep you updated , I saw her today she is fine and happy so heres hoping all will be okay.

Here's the pictures of the Fusing

Sorry I couldn't post the pics yesterday the weather was bad here in rural america and you know what that means no satiellite which is the only way I can get even somewhat fast internet which it is not fast let me tell you, anyway go back and read yesterdays post along with these pics and it should all make some sort of sense.

The Journey Begins: subject FUSING

Well we have started the journey, I decided to try out a technique called fusing. This is basically sticking one metal to another using heat as your only source of sorta glue I guess. What I did was sort through my silver leftovers little bits and pieces then I pounded them flat, then I took a piece of sheet silver 3x2 made sure it was flat, cut all my pieces up into smaller pieces made sure they were flat piled all of the little pieces onto the sheet and used the torch and heated all over , you will start to see the pieces kind of swim into one another the back sheet to now you are fusing , Hurrah! sometimes pieces will fall off hopefully not alot you can always go back and fuse some more, after fusing i cleaned up the metal dried it really good then rolled it thru the rolling mill. After that I decided to use some of my printing plates I had created myself so the metal went thru the mill again using them and then your fusing is done hopefull I didn't leave anything out , try this and if you have any questions please contact me at nancy4133@gmail.com , now if there is any typing errors , grammar errors, please be nice and accept this as it is I am just sharing an experience with you and maybe encouraging you to try new things so go for it and have fun and please share your treasures with me I would like to see them hey also check out my store at nancycreations.etsy.com