Linda Kelly Designs

Christmas Shopping

2011-11-27T16:09:00.001-08:00

I have finally taken pictures of some of my latest pieces I've designed. I'm making some new things incorporating brass elements and copper sheet metal. I'm also using lead free pewter! Hope you like the new items!

A Day Teaching Metal Folding

2011-10-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today I taught a class on form folding and riveting. It was so much fun....I don't get to play with metal as much since my son has started playing football. But I did get a chance to make my small group girls at church key rings for their birthdays. I made four, one each for the 3 girls who have a birthday in October, and one for the girl with a summer birthday! I love meeting with these girls at church every Wednesday night, they are so fun to hang with!

MIA - But I'm back

2011-09-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to have any time to blog or facebook since my son started school and I started back to work! I really am going to try to do better....really I am. I did however, make a few pieces of jewelry these last couple of weeks. The bracelet and earrings were made using brass that I had etched previously. The key necklace is using some components from Tim Holtz scrapbooking line!

New Pieces of Jewelry

2011-08-23T16:14:00.001-07:00

This copper butterfly is riveted onto a brass square with the word "dream" stamped on copper and riveted below the butterfly!

This is a necklace made from copper, a verdigris pantina applied and a riveted component created by my dear friend Maddie!

This is a copper cross that has a blue patina added hanging from a copper chain.

My son has been in school for a week and I have been off work so I've had lots of fun making jewelry. Tomorrow....back to the office :)

This is

113 Degrees Today!

2011-08-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I was here, in Silverton, Colorado and yes that is snow in the background. Today, it's 113 degrees and I think my sandals melted a little on the concrete today! My son looks at me and says "why can't we live in Colorado?" Great question!

Lovin The Country!

2011-07-01T10:14:00.001-07:00

Sam and I had a great time in Kansas visiting my dear friend Deborah Georing of Prairie Emporium. She taught me some new tricks in jewelry making (pictures to follow) and of course my city boy LOVED the country. There was 4-wheeling every day and Sam loved every minute! Thanks Deb for a wonderful time!

CAN YOU SAY "EARRING CARDS"

2011-05-09T14:31:00.001-07:00

My dear "artistic" partner, Terry Zumwalt, had the most beautiful earring cards and she made these up for me. I came home, glued them to cardboard, glued a shiny little stud to the card and viola', I have pretty classy looking earring cards. Thanks Terry!

Getting ready for Blue Dome, can't wait!

Gearing Up for Blue Dome!

2011-05-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get all my new pieces finished and ready to show for this years Blue Dome. Blue Dome is a local "mayfest" in which local artists display their arts. It is located at 2nd and Elgin and it is so worthwhile to see. It coincides with MayFest. Have you ever had soooo many ideas but just not enough time, well that's where I'm at. Back to my metal.......

Saturday's Soldering Class

2011-04-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

My talented friend/teaching partner taught a soldering links class yesterday and I'm always amazed at the creative ideas our students come up with. We're also getting ready to show some of our pieces and class schedule at the upcoming Bead Blast. Hope to see you there!

Copper, Friends, Folded Metal ... what a blast!

2011-03-01T15:01:00.001-08:00

Form Folded Copper Bangle. I taught this class last Saturday at the Beadles in Broken Arrow and had so much fun. Of course it helps when the class is full of friends who are artistically minded and love having a good time. I have really met some amazing people teaching at the Beadles and have such a good time sharing what I learn and learning what others share. These bangles are addictive forming. I think I'll try soldering on a bezel cup and adding a bezel to one. Have you ever folded metal? Would love to see what you've made!

Sari Silk adds Pop!

2011-02-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

I Love using Sari Silk to add "pop" to my jewelry pieces. This necklace was fun, I hand stamped some 24 gauge copper, then placed it in some liver of sulfer to antique it then added some charms. It was so fun to make! I can't wait for next Saturday. I'm teaching a form folding class at the Beadles next week and I'm so excited. Teresa at the Bead shop made a form folded cuff using 24 gauge brass and it turned out so awesome, think I'll try to make one using Brass myself!

Color Drenched Metal

2011-02-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

I purchased some patina and the tutorial from MissFicklemedia.com called "Color Drenched Metal". I love the colors and the look of coloring the metal. I then riveted some lattice on top of the cross. Lovin the way it turned out.

I Love Resin!

2011-02-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

I so enjoy working with Resin. I taught a class on how to pour resin and prepare your materials and I always put together some besels for myself so we can use up all the resin we mix. I've got some ideas on what I want to do with these pendants and I can't wait to start working on them. Since I live in Oklahoma, the city is shut down due to 18" of snow fall so I guess I have no excuse on not making some jewelry pieces. I've also make a copper stamped necklace and I'll try to post that soon!

4 Days Off!

2011-01-23T15:08:00.001-08:00

Four days off.....Thursday and Friday due to a winter storm. I think I left the house twice..so cozy inside when there's snow covering the ground. And of course my son had a blast with no school, lots of snow and a new sled! I did work on some resin for my next class I'm teaching at the Beadles! So much fun!

Learning New Things!

2011-01-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Boy, time has gotten away from me. I haven't made one piece of jewelry this year, but I did teach a riveting class this last Saturday and the class was so fun and the girls did such an awesome job. I'm going to take some of the pictures to the Beadles to show off their work! What I have been doing is working on my new camera and photoshop elements. I'm overwhelmed with it all but I'm starting a photography class Monday evening and I'm doing a Photoshop Elements free mini-skinny class by Kim Klassen that is helping me learn photoshop elements. Having fun, learning a lot but haven't been posting. I'll try to do better! Oh, and my husband had a completely new knee replacement so he's keeping me busy as well!

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-25T16:00:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone is having a very Merry CHRISTmas! We're enjoying the falling snow and visiting with family! Nothing like a White Christmas!

Koi Pond Finished

2010-12-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

We finally got the koi pond finished......although it looks somewhat ugly now that every living plant is dead I'm sure next spring it will look great. Now we have to go pick out little koi babies!

Christmas is Coming!

2010-12-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

I honestly can't believe it's December 5th. I had two open houses within a couple weeks and was so busy that Christmas just sort of slipped up. I haven't even begun to do any Christmas shopping yet. Have some ideas but better get them into action. Here's a picture of Sam being his silly self while decorating our Christmas tree. He is so much fun, I can't imagine Christmas without the excitement of a child and without the birth of Jesus!

Two Days Until OPEN HOUSE

2010-11-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well, ready or not my party is here in two days! I get so excited beforehand that I can hardly think of anything else. Here are some latest pieces that I'll show.

Gearing up for a Party!

2010-11-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for my open house party on November 18th. I've got most invitations in the mail and a few e-mails sent out. Time to show some more goodies showing at the Party:

Party Time!

2010-10-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for a couple of showing of my jewelry so I'm going to show some pics of my stuff and forgive me if you've seen these before.....

Ceramic leaf bead with copper chain and silk cording running through the chain.
Mix metal necklace (copper, silver and brass)

A long beaded necklace with the word play set in resin

A copper heart with sterling silver words riveted to the front A sterling silver disc with stamped words of your choice

Fun in Kansas

2010-10-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Fall is Here!

2010-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us and I am soooo happy. It seems to go from 105 to 70 overnight! I'm loving the cooler weather so I'm not complaining....hope you enjoy it as well.

Decisions Decisions.............& Pendants!

2010-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I had a birthday Friday! No, I'm not telling my age! My girlfriends took me out to a really nice restaurant on the River and I had a great meal! Saturday morning I taught a resin class and as you can see from the pictures, I've got lots of cool resin pendants ready to be made into jewelry pieces.

Now, my decision. I can't decide between purchasing a new Canon Rebel TS1 or Canon Rebel TS2? I went out to Best Buy to purchase the Rebel TS1 and of course there was a professional photographer I was directed to and he told me how awesome the movie feature on the new TS2 was. Well, it was about $175 MORE than I wanted to spend and I just couldn't decide so I walked out WITHOUT a new camera. If anyone out there has one of these camera's I would love to hear from you. Do I REALLY need HD quality movies from my camera? Will it get cheaper closer to Christmas. I hate indecisiveness and I'm bombarded by it right now!

Bezels & Etching

2010-09-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

I have been sooooo busy making bezels and etching. A couple of my friends that I teach jewelry making with came over Friday night and we had tons of stamps between us and we stamped and etched all evening. It was so much fun. Then I made some of these bezels on Sunday and soldered them together tonight. I placed my etched pieces in liver of sulfer and ran them through the tumbler and they came out so cool. I'll get a picture of them all etched and finished. I'm teaching an Ice Resin class this Saturday so I needed to get some samples together. I have been having so much fun.......but my house is a mess!!!! :)

Loving the Weather :)

2010-09-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

We had some cooler weather blow in last night and the weather is so beautiful. Sam and I went walking the neighbor barefoot in the dark and it was so much fun....no sweating going on. I've got plans for camping tonight then back to making some jewelry....thinking about etching some more and making some Resin Pendants. I've got a class coming up in a couple of weeks and want to make lots of samples to show the students.

Hope you enjoy this 3 day weekend!

School "music" lessons Begin!

2010-08-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sam has decided to take "Trumpet" this year at school. He has never had a lick of music instruction, unfortunately, we are not musically blessed in this family! Perhaps Sam will change that. I didn't realize just how Loud a Trumpet could sound.....I'm off to buy some noise cancelling head phones....or at least ear plugs! At least he is enjoying school still....praise God for That!

Going to Middle School!

2010-08-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

First Day of Middle School. First day of going to a school mom doesn't know any teacher. First day of riding a bus. First day of an entire new year. I couldn't wait for Sam to get home that first day and when I asked him how his first day of middle school was..he couldn't stop talking about all the Food Choices! That's all he talked about...they have french fries, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, ice cream, Izzi's and much much more. I better deposit another lunch check into his account soon!

I did get a few jewelry pieces made. I also taught another soldering class at the local Bead Shop on Saturday and that was fun! I also got to etch some metal with my girlfriends....so much fun. There is so much to do and I now have to go back to work as. That's ok, I've got to pay for my "jewelry habit"!

New Pieces

2010-08-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making these pieces. I work so much in metal work that simply stringing some beads felt like putting on an old glove! I also took a "herringbone" stitch class yesterday and really enjoyed it. I think I'll try making a bracelet and see if I enjoy bead weaving as much as stringing and silversmithing! Stay tuned!

Resin Pendants

2010-07-30T12:42:00.001-07:00

I've been on a "Making Resin Pendants" spree this week and it was loads of fun. Then I went to my dear friend Terry's and we played with Solder, Copper, Brass, Fire.....and almost burnt down her kitchen (we only burnt her cutting board actually). But we sure had fun! I think she wants to "play" at my house next time!

Saturday Teaching Class!

2010-07-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

Taught all day Saturday at the Beadles and these students made some beautiful bracelets. We (my friend Terry and I) taught soldering, stamping metal, making jump rings and that gorgeous clasp! It was so much fun! If you live close to Broken Arrow, OK check out the classes at the Beadles....they are always teaching something fun in jewelry making!

Day at the Zoo

2010-07-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

My son standing in front of a centipede poster at the Oklahoma City Zoo!I'm glad that my job allows me to be home with my son during the summer! Although he wears me out, we do have a lot of fun together. I don't however, get much jewelry made! Plenty of time to make jewelry, he's growing up too fast so I'm going to enjoy these times he still likes to hang out with me! I know all too soon it won't be "cool" to hang with MOM so I'll take it while I can get it!

Riverwalk Festival

2010-06-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

The 2nd Saturday of Riverwalk Art Festival was yesterday and it was so much fun. It was hot and sticky but I sold several pieces of jewelry and had fun hanging with my friends. Need to make new items and can't wait to use some new beads I just picked up at the bead show last weekend!

Where Has Time Gone?!

2010-06-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

It's been a month since my last post....my son is out of school for the summer and he is keeping me quite busy! I'm blessed that he's healthy and active and all BOY. We have 15 fish, 2 water frogs, 1 bull frog, 1 large turtle....all on our back deck since school has been out! He's taking a moment to pet the cat...it's nice to relax! More jewelry to come soon!

Only 5 Days Until . . . . . . .

2010-05-08T10:11:00.001-07:00

Only 5 days until Mayfest/Local Art Festival. I've been making several new pieces of jewelry and new earring cards .... it's in the presentation! I will be at the "Brady" District of Mayfest so I'm hoping anyone who reads this and is local will stop by.

Jewelry for Mayfest

2010-05-01T19:53:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for Mayfest! Last year was my first year at the "Blue Dome" and this year it's split up and I'll actually be in the "Brady District". Come and see our booth, I'm sharing booths with some really amazing jewelry artists! It's so much fun to be there and there are so many talented artists locally that will be setting up their artwork! Should be another great time!

Spring is Here!

2010-04-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year. Flowers beginning to bloom and time to start planting some new plants. I need to design my back yard, we're going to put in a small water feature but I don't have a plan made up yet! Landscaping is not my talent!

How Do You Edit Your Photos?

2010-04-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

I etched these pieces about a month ago and finally made them into necklaces. The longer one is to be wrapped around the neck twice! How do you edit your pictures before adding to the blog?? I have Photoshop Elements 8 and by the time I figure out how to use this photo editing program......I'll probably be done creating jewelry!!!

New Necklace

2010-04-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Made a new necklace and several pair of earrings which I'll add in a couple days. I'm really trying to be better at updating this blog. Today, Easter, was a beautiful day. Besides celebrating Jesus, the weather here is perfect.. not too hot, a gentle breeze. I wish we had more days of this kind of weather!

Who Knew Mud Could Be So Fun!

2010-04-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

That's my son and his friend Morgan from across the street ..... playing in the mud. They played for hours in the mud, they even made mud pottery! You know, I'm just one of those mothers who expects her son to play in the mud, such an innocent moment!

Two Posts in One Week -- it's a miracle;)

2010-03-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, there was a bead show in town and I ventured out into the cold and snowing weather....but it was worth it. Actually, I didn't find the big chunky gemstones I was looking for ..... but I found lots of pretty pearls to use and have already made a couple necklaces. Going to a bead show is like sending a candyholic into a candy store....oh, does that make me a "Beadaholic"?

I'm Still Here!

2010-03-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a while....I just don't know where the time goes. This week has been Spring Break so we drove to Illinois for Sam to visit his Grandparents... An only grandchild needs to visit their only living grandparents as often as possible!

But I'm back I'm ready to get beading/etching/stamping...you name it. Plus Saturday there is a bead show so can't wait to buy more beads (yeh, I really need more). I have been enjoying etching some metal. Made a few mistakes but hope to finish the bottle of etchant from Radio Shack and etch some more...that stuff can not be good to enhale and it's been so chilly out I etched in my garage...not enough ventilation!!! I promise to be better with my blog....I'll post weekely if not bi-weekly!

New Metals!

2010-02-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. I cut out some houses from copper and some hearts from brass. I then picked up some metals like frames and numbers I found at Michaels in the scrapbook section. I want to rivet that label holder onto some copper.....past that....I don't know! You'll have to wait and see. I haven't made anything lately...I seem to be in "jewelers block" or "creative block" mode. I spend way too much time on the internet seeing what others are creating and very little time actually making anything myself. Hopefully...that will change!

Still Winter!

2010-02-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be suffering from SAD if I don't see the sun soon. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)....I know several people who have it and it's been tough for them this winter! I'm sorry I've been away for a while, I have this new Laptop and a New Adobe Photshop Elements 8 and between trying to learn how to edit pictures and get them on my blog.......I swear I'm technologically challenged!!!! Hope the sun is on it's way....Sam and I are ready to do some bicycle riding!

Friday and 63 Degrees.....gotta love this weather!

2010-01-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

I had a custom order for this necklace. It's freshwater pearls and I hand wired them together and placed a Thai Silver Heart on the center. It takes a lot of work to hand wire a piece of jewelry but I really like the look. I'll be making me one of these soon!

Sundays.....A Day of Rest!

2010-01-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

I love Sundays. Church in the morning and then a day of "resting". Resting to me is reading a good book, watching movies I taped during the week and taking pictures of Jewelry! Doing nothing but "fun" things! I made a leaf necklace (I actually teach this leaf class at the Beadles) during the week. I finally cleaned my workspace so I'm motivated to make new pieces! I get so burned out after Christmas it takes a while to get back into the artistic mode!

A New Year & New Do!

2010-01-13T18:20:00.001-08:00

It's a New Year and my son got a new do! He wanted all his curly locks cut off and he wanted the top of his hair bleached.....so we bleached! I have to look twice at him to get used to it......he doesn't look like the curly red headed boy I'm used to! He's still adorable!

It's Almost a New Year!

2009-12-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

It's December 29th, my son turns 11 years old today! It's so hard to imagine he's growing up so fast. He's sitting at home with his good friend Andrew and they're playing some new video games on Sams new TV. He's having a sleep over tonight, I bought the boys some candy (yes candy), and other junk food, popcorn, "pop".....everything I know is a special treat for my sons big day! We had such a good time in Illinois visiting family, it's so hard to say "good-bye".

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

It's Almost Christmas & a Sprained Ankle!

2009-12-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I had all my Christmas shopping finished before Friday afternoon! What a week! I was asked to bring my jewelry to my son's elementary school and I did on the day I was there for his Christmas Party. However, several teachers and staff did not get to visit me during that time so I was asked to bring it back the next day.

Well, As I was leaving the school, I was loaded down with my son's leftover Birthday Donuts, my 2 wheel cart with my jewelry displays inside, Sams coat, my coat and a purse. I was walking down to the parking lot (and someone was parked in front of the "no ridge walkeway) so I had to walk behind that car and I swear......the next thing I know is I'm laying flat out in the parking lot of my son's school. Fortunately it was 3:45 pm and there weren't many parents, kids or teachers left and of course the few that were there (thank God) were friends and they all came running over to help me! It was like a slow motion movie and when they got there, I couldn't even get up without their aid. I was too shocked to be embarrassed but when I got home within a few hours I was in a lot of pain and I ended up spraining my ankle!

What a way to start out the holiday season but I am optomistic. I'm going to take advantage of "sitting around" watching TV! My new laptop has been delivered to my Mom and Dad's house so I'll have something to do when I get to Illinois!

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas! I know I will! Merry Christmas to you all!

Open House is Thursday!

2009-12-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for my Open House this Thursday! It is so much work to get it together and afterwards I'm so exhausted! But I love selling my jewelry and then investing the money in some new jewelry making ideas! Really need to work on making soldered charms....the ones with a picture between two microscope glass. And I'm wanting to make some more Rosary Type necklaces. Just finished "The Living Christmas Tree" last night so I feel somewhat behind on getting my Christmas presents together. Sam is getting so big (he'll be 11 years old on the 29th) it's getting a bit hard to pick out gifts! And my husbands birthday is December 11th, Can You Say "Broke"?

Love these Long Holidays!

2009-11-28T13:26:00.001-08:00

I just love having all this time off! I visited the big Bead Show in town last weekend so I'm ready to get to work! And I'm getting into the Christmas spirit. I'm making Christmas earrings. Are these little snowmen adorable or what! They seem so happy!

I've made several new pieces this weekend, I'm trying to get ready for my December 10th Open House!

December 10th - Open House Jewelry Party!

2009-11-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Debbie from Prairieemporium.com gave me this beautiful hand made bead in blue and green and I couldn't wait to make something out of it. So I mixed it with a brass "joyful" pendant and made a bracelet. I'm getting ready for my December 10th Open House! Thank you Debbie!

Love those Mixed Metals

2009-11-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

I loved making this necklace and all the components. First I soldered the brass rings together and then I made this sterling silver circle and clasp. Then I added lots of fun gemstones and beads. I'm trying to make pieces for an open house but I'm having a hard time finding a date to have my Open House. I love these parties though so I've got to find a time. Do you think the 2nd week in December is too late.....is your Christmas shopping done by then???? Just looking for some feedback about a good date for a jewelry party!

Green...the color of Fall!

2009-11-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

My good friend Debbie from Prairieemporium.com gave me this pretty glazed glass leaf pendant and I just love the color. Then I found this pretty green/gold fiber at our local bead shop and threaded it through some copper chain. This is so fall............

Halloween!

2009-11-01T14:04:00.001-08:00

This is Sam and mom getting ready for an evening of Trick or Treating! We had a great time...caught up with some friends and did our treating in a big group! We got tired rather quickly since we had the Tulsa Run earlier that day......but Sam has plenty of candy (I'm hiding a large portion of it)! Hope you all enjoyed your Halloween!

Copper and Silver

2009-10-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

I need to work on my photography skills! But this is a cooper piece I etched and I added a sterling silver piece that is hand stamped "WISDOM".

Fibers and Paint??

2009-10-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm using some fibers in my latest creations. I'm also wire wrapping chain..just something new to learn. I'm always wanting to learn a new technique!

I've also started stripping furniture and painting it and I'm so in love with the entire process. Everything right now is getting painted with black paint and I'm distressing and waxing the bare spots. I'll take a picture to add to this blog sometime!

OSU / OU

2009-10-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Can you say go OSU / OU?! I was asked by my sons school secretary to make some Union School jewelry which the colors are OU. However, an avid OSU fan standing next to her said I must also make some OSU pieces! So......hence, OSU and OU jewelry. I only have these earrings made but I'll soon be working on necklaces and bracelets!

Rosary Necklace

2009-10-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

I've been interested in designing rosary necklaces. No, I am not catholic but I think the symbolism behind a rosary is interesting. I am a Christian so I just love the cross and the picture of the Virgin Mary. This also gives me a chance to work on my wire wrapping skills. I haven't really done much wire wrapping but I'm really enjoying it. I also just made a pearl wire wrapped necklace with silver wrapped fibers in the middle of it. I'll try to get a picture of it this week so I can post it.

Victorian Earrings

2009-10-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

When I spent a weekend with my friend Debbie, she made some beautiful earrings so I had to try to make a pair when I returned home. I'm really into making longer earrings! I need to spend more time actually "making" jewelry than watching what everyone else is making.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-09-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, did I have a great birthday. I belong to a quilting group that I helped start 8 years ago and we do the "secret sister" gift! Well this is what my Secret Sister gave me for my Birthday; there are some beautiful fabrics, The Quilting Book, a Belle Armour Jewelry magazine and a gift card! I have such a generous secret sister...she is absolutely spoiling me! When I'm not making jewelry...I'm quilting!

PEACE

2009-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

I had a request to make a PEACE necklace and I think it turned out quite well. I took a sterling silver disc, stamped the word PEACE on it, antiqued it and polished it up. I then added a sterling silver peace charm and strung it on 2 strands of black seed beads. I'm told the girls in high school are wearing "anything" with peace on it.

A Weekend in Greesburg

2009-09-08T15:29:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend it was. My son and I drove to Greensburg, Kansas to visit my friend Debbie of Prairieemporium.com We tried etching for the first time and we came up with several nice pieces. Then Debbie drew a cross and a leaf (she's the really artsy one) and we made some pendants out of those shapes in brass. We also did some soldering and she did some resign designs! It was so much fun, it was like being at a workshop for a few days. And my son, Sam, had never been in the "country" before so he was in heaven around all the animals! Thanks Debbie for a truly wonderful weekend!

SING......

2009-08-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sing..........such a small word but it has a lot of umph!!! It seems like whenever I have a charm with the word "sing" on it, it sells immediately. Some friends from Colorado visited a couple weeks ago and bought this right up, I need to make another one similar because I have so many things I could wear this with.

I'm going to visit a friend this weekend, Debbie at Prairieemporium.com and we are going to have so much fun....we're going to make jewelry all weekend. We're going to solder, etch pendants, make silver rings and all sorts of things. She is so talented and I can't wait to see what we come up with!

Turning Over A New Leaf!

2009-08-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

That's right. I finished making this incredible leaf pendant that the owner of my local bead shop taught her instructors! I will teach this class this coming Saturday and can't wait. It was so much fun and they all turned out so unique!

Teaching Day!

2009-08-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'm teaching a class at our local bead shop "Beadles". I'm going to teach a class called "Charmed". It will be a small class demonstrating how to cut metal, stamp metal and add adornments to the charm. It's a simple class but I "love" making charms.

This necklace is currently my favorite. It's made of copper charms, copper rings and a beautiful brown and teal cross stone pendant!

Sam's New Blanket!

2009-08-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so when I'm not "beading" I'm sewing my son a new blanket! Sam has always found the feel of soft fabric across his face relaxing. A few weeks ago I dragged Sam to a fabric store while I looked for some quilting fabric and we came across this extremely soft and plush fabric with Skeletons. He fell in love and "begged" me to make him a throw to cuddle with. I simply stitched it around, turned it inside out and so now he has a very soft blanket to cuddle with. I love making things that make Sam happy!

I'm Charmed!

2009-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

I guess you could say I'm on a "charm" kick! I found this tutorial on the web on making a birds nest and this is my "first" try and I love it. I bought some steel wire today at Ace Hardware after reading a couple blogs that use steel to make some absolutely beautiful jewelry. I've never used steel in my pieces before but I like the workability of it and the way it looks so I'm going to try to incorporate it in some of my future pieces.

After looking closely at the "birds nest" picture, I need to get my tripod out so the picture isn't so blurry. There is sooooo much to consider when you start a blog. I read some blogs and they add a new piece of jewelry and comments each day and I think...wow, I don't think I could ever get enough ideas for jewelry pieces to make, then take a picture, edit the picture, download it to my computer, add it to the blog along with a comment. My goal starting August is to post twice a week showing two new pieces that I make that week!

I so appreciate those of you that continue to check out my blog even when it doesn't change regularly! Thanks! Leave a comment and let me know what I can do to make my blog for fun to visit!

2009-07-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some charms that I made during my vacation. I've really been wanting to master the art of making a tree with branches, grass and a bird. And while I was at my parents I found some tools in my dad's tool box and I think I've got a couple of pretty good trees with branches. Notice the bird(s) on them, I've been wanting to use this new stamp forever!

I went to the Beadles (our local bead shop) today and signed up to teach a few classes for August and September. I'm going to teach a class on making charms, forging silver into earrings, and riveting a pendant! I hope to see some of my local friends there! You know who you are!

SUMMER IS FLYING . . . . . .

2009-07-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, my summer is flying by! Sam and I visited my family in Illinois and the weather was perfect, low 80's every day we were there (compared to 107 in Oklahoma).

I have this favorite gift store I shop during every visit and they had two of these awesome necklace stands for sale. It's a metal copper and it looks really organic. I've got some ideas in my head I'm anxious to make into jewelry necklaces so I'll have some pictures soon. Also I have new stamped copper charms I'll get posted on here tomorrow! So much to do, so little time!

It's good to be back to my blog and my beads!!!

I Love The Ocean!

2009-07-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's so great to go on a vacation! We had sooo much fun and my son is still partically waterlogged. Once he got into the ocean...he never got back out! And I read a book, under a large umbrella while listening to the roars of the ocean.....it was paradise!

I actually made this necklace "before" vacation but didn't have time to post it. It's a butterfly wrapped in copper wire that hangs on a beaded necklace! I'm in the process of making a couple new items before Sam and I leave for Illinois Friday to visit his grandparents and aunts.

GOING ON VACATION!

2009-06-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

We're going to the Ocean! Yes, we're leaving in the morning for Destin, Florida. We'll stop in Jackson, Mississippi overnight and then get up Thursday morning and drive into Destin. I have been there before as a "single" girl....but my son has only seen the ocean from Galveston, TX so I'm so excited for him to see the blue blue ocean and the white sand. We bought our snorkling gear today, we have our beach umbrella and swimsuits and of course.....Sunscreen! Sam is very light skinned so I make him wear a swim shirt which he doesn't complain about too much! I can't wait to sit on the beach with my husband and son and just ... R E L A X! I'm taking magazines on quilts and beads and a book I'm currently reading so I'll have lots to read...I love to read!

And when I return...I promise to have a new piece of jewelry to show!

Your life is your message!

2009-06-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

A copper pendant measuring 1 1/2" square on a copper chain. I added lots of colorful beads so it can be worn with just about anything! It has a baked and antiqued shiny finish which makes it look really rustic!

2009-06-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

I made an anklet out of pink heisha beads and a heart charm from Thailand and a sterling silver clasp. Click on the picture to see it up close.....if you want a better look at the pendant.

I also just stamped, antiqued and tumbled some charms so I'll be putting them into jewelry pieces this weekend.....visit again soon and take a look!

Sam

2009-06-15T17:05:00.001-07:00

This is Sam! We were playing with his BB gun in the back yard today and it was not working so in frustration, he decided he needed a newer one that would work but he was down to only $6.00. So he decided to have a Lemonade Stand! He actually sold out of Lemonade and made over $6.50 so he was pretty excited!

This is why I haven't any jewelry to post......he keeps me hopping but I wouldn't want it any other way! I just love this boy!

Gem Faire Came to Town!

2009-06-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, the Gem Faire came to town on Friday morning and I, needless to say, spent most of Friday shopping and Saturday morning. I had to stop.....I was getting "beadshoppers overload". It's where every bead starts looking the same and you can't remember what you bought and what you didn't. I was having fun shopping for my friend PrairieEmporium.com, it's fun spending someone else's money! I also picked up some sterling silver findings and quite an assortment of copper clasps and spacers! I can't wait to get started beading but it is "summer break" and my 10 year old son keeps me very busy during the day and by evening I'm ready to crash and burn!!!!

School Is Out For The Summer..........

2009-06-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first day that School is Officially out. And this is the first day that I'm finished with my job for the last school year. So....I now have time to make some jewelry. These are the latest pieces I made this morning. I sold the orange owl bracelet at the Blue Dome Festival so I found this green one and I love it!

Sam and I are off to Grand Lake with some dear friends tomorrow so I won't be making anything over the next few days....I'll be getting sunburned and having fun!

2009-05-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

I made these earrings for my boss....she was having a "whatever" period and I thought these earrings would look great on her ears and she would just give them a little flip when someone asked her to do something stupid! They are made of sterling silver disks, one says "what" and the other says "ever" and then I dangled a freshwater white pearl over them..in case she was feeling a bit more "compliant"!

I'm Back!

2009-05-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

My latest creation! It's made of glass beads, copper wire, sterling silver, brass, and freshwater pearls! The copper pendant running up the side of the necklace says "wired" and there's a copper wire running underneath it. I wore it to my son's picnic today at school and got a lot of compliments. I always like to wear something I made to be sure it's sturdy and ready to sell!

Blue Dome and The Art Car

2009-05-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of an ArtCar that came through the Blue Dome Event tonight. It was a Rat Car with a really long tail that left behind baked potatoes!!! Terry and I are having a good time and selling lots of goodies....and it's been great seeing so many friends and customers!!!

We made it through the wind, and the storm, and looking forward to a sunny Sunday.....if you haven't already stopped by please come by on Sunday and see all the local artists of Tulsa! There are some really awesome artist booths that are worth the trip!

2009-05-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ok...Mayfest is here so I'm packing up my jewelry to take to the Blue Dome! I'll try to load several pictures of my new pieces so if I sell them at Mayfest I can make another!

2009-05-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

These earrings were made using copper wire, then were forged, textured, antiqued and tumbled for an antique look. From the ear wire to the bottom it measures just under 3". I may have to wear these to the Mayfest!

2009-05-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is a new bracelet....It has a wooden owl in orange but he's upside down because I don't know how to turn him around in this picture........I need a photo editing course!

2009-05-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest and currently my new "favorite" piece. It's made out of copper, sterling and has a freshwater pearl dangling. Click on the picture and you'll see a larger version of it. I hand made a heart out of copper wire, then added a new charm. It's cloudy here and I'm having a hard time getting enough light to take a really good picture. If you have any ideas on photographing jewelry I'm all ears?!

2009-05-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you again to my Secret Sister. In my quilting group we draw names once a year and pick a secret sister and this year my secret sister gave me this for Mother's Day. You'll note that although it's a quilting group "my secret sister knows me well".....note the BEAD magazines!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

I finished this bracelet last night and I'm excited about the way it turned out. It takes alot of time to cut out the copper, stamp it, liver of sulfer it, sand it, and then wait for the pieces to tumble for 4 hours but the look of the copper when it's finished is awesome so I guess I'll continue to endure this long process! I've got a couple more pieces to put together and I'll get their picture out soon!

Hope you had a great Mother's Day. Mine was wonderful!

2009-05-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, how do some of you bloggers get a chance to get to your blog daily? Well I have a new respect for you guys.....I need to get better!

It's Friday night and I have high hopes for making some more jewelry this weekend, especially copper and mixed metals. I'm going to be displaying some jewelry in Mayfest (Blue Dome) next weekend so I need to get busy! I know this picture isn't real clear but I just wanted to post something to let anyone going to my blog know that I'm Back and I'll get some items posted on here this weekend. Thank you for checking my blog...I'll get better I promise!

Happy May!

2009-05-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

I want to say "Thank You" to everyone who was a part of my Open House! So many pieces of my jewelry found a new home and all of my Copper Pieces sold.....so yes, I've got more copper on order! And as you can see from my pegboard wall of beads below, I still have lots of beads needing to be turned into a wearable piece of art so I'll be making new stuff soon!

2009-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Some new copper earrings and bracelet I whipped up today while I'm home with my sick little boy .... allergies!

A Few Ideas For Mother. . . . .

2009-04-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day necklace with a MOM disk, picture frame & a heart charm!

The birthstone in the birth order of each child!

How blessed to be a MOM, you could also have your childs name stamped under the baby feet!

The initial of each child is surrounded by their birthstone!

The children's birthstones surrounded by silver beads!

Custom Orders Here We Go!

2009-04-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

I love this bible verse in Proverbs 31... "The Wife of Noble Character" who is worth more than rubies! I'm going to use this as an example of a custom order I can make using one's favorite bible verse!

Where Did The Weekend Go??

2009-04-26T14:17:00.001-07:00

I know I said Friday I was excited about making jewelry this weekend but this is it??? I love it....but I had to make more sterling silver rings then put a patina on the new pieces, then stamp them for texture and now everything is in the tumbler! And tomorrow is "Monday"! I've got new copper pendants and some mixed metal items I'll try to get together before my Open House on Thursday .. and I'll post them as well!

It's the Weekend.....time to make more Jewelry!

2009-04-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't wait to get home to finish this bracelet. I soldered up some new sterling silver and copper rings and they're soaking in some pickle.... I can't wait to pound them out tomorrow and make more bracelets and pendants!

Come to My Riveting Class - Saturday April 25th

2009-04-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching another class at the "Beadles" store in Broken Arrow this Saturday on Riveting. This is a method of connecting two metals without soldering. We will make a copper pendant with your choice of stamped words and we will stamp a sterling silver round disk and rivet it to the copper pendant. We will then add some holes and some dangles and a neck chain to complete a necklace! It's way fun! Class starts at 10:30 am and the Beadles is located just off Main Street in Broken Arrow on Dallas (just west of Main). Hope to see some of my friends there!

2009-04-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here's another new necklace and earrings using copper! I can't seem to get enough copper right now and these wooden beads have some great detail.

2009-04-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is a 1" copper disk with the word: Faith, Hope, Love stamped on it and it has a copper chain and clasp that makes it a bracelet! Click on the picture to see more details!

2009-04-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

A copper pendant! This one says "Trust in the Lord..." Pro 3:5! I can stamp any bible verse or your favorite words of inspiration! It looks a lot cooler than this picture looks. May need to try to take another picture!

2009-04-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

This bracelet I made this weekend. I'm getting ready for my Open House on April 30th.....so much to do!

2009-04-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is May 10th and I made these pieces to add to my "personalized jewelry" stash. The earrings are the birthstones of the children and can be arranged in lots of different ways!

2009-04-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Love the elegance of the colors turquoise and black! The earrings are longer than usual....I like this length!