Silver Canyons

Handmade Jewelry Artist - Sending Love Gallery on Etsy

2010-04-13T05:48:00.002-04:00

It is a true pleasure this week to introduce you to Phylly, jewelry designer and creator of Sending Love Gallery

"I love the beauty of the Earth's gifts to us...her gemstones, metals and minerals, shells and pearls. They are wonderful treasures that constantly inspire me in creating jewelry."

Just one visit to her shop and will agree that wonderful treasuries await!

Sendling Love Gallery features many design elements, including semi-precious gemstones (such as her Lilac Amethyst Gemstone Briolette Earrings Sterling Silver

seen in the above picture); pearls, art glass and crystal. But we can't stop there! She also uses a vast array of metals as well - sterling and argentium silver, vermeil, goldfilled, niobium, brass and copper!

I particularly love her detailed shop sections as it makes it simple to navigate find which combination of stone and metals the tickle your fancy! I don't know about you but I love gunmetal finishes and she has a section dedicated to some really beauties. One of my favorites - this gorgeous Blue Green Fluorite Gemstone and Peacock Freshwater Pearl Gunmetal Necklace. The combination of peacock colored pearl with this gunmetal finish is stunning!

Her shop will not disappoint, so be sure to stop by today and see for yourself how special her handmade jewelry is!

Handmade Jewelry Artist - Capital City Crafts on Etsy

2010-04-03T08:29:00.022-04:00

This week I would like to spotlight Barbara, handmade jewelery designer of Capital City Crafts,specializing in sterling silver jewelry, with many unique one of a kind designs.

Barbara has studied metal smithing and jewelry at The School for American Craftsmen at RIT, and has studied design at FIT with one of the top designers in the industry.

Her shop boasts many fabulous designs and design elements to compliment her silver-smithing skills. Many of her designs feature gemstones, pearls and lampwork beads.
If you love turquoise and coral jewelry, you really enjoy her "Everything Turquoise" section.
Love sterling silver band rings? Look no further. Her Ring section has some real beauties, including "Bark" Handmade sterling silver ring, patterned to resemble tree bark!

Please visit her shop for more eye catching designs!

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 9

2010-03-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, PANTONE® is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries.

November 2009, they released their Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 and let me just say, all ten colors are vibrant, and gorgeous!

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Series 9 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs. This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections.

Today's color feature

Pink Champagne
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Kick back and
enjoy the bubbly luxury of Pink Champagne. This delicate, wispy tint is the season’s newest neutral......."

metalsmitten

Rose Quartz Copper $75.00

oliviasgarden

Chantilly Necklace $28.00

designsbycher

Pink Champagne $14.00

endlessbounty

BOHEMIA $15.00

Ambersjewelry

Coucher du Soleil $48.00

GlitzGlitter

Peruvian Opal Earrings $40.00

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 8

2010-03-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Series 8 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs. This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections.

Today's color feature

Amparo Blue
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."this particular shade of blue is extremely appealing because of its brighter, more energetic
attitude......."

abacusbeadcreations

Multi Strand Necklace $46.00

AdroitJewelers

The Deep Blue Sea $69.00

fuchsiabloomstudio

Kyanite Dagger Necklace $60.00

justicejewelry

Lapis Scarabs $11.50

metalicious

Champagne necklace $45.00

michon

Blue Labradorite $16.00

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 7

2010-02-24T10:41:00.001-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Series 7 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs. This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections.

Today's color feature

Fusion Coral
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Energy continues to surge throughout the warmer hues of spring, leading to provocative Fusion
Coral......."

Angelene

sterling silver earrings $15.00

designsbycher

Peach Pixiedust $15.00

dbvictoria

Strawberry Glass Rounds..$75.00

mcrdesigns

Spring Romance $35.00

LotusStone

Kathleen Earrings $14.00

lucidjewelry

Swarovski Peach $18.00

EtsyNJ feautured artist - Captial City Craft Studio

2010-02-23T22:12:00.007-05:00

Team Tuesday blog hop!

I would like to feature a wonderful artist and friend, Captial City Craft Studio. She is a wonderful metal smith with unique designs featuring silver, gemstones, beads and more! Here are a few of my favorite items from her shop:

Let's Do the Twist- Sterling Silver Choker

Road less traveled sterling ring

Kyanite and Bronze Pearl Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet

Simply Fabulous!

Join their 1st "Team Tuesday" Blog Hop and add your Link to our List!

Rules

Blog post must be about an EtsyNJ member shop. To find an EtsyNJ shop, search "EtsyNJ" at Etsy.com. Please limit yourself to just EtsyNJ shops, you may feature more than one if you like, use whatever style or format you want, its your blog. Your post can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

You do not have to be a team member to participate, but you MUST feature an EtsyNJ member on your blog.

I can't figure out the bloghop code but be sure to visit the EtsyNJ Street Team Blog for all the info!

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 6

2010-02-17T12:42:00.001-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Series 5 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs. This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections.

Today's color feature

Dried Herb
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Dried Herb is the ultimate green neutral, pairing well with all other colors......."

thebeadgirl

Medical Alert Bracelet $82.00

LivngoodJewelry

Love and Flowers $16.00

oliviasgarden

Neptune Necklace $25.00

sendinglovegallery

Blue Green Agate $32.00

SilverSmack

Leaves and Twigs $30.00

stoutdg2

Organic Lampwork $32.00

Want to participate in a fabulous giveaway?

2010-02-17T10:10:00.002-05:00

Then you must visit Mint Green With Envy's blog.

She is hosting a wonderful giveaway, featuring a gorgeous pair of earrings
from Blue Scarab Jewelry (Ambers Jewelry)

Good luck to all that enter!

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 5

2010-02-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Today's color feature

Aurora
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Yellow has made its mark on fashion and spring will further this trend with gleaming Aurora.

Reminiscent of the first glimpse of yellow as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, this shimmering,

slightly greenish yellow adds a bold infusion......."

3squares

Bananas Foster $70.00

CocoaGreenhouse

Friendship Rose $22.00

CrystalImpressions

Pineapple Breeze..$22.00

Ovgilliesdesigns

Swirl Me.$32.00

Marciejanedesigns

Bottle Cap $20.00

NightSkyJewelry

Sun Glow $28.00

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 4

2010-01-31T21:00:00.002-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 4

Today's color feature

Violet
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Like the scent of a blossoming flower, Violet lends a romantic air to the warm-weather palette. This intriguing purplish hue is a distinctive addition to any wardrobe......."

Welcome to Series 4 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs.
This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections.

Littlebugjewelry

Violet drops-Chalc.. $23.00

Vandiva

Endless Summer $59.99

JewelryBySolange

Purple Passione..$44.40

GrandmaMarilyns

Purple Right Angle $30.00

Shazzabeth

Exotica & Amethyst $695.00

Onegarnetgirl

Rock Fetish $148.00

How I use Stumble Upon

2010-01-25T09:44:00.004-05:00

I thought that I would give a glimpse of how I use social bookmarking websites such as Stumble Upon, to share some of my favorite sites. This could be either right or wrong...it's just how I do it.

The first thing I highly recommend is to download their toolbar as it makes saving favorites a cinch!

Alrighty....let say I found this fantastic site that I want to share with everyone. What to? Well, the first thing of course is to click the the little blue "thumbs up" symbol i located in the Stumble toolbar, that says "I like it". The blue thumbs up turns green and then you are presented with another screen.

You at this point have two choices (tabs), a "Quick submit or "Add a review". I always use the "Add a review" as it gives relevancy to the pages you are

"stumbling" (submitting).

1. The very first thing is to check the radio button of whether the site you are submitted is worksafe.

2. Next, you are able to select 5 accompanying tags to describe the site you are bookmarking.

(Tip: What I do is click my mouse directly in the tag box and type my own tags instead of using the standard tags (shown in blue). As I use tags, they are saved under "Your Favorite Tags" (shown in grey) and they will appear the next time you stumble and item. It really is a time safer and love this feature!)

3. I normally do not fill in the Review box but if you are so inclined, go for it!! :)

4. Finally click the "Add review" button and your done!

Hope this helped!

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 3

2010-01-20T15:37:00.008-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 3 !

Today's color feature

Tomato Puree
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."tangy Tomato Purée, this season’s classic red. Pair it with Turquoise for a retro look......."

Welcome to Series 3 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs.
This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections

SatinDollCo

Color Explosion $32.00

littlebrownbird

Silk Flower Hair Comb $12.00

erikaprice

..Winter Berries..$25.00

artmadebytammy

Gold Heart Hoops,...$14.00

beadifuldesigns

Decoupage Pendant $4.50

jemsbybandcompany

Love's First Blush $22.00

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 2

2010-01-13T12:33:00.001-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

Welcome to Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 2 !

Today's color feature

Tuscany
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Tuscany, a warm beige hue, provides the perfect backdrop and works well as a solid base color with dynamic accents like Fusion Coral or Violet......."

Welcome to Series 2 of my ten part blogging series, each featuring one of the ten Pantone Spring colors.
As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs.
This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections

BeadzNBling

Love Scrabble Tile Earrings $12.00

capitalcitycrafts

Winter Frost Lampwork $55.00

CocosGreenhouse

Delicate Flutter Necklace..$18.00

cserpent

Viola - White Jade, Amethyst,...$40.00

cooljewelrydesign

beige, black leather beads...$39.00

malves1009

Cream and Filigree Earrings $9.00

Textured Fine Silver with Enamel Flower Pendant Choker

2010-01-11T07:45:00.002-05:00

Textured Fine Silver with Enamel Flower Pendant Choker, originally uploaded by silver canyons.

This year for me is all about learning the art of enameiing.

This is the second piece "successfully" enameled, I say successfully because these particular colors are very had to achieve when working with precious metal clay.
Greens and blues, not problem. But delve into the red hues, fasten your seat belts people, you never know what will turn out!

So, I present to you, my fine silver and enameled star pendant!

Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 - Jet Team SERIES 1

2010-01-06T12:09:00.420-05:00

PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2010 Pdf File - 2.58 MB

As a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase various handmade items and handcrafted jewelry from fellow Jet Team artists. Each artist below has today's featured color incorporated in their designs.

This will be a ten part blogging series Each article will feature one of the 10 colors This is a tiny sampling of handmade goodies and I encourage you to visit our Etsy Shops for our vast variety and selections!

Today's color feature

Turquoise
PANTONE 15-5519
C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0
GOE 104-2-3C

........."Spring and summer naturally evoke feelings of calm ocean waters and tranquil beach vacations in cool, vibrant, tropical Turquoise......."

EmotionalOasis

Aqua Nexus $20.00

Foret

Turquoise Heishi $165.00

GlitzGlitter

Seafoam Blue..$32.00

Jewelry24Seven

Sterling Silver...$67.99

RadicalGlass

Turquoise Aqua Studs $5.50

TheBrassHussy

Turquoise Teardrop..$18.00

Made Front Page on Etsy today!

2010-01-04T22:28:00.029-05:00

This fabulous treasury was created by fellow Jetteam member Knitoramas and features several Jet Team members!!

(mine would be the little dangles at the bottom middle column). Or for your viewing pleasure..

And the kicker, my little charms sold this evening! First sale from my second Etsy Shop, asoulcrayon Enough about me!

The other wonderful thing is other featured Jet Members in this treasury

GlitzGlitter

mcrdesign

fuchsiabloomstudio

michon

Seababe

Big and Beattiful Social bookmarking buttons!

2010-01-03T20:44:00.004-05:00

Aren't they fantastic!!
I have to admit, I am having a ball tweaking my blog.
If you would like to learn how to get these for your own blog, with very minimal tweaking (html editing), you can check out this blog for all the instructions!

Redesign almost complete

2010-01-03T19:56:00.001-05:00

A new blog interface for a new year! Tweeking process still underway but I like what I am seeing so far!

Happy New Years

2010-01-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

I have no set resolutions...just aspirations of good thing s for the coming year!
..well, maybe I secretly have some New Years resolutions but I'll spare the reader of them right now.

I do know, this blog is getting a make over very shortly. Cutting out the clutter, make it more visually appealing and will start adding some reviews of some of my favorite jewelry as well as sprinkling some of my own in from time to time.

In the interim...we well, stay safe and have a glorious New Years!

I've opened a new shop on Etsy

2009-12-01T13:07:00.007-05:00

This new shop is called "A Soul Crayon", the name courtesy Emotional Oasis, an awesome friend from my Jewelry on Etsy Team
So, this new shop features little pretties, a.k.a dangle charms, all using glass beads, gemstones, with all components in sterling silver.

I've accumulated so many beads and stones in these past few years and thought, what a great way to pretty them up. Plus, I am sure a lot of designers don't want to be bothered, no like wire wrapping so purchasing these, already finished would be a great service :)

and a couple more.....

Etched Snowflake Earrings in time for the holidays!

2009-11-23T22:38:00.004-05:00

I wanted to produce a few holiday pieces and I love how these turned out!

Handcut sterling silver discs have been etched with a beautiful snowflake design and oxidized to bring out the detail.
Dangling from each, a delicately wrapped sparkly Aqua Apatite faceted pear briolette.

...I'm really loving silver etching :):)

I've been dabbling with enamels...

2009-11-21T20:21:00.005-05:00

..and, here is a pair of earrings I am truly proud of!
The earrings are completed hand fabricated out of fine silver sheet, both bezel and the etched silver which was used as a base for layering the enamels.

Enamel techniques include Champleve and Basse Taille.Each color was layered and fired to build up to these fantastic colors.

A Fabulous Giveaway Contest sponsered by Jewelry by Solange

2009-11-17T19:58:00.013-05:00

Jewelry by Solange has a written a wonderful blog article about one of our Jet Team members, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has three shops on Etsy; Foret, Foret Two and DivineDesignsbyForet Her jewelry is absolutely fabulous and it definitely worth reading and getting to know a little her and her passions.
Besides the beautiful article, Elazabeth is having a giveaway as well!

For this particular contest, she is awarding one lucky winner a small pair of Ruby & Amber Earrings, valued at $28.00.
The winner will be announced on Saturday November 25st at noon Est Time

Please visit jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com for all the details!

A new giveaway from Sea Babe Jewery - Fine Silver Hammered and Forged Ring

2009-11-17T09:23:00.007-05:00

Seababe is a fellow Jet Team member and she offers the most unique awesome jewelry designs.
For this particular contest, she is giving away her The Twenty Dollar Ring, Fine Silver Hammered and Forged Ring

The giveaway runs from 10:00 PM PST today (Monday) until 10:00 PM PST, November 22nd (Sunday).
Please visit http://stuffundertwenty.blogspot.com/
for all the details!

Finally decided on a car!

2009-11-09T09:04:00.001-05:00

DSC02909, originally uploaded by silver canyons.

I said I would never buy a new car again. Well, never say never.
After the unfortunate events of last week with the car totaled overnight by a hit and run accident, finding a car was priority one.
Considering my daily commuting miles (about 180 a day), AND the tax break incentive for new car purchases for 2009, how could I say no!
So here it is, my 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe in Crimson Red.
This truly is a fantastic color!

Enter for a fantastic necklace giveaway from 3squares

2009-11-02T09:56:00.005-05:00

3Squares is a fellow Jet Team member and she offers the most unique awesome jewelry designs.
For this particular contest, she is giving away her CHAMPAGNE sterling silver and copper necklace!

The drawing ends Midnight on Sunday, NOVEMBER 8th!
Please visit
http://olivebites.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-3squares-amazing-champagne.html
for all the details!

My car was totaled

2009-10-31T22:35:00.004-04:00

What a way to re-start my blogging but it's been a hectic few month since I've last posted.
About my poor car, my baby.. a 2001 Toyota Celica GT...*heavy sigh*...
Parked it a block a way from my house on the corner last Sunday afternoon. I had driven around for 40 minutes and was so grateful to find this spot. I was planning on taking a vacation day Monday and because of alternate side of the street parking rules, finding a spot and the "correct side" is a nightmare in and on itself.

So, Monday after sleeping in, making some jewelry...it was about 6pm and I was getting ready to leave to run some errands.
As I am walking up the block, I don't see my car on the corner. As I kept going, I now see my car, pushed one car space ahead and totally mangled front and back!
Apparently, someone had rear ended my car in the wee hours of the morning, hitting with such force that it pushed it up an entire spot and UNDERNEATH the truck that was parked in front of my.
The truck in front of me had filed the police report and was towed before I even knew anything had happened. I was left with a little piece of paper from the 115th precinct, wedged in the end block, only to be found 1 day later.

You have to love hit and run drivers! And the NYC 115th precinct in Queens,NY for NOT contacting me that my car was involved in an accident, leaving it sit there 12 hours with just a stupid piece of paper the size of a dollar bill as my "notification". NICE!

Shading Copper with Pencils

2009-05-11T20:13:00.005-04:00

After reading an article in the November 2008 Art Jewelry Magazine edition, about different techniques in coloring copper, I am on fascinated and on a mission to try to incorporate this into some new designs. Also, in the is magazine edition,
In this edition, there was a wonderful article called "Master of Color"

featuring a wonderful design, Deb Karash that utilizes this technique in some outrageously beautiful pieces!

During the course of my designing, I am drawn to adding color into all of my sterling silver pieces, whether that be stones, beads or resin. All have been fun to work with but, reading these articles has truly inspired me..yet another medium to work with!
I have to admit...I ran out and got what supplies I was lacking, in order to practice with this. It has been, well, shall I say, not as easy I thought it would be. But, all great things, I suppose are NOT easy.
But I am up for the challenge!

Another pair of Resin Earrings in Amethyst

2009-05-05T15:12:00.002-04:00

Haven't had too much reaction to these yet...I am thinking my new resin line is not hot yet on the list of wanted items??
I think these are fun, and if anything else...I get to keep'em! :):):)

Resin Sterling Silver Paint Splatter Graduated Circle Earrings

2009-05-04T11:15:00.004-04:00

Newly listed this morning...another resin project.
I must say, I really like how these turned out! I combined a couple of colors over the base silver color for a splattered effect.
Still, a learning curve as I could have combined these colors a tad earlier. The base resin cured a bit too long before I had attempted to add the additional colors, but thank goodness, I still achieved the effect was going for ;)

Resin Resin..oh how I love Resin!

2009-04-23T10:48:00.006-04:00

It's been too long since posting but have been working on some new items for my shop.
Can you guess what it involves???

So, the learning curve has been interesting but well worth it. I have all found that my metal-smithing and soldering skills are vastly improving along the way!

So without further adieu, I present my new Resin and Sterling Collection :)

Resin and Sterling Teardrop Pendant Neckace

Resin and Sterling Organic Shapes Pastel Hinged Bracelet

Blue Concho Style Resin and Sterling Bracelet

(backview)

The great compliment....

2009-03-25T20:15:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, the Jewelry on Etsy team ran a Spring Fling Sales event. We had a promotional thread running from Friday through Sunday and people were encouraged to visit participating shops, post items that they liked, and in return, prizes were given out, throughout each day to random posters on our thread.
Prizes were donated from various Jet Team shops participating in this event.

I had the pleasure of donating a prize ( a custom hand stamped sterling silver charm), and my particular winner was Wowbaby

Today, I was totally surprised to find out, she had blogged about it and I dare you to wipe the smile from my face!
Wow Baby's thought of the Day

As a jewelry designer, my biggest fear is having someone not like, or be disappointed in something that I've made. That fear and uncertainty never goes away. I feel those same butterflies every time I place something the mail.
Sometimes you receive positive feedback and sometimes you hear nothing at all....and you alway wonder about the "nothing's".

Today, I didn't have to wonder and I just wanted to say...thank you!

Finally made it to Etsy Front Page!!

2009-03-23T21:14:00.001-04:00

I finally made it! It was at 2am in the morning while I was sleeping but luckily a fellow Jet team member, GrandmaMarilyn',s was able to get a screen shot for me! Thank you GrandmaMarilyn!!
I'm the very bottom right hand corner!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Today is the final day for the SPRING FLING Sale!

2009-03-22T08:29:00.004-04:00

Don't miss out!
VISIT SUNDAY'S PROMOTION'S THREAD GOING ON NOW :)

INCREDIBLE 3-DAY ONLY sale prices at Silver Canyons are as follows:
♥♥ TAKE 40% OFF ITEMS IN MY SPRING FLING SALE SECTION
Please write "SPRING FLING" in the notes to seller and wait for your revised invoice, reflecting these sale prices.
**note: these prices will only be in effect 3/20 - 3/22**♥♥

♥♥ SPEND $60.00 or more and receive a free personalized hand stamped dangle charm as shown here: ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22449452 )♥♥

It's that time of year! The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be holding our annual Spring Fling Promotion! The promotion begins at 8 am (etsy time) Friday morning, March 20th until 12 midnight (etsy time) Sunday, March 22nd.

Spring Fling Event is underway!

2009-03-21T14:07:00.002-04:00

Visit today promo thread to see some fabulous jewelry. Just stopping by and showing one of you favorites automatically enters you in to the prize drawing daily!
✈ ✈ ✈THE JET TEAM SPRING FLING SALE DAY 2 – come in and win prizes!!! ✈ ✈ ✈

I am having a massive blowout sale - only 2 days left!
♥♥ TAKE 40% OFF ITEMS IN MY SPRING FLING SALE SECTION ONLY
Please write "SPRING FLING" in the notes to seller and wait for your revised invoice, reflecting these sale prices.
**note: these prices will only be in effect 3/20 - 3/22**♥♥

♥♥ SPEND $60.00 or more and receive a free personalized hand stamped dangle charm as shown here: ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22449452 )♥♥

Spring Fling Sale starts Friday, 03/20/09!!

2009-03-18T17:48:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year! The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be holding our annual Spring Fling Promotion! The promotion begins at 8 am (etsy time) Friday morning, March 20th until 12 midnight (etsy time) Sunday, March 22nd.

Many of our team members will be participating; each boasting their own unique sales and specials. Information about each sellers sales or promotions can be found in their shop announcement and on the first page of our daily promotions thread in the "Promotions" section of the Etsy forums.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the daily JET Spring Fling Promo thread in the "Promotions" section of the Etsy forums to participate in super fun giveaways for a chance to win tons of prizes! You can win FREE jewelry and other fashion accessories! For a chance to win, we will simply ask participants to take a look at one of our shops and show us a link to an item they like and tell us what they like about the item.

The links to the daily Spring Fling Promo threads can be found on our team blog throughout the promotion
http://jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com/

JETTEAM Participating Shops

SALE PRICING IS NOW LISTED! please visit my shop announcement Friday 3/20, as I will have some AMAZING DEALS happening for these 3 days only!

See ya soon!

Finally, some new goodies

2009-03-07T22:31:00.005-05:00

I have had a rough couple of weeks, indeed! So this is a bit over do, but HOPEFULLY a few of you will enjoy!
It's my new Infinity Design Collection and I've started off with a couple of necklaces. Once I have a few more under my belt, it'll have in very own section in my shop.
Each of these sterling silver Infinity design feature hand forged sterling, that I've engraved with a wave-like pattern. (Engraved, not hand stamping) :):)
I'm going to be doing a lot more with my engraver in the future (lil tidbit of info there!)

I've been Featured in the GlassMuse Blog!

2009-02-20T17:54:00.004-05:00

Thank you so much Jenelle! I totally feel like a celebrity!!
And it's no secret how much I love your lampwork goodies..couldn't have done it without ya!!

GlassMuse

Hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day!

2009-02-15T16:52:00.006-05:00

I have been relaxing all weekend, stuffed with delicious chocolates from the boyfriend! What a good guy!
I have finally gotten around to working on some photo's and was able to list my Rhodonite necklace.
I don't generally bead, but I love the color of these and had a wanted to make a something with a southwest feel.
Hope I did good with that!

The pendant was a little idea I had using some silver scraps. Each pebble meticulously soldered onto the sterling silver washer. It was then oxidized and then polished to a high shine :)

Jewelry on Etsy Team Trunk Show

2009-02-03T23:13:00.002-05:00

The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be hosting their first Trunk Show on Thursday, February 5, at 12:00 noon EST in the Etsy Virtual Labs.
Come join us in The Gallery. Twenty of the JET members will showcase a
wide variety of fine handcrafted jewelry, from beaded creations to
metal work. Be the first to answer a trivia question and win one of the
many door prizes we'll be giving away! Below is a sampling of just a
few of the JET creations that you'll see at the show. Come find out
what special Valentine sales our JETs are offering. Hope to see you
there.

Thank you TOP POSTERS!

2009-02-01T13:07:00.004-05:00

Thank you to my TOP 10 Entrecard Droppers!
I am a bit late...one day! but it's never to late to give thanks!

Mr Soleh’s Outburst 31
A Rose By Name 31
Alteredevents 30
LadyCoder.com 30
Programming Made Easy 30
My gypsygoods 30
Robin's Nest: Scrap out loud 30
Silver Sachet 28
More Than Sew So 26
Limitless Adventure 26

Sterling Silver Hammered Disc Amethyst Heart Earrings

2009-02-01T12:07:00.001-05:00

Sterling Silver Hammered Disc Amethyst Heart Earrings, originally uploaded by silver canyons.

An adorable pair of earrings, just in time for Valentines Day!
Artisan Handmade Sterling Silver Hammered Disc Amethyst Heart Earrings

These delicate earrings feature a 1/2" sterling silver disc that I've hammered and stamped with a heart design. These where then slightly domed to allow reflections of light to hit from every angle. As a final touch, I've accented each with hand wrapped AA++ micro-faceted Brazilian Amethyst rondelles Hand crafted sterling ear wires.

Total Length: 1 1/2"

Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Rectangular Personalized Tag

2009-01-25T23:21:00.002-05:00

Any cute Valentine's Day gift idea!

Custom Hand stamped Heart Cutout 3/4 Inch Sterling Silver Round Disc Pendant with Crystal

2009-01-25T00:24:00.001-05:00

Custom Hand stamped Heart Cutout 3/4 Inch Sterling Silver Round Disc Pendant with Crystal, originally uploaded by silver canyons.

Newly listed, in time for Valentine's Day!

Google Analytics

2009-01-11T23:40:00.003-05:00

By now, most of you know that Etsy has added a cool new feature called Google Analytics which gives you a plethora of stats of how many visits your shop has a day, where your customers are finding you, whether it be key words or referring sites.

I stumbled upon a wonderful tutorial for another blog member, TheTinyFig, that might help some of you out, on how to configure this option.

This is not only available on Etsy, but on Artfire as well. You can also configure your own personal website to track with Google Analytics as well!
Enjoy!!

New Custom Handstamped Necklace

2008-12-25T23:09:00.003-05:00

Continuing on with the hand stamping craze, another pendant, this one including a sterling silver 1.5mm ball chain, available in my Etsy shop.
Thanks for looking!

Wishing you all a vey Happy Holiday

2008-12-24T10:04:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone all the very best, and a healthy, happy and safe New Year!

I am also spreading sales dust around for all of you sellers out there!!

{{Hugs}}

Nicolle

Thank you to all my Etsy customers!

2008-12-21T16:32:00.004-05:00

This has been a wonderful holiday season for me on Etsy. I didn't expect it and it was a pleasant surprise!
Many of my sales came from brand new Etsians and that was nice too!!

Since the holiday shopping has slowed down, I have been able to add a couple new hand stamped designs to my collection, will more yet to come :)

Here are a couple available now in my Etsy Shop and on Artfire as well.

Wishing all a safe, healthy and Happy Holiday season!

Holy Cow, I've been featured!

2008-12-08T14:21:00.002-05:00

Another networking site but this was I just love!
I received a fabulous email from them telling me that I was featured and ...well... i am floating on air!

Here the Fashion Portal page on talentdatabase.com

Not to mention, they provided that nice huge red banner to display proudly!! hehehe
Although, I think it is clashing with my blue website and fake white snow falling :):):)

Completed my first custom Mens Bracelet

2008-12-08T10:05:00.002-05:00

I received a convo from a gentlemen who liked my sterling and leather bracelet, and inquired if I could create something "masculine" for him. He had no rating on Etsy and I was a bit leary, only because he told me to contact him via his email.
Well, well over a weeks worth of communication, I finally came up with something that we both loved!
The bracelet portion, a classic byzantine weave for which I used a heavier "man-ly" size ring -16 gauge

Hand Stamped Ideas for Holiday gifts

2008-12-01T17:47:00.004-05:00

I've received great feedback from newly listed items for sale in my Etsy shop.

At the moment, I have personalized charms for those that have their own chain or leather cord. I will be offering these with sterling silver chain in a few days, plus some addtional shapes and sizes to choose from.
One great idea a customer had, and what she was purchasing these for... adding to keychains for gift giving!

Here's another handstamped item, featuring copper rivets and leather bracelet.

Many designs stamps and 3 choices of letter fonts to choose from. Fun, Fun!

I have been featured in a treasury and Blog!

2008-11-28T16:18:00.002-05:00

Can I just say that I am totally honored!!
http://www.solsisters.blogspot.com/

And might I add, her Etsy shop is FILLED with the most wonderful handbags and accessories...I'm thinking holiday gifts!!

Solsisters.etsy.com

Thanks again, this was really something special!

A Very Special Sale Promotion!

2008-11-26T11:03:00.009-05:00

Everyone knows not to put all of their eggs in one basket regarding selling and promoting your handmade creations.
I was referred a few days ago to a site called Artfire.
Very similar to Etsy but looks like it might give Etsy a run for their money!

For a limited time offering $7.00 per month for life (normally $20.00 a month). This is a flat fee so you will not incur listing fees, relisting fees or selling fees on items!
Just think about the money you spend at Etsy, just in relisting item fees.

Here comes the deal!

If you sign up, you'll get the ability to refer 10 people and get free for life. This is my link :) Come sign up and get your own! 10 referrals is easy!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=3921

AND

The first 10 people to open an Artfire account as being referred by me, will receive $15.00 discount Coupon to use on ANY ITEM in al of my shops:
http://silvercanons.etsy.com
http://www.silvercanyons.com
http://silvercanyons.artfire.com

Just contact me at any one of these venues and I'll be sure to apply your discount code!

Now offering Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry

2008-11-20T12:27:00.004-05:00

These are just so much fun to make and I love the ideas that people have come up with regards to sayings and quotes!
Here is a picture of my bracelet which I wear everyday, to give an idea of the possibilites!

I am going to be offering a couple different versions of this, as well as other custom hand stamped items. So if you are interested, please check my shop often for updates.
For now, I am offering a 5mm width cuff, dainty and feminine :). I also have 6mm sterling and will posts this in my shop in a couple of days.
I have plenty of design stamps to choose from skies the limit!!!

I'm so excited about this - Woot! Woot!

It's been I while but I'm back!

2008-11-10T17:42:00.005-05:00

Gosh, I miss you all!
My etsy team were so busy promoting our holiday sale on Etsy, I just was too drained to post anything...please forgive me!
But..here I am ready to show you some of my new listings...woohoo!
Today, I am going to share a couple of fun leather chokers, both made with Copper! I really like working with it and I love the contrast with sterling silver :):)

Front Page 11/05

2008-11-05T17:51:00.001-05:00

Front Page 11/05, originally uploaded by Made By Tammy.

How great is this! Front Page on Talent Database.
I am so happy and way to go my JETTEAM teammates!!

Sterling Silver Stamped Circle Dangle Earrings

2008-10-29T09:09:00.000-04:00

some new things listed in my Etsy Shop...here's one of them :)

A few more hours left for the Treasure Hunt!

2008-10-27T08:50:00.002-04:00

Be sure to play ....FREE JEWELRY up for grabs!!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5876588&page=1

Santa Secret Treasure Hunt is on!!

2008-10-26T00:30:00.002-04:00

✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ JHS TREASURE HUNT ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈
Please visit http://www.jeweledblossoms.etsy.com to play!

Starts SUNDAY, Oct. 26th at 12PM EST and ends MONDAY, Oct 27th at 12PM EST.

Thanks for participating in this year's treasure hunt to kick off our annual JET Holiday Sale! We all hope you have a great time playing while checking out the amazing jewelry the JETs have to offer!

How to play:
Each shop has a listing in which they've hidden a picture of a mouse wearing a Santa hat (as seen in my avatar). Your job is to find the listing in each shop that has the picture. This listing will then direct you to the next shop. Record the shop names in the order in which you visit them. There are a total of 25 shops participating in the Treasure Hunt. Once you reach the last shop, send your list of shops to me in a convo. If you have any questions on how to play or the rules of the game, please feel free to convo me!

Winners:
The first five people who send me the complete list of 25 shops in order will receive prizes. Everyone else who participates and sends me a list will be put into a drawing and 20 winners will be drawn. That's a total of 25 prizes up for grabs! Prizes will include a piece of jewelry donated from each of the participating shops.

In addition to the great prizes, each shop has it's own great sale going on, so be sure to check out the deals on awesome handmade jewelry!

Ready to play????
Start searching in my shop for the listing with the JET Holiday Mouse now! Good luck!

Happy Holiday Treasure Hunters from the JETs!
✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈

JET Holiday Sales starts this weekend!

2008-10-24T14:21:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Silver Canyons!

¸.•*¨)
*•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-* JET HOLIDAY SALE (BEGINS 10/26/08 though 11/8/08¦:-**•-:¦:-•:*'•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-*

All of our Jet Team Shop are all ready in gear, crafting and listing all of their lovelies for the holiday sale! Please use JHSJETTEAM tag to view all of the goodies! Happy Shopping!

☆♥ All items in my JHS section have been marked down for hassle free shopping during the sale. ☆♥
★ ★ ADDITIONAL SAVINGS: I am offering tiered discounts throughout my entire store: ★ ★
if you spend $25.00 or more, you’ll receive 10% off an additional item
if you spend $50.00 or more, you’ll receive 20% off an additional item
if you spend $75.00 or more, you’ll receive 25% off an additional item
If you spend $100.00 or more, you’ll receive 40% off an additional item

Please type "JHS - I want my ___ % Discount! " in the notes at checkout to receive your discount!

☆♥Sales prices and tiered discounts are in effect through the duration of the sale (10/26/08 through 11/08/08). Shipping rates are stated for each item and are not included in the markdown. ♥☆.

¸.•*¨)
*•-:¦:-**•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-**•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-**•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-**-:¦:-**•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:¦:-* *•-:¦:-•:*''*:•-:

Riveted Sterling Silver Heart and Copper Earrings

2008-10-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

This little dangles feature 1/2" copper disks to which I have riveted tiny sterling silver heart drops.
Ear wires are handcrafted from sterling silver wire which was shaped and tumbled for hours, giving strength and shine!

I love the mix of the two metals together. Earrings are super lightweight as well :)

Earring length: 1-1/2"

Stamped Sterling Silver Corkscrew Earrings

2008-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Another pair to add to the mix....
This design started with 12 gauge round sterling wire that was hammered, hammered and hammered until flattened. I then, hand stamped the length of the wire with different patterns; annealed, then twisted into a corkscrew style dangle. A patina was added to bring out the stamped design, then placed in the tumbler for several hours to give a high shine.

These dangle from handcrafted silver wire, also tumbled to give strength and shine!

Earring Length: 2"

Seriously people, get ye an antivirus program!

2008-10-19T19:26:00.002-04:00

Be weary of what sites are sitting in you Entrecard inbox, that's all I have to say.
Between yesterday and today, I've had a Exploit Webattacker hit and a trojan alert. Both detected by AVG and stopped.
Someone stated AVG gives bogus hits, but I find that not true. A couple weeks back I posted about viruses on my computer. AVG got rid of all of it and now it's on "permanent watch duty".
Just watching out for my blogger peeps!

Cyber Tag, I'm It!

2008-10-18T11:57:00.014-04:00

Something I've never seen before...cyber tagging! Okay, I'll play!
Kristy from Shiny Adorments has tagged me to share a few fun, weird, and maybe interesting facts about myself.

Seven Fact's about Nicolle

1. I am a twin, and sadly, she passed away 4 months ago.
2. I ride motorcycles and am a proud owner of a 2008 Ninja 250! ..woot!
3. I am totally hooked on watching Ghost Hunters every Wednesday night!
4. I have a pretty decent size butterfly(s) tattoo on my right shoulder blade
5. I had lasik surgery over 3 years ago - one of the best things I've ever done!
6. I am a Level III New York State Highway Inspector

IF your wondering how tagging works, here's the skinny...

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog. 4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So to pass along the fun, I have tagged 7 of my favorite bloggers to share some fun facts about themselves. I'll be reading them for sure!

Lizzy T Designs http://lizzytdesigns.blogspot.com
Designing Hillary http://57designstudio.blogspot.com
Periwinkle Studio http://periwinklesuz.blogspot.com
Hot Rocks Glass Jewels http://hotrocksglassjewels.blogspot.com/
Unique Charms http://uniquecharms.blogspot.com/
Musings of Laura Staley http://laurastaley.blogspot.com
Beadalicious http://beadalicious.blogspot.com/

Stamped Sterling Silver Corkscrew Lampwork Earrings

2008-10-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

Artisan Handcrafteed Sterling Silver Lampwork Dangle Earrings featuring design stamped sterling silver wire with lampwork beads

This design started with 16 gauge round sterling wire which I was hammered and flattened. I then, hand stamped the length of the wire with different patterns; annealed, then twisted into a corkscrew ribbon style dangle. A patina was added to bring out the stamped design, then placed in the tumbler for several hours to give a high shine.
Lampwork beads are from one of my favorite glass designers.. Jenelle and Daniel @ http://www.sortafloweringdesigns.com/pages/etsy.htm
Each are wired wrapped and dangle just below the ribbons.

Earring Length: 1-1/2"

Shopping a Sale on Etsy

2008-10-16T21:18:00.003-04:00

Hypothetical Question?

Which is most important for you when purchasing from a store advertising a sale?
Would you be more interested or tempted to buy if the shop offered:

(a) free shipping

(b) a percentage off the item

(c) a BOGO sale (buy one get one) type sale

(d) a percentage off a future purchase?

For all that say all of the above, that's not a choice!! LOL!!
I'm just curious; it's always been a burning question I wanted to ask.

Cobalt Blue Cloisonne Heart Gold Filled Dangle Earrings

2008-10-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Beautfiul Cobalt Blue beads dangle from Ear wires handcrafted from gold filled wire. Gold filled round beads and swaroski indigo beads have been added for a touch more sparkle.
These have beentumbled to give strength, durability and a high polish.

What is cloisonne? Created by skilled artisans, each cloisonné bead can take up to four hours to produce. Dozens of tiny cells are arranged on the bead's surface, filled with enamel color, and fired. Then each bead is polished, revealing intricate and beautiful designs. Since each bead is handmade, colors and styles may vary.

Sterling Stamped Cirles with Amethyst Briolettes

2008-10-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

1/2" sterling silver circles have been hand stamped with a cute little scroll design. I have added AA Amethyst Briolettes, each dangling from hand forged sterling silver ear wires.
Sterling components were tumbled to give strength, durability and shine.

Earrings measure : Approximately 1-1/4"

Sterling Silver Scroll Earrings

2008-10-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

Artisan Handcrafted Sterling Silver scroll earrings.

These were really a lot of fun to make and are just the perfect size, measuring at 1-1/4".

Ametrine and Sterling Dangle Earrings

2008-10-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, these stones are so pretty and sparkle so, I almost don't want to part with them! Very faceted, shiny and sparkly!
Beautiful clear quality Ametrine faceted wheels measuring on average 7x5 mm are alternated with wonderful sterling silver saucers.
Ear wires are handcrafted from sterling silver wire and tumbled to give strength, durability and a high polish.

I'm on a earring making Frenzy!

2008-10-10T14:14:00.004-04:00

Silver Ball Sterling and Karen Hill Tribe Silver Earrings

This is one of many that are in the works as I gear up for a holiday sale in a couple of weeks and will post details very soon.
These consist of a mixture of sterling silver rondelles and Karen Hill Tribe silver balls which have been soldered securely to sterling silver wire.
Earrings have been tumbled to give shine and strength.
Length: Approx 1"

It's so nice to hear feedback!

2008-10-10T13:58:00.002-04:00

Sending a big fat cajunga THANK YOU to Periwinkle Studio's for the kind words about my Ocean Jasper Necklace!
She has been just fantastic about leaving comment on different post of mine and it's nice to know people are actually reading and looking at blogs!
In the next couple of weeks I am returning the favor. She has a wonderful Etsy shop and all of you need to be aware of it!
In the meantime, please take a look at her lovely's!! periwinklesuz.etsy.com More about the artist soon!

Here's the wonderful feature she wrote for me...
Periwinkle Studio

Riveting!

2008-09-28T20:09:00.004-04:00

I just discovered riveting and stamping and am totally hooked!

I am going to be add a new design collection soon to my already vast arsenal of designs.
I spent so much on tools and little silver and copper discs, riveting hammer, a new steel bench block, design and letter stamps this past week, I am disgusted with myself...well maybe a little shameful but heck, I love trying new things and this has not disappointed :):)
So...here is my first riveting project and I have another I am just finishing up.
This is for sale in my Etsy shop at the moment and I love it so much, I am going to make one for myself..no joking. It is the perfect length choker and the combination of copper and sterling I have fallen in love with :):)

Viruses and Entrecard?

2008-09-23T19:58:00.002-04:00

Has anyone run across and issue with "sudden virus" since using/ dropping cards?
I use my computer for nothing but Etsy, blogging, my own personal website, and dropping cards via Entrecard.
I have never, ever had a virus before until tonight. It's the logical explaination.
I don't know whether it's from using the Entrecard Generator or just bogus sites preying on "clickers"

Any thoughts would be fantastic!

Getting the feel for Soldering

2008-09-22T21:29:00.005-04:00

I was so excited to receive some spectacular Ocean Jasper beads that I had been eyeing for weeks. These beads were so pretty and I decided to go all out and make a necklace.... and didn't want to use ordinary chain.
So, I let my imagination take over and I am delighted of how, not only the necklace itself turned out, but the actual chain I created.
I made little tiny spirals from heavy gauge sterling silver and soldered them together to create this wonderful pattern effect.
I also added a dab of patina to bring out the swirl design.

The colors of these beads are just wonderful and I suspect these pictures aren't doing them justice. Might have to reshoot them in the next day or too :)

Newest Creation, Golden Sunset Bangle

2008-09-10T04:36:00.008-04:00

My total inspiration for the colors within this bangle were straight from a beautiful sunset I witnessed on the way home from work one evening.

I started by twisting many feet of gold filled and sterling silver wire; then wrapped onto a heavy gauge sterling wire base.
The lampwork beads are from various artists with hues of peach, sand, lavendar and a touch of purple, to named a few.
Bali bead caps and accent beads are spaced throughout.
Includes signature tag.

The bracelet would be perfect for and small to average size wrist. Currently listed in my Etsy Shop

Bad Photo Day

2008-09-07T22:50:00.007-04:00

The good news. I spent the majority of the weekend creating a few new pieces, concentrating on my leather collection. :):):)
Bad news, all was going fantastice until I tried to photograph them. Today just wasn't my day.
There's something wrong when you spend 4 hours trying to adjust and correct in photoshop...grrrr!!
In any event, I managed to get a few good shots of at least two new items...so here they are

Southwestern choker motif, featuring blue green turquoise nuggets with red coral rondelles. Interwoven within..delicate hill tribe silver spacer tubes and a centered Karen Hill Tribe Flower charm.
Dangling in the back...another red coral rondelle and signature tag.
All other components comprised of sterling silver.
Necklace measures approximately 16-16 1/2"

Southwestern choker motif, featuring red coral rondelles. Interwoven within.. 2mm sterling silver round beads and centered sterling silver flower charm.
Dangling in the back...another red coral rondelle and signature tag.
All other components comprised of sterling silver.
Necklace measures approximately 16-16 1/2"

Now..off to reshoot, wish me luck!

Applying Gold Accents to PMC Clay

2008-09-03T20:39:00.007-04:00

I promised to give some tips, from my experimentation of applying a gold appliqué to your precious metal clay pieces.
I use Aura 22 and have had great success with it.

The most important thing I can tell you is, once you pieces has been fired, do not, I repeat.. do not burnish or tumble!
I allow the pieces to cool down and am careful not to touch the areas that are to be painted with gold, as oils and dirt from your fingers can intefere with the adhesion.

If you find that the gold has hardened in the jar, place a couple of drops of media included and stir with a toothpick until the consistancy is simular to the thickness of nail polish. Lightly place a thin, even layer of paint, using a small paintbrush and allow to dry. I repeat this process 3 times. You can apply two layers, instead of three, but I happened to like the bright color using 3 coats.

I have read tips that prior to applying gold accent paint, to place a thin layer of silver overlay on your fired piece.I suppose to help with adhesion. I haven't tried this yet, as I have not had an issue with the gold not staying in place.

After you have allowed the coats to dry, place your piece back in your kiln, and refire for approximately 6-7 minutes at 1600 degrees.
Once your pieces has cooled down, burnish and tumble. You will be amazed at the beautiful results!

To see the results, view my post about my Silver and Gold Teardrop Earrings

I've been Featured!

2008-08-30T08:48:00.004-04:00

Kristy @ Shiny Adornments is a wonderful jewlery artist. She has shops on Ruby Lane and Etsy, and has been featured recently in The Aug/Sept issue of Bead Trends Magazine.
Hurray!!

Ruined two Pieces of Jewelry today :(

2008-08-29T00:06:00.003-04:00

I am always trying to learn something new, especially working with PMC Clay.
I few weeks ago, I had ordered 4 diachronic cabs that I was going to make the into wonderful pendants.
I formed the pendants and secured the cabs (so I thought)as they clay was moist and let sit for 2 days, until totally dry. Fired and began to burnish the silver.
Well, both cabs came loose and fell out. But me, being the optimist, took the opportunity to add a patina to the silver and place the into the tumbler for a couple of hours to, at least get that end worked out.
So..my bright idea..I'll use jeweler's glue to secure the cabs. I let sit for a couple of days and all looked great...until I tried to go further and incorporate into a necklace. Don't both pop out again!
The glue left a hard, glass like finish to the spot the cabs would have sat...there was no getting it out. I even tried torching but that didn't work either.
I couldn't even reapply the PMC to secure the cab again, since the foreign glue substance would interfere and more than likely, not fuse to the previously fired silver.
So, I am out about $50 worth of silver and cabs. Really bummed.
I think I will have to try next time, putting a thin line of pmc around the cab, much like a bevel cup, to secure.
They were so pretty too!

Silver and Gold Teardrop Earrings

2008-08-21T22:03:00.004-04:00

For my newest endeavor, I had the opportunity to try a new patina to add to my precious metal clay designs - Gold Overlay!
This was alot of fun to work with and I have future designs just swimming in my head, waiting to be created!

This design features a teardrop within teardrop cutout design, crafted from fine silver (.999), precious metal clay.
The earrings were patina'ed in two parts, half with an antiqued,aged look; the other half with sparkling particles of pure gold (91.6%) overlay.
Handforged sterling silver ear wires feature a twisted design.
Earring length: a tad over 1 1/2"

There are a few important techniques that one must follow to obtain this effect and I will be sure to post those in a couple of days, for those interested in trying this yourselves :)

Arte y Pico Award!

2008-08-13T22:15:00.003-04:00

I just received my very first Blog Award! Many thanks to Willow Forrestall of The Sacred Oak, for nominating me...what an honor!

Winners of this award are asked to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language. Each award, if possible, should include the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog. Each award winner is asked to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself. Award-winner and the one who has given the prize are also asked to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog (http://arteypico.blogspot.com/), so everyone will know the origin of this award.

My Top 5 Picks:

Lwgodsil's Jadis Jewelry
Michon Jewelry Blog
Smadar's Treasure
Lady Lynn's Boutique
Inspired Jewelry by Ann Burke

Love, Love, Love Labradorite!

2008-08-10T21:01:00.009-04:00

I've added a couple pairs of Fine Silver ( PMC ) earring to both Etsy and Silvercanyons.com

Beautiful teardrop labradorite stones have been added and really compliment the design.
They better sell fast, else I am tempted to keep a pair for myself! :)

Some more fun with Precious Metal Clay

2008-08-10T16:38:00.008-04:00

These sure are to be one of the most original pairs of earrings in your collection!
I have hand formed these adorable little flip flops from precious metal clay. Because these are hand designed, there might be a slight variation in each of the sandals.
The soles have been patterned with an abstract design, with a patina added.
The straps and little star accents in the toe area have been burnished and polished to a beautiful luster.

Etsy checkout confusing to New Etsy buyers

2008-08-09T22:40:00.006-04:00

I have experienced something new today and don't quite know how to handle.
I sold two items last night from my Etsy shop, to two new Etsians.
I say new because they have no shops set up, zero feedback, zero purchases.

I always welcome those new to Etsy and I wish checkout would not be so confusing to them. My new customer's are not aware that they have to also pay for the items through Ebay.
I politely sent convos and emails, to cover my bases, and tried to explain the process, but have yet to receive responses. Tonight, just about 24 hours have their purchases, I decided to send invoices direct through paypal to them.
Hopefully, this will do the trick.

I am wondering, how long I should wait for a response?

Any advise???

Leather Choker Necklaces Scream "Summer Time"

2008-08-07T21:49:00.006-04:00

Sterling and Leather..just love the combination!

My newest listing today....

The center ring imprinted with "Joy" is suspended amongst two smaller hammered sterling silver rings.

To add a bit of kick, I created a sterling "doodle" that hangs delicately to give balance to the overall look.

The rings are attached by hand wrapped sterling silver wire ends at four locations, in addition to the hand crafted clasp.

Length: approx 16"

Entrecard Is Addictive!

2008-08-06T14:50:00.004-04:00

I first wanted to thank my Top Posters from Entrecard!
I wish I could list more, but here they are. Thank you for you support!

Simply Shiny
fwaggle.org
Gain, Make, Earn Money Online
Designing Hilary
PipeB Web Hosting
Chuvaness...Chakaness...Eclavu...
Search Engine Panel
Samples Girl
Random Ramblings
rkdsign88

So, I joined maybe 4 days ago and I am totally addicted to dropping cards. Now, I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing to click the 300 card limit per day. If you constantly click the maximum of 300, it drives up your Advert price to "Too Expensive".What the heck does that mean? Can someone tell me does that hinder possible bids for you receive? Or is your blog considered popular and customers are chomping at the bit to advertise on your blog?

Worked on a few Fine Silver Pieces this weekend

2008-07-27T14:36:00.004-04:00

Worked with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) this weekend and designed a few pieces,all of which are earrings. I had so much fun trying different patina's and I think overall they really came out nice!

Bike Pictures

2008-07-20T12:13:00.004-04:00

No riding this weekend, as my boyfriend is away. But I took a few pictures of my new baby..some friends refer to it as my blue smurf!

and a poor little injured birdie sitting near my bike. I hope he/she will be ok :(

I official am owner of a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

2008-07-19T09:55:00.003-04:00

Again, not jewelry related but Woohooo, Hurray, Woot!!!!!
I had an honest salesman at Long Island Kawasaki that didn't sell my bike to the highest offer!
I left a deposit about a month ago for my bike which should have been deliverd in two weeks. After some delay it finally arrived at the dealership yesterday, almost a month later.
If I could even describe the frenzy of people wanting this bike..well it's insane.
There are NO more '08's. Kawasaki didn't anticipate the demand for the redesigned Ninja and had to alot a certain number to each dealership. I was fortunate to be able to leave a deposit on the last "blue" one assigned to my dealership. My salesman, "Zeus" told me that some man had offered $1000.00 over what I was going to pay for the bike and although tempted, he shared, he knew it wasn't the right thing to do. Thank God for honest salesman...that's all I can say! Thank you Zeus!!!

Featured Artist Part 2: Cards by Jenna

2008-07-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

Being involved with Jewelry on Etsy Team has really allowed me to meet some wonderful shops and designers throughout the Etsy community. Recently, two teams, EtsyGreeting and Jewelry on Etsy Team, have collaborated for the month of July offering cross promotions of team shops. I have been fortunate enough to have been paired with two wonderful shops and today,
I would like to introduce Jenna from CardsbyJenna
Jenna's shop is filled with wonderful OOAK handmade greeting cards for all occasions. Each are meticulously crafted with great attention given to detail and presentation.

Question: Jenna, how did you first become involved with designing greet cards?
One day a long time ago, I had a birthday party to go to and went shopping for the gift and card. I didn't see anything I liked! It was at that point I figured I should just make my own. Since I am also a scrapbooker I had plenty of paper and supplies but just needed to figure out how to create a card. My cards started out very simple in design. After many experimental projects I found that stamping and embellishment type cards are my favorite to make. From then on out I always handmade my greeting cards. Not only was I giving someone a unique greeting card but it was always personalized. It always makes someone feel good to give them something hand made and from the heart.

Question: What sparks you imagination when creating your beautiful cards?
I am a paperholic. My imagination sparks and springs into action when I see something such as a stamp, sticker, paper pattern and so on. I can spend hours on design. I love color and matching papers. I do look at magazines every now and then for ideas however I do not copy the designs just because it takes the fun out of designing something myself.

Question: What do you find to be your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is probably space. My boyfriend and I currently live in a condo and even though it's a decent size for the two of us my craft supplies and materials are always thrown all over in the living room. I have a small desk and mainly use the coffee table to create my cards.

Question: What inspired your decision to become an Etsy Shop owner?
I found etsy through web surfing. Since I was making more cards than I could use I decided to set up a shop. I have been an etsy member since February of 2007 but didn't list many items. I was mainly trying to figure out if etsy was for me. I have been creating greeting cards for about 2 years now. Currently I work in the real estate industry as an agent. Before I had my license I worked as an admin in a real estate office. I would give the agents in my office their own personalized birthday card. I had much encouragement from my colleagues to sell my cards, and that is what I decided to do. Etsy is awesome and I would recommend anyone to use the site.

http://www.cardsbyjenna.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist Part 1: Captured Time Books

2008-07-13T22:28:00.014-04:00

Becoming involved with Jewelry on Etsy Team has really allowed me to meet some wonderful shops and designers throughout the Etsy community. Recently, two teams, EtsyGreeting and Jewelry on Etsy Team, have collaborated for the month of July offering cross promotions of team shops. I have been fortunate enough to have been paired with two wonderful shops and today, I would like to introduce Rachel, shop owner of Captured Time Books, specializing in One of a Kind Paper crafts, including cards, scrapbooking, journeling and altered items, as well as hair clips, magnets, and much much more.
Rachel, so kindly agreed to answer a few questions, in order for you to get to know a little about her and her Etsy Shop.

Question: Your profile mentioned that you began scrapbooking at an early age. What drew you to this, as a little girl?
I went to camp Lakamaga as a Girl scout and my mother insisted I make a scrapbook of my first "big girl" away from home adventure. I still have that scrapbook to this day. Sure it wained as a teen and came back with a vengeance as scrapbooking evolved but I have loved every moment.

Question: What sparks you imagination when creating your cards, scrapbook and journal items?
I am a paperholic. My love of paper is the driving force followed closely by Prima flowers. The textures and dimension that they add to greeting cards is truly unparalleled.

Question: What do you find to be your biggest challenge?
Never enough time in the day! It is always a constant battle I need a clone just like any working mother. Thank goodness I have a fantastic husband who supports my creative workings.

Question: What inspired your decision to become an Etsy Shop owner?
It was a natural offshoot of my Custom Scrapbook Business. It is a nice variety to create little projects in between my large album orders. It gives me a sense of quick accomplishment to to a few cards or clips. And like many artists, at times I can really suffer from creative distraction. Whats that you say? It goes like this. Whoooo Pretty ribbon. Those would make the most lovely little hair clippies. Mind races through four options settles on one that MUST be made RIGHT NOW. Furiously digging through the supply area for the necessary items. (2 hours pass and now 6 sets of clips are made) Whew that was fun! OMG it is 1:45 AM and I have to be up at 5:15.

Another day in paradise.

http://capturedtimebooks.blogspot.com/

Red Coral is Divine!

2008-07-11T08:15:00.001-04:00

These lovelies feature beautiful red coral rondelles that just pop against the silver bali beads. I have also added a couple of Swarovski red coral crystal bicones to give a bit of dimension.
Two pairs available, one at Silver Canyons and the other at my Etsy Shop

Leather anyone?

2008-07-10T23:21:00.004-04:00

A couple of "summery" leather chokers just listed. I love them so much, I might just keep-em!

Today's Etsy Treasury - "Reminds me of Eggplant

2008-07-09T08:58:00.006-04:00

I scored another treasury today - woohoo! This particular one features one of the JET members, ArtMadeByTammy and both my cross-promotion shops, CapturedTimeBooks and CardsbyJenna.
The colors do remind of eggplant :):):)

I have been falling behind a bit in posting new items to my shops. My beauties are waiting to be photographed and uploaded. I hope to get to this tomorrow :)

Oak and Ooak

2008-07-06T10:57:00.003-04:00

This was a fun little treasury - I absolutely love the color of oak and I enjoyed choosing from a broad selection of items to include in this collection :)

Screenshots!

2008-07-03T21:22:00.004-04:00

I frantically tried to find a program this weekend to replace Thumbalizr, that would take full screen shots, particularly of my treasuries.
I found a plugin for Firefox that works FANTASTIC!
It's called Picnik and here's Mozilla's plugin page where it is listed.
This even sends your screenshots to your email and Flickr!!

Love Aqua!!!

2008-07-03T15:13:00.005-04:00

There is something about this color that makes my day always seem a little brighter, a little happier.
Of course, butterflies... I absolutely love butterflies! Combine the two and to me, it's pure heaven.

Very Colorful!

2008-07-02T10:13:00.012-04:00

Two new listing in my Etsy shop today :)

Flower Cat's Eye Bracelet
..an assorted array of 7mm Puffy flower - Grade A Glass Fiber optic cat's eye beads with Swarovski Crystals in complimentary colors. More information can be found here.

A perfect matching card can be found at Captured Time books

Dragonfly Cat's Eye Earrings
....I just adore and yes....more cat's eye beads!

A perfect matching card can be found at Cards By Jenna

Jewlery on Etsy Team Swap!

2008-06-30T10:20:00.006-04:00

Our team recently had a team swap in which members could exchange either beads, jewelry or both. It was a lot of fun since it was a secret on who was to be your assigned swap buddy!
I was fortunate to have two awesome swap buddies, Shiny Adornments and KeelyB.
Both have amazing shops to please, click their links and check them out!

From KeelyB - a gorgeous handcrafted necklace and pins

From ShinyAdorments - wow, just wow! looky what I got!!

Thanks again to both of you!!