Devine Designs Jewelry

I had the opportunity to review Simple Soldering by Kate Richbourg this past week. Although this is a beginner's guide, I do admire the author, and Beaducation , where Ms. Kate has spent much time as a teacher and director of education. So I was intrigued to see if I could pick up any tips from this book. Well,I have to admit, that this is a great book! Kate's style and method of teaching is so user friendly. The first part of the book you will create a "sampler set" of techniques that you can keep. I really do think this is a great idea. It gives you a chance to try a technique, before actually trying it on a piece of jewelry that you want to make. It gives you a chance to practice that techique. Kate even gives you suggestions about what you can do with the sampler when you're done making it. The rest of the book are projects, that start from easy to more difficult. There are some really cute designs here! BONUS: It comes with a DVD. I love having a...

I’d rather be in the Studio ~by Alyson B. Stanfield “The Artist’s no-excuse guide to self-promotion” This book has been recommended by many in the art world whom I admire. The author, Alyson B. Stanfield is an art-marketing consultant. In this book she writes about the “excuses” artists can make that keeps them from becoming a more outgoing, assertive, and social media giant, referring to their art “business”. The chapters in the book fully explore areas where artists might be weak in self-promotion, and gives many suggestions on things to do. Topics from, how to write a better artist’s statement; to all the ins and outs of social media and beyond touch just a small fraction of what can be found in the pages of this book. The author includes links to download worksheets that are mentioned in the book. These can be found on the website: http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com/free-downloads/ For me personally, I found some of this knowledge not new to me, but other chapters wer...

Well, it's another "Spring" treasury that I am fortunate to have one of my coiled bracelets included in. 'Put a Spring in Your Step!' by PeachesandSunshine9 Beautiful creations and finds that are springing with character! Vintage Spring vase... vintagewall $8 18% OFF SALE - Bamb... planepieces $36.9 Bicycle Spring Meta... KnobCreekMetal... $24.99 Vintage Spiral Spri... PaddywhackKnic... $14 Rusty metal recycle... AnitaSperoDesi... $35 Vintage Spring Wire... dogwoodflowerd... $13 Metal bird on sprin... CrescentPond $20 Vintage Tole Metal ... feelinvintage $99 Greenery Art Shrub ... janicewd $25 Spring - Springs - ... EtsyPicker $69.99 Sterling silver ban... DevineDesignsJ... $150 Vintage Metal Lette... NostalgicNuanc... $12 Upcycle 10 Antique ... OriginalIsland... $10 Earrings -Lyra, all... Lindatwist $40 Spring Man Recycled... JustMetallyIll $55 6pcs Antique Brass ... clbeads ...

I do believe that there is something to be found in our dreams. The subconscious mind is quite fascinating. © J Devine Photo Imagery I wanted to share one with you. A while back, I had a dream that I was diving into some type of lake or bay-some type of water and looking for lost things- like my shoes! Weird huh? I don't know if you believe in dream interpretation, but I do. This is not the first time I've had a dream that involves water. It has been a recurring dream. Sometimes I dream about deep water. Sometimes there is a boat involved. This seems to be a fear of water to me. Although it could be a feeling of being lost; or searching for something. Do I have a fear of boats? I don't know. They say the best way to remember your dreams is to keep a journal next to your bed, so when you wake up, you can write down your dreams before you forget them. A dream diary would be a good idea. That way you can look for reoccurrances, symbols, or anything else tha...

I just couldn't help myself! I made this emerald green treasury featuring my "finds" on Etsy a few weeks ago. 'Can't get enough emerald greens!' by DevineDesignsJewelry Just couldn't help myself! Emerald Green Fish ... OneRustyNail $39.95 Ceramic mug, blue, ... firenfluxhandm... $18 Emerald Green Apple... ChasingTimeVin... $14 3" Stained Gla... katescauldron $18 Emerald green Cactu... PhotoByMADA $18 Large abstract acry... pamelam $245 Starfish Emerald Gr... WrappedInLeath... $72.95 5 Piece Vase Set in... oakhillvintage $40 emerald green croco... NeedlessStudio $57 Art Deco Jewelry Wo... MissingPiecesS... $8.95 Running Late - Cloc... stilldez $25 Green Leaf Earrings... KUKLAstudio $69 home decor tile: 2... firecat $26 ESSENTIAL OIL Aroma... DeBaunFineCera... $28.95 Emerald Green Woodl... LisaRussoFineA... $30 Treasury tool supported by the dog house And, while I'm still in a "green" mo...

Clay and Paper gallery was featured on one of our local news stations last week. This is one of the galleries where my jewelry is available for sale. Have a look around this fun gallery! And another note of interest: My work is also now available at the Dunedin Fine Art Center in Dunedin, Florida. Stop in soon!

I wrote a post last week that got over 100 hits. Wow! That's the most views I ever had on a single blog post. So it seems that stirring up a little controversy gets people moving. I got one comment where the reader said that she agreed with me, but would never post on her blog about it. I must admit that I'm a bit outspoken,I'm not afraid to ask for what I want, and not afraid to voice my opinions. I believe in being who you are. Be true to yourself, and your own opinions as well. I think these are strong character traits to have, especially when trying to build a business for yourself, because it is not easy- as I am finding out-and it helps to have a little bit of thick skin. I started this blog to share my journey on my entrepreneural explorations into the jewelry making business. I also like to use it sometimes as a journal. I do like to share my "walk" with others, so that maybe someone could learn something from me. I mean, isn't that what ...