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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 !!!