Jewelry Shop: December 2010

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Metalwork: Wire Essentials (Download)

Click here to buy now!

Join artist and best-selling author Denise Peck in 5 watch-and-learn lessons as she shows you step by step how to make fabulous wire jewelry from preparation to professional finishes!

Master wireworking basics as you boost your jewelry-making skills and your jewelry collection with these fun techniques in coiling, wrapping, spiraling, and more!

Enhance your skills as you learn how to:

• Get started with a tools and materials overview for wireworking simplified.

• Discover the secrets to the perfectly shaped spiral.

• Create your own jump rings, ear wires, and other findings in less than a minute.

• Give your piece that extra shine with finishing how-tos.

• And more!

Learn all the essentials you need to know to make fast and fabulous wire jewelry—get started with these fun techniques today!

Tools & Materials

SOME ITEMS YOU MAY NEED:

Chain-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Flat-nose pliers
Flush cutters
Various mandrels
for shaping
Carpenter’s pencil
Steel bench block
Ball peen hammer
Texture hammers
Awl
Metal hole punch
Rawhide mallet
Metal files
Polishing cloths
Butane micro torch
Soldering block

Click here to buy now!

Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.Don't miss a post! Subscribe to Handmade Jewelry Club by Email FREE

2010: A Blessed Year of Blogging

Just popping in to say hello and happy (almost) new year to my readers! I'm currently vacationing with limited internet access, so I've had to keep up with blog reading via iphone only.

Earlier tonight was the petite meetup, which came together thanks to Kelly and the Alterations Needed forum. It was quite fun meeting this group of fellow bloggers and readers. The height comparisons, Theory blazer swaps, and loud chatter of small bra sizes and going commando may have drawn some attention to our table. Thank you Kelly for organizing and thank you ladies for coming! Especially Jess, who braved the 2 hr drive. Check out Kelly's post here and Jess's post here for more photos!

Christina/ChibiChic, Grace, Kelly/AlterationsNeeded, Me, AubreyOhDang the honest commenter, and Jess/Stylepint

And a candid...

Photo courtesy of Jess (Stylepint)

Earlier this week I also grabbed drinks with Kelly and another one of my favorite bloggers, Liane of Petite XXS! In person, Kelly is gregarious and witty and Liane is softspoken and sweet. Both are tiny! It was a treat to spend time with them, and I almost got to see Elle too who was stuck in LA on a layover.

(Liane, Me, Kelly) - Photo courtesy of Kelly's iphone (none of us brought a camera!)

On a separate note, Jessy of The Little Dust Princess kindly organized the 2010 petite secret Santa exchange on the Alterations Needed forum, open to any ladies around the world who were interested. For my recipient I was excited to draw PetiteXXS, and the cute and little Kileen turned out to be my Santa! Please visit Jessy's post for links to all the participants. I was thrilled to receive:

Electronic lash curler, Essie "Hot Coco" polish (seen here), and Shisem lashes! Thank you Kileen!!

More surprises from bloggy friends:

Fun stationary and makeup from DSK Steph, very pretty R&R lip gloss from Petite Little Girl, a handmade glasses case from PetiteXXS for the sunnies I won from Vicky's Daily Fashion, and NYX goodies from Sophia. I also received a very unique photo frame from Nelah!

I was also surprised to receive two packages from non-blogger friends. I briefly mentioned in old comments that I could not find the popular "Airy Fairy" Rimmel lipstick at local drugstores, and lo and behold...

I now have two thanks to my dear readers DoubleZeroP and Jennifer from Canada! I couldn't help jumping up and down as these were such unexpected and thoughtul surprises. Jennifer also sent a wonderfully soft olive pashmina and a coral F21 ring.

Whether it's an email, comment, or (unnecessary but greatly appreciated) gift, the kindness of my readers and fellow bloggers is overwhelming to me. Thank you ladies again for your friendship and support throughout 2010, and I look forward to getting to know more of you in the new year. *Hugs!*

2010: A Blessed Year of Blogging

Christina/ChibiChic, Grace, Kelly/AlterationsNeeded, Me, AubreyOhDang the honest commenter, and Jess/Stylepint

And a candid...

Photo courtesy of Jess (Stylepint)

(Liane, Me, Kelly) - Photo courtesy of Kelly's iphone (none of us brought a camera!)

Electronic lash curler, Essie "Hot Coco" polish (seen here), and Shisem lashes! Thank you Kileen!!

More surprises from bloggy friends:

2010 in Review

Can you believe today is the last day of 2010?

This year flew by.

Here are some highlights of this awesome year!

January

We were in Boston to ring in the New Year!

February

I was living in Cary, NC with Danny's family.

We bought a car. Celebrated Valentines Day at CiCi's Pizza (classy!)

And I went back to Boston to finish planning our wedding!

March

I had an awesome Bridal Shower and Bachellorete Party!

We were married on March 13, 2010!

You can read all the wedding posts here!

After living with Katie for a little bit we were finally able to move into our first apartment!

April

We celebrated our first Easter together.

I got another (hippie) tattoo.

We brought a super cute puppy home!

May

We discovered our favorite restaurant, The Chelsea.

I took some tests for Danny.

Miley went to the beach for the first time!

Lindsey came to visit! And we saw a comedy show in Wilmington with Breanna.

Miley was spayed....and we went to Ohio!

June

Kaleb visited for two weeks!

We went to Boston for my Uncle's wedding!

And I complained about Call of Duty.

July

I complained about my neighbors.

We watched an airshow on the 4th of July in New Bern.

Miley discovered the bathtub.

I hungout with bloggy loves Reina and Jordan!

And the best part of July? My sister came to visit and we saw Paul McCartney in concert! We got tattoos. And we went to Myrtle Beach!

August

I met three bloggy loves...Amber, Carmen and Allie!

I bitched about homecomings.

Me and Danny went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

We went to Myrtle Beach..AKA The Vacation from Hell.

September

Danny turned 28...and I made him lobster.

I cut all my hair off and trashed my wedding dress!

My Mom and Nana visited while Danny went to Pennsylvania to "work."

And we went to the Wine Festival!

October

I had a couple Girls Night Outs and met bloggy loves Rachel, Jacque and Jennifer!

My parents came down for a visit!

We went to Beerfest with Carmen and Mike!

We had Katie's Bridal Shower!

And we went to a Halloween party at Jennifer and Dustin's!

November

An Xbox fell on my head.

We went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Myrtle Beach!

Danny was on TV!

I went to Boston for my Grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary!

We went to Ohio for Thanksgiving.

December

I turned the big 2-5!

And we spent 10 awesome days in Massachusetts for the holiday!

That was a little longer than I intended...

but I loved looking at all the pictures!

And I'm crossing my fingers that 2011 is as amazing as 2010 was!

Anticipation

by Kelli Pope

" The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings." Dave Weinbaum

As the year comes to a close, I usually find myself looking forward to some "down time". Months of art shows, private showings, and making jewelry during the Fall and over Christmas usually leaves me longing for time out of the studio. While things will be less hectic, I am anticipating new projects in the new year. Early this year, with the very gracious help of Mary Ann Carroll, and some private lessons with a local potter, I made some of my own ceramic beads. It was SO much fun. I was lucky enough to be at the potter's when they opened the kiln after firing the last of my beads. It's like that feeling of seeing all the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning when you're a child. WOW!!!! It was SO cool!!!

I knew I was hooked, and would have to create more. And I knew I could do better. These are my first runs.

"All glory comes from daring to begin." Eugene F. Ware

I've said all year, my goal was to purchase a kiln, and start that new adventure. Unfortunately, as often happens, life got in the way, and I did not get my kiln. But I anticipate it will be a purchase in 2011. Until that happens, I have a WONDERFUL friend who has agreed to fire my beads for me. So instead of "down time" this winter, I'll be making beads, and will finally, finally, finally get to play with some of the beautiful patinas I purchased from Shannon LeVart. Can't WAIT to see the creations, that now, I can only imagine.

" Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." Maya Angelou

May you all have a very successful 2011.

Featured Designer: Victoria Percy

Victoria Percy, a talented designer who created Venus in Chains, is a graduate of B.S. in Behavioral Science with M.A. in Psychology. Though her education is not related to jewelry making but her passion and admiration of chain maille’s intricate design, complexity and strength has continuously drawn her in creating modern pieces of chain maille jewelries and accessories with a mixture of classic elegance and modern glamour. Her inspiration in creating the pieces comes from her childhood and her journeys from around the world.

Though chain maille, traditionally, mirrors masculine strength, with Victoria’s creative embellishment of crystals the pieces now transforms into a more delicate creation, suited for women and their day-to-day looks. Victoria believes that jewelry should allow one to project an image of oneself or how we like others to see us but this can only be manifested when combined with one’s personality and style, and this philosophy is greatly captured by Victoria’s designs, making Venus in Chains the industry’s leader in creating avant-garde chain maille accessories.

Here is a peek on one of her creations,

Japanese Crystal Chain Maille Eternity Ring

You can have the opportunity to admire more of Victoria Percy’s chain maille jewelries at Venus in Chains online store. Her tutorials are available in PDF format containing full color step-by-step instructions.

On Fire For Handmade Feature Artist: Walk in the Woods, LLC

This weeks Featured Artisan is Walk in the Woods, LLC. Beautiful creations

that bring you "Back to Nature" ! You can find Walk in the Woods at:

Tact.

Definition:

1.A keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

2. A keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.

Example:

My husband lacks tact when breaking news to me.

I was so excited that Danny would be getting home early from work today. I cleaned the house, showered, got dressed, and waited for him to get home. He didn't know it yet...but we were going to go shopping. When he came home, he asked what I wanted to do...I said shopping!

So, I'm putting on my boots and Danny looks at me says "SO, you have three months to get your license." Long pause. "I'm going to Yuma for two months!" He said it with such joy and excitement....and I was angry.

I was not angry that he will be gone for two months. I was mad because of the way he told me. Seriously, when/if he deploys he better not have a smile on his face while telling me. I know it's why he signed up but atleast have my concerns/emotions/feelings in mind when you tell me. Don't be jumping for joy while my mind is stuck on "Damn, now I need to get my license." (If you don't know my driving issue read it HERE.)

But here's the thing, ten minutes before I wrote out my blog about my New Year goals (to be published this weekend!)...and driving is on the list. Yet the thought of someone telling me I have to get it freaks me out. So, what do I do? I text my sister and start making a plan for the next few months. And while it might seem totally ridiculous to ~~most~~ some people...it's what will work for me.

1) I will get my permit here and practice, practice, practice.

2) I'll go home for X-amount of months. Something I always said I wouldn't do, but hey...I'm allowed to change my mind.

3) Practice driving. And work at the restaurant I used to work at...and make some money!

4) Come back to NC and get my license.

Am I happy about the plan. Some of it.

And just a reminder to Danny. Tact is your friend when breaking news like this to your wife.

Beauty from Glass of Venice

The Queen of Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks, City of Bridges, The Floating City and City of Canals, one of the most romantic cities in Europe, all these describes Venice; undoubtedly, the most beautiful city built by man. Along with these tags, Venice is also known for its famous ornate glass-work, the Murano Glass, influenced by the Venetian glass makers. Murano is actually a place off the shore of Venice, Italy, which has been the commercial port as far back as 7^th century and later on became well-known for its glassmakers.

But what is a Murano Glass and what makes it famous?

Murano glass is made from silica, soda, lime and potassium melted together in a special furnace at a temperature of 1500°C to reach a liquid state. Gold or silver foil are often added to the glass mixture, along with such minerals as copper for sparkles, zinc for white color, cobalt for blue, manganese for violet, and so on. The mixture is then mouth-blown and/or hand-crafted by master glassmakers using special techniques and basic tools, many of which have been developed in the Middle Ages and changed little since then. This method of glass-making results in real works of art with rich coloring that never fades and beautiful, sometimes surreal, patterns and shapes is what makes Murano Glass famous.

Today, Glass of Venice continuously brings these famous art glass-works, making Glass of Venice the market’s leader in online sales of authentic Murano Glass Jewelry, accessories and Home décor. The company was founded by people with passion for Venice and Italy, as well as educated in top schools both in Italy and U.S. And because Glass of Venice has a deep understanding of culture and heritage of Murano Glass the company is able to continuously reach their goal of delivering the best of Murano Glass, both in retail and wholesale to clients all over the world.

Glass of Venice offers a wide range of Murano products, which includes Murano Pendants, Murano Art Glass - vases and sculptures, Murano Glass Silverware, and Glasses and Barware and here are some of the favorites.

Murano Millefiori Gold Art Glass Pitcher Vase

This gorgeous blown Murano glass pitcher is a fine example of the most famous and distinctive ancient Murano technique- Millefiori (a thousand flowers)- that has become a trademark of Murano glass-making. Vivid stylized flowers on rich cobalt-blue background with generous 24K golden dusting all over create an impression of a fairy-tale quilt, whose magical beauty is impossible to describe. The exhilarating look of millefiori glass combined with graceful classic shape will bring a glimpse of famous Italian design and Venetian sophistication to your home, and will also makes a uniquely appropriate luxurious present to the special people in your life, as it is truly a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Murano Art Glass Millefiori Horse

This gorgeous blown Murano glass horse sculpture represents the long-running artistic tradition of Murano glass combined with ingenuity and technical virtuosity of Murano glass masters. Using the most famous and distinctive ancient Murano glass technique- Millefiori (a thousand flowers), Murano masters created this elegant horse sculpture with the body of vivid stylized flowers and the long beautiful mane and other details in rich ruby red glass for a striking artistic effect.

Murano glass is also known in the world of crafts and because of its amazing colorful look and high quality hand-made glass beads make it a perfect material for jewelry. Glass of Venice has quality products such as Murano glass pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, which have been shaped by skillful artisans’ hands to fit perfectly on a woman’s finger, writs or neckline.

Here are some of the best selling jewelry items from Glass of Venice.

Millefiori Pendant

This gorgeous Venetian glass pendant is a fine example of the most popular and unique Murano glass technique- Millefiori (a thousand flowers)- that has become a trademark of Murano glassmaking. A dazzling array of beautiful flowers appears on this millefiori pendant and creates a festive yet classic and recognizable look. The longer you gaze at it, the more enchanted you feel.

Necklace Carnival de Venezia - Emerald

This classic and feminine Venetian glass necklace can be immediately attributed to the hands of Murano glass masters for its artistic elegance and exquisite workmanship. The necklace showcases the best of Murano glass-making with the combination of 24K gold leaf, elborate bead shapes, beautiful rich color and unique beads adorned by raised decorations on the outside that use 24 karat gold to create truly royal impression. This necklace is a true work of art hand-made by Murano glass masters who have been perfecting their skills for generations. It is a must-have for any woman who values uniqueness, style and quality Italian workmanship.

Royal Blue Ball Earrings

Elegant, exquisite and classic, these beautiful Venetian earrings showcase the richness and magic of Murano glass art. The unique design features sphere-shaped beads where cobalt-blue color veins flow above 24K gold leaf and create beautiful color reflections when they capture the light. This versatile accessory can be worn with your favorite casual clothes or an evening gown and will certainly attract attention in any setting.

All these and more Murano glass products are available online and handcrafted by Glass of Venice.

Here's a New Year's special gift promo for our Handmade Jewelry Club Members and visitors:

Use coupon code TWT10N2 and get a 10% discount, valid now and until the end of January.

Hurry and visit Glass of Venice!