I decided to make a few rings this morning so here they are. Back row is a Unikite and Adventurine, Adventurine and Pink Quarts, Red glass. Front two are, white Stardust and Sodalite, white Opalite and Faceted Hemitite. All are created using Sterling Silver wire.


In the afternoon I had to take our van to have the lift platform (handicap equipment) worked on. The only place is Lenexa about 40 miles north of us. On the way back took a side trip to the Olathe Michaels to use a gift card my daughter gave me for Christmas. Spent more that the gift card of course. But it was fun! Can hardly wait for the Ring n Things trunk show the 20th of this month.

A Tale of Two Bracelets

Back in 2003 I made this cuff style bracelet and sold it on ebay. After a few years and a computer breakdown I only had a couple of small photos of it and wanted to make another one. The buyer and I had remained in contact over the years. Last spring I contacted her, told her what I had in mind and asked if she could possibly send some good size photos so I could see the details. She said she would see what she could do. A while later she wrote me back and asked what I would charge to put a nice clasp closure on the bracelet. She had put one on herself but didn't really care for it. Anyway, seeing a great opportunity I told her I would love to do it and would only charge for the return shipping .

To make a long story short, she sent the bracelet, I made the clasp AND got my photos. Below is the bracelet I just completed thanks to my good friend Ms. P!

Some of my newest pieces

Here are a few of my newest projects. To the left and directly below are some earrings from my new Pretty Petals Collection














Next is a beaded pendant using nuggets, faceted beads and gold fill beads and wire.





Last but not least is a necklace of Leopardskin Jasper, dark brown glass bead that have little bumps for texture and a sterling silver wire wrapped Botswana Agate pendant.

You'll find all these lovelies in my shop at Etsy

Organizing...

Worked on sorting and organizing my loose beads and cameos today. Geesh, what a job. Took me the better part of the afternoon and still not quite done. I have other supplies/findings that need organizing and simply a proper storage place. On top of that I have more beads and findings coming in next week then I get to sort and organize them. My goal is to totally redo my workspace/room and finally get some organization and have proper storage/shelving out the wazoo!

I just completed my newest tutorial. It's a prong style setting for a large faceted gemstone. The stone used in the tut is an Emerald Cut, and I show you how to create the setting with the prongs on the diagonal.

http://www.creationsbycarolladine.com/facetedpendantsetting.php

Materials:
• 57” (4 3/4 feet) 21ga square 14k GF or
Sterling Silver wire cut as follows
• 7 pieces at 7”
• 1 pieces at 8”
• One large emerald cut faceted gemstone
• 2 to three feet 20ga Half Round Half Hard
wire. If totally wrapping the sides you’ll
need 3 feet
The one I used here is approximately 21mm
by 12mm by 7mm deep

Tools:
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Flush cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Some type of low tack tape
• Fine tip Sharpie
• Hard plastic or rawhide hammer
• #9 knitting needle or ¼” dowel
• OPTIONAL: Tumbler & Stainless Steel Shot,
calipers, prong pusher

Custom Order.....

Early in December I was contacted by a someone wanting me to create settings for four lovely gemstones they had. These were all to be in 14k Gold Fill.





First we have a beautiful Yellow Kunzite cut in a pear shape. They wanted the setting to be similar to one on my website









This next one is an Emerald Cut Amethyst. The setting was requested to be similar to another one from my site.








This next one is a gorgeous Emerald Cut Aquamarine. I had carte blanche with this one. All the corners feature open work with the prongs also being wider at the base than the tips.












Last but certainly not least is the lovely square Cushion Cut Amethyst that was originally intended for a ring. Since it was too large, 19mm x 19mm x 12mm, it was decided to make it into a pendant. Again I had full reign on the design.






I had of course sent photos all along the process to get approval. They received the package on Monday Dec. 21st. and I received a message on the 22nd. The first sentence read....

"You would not believe the ear to ear smile on someones face yesterday when she opened the boxes"

I knew instantly the pieces were totally approved! These folks were a total joy to work with and looks like I'll be doing more for them after Jan 1st.

In closing I wish everyone everywhere a Safe and Wonderful New Year!

Busy, busy, busy!

Here lately I've been so busy I haven't even had time to post anything. Right now I'm in the middle of a nice custom order and will have photos later. Getting ready for the Christmas Season as well.

I have decided to pull out of Ebay but am doing it slowly by ending listings just before they renew. The listings that I end I'm just as slowly adding them to my Etsy Store. Well, out of time again today. I'm tired (was shopping day) and I need to find a tall cool one and my easy chair.