Studio Tip

For doing bezel settings I have taken a scrap piece of wood and drilled a hole for hanging. I then wrap tape(blue painters) sticky side up around the wood. I secure it to my bench by a clamp. It keeps the stone from moving as you wrap the bezel wire around the stone. I find this very helpful and makes it much easier.

Bits of pieces

Here are some bits and pieces that sit on my bench waiting to tell me what they want to be. Sometimes it takes awhile. Other times they scream it at me. You just never know. I love to have pieces and bits of things on my bench for whenever a piece comes together for me. It could take hours or days and sometimes even months.

In the studio

Today was a great day in the studio. This morning Steve, Dad and myself were all working. There was alot of energy. then this afternoon it was Dad and myself in there. It was really nice to be working with my dad in the same space and talking. The top picture is of dad turning and the bottom is a recycled piece that I was working.

Letter texture

This is my favorite texture that I do. I am missing some stamps from my set. My dad gave me these stamps when I first started making jewelry. I love these stamps you can see and feel the history in them. I love that. Just like I love that jewelry carries a story.

Happy Valentines Day !!!!

Today is Valentines day!!! I love Valentines day, it is one of my favorite holidays. Today is the last day for the discount. At my etsy store enter the coupon code valentine to receive 10% off. Have a great day.
Liesl

Hammers and forming

I have a thing for hammers. I love them each one of them leaves a different mark. I have old ones that I got from a flea market, they are my favorites. I love to hammer and form metal. The textures are endless.
Today again was bitterly cold and unable to work in  the studio. I hear a rumor that next week is going to be up to 50!!!!! I can not wait. Spring is coming.

Bitterly Cold

It is bitterly cold here today. With having places to be this afternoon there was no way we were going  to get the studio warm enough to be there for only a few hours. The sun is out and I have not heard of a storm for this week.

Inside my bench

 Today was one of those days. I was sitting at my bench unmotivated to do any work. I was looking in my bench drawer. I found it fascinating. Remnants of past projects and parts of future ones. All of the dust yet to be swept up. My saw and broken blades, files and brushes I use them constantly.

Recycled Opal Bracelet - Just listed on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67501025/recycled-opal-bracelet

I love this bracelet!! The opal is full of fire of greens and blues. It made of recycled sterling silver scrap from my bench. This is a very light and comfortable to wear.  It is not too late to order a piece and have by Valentines Day!
It was a great day in the studio yesterday I made the piece above and a ring that I will post soon. Along with piece yet to be anything yet. With all of the storm we have been having it has made it difficult to get in the studio.

Recycled and hollow forms

This is several several pieces that I am working on. I have been experimenting with the recycling of my scrap metal. I love the surprise of the outcome. You never know what the shape and texture will ultimately be. I love the organic shapes and textures.
I also love the structure of the hollow forms. The clean simple lines.
I am working on a  piece that is incorporating them both. I love the juxtaposition of it.