Stock Up!

Not sure why this choker design says "old"/"old-fashioned" to me. I like it though. So does my sister-in-law's sister. Except this is on memory wire and that may be too snug....

I started to string a new one on 49-strand wire. Way too loose. Drapes too much. Looks so wrong. I'm going to try 7-strand but am expecting a similar result.

It's been a bit of a saga getting more mother of pearl for it. I bought the first lot (used above) from The Bead Factory in Tacoma, WA. And the reason I bought it was because it was so beautiful, a definite "don't-leave-here-without-me." Having used up that first lot,  I went after more - but they didn't have any. Picked some up at Michaels but it wasn't nearly as nice. Ordered some from Fire Mountain Gems and it turned out off-white even though the photos showed bright white (this happens w/FMG - buyer be ware). Called a bead shop 30 minutes away - no luck. Checked out Shipwreck Beads online, found the right size, color, shape - AND - it is actually as bright and white as the photo. =)

(Moral of the story: Stock up when you find something NICE!)

Now to resolve the wire vs. stringing question.

7-strand is also to soft. I'll have to see what can be done with regular 24 gauge wire.

So,...four new listings on ArtFire. Two wire bracelets sold. Two people want to try to figure out how to make them. It's not hard, just takes a little patience.

I used Swarovski pearls on this latest one after a friend's comment about wanting one with pearls and red and black beads/crystals. Took a few attempts working with inventory on hand, but this one works. The red and black thing remains to be seen....

This was a project that was begun and then set aside, picked up later, and completed.

Antiqued brass chain, lobster clasp, charms and tiger eye beads.

A package of corrugated silver loops, a string of blue cathedral cut beads and Swarovski faceted cubes.

Lead and nickel free kidney ear wires.

Swarovski pearl drops about 1.25" on surgical steel wires.

These latter two I had taken photos of a while ago, but they were not right. Set that project aside, took it up today and got it done.

I'm trying to aim for a FULL table at craft fairs in the fall. And if one or two things sell through ArtFire in the meantime so much the better.

New Bracelet Designs

Warm colors for a winter's day.

First of a pair of dragonfly earrings.

Custom order for a birthday gift.

Silver and Gold

Fourth of a custom order. Pictures for now. Words later. :)

Popular Woven Wire Bracelets!

Is it just me or do these look frilly? Third of an order for four - all different. And underpriced!

Earrings Project "How-to's"

Directions for pearl earrings I made recently are here on Craftsy.

These earrings were a custom order scaled down from a photo.

Here's what the buyer had to say: "I love the jewelry you make and whenever I get an idea in my head I know you are talented enough to make it perfectly how I think it up!!"

Facebook Page for Saturday Sails....

So, I take the plunge and create a Facebook page for Saturday Sails to use ArtFire's Facebook kiosk application and....it isn't working....some bug or who knows....

At least I have a custom request to work on - the interwoven wire bracelet with purple cubes, bicones and rondelles....oh, and a cat charm. Nice having something to make.