Winter Storn - Dec. 14, 2010

 
Lots of snow last night!  Another 2-4 expected today - more if you're in the snow belt!  Last night's accumulation was at least 8 inches.

CONVERTIBLE LANYARDS!!

I have added a new category to my jewelry line - lanyards.  I made several pieces for a show I did recently at a local hospital.  Today I added them to my Artfire site.  I made them in several colors and all with magnetic closures for safety.  The metal components on most of them can be removed so the lanyard can be converted to a necklace!   They are dressy enough to be worn for work or out for the evening.  I think this is a big plus!  Hope you like them!   Happy Holidays!  Anita

PEACE SIGN JEWELRY

I was asked to make a peace sign bracelet for my friend's granddaughter and being a grandma myself, was in a quandary as to what an 11 year old might like.  I forged ahead and decided to create a peace sign from argentium sterling silver.  It was a fun experience as I had never soldered argentium before and I read that it doesn't require solder, but rather joins itself - which it did!  I used 16 gauge wire, cut the cross pieces and hammered the ends, and proceeded to solder them together.  I hammered the finished piece, added a light patina and into the tumbler it went!  I was happy with the end result, but decided it might be a bit too large for her age.  So, I went ahead and put it on cord and attached a small "believe" charm.  Who doesn't believe in the possibility of  peace!  Here is the result.

Undaunted, I continued in pursuit of the right bracelet style.  I came across some blue lapis beads and thought they would look great with jeans - teens - jeans!  And so and I started stringing and decided to finish off the bracelet ends with black seed beads in lieu of cord.  While going through my "stash" I came across some precious metal clay pieces I had made with the peace sign stamped in.  I incorporated it as an accent.  I am actually happy with the end result, but my friend did specifically mention leather cord as part of the creation. 

Last week, while out shopping, I came across some peace sign charms and purchased one, just in case I needed another avenue in my pursuit.  I incorporated the leather cord, the peace sign, some silver plated tube beads, and added the charms:  Believe, Love, and Laugh.  Inspiration for daily living.  And voila!  Yet another peace sign bracelet. 

I hope she likes what I came up with. Let me know what YOU think!  Blessings, Anita

Holiday Glitz Earrings

 I have two local shows coming and have been busy making holiday earrings. I did them in silvers and golds, utilizing affordable components and the colors of Christmas!

 

JASPER AND PEARL NECKLACE

 
I created this necklace yesterday with a combination of jasper, pearls, Czech glass beads, and copper. The jasper focal is wire wrapped in copper, and the closure is hand made in copper. This too will go to the art show on Sunday. The coordinating earrings are done with the Czech glass and pearls on lever back nickel free ear wires.