Devine Designs Jewelry

Gods and Goddesses collection Swinging amulet earrings Earth Goddess earrings Well, that's it for this week's shop update. I'm sure more will come. I'm always working on new ideas! Enjoy your weekend!

And we have a bezel cup! Still, no ring yet. Again, I must say that this is much harder than it looks to make. I had to seal the back plate on at least 3 times to get it soldered right. Hopefully next week, we'll have a ring. I sure do hope so, as I'm getting tired of working on this piece! Good news! A shop update finally! These are now in my Etsy shop and ready for new homes. Long stick earrings-sterling silver-amethyst Embellished copper O ring earrings-smokey quartz drop Springing flower earrings-sterling silver And these, which are a recreated pair: sterling silver earrings- Bali silver-earthy etched beads More new stuff coming tomorrow too!

Meet Joy; shop owner of "The Art of Joy" on Etsy. She creates wonderful prints, calendars, invitations and more. Take a look at just a couple selections from her shop. Printable and Customizable Kawaii Kokeshi Doll Personal Notecards 2011 Printable Write In Kawaii Calendar with Stickers Now you must go and check out her blog. http://creativemamma.com/ Being a mom herself and having many years of teaching school, I was just amazed at the organization and categories of topics available on her blog. I'm not a mom myself, but I'm following her blog now and plan to go back to read more! On her blog you will find: free printable labels, cards, tags, calendars and more. Some of the categories from which to read include: podcasts for moms, organization tips, recipes, tips and ideas on books for the toddler, as well as, the adult, and much more. Definitely worth going over and checking it out. Say hi! as well. We all love comments!

As you can see, this is as far as I got last week in class. I picked a snowflake obsidian stone; made the bezel, and another decorative ring for the base of the bezel. Let me tell you, this was no easy task! It is painstaking and very much a precision and exacting thing to do. I admire all those metal smith's out there who have mastered the technique! Did I mention that the instructor is a perfectionist? And I want my work to be perfect! I have 4 new pairs of earrings- new designs that have come out beautifully. I'll be photographing and updating my ETsy shop later this week. Here's another technique that I was just playing around with to learn. I think it is called a "Peruvian thread" technique. It is quite pretty. I may make some earrings like this as well. Just a quick, drive by post today. It's been a long day and I'm really tired. Good night!

The pros and cons of being busy. Being busy is good. It means I'm accomplishing things and moving forward towards goals. But it also means that I don't have any spare time. I don't have time to do leisurely things; or things I consider leisurely- like reading, enjoying yoga, doing my nails! Anyway, those are just my thoughts. This past week I embarked on a new journey into silversmithing. I am taking a course at our fine arts center with a very gifted and perfectionistic instructor! Our first week was lecture and just learning how to solder a perfect seam, ie: one that you can't see. I'm still learning. We are to make a ring this week. I've hesitated putting new items in my Etsy shop, since locally, my jewelry is doing well, and I had to take new items to one of the galleries. And they took almost all of my new stuff! This week I have an appointment with another shop I'm in to take some new stuff to also. That kinda sums it up for now. Here's a few photo...

A year with God by R.P. Nettelhorst This 365 day reader is suppose to help one find a personal relationship with God, through His Own words as written in the Old Testament. Each day’s quotation is followed by a reflection and explanation by the author. If you are looking to read and explore the Old Testament, than you might enjoy this read. There is no mention of Jesus or Christianity whatsoever. The book has more of a “fire and brimstone” attitude, which is, I guess, much of what is entailed in the Old Testament. I am not an authority of the Bible’s Old Testament. In the table of contents, you will find the sections cohesively presented; although, for myself, I did not feel that many of the individual days readings fit into the categories, or presented a strong message. Many times I felt puzzled. I did not fully understand why the author chose certain topics or how he came about his insights of understanding. I am sorry to say, I got quite bored. Maybe a Bible scholar would get more f...

Just today I made the decision to sign up at our local Arts Center , renewing my membership and signed up to take 2 classes. Not like I have the money right now, but the desire to create, and learn new techniques is so strong, I feel it screaming inside of me. So I used the trusty old "plastic magic" to make this happen. I want to expand my jewelry making skills into metalsmithing; I just wasn't ready. I guess I am now! Class starts this Wednesday. I'm happily waiting. I'm glad I took the plunge. It's another "step out of your comfort zone", and "being willing to take a chance". I think these are things we need to do in order to be a success at whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Renewing my membership also gives me the opportunity to submit a piece for "Member and Student show" coming up next month. A good way to expose my craft and sell a piece too. I may even be able to have some of my work in the gift shop for sale. I...