Antique Silver Ingot

My husband's grandmother gave me a wonderful antique silver ingot. She had it for many years, and in support of my hobby, gave it to me last week. She also gave me a stash of gold scrap she had collected. I have a strong desire to work in gold, but have not been able to afford it- until now! I have to do a bit of research about combining different karats, but I am certainly up to the challenge! Thank you, Grandma Pat!

Fall Festival Jewelry

I had the only completely hand-made jewelry at the festival. All of the other jewelry had manufactured head pins, jump rings, ear hooks, and other components. Another seller came over to my table and did not recognize my chasing hammer or jeweler's saw (I used tools in my display). I was proud that I put the extra effort into the components. I feel that the handmade findings elevates the jewelry and the practice of creating it. Here are Mayan-inspired blade hoops, and copper bowl earrings.

Fall Festival

Here are a tumbled turquoise and wrapped wire chain necklace, a sterling silver bowl pendant, woven earrings, and a wide-band sterling silver ring.

Studio Time

Concave Earrings

Once again, this is a design I have wanted to make for several months, but did not manage to create until this weekend.  I am very happy with these earrings. They are incredibly light-weight, have an unusual shape, and an interesting patina.

Recycled Clock Gear Necklace

I finished this necklace today. The pendant is an antique watch gear, and I incorporated another gear into the chain of the necklace. The small pendant is stationary, while the larger one slides along the chain, with movement reminiscent of a functional clock. Filing filled the dual purpose of providing a decorative finish as well as removing sharp edges. I am fond of the antique look the yellow light gives to the photographs for my blog, but for the shop, I need to present the colors of the necklace more clearly (take more pictures). I had this necklace in my head for approximately one year. Update: I dipped this necklace into liver of sulphur, had slept for only a few hours, and forgot about it. The patina is very strong, and I don't like it. Time for a swim in the pickle.

Philosophical Moment

I attempt to be prescient with my designs, but am having some difficulty finishing these pieces while they are still fresh.  That being said, I really do believe that art does not occur in a vacuum. We feed off of each other, inspire each other. We are taking part in a conversation when we create art.  Attempting to say something different... how different can we really be? We are shaped by our time, culture, and institutions. How to be interesting?