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Showing posts with label Artisan Jeweler Guild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artisan Jeweler Guild. Show all posts
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wedding hair vine
Contributed by ShanghaiTai
Some of you may know my daughter is getting married soon, and I am making the jewelry for her and her bridesmaids. She wanted a hair vine. Since I am no stranger to wire-wrapping, I figured I could handle it. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I went looking for some instructions, and I found them here, on the Fire Mountain Gems Website.
I had planned on using real pearls (I really dislike fake ones), but my daughter sent me a picture of one she liked that had ends with three little tiny pearls on them. I don't know if you can get real pearls like that (tiny and perfectly round) but I don't have any. So I used Swarovski 3mm pearls. As you can see, I did make a few modifications to the design. The main one being that I could not attach the Swarovski crystals by running the wire through twice. I was using 24 gauge Argentium sterling (dead soft), but the holes weren't big enough to run it through twice. So instead I made myself some long 24 gauge head pins by balling up some wire ends with my torch. Also, maybe I wasn't paying attention (it's an ADHD thing) but I learned something that I didn't notice in the instructions. When adding new wires, you need to keep the ends of the old ones in there for an inch or so, otherwise your vine will have a joint in it.
It took me over 4 hours to make. It is 14" long however, so it's longer than average. I think it turned out good, though. Here's a close up:
I had a lot of fun making this -- I think you may see some more appearing on my web site soon!
Please do visit ShanghaiTai on Art Fire!
Some of you may know my daughter is getting married soon, and I am making the jewelry for her and her bridesmaids. She wanted a hair vine. Since I am no stranger to wire-wrapping, I figured I could handle it. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I went looking for some instructions, and I found them here, on the Fire Mountain Gems Website.
I had planned on using real pearls (I really dislike fake ones), but my daughter sent me a picture of one she liked that had ends with three little tiny pearls on them. I don't know if you can get real pearls like that (tiny and perfectly round) but I don't have any. So I used Swarovski 3mm pearls. As you can see, I did make a few modifications to the design. The main one being that I could not attach the Swarovski crystals by running the wire through twice. I was using 24 gauge Argentium sterling (dead soft), but the holes weren't big enough to run it through twice. So instead I made myself some long 24 gauge head pins by balling up some wire ends with my torch. Also, maybe I wasn't paying attention (it's an ADHD thing) but I learned something that I didn't notice in the instructions. When adding new wires, you need to keep the ends of the old ones in there for an inch or so, otherwise your vine will have a joint in it.
It took me over 4 hours to make. It is 14" long however, so it's longer than average. I think it turned out good, though. Here's a close up:
I had a lot of fun making this -- I think you may see some more appearing on my web site soon!
Please do visit ShanghaiTai on Art Fire!
Monday, April 25, 2011
History of Mother's Day
Contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios
Mother's Day is just around the corner. How can we thank the Woman who will do anything for us, support us, cheer us up, remind us how wonderful we are, while at the same time urging us to be our best? Well, regardless if you have a down to earth mom, a fashion diva mom, outdoorsy mom, sophisticated, exotic, funky, etc. your mom will always love something from your heart.
I researched the history of Mother's Day and thought you would be interested in how it came about and what other countries might do. Don't forget to check out the shop to find a really great, unique, and one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that your mom will love and wear all the time.
The modern Mother's Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April, or May as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday. The ancient Romans also had another holiday, Matronalia, that was dedicated to Juno, though mothers were usually given gifts on this day.
In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."
In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to
memorialize the life work of her mother. Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.
In Europe there were several long standing traditions where a specific Sunday was set aside to honor motherhood and mothers such as Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday celebrations are part of the liturgical calendar in several Christian denominations, including Anglicans, and in the Catholic calendar is marked as Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent to honor the Virgin Mary and your "mother" church. Children and young people who were "in service" (servants in richer households) were given a day off on that date so they could visit their families or, originally, return to their "mother" church. The children would pick wild flowers along the way to place them in the church or to give them to their mothers as gifts.
In most countries, Mother's Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in America. When it was adopted by other countries and cultures, it was given different meanings, associated to different events (religious, historical or legendary), and celebrated in a different date or dates.Some countries already had existing celebrations honoring motherhood, and their celebrations have adopted several external characteristics from the US holiday, like giving carnations and other presents to your own mother.
Here are a few countries and how they celebrate:
Arab World
Mother's Day in most of Arab countries is celebrated on March 21. It was introduced in Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin in his book (Smiling America) 1943. The idea was overlooked at the time, but when Amin heard the story of a widowed mother who devoted her whole life to raise her son until he became a doctor, got married and left without showing her any gratitude, Amin became motivated to promote for "Mother's Day". The idea was first ridiculed by president Gamal Abdel Nasser but he eventually accepted it and Mother's Day was first celebrated on the 21st of March 1956. The practice has since been copied by the other Arab countries.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 27. The Dia de la Madre Boliviana was passed into law on November 8, 1927, during the presidency of Hernando Siles Reyes. It commemorates the Battle of Coronilla which took place on May 27, 1812, during the Bolivian War of Independence, in what is now the city of Cochabamba. In this battle, women fighting for the country's independence were slaughtered by the Spanish army. It's not a festive day, but all schools make activities and festivities during this day.
China
In China, Mother's Day is becoming more popular, and carnations are a very popular gift and the most sold type of flower. In 1997 it was set as the day to help poor mothers, especially to remind people of the poor mothers in rural areas such as China's western region. In the People's Daily, the Chinese government's official newspaper, an article explained that "despite originating in the United States, people in China take the holiday with no hesitance because it goes in line with the country's traditional ethics – respect to the elderly and filial piety to parents."
Japan
Mother's Day in Japan was initially commemorated during the ShMwa period as the birthday of Empress KMjun (mother of Emperor Akihito) on 6 March. This was established in 1931 when Imperial Women's Union was organised. In 1937, the first meeting of "Praise Mothers" was held on 8 May, and in around 1949 Japanese society adapted to celebrate Mother's day on the second Sunday of May, the same as many other countries. Nowadays it is rather a marketed holiday, and people typically give flowers such as red carnations and roses as gifts.
Mexico
The government of Álvaro Obregón imported the holiday from the US in 1922, with the newspaper Excélsior making a massive promotion campaign that year. In the mid-1930s the government of Lázaro Cárdenas promoted the holiday as a "patriotic festival". The Cárdenas government tried to use the holiday as a vehicle for various efforts: stressing the importance of families for national development, benefiting from the loyalty that Mexicans had towards their mothers, introducing new morals to Mexican women and reducing the influence that the church and the Catholic right had on them. Soledad Orozco García, the wife of President Manuel Ávila Camacho, promoted the holiday during the 1940s, making it into an important state-sponsored celebration. The 1942 celebration lasted a whole week, including an announcement that all women could reclaim their pawned sewing machines from the Monte de Piedad at no cost. Now the holiday in Mexico is a celebration of both mothers and the Virgin Mary held each year on May 10.
Happy Mother's Day!
http://mothers-day.123holiday.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day
Mother's Day is just around the corner. How can we thank the Woman who will do anything for us, support us, cheer us up, remind us how wonderful we are, while at the same time urging us to be our best? Well, regardless if you have a down to earth mom, a fashion diva mom, outdoorsy mom, sophisticated, exotic, funky, etc. your mom will always love something from your heart.
I researched the history of Mother's Day and thought you would be interested in how it came about and what other countries might do. Don't forget to check out the shop to find a really great, unique, and one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that your mom will love and wear all the time.
The modern Mother's Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April, or May as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday. The ancient Romans also had another holiday, Matronalia, that was dedicated to Juno, though mothers were usually given gifts on this day.
In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."
In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to
memorialize the life work of her mother. Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.
In Europe there were several long standing traditions where a specific Sunday was set aside to honor motherhood and mothers such as Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday celebrations are part of the liturgical calendar in several Christian denominations, including Anglicans, and in the Catholic calendar is marked as Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent to honor the Virgin Mary and your "mother" church. Children and young people who were "in service" (servants in richer households) were given a day off on that date so they could visit their families or, originally, return to their "mother" church. The children would pick wild flowers along the way to place them in the church or to give them to their mothers as gifts.
In most countries, Mother's Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in America. When it was adopted by other countries and cultures, it was given different meanings, associated to different events (religious, historical or legendary), and celebrated in a different date or dates.Some countries already had existing celebrations honoring motherhood, and their celebrations have adopted several external characteristics from the US holiday, like giving carnations and other presents to your own mother.
Here are a few countries and how they celebrate:
Arab World
Mother's Day in most of Arab countries is celebrated on March 21. It was introduced in Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin in his book (Smiling America) 1943. The idea was overlooked at the time, but when Amin heard the story of a widowed mother who devoted her whole life to raise her son until he became a doctor, got married and left without showing her any gratitude, Amin became motivated to promote for "Mother's Day". The idea was first ridiculed by president Gamal Abdel Nasser but he eventually accepted it and Mother's Day was first celebrated on the 21st of March 1956. The practice has since been copied by the other Arab countries.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 27. The Dia de la Madre Boliviana was passed into law on November 8, 1927, during the presidency of Hernando Siles Reyes. It commemorates the Battle of Coronilla which took place on May 27, 1812, during the Bolivian War of Independence, in what is now the city of Cochabamba. In this battle, women fighting for the country's independence were slaughtered by the Spanish army. It's not a festive day, but all schools make activities and festivities during this day.
China
In China, Mother's Day is becoming more popular, and carnations are a very popular gift and the most sold type of flower. In 1997 it was set as the day to help poor mothers, especially to remind people of the poor mothers in rural areas such as China's western region. In the People's Daily, the Chinese government's official newspaper, an article explained that "despite originating in the United States, people in China take the holiday with no hesitance because it goes in line with the country's traditional ethics – respect to the elderly and filial piety to parents."
Japan
Mother's Day in Japan was initially commemorated during the ShMwa period as the birthday of Empress KMjun (mother of Emperor Akihito) on 6 March. This was established in 1931 when Imperial Women's Union was organised. In 1937, the first meeting of "Praise Mothers" was held on 8 May, and in around 1949 Japanese society adapted to celebrate Mother's day on the second Sunday of May, the same as many other countries. Nowadays it is rather a marketed holiday, and people typically give flowers such as red carnations and roses as gifts.
Mexico
The government of Álvaro Obregón imported the holiday from the US in 1922, with the newspaper Excélsior making a massive promotion campaign that year. In the mid-1930s the government of Lázaro Cárdenas promoted the holiday as a "patriotic festival". The Cárdenas government tried to use the holiday as a vehicle for various efforts: stressing the importance of families for national development, benefiting from the loyalty that Mexicans had towards their mothers, introducing new morals to Mexican women and reducing the influence that the church and the Catholic right had on them. Soledad Orozco García, the wife of President Manuel Ávila Camacho, promoted the holiday during the 1940s, making it into an important state-sponsored celebration. The 1942 celebration lasted a whole week, including an announcement that all women could reclaim their pawned sewing machines from the Monte de Piedad at no cost. Now the holiday in Mexico is a celebration of both mothers and the Virgin Mary held each year on May 10.
Happy Mother's Day!
http://mothers-day.123holiday.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Pearl- June Birthstone Contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios
Pearls – June birthstone and a Bridal Classic
A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle)
of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.
Valuable pearls occur in the wild, but they are very rare. Cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Pearls from the sea are valued more highly than freshwater pearls. Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past they were also stitched onto lavish clothing. Pearls have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines, or in paint formulations.
I love pearls and have many designs in the Bridal Collection as well as many
everyday designs. The range of shapes and colors of pearls make them one of the most versatile gems in your jewelry box. Check out my designs with button, rice, coin, and keshi shapes.
Happy Birthday June!
Shannon
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl
Please do visit CanterburyVinesStudios
A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle)
of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.
Valuable pearls occur in the wild, but they are very rare. Cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Pearls from the sea are valued more highly than freshwater pearls. Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past they were also stitched onto lavish clothing. Pearls have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines, or in paint formulations.
I love pearls and have many designs in the Bridal Collection as well as many
everyday designs. The range of shapes and colors of pearls make them one of the most versatile gems in your jewelry box. Check out my designs with button, rice, coin, and keshi shapes.
Happy Birthday June!
Shannon
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl
Please do visit CanterburyVinesStudios
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Congratulations GemLover!
Your Mothers Day entry was voted the Winner!
Here is some information about this piece:
The frame for the cabochon (druzy quartz) is made from 9 gauge half round half hard Sterling Silver wire formed and soldered to mimic the shape of the cabochon. The bail, jump ring and prong setting for the cabochon are all made from 18 gauge square half hard Sterling Silver wire. This was crafted as my Mother's Day present for my wife. When she saw the cabochon in my shop, she said that it was hers and to please do something with it for her. So I did.
Please do visit GemLovers' Art Fire Studio
Here is some information about this piece:
The frame for the cabochon (druzy quartz) is made from 9 gauge half round half hard Sterling Silver wire formed and soldered to mimic the shape of the cabochon. The bail, jump ring and prong setting for the cabochon are all made from 18 gauge square half hard Sterling Silver wire. This was crafted as my Mother's Day present for my wife. When she saw the cabochon in my shop, she said that it was hers and to please do something with it for her. So I did.
Please do visit GemLovers' Art Fire Studio
Friday, April 15, 2011
Mothers Day Challenge
Mothers Day is just weeks away! Artisan Jeweler Guilds April Challenge was to make a jewel for Mom. Please choose your favorite in the poll in the right side bar. BUT it won't be easy!!
Silver River Jewelry
Handmade Victorian Style Lampwork Earrings
Catcophony
Copper Sheild Pendant
Canterbury Vines Studios
Rainbow Obsidian and Tourmalted Quartz Bracelet
2 Good Claymates
Summer Garden Necklace
WiresNPliers
Minimus No8, Tendrils and Ringlets
Gem Lover
Drusy Quart Sterling Pendant
Lukelys
Silver Bangle with Sapphire Enamel
Take Courage Designs
Triple Heart Amethyst Pendant
Kaths Elegant Accessories
Flower Fantasy Statement Necklace
Silver River Jewelry
Handmade Victorian Style Lampwork Earrings
Catcophony
Copper Sheild Pendant
Canterbury Vines Studios
Rainbow Obsidian and Tourmalted Quartz Bracelet
2 Good Claymates
Summer Garden Necklace
WiresNPliers
Minimus No8, Tendrils and Ringlets
Gem Lover
Drusy Quart Sterling Pendant
Lukelys
Silver Bangle with Sapphire Enamel
Take Courage Designs
Triple Heart Amethyst Pendant
Kaths Elegant Accessories
Flower Fantasy Statement Necklace
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Meet amdesignsbyangela
My name is Angela McKenna of AMDesignsbyAngela Artisan Studio. My business name actually started as AM Designs, but when it came to a web presence that domain name was not available..well it was for like $1500...so I added "by Angela".and started to build my online identity.
I started making jewelry in early 2006 when I decided that I wanted some semi-precious stone bead necklaces. I figured I could make myself and not need to spend retail prices. The first thing I did was order a large assortment of beads, got a stringing book, the necessary tools and supplies and I was off...I have never looked back since. I easily became addicted to everything about creating jewelry, especially learning new techniques. I have learned a lot, but I still have a lot to learn. In the meantime I am happy to be creating and doing that with attention to workmanship and quality.
I am a creative soul...I have worked in other creative enterprises as my primary source of income...designing and merchandising men's apparel, interior decorating and graphic design. My hobbies have included pottery, both wheel-thrown and hand built and card making.
I really love using sheet metals...it's the manipulation of the metal that gives me the most satisfaction...adding dimension and changing its form and texture. Working with wire is a favorite method to create with...I love weaving wire and using a variety of wire techniques in a design to create contrasting textures...wire work is a very serene and stress relieving activity.
I can't pick one favorite item in my shop...however, it is usually the last piece I made. My favorite type of item to create is one that enables me incorporate a variety of skills.
I am inspired by everything I see...nature, architecture, people, paintings, fabrics, industry...it all intrigues me and influences what I create.
I don't know how interesting or unique it is, but I am primarily self-taught. I haven't taken any classes. I have done tons of research online, read many books and magazines and networked online and in person with amazingly talented and generous jewelry artists. In fact I am an administrator of one of the biggest jewelry forums online...Starving Jewelry Artists...our mission is to share our experience and knowledge and support our community from beginners to masters.
Enjoy what you create...don't compare yourself to other artists...the joy is in the process.
Find me on the web:
Art Fire Studio
AM Designs by Angela
AM Jewelry Designs
facebook
Starving Jewelry Artists
I started making jewelry in early 2006 when I decided that I wanted some semi-precious stone bead necklaces. I figured I could make myself and not need to spend retail prices. The first thing I did was order a large assortment of beads, got a stringing book, the necessary tools and supplies and I was off...I have never looked back since. I easily became addicted to everything about creating jewelry, especially learning new techniques. I have learned a lot, but I still have a lot to learn. In the meantime I am happy to be creating and doing that with attention to workmanship and quality.
I am a creative soul...I have worked in other creative enterprises as my primary source of income...designing and merchandising men's apparel, interior decorating and graphic design. My hobbies have included pottery, both wheel-thrown and hand built and card making.
I really love using sheet metals...it's the manipulation of the metal that gives me the most satisfaction...adding dimension and changing its form and texture. Working with wire is a favorite method to create with...I love weaving wire and using a variety of wire techniques in a design to create contrasting textures...wire work is a very serene and stress relieving activity.
I can't pick one favorite item in my shop...however, it is usually the last piece I made. My favorite type of item to create is one that enables me incorporate a variety of skills.
I am inspired by everything I see...nature, architecture, people, paintings, fabrics, industry...it all intrigues me and influences what I create.
I don't know how interesting or unique it is, but I am primarily self-taught. I haven't taken any classes. I have done tons of research online, read many books and magazines and networked online and in person with amazingly talented and generous jewelry artists. In fact I am an administrator of one of the biggest jewelry forums online...Starving Jewelry Artists...our mission is to share our experience and knowledge and support our community from beginners to masters.
Enjoy what you create...don't compare yourself to other artists...the joy is in the process.
Find me on the web:
Art Fire Studio
AM Designs by Angela
AM Jewelry Designs
Starving Jewelry Artists
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Submitting your creations
Contributed by DivaPixie
In April 2009, a friend and fellow jewelry artist walked into my classroom after the dismissal bell had rung for the day. She had with her a copy of a magazine called Bead Trends.
"I think you should submit photos to this publication."
"Really?"
"They published my things and your wire work is way better than my bead stringing. Submit something. See what happens."
She dropped the April issue on my desk, smiled and walked out again.
I flipped through the magazine and saw all the wonderful things that people had created. Could my pieces really compete with these seasoned artisans? By the following morning I had decided to investigate the magazine further. I went to their website and poked around a bit. ALL their photographs were submitted by artists, some of whom design and create jewelry for a living and those who like me are hobby jewelry designers.
I read up on their requirements for submission and decided to try it. I submitted three photos of pieces I had created and waited to hear back. It was so simple. All I had to do was send an email to the address listed with my name, contact info, a description of the piece in question and a photo of the piece. Simple.
Amazingly, they accepted one of my rings for publication! I was thrilled!
The editor wrote a letter explaining that I was to send the ring to their company in a secure box, well wrapped and insured to them within a specified period of time. They would then have their photographers photograph the item and then would send it back when the issue with my piece was released. They also sent two copies of the magazine as well as a $20 certificate for me to spend at Fire Mountain Gems. I thought this was a great deal!
I have since submitted and had several other jewelry pieces accepted for publication, including a steampunk inspired necklace featured in this month's issue.
I highly recommend this publication for great jewelry ideas as well as a means for getting pieces published. It is great PR and super easy to submit pieces for consideration. They are currently accepting pieces for the October 2011 issue. You can find the requirements and categories for submissions as well as upcoming issues at:
http://scrapbooktrendsmag.com/submissions.html
In April 2009, a friend and fellow jewelry artist walked into my classroom after the dismissal bell had rung for the day. She had with her a copy of a magazine called Bead Trends.
"I think you should submit photos to this publication."
"Really?"
"They published my things and your wire work is way better than my bead stringing. Submit something. See what happens."
She dropped the April issue on my desk, smiled and walked out again.
I flipped through the magazine and saw all the wonderful things that people had created. Could my pieces really compete with these seasoned artisans? By the following morning I had decided to investigate the magazine further. I went to their website and poked around a bit. ALL their photographs were submitted by artists, some of whom design and create jewelry for a living and those who like me are hobby jewelry designers.
I read up on their requirements for submission and decided to try it. I submitted three photos of pieces I had created and waited to hear back. It was so simple. All I had to do was send an email to the address listed with my name, contact info, a description of the piece in question and a photo of the piece. Simple.
Amazingly, they accepted one of my rings for publication! I was thrilled!
The editor wrote a letter explaining that I was to send the ring to their company in a secure box, well wrapped and insured to them within a specified period of time. They would then have their photographers photograph the item and then would send it back when the issue with my piece was released. They also sent two copies of the magazine as well as a $20 certificate for me to spend at Fire Mountain Gems. I thought this was a great deal!
I have since submitted and had several other jewelry pieces accepted for publication, including a steampunk inspired necklace featured in this month's issue.
I highly recommend this publication for great jewelry ideas as well as a means for getting pieces published. It is great PR and super easy to submit pieces for consideration. They are currently accepting pieces for the October 2011 issue. You can find the requirements and categories for submissions as well as upcoming issues at:
http://scrapbooktrendsmag.com/submissions.html
Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life
contributed by IKStuartDesigns
Many of us who make things with our hands aspire to reach the level of expertise where those who admire our work will refer to us as being a “craftsman”. I would like to share with you a very interesting article that I read this morning. Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life is an opinion piece written by Tim Bryce that discusses the reasons for the decline of craftsmanship in America, defines the attributes of a craftsman, and identifies the differences between craftsmanship, workmanship, and quality. The article goes on to offer suggestions for methods to create craftsmen in the American workforce. I found it to be a very thought provoking read.
I wish to convey my gratitude to Hans Meevis for posting the link to this article on Orchid and to Tim Bryce for writing a thoughtful and well-reasoned article.
What do you think about this article? I'd like to hear your thoughts!
Many of us who make things with our hands aspire to reach the level of expertise where those who admire our work will refer to us as being a “craftsman”. I would like to share with you a very interesting article that I read this morning. Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life is an opinion piece written by Tim Bryce that discusses the reasons for the decline of craftsmanship in America, defines the attributes of a craftsman, and identifies the differences between craftsmanship, workmanship, and quality. The article goes on to offer suggestions for methods to create craftsmen in the American workforce. I found it to be a very thought provoking read.
I wish to convey my gratitude to Hans Meevis for posting the link to this article on Orchid and to Tim Bryce for writing a thoughtful and well-reasoned article.
What do you think about this article? I'd like to hear your thoughts!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Ammonoid Fossil Jewelry
Contributed by evgems
What is ammonite, and why is it in my jewelry?
Ammonoids (more commonly known as ammonites) are extinct marine invertebrate, which thrived in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras, from 400 to 65 million years ago.
These types of fossils are more related to living Coleoids (Octopus, Squid, and Cuttlefish), than they are to the living Nautilus species which they appear to resemble.
Ammonoid fossil shells are usually discovered in spiral form, but a few helical-spiral and non-spiral forms have been unearthed.
This is what an ammonoid probably looked like.
Ammonid (ammonite) fossils are found all over the world, but most of ours are discovered in Madagascar.
Because different species of ammonites lived during different time periods, scientists can use these fossils to determine the relative age of the rocks in which they are found.
That is why ammonites are known as “index fossils”.
Since ammonites lived exclusively in water, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric oceans.
Ammonoids are also known as ammonites because the name was inspired by the spiral shape of their fossilized shells, which resemble coiled rams’ horns.
In 79 AD. Pliny the Elder named these fossils Ammonis Cornua, meaning “Horns of Ammon”, because the Egyptian God Ammon was typically pictured with ram’s horns.
Often the name of an ammonite genus ends in -ceras, which is Greek (κέρας) for “horn”.
Various ammonoid shapes
from “Kunstformen der Natur” (Artforms of Nature) by Ernst Haeckel 1899.
In medieval Europe, ammonite fossils were thought to be petrified coiled snakes, so were called “Snakestones” or “Serpentstones”.
They were thought to be evidence for the actions of saints such as Saint Hilda and Saint Patrick, and were trusted to have healing powers.
Traders would often carve or paint the head of a snake onto the empty end of an ammonoid fossil, and then offer them for sale to the public.
Ammonites found near the Gandaki river in Nepal are known as saligrams, and are believed by Hindus to be a manifestation of their God Vishnu.
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Ammolite Gemstones
Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.
Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.
Ammonite used in Jewelry
Today enlightened humans wear fossils as a means of staying young.
Even if you don’t feel the religious or healing powers held within ammonite, you can’t ignore it’s natural beauty.
Ammonite Jewelry is a great gift for anyone.
Jewelry made with ammonites is a great investment for your art jewelry collection.
See some of the amazing ammonite jewlery that we have for sale today.
If you would like to know even more about the fossils that we use in our handmade jewlery, then I recommend this book.
What is ammonite, and why is it in my jewelry?
Ammonoids (more commonly known as ammonites) are extinct marine invertebrate, which thrived in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras, from 400 to 65 million years ago.
These types of fossils are more related to living Coleoids (Octopus, Squid, and Cuttlefish), than they are to the living Nautilus species which they appear to resemble.
Ammonoid fossil shells are usually discovered in spiral form, but a few helical-spiral and non-spiral forms have been unearthed.
This is what an ammonoid probably looked like.
Ammonid (ammonite) fossils are found all over the world, but most of ours are discovered in Madagascar.
Because different species of ammonites lived during different time periods, scientists can use these fossils to determine the relative age of the rocks in which they are found.
That is why ammonites are known as “index fossils”.
Since ammonites lived exclusively in water, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric oceans.
Ammonoids are also known as ammonites because the name was inspired by the spiral shape of their fossilized shells, which resemble coiled rams’ horns.
In 79 AD. Pliny the Elder named these fossils Ammonis Cornua, meaning “Horns of Ammon”, because the Egyptian God Ammon was typically pictured with ram’s horns.
Often the name of an ammonite genus ends in -ceras, which is Greek (κέρας) for “horn”.
Various ammonoid shapes
from “Kunstformen der Natur” (Artforms of Nature) by Ernst Haeckel 1899.
In medieval Europe, ammonite fossils were thought to be petrified coiled snakes, so were called “Snakestones” or “Serpentstones”.
They were thought to be evidence for the actions of saints such as Saint Hilda and Saint Patrick, and were trusted to have healing powers.
Traders would often carve or paint the head of a snake onto the empty end of an ammonoid fossil, and then offer them for sale to the public.
Ammonites found near the Gandaki river in Nepal are known as saligrams, and are believed by Hindus to be a manifestation of their God Vishnu.
.
Ammolite Gemstones
Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.
Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.Ammonite used in Jewelry
Today enlightened humans wear fossils as a means of staying young.
Even if you don’t feel the religious or healing powers held within ammonite, you can’t ignore it’s natural beauty.
Ammonite Jewelry is a great gift for anyone.
Jewelry made with ammonites is a great investment for your art jewelry collection.
See some of the amazing ammonite jewlery that we have for sale today.
If you would like to know even more about the fossils that we use in our handmade jewlery, then I recommend this book.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My Classes at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
contributed by Julie Sanford
A few months ago I was planning my trip to attend the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) conference in Seattle. I was getting excited about who I would see and asked a colleague if he was planning to go, his answer surprised me. He said he had been to several and although the conferences were fun, they didn’t offer much for his professional development as a goldsmith. He suggested using my resources ($) to attend a Masters Symposium class at Revere and I looked into it. I have to admit, I have been a jewelry maker for over 20 years and have never taken any formal goldsmithing classes, the Master Symposium classes looked especially intimidating. Trying to figure out where I would get the ‘biggest bang for my buck’ and where my skill set would fit in, I opted to sign up for two fabrication classes at Revere. I am so glad I did!
The first was Fabrication 5, taught by Vasken Tanielian. In three days we made a crocheted sterling chain with a fabricated barrel clasp and two basket settings. I had never measured so much in my life! I had to get my own set of digital calipers…good thing Otto Frei was right next door.
The second class was Fabrication 6, taught by Alan Revere. In this class we got to choose our projects from a box that contained close to a hundred pieces of jewelry. There were rings of all kinds, chains, complicated clasps, bracelets and hinged pieces. Tough to choose! I made a hollow donut ring, a gallery ring with a tapered bezel and started a third ring, another hollow construction. It was a great learning experience, each student was working on different projects and I tried to watch every demonstration. Most of the students had been together all the way through the program and it was fun to watch them interact with each other, their medium and the teachers.
Alan Revere is very patient, encouraging precision and efficiency every step of the way. He is also an excellent teacher and expert goldsmith. I learned so many new bench tricks and techniques. I can’t wait to see how my work will evolve from here!
.
Whether you are new to fabrication or a seasoned bench jeweler, I highly recommend classes at Revere. The office staff and teachers are friendly, welcoming and professional, the facility is well equipped and the curriculum is extremely comprehensive.
BTW, Hanging out for a week in San Francisco was super fun too!
I am so glad I took my friend’s advice and went to Revere. I look forward to taking the Masters Symposium Classes there in the future. To see this year’s Master class schedule visit: http://www.revereacademy.com/classes/symposium/
To see a few more pictures of my trip visit my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Sanford/37404771309
PS, I still want to go to the SNAG conference. :)
A few months ago I was planning my trip to attend the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) conference in Seattle. I was getting excited about who I would see and asked a colleague if he was planning to go, his answer surprised me. He said he had been to several and although the conferences were fun, they didn’t offer much for his professional development as a goldsmith. He suggested using my resources ($) to attend a Masters Symposium class at Revere and I looked into it. I have to admit, I have been a jewelry maker for over 20 years and have never taken any formal goldsmithing classes, the Master Symposium classes looked especially intimidating. Trying to figure out where I would get the ‘biggest bang for my buck’ and where my skill set would fit in, I opted to sign up for two fabrication classes at Revere. I am so glad I did!
The first was Fabrication 5, taught by Vasken Tanielian. In three days we made a crocheted sterling chain with a fabricated barrel clasp and two basket settings. I had never measured so much in my life! I had to get my own set of digital calipers…good thing Otto Frei was right next door.
The second class was Fabrication 6, taught by Alan Revere. In this class we got to choose our projects from a box that contained close to a hundred pieces of jewelry. There were rings of all kinds, chains, complicated clasps, bracelets and hinged pieces. Tough to choose! I made a hollow donut ring, a gallery ring with a tapered bezel and started a third ring, another hollow construction. It was a great learning experience, each student was working on different projects and I tried to watch every demonstration. Most of the students had been together all the way through the program and it was fun to watch them interact with each other, their medium and the teachers.
Alan Revere is very patient, encouraging precision and efficiency every step of the way. He is also an excellent teacher and expert goldsmith. I learned so many new bench tricks and techniques. I can’t wait to see how my work will evolve from here!
.
Whether you are new to fabrication or a seasoned bench jeweler, I highly recommend classes at Revere. The office staff and teachers are friendly, welcoming and professional, the facility is well equipped and the curriculum is extremely comprehensive.BTW, Hanging out for a week in San Francisco was super fun too!
I am so glad I took my friend’s advice and went to Revere. I look forward to taking the Masters Symposium Classes there in the future. To see this year’s Master class schedule visit: http://www.revereacademy.com/classes/symposium/
To see a few more pictures of my trip visit my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Sanford/37404771309
PS, I still want to go to the SNAG conference. :)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Meet ORefined
My name is Katrina Lum and my studio is called O'Refined (pronounced Ore Refined). My husband came up with the idea because I love working with metal (ore) and I try to make my jewelry look elegant (refined).
I am very new to jewelry making and have working on it now for about 7 months.
I was in the Navy for several years and left to raise my first child. My husband remained in and so I became a military spouse for a decade. I homeschooled for the past 8 years and this last fall my children decided to go to public school. Since I had all this free time now on my hands, I started making jewelry. My husband convinced me to start a business from it, so here I am.
I love bronze the most. I like to say it looks like gold with a tan. It's just a beautiful color to me and is so strong and polishes wonderfully, I can't help but love it. I also work with copper, brass, argentium, and sterling.
I love making handmade chain. I make all kinds from viking knit to tiny linked and hammered chain.
I'm getting into metal clay work now and am really inspired by Hadar Jacobson, Holly Gage, and Liz Hall.
I don't know if I'm all that interesting, but I strive to make all of my pieces completely handmade. All of my metal starts as wire and sheet and I make every single link and ring by hand that goes into my pieces. I'm going to work with glass, ceramic, and polymers so all of my beads will be handmade as well.
Have fun! If you're not enjoying what you're doing.....it's just not worth it. I feel so incredibly blessed to be working on something I truly love.....how many people get to say that in life?
You can find ORefined online:
ORefined.com
ORefined Blog
ORefind Art Fire Studio
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