Devine Designs Jewelry

I was thinking about posting this yesterday, as I was driving in my car, and as I almost always do, I tend to get ideas while driving. I felt like I was in a cluster of frustration. Why? Well, let's see.... So we finished our last class Friday, sorry it is over, I learned alot from Stacy and can't wait to make some new jewelry. But part of me gets frustrated with the "business" end of it. My sales are low, and I keep making great new items, but just can't seem to sell them on-line. I have read many books, studied, improved....anyway, stopped yesterday to pick something up and happened by a hair salon, where I did have jewelry set up with my hairdresser, who's new boss (shop owner) said everything had to be taken out, because she wasn't ready to have jewelry in her shop. She'd call if and when she was interested. I left my business card, called a couple of times, stopped by even, so I am persistent. Looked in the shop window yesterday; what do you think...

It's that time again folks, where we (Etsy Bloggers) feature a chosen shop of the month and this month it is "Createathought ". What a cute and innovative shop. What first got my attention was the number of different journals she has created. This art journal , being my favorite. Then I found a couple that really piqued my interest. Look at the buttons on these. A little bit of nostalgia. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13554974 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10742881 Or maybe you're looking for a fun and funky gift. This shop also offers a variety of gift options. Check out this moon ring : What about these coffee magnets ? Coffee lover's unite! Now I'm thirsty! Gotta go!

I can't believe I let a whole week go by with blogging! Business does get in the way sometimes! Anyway, here's an update on what I've been doing. First of all, I got on another earring kick and made some new pairs for the Etsy shop. Something for everyone, as I like to say! I made a few pairs of brass earrings, some with that vintage flair. And some sterling silver. Whimsical balloons, funky red earrings, and classic squiggles of sterling. So I made a trip to Harbor Freight and picked up some new, inexpensive tools. New tools! Always fun. I got a couple of different hammers, a set of stamping letters, nice steel block and dapping set , protective eye wear, and a cheap micro-torch just to get started with. My instructor, Stacy Perry always recommends checking out Harbor Freight for tools. I know that I've neglected to show you the last couple of class projects that we've made. That's because I've been working on this collar/choker style necklace that has bec...

So far so good, even though it is only Monday, but mine has started off just fine. Except for the heat; already. I can't believe how hot and humid it is already here in Florida. I wanted to take some new photos today, and I'm glad I did this morning before noon. As it will only get hotter as the day progresses! Here's what we did in class last week. We made scarf pins! Now I know this is not timely, but I made a few and will put them away until fall before I list or start to sell them. The first 2 are made form pure copper, that has been oxidized, tumble polished and hand polished as well. I have a polishing cloth that I got once from a jeweler, which is similar to the "Sunshine" cloth that is popular right now. And of course we are working with coils. The second pin has a beautiful lampwork bead (from "Catalina Glass") that is various shades of green and gold glitter sparkles throughout it. I can't think of any other way to describe it, but it remin...

Today I thought I would share with you some interesting web sites out there that I've discovered while reading other's blogs. The first being "The Bead Museum", located in Glendale Arizona, which showcases beads from around the world, the history of beads, their various cultural representations, and more. If you like history, and value art work, you must check out this museum. Here's their web address: http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/exhibitionspermanent.htm I found this information on the "Art Bead Scene Blog", another good read! The next few good sites I found while browsing through a wonderful metal smith's blog: http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com/2009/05/favorites-friday-ff.html where she sights one of her favorite places for gem resources (and great customer service) http://www.gemresources.com/ Wow! Great prices right now on gemstones! Raw and cut stones plus lots of information. And if you go to their "shop talk" page: http://www.gemreso...

Ah, my latest and (in my opinion) my greatest project to date. Let me first begin by giving credit where credit is due. These gorgeous lampwork beads were created by Moon Stumpp, you can find her work on Etsy at Mixed Media Jewelry, or see my sidebar for her blog and in the "websites I like for lampwork" section. Most of all the techniques used to create this piece were taught by Sharilyn Miller, who can also be found in my sidebars. Great news too! She has just started another blog of wire jewelry tutorials: http://wirejewelrylessons.blogspot.com/ Stop by and check it out! The beautiful spiral disc is wrapped and has added spirals in copper. I made the twisted wire jump rings as I've made before, and the copper tube beads were fun to make! Such a great appearance they have and statement they can make especially for this type of necklace design. Rather old, warrior, ethnic looking artifacts if you will. Lots of texture have been applied; deep oxidation for that "reli...

I wanted to thank everyone who participated in this fund raising event. The check is being mailed today. Thank you all!