Designs by Deedee, Copper and fused dichroic jewelry

Fused Dichroic Glass and Copper Bangles

2009-06-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

Well ! That's my 9 year old Katie's favorite word these days and after taking time to look at how long it has been since my last post here on the blog that's the only word I can think of this morning too! Well....... I guess it has been a while, but I'm here now and thought I'd add a few new photos of my latest projects and wish you all a happy summer!

Summer, what a wonderful word! The weather is warm, the grass is green and my girls are on vacation, YAY!!!! I just love summer, early mornings listening to the birds sing there morning songs while my house is still peaceful and quiet. A walk through the dew covered grass to take a look at my growing garden while sipping on a hot cup of fresh coffee and the smell of the fresh air.

Life is good!

I recently had a request from a customer to make a bangle bracelet as a gift for her sister and of course once I got started I couldn't just stop at one so I have made several to add to my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5216437 .

I love making these bangles they are just beautiful. Of course I start with a focal of fused dichroic glass that I make in my kiln. The glass is stacked in layers and placed in the kiln for the first firing. I fire my glass around 1500 degrees for about 4 hours and then cool it over night.

This brings the glass to a full fuse and cooling the glass over night anneals the glass and protects it against cracking. It forms a very durable piece of glass that I then shape on the grinder to form the shape. Once I am happy with the shape of the cabochon I change out my grinder bit and use a jewelry bit that cuts the grooves around the outer edge of the cab. After I complete the set of cabs they are all cleaned a final time and placed back into the kiln for a final fire polishing. I fire polish my glass at 1200 degrees , from start to finish this cycle takes about 3 hours and the kiln is cooled again over night.

The groove I cut in the glass creates the perfect channel for wire wrapping and gives me a finished focal piece that is secure with no worries that the glass will slip out. I used 20 gauge copper wire to wrap the cabs and a small dowel gives me perfect rings on the end for adding my bands onto. The triple wrapped loops on each end give the glass balance and makes the finished bracelet more durable.

The bands are made using 14 gauge copper wire that is first rolled through my small rolling mill to be flat. I measure and cut each segment of the band, file the ends smooth and then use metal stamps to add a scroll like pattern. Once I am happy with the design I shape the ends using my pliers and hammer the loops. The bands are then shaped using a mandrel so they fit comfortably around your wrist and they are finished off with hand formed and hammered copper wire claps that simply slide into the loop on the opposite side of the band. Easy to put on, comfortable and extremely durable.

I hope you like them and if your inspired by my design and are able, give it a try, make a few of your own, your going to love the finished product and be amazed at how durable and strong these little beauties are. That's always a concern of mine when I make a product to sell is will it last? and these will last for years.

I have given the bracelets a beautiful aged patina using liver of sulfur and have burnished them by hand using a stainless steel brush that brings out the detail on the band and polishes them to a high shine.

I hope you like them but most of all I hope you have a wonderful day.

If you'd like to see more of my designs feel free to visit my etsy shop where every design is Simply Mine!

Beautiful Friday and some new designs

2009-03-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day this has been. It's March 6th and 60 degrees in Michigan and I am LOVING IT!!!!!

This is just what I've been waiting for. No it won't last but that's okay, it's here today!

I've been busy getting some new pieces done and have lot's of ideas for spring and the coming WARMER months. Yep sunshine and warm temps are definitely inspiring.

So here are the latest and I hope you all are having a glorious day where ever you may be.

Hand stamped copper - necklaces, earrings and bracelets with a bit of added wire wrapping and my first crochet necklace and copper combo, that I must say turned out just wonderful. I love to crochet so this combination is just perfect. I hope you enjoy them and feel inspired to create.

If you'd like to see more of my work feel free to visit my etsy shop.

Have a great day. Deedee

Is it spring yet? and a few new copper designs

2009-02-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Well some of you may be wondering where I've been and to those who don't know me but may have visited my blog, you may be wondering why such a long stretch in time between my last post and this one?

Well I guess I'm kind of like that little bear that doesn't want to go out until I know the weather is warm and spring has sprung. I've been hibernating and trying to fight off all kinds of winter woes. But one can only hide out for so long before cabin fever sets in and after a while you get kind of sick of feeling sorry for yourself because you've caught every germ your kids have brought home from school and you say to yourself, Self get up off the couch, let the cleaning go for a few days and make something new...... So I did and here it is for all to see. Oh yea and I feel soooo much better, even the falling snow today didn't make me want to cry, spring will be here soon and all will be new again. I can't wait but will try to put a smile on my face each morning and enjoy the last of winter knowing it will soon be over and my soul will be renewed with the fresh spring air and the warmth of the summer sun.

These new pieces are designed using various glass beads I have purchased at our local bead shop and heavy 14 gauge wire frames that I have sculpted and hammered. I have wire wrapped the glass beads accenting them with copper filigree bead caps and 4mm copper beads. Added to the pendants are two pieces of copper chain and my own 14 gauge hand formed and hammered copper clasp. All of the necklace have been given a deep rich patina using liver of sulfur and burnished with a stainless steel wire brush. And lastly they were given a final polish using a simple polishing cloth. I also made a few pair of wire wrapped earrings using the same link I have used for my tennis bracelet and a chunky and funky heavy hammered wire bracelet that's just fun.

Also to any one that has access to the step by step wire jewelry magazine be sure to look in the newest edition, spring 2009 for my tennis bracelet that is being showcased in the wire jewelry gallery, I just got my edition a few weeks ago and I'm really excited.

I hope you all like them and find a bit of inspiration to create something new.

To any one interested in viewing more of my handcrafted wearable creations please feel free to visit my Etsy shop.

Have a great day and I hope to be back soon with some more new designs.

Hugs and warm smiles. Deedee

Sharing with friends and creating together

2008-10-28T01:54:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share with everyone the wonderful work of a dear friend of mine at RoughMagicCreations @Etsy.com. http://roughmagiccreations.etsy.com/

I know I talk of them often and just have to do it again. Remeber the necklace I made using some of the beads they gifted to me. Well this time they got to use some of the copper work made by me. How fun is that? They create the most beautiful handcrafted jewelry using there own one of a kind hand carved wood beads and pendants and I am honored to say that they have now incorporated a few of my copper pieces and glass work into their own work. It's a wonderful experience to develop such good relationships with people I may never have the opportunity to meet face to face. But friends at heart we are. The owners of this shop are so kind hearted and caring. I just can't say enough good things about them. Everyone please visit their shop and blog. Take a look around and enjoy seeing some awesome handcrafted Maine jewelry. This is one couple that makes a wonderful team. Go Look, You'll be happy you did!!!

I should also mention that many of there items have been seen on Etsy front page. How exciting is that?????

Pros gal if your reading, You did a great job!!!! Love what you have done and thanks so much for helping me with my photo's for step by step wire jewelry magazine. I couldn't have submitted them with out your help. Hugs to you and hubby.

Everyone enjoy and please do take a look at their shop :o) It's wonderful!!!!!!

Woooohoooooo! My bracelet will be in the spring 2009 issue of step by step wire jewelry

2008-10-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

Wooohooo is right.

On a whim I sent in a picture of my wire wrapped tennis bracelet that I made inspired by a tennis bracelet that was in the last issue of step by step wire jewelry. I posted a few weeks ago about the article and supplies they used and then added how I made my own version using supplies I had on hand a skills I am familiar with, wire wrapping. I just loved how my bracelet turned out and really felt it was every bit as nice as the original and just as delicate. Of course it was simply mine and made my way.

Well while browsing a forum the other day I came across a link to share your ideas, interest, suggestions and what nots with Sara Graham the assistant editor for step by step wire jewelry magazine, and I thought to my self just send them a photo and show them your version of the bracelet. Well I did and thought nothing more of it until the next morning I received back not only one but two return emails from her. They loved the bracelet and said they wanted to run it in there photo gallery of wire work jewelry for the spring 2009 issue.

I was and still am so excited. Now it's just a photo I know but just look where a whim can take you. I don't need the big flashing lights and a bunch of hoopala. Just a nice we love it, works for me and a small photo among many also works for me.

Of course I didn't do it all alone. I needed to send them a photo using high resolution at 300 dpi and it had to be 3x3 in size. Oh no I thought, there went that opportunity. Well not so. A dear friend from the about jewelry forum and owner of RoughMagicCrations http://RoughMagicCreations.etsy.com came to my rescue and reviewed the photos I had taken to make sure they met the required dimensions and I sent them in today.

I must say Sara Graham is right on top of everything and returned me a message a short while later saying the photos did indeed meet the requirements and they would be choosing one of them for the issue.

Now all I have to do is hurry up and wait for spring to get here so I can see my big photo turned into a little photo only in a magazine. I'm so excited and I guess it's a good thing I have my little girls around because they help me to be patient. When your a mom to three little girls and two foster boys and one grown daughter you can't help but be patient.

So to every one who wants to submit one of there original ideas and designs to any magazine. I say do it. You just never know what will happen. I never expected to even get a response, I was just sharing and was happy to leave it at that. But I did get a response and I got it so quickly I wasn't even sure it could be real. lol. But I'm happy to say it was and I look forward to getting my spring issue of step by step wire jewelry not only for the new designs they have to share but to see my little picture too. Woohooo.

Special thanks to RoughMagicCreations. Your a real gem of a friend and I hope every one will take a look at your Etsy shop and visit your blog. Blog link is to the right in my list of blogs.

To see more of my work, follow the link through my Etsy mini and visit my shop.

And also here is a photo of our newest family member Maurice Iddy Oddy Jaco. Our sweet little kitten that we found abandoned in our barn. Poor little thing was all sad and beat up. My three year old and I discovered him crying in our barn one afternoon while waiting for the school bus. Morgan's daddy had told her he would get her a kitty someday. So we called Daddy at work and Morgan asked, " Daddy did you get me a kittly and leave it in our barn? " What was Daddy going to say. It now has a new home with us and I hope it learns soon that our bird is not kitty food but another family member!!!!! Morgan was really happy when Daddy got home from work and caught the kitty that Mommy had been trying to catch all afternoon. Poor little thing was so scared it wouldn't come out of the barn. He had a few scratches and scuffs, one if his eyes was infected from a scuff mark and he looked as if he may had been tossed out while going down the road. Gees the people could have at least stopped the car I kept thinking. But all is well for kitty now. His battle wounds are healed and we love all him!!!! even Daddy.

Have a great day everyone and thanks for letting me share!!!!!

Fused Dichroic glass and copper necklace

2008-10-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm Trying to catch up on my blog all in one day I guess.

Life has been busy and I'm taking advantage of a few extra minutes before the madness of raising 5 kids starts again. LOL. I'm sure Madness is not really the term I should use, but I hope you know what I mean. After all my kids are all 8 yrs and under, remember!!!!!

Any how---

Last week I was busy making a few new designs using my copper hammered rings and playing with some mill rolled copper wire. I had a few copper disc cut and domed , only I just wasn't sure how I was going to use them.

I have already made a few pair of domed disc earrings and bracelets incorporating the disc so I was looking for a new use. I came up with a few simple pendants that I was pretty happy with. I simply took the rings and disc and soldered them together then set a dichroic cabochon into them using a two part epoxy.

The cabs will be nice and secure for years to come and when added to a chain the overall look is just stunning. Again probably not the most original of designs but I was really happy with them and my goal for the week was met by using as many of my own findings as possible to create a design that is simply mine.

I love the phrase simply mine.

I picked it up one day when listing items in my Etsy shop and trying to find a way to make my work and listings stand out from the others. That's when I decided upon the name. It's jewelry made my way and as a finished piece ends up being simply mine. I hope anyone interested in my work and jewelry will notice the name has been added to each of my listings and I think it is unique and simple enough that I'm hoping it will be remembered if anyone is searching for my listing on Etsy. Just type in the name in name Simply Mine and boom, there will be my jewelry. Sweet huh? I think so.

So to anyone interested in viewing more of my work please feel free to visit my Etsy mini and it will take you to the world that I like to call simply mine.

Cheers. Deedee

Lampwork Beads and Copper Bracelet

2008-10-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Wow where has the time gone. I thought with my girls back in school I would have soooo much free time. But this has not been the case. I'm a big advocate for early childhood education and believe that education starts at home.

Well My three year old Morgan is busy with the headstart program as a home based student one day a week and also has an early on teacher that comes into our home one day a week. My youngest foster child has an OT therapist and early education teacher that also comes into our home once a week. So life has been busy here preparing our little ones for the best possible start in life we can offer when it comes to preparing for there education.

I am still managing to find at least two days a week where I can create new designs to add to my Etsy store and thought I'd share my last few weeks of new ideas with you.

Normally I try to stick with one of kind pieces but my last few have been so nice and not as time consuming for me that I have decided I will re create them in variouse styles and colors and continue to make them. The bracelets that I have come up with are extremely durable and the links are just wonderful.

I have also been on a search for beads that I can incorporate into my copper work which is not the norm for me since I try to make as many of my own components as possible. However I have found that by adding more beaded elements to my jewelry a world of possablitites has opened up for me that I hadn't considered before.

I can still keep my designs unique and one of kind with store purchased beads and the limits are endless.

My lampwork bracelets have a focal bead made by my husband. I wish he had more time to make them for me. But he doesn't so those I will hopefully be able to make more of in the winter months when he is layed off and has lots of time to either be bored or be creative so I'm hoping he decides on the later of the two. LOL.

The copper links for the lampwork bracelet are mill rolled 14 gauge copper wire and are either stamped or left bare of design.

I have broken in the wire rollers of my mill over the last few weeks and have found it much easier to shape the wire than I had anticipated. So far I have been able to make flat, half round, twisted and flat twisted wire that will be showing up in many of my designs in the future. I have yet to roll square wire but hope to try it soon.

The other bracelet design is one I'm sure is not so unique and one of a kind to others but it is to me. I found a tutorial in my new step by step wire jewelry magazine that made a keyhole link tennis bracelet and I really liked the design. The article called for making the wire links and then using snapsets to secure 6mm cubic zirconia. Well I've never worked with the snapset settings before but wire wrapping is something I know.

So I got out my 18 gauge wire and started cutting my lengths of wire and then instead of going with a key hole shape I decided to try a teardrop shape and then in place of the snapset links I used 24 gauge copper wire to wire wrap a bead into each link. I then finished the ends of the links and voila I had my own tennis bracelet. They are really very pretty and the links are so durable and strong and at the same time very delicate. I personally love the overall design and think these would be wonderful made in a variety of sized links and even pretty with larger sized beads. This will be one of my next projects I'm sure.

I have so far used 5mm vintage turquoise glass beads, 4mm glass pearls and 6mm Czech bicone glass beads. I think a chunkier look could be achieved by using a 14 gauge copper wire and 10mm beads. Maybe some of hubbys lampwork beads even. Hmmmm.

Also I think with a 22 gauge wire frame and 2 to 4mm beads these bracelets would be wonderful for my daughters or any other little girl. That's how durable these bracelets are. I would not be fearful to let them wear these as I don't believe they would ever come apart unless great force was used.

I have quite a large supply of brass wire that I think I will break into soon and give the bracelets a try using the brass as well and will also be adding some to my Etsy store using sterling silver and gemstones. How pretty they will be.

Any how I guess my lesson to pass on today to fellow artisans would be to never limit yourself to supplies available, keep an open mind when looking at projects and tutorials and always remember to make it your own. My favorite pass time is to browse through magazines and other sights and say hmmm that is just beautiful but what if I did this with that and changed this and oh I could do that to this. well you know what I'm saying. Creativity is endless so have fun with it and you'll be just amazed at how a project starts as one thing and ends up another. What fun!!!!

Have a great weekend every one and let your imagination lead the way.

Autumn Copper and Bead Leaf Pendant

2008-09-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Fall is rapidly approaching and the leaves are starting to change colors just a bit. I so love the changing from summer to fall and find the colors to be so inspiring. I have already posted a few of my fused glass fall pendants and have been wanting to do a bit with copper and leaves so here is what I'm hoping is my first of many.

The copper leaf was cut to a rough shape and the I went to work with my file creating the serrated edges of the leaf. I actually used a grape leaf for the general design to have a visual aid to follow.

After I was happy with the overall shape I added the hole and domed the leaf slightly. I then added to the leaf a wire wrapped copper wire bail and swirl pattern. The beads are 8mm mookaite, 4mm rose quartz and a warm cream colored pressed glass flower bell shaped bead. These are all wire wrapped using heat forged head pins that I have made and they have that beautiful rose colored bud that has just added to the collection of fall colors.

I hope you like the pendant and find a bit of inspiration to start on your own fall collections.

Have a great and blessings to you all. Deedee

New Designs

2008-09-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I had lots of time on my hands as it rained all weekend. So I had the opportunity to play a bit with my wire. I decided to make some teardrop copper wire earrings. I cut, shaped and filed the ends smooth then soldered them closed using sterling silver solder. They went into the pickle to remove the firescale then I stamped them using my two favorite patterns, added copper wire wrapped green translucent glass beads and 8mm Amethyst beads,and my own earwires that I use for all of my earrings I sell. They were given a light patina and sanded to bring out the shiny copper and show off the detail of the stamps. I love how these turned out!!!!
I also have added a few new necklace designs to my store using fused dichroic glass for one and a glass gem and copper wire chains with bead links. I was very busy and had a lot of fun making these items. Added to the chains are turquoise beads and green glass vintage beads. The one cab is wire wrapped in a herringbone weave using copper wire. I usually see this pattern on beads with holes in the center and decided it was time to learn to incorporate the pattern using a cab. I think they are just wonderful and will be adding more of these to my Etsy shop.

Sunday evening the rain finally stopped and we had gotten about 10" of rain. What a mess it made. Sunday evening my downstairs started to flood. We have a family room, bedroom, laundry room and my studio down stairs so I was really sad to see water was seeping in at the seam by the floor. This has never happened before and by Monday morning we had about 1 1/2" covering our floors. I spent all day Monday soaking up water using my new carpet cleaner that I was so happy to get so I could keep my living room carpet cleaned up after the kids, but have yet to use it for that. As of today my carpets are still soggy and I'm just hoping to be able to soak up enough water that Jerry can get them up off the floors and out of the house. What a mess.
Well I'm off to soak up some more water, so cheers to you all and I hope you have a good day. The sun is shining so it can only get better!!!!!

Autumn Tree Of Life Fused Art Glass and Copper Pendants

2008-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

I'm getting my Etsy shop ready for fall and have decided to start with two of my favorite fused glass pendants.
I have used an art glass base in a variety of colors and added to this copper foil tree's then topped them with clear. They were brought to a bit more than tack fused and not quite a full fuse as I wanted them to retain a bit of there shape. This saves me time on the grinder when I shape them. My grinder is my best Friend when I'm fusing glass and I love to shape as many of my pendants by hand as I possibly can to offer a variety of shapes and sizes to my customers. I also tried something new. After grinding the cabochon to shape I then eliminated a step and cut the grooves for my wire wrapping, I then fire polished them once instead of needing to do this twice. Normally I would shape them, fire polish them and then cut the grooves and fire polish them a third time. The outcome was wonderful and it saved me a lot of time. As we all know time is precious and my free time is very limited with my girls to care for too.
These pendants have all been wrapped using 18 gauge copper wire. It's quite a lot heavier and makes for a more substantial bail when I'm finished and won't easily loose its shape.
I hope you enjoy seeing them.
The autumn leaves pendants were made in the same manner using the same techniques.
Enjoy, and have a great day.

To see more of my work please feel free to check out my Etsy Mini, it will lead you to my store. Thanks.

Kids are back in school and it's play time for mommy

2008-09-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, the first week of school has ended. Normally I have such a hard time adjusting these first few weeks of school and I miss my girls just terribly. However this year I have decided to take advantage of this extra free time on my hands and be as productive as I can. I had a special project in mind for myself and spent the girls first day back to school being a bit selfish. I spent the entire day making myself something!!!!
I made a purchase on Etsy from a wonderful shop called RoughMagicCreations. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5957625

Spiralaway is a beautiful pair of copper and wooden leaf bead spiral earrings. The beads are hand carved and just so unique. Upon there arrival was included a special gift from the creators of these fabulous earrings. A set of hand carved beads for my own personal use. I spent my last weekend thinking of ways I could use the beads and in awe of the fact that these great people that I met over at the about.com jewelry forums were so kind and generous to gift these beads to me.

I have met so many wonderful people at the forum and it amazes me how you can meet people that you will never meet face to face and build such wonderful caring relationships with them that they feel as if they are family.

Now that I had these hand carved wooden beads, it was time to get busy and see if I could make myself something out of the ordinary and worthy of RoughMagicCreations so they to would be pleased with the outcome too. There jewelry is far more detailed and sparkly than what I make and just beautiful, I hope every one reading this will take a minute to visit there Etsy shop and check out there blog, I know you'll be happy you did.
Maine Made Hancrafted Jewelry
http://miranda-wwwfeedbacktheatrebooks.blogspot.com

I'm not sure these links to there blog will be click able so you may want to copy and paste.

Now for my project. I hand cut the copper disc doming it with the doming block and dapping tools. I hand carved the flower shape using a file then stamped the rose in the center using metal stamps. The chain is copper with the wooden beads added and
one wooden bead dangle added to the pendant. I have included some rather simple purple glass beads. Again much more simple than there own designs but that's the fun of creating using your own ideas. It makes eveyone's jewelry unique and individual and one of a kind. I was really very pleased with the way this necklace turned out and it will be a favorite of mine for years to come and cherished as my friends are at RoughMagicCreations. I hope you enjoy seeing it as I have enjoyed immensely making it, not to mention the fact that instead of sitting around missing my girls and wishing they were home with me instead of at school, I was happy and productive all at the same time. For me this was a great way to start out the girls first day back to school. So special thanks to my dear friends. Hugs to you both!!!!

My obsessions and creating.

2008-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what makes people do what it is they do????

Well Here is a bit about my dark side that makes me always stay busy. If I'm not making jewelry you can bet I'm making something. I'm not one to sit around and enjoy a good long read as in days gone by. I have been awake since early morning. Awoken by the sound of sirens racing past my house. Was it real? I think not. This happens far to often.

I have Obsessive, compulsive disorder, not the kind where you do things over and over again, but the kind that causes me to live in fear of something bad happening to one of my children.

My daughter Tara and her brother Jason went out on the town to what I think was a music festival last night(Tara just moved back home after being on her own for the last year) and I fell asleep before they got home. Which was probably early this morning.lol. I'm sure they had a wonderful time. Although I lay restless with the t.v. turned way to loud, the fan blowing on high, anything to block out noise from the outside world. I didn't want to hear the sound of the sirens racing down the road to what may be an accident that my children could be involved in. Crazy I know, but me.

I think it began several years ago when I was watching the late night news and waiting for my friend to return home as I was babysitting for her son.

On the news was an accident that showed very accurate pictures of a red car that had been involved in a head on collision and two people had been killed. I new at that moment my older brother Dan and his girlfriend Sue had been killed in the accident. I said a prayer and spent the next several hours waiting for a phone call. Well at long last the phone rang and it was my Mother sobbing, a man got on the phone and spoke the dreaded words and said he would stay with my Mother until I could get there to be with her.

I have learned for the most part how to control my fears and have learned that this is irrational thinking on my part. However the panic attacks still seem to creep up on me. My heart races, my body turns cold and I can feel the tingling throughout my body all the way to my toes as my arms go numb. I drive my daughter crazy, calling her at least once a day. She always answers the phone with a cheerful " Hi Mom, what's up? When I say oh nothing just wanted to know where your at. She then says MOM, I'm fine, what happened did an ambulance go by? You need to stop this!!!! It really does drive her crazy. It's just that dreaded thought that sneaks up on me at any given moment of any day when I least expect it. Keeping busy seems to keep panic attacks at bay so to speak.

But you know we all have our babies to love and protect them. I thought when she was grown the hardest part would be over but it really is not. Once your children are grown, you no longer have the control you thought you once had.

I sent my daughter into the world as a young adult with a set of good values and self worth. So innocent and she still is but she has definitely become her own person. I am very proud of her even when she calls me to say" Mom guess what I'm getting my lip pierced!!" I said No don't do it, please. Well she did and now I have adjusted to her new look and yes she is still beautiful.

Last week she informed me after being home just a few days that she was on her way to get her first tattoo!!! Well not only did she get one but she got two. I told her then, "Your Dad is going to have a fit!!" Blame it on the dad ya know. The tattoos did turn out quite nice and I do like them. And like my mom said, Well at least she can cover them up if she wants to.

She occasionally will go to a party, smoke a cigarette and have a drink. Do I like it? no not really. Can I stop it? No not really. What I can do is remind her of the laws and the cost and effect kind of things and continue to guide her to make wise choices, and thankfully she really does.

Do I think something bad will happen to her? or one of my other children? I pray not. But you know, Life is like the blink of an eye. It was only a few short days ago I was holding her in my arms and rocking her to sleep at night.

I have three other daughters much younger than her, and for now I am in control of where they go and what they do. And I like it this way the best. In two short days they will be going to school and I will miss them dearly. I will be very busy passing these days until spring returns and summer is here again and I can keep them tucked safely under my wings. I of course will still have my little Morgan home with me and this will be a blessing to just be able to spend one on one time with her.

Any how in the meantime I will continue to keep my self busy in peaceful and pleasing ways, creating whatever it is that comes to mind and occupying my time in a positive and productive way. Praying for peace and protection to my children from the harms that have fallen upon so many others in this world we live in. And remind myself that all is in God's hands as it should be and that he will never allow me to deal with more than I can handle. Through him we can all be strong and find peace.

Included today are a few photo's of other ways I keep myself busy other than my jewelry making. I am currently working on a third set of fingerless gloves, hats and scarfs to keep my little ones warm this coming fall and winter while waiting at the bus stop. I hope if nothing else from today's entry you at least enjoy the pictures.

I have taught myself to crochet and I love to paint. The painting is a small portion of what once was an entire wall mural on my daughters bedroom walls. We created a story wall. At night we would tell bedtime stories and the next day I would add an element from the story to our painted wall. The wood burning is on rough lumber from a saw mill nearby and I do these free hand with a hot iron. I also love to paint on this wood, and my husband often in the winter months builds using the planed lengths of wood. He built the adorable cradle for my daughter Morgan and several pieces of our furniture. The last photo of course is of my daughters back and her not one but two tattoos that she is so in love with. And I do like them too, I just hope they don't get infected. LOL That part of me that worries again.

I hope you all have a great labor day and if you'd like to see some of my newly added jewelry, feel free to visit my Etsy shop. Just follow the Etsy mini and take a look. I'll be back in a few days to show off some new items as I'll have lots of time on my hands and will be busy making new items to both sell and for myself. I have some beautiful new carved wood beads sent to me from a dear Friend at Rough Magic Creations. Take a minute and visit there Etsy shop. They make beautiful handcrafted one of a kind jewelry using their own hand carved wooden beads and copper wire work. I can't wait to make something for myself using the beads they gifted to me. They are going to be stunning with my copper work.

Have a great day and remember if you have little ones. Love them and treasure them while you can for before you know it they will be grown and fly from your nest. Blessings. Deedee

Copper Domed Disc Earrings and Pendant

2008-08-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

In my last post I had talked about my girls and I making jewelry out on our deck and that I had been working on several new pair of earrings. Well here they are.

The steps to making these started with my disc cutter and sheet copper, these required a bit of filing to smooth the edges, I then stamped them using my metal stamps and domed them. I made several head pins with the heat forged tiny buds on the end and got busy putting them together.

I chose a variety of gemstone beads this time and wire wrapped dangles using copper wire. I then made a the earwires in mostly a traditional shape. I love making the earwires and have to tell you that I have had several of my Etsy customers that are jewelry designers themselves give me huge compliments that my ear wires are the best they have ever purchased. (Pat on the back and big grins.)

After the earrings were completed I added the patina using liver of sulfur, sanded them applied more when needed and removed some when needed until I was happy with the overall effect. A final polish and they were ready to go.

This was quite a task and I will rethink adding the patina to finished earrings and instead probably add the patina before assembling next time. Most had to be taken apart in order to do the job right this time, so it was twice the work and took time I really didn't have to spare.

With 5 small children I have to use my time wisely. lol. Any way I am extremely pleased with these earrings and look forward to making more. The best part is one pair sold just minutes after being listed as well as the pendant I will be adding a photo of. Woohooooo.
The pendant (necklace) is another new design that I was really proud of and I will be making more in the near future.

I hope you all enjoy seeing them and please feel free to contact me through me Etsy shop if you ever have any questions or would like to have something you see here made just for you. Or just leave a comment, I love hearing from you!!!!

To see more of my work take a look at my Etsy mini and visit the store, I'm really proud of the items I list in my Etsy store and only list items of top quality. If it is a second or has a flaw it would be stated in the description and at a greatly reduced price.

Copper Rings, Amber and Purple Necklace

2008-08-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

I hope this finds you all enjoying the rest of you summer days, We sure are.

Today my girls and I sat on the deck making jewelry ( Our favorite place ). The girls are learning to make there own bead and wire links using beads that Ruby sent them. Ruby is a very talented artist from the about.com jewelry forum. If you like beaded jewelry Ruby offers many free tutorials and many many links to other free sights for tutorial, she has also written a book that you may find of interest. So check out her sight at http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/

Any way my girls are working on a bracelet and necklace for themselves. I spent my day cutting out copper disc for my new earrings that will be listed in my Etsy shop soon and finished two new necklace that I'll be sharing photo's of here today.

The necklace are made using hammered 8 gauge copper wire formed into rings using a 5/8" and 1" mandrel. I have hammered them then soldered them using sterling silver solder and also soldered them together while adding the bail. After they were soldered and the metal was annealed I put them in the pickle pot to remove the fire scale.
The next step was to stamp them and add the copper chain. The chain consist of two lengths of copper chain then bead links made using copper wire and translucent amber and translucent purple glass beads more copper chain and a matching ring and clasp closure with an added 2" extender chain with a tiny purple teardrop bead, wire wrapped using one of my heat forged bud head pins.
The length of the chain is 18" from clasp to clasp and adjustable to 20. The ring closure and extender chain add such a decorative touch to the back of your neck and looks great if you wear you hair pulled up and your neckline is bare. It's a different look than the average lobster claw clasp and it's fun to look good both coming and going. LOL.
The pendant itself measures 1 3/4" including the bail and has an added fused translucent amber charm on one and a fused translucent purple charm on the other, although it appears black in the photo. Both charms are wire wrapped in copper.

I am so very happy with the way these turned out. I liked the first one so well I had to make the second one. These rings work well for so many of my projects. I have used them in necklace, bracelet and earrings. The few stamps I use are my favorites and even though I have a few more stamps I generally stick with my favorite 3 for embellishing the metal.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing them as I have enjoyed making them.

You can view more of my work by visiting my Etsy mini.

Thanks so much for taking time to visit my little part of the world.

Summer Vacation is Ending.

2008-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well less than two weeks to go and my girls will be going back to school. This makes me soooooo sad. I'm not your normal mom that likes to see this happen. Instead it saddens me deeply to know some one else will be caring for my girls during the day and I'll have a few hours in the evening to spend with them before getting them into bed at night.
Not to mention the influence of the other children and what they may learn that I really don't want them to learn.
I have nine years of public school employment experience as a para pro prior to starting the second half of my family and you would just be amazed to learn as a parent what they don't want you to know. Our public school has an open door policy, meaning you can visit your child's class at any time, after first going to the office to check in and while your on your way to the classroom the office will buzz into the class and let the teacher know you are on your way down to visit. So all is nice and peaceful upon your arrival and little Johnny is no longer wiping glue on your daughters desk or scribbling on your daughters papers and the teacher is no longer yelling at the top of her lungs for everyone to put there heads down because the noise level is out of control.LOL. I say this in a laughing manner but have witnessed this all first hand.
If your an involved parent your sometimes considered a pain in the A## and if you're not a volunteer your often considered uncaring and negligent.
It causes me pain just knowing that no one in this world will care for my children as I do and knowing if they need me I am not there, and also the sadness that my little ones will feel if they indeed do need me to kiss that ouchie when they fall and scrape their knee or if another adult raises there voice and it frightens them.

We did have a wonderful last weekend visiting the Michigan City Zoo. My girls love the animals and the quiet time we share walking around viewing the different animals. The Kodiak bear is still a favorite as are the otters and the viewing tunnel you can sit in and watch the otters slide above you as they slide across the top of the tunnel and slip down the other side.
The following day we took a trip to Michigan's Adventure theme park and of all days to go we went while they were hosting three different corporations and had a record sales day. over 7000 people in the small amusement park, and this was after sitting in a 2 1/2 hour traffic jam to get the last 6 miles of the trip. Luckily our girls were extremely well behaved and very patient. I was really proud of them.
They were able to enjoy several of the rides and visit the water park for a short splash in the kiddie pools. Hannah says it was the best day ever!!!! Morgan had a great time driving her daddy around in the small 50's style cars and Katelyn was proud as punch being able to drive her own car. It really was a fabulous weekend and a great way to spend some fun quality time with our girls.

The Seeded Earth Bead Shop

2008-08-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've added to my blog so here I am. Hi everyone!

True to my word I have been trying to spend more time with my girls and less time on the computer. I have had a great few weeks watching the girls play more in the yard and playing games with them. The water slide is still a favorite attraction to the girls especially in the heat of the day when we are tired of sitting in the house and need a bit of summertime fresh air. This is when I take time to work on a piece of jewelry, sitting on our deck while the kids slide and splash. They have so much fun on this slide. The downfall to it however is the constant running water from the hose, it's freezing cold and keeps me from joining in on the fun. I'm more of a hot tub person and find this is a great way to end even the hottest summer day. Relaxing for a bit late in the evening with the girls in our hot tub is a great way to end a busy day while spending a bit of quiet time with them before settling in for the night.

I have managed to make several new pieces and have added many of them to my Etsy shop. I also sell my jewelry at a local bead shop that is just wonderful.

The Seeded Earth.
It's a small shop filled with items from other local artist. The owner Kathy makes wonderfully scented handmade soaps, shampoo bars, lip balms and lotions. she also specializes in handcrafted earrings and has a huge selection of beads available to local customers. Some of the artist specialize in woodcarvings, mosaic tiles, mirrors and tables. Tye Dye clothing, ceramics, and bead weaving fill her little shop. It's like taking a step back in time and the atmosphere is just wonderful. I am adding a photo of the outside of the shop for now and will be updating over the next few days with items from the inside of the shop, so be sure to stop back and take a look.

My copper work is progressing and I have made several new pendants with chains. yay!!! along with a new favorite bracelet. I love the link pattern for the bracelet and will be using this for other designs in the future. It lays flat on the wrist and is very comfortable and has a nice adjustable fit. I have created a bezel using mill rolled 14 gauge copper wire and soldering it to a copper base. I chose to leave a copper surround that could be a place to drill the small holes and add my chain to. This has eliminated the need for further soldering so I can focus on the bezels for now. The links are connected with small copper jump rings that I made wrapping the copper wire around a regular good ole shishkabob skewer filed the ends and snapped them shut.

The second bracelet is copper stamped rings that were made by me, I soldered these shut using sterling solder paste, It's wonderful for getting the right amount of solder with very little clean up. I have added to the rings Mother of Pearl nuggets and rings as well as goldstone? glass beads and a brass charm that I clipped off the tiny bail and drilled my own holes to use on the bracelet. Just keep your mind open when searching for supplies because they can be easily reworked to fit your needs.

I hope you like them. Have a great day, and parents- remember to play with your children if only for a few minutes each day. It will warm your heart and bring you smiles.

My Journey continues with Copper

2008-07-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

This week my goal was to play with my children and learn a new copper working skill. I've done both. I dedicate far to much time to the computer and not enough PLAY time with my children. I get up early every morning and the first thing I do is check my email, etsy, and the jewelry forum while having my morning coffee. Some days this drags on for hours. A few days ago my girls complained I'm always on the computer, though I didn't notice they were feeling left out, I do now. So starting this week I am dedicating more time to playing with my girls and less time playing by myself or should I say creating jewelry. I hadn't realized that even though my girls are always nearby and often right at the table by me, they were not always having the fun I thought they were. And being close in distance and chit chatting about what they are doing does not necessarily add up to quality time. As of this week, my computer will be off after they have their breakfast, and I will schedule computer time around there needs, I can check in on my etsy sales without visiting the forums or even going directly to the sight, a simple check of my email will inform me as to if my shop requires my attention and if it doesn't it can wait until after bedtime to visit the forums and do other non essential tasks. Instead of browsing the Internet I will read books to my girls, color and paint pictures with them instead of watching them and roll in the grass, look at the clouds and watch the birds fly overhead and land softly in the branches of our apple tree. I will do my computer work as I have this morning adding items to my shop and finishing pieces in the early morning hours and evening hours while they are sleeping or watching a favorite movie. Summer will be ending far to soon and my girls will be back to school 5 days a week and I will miss them dearly. I will enjoy there company while I have them home to do this and not regret that we didn't spend quality time together. I will lie my head on my pillow each night and treasure a special moment spent with each and every one of my children and not ask myself did I play with my children today and actually spend not just time with them but QUALITY time with them? I often wonder this. This goes for my oldest daughter Tara as well, and I'm so excited she is moving back home in a few weeks after being away for a year.

Now for my newest piece. I have finally figured out my problem with soldering. I can now solder a bezel to my sheet and it turns out. I am very happy with this and have to give my sister credit for showing my errors. A simple thing called alligator clips will hold your wire in place while soldering and my solder no longer flows into unwanted territory. I will be offering a step by step in the days to come, but for now I'll add a picture of my finished piece and say my children are awake and my time is up for now. So have a great day and remember to play with your children today!!!!! They tend to notice when we don't.

Come Fly With Me, Copper Butterfly Necklace

2008-07-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of my newest is this beautiful copper butterfly necklace. Several weeks ago my daughter came into the house saying, mommy look what I found!! In her little hands she was holding a butterfly that she had found laying on the floor in our gazebo, sadly it had been dead for some time.
I had seen where others had rolled a butterfly wing through there mill creating unique pendants. However not wanting to make an exact replica of what others had done but still wanting to see if this really worked using something as delicate as a butterfly wing I got busy annealing my copper to make it as soft as possible in order to take the impression.
I gently placed the wing onto the copper adding a piece to the top and rolled it through. Happily and very excited it worked. There on the sheet of copper was every little cell.
I carefully cut the shapes to match, filed the edges and drilled the holes. I chose to add a beautiful crystal dangle that would reflect the rainbow when hit by the light. I used rolled and stamped wire rings, added my copper chain with a handcrafted copper closure and it was finished. This is truly a one of a kind and although I listed it in my Etsy shop, I am seriously considering keeping this one for myself.
It's not often your lucky enough to find an expired butterfly. So these will be few and far between in the making. And each butterfly wing is only good for one pass as it is destroyed in the process.

My second finished project is my butterfly in the garden bracelet.

This was made using brass wire, I created the rings then hammered them for texture and wire wrapped them so the opening was closed. I used purchased brass filigree butterfly and brass beads, one of our own lampwork beads and my own design ceramic floral beads. The ceramic beads are the center of this bracelet for me as they were made by my own two hands using buttons that once belonged to my childrens great grandmother. I pressed the metal buttons into the beads the pierced the hole through the clay creating the beads. I gave them a jungle gem green glaze. Overall I think the bracelet is uniqu in design and I was happy with the finished piece.

handforged copper sea turtle pendant

2008-07-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

I had my mind set to making a copper sea turtle a few days ago, I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to accomplish this but I was quite determined. I don't often use my jewelers saw, and mostly prefer to use metal shears on most of my designs that don't require cutting in the middle of the piece. I started with a general shape of the oval shell in the center rectangles at the head and tail and triangles for the four legs, I slowly carved my way through the copper with my files until the end result was quite pleasing. I stamped using my metal stamps and then domed the finished shell and head, slightly curved the legs as if she were swimming through a coral reef. Drilled one hole in her upper left leg for adding a bail. I will say I was extremely happy with how she turned out when finished and even happier when she sold within a few hours of listing her in my Etsy shop. Off to a good home I'm sure. I will soon try to make another only a bit smaller perhaps for my younger daughters. They fell in love with the sea turtles when we visited the aquarium in Chicago last fall.
The overall pendant is approx. 1 1/2" wide and 1 3/4" in length. I can't wait until we visit the aquarium again and find a new living species of inspiration to design my work upon.

I have also decided it is time for me to work on finishing more of my pendants and turning them into a finished necklace ready to be worn upon purchase. I have been rolling wire through my mill at different depths and using different gauge wires. I haven't actually used the rollers for wire as I haven't had the need or desire, but I'm sure as I continue making chains and gain more experience in this are I will be needing additional styles of wire. Included in the wire chain making is also my need for more detailed bails that have been made using larger 14 gauge copper wire rolled flat and then stamped for added detail.
The last photo is a necklace I made for my sister Kathy, I used mookaite gemstone beads, copper wire, (and one of my favorites as well as hers) and a beautiful Queen Anne's lace copper pendant made using a dried queen Anne's lace flower.

Simply Mine, Rainstick earrings. copper and mookaite bead wire wrap earrings.

2008-06-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I decided it was time to work on a new handcrafted element that could be used in my jewelry . I made my own copper tube beads, these were cut with a pipe cutter not a saw. I found this made a smoother cut and it was very even when finished a light filing to round the edges a bit and I was pretty happy with them except they were still just plain tubes. I decided to add some detail using my metal stamps and was really surprised at how much detail one stamp could add to the finished tube. I added a pair of handcrafted bead caps and some beautiful mookaite gemstone beads for color. I love the natural look of the mookaite beads when mixed with copper and the variety of colors the gemstone beads are available in. The overall design was nice, the length was a bit long at 3 1/4". So this particular size wont be made again but I will definitely use the same elements in various length and for a multitude of projects. I had previously made copper tubes for use in a bracelet and they had been curved to fit the wrist but had no stamped designs.
I also made a second pair of copper tubes stamped with the same pattern and much shorter than the first. I added to these tubes 1/4" copper disc center drilled, with 5mm vintage turquoise blue glass beads and I have to say I am extremely pleased with the results. I used my own handcrafted copper earwires with tiny heat forged buds for both the wire wrapping and earwires on both pair. You can see more of my work by checking out my Etsy mini, this will direct you of course to Etsy and my little shop. I will be adding a list of my own favorite Etsy sellers soon, so be sure to check back and visit some very talented artist or go and just browse the shops they are full of beautiful items from jewelry to soap, clothing, handbags and so much more.... the list is endless and the best thing about Etsy is its all handcrafted items made and sold by the artist.

Process to making my copper pendants

2008-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

I thought today would be a good day to show a bit of how I make my copper pendants.

First of all they all start as a sheet of bare copper, I cut it to approx. 2" x 6" strips and heat it with my torch until it is red hot. Then quench it into a bucket of cold water. This softens the copper and gets it ready for transferring an image onto.
Most of my pendants are made using my own doodle art that has been etched onto a piece of copper and then transferred to a second piece through my small rolling mill. Or found objects such as leaves, feathers, butterfly wings,.... can all be rolled as well.
Once the copper is cleaned through use of my pickle pot to remove the fire scale, I cut them into usually 2 x 2" pieces, select one of my etched pieces, place them together and put some muscle into the handle of the mill and roll it through. Most etched pieces are usually good for 3 or 4 passes although as the image is stretched no two of mine will ever be the same. And after the 3rd or 4th pass they are pretty useless and that particular design is finished. And that's okay, this is what keeps my pieces unique and one of a kind. I also use a different shape and size for each pendant.
After the image is on the second piece of copper I then cut to shape, file and drill the piece.If it is going to be domed I use my doming block and dapping tools for this. Add a handcrafted wire bail, give it a patina to bring out the detail and polish them by hand to a warm glowing shine.
A few added notes, after your copper is heated it is very soft and pliable, through the process of cutting, filling and doming your work the copper is work hardened and make a very durable piece of jewelry.
I have incorporated one of my own small fused art glass cabochon. I'm always looking for new ways to use my copper and fused glass work together. This was a great way to add a splash of color.

My first Etsy Treasury West

2008-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

While browsing the forums this morning, someone had mention treasure west was about to open. I thought I'd take a look, and had missed the opening, then moments later I visited again and right before my eyes it popped open a title space at the bottom of the page.
I had only considered doing a treasury last night so I wasn't at all prepared with a list of items I'd include if I ever got the chance to make one. But the opportunity was there, I had to take it. Creating a treasury was much easier than I thought it would be.
The first step was to find an item I wanted to include, then it was just a question of copy and paste the item number into the provided space and Etsy did the rest for me. How easy is that.
I went with a theme: the color Teal. added this word to my search and there were my choices displayed before my eyes. I changed key words to add a number of different types of items in the treasury, such as... pottery, belts, jewelry, art.... Not nearly as difficult as I had originally thought it would be. Can't wait to try again. Soooo to all of you that are intimidated by the process... Don't be. You'll have a great time and it really is a very easy process. Here is a link to my treasury.

Take On Teal.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=13926

Dichroic Bracelet, Bubble powder Pendants, wire wrapped

2008-06-22T14:03:00.001-07:00

This weeks work. I made another fused dichroic cabochon bracelet, I love the way it turned out. Wire wrapped using 18 gauge copper wire and given a rich warm patina using liver of sulfur. The rings were made individually, what a time consuming project this was. The large rings have all been soldered closed and I added a handcrafted closure.

I also made a few bubble art glass pendants and wire wrapped them in copper wire, This was the first time I made pendants that I wanted bubbles in and these are fun. They look like mermaid jewelry, These were made using art glass, bubble powder and topped with clear glass. I have read since purchasing my bubble powder that baking soda can also be used to create a similar look so I will be trying this the next time I make bubble pendants. How cool is that? Baking powder and soooo much cheaper to buy.
Have a great day and thanks for visiting.

Gifts of Nature and Family Pets

2008-06-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

While playing baseball in the yard this week with the girls we found this beautiful butterfly resting upon a weed near the corner of our house. The girls enjoyed looking at it as it gently fluttered it wings. I thought it was near death as it wasn't moving much and wasn't frightened while we looked. I had Katie run in to get my camera and of course after one photo the batteries gave out and we were unable to take any more pictures but how pretty I'm glad we at least got one.

We often take photo's of Gods little creatures and I thought we'd share some of our favorites with you.
This frog, prince charming we presume found his way into Hannah's bug house one afternoon and Katie took the picture. We are more used to them basking in the sun near our small garden pond.

Our family pet's include princess our miniature tea cup, long haired Chihuahua, Dora our pygmy goat and Diamond our pony. Raising animals is a great way to help kids learn responsibility, compassion, and love for all of God's creatures. We originally had 3 baby goats that my 3 oldest girls, Tara, Katie and Hannah raised from baby's bottle feeding them. This was a lot of fun and a great experience for all of my girls. Princess was 5 weeks old when we bought her and she was so tiny she fit in Jerry's shirt pocket and went everywhere Jerry went. Diamond our pretty pony often jumps her fence and can be found at all hours of the day and night wandering the yard and eating the green grass, when she's full she will wander back into her pasture.
We also love to visit the animals at the zoo in Battle Creek, we had a late spring field trip and took some photos, Hannah's favorite was the Giraffe. Hannah is the little artist of the family and often draws and paints her favorites.
The pretty turtle painting was the only painting chosen from all kindergarten classes at her school to be featured in our local art gallery in the South Haven Center for Arts last winter. What a fun and colorful painting she made, We were really proud of her. We hope you've enjoy some of our favorites.

Woohooo!!!! I made it into an Etsy Treasury.

2008-06-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say someone thought enough of one of my items to include me in a treasury!!! It warms my heart to know someone else is enjoying my work and thought enough of an item to add it to their list. Thank You again. Mimi.
To any one that wants to view the treasury you can find it at the link below.
She has selected several very talented artist to include in her list. Take a look, browse through the shops and enjoy!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=51160

New Designs, Copper Rings Bracelete

2008-06-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my first soldered ring bracelet. I Made this bracelet using 14 gauge heavy copper wire. I formed the large rings using a 1 1/4" mandrel than hammered them for texture and strength. I have added a spiral design to the large rings using my new metal stamps, soldered the rings closed using silver solder paste that I found was much easier to work with than I had origianlly thought. The fine tip point made it so easy to put the solder only where it was needed and I didn't have a lot of clean up afterwards. The smaller jump rings were made using a 1/4" madrel, these are not soldered but also made using the same 14 gauge copper wire. I first adjusted my rolling mill to the thickness I wanted to finished rings to be, rolled my wire through the mill then I added my scroll design to the entire piece of wire before cutting. I made the rings individually cutting length of wire the same size and then using my round nose pliers and flat pliers to form the rings. I did all of my filing after cutting and before forming the rings. This wire was really hard to work with in such short sections. I also made a smaller 5/8" ring and Toggle clasp that have the same scroll design stamed onto it again I used the same wire. I am really happy with the way the entire bracelet turned out. I hope you enjoy it too !!!

We Believe in Fairy's

2008-06-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Often when I put my girls to bed at night they want me to tell them a story, and the story must always feature my girls as the main characters.
So this posting of copper fairy wings was created from,

Our Adventures to Flutterfly Fairy Land

In a far away land where all things are possible live the flutterfly babies, named Morgan, Hannah and Katie....

I made these sweet copper pendants for my girls this last weekend and as I hung them around there little necks I asked each one," Do you believe in Fairy's?" and of course each of my daughters answered yes. Then they ran off to ask Daddy if he believed in fairy's too. They then informed him that if you believe in fairy's Daddy, maybe Mommy will make you a necklace too.

If you have a little girl that believes in fairy's too, take a look in my etsy shop for available items. I have a convo friendly etsy shop so feel free to contact me there any time with comments or just to say hello.

This was a fun way to give my girls a lasting memory and a visual reminder of our bedtime adventure.

This was also a great way for me to get more practice using my new metal stamps and it helped me to add a unique quality to each pendant. I was pretty happy with the way they turned out and my daughters just love them!!!!

Little Book of Etsy Blogger

2008-06-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note on a fellow blogger. http://littlebookofetsy.blogspot.com/

Etsy seller Artbymimi http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5090767

Mimi is located in the Uk and weekly features artist from around the world, She does extensive interviews with many artist of all mediums and also offers 25 artist the opportunity to display one item and a link to their shop. She does this on her own time to give added exposure to handcrafted art. I just wanted to say thanks Mimi for including me this week, I thinks it's amazing to offer such kindness to people you don't know and give us all the chance to be seen in places we otherwise may not be seen in. If your looking for a collection of art in all forms, take a look at her blog your sure to enjoy it. This is my bracelet included in her blog adds.

Copper Bead Caps with Spiral Design

2008-06-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

WoooHooo,

My new metal stamps arrived in the mail yesterday, I couln't Wait to try them out. So I dug out some copper disk that I had cut out some time ago and and got busy. I drilled the center holes and stamped them using a spiral design around the outer edge. I should have taken a bit more time, I just wanted a general idea of how they would look and I think with a bit of practice and a bit of patients they will turn out just lovely. I used a smooth disc and a textured disk that had been rolled through my hand rolling mill, This gives an idea of what it would look like using different textures with the stamps. I like the smooth look best. After the stamping was finished I drilled the center holes and domed them then gave them a light patina using liver of sulfur to make the design stand out. I added them to one of my lampwork beads that my DH Jerry had made Using 18 gauge copper wire I used a simple hammered spiral and bail design. I am really happy with the outcome and will continue to practice using the stamps and let my skills grow.

Today the girls played in the sun while I finished a custom order

2008-06-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day to play in the sun, splash in the water and relax on the deck. I love this warm weather. I get to enjoy the laughter of my children and watch while they play and do my work all at the same time. And take the time to play and enjoy my girls too.

Today I received a custom order for my hand forged copper ear wires with tiny heat forged buds. The order included matching headpins and copper disc. I thought I'd share the process with a few photos, although I forgot to photograph making the ear wires.

The copper disc are made using a disc cutter and copper sheet. Very simple to make as long as you have a good hammer and a bit of muscle to put behind it. You just simply insert your copper sheet in the given slot, line it up so your edges are not showing inside the circle, put in your punch and on a solid surface hit it with the hammer and hit it hard so you don't get a ring effect on the outer edge of your disc.

The next step was to file the outer edge of each disk lightly to remove any burs that may have been left on the copper. Be careful when doing this I cut my thumb. ouch!!!!

After they were filed I had to make center holes for half the order and top drilled holes for the other half. This was done using my two hole punch purchased at Firemountain Gems. I've seen these listed in several places but this is where I was able to find the best price. After making the center drilled disc I discovered these would be perfect bead caps for my husbands lamp work beads. I have some new metal stamps coming so I can't wait to make these again with stamped spiral or what nots on the outer edge and adding them to our beads. I sure this will become another entry in the near future.

The next step was to dome the disc using a doming block and dapping punches. The one I used for this is brass and and the holes I guess you would call them are made in a variety of sizes, approx. 1" down to 1/4" maybe a bit smaller than that even. I've never measured, I just use what fits my project on any given day.

The final steps were to give all the edges a final sanding using a wet/dry sanding pad. Then dip them in my liver of sulfur solution for a deep dark patina. And I finished them all with a polishing cloth for shine. So pretty they turned out.

While all of this was being done, my girls played and sat at the table with me on the deck. They always seem to have a need to get there little hands busy when Mommy is busy. Katelyn worked on making more earrings using her own ear wires. She's been practicing, she currently is using an enamel coated copper wire in bright shiny green. It must be left over from last Christmas crafts and Hannah put her little hands to work as well. She decided hers would just be ornaments to hang around the house. I'm sure we will enjoy her little creations for a time, and then they will be dismantled and added back to our stash of little girl beads. As will Katie's if I can get them away from her. Katie is insistent upon selling everything she makes and gets really upset when I don't just take pictures and post them with my listings in my etsy shop. So I'm hoping by adding her photos to our blog space she will be appeased for a time and we will just let her skill's continue to grow as she does and who know's maybe someday....

I have added a photo as well of a new desing I made yesterday afternoon. I was able to get my hands on some nice 14 gauge copper wire, It's been hammer hardend into this nice bangle shaped bracelet and wire wrapped with one of my own tiny fused dichroic rainbow cabachon. I was really happy with the outcome. Also included is a photo of my 5 year old Hannah learning to hammer copper, WATCH OUT FOR THOSE TINY FINGERS!!!! and my 8 year old Katies handcrafed earrings. She just LOVES them....

Well I guess that's all for today. It's late, my children are asleep and my bed is calling my name. So peace be with you all and have a good night!

Fused dichroic Links with sterling silver wire and Katies fused art glass cabochon

2008-06-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well the kiln finally cooled late in the evening and the kids were tucked into bed. I was able to get my hands to work finishing my fused glass and wire links. I wrapped the sterling wire in a fashion that was pleasing to me, I then tumble polished them for several hours. This removed the firescale from the wire and also hardened the wire for durability. I was really happy how they turned out. My next step for this project will be to add wire work links to turn these beauty's into bracelets. You'll be able to see the finished product in my next post. I am also including photo's of Katie's finished fused art glass cabs. She was really happy with how these turned out and I will be cutting a groove in the outer edge so Katie can practice her wire wrapping skills. I will soon be adding a post of Katie's work. As well as a post of Hannah art work. Children are often overlooked for there unique abilities and artistic skills, but not so much in our home. I strive to make our home a place where creative freedom is welcome at all times and my kids love it.I just get out the broom or the mop and clean up afterwards. I have found that teaching my kids to express themselves through crafts and do what feels right to them through their artwork is a great way to build there self confidence and learn to recognize on their own that they are capable of doing wonderful things for themselves if they are only willing to try. Sometimes my Katie will say " but Hannah does a better job at drawing" and I just remind her that, that's okay, Hannah can't do???? and you can. everyone does things on there own and in there own time, and then she remembers Oh yea I'm really good at this and Hannah's not. So this helps to take away the poor me attitude and replace it with a happy and positive thought. I love my girls.

Katie and Mommy fill the kiln

2008-06-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

This morning Katelyn and I got up early, before everyone else and decided it would be a good morning to fire up the kiln. I've been wanting to make some fused glass links using dichroic and sterling silver and Katie has been waiting along time to get her hands back into my supply of scrap glass. So to my basement workshop/studio we went. I decided to do a bit of step by step photos for this set of glass. This will be my first. I started with cutting 7" lengths of sterling silver 20 gauge round wire. Then off to the shop we went. I layered the glass in the kiln using black art glass base my sterling wire a layer of dichroic and topped it off with clear. While I worked on this Katelyn was busy doing her own cutting and breaking, she washed, dried and stacked her pieces of glass then into the kiln they went. The kiln is currently heating up and hopefully melting these pretty pieces into beautiful links and pendants. Hopefully none of my glass will slip and slide as it sometimes does, I just don't have the patients to glue my layers together and wait for them to dry. Time is a precious commodity around here. Will show the results in my next post, but feel free to view the photos of my work in progress. And remember to have a good day!!!

summer vacation has begun

2008-06-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well at long last summer vacation is upon us. I have waited the entire school year for this day to come. I have missed my girls. I am the mom that many thinks is just crazy. I recall being at a park last summer, it was the weekend before school was to start. There were a few moms with young children nearby. The moms were talking about school starting on Monday so I thought I would join in on the conversation. I remember saying something like, " I can't believe school is starting on Monday" The other moms replied " I know I just can't wait!" I was so like " I can wait, I'll miss my girls soooo much." They just laughed and said " well you'll get used to it soon enough."
Well I did get used to my little ones being at school all day, 5 days a week. But come Thursday night, as I tucked my girls into bed, I reminded them- Only one more day and you get to stay home for two whole days!!!! yea!!!!!
And every Friday morning I sent them off to school on the bus with big hugs and kisses and promises of a popcorn and cookie party that night.
So this week my 5 year old Hannah, graduated from kindergarten, receiving awards of excellence in each area of study, and also receiving an award of achievement for getting straight A's in every area of study for the entire school year. I'm so proud of her.

My 8 year old Katelyn also graduated from the second grade and was promoted to the third grade. She didn't receive any awards of excellence and that's okay. She did the best her abilities would allow and I am still very proud of her too. Katelyn is the daughter God planned for me to mother. Not from my body but definitely from my heart. She came to live with me when she was just a wee baby of 14 months old. And her first words to me were momma? she just wasn't sure , but even at her young age, she new I was her mommy. She was and still is, a precious gift from god. and I treasure her everyday. Especially at night when she's asleep and all is calm in our world. Katelyn has many special needs, that are a direct result of not being cared for properly in her first year. She has come a long long way, and still has a ways to go. but with love from her dad and I and by the grace of god, I know she will someday be all she was meant to be.

Anyways as the school year has ended and we had two graduations to celebrate, Jerry and I decided to buy our girls a little tikes water park and slide. The girls along with there little sister Morgan who is 3, had a great day, sliding and splashing and sliding some more. This will be there summer playground and I'm sure they will have a lot of fun during the summer months. And with a bit of luck I may be able to get a few pieces of jewelry made.

This week was a busy week for jewelry making as well. I completed a copper pendant set for a client, and she was quite happy with the outcome. I especially like the ginkgo leaf pendant with added wire work spiral. I think I will make another similar to it for listing in my Etsy shop.
I also finished a set of fused glass that is ready for wrapping and will be adding in my next post.
I finished a new dichroic and copper wire wrap pendant set that I was really happy with as well.

My Minis is not so Mini, what did I do?

2008-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am not sure about adding elements to my pages and as a result I have a mini etsy the size of a dinosaur!!! I will try to fix this later when my daughter or son come to visit. In the meantime go and enjoy etsy, there are so many very very talented artist to view.

Lets give this a try, and hope it works.

2008-05-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to start a new adventure in my life. trying to figure out what all the buzz is with blogging. Will anyone take notice and actually read my blogs? I guess time will tell. I suppose I will often write about my jewelry making experiences and mishaps as I am still learning my craft. And other times you may just hear about my life as a mom and how my kids are gr owning and learning. I guess I will start by telling you a bit about me and my family, I have two grown children who are on there own building there own life and making adventures of there own . My son Jason is 27 years old and my daughter Tara is 20. I started a second family so to speak and have three younger daughters, Morgan is 3, Hannah is 5 and Katelyn is 8. These children all warm my heart and each is unique and wonderful, even on the not so wonderful days, when they are cranky or sick. With the age difference in my children I have often had people ask, do your younger children interact with their older siblings? Well the simple answer to this is YES!!! My older children adore their younger siblings and they all spend a lot of time together. And yes the big ones even bicker with the little ones at times. The biggest downfall to the age difference is the little ones want to be like the older ones and I have an 8 year old that thinks she is 19, until occasionally I need to bring her back to reality and say no Katelyn, 8 year old little girls do not wear eye liner to school!!!!
A bit about my jewelry making: I started making focal pieces about two years ago when I saw a program on hgtv featuring a fused glass artist. I was quite taken by it and one thing led to another and a few months later I purchased my first kiln. And to those interested in glass fusing but afraid to give it a try, I say don't be afraid, if you can mix a cake and frost it, you can stack glass in your kiln, set it, and come back hours later to a piece of beautiful fused art glass, ready to be made into a piece of wearable art. You read the recipes, mix the ingredients and bake it. just follow the basic instructions and your on your way.
My second adventure in jewelry making would be my copper work. I love taking a piece of sheet copper, cutting it out and forming it into something unique and one of a kind. Or taking a roll of wire, and doing the same thing, shape it, cut it, pound on it ( that's great for letting out stress) wrap it and twist it, and when your done you have some thing totally unique.
Well this will end my entry for today, and I hope that anyone that may have shown an interest will come back and view my pages again, as I will be adding photos, and my own techniques and ideas. If you have any of your own ideas on jewelry making that you would like to share, please feel free to do so. I'm not looking for any negative comments however, only positive. I guess it goes back to my childhood, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. oh and by the way, feel free to check out some of my work for sale in my etsy shop.
http://dnjdichroicartglass.etsy.com/