My latest custom pieces

With all the problems I've had with my computer over the last few weeks I completely forgot to post my latest two custom pieces. This order came from a lady who was one of my first customers when I started selling on Ebay in 2003. She had a lovely pink cats eye cameo of a Mother and Child and a large Nautilus shell she wanted made into pendants. After I received the cameo and shell I was wondering how I managed to get myself into this. Oh, the cameo was fine but that shell looked so delicate I was kind of scared to work with it. I did get it done and my lady was very happy with the results which are pictured here along with the cameo, of course.

PC problems...

Just letting everyone know that I haven't updated this blog lately because I've been having computer problems. I'm using hubby's laptop and it's brand new and doesn't have much of my information on it. My PC quit on me about 2 1/2 weeks ago and I did everything I could think of to get it going again. Thankfully it's still under warranty. Have been on line with HP and I have to send it in for repairs. If they can't fix it they'll have to replace it. They send the shipping box and packing materials so that should arrive in a couple of days. Have no clue as to how long this is going to take.

In the mean time, I'm stuck with my old PC I can't use my high speed connection with or hubby's laptop and I don't like laptops. My palms or something keeps bumping the touch pat etc. and messing me up. Anyway, hope this all won't take too awfully long.

A while back on one of the message boards I'm a member of someone was wanting to know about a tutorial for a cabochon/cameo bracelet that resembled the universal cabochon ring or as some know it the Pharaoh's ring. Anyway, I took on the challenge and after some trial and error finally came up with a workable design. The bracelet pictured here is the very one I created while writing the tutorial. This tut is 12 pages long and contains about 45 photos. I've classified it as an intermediate project and it really looks harder to make than it is, just quite a few steps to it. The tut is available both through my Website and my Etsy store. Thanks for looking!

It's finished!

Yep, I finally got the center focal piece for the wedding headpiece done. Believe me when I say my skills were really challenged on this piece.

Both stones are prong set, both settings have spaces within the setting and the top stone has six places on the underside to attach the remainder of the headpiece. I think you can see them in the the last photo. Anyway, here are the photos of this piece. Oh yeah, despite my efforts the stones look like Sapphires while actually they are gorgeous deep purple Amethysts.

My lady's sister is an accomplished beader and will be completing the necklace and headpiece.

I'm thrilled.....

A few weeks ago I created a pendant for a lady that she will wear for her wedding coming up in October. Although she was thrilled with the design from seeing the photos I always worry about what a client thinks after they see the finished piece in person. Glad to say she was very happy.
Now she wants me to create the focal for her headpiece. It will contain two stones that will be connected together with a small chain. Beading will then be attached to the top stone setting to form the remainder of the headpiece. I'm not doing the beading just the settings for these two fabulous Amethyst stones.

On top of all this, I'm trying to get some pieces together for a small Fine Arts Gallery in our area. I've shown the owner some pieces and she has invited me to consign some of my work with her. It won't be a whole lot as it's a rather small place but it will give me some exposure in my local area.

That's all for now, will write more as time permits.

Sculpted Pendant tutorial is done!

I have finally completed the tutorial for creating those beautiful Sculpted settings for cabochons and cameos. The tut is 17 pages long and contains 32 photos plus an inspiration gallery of 8 previously finished pieces.

The tutorial is in PDF format and is available for purchase through both my website and my Etsy store. Links are on the right hand side of this page.

I'm open to any input or comments.

Way behind.....

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm so far behind! Wellll, on the other hand that is what happens when you get busy doing redecorating around the house. Used to be a lot faster but this old body just doesn't move like it used to.

Anyway, I have been pretty much keeping up with Year of Jewelry except for one week that I haven't done yet. I keep telling myself that I've got to get that done!

Week 16 is themed Brazil Culture and I couldn't think of anything. Then I remembered I had this real nice Brazilian Agate cabochon. I grabbed some Gold Fill wire and started wrapping.