Adventures in Handmade Jewelry

So you signed up for the Office Secret Santa or maybe you're on the fence. Or maybe you got someone a little hard to please. Well now you've got it in the bag. Handmade artisan jewelry under $20 delivered . Unique pieces using beautiful materials like gemstones and sterling silver. Oh and there's a choice of packaging, too. Check out the entire collection Here and make something a little easier on yourself.

Look no further. Here's a sample of what I've put in my jewelry sale. Oh and there's free shipping too. And a choice of gift packaging...something funky and very personalized or a traditional gift box. Who says customer service is dead?

So I've been neglecting the jewelry thing for a bit, but am working industriously today. Have lots of items to post to the shop, many of which will go into my Holiday Special section; all are discounted and even feature free shipping. I'll be updating it often so keep the tab open and hit refresh!

After a marvelous burst of activity, I've backed off the jewelry thing for a bit. I have one idea rolling around in my head for a piece and enthusiasm for making it is building, but not there yet. Plus nothing has sold in ages so my inventory level is quite adequate. Maybe with Christmas coming it will change, but whatever, I'm over it. So I've gone back to one of my first loves; photography. I got my first good camera, an Olympus OM-G 35mm SLR, when I was a sophomore in HS and have remained an Olympus bigot ever since. In 2005 I bought my very first digital body, an Olympus E-300, and sadly haven't really put any miles on it. My photo disease comes and goes and I was in a fallow period when I bought it, so that's sort of why. Only recently have I really begun messing with it and my old lenses. Too bad I'm unemployed or I'd pick up a few new toys for it. Since I am though, I'll just have to live with what I have. There's a group of folks on F

The way this piece came together was magical. It was as if I was under the guidance of a Greek Muse maybe Melete. Normally I picture a design in my head, sometimes make sketches, sometimes make prototypes in cheap wire, then I put the real piece together. Not this time. I wanted to use the aqua and brown cane glass, but not another bracelet or earrings. I already had 6 rings fused by the time I started to really envision the necklace as a whole - I wanted two rows of links, one set higher than the other. The idea of circles hadn't solidified and quickly turned to ovals...hammered ovals in two sizes...with a twist. Only two fusing failures marred my process and so the fluid vibe of creation flowed on. Choosing among the glittering cane glass beads was easy and I found matched pairs that balanced the color scheme of the piece. I even had the perfect number of fluted sterling beads to add some dash. How often does that happen? When it came time to decide on what to hang the t

A few choice items from my Fall Showcase.

These are destined for that collection in my 1000Markets Shop. Both are made with pure silver and feature lots of hammered texture. I love the mix of silver and copper in the necklace and am quite pleased with the way it turned out. The earrings aren't exactly a stretch in terms of originality, but I think they're flattering for almost any woman and we all need classic earrings that go with everything. I may add them to the Etsy shop, too since they're easy to make and I have plenty of materials.

It's been something I've been contemplating for months now as it seems I get more and more lost in the sea of online jewelry sellers. I've read every online handbook, marketing blog, thread, website and tip sheet I can stand, have been doing as they preach and it hasn't made a difference. Views at both shops are low no matter how I massage my descriptions, keywords and tags or participate in the venue's SEO efforts. Direct emailing didn't work out. Optimizing the way this blog is seen by Google hasn't made a noticeable change, although that does take some time I'm told and I could be condemning it prematurely. Back when it was available to the individual, Google Base didn't work. Participating in online fashion and shopping communities hasn't made a dent. Tapping into online communities in which I am a member, but not as an artist hasn't worked either. Ditto my consignment efforts that I was so excited about. Plus there's the whole t

Did I pick the brightest, most brilliant turquoise bead in my stash? You'd think so, looking at it. It's rich and eye-catching, yet simple, too. Fine silver teardrop on a sterling silver ball chain. I even used a pure silver ring as a bail. I'm tempted to keep this one.

Like a fall apple and given the color, maybe a Granny Smith, which would be appropriate. I just put these in the shop today after a failed attempt at photographing them yesterday. The slight texturing and irregularity of the ovals saves them from that stark, mass-produced feel and gives them the warm glow of handmade. The ear wires and the links with the sparkly glass beads on them are sterling and all have been tumbled for strength and shine. I just think they're graceful and classic. More to come, of a more primitive aspect, but still contemporary and of clean design.

Part of the mystique of jewelry manufacture is the tools. I admit it, I love new tools. I love good tools. Finely worked tools that have special and often obscure purpose. Sometimes I just go through catalogs looking at stuff and wonder what the hell a person does with such a gadget. I remember spending a lot of time as a little girl at my dad's workbench, messing with his tools (lord help me if I misplaced any). A while back while on a visit to my folks' house I spied dad's coping saw (frame saw/jeweler's saw) in his workshop and told him I coveted it. He laughed and said I could buy one for about $10 at Lowes. He's right of course, but that old one looked sweet. My own tool collection is modest and consists largely of the inexpensive variety. Until this craft starts to pay off, I can't justify the expense when money is put to better use buying materials (Christmas is coming and you never know what Santa will bring – Lindstrom, hint hint). But every

Yesterday was devoted to updating the blog and harnessing some Google tools to make this site more visible to searchers. I only took a couple of small steps and will take some more, but I'm on my way. Like any other small business my biggest problem is exposure. Most of us sell on Etsy and know what a mob-scene it is over there and how hard it is to stand out. The other venues, of which I'm only participating in one, aren't much better. When I started out in jewelry I had no idea how overcrowded it is and how difficult it is to get noticed; especially with wire work or very simple smithing (all I'm capable of at the mo). Yeah sure I use Twitter, Facebook and Byhand.me, but it only generates a handful of views each time and I suspect it's the same few folks who look, but do not buy. I need to reach potential customers who love and buy handmade jewelry, or even customers who buy modern or contemporary jewelry, but have never tried handmade. I know I do quality

While I'm learning a new technique or working with a new material, I often keep my experimental pieces for myself. Most aren't up to the quality I expect and so don't qualify to go up for sale. Some are just weird and I don't think anyone else will want them. A bracelet I made a while back is a perfect example. While it's good enough for me, it isn't good enough for sale. It lacks balance and the pattern is goofed, so it's mine. With an eye to correcting the balance I created a new piece. It is more harmonious and the pattern is regular. I try not to be wasteful, but fusing requires that I use "the good stuff" to practice with and so I end up with more stuff for me. This one makes the grade though and is looking for a new home. Here's another one. I was fooling around with different fusing techniques and this one didn't quite work out as planned (the fusing is rough), so I attached a small ring to the top and wired on an ametrine barre

Just posted to both shops in the last couple days. More stuff in the works. I wonder when I'm going to drop from exhaustion?

So every site now has a blog component it seems and it's hard to keep up with the content in them, but I think I've come up with a method to my madness. 1000 Markets has a blog feature and lately I've been using it to write a series of articles about materials I use in my work. I think it helps with some of the insider jargon that customers might be confused about. I'm up to part 4 - The Turquoise Dilemma ! I've thought about reproducing them here, but since they're really customer-oriented, this isn't the best place. So hop on over & let me know what you think.

Circle Gets the Square! A fun and three-dimensional bracelet in fine silver; hand fused and shaped, then tumbled to max out the shine and durability. Never knew slaving over a hot torch could be so fun! Dig that little fused S clasp. Anyway...gotta hit the showers before I hit the bench. Got 5 miles in today. Up to 22 this week, tomorrow should make 27. My ass is not going to get smaller on its own!

I kind of dig these even though they're straying a bit from my usual, style-wise. They are dressy without being fussy. Fine silver hoops and "blueberry" quartz. I really like the microfaceting combined with the texture - makes them dazzle. In the Etsy shop today.

Well I've gotten past the re-fusing thing and went directly to con-fused. Sorry about the fusing jokes. I promise to stop. After messing around with things a bit more, I got some other wire to fuse beautifully and so I think it is contaminants in the quenching and tumbling water that polluted the finish and prevented it from heating thoroughly. That and for anything thicker than 18 gauge, my torch has to be totally full to reach maximum temp, which is a bummer since I really like working with heavier wire. Thanks Kathleen for your kind words. I'm only fusing at this point; no solder or pickle or flux. None needed because the silver is pure and not an alloy like sterling. I think it might be a gateway drug though. I do like the idea of what I can do by heating and fusing and/or soldering metal. One step at a time though. First I have to sell enough to justify spending more. I'm so upside-down in this business that it's really starting to hurt. I put these in th

I am very frustrated and angry that some of the wire I ordered fuses fine while some (the 16 gauge) just will not. It glows red but either melts and pulls away or just sits there under the heat doing nothing. I just made a wonky little S clasp a minute ago out of 14 gauge wire and it practically caught fire. I'm sure that the 16 gauge is fine silver because it shows no firescale, but it WILL NOT fuse. Melt or nothing is all I get. I am so frustrated and angry that I can barely even look at my workbench now. It's not like it's all that complex or has many variables. I've cleaned and tumbled the rings over and over again. The cut is very tight and very flush. There is NO REASON why those shouldn't fuse but they don't. I've tried over and over. And it's not just the 16 gauge, the 14 won't go either, no matter what. What a waste of time this idea was. OK. So I didn't give up. I had a calming Smithwicks and tried again. This time I trie

It started with these blue and white porcelain beads with the stylized flowers on them. Then I started thinking of Asian architecture and a way to bring them together. The result was this necklace in sterling and leather cord and coordinating porcelain beads (which I just happened to have in my stash). I had a lot of fun making it (even though the idea of it kept me up one night) and it came together more perfectly than I dared to hope. I really hope someone buys it soon and removes my temptation to keep it! It's exclusively at my Etsy Shop .

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. John Keats' epic poem, Endymion, 1818 A labor of love comes to an end. I'm inordinately proud of this piece and hope someone scoops it up soon; it doesn't deserve to languish without an owner. This is a serious piece. Weighty and solid. I used a ton of sterling and fine silver (made headpins with my new torch for the cane glass beads) and was crazy meticulous about working every technique perfectly. It's bold and contemporary and definitely not for the shy retiring type. Taking photos was arduous as well. So hard to get the feel of the piece captured. The beads are luscious and pick up light beautifully. The silver is polished and dazzling. I think I did ok, but who knows. I took a ton of pictures and rejected most of them. Anyway...I'm feeling kind of

to those who wait. My torch arrived and I've been messing with it. Have to lock up the cats while I use it since they really like to jump up on my workbench. Just what I need; to set a cat on fire. Pests. Nothing I fused so far is worth using in a piece except some headpins which I'll be using in this - as soon as the jumprings are hard enough to work with (tumbling as I type), I'll assemble and put it up in the shop. Which shop I don't know. Probably 1000 Markets. Etsy won't be neglected however, this piece will end up there. It's a pendant that will be suspended from leather cord just as soon as I get that part done. It came out exactly perfect from what kept spinning around and around in my head as I tried in vain to sleep last night. Still more ideas lurk and yearn for the light of day. I'll be playing with the torch especially since a lot of what I want to do depends on developing my skill with that tool. Speaking of tools, don't you hate wait

Tom Petty never said anything more true. I'm waiting for 3 orders to come in so I can begin the next phase of my jewelry adventure; fusing. Yes ladies, I'm getting a torch. Granted it's a butane microtorch, but it's still fire and it's still hot. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited. I've got some weird ideas in my head (to paraphrase Warren Zevon) and want to try them out. Of course there will be a learning curve period, but I hope it won't be steep or long. So far things in the sales department haven't been so terrific. Lackluster I think is the proper word. Some of it is my fault. I don't promote everywhere all the time. I stopped following a bunch of Twitterers and have quieted down on that front directly. It didn't seem to actually work and so I gave it up. Facebook appears to be a bit better of a medium, so I have a Twitter feed directly from my Fan Page (see that up there...go ahead, click it, I know you want to) and tha

This has been in the works for a while; I couldn't think of how best to finish it. Should I make a chain? Buy a chain? Make a beaded necklace? Nah. Those don't fit right. Nothing seemed to work. Then I hit on it. Leather. Chocolate brown leather. Oh yes. Now it's perfect. Made with aqua terra jasper entirely in sterling silver it will go in the shop tomorrow. Am thinking about earrings and a bracelet as well. I still have some stones left. Sweet.

These are framed and wired in Argentium sterling silver and hung on a sterling silver ear stud. They gently curve back towards your neck in a lovely arc. The dove gray color is very soft, but the design is bold and they're well balanced. Hand hammered and tumbled for strength and shine. In the 1000 Markets Shop today.

I've created a special showcase for fall that I'll be adding to over the coming weeks (at least until I do a winter collection). Link! Here's the newest member of the collection - a very architectural piece with smoky quartz and deep red garnet. The gold wiring really sets off the warmth and depth of the stones. One of my favorite combinations. Because of the way the frame is made, I switched to sterling silver earstuds instead of my usual earwires. They work much better design-wise.

Etsy neglect. Guilty as charged. So here's the first of my Etsy only listings. Smoky quartz so clear you swear it's glass. Chunky and alluring on their own, I instead decided to add tiny aquamarine and amethyst charms. I think they give it lightness and playfulness. All done in Argentium sterling silver and only at Etsy.

I just posted the onyx earrings to the shop a minute ago, but thought I'd give you a preview of things to come. Bunches of earrings and a funky bracelet. Have some new supplies coming (and new ear studs that I think will work really well with some of these pieces) and ideas abound. Just realized the bracelet isn't in this shot. Gah! There's always something. It will be in the shop soon.

In the never ending leapfrog game of online selling venues, 1000 Markets just pulled ahead. If you haven't stopped by in a while, check it out. 1000 Markets The polished look is still in force, but it has more buying cues and has shifted its focus from the seller to the customer. There's a little cart icon at the top of the page as well as a more shopping inducing front page so that folks don't think they've landed on a museum or gallery site. If you have an Amazon account, you're all set to buy here. I sort of wish that were more obvious, but info about payments has improved. Buyers can also build favorites lists - a first for 1000 Markets. For sellers we finally have Google analytics for our shops as well as more control over how our shop looks and our products presented. I've tweaked mine a bit to enhance my overall goal of promoting modern jewelry and sleek, uncluttered designs. We also have a better 'widget' for blogs and other sites; one tha

OMG summer has finally hit in New England. First 90+ degree days this year. About time. I'm not one of those people who bitches about a season acting like what it is. I expect summer to be hot and humid. I expect winter to be cold and snowy. That's what New England is like. But damn...it sure makes it impossible to work. My bench is in the loft and totally without AC. I got in a few minutes the other day, but started to sweat and ew; I had to stop. So creating anything new is going to be on hold until things cool down about 10 degrees. I'm trapped in the two rooms with AC units and working from here is too awkward...besides, one of the things I'm experimenting with requires me to use my vise. I've been reading and watching TV (NCIS overload!!!) and am going to dive into some marketing duties for the wimmins over at A Perfect Pair Earring Market on 1000 Markets . It will give me something to do and a way to make sure my brain doesn't start to leak out

Hitting the 1000 Markets shop as soon as the pictures load up. It's taking a bit of time. Made these today...I love them. They remind me of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs...not that I'm in the same league, but I've always appreciated his style so much and I think these are in the same ballpark. Argentium sterling silver frames w/14k gold filled wire holding 2 garnet rounds each. I used the same wire to secure the earwire in the perfect position. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

I think this is the way I want it. More or less. There needs to be spaces between each drop so they hang well together. I'll add some wire coils to each side of the sterling beads to space them properly. At least I think. This is hard to get right. I have some other ideas, but I think this is the best one. The chain will be something unique as well. Ideas are still churning for that, too.

A sneak preview of a work in progress. Aqua Terra Agate and sterling silver.

One thing I noticed when it comes to handmade jewelry is a suspicion on the part of the buyer that they may not be getting the real deal when it comes to what the piece is made of. Granted, not every jewelry lover is a gemologist or metallurgist and so a lot of trust goes into the relationship. Is it really sterling silver? Is it really turquoise/jade/lapis/insert gem here? How come this lampwork glass piece costs so much more than others? Gold filled? What the heck is gold filled? It's crazy and sometimes confusing. Especially online where terminology is flung about sometimes arbitrarily and a prospective customer cannot handle the merchandise before buying. Accuracy is key, but what if the shopper doesn't understand the terms you use? Frustrating on both sides. So in order to shed some light here I've started a blog series on my 1000 Markets Site that will go into detail regarding many of the materials and terms used in handmade jewelry making. I'm going to

I've heard it said that some jewelers have been known to lick stones. With these little babies, I can totally understand the urge. These are luscious little lozenges of fire crackle agate. Like tiny sunsets, each one is distinct. Heat gives these stones their unique appearance and I love the summer tan quality of them. Each is wrapped in argentium sterling silver and I finished the adjustable clasp with a bit of blue agate, just for contrast. It's in both the Etsy and 1000 Markets shops as of today.