tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49359623976981116742024-03-12T16:18:41.124-07:00Sylvia AndersonSylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-55690536401080976382012-04-03T15:07:00.014-07:002012-04-03T16:38:11.106-07:00April Blog Roll ~ Aspiring Metalsmith's Spring Inspiration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGEC7MXV9AaSbCv9hJj0o33M3nDz0S_WEOJaw9_pxu8UrEbbaFFNk1Cn4tiZZvRJz97PsBXy-5WAy9ZQupeJh4sIqfd8-jPJZGaVhqu_HolJ4c_qX9tI6AJd0LiaCLsXhUJhNhkim3OA/s1600/spring5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 367px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311790428474242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGEC7MXV9AaSbCv9hJj0o33M3nDz0S_WEOJaw9_pxu8UrEbbaFFNk1Cn4tiZZvRJz97PsBXy-5WAy9ZQupeJh4sIqfd8-jPJZGaVhqu_HolJ4c_qX9tI6AJd0LiaCLsXhUJhNhkim3OA/s400/spring5.jpg" /></a>Welcome Spring! I love this time of the year....I love to see everything green outside, and fresh and new...I love the ladybugs, and the magic of flowers blooming.....I have always loved Spring! What inspires me during this time of the year? Everything really....from the sights around me, to the smells, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors again after a long and wet Winter. The colors of Spring are some of my very favorite, and ones that I like to incorporate into my work. This month's <a href="http://www.aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-roll-spring-inspiration.html">Aspiring Metalsmith's blogroll</a> theme is how does the Spring season affect our work. For me, it breathes new life into it, and ideas tend to flow faster than I can jot them down, let alone complete them into a final piece!<br /><br />However this year, I was determined to bring to life an idea that I had been forming for over a year....and I wanted to finish it in time for April, and Autism Awareness Month. This is the piece....Simon's Necklace, named after my son Simon, who has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome">Asperger's Syndrome</a>. I am really pleased with how it turned out, and I am donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each one, to <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/">Autism Speaks</a>. You can find this necklace <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96646194/aspergers-puzzle-necklace-autism">here</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqfqrQGvF-aiYTalq_Jov9T5OqtZ0sO9AuVUkPccLFxIHQnV7UyyuQgGw8ptjhALOWgh-v7iL20-E_G9EY0dEigaqc111fTMZ24ltc0-DQaosxkmIe6iGeKg3aE5yl7AYFxUH1eWKu0M/s1600/spring8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 366px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311696004249282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqfqrQGvF-aiYTalq_Jov9T5OqtZ0sO9AuVUkPccLFxIHQnV7UyyuQgGw8ptjhALOWgh-v7iL20-E_G9EY0dEigaqc111fTMZ24ltc0-DQaosxkmIe6iGeKg3aE5yl7AYFxUH1eWKu0M/s400/spring8.jpg" /></a>Another exciting idea that we discussed over on the Aspiring Metalsmith's team was to challenge ourselves to incorporate a Drusy stone into our work....hence the April Drusy Challenge was born!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4Ddj6XgcWlmDw10XPgElaoBqk1epCTm1K3NavtBbvYcnRw6dH9TnA2ftm4sJqjVhqhEl3l_fsENr91BPrLCNw-UHQl1x7v3ChMKUvVnlbNzdrn-0b69x0zNrJ-iqi5e159TqpOpx_LE/s1600/druzy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311595586903842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4Ddj6XgcWlmDw10XPgElaoBqk1epCTm1K3NavtBbvYcnRw6dH9TnA2ftm4sJqjVhqhEl3l_fsENr91BPrLCNw-UHQl1x7v3ChMKUvVnlbNzdrn-0b69x0zNrJ-iqi5e159TqpOpx_LE/s400/druzy.jpg" /></a>One of these lovelies will be set in sterling silver by the end of the month...look for it in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SylviaAnderson?ref=si_shop">my Etsy shop </a>soon. So many choices...so little time....which is your favorite?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUs0HiNu65iydi4d9XZx_jm8w4Hm7TBKrkViu3VXDW7WulCGKe31cy9AwqgkasNB2qcifhqNRP9_D3J4W2dK1ZGW1JXWPBg7yj7brgTNwNs63LzNNtnL8Sl8mS_DhYg_HOKLki5hSweE/s1600/spring3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 349px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311484322683330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUs0HiNu65iydi4d9XZx_jm8w4Hm7TBKrkViu3VXDW7WulCGKe31cy9AwqgkasNB2qcifhqNRP9_D3J4W2dK1ZGW1JXWPBg7yj7brgTNwNs63LzNNtnL8Sl8mS_DhYg_HOKLki5hSweE/s400/spring3.jpg" /></a>As I mentioned, the colors of Spring really inspire me....I love the pastel shades of purple's and pinks, blues, and greens....this grouping is very yummy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFeWgz13WViaCmnyHoL-UYVaxDiifmrSNOJ8CMfGbiDxQP1O9VeGIsb_QuoRj2mIdbdEPcP5SYrBZ4I6d8dsXzEdnlkv0GFFrmaje3R41ph6LaaK99zuH8P4bSMSWEOgZXz5DPOgUuE0/s1600/spring1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 387px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311370969549890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFeWgz13WViaCmnyHoL-UYVaxDiifmrSNOJ8CMfGbiDxQP1O9VeGIsb_QuoRj2mIdbdEPcP5SYrBZ4I6d8dsXzEdnlkv0GFFrmaje3R41ph6LaaK99zuH8P4bSMSWEOgZXz5DPOgUuE0/s400/spring1.jpg" /></a>However, I really think the blue's and green's have it going on! These are some of my favorites that I hope to set soon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFptgKYxM3uYikg14YmKrUhPsiZMYIO7uPebunz6bRLIM-l1s8Wr8aB_D9IDUqu_BErecTqlyZTyynu_JUm52l1KuXdB6mQSq1ToIsESqMrlHqhyphenhyphenj1Z9nCNyIXj9CpWDpxe0xq0ZlkaVA/s1600/spring2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 371px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311275134957890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFptgKYxM3uYikg14YmKrUhPsiZMYIO7uPebunz6bRLIM-l1s8Wr8aB_D9IDUqu_BErecTqlyZTyynu_JUm52l1KuXdB6mQSq1ToIsESqMrlHqhyphenhyphenj1Z9nCNyIXj9CpWDpxe0xq0ZlkaVA/s400/spring2.jpg" /></a>Even the cats love Spring....since they don't really spend time outdoors, we bring the flowers inside for their enjoyment.....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvpEnhf6AYSI30NC7H-ci_rm-vUTYvXYZkqgLB084WqKJMImR_9Iv-V60fSvOpK4q8s1Zpk-y21eQcfr_2g8npiAuHhJ55m3yI8KYGwCy7HHG4inyEdpHhrZpN0Ak7aUvdNaUFjpzQQY/s1600/spring7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727311104345680978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvpEnhf6AYSI30NC7H-ci_rm-vUTYvXYZkqgLB084WqKJMImR_9Iv-V60fSvOpK4q8s1Zpk-y21eQcfr_2g8npiAuHhJ55m3yI8KYGwCy7HHG4inyEdpHhrZpN0Ak7aUvdNaUFjpzQQY/s400/spring7.jpg" /></a>Keiki also loves Spring....and loves to munch on the taller grass, and play hide and seek in it....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs6pwlZLTFTma5ltW56Eh67NCqj8QLRDKhZJeLzESO3Qi7PdcOXqw-x_j8kwkYrnaL_yVzVaRxDpEnyZp-7ZsuwIObcmXJsUHZURCXygh7rLXxQYXUIQOUuHDvvMJlmdPpOSKsA_S5Pw/s1600/spring6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 386px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727310980102676002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs6pwlZLTFTma5ltW56Eh67NCqj8QLRDKhZJeLzESO3Qi7PdcOXqw-x_j8kwkYrnaL_yVzVaRxDpEnyZp-7ZsuwIObcmXJsUHZURCXygh7rLXxQYXUIQOUuHDvvMJlmdPpOSKsA_S5Pw/s400/spring6.jpg" /></a>And best of all, who can pass up some tasty Deviled Eggs! These will be on my menu this weekend, and they're usually gone almost as soon as they hit the table! Wishing you all a wonderful Spring and a lovely Easter. :) Sneak peeks of my upcoming pieces will be coming soon....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEayB1JGNn4337t0nZearijIzT8hmwzfp0cAcjeZTVawxirC09Xh9MlGc_GL13iuo447ki0F_r5RkK9_eLxeWlaZkiiIZ0kE4Tj0nGDaWICszs5FyuZrUOdZ-3AiWi_uF3cGlBOL5j89s/s1600/spring4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727310861237736770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEayB1JGNn4337t0nZearijIzT8hmwzfp0cAcjeZTVawxirC09Xh9MlGc_GL13iuo447ki0F_r5RkK9_eLxeWlaZkiiIZ0kE4Tj0nGDaWICszs5FyuZrUOdZ-3AiWi_uF3cGlBOL5j89s/s400/spring4.jpg" /></a><br />Please visit the blog links belwo to see what the rest of the team had to say on the subject.....</div><div> </div><div>Steph Stargell <a href="http://stephstargell.com/">http://stephstargell.com/</a><br />Lilian<a href="http://girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/">http://girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/</a><br />Pennee- All Wired Up Jewelry Designs <a href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a><br />nancycreations<a href="http://nancysjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">http://nancysjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a><br />SerpentsDanceDesigns<a href="http://dancetothedoor.blogspot.com/">http://dancetothedoor.blogspot.com/</a><br />AutumnBradley <a href="http://autumnbradley.blogspot.com/">http://autumnbradley.blogspot.com/</a><br />ContemporaryJewelry by Beatriz Fortes <a href="http://cjbf.blogspot.com/">http://cjbf.blogspot.com/</a><br />Jessica@ Abella Blue <a href="http://abellabluestudio.com/blog">http://abellabluestudio.com/blog</a><br />Gloria<a href="http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/">http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/</a><br />AmyEstelle <a href="http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-has-sprung.html">http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-has-sprung.html</a><br />Esmeralda<a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.se/2012/04/signs-of-spring.html">http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.se/2012/04/signs-of-spring.html</a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQLEfBilnDTzz7gjOMY_b2BbX1SmdwgMqSXM5CHQPxPxtBKR-wp3iCbNjuK6rwGCRi3GWT8SwT2HOQgZ-Ks2PLmDs6LWwL7T6XgavZ-zoor7iJGvaa6yu8YjEvbn26inaZ6mvfeIlcIA/s1600/4.jpg"></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-21902560979482361252012-02-02T21:05:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:31:55.591-08:00Aspiring Metalsmith's January Blogroll ~ Tutorials<div><div>So the theme this month was for us to share our knowledge about something that we feel we are pretty good at, or at least something that we know how to do fairly well, and after much thought, I decided to write my post about how to polish metal. I am by no means an expert at this, but have done it enough that I feel comfortable discussing my methods, and how I achieve a good final finish on a piece of jewelry. There are times when doing a proper polishing job might actually take longer than the amount of time you spent making the piece. You might think it could be tedious, but I find that I actually enjoy it, because I know the end result will be a beautiful piece of wearable art that will be worn for many years to come. Here is my process...</div><div> </div><div>To tackle this project I decided it would be nice to be able to see the progression of the metal so I decided to use a piece of sterling silver sheet, and divide it into sections so that you can see the differences. This is what the sheet looks like straight from my metal supplier...you can see all of the tiny scratches that need to be sanded out....<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704788533911815090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic32pLcYKXxrI7eqjbUhBSb3nO_N76jnMKHMiNtzV61_cdkvnIEuPmdPugl9ZkLPyl73mCnybLZp0CC80Tj-Af9s4kWlKX7SCpxAYqr1QPJwvHPJUly05HJqjBhsNkxjXnZozj7mxBSHI/s400/1.jpg" /></div><div>First I score the metal with a scribe to divide it into sections....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704788529038068482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57D3RpVgUgW8FD3xNJE97iXil3cJcH6ynkBATOJ1tZKMDOHytDJceAit3p7m0txqyQjY1GOE9rLYkARvwhNML-I6kjzH4g2mr8Mk8_Gh7cry_yBpH8WJEAetdwjWERZ4BCXU2L2XNOPw/s400/2.jpg" /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div> I start the sanding process using a cloth sanding paper....I love the medium grit made by Vitex...it's flexible and soft and very easy to work with. When sanding, be sure to lay your sheet flat on a table and sand going back and forth in one direction only. If you change directions, you will give your metal scratches that you will see, and that are hard to get back out. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704785167207527538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-je4dUyW0l1Ai5bTfHC3ojxiu1RCLDhJGHKgjnErFTlra2RD4ewfqxxld_RDqSmcfYD89YC8TBMzhBZ3zN8eB5dYgZpWWAZ201RuxcNh57_BMuaHrKShZ3bizvYbcdA4RBhd6mGYvHOo/s400/4.jpg" /></div><div>Normally I would sand the piece face down onto the paper, but I wanted to what it looks like when you start the sanding....on the left is the section with no sanding, and next to it, I have sanded for a few seconds. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704785004383424946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA7PnqYndaRBqkYvlWtDH6PTXLdJCs7IOpo_PQBB_6KCTNdIOMYwO14ed51k5nR2A4KGFLHABe9HJHNRC7p-Gu64qsbnuJADQBPePmL_rRJiFEkTF8Gm5iaP3WNb07cvvtLwvF6DcSEo/s400/5.jpg" /></div><div>Here is what it looks like after a few minutes of careful sanding....</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784999468274482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtxJh4f_8Woonyw4Ww1bm1mFsxPqn4Mp2D-tVsoHYx7k6WoKPZabBzuiU0-u9Advgtdsn7N0a7jl4urkKmv7QW_mKXh6_fSRVBdHd4V8l2nTeYLNI_h7iXfWp0eb3vM1lzQFtebrI8Eg/s400/6.jpg" /></div><div>Next I will start with my 3M brand polishing papers. I also love these, and use them constantly in my studio. They last a long time, and come in an assortment or individually, and do a great job of getting your metal prepped for polishing or soldering. Here is an assortment of different grits, and I've also shown the sanding sticks I use which are great for sanding the edges of your metal. You'll want to start with the lower number paper, in this assortment I start with the green which is a 600 grit, and will finish with the pink, which is a 4000 grit.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704785556697758450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1EvHCiixm6QK3KRB4wb8_BdzSY0-Hi2FD3wAxty-64gyGerrg8XXrPo48p-R_KeBzlEjWDoI8V6-LFgkulYt0tL1F9Mo654YeXEyTGkSZTtqO5EGN1SqXNCWJ0ShZu0m9Aa5tVZhMKY/s400/3.jpg" /></div><div>Here is how it looks after a few minutes sanding with the green paper....</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784861778883650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtl8QaeadJJqcD94SAOZGMKx_3Rw9ugVdxHzvr_jgv-_tBbmFlr0ZGhDs4FlAF6PSjgqkJKFdWfP5MmmFAOK4aTE34aXindE9U_EYwtSD2fJgrBXMf0OMMEHK0DtHmmNSSjhnGqfNU2k/s400/7.jpg" /></div><div>And after the grey sheet...it's getting there....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784859728379826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg3sUlWbuGqruDiQ9ZTozk7CSCZEoNJHpxSumgAa1aQ_aj3P_CsX9krzgrVBc4c-DK4qZYykSRs2gLtsvROeH8Xv2xO9GqpWKYnAaEpt1Mr3FMg0Z23QJu0Jr_AxUZRXHpigtupYIbPI/s400/8.jpg" /></div><div>Then the blue and the pink....and I needed to re-scribe my lines so you can see the three sections clearer......</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784333850186802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVabtgpg4Q0InthzkBgpGq48SaQbtu2tbVsUxk7JyQuLMxkKsExaiTTADHmTwCs8qeUY3Xgh8DbkgfGsZU5Fgt1gQNQtIpXyXGvnASCRA9Q-8UfB0myHcMtHWoieJkSJPLe9P-lg373o/s400/9.jpg" /></div><div>Now my piece is ready....you could either solder or polish at this point, but to show you two different finishes, I decided to use my chasing hammer and bench block, and add some texture to one of the sections. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784116279816546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkJmYJyjBqhBLSNl_DKdpiYuTFaOYjEV4FUAlSw6cjD9nMZ_kEXK9JzWovJa9xcj4rpzOpn7oeNb_sahe0ZmwTzG9n6ssGgbuGdjnbWiohjCwHqUj6-D01Wr2lLdg4SzxW9JXrDLLAiM/s400/12.jpg" /></div><div>We are ready to get polishing now! Here are the needed supplies....polishing compounds, alligator tape to protect your fingers, safety glasses, and muslin buffs....</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784330338204034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kv4x_hDm4vGsZbPUeQca43t7LlrLRKdcYeSf_oJLr-o-fGByJ6hZp71f763XCozkPUginqeM8rTJs4EyGyWmsJcYqtVu3pa86e0VVtq71h-D7LhPD20LFGxGfBqxdZ_tc6X-o-HpToY/s400/10.jpg" /></div><div>Safety first!! Always be sure to wear your safety glasses and a dust mask that filters fine particles when polishing! I can't tell you how many times I was polishing something and it caught and flew straight at me, and hit my glasses....had I not been wearing them, I surely would have lost an eye! </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704784125448667938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCD3ABgxy6_0-HEdtVfegaG9i1Zn895JDK4clC50B9l9TzYyd6QCriYHYnxuERkhik0IYz4V9LMGSwNtt0TmfGeHmELoqrsTJKeseZD99NY8OJK9RWk_w8sEi1EHIUJgL5D8XNOGjq7U/s400/11.jpg" /></div><div>I like to lay a clean soft cotton towel over the top of my bench pin to use under my pieces when polishing. I find it helps them to stay put, and avoids scratches that may be caused by the wood. These towels I buy in big packages from Ikea....love that store...and I write the color of the polishing compound onto the bottom of each with a sharpie. You will need to use a separate cloth and separate muslin buff for each type of compound....you want to avoid cross-contamination between the different grades....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783909010194002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwxbckJDMTqLqkokckJS5o9eIqN4HcIKcjtIaVXZ3ELbRkcGWGmVBZ9xlT9HQ3hCStifkxrcjLJpgWT3BH9GYvjTH3-lgLlvVDrqrPLfR3u_2mbk4L5oR3AK-rdTvIEIGw6g21jbcofs/s400/13.jpg" /></div><div>Now I wrap my "holding" fingers....the ones that will be holding down your piece while the other hand holds the flex shaft or dremel. I always wrap my thumb, and the first two fingers....that's all that I find is needed. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783905650179826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED21IQONocD2HBQ8HqUThTd0ASVCFDwSwHrgW0OzNVbe13QOo3gpNk4QOFTGil7efve7wUlxUDs6xMKBZ-88IoTq7MxqjgFwMAcXy_JzFu9h5Vq2vecPqg6Egu1QDQ4B442o2PT8joUo/s400/14.jpg" /></div><div>Here I am in all my garb....I look like an alien or maybe it's my has-mat suit.....hair pulled back, glasses on, dust mask in place, and fingers protected....the hat to keep my hair clean, because as you'll find, the dust and polishing fibers go everywhere!</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783684389985346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvYuVazdz9xxtpSnQoOV1-nlBbp18CnNjzrUqJKBRVORQ_2UV4_teQIfRCHLnqTnAkTsdmy_squoAZreBvdYy31XSQiGJHH_DLKSScLji6M2le9RqJzHAD80arxKVSV40SrTAJFdJjEQ/s400/15.jpg" /></div><div>There are many different polishing compounds available. I started out using the traditional Tripoli and various colors of rouge and Zam. The helpful folks at Rio Grande jewelry supply, turned me onto Dialux brand compounds, which are much safer and do not contain Silica, which is a cancer causing agent. I decided to give them a try last year, and fell in love with the results. I especially like that I am not risking my health, but get the same high shine finish, and with one less step! I used to use a three step polishing process...now it's down to two. Step one is the yellow Dialux....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783676833110834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXY99iDAoWSKGv42qSWEo9XKi_TcSGjpPt7rJosA_z27XTDGZDNHoSYXM1klqPdf72k2oWuPvXZCZsmxx8Y0-MqVNengxnCbksB4iCVdGOVzvh_rCa-2Ulw9DSNyvYgedgPILQm3RPrM/s400/16.jpg" /></div><div>You'll use a muslin buff on your flex shaft or dremel just for this color compound, and start the wheel spinning and slowly press it into the bar for just a couple of seconds. That's all it takes to load it on....a little goes a long way. Then you'll hold your piece firmly, and start polishing, pressing down to help remove any tiny scratches or imperfections that may be left after the sanding, and to give the metal a nice even finish. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783424905231026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2R3u8urVyowQnFawR7Q9tPGU3sCdiLyCbuZIuMRDAkGeziEXzOFvWCqFQEYmo0i3nhgY3B5WSP4oNx1bfeSDncMPlKsoGWLe1W7xDdMvPRyDDXk81MTkab5b5tOq3PM7ChAK-2N1QDk/s400/17.jpg" /></div><div>Here's how it looks after a few minutes of polishing. I have polished both the center section and the hammered one....not the one on the far left.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783413247037538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyXu0j67itjz-0O5a-v2DeURJncODLKx6hGj4Ux-ZegR-SUKmnT3atgYsdYme8MD_tH_0NFycXFtdaGEEHd79LpcO38gZv0gRyj3jTlXlVO-g7ZjH88YYBiPY8gU29ETQq3h0_6k3ViY/s400/18.jpg" /></div><div>Then you will need to clean your piece thoroughly before starting with the next compound....Dialux blue. Be sure to get off any black residue, use a different muslin buff, a different cloth under your piece, and change out your finger tape if needed. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783149496880546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFVIGVm37Ev2cBFexczWvxIFRYZ40M0OUglaraR78-C1-Oh5zUqlEzjtZBY4H40EBUP4k34krtES0KwDVIQMK20iDYvwUqKNeWix0lPnYnwmDBI50qsHX4GLmZSFScgckqfV_bow7Hi8/s400/19.jpg" /></div><div>This is how the piece looks after the first round of polishing and cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner. Now I am ready to start with the blue Dialux....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704783138697377122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxuGSwEM1g-5qym2lDk24VcZ96pZfojCYmGXO5hQSEIRutL1JWe_liCrr3yxSjkDdS5ukn1JeMLOTMqJhoEtZru13ZwA_ZmCYdw0inxcEhyyPm37vErAr8uJaSgM0P8xziWcghll2BDg/s400/20.jpg" /></div><div>When polishing, you'll sometimes see black grime appear on your piece as shown below....this is normal, and will come off as you continue polishing or after when you clan your piece. It can be rubbed off with a soft cotton towel. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704782922618120130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHem75ggUWFjV7F89IcmAG9bFOi6rg8eK_Tk7cYnLeDMo5sk9fLjcty0mla1OLnDSb6Ca1lSy59S-iYOFv1P5dC4HdYmVWcAZ1Zby26XVxUGzLaiAlnnFcu-zEVnxms-HSo5UK6G_SzxM/s400/21.jpg" /></div><div>Here is how it looks after polishing with the blue compound, and cleaning it in my ultrasonic cleaner. A nice high shine mirror finish! I could stop right here, but I want to show what the hammered section looks like oxidized, so that's up next.....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704782911668574642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2QG6bUiUsDvLynKRSNHxPNh1qnAvd0Xwhvx_2UjmWb7MuuwblwPA04525qKiurD84WxOxSwMXhukjfArYtVQucIuTt-X_8Fk31jIOaCvjekghBG4mOdcfaYVHgajjCO0540M3dJ9L94/s400/22.jpg" /></div><div>I like to use this great liver of sulphur in a gel form. It last a long time, and it very easy to use! Just mix up a tiny bit in a cup with HOT water, and dip in your piece. It will darken it quickly. The stuff is stinky, so I work quickly and get rid of it after....otherwise my hubby complains. :)</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704782720388265538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCBY_XjOj96ULcJKLHyuRMToyOokFXlicBsKRwCfHaHz0vUV_pbui82FbB_H5TpIQt6z-B6NaKFWRo-jMnEVwS3Gtz9k3XSz4FMPh7mqRMbHTCEf2HT-A_R_sSvTSgqzduQZ679ChazI/s400/23.jpg" /></div><div>Here I am dipping just the last section into the liver of sulphur.....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704782710526219858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQinko2N4KJGUPKGji1TMFgXwzGvfoj1fT_aJhYySRb65hhWcV7HFlacDWUAMLCt0U3CsaGGi6oW5-kCfKOXxX2dTozr3nk3ypLllIvttfVC9huwHN5PEF_APvTC9h0pz8qH7tozJNWcE/s400/24.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>It's looking good....but needs a couple seconds more in the dip.....</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704781883246928370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2FBZPOZlHFVA3tm4PUF_g85UEBQUTPgAAfKi0wv1mgg0iv3ytjAGpOhdrz0JAeJPPzTDQQ5hSqg0jA-1vWL2KzauLpXugmXl8qb-mI76yLZxRxf4ujojz8d_R2G4quN1z3bhQevKkRo/s400/25.jpg" /></div><div>After i get it as dark as I like, I rinse and dry the metal and I am ready to remove the top layer to show the high points and leave the recessed areas dark. I do that with a small piece of extra fine steel wool. Just like with sanding, you'll want to rub the metal in a straight line back and forth, otherwise tiny scratches will show, should you change directions. That may be a look you like though, giving the piece a more rustic feel, so have fun and play with it a little!</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704781874596980802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ym0HrYo0lUqsMMFiC942eUKqnXZsVRecw2K49d064ly4d-9BlRKJ5rLpGOm3TBcw8I8uTaqPI8aVT3CPn1_6OUPfN4_h4UHgkYQJW5nwXE7LVISeLY51G9Gj9wePZn04X-nVAedyTJs/s400/26.jpg" /></div><div>I take enough oxidation so that I can see the added hammer texture and then I rinse it off, and buff it with a rouge cloth to give it a nice sheen. Below you can see the stages....from left to right....unfinished metal sheet, polished to a high shine and then textured and oxidized. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704782075390187042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQc6sF3y4qMElbo4zafq4smuJH8iZjScRdEd7jH2WW-1VFP6mVsrXP4TX64XOMXsLYsaXJQGtRUL1ny2PZ-2bZtYESxVnmVYU-ArUn3CM_xprmY8GPSatsIOBHHFa9hZ6cHd3WIQFSoM/s400/27.jpg" /></div><div>I hope you've enjoyed my little tutorial on polishing, and I am happy to answer any additional questions that you may have....just leave me a comment! All the supplies shown here should be readily available from the many online jewelry supply sites, and from your local lapidary shops. Please continue on the <a href="http://aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/2012/02/teaching-moment-january-blogroll.html">Aspiring Metalsmiths Blogroll</a> and visit these great blogs to learn something new!</div><div> </div><div>VCArtisanOriginals - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.artisanoriginals.blogspot.com" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">www.artisanoriginals.blogspot.com</a></div><div>Metals Addict - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.metalsaddict.com" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">www.metalsaddict.com</a></div><div>Lilian Ginebra - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>Esmeralda - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div>Mary Anne Karren - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/</a></div><div>Stacy - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-ring-band.html" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-ring-band.html</a></div><div>Shannon of Gifted Designs - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://gifteddesigns.blogspot.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">gifteddesigns.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>Pennee- All Wired Up Jewelry Designs - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a></div><div>Jessica @ Abella Blue - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">www.abellablue.com/blog</a></div><div>Elizabeth Brown – <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">http://www.resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com/</a></div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><br /><div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-1813104619200726032012-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:04:39.906-08:00New Year and New Site!Happy 2012! Wow...it's been a long time since I have updated...too long really! What's new and exciting you ask? Some new sterling and cabochon pieces are in the works and I have re-vamped my website and you can now purchase directly from my site, which is great for those that don't like to shop on Etsy. I am really excited about the change and will continue adding new pieces as time allows. You can check it out <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SylviaAnderson?ref=si_shop">here...</a><br /><br />I have also designed a new logo as seen on the new banner here on my blog, website and on Etsy...putting my Photoshop skills to the test. I enjoy pushing myself to learn new techniques with Photoshop, and since I was long overdue for a banner make-over I decided to jump in and see what I could come up with. I am happy with the results and will probably keep this one around for a while.<br /><br />I'll be back soon with some sneak peeks of upcoming new work...Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-2971066734695194742011-07-25T16:16:00.001-07:002011-07-25T16:50:03.190-07:00What I'm Working On....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8vyGhuptWgUu-2nvU9fAI6frlVVtCxFTRSDaQlq6JUoo9ayj5UmEaMoJwGATDNru4ABVShLkHAv0DOuDZdWNitLjJ-HC_JE0cUzEqIRN5waV2OW7sfLc70UK5RsPURaDk45dnJeTIYE/s1600/blog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8vyGhuptWgUu-2nvU9fAI6frlVVtCxFTRSDaQlq6JUoo9ayj5UmEaMoJwGATDNru4ABVShLkHAv0DOuDZdWNitLjJ-HC_JE0cUzEqIRN5waV2OW7sfLc70UK5RsPURaDk45dnJeTIYE/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633433494254987538" border="0" /></a>It's been far too long since I've updated my blog, so I thought it would be great to jump back in with a post about things I'm currently working on here in my studio, and since it was also selected as this month <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">As</span><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-project-blogroll-what-are-you.html">piring Metalsmith's Blog</a> roll theme, it was perfect timing! I always have many projects going at once...sometimes certain ones will be put on the "back burner" while I work on new idea that comes up, or because I have customer orders to fill, or just because I am not inspired to sit and finish them. The picture above shows a pretty <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sillimanite">Sillimanite </a>faceted bead and a sterling silver ring, which will eventually become a hammered hoop necklace. I started on this one piece back in April.<br /><br />This picture below is my sketch of the next stone set piece I'll be working on, featuring two cabs cut by<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cabbingrough">Laura of Cabbing Rough</a>. They are so pretty together, and will be blooming into a pretty flower themed necklace! You can see the sketch next to it, which I did for the finished necklace that's in my shop currently....you can see how it turned out<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77631073/sterling-silver-agate-and-moss-amethyst">here</a>. I always do up a couple of sketches when deciding how I was to set a cabochon. I find it helps a lot to have something to refer back to, and I make changes as I go. This is the first rough sketch for this piece.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUCX5emG9_Xbel4hWWJ0apxu7DZCWOVATuhUE4y4X7-RHAAyS1CYBPRsV3wrmmw7PNYivpXjpCEaI3BtDUQjqdyTsJWh4HlpWdkHuLy9vcQV9FzPj6wP-eDEl3nyNoSPW3Uz1VQZnm0U/s1600/blog1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUCX5emG9_Xbel4hWWJ0apxu7DZCWOVATuhUE4y4X7-RHAAyS1CYBPRsV3wrmmw7PNYivpXjpCEaI3BtDUQjqdyTsJWh4HlpWdkHuLy9vcQV9FzPj6wP-eDEl3nyNoSPW3Uz1VQZnm0U/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633433387296608130" border="0" /></a>This next picture shows a simple set of three sterling rings, which still need to be textured and polished, and will be listed in my shop soon. I use my old Looney Tunes mouse pad under my bench block so I don't scratch my table....I love the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looney_tunes">Warner Brothers Looney Tunes</a>! Whose your favorite character? Mine is a toss up between <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_J_Frog">Michigan J. Frog</a> and <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossamer_%28Looney_Tunes%29">Gossamer</a>....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8-H6dU8bsDwcC_k-8zokjGLFwwFWRo7UdVaSXoZXXiTFNfU8bKZfZkXijDKwcdhqlF4YAOVl34HXcmplNVEBI5zdDadgzc8u9s78H_jMJd7fmUKcAqrA2d2sOz2IG7UMpXza-UrNCu8/s1600/blog3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8-H6dU8bsDwcC_k-8zokjGLFwwFWRo7UdVaSXoZXXiTFNfU8bKZfZkXijDKwcdhqlF4YAOVl34HXcmplNVEBI5zdDadgzc8u9s78H_jMJd7fmUKcAqrA2d2sOz2IG7UMpXza-UrNCu8/s400/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633433254039430770" border="0" /></a>And lastly are these sweet kitty and baby whale pendants still waiting to be sawed out and finished. I sketched these out over two years ago, and these poor creatures have been waiting to come to life for far too long. One of these days I'll get around to them.... I hope anyway! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc6d5CEgjen_Nhyphenhyphennm2oVG8Hp2MGibUszQK5K0rQMvW85H7_D7yYuBcOopThCEt0qgcEqs_A5mrqpfJN6r_Ea0LW3xMYihN9sSXYZLVHmy82ldqtbqkkSe_wEA8ZHO2Jvq8QOcOcfh-R0/s1600/blog4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc6d5CEgjen_Nhyphenhyphennm2oVG8Hp2MGibUszQK5K0rQMvW85H7_D7yYuBcOopThCEt0qgcEqs_A5mrqpfJN6r_Ea0LW3xMYihN9sSXYZLVHmy82ldqtbqkkSe_wEA8ZHO2Jvq8QOcOcfh-R0/s400/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633433135039489634" border="0" /></a>And that's what I'm working on here.....to see what my fellow team mates are working on in their studios, please check out the links below.<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Esmeralda</span> </a><a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/">http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.happytortoisedesigns.blogspot.com/">Happy Tortoise Designs</a> <a href="http://www.happytortoisedesigns.blogspot.com/">http://www.happytortoisedesigns.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://crowstealsfire.blogspot.com/">Crow Steals Fire</a> <a href="http://crowstealsfire.blogspot.com/">http://crowstealsfire.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://cjbf.blogspot.com/">Contemporary Jewelry by Beatriz Fortes</a> <a href="http://cjbf.blogspot.com/">http://cjbf.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://stephstargell.com/">steph</a> <a href="http://stephstargell.com/">http://stephstargell.com</a> </li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Jessica @ </span><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog">Abella Blue</a> <a href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog">http://www.abellablue.com/blog</a> </li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Pennee-</span> <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">All Wired Up Jewelry Designs </a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><a href="http://www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">http://www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/">Stacy</a> <a href="http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/">http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/">Mary Anne Karren</a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><a href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/">http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.brightstar109.blogspot.com">Brightstar109</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.brightstar109.blogspot.com">www.brightstar109.blogspot.com</a> </li><li><a href="http://rubymtnbeads.blogspot.com/"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Amy Nicole Artisan Jewelry</span> </a><a href="http://rubymtnbeads.blogspot.com/">Http://Rubymtnbeads.blogspot.com</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com/">Resurrection Silver</a> <a href="http://www.resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com/">http://www.resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://kwantessentials.blogspot.com/2011/07/show-and-tell-from-start-to-finish.html">Kwant Essentials</a> <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com/">http://kwantessentials.blogspot.com/2011/07/show-and-tell-from-start-to-finish.html</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com/">Kit and Caboodle Shop</a> <a href="http://thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com/">http://thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://jamauerer.blogspot.com/">Julie</a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><a href="http://jamauerer.blogspot.com/">http://jamauerer.blogspot.com</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/">Lilian </a><a href="http://www.girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/">http://www.girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/</a> </li><li><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com/">Autumn Bradley Jewelry Design </a><a href="http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com/">http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com</a></li></ul>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-39209082611444279912011-02-23T10:10:00.000-08:002011-02-23T12:02:48.069-08:00Loving My Rocks!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTmpUjK2OHnYbipPNtHuOpgcmox4nMbp8APNeZIGoDuF9a1Gjf5iBsD306SwwrkCBaQ3WnEsiUaC9DslDCJPRniQNV5oLLNwQ_MtBw-L1Ljz6QGFxaIEsNgB4Cleh8W4JwHi-8v9Tlso/s1600/stones3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTmpUjK2OHnYbipPNtHuOpgcmox4nMbp8APNeZIGoDuF9a1Gjf5iBsD306SwwrkCBaQ3WnEsiUaC9DslDCJPRniQNV5oLLNwQ_MtBw-L1Ljz6QGFxaIEsNgB4Cleh8W4JwHi-8v9Tlso/s400/stones3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576961609423544418" border="0" /></a>I have become quite the stone collector in the last year....I've always been a collector of things...all of my life....it's in my blood. My passion for rocks started last year when I realized that I could actually incorporate them into my art, and share their beauty with others. How exciting it is, to take something from the earth, that in some cases is millions of years old, and turn it into a piece of wearable art that can be enjoyed for years to come!<br /><br />Their allure is undeniable....the sparkle of druzy entices me....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZxeIh3esz-HvaBFkCHZvt8WOSx4VEli8V0woSdTc1vcD0G99KGdp6g5kZAHOMF8Ui5370fBarn1gSB94L2DDT4o_bvPTjXbTfKYPnA6KfHTlokBQmW-hwGs_KnuIIG3zUtlReb0U63M/s1600/stones7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZxeIh3esz-HvaBFkCHZvt8WOSx4VEli8V0woSdTc1vcD0G99KGdp6g5kZAHOMF8Ui5370fBarn1gSB94L2DDT4o_bvPTjXbTfKYPnA6KfHTlokBQmW-hwGs_KnuIIG3zUtlReb0U63M/s400/stones7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576961074490276002" border="0" /></a>The beauty and mystery of tiny transparent windows tingles my imagination...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARGL9p27T3kDo0nEEULg0Eziq8FD3B-qtAmysB-qlAYClhQV6GolyTwP-L_VI9m_5mPo8lSvhpBxqWVGjPJa595GguhNBuvhh_UXi-R7ZIEw35_E6JQbKJh0lw2FJ2h5NnT_ORDWuMIA/s1600/stones8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARGL9p27T3kDo0nEEULg0Eziq8FD3B-qtAmysB-qlAYClhQV6GolyTwP-L_VI9m_5mPo8lSvhpBxqWVGjPJa595GguhNBuvhh_UXi-R7ZIEw35_E6JQbKJh0lw2FJ2h5NnT_ORDWuMIA/s400/stones8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576959600874670162" border="0" /></a>The power of stunning turquoise calls to my soul....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7B2Y1-3Ma11lXL0U9W_i1yaEDH-V9_GmgXe8BUwdjoj8ewkLTXzayJ3I37H2l0Vn-RUM4F8lc6X7JDAqEo1JS8WaanKqlXjW7Rm0eqAX7XyFlyqYPwbBzUptTI8TxEL5PXNPsTDb1Zg/s1600/stones5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7B2Y1-3Ma11lXL0U9W_i1yaEDH-V9_GmgXe8BUwdjoj8ewkLTXzayJ3I37H2l0Vn-RUM4F8lc6X7JDAqEo1JS8WaanKqlXjW7Rm0eqAX7XyFlyqYPwbBzUptTI8TxEL5PXNPsTDb1Zg/s400/stones5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576959352384858386" border="0" /></a>And I can't resist the sparkling crystals that catch my eye, and make me stare with wonderment and awe....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIde4ldXBjZG_bOoP-OfMlXI9jeBRLZ7suuJQgPz31SWz6Sb3D1jBOeVOEwe_tu-5sbo_FKqFZ84oQH93aDy6cALb99bboQ78DfhZxWKpB9YaxN2ZRN3JGJok8Xv-QkjYgLZbRmDvR0M/s1600/stones6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIde4ldXBjZG_bOoP-OfMlXI9jeBRLZ7suuJQgPz31SWz6Sb3D1jBOeVOEwe_tu-5sbo_FKqFZ84oQH93aDy6cALb99bboQ78DfhZxWKpB9YaxN2ZRN3JGJok8Xv-QkjYgLZbRmDvR0M/s400/stones6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576959100853909330" border="0" /></a>Such things of tiny beauty....so amazing....so interesting....some may say they are just rocks, stones, just hardened hunks of earth....but really they are so much more.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoYobGrKqGkjPWYXmrXOvsCcvCxT0gyoQdSCYcxglTakBm4FZWR0pLagd1X8e07HYpEDKU7KcD-7jNWyG4k8uF5FCEs0vX9LMRiJTWiUwIHSjBdINQycqR-R2Dj95Y0FTdzZw7_XcCzQ/s1600/stones9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoYobGrKqGkjPWYXmrXOvsCcvCxT0gyoQdSCYcxglTakBm4FZWR0pLagd1X8e07HYpEDKU7KcD-7jNWyG4k8uF5FCEs0vX9LMRiJTWiUwIHSjBdINQycqR-R2Dj95Y0FTdzZw7_XcCzQ/s400/stones9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576958850874363410" border="0" /></a>I love looking at my rock collection...and really, I do hope to make some jewelry with them, to share with others....really I do...but, some are just so pretty, just so amazing, that I may not be able to part with them....they may have to stay here with me just a little while longer.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPrUHD1vf9aY_4BLGZDR9IiazzuoFM2WCn7LeIF9MoAHTkX-GAKzx_8pbr-04CkvP-FpiuWcLjVE9ngbyqtqOT2MEh0CS_UrhUTFbhY4-_aqp0qQfN6O56I1pk6rtaP2Ks9embKZAjCM/s1600/stones4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPrUHD1vf9aY_4BLGZDR9IiazzuoFM2WCn7LeIF9MoAHTkX-GAKzx_8pbr-04CkvP-FpiuWcLjVE9ngbyqtqOT2MEh0CS_UrhUTFbhY4-_aqp0qQfN6O56I1pk6rtaP2Ks9embKZAjCM/s400/stones4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576958384293047490" border="0" /></a>I'm sure you'll understand....right? I mean, we all have our vices....and some of these recently acquired stones, I just couldn't bear to part with....they are just so stunning!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbCR_nxiBoTWFMNAdJW3XjS-lblB2sVdL-jpgY-4F23BXi8hCpLvMcJgH_czAezZrpHrtGbCgkXIGvWo-d0x1tLe_k28pAKxq8Vf3vqXA4xZuY-hyHSYAyUCGilOU82CZb914NPseYA8/s1600/stones2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbCR_nxiBoTWFMNAdJW3XjS-lblB2sVdL-jpgY-4F23BXi8hCpLvMcJgH_czAezZrpHrtGbCgkXIGvWo-d0x1tLe_k28pAKxq8Vf3vqXA4xZuY-hyHSYAyUCGilOU82CZb914NPseYA8/s400/stones2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576957957511771890" border="0" /></a>Please take a peek at my fellow <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/">Aspiring Metalsmith's</a> blog posts, to see their rock collections. Maybe you'll be enticed to start a new collection yourself! :)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Autumn Bradley -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Clarity @ Scrollwork Designs -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Stacy Low -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Chrissi Lynn Designs -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.chrissilynn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://www.chrissilynn.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Sylvia Anderson -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.sylviaanderson.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://www.sylviaanderson.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Jessica @ Abella Blue -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"> http://www.abellablue.com/blog</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Contemporary Jewelry by Beatriz Fortes -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://cjbf.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://cjbf.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Esmeralda -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Steph Stargell -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://www.stephstargell.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://www.stephstargell.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Pennee -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Silver Pearl Jewelry and Metalworks -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/show-us-your-stones/#more-4" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"> http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/show-us-your-stones/#more-4</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >ArtistiKat -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://artistikat-scratchingpost.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://artistikat-scratchingpost.blogspot.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" >Claire -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" > </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#666666;" ><a href="http://brightstar109.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">brightstar109.blogspot.com/</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUccaKReAmRpr8g4AKtVgejvdTumfFC5l_VNdLFxqBZ6QpxagRAAB2-5ojUG6z96TkwxRCgWubOg2cD-or5eSzSkHKyaNvloDTbXacV8Zkuz9vU2OmTresj-jGzjVGj-xYwNghxy5EXFs/s1600/stones3.jpg"><br /></a>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-66114360151177621312011-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:002011-01-24T22:56:32.776-08:00My Humble Metalsmithing Journey....<div>This months <a href="http://www.aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Aspiring Metalsmiths group</span></a> blogroll theme is to show the first piece of jewelry that we made and talk about where we started. Well, I don't think I have a picture of the actual first piece of jewelry that I made, due to my computer crashing last year, but I was able to dig up a photo of some pieces made shortly after, and that were pretty much along the same lines. I have always loved jewelry, and bought a few books with projects that seemed right up my alley, and then started playing....</div><div><br /></div><div>These collage charm pendants were made a few years ago, using glass, copper foil tape, decorative papers and vintage images. I soldered them closed using silver based soft-solder, flux and a soldering iron....much like working with stained glass. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoJzLACX-sYahHmPxPdlr_5-YFn2F4dQFixmD9n6kjTe6YhAryMXyoUFMYIcWIgYjofzwL0lQgCTCnw4JWLTg34gZnfWB0sQ3c_07v_58qQN7I_Yr8NetCRbKMtRfWgCxweriJgSya80/s1600/vday1new.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoJzLACX-sYahHmPxPdlr_5-YFn2F4dQFixmD9n6kjTe6YhAryMXyoUFMYIcWIgYjofzwL0lQgCTCnw4JWLTg34gZnfWB0sQ3c_07v_58qQN7I_Yr8NetCRbKMtRfWgCxweriJgSya80/s400/vday1new.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565990783606936898" border="0" /></a>From there I bought a few more books, and taught myself to do some basic wire wrapping, and started working with gemstone beads, and sterling silver...here is one of the first necklaces that I made utilizing those techniques.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1odQpGgNlHAA-plkb-uUiGyyJ4Y9qUDRJV_bLj9_Fp-cxeNBozKmmwFVCfs2jS5dffuTbCYlzv4UYP2riCKUG0Z_9OeUIJ_4KID4NC0sXGXsH-rBDMqKsHEfS2vw8Cp0Cuk5_k1NKydE/s1600/il_fullxfull.61807408.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1odQpGgNlHAA-plkb-uUiGyyJ4Y9qUDRJV_bLj9_Fp-cxeNBozKmmwFVCfs2jS5dffuTbCYlzv4UYP2riCKUG0Z_9OeUIJ_4KID4NC0sXGXsH-rBDMqKsHEfS2vw8Cp0Cuk5_k1NKydE/s400/il_fullxfull.61807408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565990449829135794" border="0" /></a>After making many charm necklaces, and wire wrapped necklaces and earrings, I felt I was ready to push my skills to the next level, and signed up for a four day intensive beginning silversmithing class at my local lapidary shop. I was hooked! Here is the first completed metalsmithed piece that came out of that class...I hand sawed out the pieces, forged the metal, soldered the bail, oxidized and polished it. I used several different tools and equipment...and learned a lot along the way.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1eIOZp8kSba7aRQofXWT2ihBLZpUDLTHlmCs3qNyriqBxNaWy-vf7NaVX_PCnwWpqiC66EJD1bdOXewBS4Oq5NbYIIJjZ7zOzs3s86T7Q1D53bVClTG-DyfX1tYPxYoOCOM7SR6q5aE/s1600/n1487557422_263831_7108.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1eIOZp8kSba7aRQofXWT2ihBLZpUDLTHlmCs3qNyriqBxNaWy-vf7NaVX_PCnwWpqiC66EJD1bdOXewBS4Oq5NbYIIJjZ7zOzs3s86T7Q1D53bVClTG-DyfX1tYPxYoOCOM7SR6q5aE/s1600/n1487557422_263831_7108.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1eIOZp8kSba7aRQofXWT2ihBLZpUDLTHlmCs3qNyriqBxNaWy-vf7NaVX_PCnwWpqiC66EJD1bdOXewBS4Oq5NbYIIJjZ7zOzs3s86T7Q1D53bVClTG-DyfX1tYPxYoOCOM7SR6q5aE/s400/n1487557422_263831_7108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565990567958157378" border="0" /></a>I started putting my new found skills to work by adding simple soldered pieces like this sterling floral bangle to my jewelry portfolio. I have made many of these over the last year, and they helped improve my techniques and finishing skills.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgc3OFHIXAtzMTx5PF4uNMjPak7ueA3KHDQRDX2Wxe8lVInjW5Jq5f6QBK7M-V41p9DMe41DfjjWVtUtMHtTT6HYEdPP9z7FyIYd2pZtjXqBnbUlIkOCGxjwfyT1LjsZ2Ai5ggx85wic/s1600/il_fullxfull.179627520.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgc3OFHIXAtzMTx5PF4uNMjPak7ueA3KHDQRDX2Wxe8lVInjW5Jq5f6QBK7M-V41p9DMe41DfjjWVtUtMHtTT6HYEdPP9z7FyIYd2pZtjXqBnbUlIkOCGxjwfyT1LjsZ2Ai5ggx85wic/s400/il_fullxfull.179627520.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565990379798657682" border="0" /></a>So all of these little steps...working with new materials, trying new techniques, reading and learning...pushing myself to that next step, brings me to where I am today, and where I hope to go. These are two pieces that I have completed in the last two weeks...I think they are good examples of where I am headed on this journey. I hope you'll stay along for the ride. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz0g2MOLJEhKNk5vqxnYqsq_GSyVTZLxxFPezXjH-NMvelq5IsWWCPlunxMVHjaK6Ih9FWia3mbUbY-8SuhOxcy6WCMIcYf1TF_78vEhzOYxYfz9WzrYfiJN0n72Y6mwkBoV2bHB4NM8/s1600/larring2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz0g2MOLJEhKNk5vqxnYqsq_GSyVTZLxxFPezXjH-NMvelq5IsWWCPlunxMVHjaK6Ih9FWia3mbUbY-8SuhOxcy6WCMIcYf1TF_78vEhzOYxYfz9WzrYfiJN0n72Y6mwkBoV2bHB4NM8/s400/larring2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565988923297514834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz_6NkTfXSM03BhMQ5DVQ0vQJAMBKKRM-Mom00IGSUpZ-wqyZrjtXxTLYE45ehgiv9TCvzYzMD2xvyoWlf8-0XePE3s2eBR9WeaXHRW6PW_T835tCPDJCARlPvB3-j9FYrWI1go0mZis/s1600/momsneck1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz_6NkTfXSM03BhMQ5DVQ0vQJAMBKKRM-Mom00IGSUpZ-wqyZrjtXxTLYE45ehgiv9TCvzYzMD2xvyoWlf8-0XePE3s2eBR9WeaXHRW6PW_T835tCPDJCARlPvB3-j9FYrWI1go0mZis/s400/momsneck1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565988735592806258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Please take some time to stop by my fellow <a href="http://www.aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Aspiring Metalsmither's</span></a> and read about their humble beginnings by clicking the links below.</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Jessica - <a href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog">www.abellablue.com/blog</a><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Clarity - <a href="http://www.thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com/">www.thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com</a></span><span style="font-size: 11px; "><br />Claire - <a href="http://brightstar109.blogspot.com/">http://brightstar109.blogspot.com</a><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Stacy - </span><span style="font-size: 11px; "><a href="http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/">http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/</a><br />Pennee - </span><span style="font-size: 11px; "><a href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</a><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Brandy - <a href="http://thefrogspond.wordpress.com/">http://thefrogspond.wordpress.com</a><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Gloria - <a href="http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/">http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/</a><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Joy - <a href="http://www.joypeckjoy.blogspot.com/">http://www.joypeckjoy.blogspot.com/</a><br />Autumn - </span><span style="font-size: 11px; "><a href="http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com/">http://www.autumnbradley.blogspot.com</a><br />Gayle -<a href="http://www.thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com/"> </a></span><span style="font-size: 11px; "><a href="http://www.thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com/">http://www.thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 11px; ">Esmeralda - <a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/">http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></div>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-67959702296357221322011-01-09T09:36:00.001-08:002011-01-09T09:52:01.616-08:00Happy 2011!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiaeTTdH1ICDd0gHfgcgR66J_lr7gFouhWqYVUuLUfr0XDilpjCVNBqYEXWjictOgt-PrGmdc4K3Y5y_ICep0yc1uEUmyrzmY_qbku14oGGPWzQ2Hp5FTejyDPcLMy0ZYR854-SdzzJA/s1600/goldheart5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiaeTTdH1ICDd0gHfgcgR66J_lr7gFouhWqYVUuLUfr0XDilpjCVNBqYEXWjictOgt-PrGmdc4K3Y5y_ICep0yc1uEUmyrzmY_qbku14oGGPWzQ2Hp5FTejyDPcLMy0ZYR854-SdzzJA/s400/goldheart5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560241762150640162" border="0" /></a>Happy New Year everyone! I am a bit late with my first post of the new year, but I wanted to wait until I had something interesting to post about. I finally finished my first new piece of the year and listed it in my Etsy shop yesterday. This is a one of a kind champagne quartz heart necklace....Valentine's Day is around the corner, and I wanted to get a jump start on it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAPlzrk0yeUfl10GEP4kcyKCx5sQyXEJ_cHd67pKjkGtoWtil9LPN3D7gTRO6T0QxCDxw0V6-4zIBATf6JOHjOcQNEv_17Ls8HOksLxeedSz2sTl8LaRvEaBu0kfVGQzl87faRhQHms/s1600/goldheart3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAPlzrk0yeUfl10GEP4kcyKCx5sQyXEJ_cHd67pKjkGtoWtil9LPN3D7gTRO6T0QxCDxw0V6-4zIBATf6JOHjOcQNEv_17Ls8HOksLxeedSz2sTl8LaRvEaBu0kfVGQzl87faRhQHms/s400/goldheart3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560241653431924722" border="0" /></a>I love how this necklace turned out, and I hope that it will make someone very happy this year.<br /><br />I entered it into a contest as well....The Handmade Gift Guide is running a Valentine's Day themed contest, and the winner will get a free spot in the showcase. If you'd like to vote for my necklace you can do that <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.thehandmadegiftguide.com/p/vote.html">here</a>.....mine is at the very bottom...number 32. The contest runs for three more days...thanks in advance for sharing your love! :)<br /><br />In other news, I am on an early Spring cleaning spree, throwing out the old, and organizing as I go. My studio is in a bit of a shambles after the holiday's so I am starting there, and working my way through the house. I hope to get that finished up in the next week. Having a clean space helps my creativity I think, or at least I don't feel guilty thinking I should be doing something else while I'm working in my studio!<br /><br />I been amassing a collection of gorgeous new cabochons and beads in the last year, and will be introducing a new line of jewelry soon. I am excited, and can't wait to share it with everyone, but I have to finish a few pieces first to get things rolling! Stay tuned for some sneak peaks....<br /><br />I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-88205484331884606482010-11-09T20:52:00.000-08:002010-11-12T09:12:53.937-08:00I'm Baaaaaaccckkkk!!Many of you have asked...what happened? Where have you been? Why haven't you updated your blog? I guess I must have experienced "blog burnout" or something of the like. I can't explain it other than to say that the last year, and yes, it's been over a year since I last updated...has been a full one for me and for my family! Too many things have happened to give a quick update about, but the biggest one was that we moved, and after being in our last house for over 8 years, that was really an undertaking for us. After we finally got the last load brought over to the new house, I vowed to stop being a pack rat, and have come to live by the mantra "clean and clutter-free"! Of course one place that is very difficult for me to follow those words is in my studio....where I spend the most time of course. Which brings me to why I am finally posting after a so long....<br /><br />I am a member of a wonderful group of very talented artists called <span style="color:#006600;"><a href="http://aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/">The Aspiring Metalsmiths</a></span>. This month the topic for us to write about on our blogs was to "Show us your Work Space" and I thought, what a fabulous way to kick start myself into keeping my blog updated and to jump in and get writing again! So without further ado, here are pictures of my studio in the new house.<br /><br />So this first picture is a shot of part of my bookcase which is on the left wall as you come into the room. I didn't show the lower shelves, because there really wasn't much interesting on those.<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537784454018257922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8LqsVNTyi76GProhQh2IrsUJljo_NaBEL8vEE4z_OZaOIGw4dhWEe8MQ3LeG0xkrVpzb8DW1GTnRHhSL6ZrVXnGOJFbbZqhFtcElC34t-L9fYTDjqjjJpP4hiMI8TKqtb36guHH0B20/s400/studio5.jpg" /> Then on the wall opposite from the doorway, is my large painting table, where I create mixed media designs. I love this huge table and drawers that I got at Ikea this year!!!</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537782483689797570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy0ILUC0h-ceY4JWxBiDwVeO-fkJSBPjDdJfnmTYOIrq16EhElHkP2e8HxIiKQFX2VowYluWpsqAy47t1vTf4s5U8w_kNEoiONSFhKQWvbfLOD5Y_FFa6QkbMR3qmKqSFju9CBkpj1kg/s400/studio1.jpg" />And this shot shows the other side of my painting table..<br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537782804896714786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5miIB-h1L8cKPhuL7JBEDAvr0LQgBPJ8z3ZmfPenO9kY-JWiiy9zM005If6gXBM41rzSMGKzBwOj2OEUCXSAiDd0nNthmyRyapF6RyyrDoxdxwEel32SNLSLzmAtT4h4ZVwzRrptSq0/s400/studio2.jpg" />And as we continue around the room, we get to my other Ikea table which is where I do my wire wrapping and jewelry assembly at. This is where I spend a lot of time at, and so it's a bit messier. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537788306244130018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4THdgg3QWmmn6bfb44GXWvKPpzDKulyMnAGUdMjOhp6kfCSfkor-zO92CEPfImzxhqDx68FEJ3MMfETqkUPAh9PLM_6Bkp4fsuucu3qvxsBqYN1DndKDQR7MfT3lLWb0xzGQOF6EXZy4/s400/studio3.jpg" />And next to my jewelry table is my workbench, where I solder and finish all of my jewelry at. My workbench is the dirtiest place in my studio due to the nature of metalsmithing work. The soldering process is very messy, and polishing is even worse. That's why my bench is in front of my only window, so that I can get plenty of ventilation while working! I always wear a particle mask while working as well as safety goggles...because you never know when a piece of metal might take flight, not to mention the toxic fumes and dust that happens while working with metal and compounds. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537791436289262098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikg8GmNQTAxKafh5lHDeqMN7MoPgIGKoqY_Xn2gcpI5sku-bspFoTT_C7_5pCThKdAj64QjmqAKymuNZBcIlTodAONJd-4gmBB-1qdeHPcPHiDDvvxHZmci_H3LO5yYTulMmEp1yoHTEc/s400/bench+setup.jpg" /></p>On my bench above, you can see that I use firebrick to protect my bench, plus my flex shaft which I would be lost without, and several tools and supplies that I use daily. My tanks are secured below, and I protect the carpet using a heavy plastic chair mat that I got from an office supply store. Here is a close up picture of my soldering station....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537792302569768994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIZPnsksADnEdMYpS7MIUgaoGukU6QDq7A92APh52fqJBwyBtqnMqC7sCIwmXZco5D2VEVvOlBi5nkMepwzDthahlAK_6KITyKVKBQ2mG07UMX_kqy2pvx2SNPr-5Llzcdq-Gx2tq4Sc/s400/bench+top.jpg" />You can really see how dirty soldering can get! The black things are pieces of my charcoal block which have disintegrated. They are still usable though, and I will continue using the bits and pieces until they are much smaller. The dust around is from polishing and finishing work.<br /><br />The last picture is of my desk and computer, which is to the right of my bench. I spend far too much time here! :)<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537793401240428130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD2WFb9CsBbha66u_CEqet1ZA-VUgaDcBo6wHxGXKHrl0wKSnnn7hnEDDm3ZSGubZclzVYketilJEPc2w_Tou1_khyphenhyphenzxAxRoWflNjVgD5SpSBMThcJIICDw0H6lOEPrDcJvDHLrsBCWY/s400/studio4.jpg" />Thank you for taking a tour of my studio. If you enjoy seeing where artists create, I encourage you to take a peek my teammates blogs, where they are also sharing their work spaces this month. :) </p><p><a href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">All Wired Up Jewelry Designs</a> – http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/<br /><a href="http://thefrogspond.wordpress.com/">Brandy, The Frogs Pond</a> – http://thefrogspond.wordpress.com/<br /><a href="http://www.caroleaxiumdesigns.com/journal/">Carole Axium</a> – http://www.caroleaxiumdesigns.com/journal/<br /><a href="http://www.thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com/">Clarity, Scrollwork Designs</a> – http://www.thesquarepegnation.blogspot.com<br /><a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/">Esmeralda, SilverBlueberry</a> – http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/<br /><a href="http://www.goldenwatercreations.blogspot.com/">Golden Water Creations</a> – http://www.goldenwatercreations.blogspot.com<br /><a href="http://mistyridgedesigns.blogspot.com/">Heather, Misty Ridge Designs </a>– http://mistyridgedesigns.blogspot.com/<br /><a href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog">Jessica Lopour</a> – http://www.abellablue.com/blog<br /><a href="http://joypeckjoy.blogspot.com/">Joy </a>– http://joypeckjoy.blogspot.com/<br /><a href="http://nancysjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">Nancy Creations</a> – http://nancysjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/<br /><a href="http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/">Stacy (Form and Funktion)</a> – <a href="http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/">http://formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Lisa, Sandy Toes Jewelry - <a href="http://sandytoesjewelry.blogspot.com/">http://sandytoesjewelry.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Gloria, Hemlock Hollow - <a href="http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/">http://gloria-hemlockhollow.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Julie A. Mauerer, JAMauerer - <a href="http://jamauerer.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-just-remembered-i-have-blog.html">http://jamauerer.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-just-remembered-i-have-blog.html</a></p><p> </p>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-37921225225093107112009-09-30T04:32:00.000-07:002009-09-30T04:58:22.671-07:00Fall is Here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu4bc597h2JzhuWkNLXJUcAIhBOLzr2OQXNgQ-aGdKojkQmqREdTnH3cfhSylhJFbm9ylxtRJyK6_X-wpeLgXTefLiccJ9QRVSHjU08o1kFJMHvPPHVWjRGjIe9KWwLKbmk92yjPiiZQ/s1600-h/treats1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu4bc597h2JzhuWkNLXJUcAIhBOLzr2OQXNgQ-aGdKojkQmqREdTnH3cfhSylhJFbm9ylxtRJyK6_X-wpeLgXTefLiccJ9QRVSHjU08o1kFJMHvPPHVWjRGjIe9KWwLKbmk92yjPiiZQ/s400/treats1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387222649446728834" border="0" /></a><br />My good friend <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);" href="http://www.ivascreations.typepad.com/">Iva</a> has been politely reminding me that I haven't made a new blog post in quite some time...and she's right of course! I have really been neglecting my poor blog, so I am finally here to post a small update before I head off on a plane to Portland today to attend the <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland09-art-workshops/1221/index.htm">Art & Soul retreat</a>. I was very busy in August and September preparing for the fabulous <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://tinselandtreasures.typepad.com/">Tinsel & Treasures show</a>, which was even better than last years show! Thanks to <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);" href="http://www.ivascreations.typepad.com/">Iva</a> and <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://colleenmoody.blogspot.com/">Colleen</a> for going all out to make the artists feel welcomed and to put on such an amazing event. I didn't really take any pictures at the show, so please do stop by <a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);" href="http://tinselandtreasures.typepad.com/">Iva's show blog</a> to see examples of some amazing art from the show.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd79m6YQGmHHnqTY1PO-BJN2kyjJVO1crpHYUiVAF009t-o_idFoGQxSNtzaG9fGKfpMK3aWVjLGFLLT30I9RinfhWYUc-VVlc0E9OX6k9Hlj5PTwVzwA-U9ItZu1Tus_jSiy6_hdD94/s1600-h/blockbird1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd79m6YQGmHHnqTY1PO-BJN2kyjJVO1crpHYUiVAF009t-o_idFoGQxSNtzaG9fGKfpMK3aWVjLGFLLT30I9RinfhWYUc-VVlc0E9OX6k9Hlj5PTwVzwA-U9ItZu1Tus_jSiy6_hdD94/s400/blockbird1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387222967947097842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUJAgHcOzgDrYqBZT-VprNSwJvjtzJyiH_9SMNTbq2q4HjqsMWdY2WP_K9Dm8vsx2rx31IlyqsVdBtmTvVZfA5MhPfe_gfv0Kykziy9qO1jqmeiLiXgCoTGxPTorUwOTFyDuAvVAEVU0/s1600-h/eiffle2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUJAgHcOzgDrYqBZT-VprNSwJvjtzJyiH_9SMNTbq2q4HjqsMWdY2WP_K9Dm8vsx2rx31IlyqsVdBtmTvVZfA5MhPfe_gfv0Kykziy9qO1jqmeiLiXgCoTGxPTorUwOTFyDuAvVAEVU0/s400/eiffle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387222767527089362" border="0" /></a>The pictures above are some of the new things I have been working on this year....fun Halloween paintings, and whimsical birds are available in my mixed media <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7134368">Etsy shop</a>, and new jewelry designs are available in my other <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland09-art-workshops/1221/index.htm">Etsy shop.</a><br /><br />For those of you that will be in Portland this week, I look forward to seeing you and saying "hi" and meeting some of you for the very first time! I will try to be back soon with pictures from this fabulous art retreat. :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-40590842882277298092009-07-01T13:36:00.000-07:002009-07-01T13:50:52.855-07:00Tinsel & Treasures Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMn_Et5MAlbh4bd7PY3P406qeX3q3JhgCKLku6Ygu4ZPIDNMBPmOM8gLzV5gEIGQJoBgEO4AGsXYvmAtggTF_R-vxFeE8tSirSVPvpDFMalLk3Ry6BTfPMnIgkKrRZMa_65sEnZXNiU/s1600-h/friends.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMn_Et5MAlbh4bd7PY3P406qeX3q3JhgCKLku6Ygu4ZPIDNMBPmOM8gLzV5gEIGQJoBgEO4AGsXYvmAtggTF_R-vxFeE8tSirSVPvpDFMalLk3Ry6BTfPMnIgkKrRZMa_65sEnZXNiU/s400/friends.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353594200141397506" border="0" /></a><br /><b>Show of Friends</b><br />I can't wait for the <a title="http://www.tinselandtreasures.com/" href="http://www.tinselandtreasures.com/">Second Annual Tinsel and Treasures Show</a> , Sept. 12, in our new location in Alamo, CA. I call many of these talented women friends and can't wait to meet the new faces who have been added this year! But the big news is that a new blog for the show was unveiled today!<br /><br /><a title="http://tinselandtreasures.typepad.com/" href="http://tinselandtreasures.typepad.com/">TinselandTreasures.<wbr title="http://tinselandtreasures.typepad.com/">typepad.com</a> features two of the show artists, Susan Bartolucci of <a title="http://tinsellandwhimsy.blogspot.com/" href="http://tinsellandwhimsy.blogspot.com/">Tinsel and Whimsy</a> and <a title="http://bubblingcauldon.blogspot.com/" href="http://bubblingcauldron.blogspot.com/">Sally Case</a> . You'll learn more about them and even find a few pictures of the talented craftsmanship that goes into their unique art. After you read a little about them, visit their blogs to see the latest news coming from their studios.<br /><br />You'll also find the show line up on the new Tinsel and Treasures blog. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for the blog e-newsletter in the left column. Every week until the show, two more artists will be featured, complete with photos and interesting tidbits. Plus, you may even get a sneak peek at some of the art that will be available for purchase that day. Plan to be there early too to get the best selection!<br /><br />Look forward to seeing you Sept. 12, 9 am - 2 pm, at the Alamo Women's Club in Alamo, CA!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-50332908229111703422009-06-17T21:44:00.001-07:002009-06-17T22:12:54.511-07:00Dreaming....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK3mKobEtBD3Tgwueyqb2xzEsYzCd7hQHHQ8y3uJVN6OHg5Lu1tAhVe9A8D6SBeyjm3plwztHcHuThPexWwKbrOUoJLgy9l_KJvEFSB1IQRDP8a_PAUtLIkAu7r3Sz-UeCkJJzX38XmQ/s1600-h/dreamcollage1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK3mKobEtBD3Tgwueyqb2xzEsYzCd7hQHHQ8y3uJVN6OHg5Lu1tAhVe9A8D6SBeyjm3plwztHcHuThPexWwKbrOUoJLgy9l_KJvEFSB1IQRDP8a_PAUtLIkAu7r3Sz-UeCkJJzX38XmQ/s400/dreamcollage1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348524164941869570" border="0" /></a>Of a time when imagination sparks, and wings give you flight....to go on a journey to magical lands! Oh what fun we will have! This is a beeswax collage project that I have the pleasure of teaching to a small group this coming Saturday afternoon. I will share photo's of their finished collages so you can see the journey that their imaginations lead them on. Working with old papers, photo's and tidbit's is always so enjoyable for me, and as I work, I sit and wonder who might have held these old items, and I ponder about the lives those children might have led.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF2ZaulP0Cu8dKQSNvvBkRVEmpgiDzYetik3C4z0_79d-UVj2Ol9FJtEVMKS-jPsU0Q0Ois4oeRHjKtDaHK9GFGSEQxREWvJDImZnnHjG_N0cqEk0yxfuPWZhJRQQNtIQBbNmO9CyBjQ/s1600-h/the_time_machine.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF2ZaulP0Cu8dKQSNvvBkRVEmpgiDzYetik3C4z0_79d-UVj2Ol9FJtEVMKS-jPsU0Q0Ois4oeRHjKtDaHK9GFGSEQxREWvJDImZnnHjG_N0cqEk0yxfuPWZhJRQQNtIQBbNmO9CyBjQ/s400/the_time_machine.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348526904743222690" border="0" /></a>I have always loved the original H.G. Wells The Time Machine movie, and how I dreamed of being able to go back in time someday! Another of my favorites was Somewhere in Time, with Christopher Reeve...what an amazing love story. Mostly, I just thought it would be very cool to have my own personal time machine so that I could visit the past, and the future too. And the design they came up with for the original time machine pictured above is pretty neat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlNYyYDlkEnxjfKuLfq2Cnk2gNwvMCygnJMQFWp9flFE-Ea4uk9GwoUwozDCNKTjkIyrGkfT3BMxr7ZSiE2hYbphdJWp4eVwasTC8G7J2D7FKCG6g6_P9lW0mqkSpSh9l-XxcNwIOcWg/s1600-h/757609629508f24829dbd8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlNYyYDlkEnxjfKuLfq2Cnk2gNwvMCygnJMQFWp9flFE-Ea4uk9GwoUwozDCNKTjkIyrGkfT3BMxr7ZSiE2hYbphdJWp4eVwasTC8G7J2D7FKCG6g6_P9lW0mqkSpSh9l-XxcNwIOcWg/s400/757609629508f24829dbd8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348529114589183010" border="0" /></a>Of course we can't forget about the magic of the Back to the Future movies...and that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DeLorean</span> is a really sweet ride too! The problem I think lies in the fact that both of these times machines had some mechanical failures and flaws, so maybe it's time for someone to invent the perfect time machine....one that is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stylin</span>' and works like clockwork, with no breakdowns or goof <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">up's</span> with the time travel part. I know that I'd buy one for sure! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-27876470285855510452009-05-29T19:56:00.001-07:002009-05-29T20:01:06.397-07:00A Friend's Fabulous Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaitH04bgKhyphenhyphenSttwBhgODOjpins0XnKYvlwTm6jlsx96_WNacxJCvsTNJA5X1SxDBqp2ibicYhrkqieY6v_g18R4AkaupBZtrHT70AUJfzKqC5QSLNiRSgHsulxuB6lyEQ5um-zhtZG8E/s1600-h/3569846887_bc89962358_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaitH04bgKhyphenhyphenSttwBhgODOjpins0XnKYvlwTm6jlsx96_WNacxJCvsTNJA5X1SxDBqp2ibicYhrkqieY6v_g18R4AkaupBZtrHT70AUJfzKqC5QSLNiRSgHsulxuB6lyEQ5um-zhtZG8E/s400/3569846887_bc89962358_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341445776002561922" border="0" /></a>Hurry, and run over to my friend <a href="http://johannaparkerdesign.blogspot.com/2009/05/original-art-giveaway.html"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Johanna Parker's blog</span></a> to enter her giveaway for this fabulous piece of Halloween <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">folk art</span>! What a generous gesture to host this giveaway, and I can tell you from personal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">experience</span> that her creations are truly unique and amazing! The attention to detail, and her wonderful faces make each piece special, and a joy to own. :) Good luck to you!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-21385045231831038292009-05-26T06:14:00.001-07:002009-05-26T06:21:13.890-07:00Etsy Item of the Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_G4kTr6NM835ATxoSzSy1gHg8CpSxwEiUW44j4VbgYjaOHSQpxwjXR-qcGZwErGAgrZ-3IVK1_tiukm6nZLyguO5er-7RRraHPw_sS1p6AmA2bKwAv5lPu9krAn3hP5LPmF7Vy-4o0w/s1600-h/nostalgie2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_G4kTr6NM835ATxoSzSy1gHg8CpSxwEiUW44j4VbgYjaOHSQpxwjXR-qcGZwErGAgrZ-3IVK1_tiukm6nZLyguO5er-7RRraHPw_sS1p6AmA2bKwAv5lPu9krAn3hP5LPmF7Vy-4o0w/s400/nostalgie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340120618908680082" border="0" /></a>I am proud to have one of my items selected as the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> item of the day" on this <a href="http://etsyitemoftheday.com/etsy-what-is-steampunk/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">fabulous website</span></a>! They chose my tea spoon curio necklace "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nostalgie</span>" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">available</span> in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">my </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Etsy</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> shop</span></a> for purchase. This necklace features an antique tintype of a sweet girl mounted in an old spoon and I have added vintage watch parts to hang from the bottom. A very unique piece! Check out this <a href="http://etsyitemoftheday.com/etsy-what-is-steampunk/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">wonderful site</span></a>, as they feature something new each day!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-32160817647744891472009-05-18T21:31:00.000-07:002009-05-18T21:53:28.105-07:00It's Been a Busy Spring!I realized today that it's been far too long since my last blog post...more than a month! Where does the time go? It seems that ever since I turned 40 this year, time is flying by faster than I would like. I have taken on the opinion that I am not going to let it bother me, but I have to admit, that some days it does, and I wish I could slow the world down and enjoy it a bit more. My spring has been filled with spending a lot of quality time with my family...birthday parties, outdoor activities, school functions, and sneaking in a bit of time to produce new jewelry designs...my newest creative interest! Scroll down for pictures. :)<br /><br />A year has gone by since my grandpa Joe left this world for someplace better, and I know he is always smiling down at us...but I still miss him terribly, and wish he were here.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX0fUYjNKpk_C6faoKU2UAjUmuakZ7EmkYgKm-G3d7aAf5BYR4DqOHdWuWcJrwsfkBvBMlik7NYB9TwUoixgglz0mhhKsqxt5_NXwWiO9AcmyTThoZMf18_pvVLtl91MqMyCZoc_eaL8/s1600-h/joerememberance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX0fUYjNKpk_C6faoKU2UAjUmuakZ7EmkYgKm-G3d7aAf5BYR4DqOHdWuWcJrwsfkBvBMlik7NYB9TwUoixgglz0mhhKsqxt5_NXwWiO9AcmyTThoZMf18_pvVLtl91MqMyCZoc_eaL8/s400/joerememberance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337390705580935010" border="0" /></a>Simon is almost finished with Kindergarten, and just turned 6 a few weeks ago! My little guy is getting to be almost as tall as me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTSYuOBAgWo-MXRmbZpi2PPfVsefq8OkIAVYJ7PQNzFV2ZFqMePvwaO33VSppFBGS-AWTUdi49plxHGn5PaO2Gy7N0qBQQ4HbwvKk0fZHEZZSknfuQYorzbV3UwWUQEBFlORFRNXpLlU/s1600-h/bday20096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTSYuOBAgWo-MXRmbZpi2PPfVsefq8OkIAVYJ7PQNzFV2ZFqMePvwaO33VSppFBGS-AWTUdi49plxHGn5PaO2Gy7N0qBQQ4HbwvKk0fZHEZZSknfuQYorzbV3UwWUQEBFlORFRNXpLlU/s400/bday20096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337391165225737810" border="0" /></a>I hope your Spring has been as lovely as mine and even though it's officially not Summer yet, it sure feels like it here in California where we've had 100 degree plus days for the last three days. Swimsuits and back yard BBQ's, here we come! :) Here are some new pieces that have been listed in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">my Etsy shop</span></a>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FTGuS1PfthH6xil-7Gi7siaexhnxfE9vepgZXE3vtRaKImTFGfhpZTWxp_YpIWxLV285CE-dXBaS-VhycnbnASHSR-U2puYSguWiTq3dtIH5N7HnzVvStA3oU0n6MA94V2VDUJwttKE/s1600-h/carnears3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FTGuS1PfthH6xil-7Gi7siaexhnxfE9vepgZXE3vtRaKImTFGfhpZTWxp_YpIWxLV285CE-dXBaS-VhycnbnASHSR-U2puYSguWiTq3dtIH5N7HnzVvStA3oU0n6MA94V2VDUJwttKE/s400/carnears3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337391766980207330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvb2xIf8LVz_BDhMqrgziJGCQE2R59yGrM1LUdAttJw-93Lz4q4icUrtqqgdFde4hW-pPOpz7EZtvfKv5VtxpEjIe_56QvpYVlK7XLkra3CTAw7mFoQbgSaT_OZkoxUcKl6mKvUCpWYI/s1600-h/amyneck5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvb2xIf8LVz_BDhMqrgziJGCQE2R59yGrM1LUdAttJw-93Lz4q4icUrtqqgdFde4hW-pPOpz7EZtvfKv5VtxpEjIe_56QvpYVlK7XLkra3CTAw7mFoQbgSaT_OZkoxUcKl6mKvUCpWYI/s400/amyneck5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337391959673302818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqloQGE9FarAd9i3Vi3bbBJJJt4f_X1Z7rHgWocRBbxxwgjis6Y8vhUk_-n47r-6VgLLOsuqLzIKarUimqdAgBf6ylX-pNOpaJL_QHAt32kXzSXo9trAkDis7U7kNyuf6sUVnUIwZ3LA/s1600-h/mosshoop2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqloQGE9FarAd9i3Vi3bbBJJJt4f_X1Z7rHgWocRBbxxwgjis6Y8vhUk_-n47r-6VgLLOsuqLzIKarUimqdAgBf6ylX-pNOpaJL_QHAt32kXzSXo9trAkDis7U7kNyuf6sUVnUIwZ3LA/s400/mosshoop2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337391867045136530" border="0" /></a>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-66496187392148390472009-04-04T13:16:00.001-07:002009-04-04T13:20:51.732-07:00New Etsy Shop Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezhcce6zoQqLODQZyW1t4bKHkWSuDx61Qo4_wWsR7zM6FxBNK71PvR5ROmedjm9mu4XR-3HJwXQe78sdkpzzPxRJC-K64d6V7A6HufMzm4hx4s6ls37dhzL49E7yLE1eF4DokWSBy1Uk/s1600-h/vials2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezhcce6zoQqLODQZyW1t4bKHkWSuDx61Qo4_wWsR7zM6FxBNK71PvR5ROmedjm9mu4XR-3HJwXQe78sdkpzzPxRJC-K64d6V7A6HufMzm4hx4s6ls37dhzL49E7yLE1eF4DokWSBy1Uk/s400/vials2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320932719724888210" border="0" /></a>I have decided it is time to separate my jewelry from my other artistic endeavors, so I have opened a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7134368"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">new Etsy shop</span></a> that will house my one of a kind paper mache items, vintage goodies, collage, mixed media, and anything else that I create! You can still find my jewelry creations in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">my original Etsy shop</span></a>, and I will be adding more interesting items to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7134368"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">my new Etsy shop</span></a> later this week. Stop by and take a peek! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-61652211034547412142009-03-19T22:25:00.000-07:002009-03-20T20:58:00.620-07:00Hop into Spring Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsGHQ9S6KEPCbcpLA-nJWForcgRu969iDw-FWuLORHLwl003KtLBVrD2PU-9WG9PyA5KUfHpzwiceLPkiMeIFtzUIzuldBavGK2cI8VCgykR6klfT0GTFN9vC14CwnFmvFVW1CQWe-x8/s1600-h/moss2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsGHQ9S6KEPCbcpLA-nJWForcgRu969iDw-FWuLORHLwl003KtLBVrD2PU-9WG9PyA5KUfHpzwiceLPkiMeIFtzUIzuldBavGK2cI8VCgykR6klfT0GTFN9vC14CwnFmvFVW1CQWe-x8/s400/moss2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315483984878331666" border="0" /></a>I am welcoming in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beginning</span> of Spring by having a 20% off sale in <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325">my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span> shop</a> this Saturday and Sunday March 21st and 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span>. Plus, every purchase will get your name entered into a drawing for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprise</span> gift worth $15! The drawing will be held on Monday morning, and the gift will be shipped at no extra charge with the winner's purchase. Stop on by this weekend and Happy Spring to you! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-11428492612137591632009-02-24T11:15:00.001-08:002009-02-24T11:21:32.560-08:00Local Fundraising Auction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr8Ue_p0ukLj14G1GncHFr7rh4UApfee6YlECa3ZTGQfTczYXveJ61y2NmK0dOcAl0uz0RgITYk8VVLP7gJofzwDViiVpd2_TcoK0K1LNnzU0kk4kdyeBnm9-QF5WboQO1XiOCpglEWw/s1600-h/donation2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr8Ue_p0ukLj14G1GncHFr7rh4UApfee6YlECa3ZTGQfTczYXveJ61y2NmK0dOcAl0uz0RgITYk8VVLP7gJofzwDViiVpd2_TcoK0K1LNnzU0kk4kdyeBnm9-QF5WboQO1XiOCpglEWw/s400/donation2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306444786218844706" border="0" /></a>I am participating in a fundraiser for our local co-op preschool, and there are some great items being offered! Some of the items are local for those living in Sacramento, and others are goods that can be shipped to you. I have donated the necklace pictured above, as well as, a $25 gift certificate for my Etsy shop, or any special order item. Here is <a href="http://centerpreschoolauction.auctionfrogs.org/auction/active_auctions.php"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">the link</span></a> where you can see and bid on some great things, and help out the kids at a wonderful school! The auction runs through March 30th and they are accepting cash donations too. :) Thanks for looking!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-90656270992538193392009-02-21T15:26:00.000-08:002009-02-21T15:34:20.758-08:00Saturday Night Special Sale in my Etsy Shop Tonight!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YgHoGimstBWBHVC72M12N33vMl9jtDSr_fFmup8YlPsv4VdcUvLAGByRQQyIdPOP2MFklQOSZk8rWi8MWFwiwwuaVLz9LV7UgWuyNs99WIinEvpEzyLnkpIGqwUsKuj1yaEaoYTng8M/s1600-h/labnec1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YgHoGimstBWBHVC72M12N33vMl9jtDSr_fFmup8YlPsv4VdcUvLAGByRQQyIdPOP2MFklQOSZk8rWi8MWFwiwwuaVLz9LV7UgWuyNs99WIinEvpEzyLnkpIGqwUsKuj1yaEaoYTng8M/s400/labnec1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305396822419598258" border="0" /></a>Stop by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">my Etsy shop</span></a> tonight from 5pm EST through tomorrow morning February 22 at 6am EST. Everything is on sale! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-75254093075744073092009-02-15T17:40:00.001-08:002009-02-15T18:16:40.439-08:00New Items On Etsy and Upcoming Class<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5aSsNCPVer5u9OBjgbeY_JvGr3aKz4Yc_RMaaS9RQI60SNzPZB7JO8m9TYkDPahCTq9ofNC9I25KF_faYVl2Q70FGqdG26jO1K8xfvDlSruN1tV2w-kcVi5SJH-o6RUw0H6v0koDpmA/s1600-h/moon5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5aSsNCPVer5u9OBjgbeY_JvGr3aKz4Yc_RMaaS9RQI60SNzPZB7JO8m9TYkDPahCTq9ofNC9I25KF_faYVl2Q70FGqdG26jO1K8xfvDlSruN1tV2w-kcVi5SJH-o6RUw0H6v0koDpmA/s400/moon5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303206112397393394" border="0" /></a>I have added a few new items to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">my Etsy shop</span></a>....a Magical Man in the Moon.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY75-mk5oMXoTEeRBKPcom1XuzVGEyDZKIxCmAxagg7SZgP1Ej_BV1aYMnlH8CgYSOOrlVGfiUseLYfTrdh4GC4BK939uc_ouZ8XS0IUIVHV-eOS_mQoRoVL2mVTjAUu3jLGS0Bcglbo/s1600-h/labear3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY75-mk5oMXoTEeRBKPcom1XuzVGEyDZKIxCmAxagg7SZgP1Ej_BV1aYMnlH8CgYSOOrlVGfiUseLYfTrdh4GC4BK939uc_ouZ8XS0IUIVHV-eOS_mQoRoVL2mVTjAUu3jLGS0Bcglbo/s400/labear3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303205570486624466" border="0" /></a>Stormy Seas in Blue and Grey~ wire wrapped labradorite earrings....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M1Ew6NAW1PY1KUAMjBOxYeABHwR8nUpk1ZG3XS9IO0kcggFuSECiHaITkfUE3rUwhL2Zy7mmbXDGWKylsOIbgi93jYaqE5e-um0708UvC3KVWF9KRxnXAsZOV_qINz7YdtfT-RhIvLk/s1600-h/mayflowers2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M1Ew6NAW1PY1KUAMjBOxYeABHwR8nUpk1ZG3XS9IO0kcggFuSECiHaITkfUE3rUwhL2Zy7mmbXDGWKylsOIbgi93jYaqE5e-um0708UvC3KVWF9KRxnXAsZOV_qINz7YdtfT-RhIvLk/s400/mayflowers2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303204737431307074" border="0" /></a>And April showers bring May Flowers~ A sweet little field mouse under a pretty flower! In addition to these new items, I have been doing some "spring cleaning" in my shop, and marked down most of last years pieces to make way for new in 2009 items. I am working on several new designs, most of which will be in sterling silver....my new passion. I will still have sculpted pieces in paper mache and clay, as well as collage and mixed media works, but I have recently taken a silversmithing class, and am enjoying working with metal these days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY0l-RBMrzoub495ugz0UMuwOeQZ536EUkFcnyIzG-D4eUzl-nMek3lEUNr9f8ytHOcTf_rxrWRlAN9qDdOSae5H8QgVZJu2Bil933K3haGfizZbCgOXAdh0o_CXDAfVLPuNDa4t0qto/s1600-h/teaspooncurio3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY0l-RBMrzoub495ugz0UMuwOeQZ536EUkFcnyIzG-D4eUzl-nMek3lEUNr9f8ytHOcTf_rxrWRlAN9qDdOSae5H8QgVZJu2Bil933K3haGfizZbCgOXAdh0o_CXDAfVLPuNDa4t0qto/s400/teaspooncurio3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303210247524459746" border="0" /></a>I am please to have been accepted to teach at the 2009 <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/index.html"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Art & Soul Retreat</span></a> in Portland OR.! You can get all of the details on <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland09-art-workshops/1221/index.htm"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">my class here.</span></a> If you have never been to an A&S retreat you are missing out! This is an incredible experience for all who attend...bonding with fellow artists, laughing, learning, shopping, eating, and just an all around great time. I am happy to answer any questions about my Tea Spoon Curio Pendant class that you may have, and I encourage to check out the line up of all the amazing instructors that will be teaching at this event. I hope to see you there! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-8605843036341257792009-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:002009-02-08T08:31:06.780-08:00Coraline: First LookI haven't seen this movie yet, but after watching these two behind the scene's making of Coraline, I sure want to!! Take a few minutes to watch these...they are so interesting, and the steps they go through are amazing!<br /><br />Coraline First Look Part 1<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBMX8Uxf8hg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBMX8Uxf8hg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Coraline First Look Part 2<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sWGr77qkaBw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sWGr77qkaBw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-21927084432868062642009-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:002009-02-08T13:57:42.559-08:00Saturday Night Special Sale in my Etsy Shop Tonight!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8pUycH1gi3FWDUMgsnn0Mxq76tnHPgHXCOWTnlLFqmRM4lDNGYXuwEZt5mGjvVg9bS9bSIR7U4c7CaQ-MS9bCaomuAGMmoBlwzdn36XVaHYKWecgKfAq9PlAhqB70zQntHdP2RfCCFU/s1600-h/nostalgie2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8pUycH1gi3FWDUMgsnn0Mxq76tnHPgHXCOWTnlLFqmRM4lDNGYXuwEZt5mGjvVg9bS9bSIR7U4c7CaQ-MS9bCaomuAGMmoBlwzdn36XVaHYKWecgKfAq9PlAhqB70zQntHdP2RfCCFU/s400/nostalgie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300233234388493026" border="0" /></a>Please stop by to save 20% off of any item in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> shop today February 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> through tomorrow morning February 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> at 6am EST. Just enter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SNS</span> in the comments section when checking out, and I will send you an updated invoice with the correct total showing the 20% savings. I am doing some spring cleaning in my shop to make room for new items being added later this month. You can visit my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Etsy</span> shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">here.</span></a><br /><br />I have been absent from my blog for too long, spending time with family, and taking a much need break. :) I hope to be back into the swing of things now, and will be posting updates more regularly, including news of upcoming events, and previews of my new line of sterling silver jewelry designs. Thanks to the nagging of many friends, I decided to come out of hiding today, and wish you all a happy and prosperous 2009!Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-45204033579650726012008-11-23T17:40:00.000-08:002008-11-23T17:46:33.842-08:00Holiday Santa on Etsy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmGdlm9yLns8-RC1Y3i6gEEv5ijyRj6qgnkr0UY72lO6mvkA9FuTb1HMV_dxsMqMDa5q2MwWEz9_9Mq5_SshrsO-jxZqvmC-zOoyUdlUSpJk2fZw2vSIYx06YwiUvRQuZyjgD2kNb6WA/s1600-h/santaweb2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmGdlm9yLns8-RC1Y3i6gEEv5ijyRj6qgnkr0UY72lO6mvkA9FuTb1HMV_dxsMqMDa5q2MwWEz9_9Mq5_SshrsO-jxZqvmC-zOoyUdlUSpJk2fZw2vSIYx06YwiUvRQuZyjgD2kNb6WA/s400/santaweb2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272033926033611010" border="0" /></a>It's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beginning</span> to look a lot like Christmas.....and this jolly fellow is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">available</span> in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> shop today! Click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17724382"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">here</span></a> to see more pictures and to purchase. Happy Holidays! :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-28368121183220738912008-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:002008-11-01T14:54:01.655-07:00Winter Snowgirl with Vintage Trimmings in my Etsy shop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgmfQ5rQtgbQxNcM5i_LdEfr5mEHf8f5rQ-LlcL_gEAl62y0AhRyTKZCy3W66k-7ep5EkKzJmNcNp7Ms-zfJbcVTvV0Z1luzJnKP6jbumdHjfGsJW7ZCfkDd-FcgsGuXwoGjyk2cfRU8/s1600-h/snowgirl2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgmfQ5rQtgbQxNcM5i_LdEfr5mEHf8f5rQ-LlcL_gEAl62y0AhRyTKZCy3W66k-7ep5EkKzJmNcNp7Ms-zfJbcVTvV0Z1luzJnKP6jbumdHjfGsJW7ZCfkDd-FcgsGuXwoGjyk2cfRU8/s400/snowgirl2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263768908276699074" border="0" /></a>This piece is available today in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">my </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> shop</span></a>. She is part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy's</span> Co-Op AD in the new issue of Home Companion magazine on sale now. She is all bundled up for winter and would make a wonderful addition to your Holiday decor!<br />Winter is just around the corner, and we are just feeling the first signs of it here in Sacramento California....it has been raining since yesterday, and I just love the rain! I hope you are all enjoying the weather in your neck of the woods, as I am here today. :)Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-28583961428236341002008-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:002008-10-30T15:03:31.055-07:00Winter is in the air....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw71-M-utD2lRyeNk6vAZPTtSr61UioJccTL4pH5viZKLC2RYJAne0JCR71dZL-8U_E4joRivseYw71Jc15B0wkkgIyomosuAVgcXaGAp5HmuD7fWgCRGloWi6bSfCJt8tZiabCKrks5A/s1600-h/MESnowgal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw71-M-utD2lRyeNk6vAZPTtSr61UioJccTL4pH5viZKLC2RYJAne0JCR71dZL-8U_E4joRivseYw71Jc15B0wkkgIyomosuAVgcXaGAp5HmuD7fWgCRGloWi6bSfCJt8tZiabCKrks5A/s400/MESnowgal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263059917306424178" border="0" /></a>If you receive <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);" href="http://www.homecompanionmag.com/default_ab.asp">Mary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Engelbreit's</span> Home Companion magazine</a>, you will see a full page AD showcasing many of the wonderful things that you can buy on <a href="http://etsy.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span>.com</a>! I was lucky enough to secure a spot in this Co-Op AD, and featured the piece above to represent my work. This feminine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">snowgal</span> will be available for purchase in <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325">my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Etsy</span> shop</a> this Saturday November 1st by noon Pacific time. So please check back then if you are interested!<br /><br />If you live in Northern California you mustn't miss <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.americanharvestinc.com/site/">American Harvest's</a> open house this Saturday and Sunday November 1st and 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span>! This will be a wonderful kick off to the holiday season where you will find fabulous artwork by many local artists including myself, and my good friend's <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.ivascreations.typepad.com/">Iva Wilcox</a>, and <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.donnaobrien.typepad.com/">Donna O'Brien</a>. The open house runs from 10a to 5p on Saturday and 11a to 5p on Sunday, and people always line up early in anticipation for all of the new one of a kind delights that will be there. Below are just a few of the pieces that I have made especially for their open house, and if you are not able to attend in person, you can always contact the store by phone as they are able to ship items directly to their customers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fmXhVjw1vgmLDJNv2_nprDGnS5x3ZFWicdZ-FuHLuCOj8Sqc6KAP9PlL-3Oo0aK_hiXyJCXvufLrbqH_f0Xhu61kWDiPr16OP_-ywcJR5s6T6W2ShKqLzlGvZfF5rJA2G0hlpy1-4b8/s1600-h/pink1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fmXhVjw1vgmLDJNv2_nprDGnS5x3ZFWicdZ-FuHLuCOj8Sqc6KAP9PlL-3Oo0aK_hiXyJCXvufLrbqH_f0Xhu61kWDiPr16OP_-ywcJR5s6T6W2ShKqLzlGvZfF5rJA2G0hlpy1-4b8/s400/pink1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263058803843328098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpTG3Z_C3mmfgdcrKpzW2K2BFFupDXfDNzSJM_nY-1Pwd7eX3gbszXg4NFiNdo5GyTG24vBM6nAz9oeRpn1hdIA9eLIcAnhi7Uz09Gn7sm06KnCtp2zoP6aPaS7793tBa0rN-cbHmCnY/s1600-h/stnick1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpTG3Z_C3mmfgdcrKpzW2K2BFFupDXfDNzSJM_nY-1Pwd7eX3gbszXg4NFiNdo5GyTG24vBM6nAz9oeRpn1hdIA9eLIcAnhi7Uz09Gn7sm06KnCtp2zoP6aPaS7793tBa0rN-cbHmCnY/s400/stnick1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263058256874523378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqDpIM5wtIOF_e3cy2x8wJDeqi4DROafmxb9eSfAuVFnjuhaEPg1sQjzkJ4-Uv2qX8TzUAx2r3X8GV__RGYWfjKEQSDSUT189Xdw93x4XXfskQezJYsLWnB9Z7oX_Szbd-u92NK6r_go/s1600-h/snowpr1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqDpIM5wtIOF_e3cy2x8wJDeqi4DROafmxb9eSfAuVFnjuhaEPg1sQjzkJ4-Uv2qX8TzUAx2r3X8GV__RGYWfjKEQSDSUT189Xdw93x4XXfskQezJYsLWnB9Z7oX_Szbd-u92NK6r_go/s400/snowpr1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263057813579649602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7D41wT3xth9IEW0Qs7U217Hau-OGKbisn7328PI1Qau-Z9N40YvogCNIkNxM_77sEDdbC5hmB-9GU1GQK2kRt_tJ8Q9CaSkNFnaVjoTvCYkDsAHR3fuz4LwxGQBKIQEyjTwfrfxljS4/s1600-h/stnickbrn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7D41wT3xth9IEW0Qs7U217Hau-OGKbisn7328PI1Qau-Z9N40YvogCNIkNxM_77sEDdbC5hmB-9GU1GQK2kRt_tJ8Q9CaSkNFnaVjoTvCYkDsAHR3fuz4LwxGQBKIQEyjTwfrfxljS4/s400/stnickbrn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263057380949918914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeSlMajLbnxS9rapDk9qdke_sJpaNQZAXiGac43Z7QEUho52SQ0u_b5rwAkR1dcAWpl_2gJ4Mud0k6wsid2a69gNlWirADrRLjCXRfyD623-udhMZETBPwtBSlwsp208BkQ_UHJnAiqI/s1600-h/wish1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeSlMajLbnxS9rapDk9qdke_sJpaNQZAXiGac43Z7QEUho52SQ0u_b5rwAkR1dcAWpl_2gJ4Mud0k6wsid2a69gNlWirADrRLjCXRfyD623-udhMZETBPwtBSlwsp208BkQ_UHJnAiqI/s400/wish1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263056924348103442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscFpKM6gsaVvaMnzaWSckRa9C-vxLXvJ9TVgYvixvAw0XH4_Ht2wj-R8Bt0AKlkY19NnD9eixc_e-0iOOTFDLvJNk7jnedpw7uZYeVtB5NZ-en_C4C7QBLr9fqeKnNLJri778iprYk4/s1600-h/woodlnd1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscFpKM6gsaVvaMnzaWSckRa9C-vxLXvJ9TVgYvixvAw0XH4_Ht2wj-R8Bt0AKlkY19NnD9eixc_e-0iOOTFDLvJNk7jnedpw7uZYeVtB5NZ-en_C4C7QBLr9fqeKnNLJri778iprYk4/s400/woodlnd1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263056451632298018" border="0" /></a>In addition to whipping some new holiday goodies, I was able to sneak in some fun family time at the <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Exploratorium</span></a>. This is a fabulous learning museum with tons of hands on activities for children and adults of all ages. It was one of my favorite places to go when I was young, and so it was a joy to take my son Simon there for his first visit. Here he is making large bubbles....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEcG_4fUq9Yb5GXTv5788h607zfpxLBP6pIxSBq0tGYSx45HzW3r8QjYWViN7-raHM7pewxOkF88EwGyC-ckVgZruhUCuf9JNlSlTeb0rF90306FIifUX4G7MMs0toErihVFlrUvhY6I/s1600-h/expl3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEcG_4fUq9Yb5GXTv5788h607zfpxLBP6pIxSBq0tGYSx45HzW3r8QjYWViN7-raHM7pewxOkF88EwGyC-ckVgZruhUCuf9JNlSlTeb0rF90306FIifUX4G7MMs0toErihVFlrUvhY6I/s400/expl3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263055835821606962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9af-CzBR4zcwNx5dFQjn_XYqY-oSQa4MFtWwoVO_xp2NJKaDob1BpXHlujNPKg64lIyB2pdudRSJjB-LphUxXNmdMXtgyZWvxnCeIlKChFdSLtRHQRS53JARH5q_DvEX74MGTZY9EzCQ/s1600-h/expl2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9af-CzBR4zcwNx5dFQjn_XYqY-oSQa4MFtWwoVO_xp2NJKaDob1BpXHlujNPKg64lIyB2pdudRSJjB-LphUxXNmdMXtgyZWvxnCeIlKChFdSLtRHQRS53JARH5q_DvEX74MGTZY9EzCQ/s400/expl2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263055462105155138" border="0" /></a>And with dad watching gravity pull the metal marbles down into the funnel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcTqJmdqBWh2ia8-ijHyU1c3AG7hj8LPaDurkHZh6OiHU2lTwJn_MF-swJN7CSvLqasVMUi5mP8wlls0hnYvmA6BRTFD_SqSXwIGt_gZzAjQvFlhwuXlZC70Qvy50ems3olS9Ezkwjl4/s1600-h/expl1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcTqJmdqBWh2ia8-ijHyU1c3AG7hj8LPaDurkHZh6OiHU2lTwJn_MF-swJN7CSvLqasVMUi5mP8wlls0hnYvmA6BRTFD_SqSXwIGt_gZzAjQvFlhwuXlZC70Qvy50ems3olS9Ezkwjl4/s400/expl1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263054922837127010" border="0" /></a>I also had the one of the most amazing experiences attending the <a style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);" href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/PortlandOre2008.php">Art & Soul retreat</a> in Portland at the beginning of October with my good friend Teresa. Here we are out shopping after a day of classes...gotta get my shopping fix in! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p8a7KqQmZ1dUVn86PQmNFezLzbo4Lhg0OFFSGiUqmcCWt9UwoJq32qpwBbD9zCQE9OyqrGBvLEC7Pfp338pw1YT1N3YVEIhujQQf3-aOmS9yIrmDF25pX2-hnRl5_BW-CSZGSFhJv9U/s1600-h/DSC07996.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7p8a7KqQmZ1dUVn86PQmNFezLzbo4Lhg0OFFSGiUqmcCWt9UwoJq32qpwBbD9zCQE9OyqrGBvLEC7Pfp338pw1YT1N3YVEIhujQQf3-aOmS9yIrmDF25pX2-hnRl5_BW-CSZGSFhJv9U/s400/DSC07996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263054213232239698" border="0" /></a>I was only able to take pictures during one of my classes, and that was a class I took from <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);" href="http://www.michaeldemeng.com/">Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DeMeng</span></a>. He is an amazing teacher, and I learned a tremendous amount of tips and techniques in his class! Here are a few pictures of his work...he was kind enough to let me shoot them. If you are not familiar with his work, please take some time to check out <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://www.theartistsnook.net/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=11">his book</a>...it's fabulous!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsZXkPa3cjgEspzt2HzhqmxSJpaGrBp0Fe35TlOZuncuH00Y5tZsM-7f57trmVKZ5Z6OXgRXVUOBx-v-hBV53kIrpkzPZYSQ1EKD8EP2tFrLs-TeKzd7_PWjLQYcbgRP0CZfdy1mW6Sk/s1600-h/demeng3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsZXkPa3cjgEspzt2HzhqmxSJpaGrBp0Fe35TlOZuncuH00Y5tZsM-7f57trmVKZ5Z6OXgRXVUOBx-v-hBV53kIrpkzPZYSQ1EKD8EP2tFrLs-TeKzd7_PWjLQYcbgRP0CZfdy1mW6Sk/s400/demeng3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263053848307981538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFdvc6Oiuv7ZtT7Oav15ghxsYM5tPWB-Jm3zm7PJVcA7uD9usXi6azyDhTjCoxLgg2-U99IMdwNE1s-zp3POvSwUwXmKZDg5WUyyuSM2MIOOKQ9965ne8eGd_rZAQYL85veVQNUyXSZI/s1600-h/demeng2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFdvc6Oiuv7ZtT7Oav15ghxsYM5tPWB-Jm3zm7PJVcA7uD9usXi6azyDhTjCoxLgg2-U99IMdwNE1s-zp3POvSwUwXmKZDg5WUyyuSM2MIOOKQ9965ne8eGd_rZAQYL85veVQNUyXSZI/s400/demeng2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263053365393888674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kJFTAM8t2d6JIXQUyNRfHdfw0AAFj5-etiam0ZMSkti_u9IPHoCcg5Kp0BCpFrIz335yFke07V8CZs90ggo0VBET1gLdkEiQb5tGPdE-YNcwnxfCuCrMEoLm3vLK2ZRYwxKzveC_i1Q/s1600-h/demeng1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kJFTAM8t2d6JIXQUyNRfHdfw0AAFj5-etiam0ZMSkti_u9IPHoCcg5Kp0BCpFrIz335yFke07V8CZs90ggo0VBET1gLdkEiQb5tGPdE-YNcwnxfCuCrMEoLm3vLK2ZRYwxKzveC_i1Q/s400/demeng1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263052888603559602" border="0" /></a>Teresa and I stopped into a fun little shop called <a style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);" href="http://www.paperdoll-co.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Paperdoll</span></a> in Portland one night after class. This shop is filled to the brim with rubber stamps and supplies...I was in heaven!! If you are ever in the Portland area, take some time to visit this shop...the owner is a sweetie, and you won't be disappointed in their unique selection! Here are a few pics I shot of her shop....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCOh7CAm1OkANi9V_k7YWmDKY9NYDb1CzinBHLZgcrLuSGpVhHFbCJ_HEQscYQwTBwhz2Wwgse9UDaay1DNRbptNNv_C6osz6fzVm47O3BQAVgeIYt4IFcDoVmi60JnMN5zSNkhJ2OJw/s1600-h/paperdoll2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCOh7CAm1OkANi9V_k7YWmDKY9NYDb1CzinBHLZgcrLuSGpVhHFbCJ_HEQscYQwTBwhz2Wwgse9UDaay1DNRbptNNv_C6osz6fzVm47O3BQAVgeIYt4IFcDoVmi60JnMN5zSNkhJ2OJw/s400/paperdoll2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263052286396689522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GjQvxAfdvDQaTXLcmSvCYvwTLCtGEGHfYNcZ9n_5HFqji05qQDF7Skt2M8rbeJOXGwPks9S6NX1ARVhODOBpfhz1q4UdGYcZutPWQJEdtqahsBDZeosiN6VGsVC97h7THdaVELILLcM/s1600-h/paperdoll1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GjQvxAfdvDQaTXLcmSvCYvwTLCtGEGHfYNcZ9n_5HFqji05qQDF7Skt2M8rbeJOXGwPks9S6NX1ARVhODOBpfhz1q4UdGYcZutPWQJEdtqahsBDZeosiN6VGsVC97h7THdaVELILLcM/s400/paperdoll1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263051810558198914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzxxr5hlxgax_7IU14VW1uYRlMJ7e2pblbPmx5DAJ1FIXSwkMZnVSO9AdIqAXgMGRKk_oC06Z1hXHzdq98Oukp5z0zaYCggLULXyxjJxiQb2zoyb2_-ltV9opnqQDL-M0yp47zSFOcoc/s1600-h/paperdoll3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzxxr5hlxgax_7IU14VW1uYRlMJ7e2pblbPmx5DAJ1FIXSwkMZnVSO9AdIqAXgMGRKk_oC06Z1hXHzdq98Oukp5z0zaYCggLULXyxjJxiQb2zoyb2_-ltV9opnqQDL-M0yp47zSFOcoc/s400/paperdoll3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263051344465396386" border="0" /></a>I love this front window display!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch2EYEgURLKf5UJLIR0LN6lAqo1hYlbB2YgrtDd8YySL2fh3Xnmr6UlOyMnMyv7eIAa2ZxiwHmVgk0gWbzmQ6oHjG1Xhvh-Ortm3hQvUy0a_cCJuAmDAeoujf5duqRJQMaEXPUcphRgE/s1600-h/paperdoll4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch2EYEgURLKf5UJLIR0LN6lAqo1hYlbB2YgrtDd8YySL2fh3Xnmr6UlOyMnMyv7eIAa2ZxiwHmVgk0gWbzmQ6oHjG1Xhvh-Ortm3hQvUy0a_cCJuAmDAeoujf5duqRJQMaEXPUcphRgE/s400/paperdoll4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263050763455371298" border="0" /></a>During my time in Portland, I spied a rainbow as Teresa and I were headed out to lunch. I shot this picture through the window, so it's hard to tell, but it was a vibrant and amazing rainbow! A treat for the eyes, and that was how my entire trip was...a creative treat for my soul. I am already looking forward to next year! I have more pictures to post from trip and will be back soon to share those with you. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyttXy_OLFXBMDFDmNfNn0cr6tUv5_L2Qv1OIbqQ8BvSek3NbfP0noyrjGOA8MFanTPqH33BPa9arGZcc9dVGlVCmlTQKZDf54Oo9ki1z6mdUkjfv3RmrFNAmR3ycs4yFoBq6R9b-OS8/s1600-h/rainbow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyttXy_OLFXBMDFDmNfNn0cr6tUv5_L2Qv1OIbqQ8BvSek3NbfP0noyrjGOA8MFanTPqH33BPa9arGZcc9dVGlVCmlTQKZDf54Oo9ki1z6mdUkjfv3RmrFNAmR3ycs4yFoBq6R9b-OS8/s400/rainbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263050273471611938" border="0" /></a>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935962397698111674.post-73698953988011669442008-09-20T12:31:00.000-07:002008-09-20T12:41:29.091-07:00New Fall Folk Art & Jewelry!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CC5gA_RMrk3mDxXdzdBl50AoFFZzpw3fRznizk1tVgwRspgeX1izHr-j4UM9AMvZHlE4QWQexjpBMweSDZJxKQI1yF_TRx8Ls0PXrg5n-uGTH7Uo1Ik1dR8kvQ-O4Bo4TjApePesIe0/s1600-h/ttneck3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248188989417033474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CC5gA_RMrk3mDxXdzdBl50AoFFZzpw3fRznizk1tVgwRspgeX1izHr-j4UM9AMvZHlE4QWQexjpBMweSDZJxKQI1yF_TRx8Ls0PXrg5n-uGTH7Uo1Ik1dR8kvQ-O4Bo4TjApePesIe0/s400/ttneck3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Please take a peek at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5562325"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Etsy shop</span> </a>today to see new one of a kind fall Folk Art creations in paper mache, and fun new jewelry pieces including vintage charm bracelets, two sided old postcard image necklaces, and the unique Steampunk necklace pictured above. Happy Fall!<br /><div></div>Sylvia Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838856187390131213noreply@blogger.com12