Wednesday, February 20, 2008

At the Bench

Last night I got to have some quality time ALONE at my bench. What a welcome relief after dealing with a cranky toddler all day! Well that lasted all of 20 mins before the shop was invaded by my son, hubby, and his friend. They came in to work on their old cars. There went my meditation time...

I do have an 12' wall section of our 60 x 40 barn as my shop...the rest is my husbands domain. I am happy to at least have this much, but I dream that someday I have my own space to do with as I please. I also dream about having time to actually spend at my bench! But that won't happen until the little one is a bit older!

Currently my "shop" furniture consists of a work bench that my husband made for me and a really cool old set of storage drawers that came from the University of Illinois Geology Museum. They relocated and renovated so there were several old storage units like this for sale at the local architectural salvage store, PACA . It is the perfect size to store all of my copper, silver, brass, files, hammers, saws and blades, sandpaper, etc...you name it. The bulkier items fit on top or on my bench. Other goodies I have are a dapping set, bracelet mandrel, ring mandrel (always set up in my large vice), a lazy Susan (no pun intended) filled with fire brick to do my soldering, of course the tank and goodies to solder with, 2 pickle pots, a little drill press, a fire extinguisher, and a few tools of my husbands that have made their way to my area!


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Friday, February 15, 2008

With Rings on her fingers...


The other day I decided to make a bunch of rings and do an experiment with texture. I was very please with the results. Now I have a physical reference of the different effects that I can get out of the different hammers I have.

I decided to list these as the 7 sister. Why? Well first the obvious...there are 14 rings with 7 styles of hammering. 7 are left in a Matte finish and 7 are oxidized. The name "Sisters" comes from my mom. She collects vintage Danecraft silver bangle bracelets and she refers to them as "The sisters". They are all different but from the same family. I liked how that sounded, so I borrowed the phrase.

A batch of coordinating earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are in the process of begin made. I am working on a set that are a high shine finish as well.


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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

My first Blog


Well it is early in the morning my son is watching cartoons so I thought I'd try to get with modern times and figure this blog thing out! It is funny how "technology" changes so fast! I am not that old, but sure feel behind the times when it comes to this forum of communication.

I have just listed a new necklace I made on my Etsy site, Luster. . It is a hand formed and hammered copper heart just in time for Valentines day!

I am an avid crafter and am trying to make a go at the jewelry and photography arena. My husband and I just met with the Lawyer and Accountant this week to make it all an official business. WOW what a hassle! I am afraid to see those bills! I better get making stuff to list...

Keep in touch and watch as my business develops! Until then come check out my etsy shops Luster, .Jewel of Wisdom, and Surprise Finds..


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