Devine Designs Jewelry

it just didn't work out that way. It's the end of my day and I'm just too tired to think up a listing description, and all the details. I'm working on hammering out some new cuffs. That's what I worked all day on today. I am beat. So take a look, these will be listed soon in my Etsy shop ! BTW: I got a nice thank you card from a lady in Canada who bought one of my bracelets from a gallery here in Florida when she was here visiting! That makes me feel good! Stop back soon!

Why I hate making necklaces, was to be my original title to this post, but I thought it a little bit harsh. I don't really hate making them, I guess I struggle with making them. Here's why: From the design conception to the finished product, I am usually not happy along the way. With a piece this big, I usually start out drawing a concept first. It helps to have a visual on paper. Deciding which beads to use and how to place them. Again sometimes putting things on paper helps. In this case, I knew I would use the large bead as my focal. Making a one of a kind, unique chain. First, figuring out how much metal I will need. Then making all the individual links. It takes alot of time to construct a piece like this. It took me a period of 3 days to work and complete this piece. Then I struggle with pricing a piece like this. I know when I make a big statement piece like this, it will be expensive, and will take (probably) a long time to sell. To find the right customer for t...

Money has been on my mind lately. I'm sure this is a subject on many people's minds these days. Fears of not having enough. I took the plunge yesterday and applied to 2 big juried art shows. (Needless to say, big fees as well) But I want to try, and expand my expertise. I guess you can get anywhere without at least trying. I am also out of almost all my sterling silver, in all wire gauges and need to buy more if I am to create much more jewelry. Now the scary thing is; can I do all this? Can I afford all this? As many of you know, I only work part-time right now, and do not have a stash of money to rely upon. I would really like to know how some artists do it. Are you in the same boat as me? I'd love to hear how you are making your business or craft work for you financially. ~Now, for new listings! These are now ready and available for new homes! Sterling silver bangle with coils Floral barrel earrings with flower dangles copper wire bracelet with green aventurine

Welcome to Friday. I wanted to post something on my blog today, so I had to think a minute.... hmmmm.... I worked half a day today, came home and cleaned the house a bit, and now am taking a break. This week, shopping has been on my mind. I want to go shopping!!! I'm craving some new tops to add to my wardrobe right now. I like these: I updated the section "websites I like for lampwork" down in the side bar to include some current, wonderful glass artists, who's beads you will find in some of my jewelry. Speaking of jewelry, those latest pieces I showed off here, went to a local gallery, and can be seen in person at Clay and Paper Gallery in Dunedin. Like giveaways? Paula Parrish , who makes wonderful soaps in having a giveaway; see her blog here . And if you like books and giveaways, check out this blog, Luxury Reading . And if you like beads, beading, and blog hops, check out Lori Anderson's blog, here . That's all for today. Have fun checking out some...

An educative experience is what I had yesterday at the art show I attended. This was a fine art show, and one of the biggest I've been to. There were artists from all over the country. Beautiful paintings, wood-works, pottery, clothing, jewelry, (very high end jewelry) and even furniture! I knew of 3 artists who were in this show, and I have never been, so I wanted to check it out, (for future reference for myself as a jewelry artist). Overall, what I learned was, that after talking with the folks I knew, they were not having much of any sales at all. This seemed to be the trend among 2-D artists. I heard that the jewelry artists were doing well though. Logistics seemed to be a big problem. Parking was almost impossible; the artists had to park a long way away, and one friend told me that set up was just a pain. It's a beautiful park where it was held, but difficult to get into with all your booth set up stuff, and unload. She said it was almost not worth it, and may no...

I must say, it's getting harder and harder to make blog posts. But I'm here today, so I guess that's what matters! I've been struggling with photography issues again. At first I thought it was the camera battery, but I used 2 different ones, totally charged, and I am having trouble taking photos on a black background in natural light. I like this background, as it makes for nice gallery shots. What I think I've discovered is the shutter speed is not moving fast enough to take a clear photo, and I don't know how or if I can adjust it. My camera is a Sony Cyber-shot W-290,similar to this one: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666296334 Any suggestions? Here's a look at some more stamping earrings I've made this week. My favorite pair is the ones with the red lampwork beads. I think I'll be making a pair for myself! I did go on a "shopping bon...

Here's a preview and a look at my newest project and techniques I've learned. This first pair of earrings uses fine silver ,fused and forged with special texture hammers. I learned this technique from Janice Berkebile . You can use this technique to make pendants also, which I will be doing soon. Then, I used some of the same techniques to make these. Hand stamped discs with silver "balled up" beads. The triangular ones are hand cut from copper sheet, and design stamped. These 2 mixed metal pairs are available to purchase. I will probably add them to my website: http://www.devinedesignsbycindy.com If you would like either pair, just let me know, and I'll reserve them for you! I'll be making more with the other style of silver frames, so check back for more! Happy Saturday!