Devine Designs Jewelry

Upon completion of my intro into silversmithing, I ordered some soldering supplies so I can start creating new things with the techniques I've learned. Our instructor asked everyone if we would be back for another session, but for me, right now financially I can't. I have to make more, build up inventory and sell more. I'm doing pretty good in one of the local galleries here, and hope to get into a couple other locations soon. Plus, I do have a show coming up in March. (more on that later) So in our final class this week we learned about different hammers, annealing , and depletion plating. Depletion plating is the technique of firing and re-firing sterling silver in order to pull out the other metal (mainly copper) so that you have pure silver. Which does not need polishing. It stays bright and shiny. I made this dog pin this week. This was a fun project! He's all sterling silver, hammered, and cut with a jeweler's saw to make his toes and tail. I also used the dep...

The Dunedin Fine Arts Center is currently having their student and member exhibition. It is one of their biggest shows of the year. And since I am a member, and current student, I've entered one of my favorite "art" necklaces to the show. "Rebirth of the Goddess" I went to the show opening on Friday night. Lots of really cool art, paintings, pottery, mixed media, and jewelry. None of the jewelry won any awards. But there were some great works of art displayed. Here is my piece on display. Not a great photo; I took it with my cell phone. The show will run for a month, and many of the art works are available for sale. (Mine included) A glimpse of me, on the side of the display. So if you're local, or will be in the area, please stop by the Arts Center and check out all the wonderful local talent.

And here we have it, finally. My first metalsmithed ring. Not a real thing of beauty, but wearable, and something to keep as a memory of almost 5 classes to make happen! I didn't even realize that we were in our fifth week of class, until someone mentioned something to that affect. Next week will be my last class. I am a bit sad, as it did go fast, and although was quite frustrating, I still enjoyed learning what I learned and wish I/we could have done more in this class. Now for the "not so fun" stuff. My printer is having problems with ink and won't print. (You may remember me saying that I'm "computer/electronically challenged". So, after trying new ink, I now have the cartridge system apart and soaking to try to fix the problem myself. I really hate stuff like this! While I'm working on this, the heating and air conditioning guys are here doing a much needed maintenance; cleaning and chemically treating the ducts, heater coils, etc. Needless to s...

Glass lampwork focal heart pendant. 12 Pc. Valentine's Heart Collection Valentine Heart Shaped Soap Abstract Online Heart Art Print Valentines Day PINK LADY Circus Burlesque Corset Costume dress

More of the ongoing saga on making my first metalsmithed ring. I thought I'd have a complete ring to show this week, but, (of course) I made the band, and soldered nicely, to find..... the stone did not fit! I was very frustrated. So scratch the snowflake obsidian that I originally had. I could not find a stone in the teachers box of stones, so yesterday I went to a bead and shell shop that I had heard about, but was not sure where it was located. Jackpot. I found a piece of American turquoise, that is just a little larger than my bezel, so I filed it a bit, and I think we have a match! I just need to fit it in and finish the sides this week. A couple of new items in my shop this week: Sterling silver and pearl earrings-dangle Sterling silver coiled bracelet-boro beads-Thai silver shell beads That's all for now. Have a happy Saturday night!

While I sit here with the plumbers, while they install a new hot water heater, that blew out yesterday, I had time to re-photograph some existing work to better pictures. Have a look: Taking pictures is my least favorite thing to do! And this beautiful strand of beads-now pictured better is also available in my supply shop , with a couple of new items to be added there as well. I made a really pretty bracelet yesterday...that will come later to show... And I've just ordered some new artisan made lampwork glass beads to work with. Wait till you see them! More new stuff on it's way!

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!