The
idea behind the Blog Hop is for creative bloggers to write a post based around
a few questions. Their answers offer an
insight into their creative thoughts and processes. The blog ‘baton’ is then passed on to another artisan and so the trip around the globe gathers pace.
Kristen has passed this 'baton' onto me to continue the hop around the world :) I have been following Kristen's blog for sometime now and love to read her posts on her latest jewellery making ventures. She makes gorgeous pieces of wearable art and has some great wire designs incorporated into her work.
So lets start with the first question:
What am I working on?
I
have several pendants on my bench at the moment - some only just
beginning and another almost finished and some enamelled earrings. I'm
also working on a giveaway for reaching 500 'likes' on my facebook page.
But seeing as the weather is so awfully hot here (early might I add), I
am struggling to get to my bench to make anything - way to hot to wield a torch!
How Does My Work Differ From Others in it's Genre?
This is honestly a hard question to answer. When I look at my work, I want it to be easily recognised as my own. But there are so many of us out there with similar taste/style, that it makes coming up with fresh new ideas to represent my own style all the more difficult.
Being self taught means I can only go as far as my skills have and there are many other skills I want/need to learn to help my style grow. This journey I am on is one for the long haul - my children/family come a solid first and so it takes me a while longer to get new skills in. So that being said - I am still trying to grow my 'style' and this will come with time - something I wish (don't we all) I had more of.
Why Do I Create What I Do?
My style when growing up, was always large statement pieces. Bags, shoes and accessories. I favoured things that no one else had, that were memorable, fun, stylish, but a little bit different. Perhaps pieces that were bold, pieces that others might not choose to wear themselves.
When I began Metal Smithing, it was for a means to an end. I needed to learn to solder to complete what I was working on at the time. But as my skills with soldering grew, I wanted to make those 'large, different, statement' pieces for myself and I have been enjoying trying to do that ever since. It doesn't always work out, but when it does, it's a real buzz!
How Does My Creating Process Work?
99% of what I do, comes from my imagination alone. I don't sketch - unless I absolutely must. I'm terrible at drawing.
Most of the time I begin with the stone/s, I will choose the best type of bezel setting for it and from there the design will grow. Every now and then I will have a definite idea of something I want to make and I will try my best to execute it as close to how I've imagined it to be.
Other times, it is just 'go with the flow'. I think for myself half of the fun is playing around with all sorts of components to see what I can come up with and if I can make it come to life.
The picture below is a perfect example of that:
I hope you have enjoyed reading my little blog hop post and now I would like to pass the 'baton' onto Mossy from Silver Moss Jewellery :)
Emma ♥
Showing posts with label silver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silver. Show all posts
Friday, November 21, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Muse
For once my creative muse is visiting.
I'm hoping this isn't a fleeting visit, that she will actually find a comfy seat and settle in for a while.
I think though I am filled with a new batch of ideas, I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm working on one of the largest pieces I have made (it really isn't that large, but for me it is) and of course, even though instinct told me to anchor things down, I didn't. And so now the bezel has soldered on slightly askew.
The perfectionist within says 'sorry, but you are just going to have to make it right, it's not good enough. Fix. It.' Though I worry if I do go in again and try to realign it, I might just ruin it altogether. I hate that part about soldering. I have some Yellow Ochre powder which I might have to slather all over the parts I can't have reflowing. Hoping with all hope that I can fix it, or it is going to be a very expensive scrap piece :(
Below are the latest things I have finished:
My favourite things to make would be the pendants you see above. I've always loved pieces with some weight to them and these all have just that. And the piece I am working on right now is even heavier, so I must make it work!!
Well that pendant isn't going to be fixed with me sitting here now is it?! Must get on with it :)
Have a wonderful day
Em ♥
I'm hoping this isn't a fleeting visit, that she will actually find a comfy seat and settle in for a while.
I think though I am filled with a new batch of ideas, I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm working on one of the largest pieces I have made (it really isn't that large, but for me it is) and of course, even though instinct told me to anchor things down, I didn't. And so now the bezel has soldered on slightly askew.
The perfectionist within says 'sorry, but you are just going to have to make it right, it's not good enough. Fix. It.' Though I worry if I do go in again and try to realign it, I might just ruin it altogether. I hate that part about soldering. I have some Yellow Ochre powder which I might have to slather all over the parts I can't have reflowing. Hoping with all hope that I can fix it, or it is going to be a very expensive scrap piece :(
Below are the latest things I have finished:
My favourite things to make would be the pendants you see above. I've always loved pieces with some weight to them and these all have just that. And the piece I am working on right now is even heavier, so I must make it work!!
Well that pendant isn't going to be fixed with me sitting here now is it?! Must get on with it :)
Have a wonderful day
Em ♥
Labels:
bench,
etsy,
jewelry making,
pendants,
silver,
silver jewelry,
soldering
Monday, June 17, 2013
Poppy ♥
My little girl Poppy arrived on the 27th of May.
I was induced again and it was a strange experience this time around. I experienced contractions for most of that day between 2-5 minutes apart for most of that time and eventually had an Epidural - which in the end didn't work - so I may as well not have had one! (I remember hearing another lady in agony in another birthing suite and saying to my husband that she sounded like the cookie monster and how I hope I never sound like that! In the end I sounded just as bad lol) I was in 'labour' for about 7 and a half hours, but Poppy came into the world in about 3-4 pushes.
I had both my mother and my husband as my support team this time. With my first it was just my husband. It was great to have them both there, especially considering how it all went down this time around. So now Poppy is 3 weeks old and sleep deprivation is starting to catch up to me. My hubs has been a great help again (just as he was with our first). I really have myself a great man!
Summer has taken to Poppy as though she's always been here and loves her greatly and loves to help out. I feel sorry for her having to go to school (when she just wants to stay home with us), but I'm grateful that she goes. I don't think I could handle them both just yet. Although, school holidays are next week :(
So all is well here right now. I love my little family and feel content. I am almost finished my collection:
But I am finding it hard to sit at the bench right now as I'm so tired and there are always so many other things that need my attention, not including Poppy! Hopefully will have it all finished and listed by this weekend :)
Em ♥
Labels:
baby,
bench,
birth,
collection,
jewelry making,
poppy,
silver,
sisters,
summer
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Too Hot!!!
It's killin' me.
I can't even contemplate going to the bench and attempting to make anything :(
I would just melt away.
Granted it's not as hot as some parts of Australia, but still this is as much as I can take.
We got the new quick release handle onto my flexshaft, but I haven't been out there to take advantage yet.
What's on my bench:
no idea when I'll get this all finished..... |
Above is a bracelet I made, instead of a necklace. It's nowhere near the completed stage, lots of filing and cleaning to do yet .... maybe next year LOL.
I'm getting to the point where I think of bringing my metal out to the kitchen to work on. It's air conditioned in the house (watch out electric bill - Yikes!!). I could solder in the hot plate area, as it has the vent above and possibly I could file and sand over the sink. Desperate? Yes. If it's like this for the next 2 months then I am going to have to seriously consider this. I am falling waaaay behind. I haven't had a sale in a while - but again, I'm still not promoting myself and I don't renew much and I certainly am not making enough new work to attract new customers. Basically I'm getting out what I'm putting in ....... which is nothing much really :(
Went outside just now to see to the pets and this little guy was in my dogs water bowl having a soak:
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW |
Don't often see them in the daytime - they're more nighttime lurkers round our parts - but it's been so hot. I don't like toads. At. All. Love frogs. But you never see them ... only hear them.
I really really really really hope it rains. This weather freaks me out, as we live across from the bush and it's weather like this that brings massive bushfires - super humidity, dry and windy. Not a good mix.
Well that's all for now folks.
Oh I decided on a new logo - thanks to the help of all my friends and family and helpful fans on my facebook page. I am pondering a new backdrop in the new year and I want to incorporate my logo too.
Take care :) And have an awesome holiday season!
Em ♥
Labels:
bench,
heat,
hot,
jewelry making,
silver,
sterling silver,
toad,
weather
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Cannot Think......
my daughter is outside on the patio singing her lungs out and I can't think. All day it's been 'don't do this/don't do that/if you do that again......' I'm a bit over it.
And she's only got 2 more days of Kindy left this year, then it's home every day for 6 weeks. I'm still not feeling great (will elaborate another time about that). We have an inspection tomorrow :( So a few things to get done for that. I haven't really spent much time at the bench lately either. Still think about it every spare moment, but I haven't the get up and go right now. Though I did get a cuff finished this week! In my Etsy store :)
I have about another 8 lovely new labradorites that I'm looking forward to using. Has to be one of my fave stones.
Today I got out to the bench, I've nearly finished a bracelet and I'm working on a couple of other pendants. It would be nice if I could just work in there for a few straight hours with no distractions ... maybe Friday :)
Last week I purchased a quick release hand piece for my flex shaft. I can't wait to get it working as it's going to make things a lot easier for me.
It was our 11th wedding anniversary on the 1st of Dec and hubby chipped in to buy me this chair I just absolutely HAD to have lol
I didn't have my normal lens on, only the macro, so I couldn't get a full shot of it, but it's a sofa and it's absolutely stunning and I love it! Been looking for something like this for a very very long time.
Also I'm working on getting a new logo done for my jewellery. But trying to chose something is a nightmare for me haha ... if you want to see what I'm choosing from, head over to my facebook page and you can give me your opinion.
Going to love you and leave you here :)
Em ♥
Labels:
anniversary,
cuff,
etsy,
furniture,
jewellery,
jewelry,
kindy,
labradorite,
silver,
sofa
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Been a Big Week.
Wow, just like the title says, it's been a busy week here in our household.
My mum came to stay for a couple of nights.
Summer is now enrolled in a Preprep program (kindy) and I spent a few hours there at the centre with her, so she could get a feel for it all and meet the other children.
This morning I took in all her enrollment forms etc and then we did a little grocery shop together. She won't be starting there for another 2 weeks, as school holidays start now. So we have 2 weeks left together....it's going to be so strange not having her around everyday.
I'd be lying if I said it doesn't bother me a bit.
Anywho, my hubby did my bench for me pretty much straight away.
It's so big!! Here is a picture of my new bench:
It's a bit hard to tell just by looking at this, but if you look at the old bench picture in my last post, you can gather an idea of the size if you see where my soldering board is, compared to where it is on my new bench. It's probably a bit too big a bench...if there is such a thing?? lol
I got myself a new sheet of silver this week and some more gold filled wire and a new tool!!
I have seen several others with this tool. A facet stone setting tool. And they've sung the praises of it, so I figured I would invest in one, considering I want to use a lot more of these stones in my work. I haven't tried it out yet..(typically). But perhaps I will get around to it this weekend.
Hopefully soon over the next week, I will get to try out this new bench and see how I go working at it for a prolonged period of time. I might need to get a new chair yet, but hoping I can get away with my old one as it's really comfy to work in.
Alrighty, I should probably get on with my housework etc, though I don't much feel like it.
Take care
Em ♥
Labels:
bench,
jewelry,
jewelry making,
new bench,
silver,
silver sheet,
silver smithing,
tool
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
On my Bench
This is my bench right now:
It's a mess. It's small and it's not comfy to sit at. (But it has been a good bench to me)
But that's no longer a problem as I'm getting this made:
Hip Hip Hooray!!
I've been talking about getting a new bench for ages now and it's finally a reality.
I should be able to have it to use by Friday night. There will be at least double the space now! I will post a picture when it's all done and set up and tidy :)
I am in the middle of purchasing some silver. I probably should send in my scrap and get some cash back for that.....
Nothing much has been happening around these parts. The weather is rubbish. Raining lots. And still as muggy as the middle of Summer.
We have an inspection tomorrow afternoon :(
I spent 4 hours on Monday doing a mega bleach out on my tiles again.
My little yellow budgie passed away last week.... she was so sweet. I will miss her.
Summer is on a waiting list for a pre prep program...hopefully will get in soon..... she really needs it.
And I think that's about all that's new.
Here are a few pictures of my latest pieces:
Well I guess I had better get on with the tidying for the inspection tomorrow (not that the house is a mess). I just like things to be rather perfect lol
Hope you are all well x
Em ♥
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
At the bench :)
Yes that is what I am doing this morning :)
I haven't been at the bench for the past week, so I headed in there this morning to tidy up my bench and get on with a few pieces that are sitting there, waiting to be finished.
It's a beautiful day.
Yesterday it was cool(er) and breezy and just the perfect weather for enjoying life :)
This morning seems to be following suit.
I'm just back at the computer to put some new stuff on my USB stick for my laptop and I thought I would do a quick post.
I went to the Gemshow on Saturday, by myself.
It was horribly hot and the hall where they have the main part of the stalls was absolutely crammed, which made it worse heat wise. I did nab a few faceted stones and some small cabs:
There was a lot of rough available...which if I were able to cut my own stones, it would have been fab. But The cabochon side of things wasn't that great. There were a few that caught my eye, but honestly for the money, I would rather buy the better ones I have found on good ole Etsy.
As I made my way to the end of the stalls, I thought it was all over. Till I looked outside and noticed a whole load of other stalls outside on the grass. There wasn't that much for me there either....but I did manage to grab these:
Some lovely Boulder Opal cabochons.
This little parcel of goodies made it worth my while going to that show!
A few of them have the most gorgeous flash of purple. I can't wait to start setting these.
There are lots of other shows throughout the year. I will try and get to a few of them. You never know, if you never go.
And I would like to know.
Must get back to the bench!
Em ♥
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
For nearly 2 days now, it has been raining heavily.
This time last year, there were awful flash floods over Brisbane (Queensland) and sadly there have been some yesterday. Not to the extent of the 2011 floods, but it's still disconcerting.
We have a lot of creeks around where I live, especially on the way into Town. About 20 meters away we have a creek that runs under our road out of our estate. It flooded our road yesterday....fortunately we have a small SUV and we were able to get through about 3 flooded roads yesterday on our way to Town.
Right now, the rain isn't as it was yesterday. I just stepped outside to see how our creeks looking....it's okay. Checked out the local rainfall radar to see whats coming and it's only light rain. The heavy stuff is headed out to sea and some down south.
I used to absolutely adore rainy days like today. But since those floods last year, it tends to leave me feeling a little freaked out, when it rains like it has been.
Enough of the depressing stuff for now.....
Here is my little delivery of stones I received Friday:
Some plume/riviara/moss agates and chrysoprase.
I want to get my hands on some Dendritic Opals and some Priday plume as well as a million others lol...but that will have to wait. The silversmithing funds are kinda dry right now :(
Oh and if I haven't mentioned this already...I am a very indecisive person and I change my mind a lot.
I know I just changed all of my backdrops for my Etsy store jewellery, but I've gone and done it again haha.
I LOVED the turquoise box. LOVED it.
But, if I am completely honest, it took focus away from the jewellery. Some of the pieces didn't stand out as well as they do on their own as the colour of the stones were so similar.
So I changed a heap of my pictures again.
Here is a before and after shot of one item...
As boring as the new background is.....the jewellery takes the spotlight perfectly. In the old picture, it still looks good....but it sort of melts into the box a little. If you have time, please take a quick peek at my shop and tell me if you like the new background??
Em ♥
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Broken
Yes my silly sewing machine is already broken.
I had all my pattern pieces cut/interfaced/pinned together ready to go, but the bobbin and top threads just wouldn't connect. So hubby had a fiddle and we came to the conclusion it needs a new bobbin case.
So this morning Summer and I went to a sewing store and got a replacement. I haven't put it in yet....can't be bothered yet lol.
Then we went and did a little grocery shop. I am going to make a nice big lasagne and salad for dinner - I don't make lasagne often, cause it takes so long. But my hubby deserves something extra yummy this evening, as he upgraded my earrings yesterday! Yes! It was all his idea. I so loved the ones he got me already, but he decided that he wanted me to have bigger ones and so he rang the store he purchased them from and they said it was okay to bring the original ones back to upgrade them!
So yesterday afternoon that is what we did. He's always been a freaking awesomely generous man, I totally hit the jackpot with him! But again, this pressie takes the cake. I'm not normally one to boast about things like this - but I can't help myself. I just want to share how damn good this man is to me!
Anywho, Summer is eating some lunch and I should probably have mine soon and then get on with dinner.
I made myself another chan luu inspired leather wrap bracelet, but after wearing it 2 times, I've decided to pull it apart. Whiteish leather is not really a great choice, it gets grubby very quickly. And the beads - chalk turquoise - have marks on them already...I should probably get better quality ones next time....So I am going to hunt down some new beads and make another wrap for myself with better colour leather - maybe dark brown or black perhaps and better beads. The button I made for this one turned out lovely too!
Below is a picture of Summer I took the other afternoon, I got about 40 shots of her in many different poses that she was making up herself, including this one.
She is sooo cute ♥
And below is a pair of Agate earrings that I finally got around to finishing off.
I still haven't been at the bench much. Yesterday Summer went to her Grandies for the day, so I got to the bench and finished these off and then got started on a simple but largish ring for the shop. I have been still having fun with some pmc3 making some little owl charms for my shop
Well I hope that my silver mojo returns soon. I really want to make a go of it for real in the new year, filling my etsy shop up and finally getting myself to a market. Sales have been terrible this month so far and it's really disappointing, which has that terrible knock on effect of not motivating me to make new work. I don't know how you guys are fairing in your Etsy sales, but it's making me question my future in silver :(
Have a wonderful week everyone
Em ♥
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A little rain & some Beads
It's raining!
I absolutely love cold rainy days. And today is lovely. The last few days in fact have been on the cooler side, considering it's been really hot lately, it's a welcome change for me.
So this morning I need to finish up a custom ring. Since working on custom orders, I haven't really made anything new for my shop. I should be at the bench right now really...since the weather is perfect for it....but instead I am here at the computer blogging and pinning.
Oh last night I did make this:
Above are the beads and leather I have been collecting the last couple of weeks. I want to make a nice loooong wrap bracelet with the white leather and chalk turquoise beads for myself :) The hard part is trying to find decent beading thread. Everywhere I go either has the right colour, but not thickness, or the right thickness and not colour.....or practically nothing at all hahaha.
I still love beads. After all these years.
I'm having a 20% off sale in my shop :)
Well I had a terrible nights sleep, think I have hayfever...or a cold...either way I feel pretty rubbish this morning. It's only 8:30am. Best go and put out the birdies and feed the animals and then get about my 'stuff'.
Hope all is well with you dear readers
Em ♥
Labels:
beaded bracelet,
beads,
bench,
etsy,
rain,
sale,
silver,
weather,
wrap bracelet
Sunday, October 23, 2011
New Background & Jewellery
Thanks to those of you who gave me your opinion on my background choices...I finally redid all the photography for my shop and I love my new background. I didn't end up going with what I posted about, but it got me to the choice I eventually made.
It's cohesive, fresh and bright and I love how my shop looks now :)
As much as I thought the grey was for me, I was tired of it. Yes it helped my silver work stand out, but it was kinda lacking that certain something...
I have been trying really hard not to let the lack of sales get me down and stop me from making new pieces. It's damn hard though. When I make a sale it kinda motivates me to make more jewellery......when those sales completely vanish into thin air....well my desire to create kinda goes with it - as I'm sure is the case for many creators out there.
Now I just figure that, I have the supplies there, so I may as well use them and enjoy myself!! And I am definitely working on stocking up to do my first market someday soonish. I think I have an idea how I want to make my set up and once I have that figured, I will be able to see how much stock I need.
Next is a picture of a ring I just finished up this morning:
Yes I have been incorporating my latest skill with my new work lol...so I guess there will be a heap of work with tube set gemstones. I'm also working on my plain bezel settings - I find them the hardest to make look nice as there really is no forgiveness in the edge, not like scalloped or sawtooth or like those fancy bezel wires...you can kinda get away with all sorts when you use those settings, but with plain bezel.....well you can't get away with much at all! The reason I want to do more with this bezel type is I think it gives a more finished look to my work, as much as I enjoy using the fancy bezels, I want the stones to stand out more and the embellishments I use around the stones. I'll still use the other wire...but I want to get this wire perfected!
Apparently it's going to start heating up here this week....not happy....not happy at all. I still hate the heat, as much as I did last time it was hot. I can forsee a huuuuuge power bill at the end of the year :(
Well that is it for now....I have a couple of pieces I need to finish up and photograph and list over the next few days. Oh and I did a treasury this morning...first I've done in aaages. It was fun though and I tried to stick to a colour theme (which I find hard).
Have a great day :)
Em ♥
Labels:
background,
bench,
jewellery,
jewelry,
photgraph,
photography,
rings,
silver,
silver jewelry,
spring time,
sterling silver,
weather
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tools, New Moo Cards, No Mojo...oh my!
Yes, I have some new tools, moo cards and Zero Smithing Mojo :(
If anything would normally kick my butt into creative gear it would have to new tools....but no....not this time.
Below are pictures of my new matching Moo cards and stickers.
I spent ages designing these and am very happy with how they turned out. And they are such good quality! So now the hubs has decided he wants me to make some cards for him from Moo. Oh and they also came like 2 weeks earlier than I was expecting them, so Woohoo!!


Below is my first print I have purchased from Etsy. I have been lusting after several artists pictures for a long time now and then decided I would get on with it finally and just buy one! And I love it! So does my hubby. I think he even approves me collecting more of them :)
This print is by janethillstudio

And this is a picture of some new stamping tools I purchased from 2moontools
I received them this morning and hope to use them on some new pieces.....eventually......if my mojo returns :(
lol I know that I will.
This is not the first time I have encountered the creative block, nor will it be my last.
What's strange is that my head is just absolutely choc full of stuff, but I can't seem to put it to actual physical work. Maybe my head is in overload?? I'm hoping to get a break sometime this weekend and maybe I'll be able to remove this block. I can only hope.
Yesterday I took my daughter with me to a big hardware store to look for some new tin snips etc and I came across a work bench for $100....it's not too big and it has peg board and a shelf underneath and an extra area to hang hammers etc. I'm hoping to take hubs to see this bench and talk him into buying it for me haha....it would be a spot I could bolt my Rolling Mill to as well. So it's kind of necessary. I can't wait to get the mill bolted down so I can try it out.
Alrighty I must go. Daughter is talking non stop and I can't type anymore as I can't hear myself think, think that is half the reason I struggle at the bench these days :(
Em
If anything would normally kick my butt into creative gear it would have to new tools....but no....not this time.
Below are pictures of my new matching Moo cards and stickers.
I spent ages designing these and am very happy with how they turned out. And they are such good quality! So now the hubs has decided he wants me to make some cards for him from Moo. Oh and they also came like 2 weeks earlier than I was expecting them, so Woohoo!!
Below is my first print I have purchased from Etsy. I have been lusting after several artists pictures for a long time now and then decided I would get on with it finally and just buy one! And I love it! So does my hubby. I think he even approves me collecting more of them :)
This print is by janethillstudio
And this is a picture of some new stamping tools I purchased from 2moontools
lol I know that I will.
This is not the first time I have encountered the creative block, nor will it be my last.
What's strange is that my head is just absolutely choc full of stuff, but I can't seem to put it to actual physical work. Maybe my head is in overload?? I'm hoping to get a break sometime this weekend and maybe I'll be able to remove this block. I can only hope.
Yesterday I took my daughter with me to a big hardware store to look for some new tin snips etc and I came across a work bench for $100....it's not too big and it has peg board and a shelf underneath and an extra area to hang hammers etc. I'm hoping to take hubs to see this bench and talk him into buying it for me haha....it would be a spot I could bolt my Rolling Mill to as well. So it's kind of necessary. I can't wait to get the mill bolted down so I can try it out.
Alrighty I must go. Daughter is talking non stop and I can't type anymore as I can't hear myself think, think that is half the reason I struggle at the bench these days :(
Em
Labels:
bench,
etsy,
new tools,
photography,
picture,
print,
silver,
silver jewelry,
tools
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wow time has flown by since my last post.
I have been busy I guess, which is never a bad thing in my book. I have just started to get back to the bench this past week and have gotten a few things done.
There has been a lot of light showers this morning already, it's a bit gloomy outside too...I don't mind that though :) Below are pictures of what I have completed this week from the bench:


2 Rings. I find making the ring bands a bit of a pain in the butt, but I really need the practice, so better late than never!! I do have 2 necklaces waiting to be oxidized yet, but I probably won't get to them till this afternoon. I am working on a few other pieces too, it's just finding the time and getting the creative juice hit that I have to wait around for sometimes.
I ended up ordering some silver sheet when the Silver Price was sky rocketing towards the predicted $50 mark.......it took the company 2 weeks to send it to me and by then, the price had dropped by $50 on the order I had made.....so I wasn't very pleased, especially when the company didn't honour current silver prices. To be honest with you, I hate the customer service, or rather lack thereof that this company gives. I am not the only one here in Australia that dislikes their incompetency and lack of supply in stock too. It's really frustrating that I don't have a choice of people to deal with like in the USA. I could go on and on bagging them out, but the fact remains, I still have to deal with them. Next time though, I won't be so naive. I should have cancelled that order and saved myself the money. But what's done is done and I have learned from it :)
On to a whole other subject, below is a picture of the new look dining room. Complete with the new colour feature wall and dining furniture that we have painted up. I spent over a week painting the dining chairs, hence not working at the bench as my time was wrapped up in this project. I am on the lookout for a little dresser or sideboard that I can do up to put where the dark timber table is at the moment, which I will be selling on.
I really love the 'fresh' feel/look that the dining room now has. And having a smaller table and chair setting has given us even more room, not that we needed it lol, but it looks nicer and cleaner and I'm happy with that! We are going to move the freezer into the garage soon too, so I hope to get a nice floor lamp for that corner and perhaps a chair.
I will try and get a picture of the deco cabinet soon as it's been finished up and is living in it's new spot in the house......just waiting for the sun to come out :)
That's it for this post, hope you are all well and having a great week! It's lovely and cool weather here now and I love it!!!!
I have been busy I guess, which is never a bad thing in my book. I have just started to get back to the bench this past week and have gotten a few things done.
There has been a lot of light showers this morning already, it's a bit gloomy outside too...I don't mind that though :) Below are pictures of what I have completed this week from the bench:
2 Rings. I find making the ring bands a bit of a pain in the butt, but I really need the practice, so better late than never!! I do have 2 necklaces waiting to be oxidized yet, but I probably won't get to them till this afternoon. I am working on a few other pieces too, it's just finding the time and getting the creative juice hit that I have to wait around for sometimes.
I ended up ordering some silver sheet when the Silver Price was sky rocketing towards the predicted $50 mark.......it took the company 2 weeks to send it to me and by then, the price had dropped by $50 on the order I had made.....so I wasn't very pleased, especially when the company didn't honour current silver prices. To be honest with you, I hate the customer service, or rather lack thereof that this company gives. I am not the only one here in Australia that dislikes their incompetency and lack of supply in stock too. It's really frustrating that I don't have a choice of people to deal with like in the USA. I could go on and on bagging them out, but the fact remains, I still have to deal with them. Next time though, I won't be so naive. I should have cancelled that order and saved myself the money. But what's done is done and I have learned from it :)
On to a whole other subject, below is a picture of the new look dining room. Complete with the new colour feature wall and dining furniture that we have painted up. I spent over a week painting the dining chairs, hence not working at the bench as my time was wrapped up in this project. I am on the lookout for a little dresser or sideboard that I can do up to put where the dark timber table is at the moment, which I will be selling on.
I will try and get a picture of the deco cabinet soon as it's been finished up and is living in it's new spot in the house......just waiting for the sun to come out :)
That's it for this post, hope you are all well and having a great week! It's lovely and cool weather here now and I love it!!!!
Labels:
bench,
furniture,
jewelry,
jewelry making,
metal smithing,
painting,
photography,
silver,
silver jewelry,
silver smithing,
weather
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Almost Over.
2010 that is. But that's kinda obvious :P
The lovely cool weather we were having here, is now gone. Well and Truly.
It's so muggy here again. We've been getting a lot of rain on and off too. And a couple of storms with more on the horizon. Fortunately where I live, there has only been 1 very humid evening. Hubby spent last weekend installing air conditioners in the master bedroom and our daughters. I love air con. I hate what using it is doing to the environment (along with every thing else I use) but I couldn't live without it. Not in the Summertime anyway.
I have lots I want to do in 2011. Thinking of Goldsmithing school (night lessons). Thinking of purchasing new tools to learn new techniques - chasing & repousse, etching, tube setting gemstones and the list goes on. I am pondering a rolling mill too. I have the opportunity to get one right now, but not sure if it's worth it yet.
I have a new tool:
An Orca Torch. My hubbzie bought the gas tank for it yesterday, but as it's been too humid and I've had a lot to do round the house, I haven't yet played with it, but plan to on the weekend.
My first ever Etsy sale went fabulously!!! I haven't yet filled my shop back up yet, but that's a good thing :) I've placed my 2nd order with RioGrande this week, which I hope to get on Monday (just in time to play over the christmas holidays). And I am going to send in my 1kilo of silver scrap - that took me an entire year to accumulate - to my silver suppliers to get credit to buy more supplies. I don't have enough to get refined and I will need more sheet soon, so it's the only way for me to go right now.
Well my old mans home and he's brought lunch with him (YUM) so I'm going to leave it here and go and enjoy it :)
The lovely cool weather we were having here, is now gone. Well and Truly.
It's so muggy here again. We've been getting a lot of rain on and off too. And a couple of storms with more on the horizon. Fortunately where I live, there has only been 1 very humid evening. Hubby spent last weekend installing air conditioners in the master bedroom and our daughters. I love air con. I hate what using it is doing to the environment (along with every thing else I use) but I couldn't live without it. Not in the Summertime anyway.
I have lots I want to do in 2011. Thinking of Goldsmithing school (night lessons). Thinking of purchasing new tools to learn new techniques - chasing & repousse, etching, tube setting gemstones and the list goes on. I am pondering a rolling mill too. I have the opportunity to get one right now, but not sure if it's worth it yet.
I have a new tool:
My first ever Etsy sale went fabulously!!! I haven't yet filled my shop back up yet, but that's a good thing :) I've placed my 2nd order with RioGrande this week, which I hope to get on Monday (just in time to play over the christmas holidays). And I am going to send in my 1kilo of silver scrap - that took me an entire year to accumulate - to my silver suppliers to get credit to buy more supplies. I don't have enough to get refined and I will need more sheet soon, so it's the only way for me to go right now.
Well my old mans home and he's brought lunch with him (YUM) so I'm going to leave it here and go and enjoy it :)
Labels:
etsy,
hot,
school,
silver,
silver jewelry,
summer time,
tools
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Creative Block, Unblocked.
Finally my creative dry spell has passed me by. The last 2 weeks I have been back at the bench having fun making new things. It was kinda boring there for a while....wanting to make things, but not being able to, for the lack of ideas.
It's 8pm here and Summer is in the lounge room playing a game, so I thought I would get this post started, then I will finish writing it up when she goes to bed.
(off to sit with my daughter for a while)
Okie dokie, below are pictures of what I made last week.

It's 8pm here and Summer is in the lounge room playing a game, so I thought I would get this post started, then I will finish writing it up when she goes to bed.
(off to sit with my daughter for a while)
Okie dokie, below are pictures of what I made last week.




I'm having a blast using the new findings I got from RioGrande. I am going to have to order larger amounts next time...but the cart always mounts up so quickly dollar wise, I have to be careful not to go over the importing amount. Did that once and it wasn't very fun....
I have my eye on new tools and a nice script stamp set. I am also hoping to have a Rolling Mill by the New Year. Just have to stop buying anything else..but it's so hard...there is so much to buy for this hobby it's kinda hard not to spend.
I have made a few new things this week and over the weekend and have a nice shiny new tool to show off, but that will have to wait for another post, I'm still yet to take photo's.
I enjoyed a nice style cut at my hairdressers this afternoon, I got the 'relax' package. The hairdresser massaged my head and I got to sit in a massage chair whilst she did that. I was sooo looking like a dorky daggy mum and I'm so glad I finally got it all chopped off again! It was nice to get outta the house for a half hour by myself too :)
till next time....
bye :)
I have my eye on new tools and a nice script stamp set. I am also hoping to have a Rolling Mill by the New Year. Just have to stop buying anything else..but it's so hard...there is so much to buy for this hobby it's kinda hard not to spend.
I have made a few new things this week and over the weekend and have a nice shiny new tool to show off, but that will have to wait for another post, I'm still yet to take photo's.
I enjoyed a nice style cut at my hairdressers this afternoon, I got the 'relax' package. The hairdresser massaged my head and I got to sit in a massage chair whilst she did that. I was sooo looking like a dorky daggy mum and I'm so glad I finally got it all chopped off again! It was nice to get outta the house for a half hour by myself too :)
till next time....
bye :)
Labels:
bench,
cabochons,
daughter,
etsy,
handmade,
jewelry,
jewelry making,
metal,
metal smithing,
necklace,
pendant,
ring,
silver,
silver jewelry,
silver polishing,
silver smithing,
sterling silver
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Finding Findings.....
So I have been searching the net on and off for some of the sterling silver filigree findings I see in so many other jewelers work. And I would like to incorporate them into my own work, to give me some more choice and variety. But I cannot for the life of me find the damned things!!!
It's really frustrating me. I have googled my butt off and have only found maybe one or two of them. If anyone out there feels generous, can you please share with me where you buy yours from?? Puleeeeaase??!!
Anyways, today's weather is really annoying me. It's that gloomy overcast drizzly weather. I did manage to get my floors cleaned, but it took about 40 minutes for them to dry, so Summer and I were confined to the lounge room whilst we waited.
Now I am sitting with a nice mug of hot tea and a shortbread biscuit. It's school holidays over here now for the next 2 weeks, which I am not looking forward to, for several reasons which I won't bore you with.
I haven't been making a whole lot lately, only small stuff, cuz it's quick and simple and I can make it affordable. I am waiting on a parcel of Turquoise cabs, not that I needed them of course.....I just wanted them!
Below is what I have made recently. Of course if you follow me on my FB page, you will have already seen these pieces.

It's really frustrating me. I have googled my butt off and have only found maybe one or two of them. If anyone out there feels generous, can you please share with me where you buy yours from?? Puleeeeaase??!!
Anyways, today's weather is really annoying me. It's that gloomy overcast drizzly weather. I did manage to get my floors cleaned, but it took about 40 minutes for them to dry, so Summer and I were confined to the lounge room whilst we waited.
Now I am sitting with a nice mug of hot tea and a shortbread biscuit. It's school holidays over here now for the next 2 weeks, which I am not looking forward to, for several reasons which I won't bore you with.
I haven't been making a whole lot lately, only small stuff, cuz it's quick and simple and I can make it affordable. I am waiting on a parcel of Turquoise cabs, not that I needed them of course.....I just wanted them!
Below is what I have made recently. Of course if you follow me on my FB page, you will have already seen these pieces.


Labels:
cabochons,
etsy,
handmade,
jewelry,
jewelry making,
metal,
metal smithing,
pmc,
pmc3,
resin,
ring,
rings,
silver,
silver jewelry,
silver smithing,
sterling silver
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