I am having such a hard time keeping up with photographing my pieces lately. Well, here are a few that I have made in the last few days. Some I like better than others. One in particular might actually get torn apart and reused in another fashion. We will just have to see.

Tomorrow I am off to North Carolina for a week of nothing but jewelry making. The schedule is packed full of new techniques and I cannot wait to get started.





Okay, so that is it for now. I hope you enjoyed them. Please give me any feedback you might have on these. I am particularly interested to see if you like or dislike the same ones I do.

Oh, and the first piece is HUGE! I know it doesn't look like it, but it really is. The piece in gold is made with a glass cab that didn't go quite right according to my friend. I actually made her dig it out of the garbage and bring it to me. She still doesn't like the stone. And truth be told, it is one of my favorites. Hopefully she will like what I did to it..... and you know who you are! hehehe

The last two pictures are pieces that were made for a couple of friends.  I hope they like them.

I have finally had a little bit of time to get some new things posted to my website. I will be adding more as I can. I would have had it all done last night, but my internet connection didn't think that it was a good time to be up and running. How frustrating! Even today it is still being really fickle. I hate that! Anyway, here are just a few of the pieces that have either been recently posted or will be shortly.

First, the Preeclampsia Awareness Pin has been listed on the front page of my website. The cost is $12.50. The price includes shipping and 100% of the proceeds goes to the Preeclampsia foundation. This pin has been cast in Pewter and looks wonderful on. All the preeclampsia survivors at the foundation fundraiser received one and it was really neat. These also make great gifts for mothers and fathers. There is just something really special about that little foot on the heart.







The next few images are a few of my angels. I have recently made these since they seem to sell well. I personally think they are really pretty, but of course I am some what biased.


I have also made a couple of other wire wrapped pendants. I haven't done that kind of work for a while and it sure felt good to make a few more. I really do enjoy all of the different things I do. I love to see how the wire takes shape and I am almost always amazed at the finished piece.


I also made a few new pairs of earrings. I can't decide which are my favorite. I love forming the copper cones. Now that is really neat to watch. I start out with a triangular shape and form it with nothing more than a hammer and forming block. I really like the contrast of the black onyx against the matte finish on the black onyx. I don't have many more onyx beads like this, so I am afraid there won't be many pairs or pieces of jewelry to go with them. I want to make a pendant that matches them. The last pair is made with a beautiful purple crystal, much darker and more rich than they appear on my computer screen. They are done using the same technique as my Victorian earrings. I called these Angel Earrings as they also use the same wrapping technique as my small wire angels. I cannot take 100% credit for the design of these however, they were actually inspired by an article in one of the Step-By-Step Wire magazines.


I am hoping to have the rest of these items listed on my storefront by this evening. It is my goal to remove the sold section from my storefront, as I can now display those items on my melissamuir.com website in the Gallery.

I would love to hear any comments, feedback or suggestions you might have.

First things first... Last weeks fundraiser for the Preeclampsia Foundation was AMAZING! I finally got to meet some of the women that helped me through the darkest hours of my life after losing my sweet baby Kelsi. My angel was auctioned off and brought in $1,250 for the foundation. It was really neat. Of course I cried like a baby when they read my story and showed pictures of my baby.

I can also finally share this next piece of news. In February, the director of the PE foundation called and asked if I would be willing to make a new pin for the Foundation. I am not positive, but I believe this is the new Preeclampsia Awareness pin. I am trying to get a good photo of these, and they will be listed on my site for sale shortly. The price is $12.50 per pin and 100% of the proceeds goes to the PE foundation.




Here is the jewelry I wore to the fundraiser. The pictures don't do the necklace justice, but it is SOOOO pretty.


Art Jewelry Magazine
Well, it finally came, the November issue of Art Jewelry. They did a fantastic job on this issue. I love the layout and everything. I ended up having 9 full pages in this issue. That is HUGE! They even had to change the format of the magazine because of my article. HAHAHA, some people are just born to be troublemakers I guess.



Here is a little ring that I recently made. It is for my 2-year-old. Yes, I know the dangers of little kids with this type of jewelry and we keep a close eye on her when she wears it. She is really funny though. She is such a Girly Girl. She is always wearing some type of jewelry in addition to the two bracelets she wears 24/7. Just today she came into the family room wearing about 5 additional bracelets. It is a lot of fun to have little girls that are into jewelry as much as mom is.


October 2008, jewelry making class schedule
I finally finished my schedule for October. Please visit my website (www.melissamuir.com) for class descriptions.

Day	Date	Time	Class	Cost
Friday	10/3	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Introduction to Wire Wrapped Pendants	$25
Friday	10/3	8:00 - 9:30 pm	Introduction to Soldering	$25
Saturday	10/4	10:00 am - 4:30 pm	Basic Soldering	$100
Tuesday	10/7	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Basic Wire I - The perfect simple loop	$35
Tuesday	10/7	8:00 - 9:30 pm	Wire Rings	$25
Thursday	10/9	6:00 - 9:00 pm	Textured Metal	$55
Saturday	10/11	10:00 am - 4:30 pm	Bezel Set Rings	$105
Tuesday	10/21	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Soldered Ear Wires	$40
Tuesday	10/21	8:00 - 9:30 pm	Simple Soldered Rings	$40
Thursday	10/23	6:00 - 8:30 pm	Basic Wire II - Wrapped loops	$40
Friday	10/24	6:00 - 8:30 pm	Basic Wire III - Wrapped beads	$40
Saturday	10/25	10:00 am - 4:30 pm	Soldered Pendant	$100
Tuesday	10/28	6:00 - 9:30 pm	Wire Wrapped Pendants	$65
Thursday	10/30	6:00 - 9:00 pm	Soldered Embellishments	$55

All classes are taught in Norton, OH. Payment must be received in full to guarantee your space. All materials and tools are included in the class fee.

As always, custom classes are available upon request. I encourage all feedback and I look forward to reading what you have to say.

Well, I finally finished my personal website. There are still a few changes I will be making, but since I am headed to Washington, DC this week for the Preeclampsia Foundation fundraiser, it will just have to stay as it is for now.

If you would like to visit, I would appreciate any feedback you may have. http://www.melissamuir.com


Also, the November issue of Art Jewelry has just been sent out to subscribers. It will hit news stands on September 30th. They sent my copy yesterday, but of course I will be out of town when it arrives *grumble.* I am able to get a limited number of copies at a slightly discounted rate, so if you would like one of those be sure to let me know fast. I have a list already started.

Have a wonderful week everyone and I will update with the fundraiser results when I return home.

Once again I have the honor of being featured on the Jewelry of the Day website. This time the piece featured is not for sale through my own website. The piece featured on Saturday, September 6th, is Kelsi's Angel. This is the piece for the Preeclampsia Foundation fundraiser. I have posted a little about Kelsi and the process for the Angel in a post a few weeks ago. Here is the link to that post.

If you get a chance please take the time to stop by http://www.jewelryoftheday.net and check out some of the other VERY talented artists. I am so honored to even be considered on the same level with these people. There are some AMAZING people out there.

Here is a picture of the original chain I made for the angel. I decided to change it after wearing it to church last week. I have long hair and it kept getting caught in the chain. Not only that, but the chain is so pretty and the angel is so pretty that they compete with each other. I decided to remove some of the links and finish it out with a simple round loop chain. It is every bit as pretty, but they no longer compete with each other. I also added a patina to the angel and chain to help highlight the details in both. It really is a beautiful piece. I hope I am able to raise a lot of money for the Preeclampsia Foundation.

September 2008 Class Schedule

If you are interested in taking a class please call me and I can give you further details.  All classes are taught in Norton, OH.

Day	Date	Time	Class	Cost
Tuesday	9/9	6:30 - 9:00pm	Cold Connections - Pendant & Earrings	$55
Thursday	9/11	6:30 - 8:30pm	Introduction to Soldering	$25
Saturday	9/13	10:30am - 4:00	Drawing on Metal with Wire (Bezel too)	$105
Tuesday	9/16	6:30 - 9:00pm	Victorian Earrings	$45
Tuesday	9/23	6:30 - 9:00pm	Metal Beads	$55
Thursday	9/25	6:30 - 8:30pm	Wire Rings	$25
Friday	9/26	6:30 - 9:00pm	Create your own ear wires	$35
Saturday	9/27	10:00am - 1:00	Intro to Etching (Pendant)	$45
Saturday	9/27	2:00 - 6:00pm	Intro to metal/Piercing	$65
Tuesday	9/30	6:00 - 9:30pm	Working with Resin	$55

Custom classes available by request. Payment in full must be received to reserve your spot in the class.


Victorian Earrings
These very pretty earrings are very similar to the wire angels I make. They turned out into beautiful earrings as well. Again, I am totally biased. I taught a class with these just this past week and it was a total hit. People drool over them when I wear them too. I made a pair to go with a dress I wore to church on Sunday.


Email List

If you would like to join my email list please take a moment to sign up. You can opt-out at any time. After you sign up, you will receive an email with a link to confirm you really want to be a part.

Currently, I have used my list to send out various class and appearance notices. You will not be spammed by others as I will never share your information with any one else, EVER! I send out about 2 - 4 emails per month.

When you sign up, be sure to check your email and confirm that you want to be on the list.

Register for Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox email updates

Subscribe to this blog

You can also subscribe to this blog in addition to my email list. Any time I make a post here on the blog you will be notified by email. Just add your email address in the upper left hand corner box labeled "Subscribe."

Thank you all for the support you have offered as I have gone on this journey of jewelry. It has been a fun trip and is only getting better. I have some very fun and exciting news coming soon that I am a little too eager to share. But I am doing my best to keep my lips shut tight for the moment. You will all know soon enough.

Well, I finally finished her. The angel for the Preeclampsia Foundation Fundraiser turned out beautifully. Okay, okay, so I am totally biased, but I really do think that this is one of my finest pieces yet. I went through several renditions of the chain but finally ended up with two handmade links and the remainder of the chain is a simple round link chain.

The Preeclampsia Foundation fundraiser is on September 20th in Washington, DC. I am really excited. I will actually be staying in my old house there. Now that is a trip. It is so strange to stay in a place you once lived, but are now only a guest. It is still kind of fun. I am really glad that our friends bought the place. It is fun to go back.



My class schedule is coming soon. I should have it finished by the end of this week.

Also, just a reminder, I will be at the Cevasco Diamond Cafe this Saturday for their annual art festival and wine tasting. I would love to see you there. I will have a lot of items for sale and will also be demonstrating some of the things we do in my classes.

The event begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 9:00 that evening.

Location:
Cevasco Diamond Cafe
17 Metric Drive
Tallmadge, OH 44278

It is 1/4 mile East of the Tallmadge Circle.

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to have a couple of friends over for a ring class. We made bezel set rings. It was so much fun to chat and enjoy each other's company while doing what I love most, teaching and making jewelry.

These are the rings that were made today. Mine is in the upper left corner which is a carnelian and 16 gauge sterling silver. The middle one belongs to Kathy and features a green aventurine and 12 gauge square sterling silver. Judy made the ring on the right with 20 gauge sterling silver and black onyx.



I have had a really busy week teaching four classes. It has been so much fun. I will try to post a couple of pictures from my other classes as soon as I can get them in a format that works.

Just got one:

This is a fantastic group of ladies that took my cold connections class on Thursday night. We made the mixed metals cuff. There is one student that is missing from the picture, but her cuff was just as glorious and she was just as much fun.



Thank you so much to all that have been taking my classes. I really appreciate your continued support.

I have just finished a piece that is due today. It is part of an assignment that was given to me at the end of the semester. My instructor has curated a show that will travel to a couple of different galleries. Starting this week it has come to the Mary Meyers School Of Art Gallery. A few of us were selected and asked to make a piece while it is here in the Akron area. I was one of those asked to participate. We were given a bag of pearls (Freshwater and fake) and asked to make something desirable with them. The name of the show is Desire. I have used only 6 of the pearls given to me. This piece has taken FOREVER to make. I had to hit the drawing board again several times during the making of it. I was wondering if I would actually ever get this piece done. It is made with Copper, Sterling Silver and Fresh Water Pearls.

Each link started out as a soldered sterling silver ring. I wrapped each one with copper wire while trapping one pearl within each one. I cut out  8 - 1" circles and punched a hole in each one of them to create a window effect. Each ring was then assembled and stitched together, again with copper wire. I used SOOOO much copper wire on this piece. It is really heavy as well. The coper sheet used is 20 Gauge.

I really like the look of this piece and may make some more along the lines. Although I highly doubt I will make anything like this one again. It took me 2 solid days just to make this one. My fingers still aren't back to normal this morning.

As always, comments and any feed back is greatly appreciated.

THANKS!!!!

August Class Schedule:

Below is my August Schedule. If you are interested in taking a class please call me and I can give you further details.  All classes are taught in Norton, OH unless otherwise noted.

Date	Time	Class	Cost
8/16	10:30 - 4:00	Basic Soldering  - Norton (1 space left)	$100
8/19	6:00 - 9:30	Making Metal Beads	$65
8/21	6:00 - 9:30	Cold Connection Jewelry	$55
8/23	10:30 - 4:00	Bezel Set Ring - Basic soldering Required First	$105
8/28	6:00 - 9:30	Intro to Metals/Piercing	$65

Visit me on September 6th at The Cevasco Diamond Cafe in Tallmadge.

I will be showcasing my jewelry and giving jewelry making demos at the annual Cevasco Diamond Cafe ArtFest. They have all sorts of good food and even a wine tasting. There will be face painting, live music and someone that does caricatures. It should be a good time.

The event begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 9:00 that evening.

Location:
Cevasco Diamond Cafe
17 Metric Drive
Tallmadge, OH 44278

It is 1/4 mile East of the Tallmadge Circle.

I have been asked to participate in a new site called Jewelry Of the Day. net. It is limited to only a few artists and I am so honored to be asked to participate. Not only have I been asked to participate in this but I have the high honor of being the first featured artist. Each day the site will highlight a different artist and piece. That means we should see some great eye candy.

Today's featured piece of mine is Blue Mist.

 

This is one of my favorite pieces and I have finally placed it on my site for sale. I am so pleased with the construction of this piece and when anyone sees it they are simply amazed by it. It really is a stunning piece that I am so proud of.

Please take the time to visit the JewelryOfTheDay.net website.

A little while back I was asked by the current director of the Pre-eclampsia Foundation if I would be willing to make a piece to be auctioned off for the annual fund raiser. I have fretted and stewed over this piece for many months. Not knowing which direction to go and yes, I have actually lost a little sleep for it as well.

Most of you that read my posts know that I have 3 children. Riley is 8 and Kate is 2. Those are the two that you hear about and will see pictures of from time to time. However, I do have a third, Kelsi. Kelsi was born at 24 weeks into my pregnancy with her because I developed severe pre-eclampsia, a life threatening disease that can happen during pregnancy. Kelsi was born weighing only 13 oz. Yup, less than a pound. She was only 8 1/2" long. Aside from a doll, she is the smallest baby I have ever seen in my life. You can read more about her if you would like on her website. Kelsi's Webiste : Kelsi lived for 2 1/2 days before she passed away in my hands. It was difficult, but we have had so many great experiences because of her short life. She continues to bless us and I honestly believe that she had a very large helping hand in this next piece.

Have you ever been working on something so hard, nothing comes to you at all, and then all of the sudden without knowing it, it is right there in front of you. Well, that is exactly what happened with this piece. I had my piece drawn out on paper and then I played with a combination of stones for about 2 hours, just laying stones on the drawing trying to figure out which would work best. All the proportions were wrong. Then for the longest time the angel looked like a butterfly. A butterfly would have been okay too since they are often associated with the death of a child also.  But I really wanted an angel.

As I was putting the design wires into the wings I was inspired to change them a little and low and behold, I ended up with an Angel. I am so proud of this piece. It isn't finished yet. The stones haven't been set as I am still working out the bail and necklace that it will hang from. But I must say, I do believe this is my very best piece yet.

Well, I had my open house on July 18 & 19th and it was a fantastic success. There weren't many people, but those that came were fabulous. I was busy the entire time. I was able to meet with some new people and I was able to visit with many of my friends (THE VERY BEST PART!!!!!)

There has been so much happening that I figure I will update.

My sweet baby Kate has just turned 2! It is crazy to think that my first baby (Riley) will be entering the 3rd grade this year. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!?!?! I cannot believe how big they get so stinking fast. here are a couple of pictures of Kate's Second Birthday party. We were very fortunate and my parents were here. They didn't stay nearly long enough though.



A friend from church had a birthday and her daughters had me make this necklace and pendant for her. It is made with Botswana Agate and 14K gold-filled wire. It turned out so pretty. I am glad to report that she LOVES the piece.



MORE SIRIUS JEWELRY!!!

The next two pieces are another custom order. After making the previous two Sirius Black pendants I was requested to make another set of Sirius Jewelry. This has been a fun one and I have had the good fortune of developing a fantastic friendship through the process. Mary, I hope you enjoy these pieces, and I look forward to when we finally get to meet in person and I can see them on you!!!



August Classes:

Below is my August Schedule. If you are interested in taking a class please call me and I can give you further details.  All classes are taught in Norton, OH unless otherwise noted.

Date	Time	Class	Cost
8/5	4:30 - 8:00	Wire Wrapped Pendants	$65
8/8	6:30 - 9:30	Intro to Wire II	$45
8/9	11:00 - 4:00	Basic Soldering - Grand River Beads, Rocky River	$100
8/12	6:00 - 9:30	Working With Resin	$55
8/14	6:00 - 9:30	Intro to Etching	$60
8/16	10:30 - 4:00	Basic Soldering  - Norton (1 space left)	$100
8/19	6:00 - 9:30	Making Metal Beads	$65
8/21	6:00 - 9:30	Cold Connection Jewelry	$55
8/23	10:30 - 4:00	Bezel Set Ring - Basic soldering Required First	$105
8/28	6:00 - 9:30	Intro to Metals/Piercing	$65

Art Jewelry Magazine:

I got my September issue of Art Jewelry magazine this past week. As I was looking through it I was very surprised to see a picture of my Winter Lily in there. It is on page 86 and is used as the "teaser" picture for the next (November) issue of the magazine. It is kind of exciting.

I have been trying to get things ready for my open house on Friday and Saturday of this week. I have been working on a few different techniques and the results have been kind of fun. I just wanted to try something different for a little bit.


I call these two "CHAOS" because that is what they are. The first is made with copper sheet and beads and sterling wire. The second is copper, sterling, Swarovski crystals and Fancy Jasper cubes.


These next two are inspired by Kathy Frey. I was just playing around with some shorter lengths of wire.

I believe the stone on this is a strawberry quartz. you can see through the stone really well, which is why I decided to do the piercing on the back. I am so excited to say that I think I am getting better with my piercing work.

Again, more pieces inspired by Kathy Frey.
  
The first picture in this group is made by my good friend Cheryl. I love the colors in this one and if it doesn't sell quickly, it might just be added to my personal collection. The second is a black onyx.

The blue "stone" is a fused glass piece by a friend of mine, Donna Cason. I bought 4 or 5 different pieces from her with the intention of making angels with them, as I have done here. The second piece is called Rose Love. It is a rose quartz.
   

Is it July already? Help me celebrate in my new jewelry studio and classroom with a class or two. New location + New Studio = Open House New location Well, it finally happened. We finally found out that we are remaining here in Ohio for another 3 years. We bought a house and I have built the best studio and classroom ever and am excited to get some classes going. My new location is only 2 miles from my previous one. It is much closer to eating and shopping as well. Address: 3858 Woodglen Ave Norton, OH 44203 330-294-0177 Open House Please join me for an open house on Friday, July 18, 6:30 - 9:30 pm and Saturday, July 19, 2:30 - 7:30 pm. View and sign up for upcoming classes and projects, purchase finished jewelry, eat yummy food and best of all, view the new studio. Bring a friend and receive 5% off classes and 10% off merchandise. Class information: Classes are currently taught in Norton/Copley and at Grand River Beads in Rocky River. We can also put together a class at your place if you would like. Just give me a call and we will work out the details together. In every class, all materials are provided unless otherwise noted. You only need bring yourself. If you prefer to work with your own tools, you are more than welcome to bring those as well. Please mark personal tools prior to attending classes. Have you already taken one of the classes listed here? No problem. If you have already taken one of these classes you are still welcome to take it again. I promise I will push you to the next level with extra exercises and ideas. Each time you take a class you should walk away with new techniques, a better comfort level and different ideas. Norton Location Class Deposit: To ensure your place in any class a non-refundable $25 deposit is required. The deposit will be applied to your class fee. It will be refunded in full if a class is canceled or rescheduled for any reason. The deposit can be paid by Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card or PayPal. All classes are taught by jewelry artist  Melissa Muir. You can see Melissa's work on her website http://www.kcjewelbox.com and on her Design Journal http://design.kcjewelbox.com Try It, You Just Might Like It Mini-classes I have been working on a series of mini classes. Each class is 1 1/2 hours long and is designed to let you try your hand at a particular technique before committing to a more in-depth class. As with each of my classes, all materials are included and you will always return home with a finished piece of jewelry. Each class assumes NO EXPERIENCE with any of the techniques. Mini-class schedule Tuesday, July 22, 6:30 - 8:00pm Introduction to wire jewelry In this class you will create a bracelet while learning the proper way to create an eye pin and simple loops. You will be introduced to the various tools and materials used in jewelry making and proper technique. Price: $25 Tuesday, July 29, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Introduction to soldering This class will introduce you to some of the tools used in making soldered jewelry. We will work with a small torch, sterling silver and copper wire to make a simple, yet elegant pair of earrings. Price: $30 Tuesday, July 29, 8:00 - 9:30 pm Introduction to wire wrap jewelry In  this fun class you will work with square and 1/2 round wire (as well as learning what those are) to create a simply stunning sterling silver and pearl pendant. This is a great introduction to the Wire Wrapped Pendants class. Price:  $25 Thursday, July 31, 6:00 - 7:30 Wire rings In this class you will learn to make a simple knot ring. You can bring a bead or crystal if you would like to use it in your design. We will talk a little about shaping and hardening the ring. We may actually be able to make a couple of rings. They go pretty fast. Price: $25 - additional rings are $7 each Thursday, July 31, 8:00 - 9:30 Intro to cold connections This class was developed to show different ways of connecting multiple pieces of metal together without the usage of a torch. We will create a simple and fun multi metal pendant in this class. Price: $25 Fun Classes for Children Prince and Princess for the Afternoon I don't know about your girls, but mine LOVE to be a princess. This class is open to children ages 6 and older. I do have a couple of boys in this class and we will have some appropriate activities for them as well. Our princesses will be making their very own crown, wand and necklace. The princes will be trying their hand at knotted bracelets and their own "magic" wands. Tuesday, July 22, 1:30 - 4:00 Price: $30 Working with resin Resin is very versatile and can be used to create some really neat effects. Children can bring small pictures, beads or other small artifacts to include in their pendant. They do not need to bring anything, as many other materials will be provided. Tuesday, August 5, 1:00 - 4:00 Price: $20 Introduction to Soldering Have you wanted to take your jewelry making to the next level? Have you wanted to create secure connections in your jewelry? Well, this class is a great step in the right direction. In this class you will learn the basics of small scale table-top soldering. You don't need a big scary torch to make beautiful jewelry. We will discuss the basic tools needed as well as many facets of security so you can safely create. This workshop is a pre-requisite for other metal smithing classes. You will learn to make secure connections with rings, pins and various findings. During the class you will finish one bracelet including clasp. The class fee is $100. All materials are included. There is no need to bring any tools, unless you prefer to work with your own. Scheduled class times and locations: DATE CHANGE Saturday, August 16, 2008    10:30 - 3:30  Norton, OH     330-294-0177 Saturday, August 9, 2008     11:00 - 4:00   Grand River Beads, Rocky River, OH     440-331-4950 Wire Wrapped Pendant Learn to wrap a cabochon with square and 1/2 round sterling silver wire to make a beautiful and unique pendant. You can expect to finish at least two pendants. Prerequisite: There are no pre-requisites for this class, however, you will find this class much easier if you have had the Introduction to Working with Wire. All materials are included, including silver and cabochons . There is no need to bring any tools, unless you prefer to work with your own. Scheduled class times and locations: Tuesday, August 5, 2008  6:00 - 9:30pm  Price: $65 Intro to Wire Are you tired of just stringing beads? Perhaps you want to add a little pizzazz to your jewelry. This class is ideal for beginners and self-taught wire workers. Taking this basic wire class will enable you to get the most from the other wire classes. We will make a complete bracelet while learning to work with wire of various kinds and the correct use of hand tools. You can expect to learn how to make wrapped loops, jump rings, figure-8's, clasps, and a variety of other components. You will also learn about wire types and gauges, which is best to use for various projects, etc. Bring your beads (size 10 mm. or larger) to class. All materials are included. There is no need to bring any tools, unless you prefer to work with your own. We will not be working with sterling silver for this class. You may purchase sterling silver wire for an additional fee if desired. Scheduled class times and locations: Thursday, August 7, 2008     6:00 - 9:30 Price: $45 More classes coming soon! More classes will be listed soon. Please check my design journal for the latest information. http://design.kcjewelbox.com

Well, today is my birthday (at least it is for about 20 more minutes.) My poor 8 year old has been sick all day and my hubby has to work the evening shift at the hospital so needless to say it was pretty uneventful as far as activities go. So naturally, I spent some time in the studio while everyone else was napping. All of these pieces are a bit more raw and organic than my usual work, but it sure was fun to break away from my normal style for a bit while I tried out some new techniques. I bought a couple of new books and they have been so inspiring and fun. The first is Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivet by Mary Hettmansperger. It is full of very organic shapes and everything just looks like it has been left outside in the elements of nature for a while.  The second book is Elegant Wire Jewelry by Kathy Frey. I had looked at this one for a long time, but finally decided to break down and buy it. I am really glad that I did and am looking forward to working with some of the other projects in there.

I am running behind on getting my new class schedule out. I should have that done by this week. I know I said that last week, but it really will be done this week. I have most of them on my calendar and I am just trying to finalize everything to make sure the schedule works.

With that said, here are some of the pieces that I made today and last night. I know that my wrapping in some of these isn't all that great, but I guess practice will make perfect.

The earrings are copper washers. Dang I love those things! The pendant has actually been textured with my rolling mill, but I didn't get a shot of the texture, but trust me, it is really cool.

Front and inside shot of this next pendant. The outside texture is from a textured hammer.

Copper and sterling

It has been such a long time since I have even made any jewelry. I am loving my new studio, although I am still trying to figure out the best way to work in there. It is different for me to have everything spread out. And my workmanship seems to have suffered greatly during my little break. I guess I will just have to practice, practice, practice.

While I work on my craftsmanship, you can see my latest pieces.

The first is made with a stone that my dad bought me during his last visit to Ohio. We had attended an art show and there was a gentleman that was selling some stones that he cut and polished. They were all different sizes and shapes and I thought they would provide a good challenge, and boy did they ever! While he was here he chose a stone for me to set, well, it has taken nearly a year to do it. Sadly, the workmanship on this is simply AWFUL! So lucky for me, it is a keeper for my own collection. But what a better piece to add to my collection than a piece that was chosen by my dad.



My newest piece has actually been made with the piece that I cut out from the previous piece. The previous piece is a rather large one and there was no way that my little butane torches would be able to get the piece hot enough to melt the solder. I solved this problem a couple of ways. The first was to cut out a large piece from the back plate (see the next piece) and I used 3 torches to get the piece hot enough to flow the solder. That is never easy! Now that I have a new studio, it is time to figure out a new torch set up. hahaha




Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Boy is it good to be back in the studio.

Well, I still need to paint the doors and the window area and I need to hang some pictures and shelves (that is the case in my entire house) but other than that it is DONE DONE DONE!!!! The plumber came yesterday and I now have water in the studio. WOOOOHOOO!!!!!

My class schedule will be out next week. There will be open studio time and formal classes. I will also have some mini "Try-it-out" workshops that you may like.

So here is the tour....

Oh yeah, I still have to paint the ugly post in the middle of the table and beam that runs across the ceiling.

Okay, so you all have been wondering where I have been. We moved 3 weeks ago into our new home and have been busy ever since then working on my new studio. I am happy to say that I am almost done and am hoping to be done by the end of this week.

I am planning to hold an open house in about 3 weeks so everyone can come and see the new digs.

I am very excited to have this great space and I am really looking forward to getting back to making jewelry. I haven't made anything in over a month and I have been going through the most awful withdrawals. I hope all is well with all of you and look forward to your comments.

Here it is from the beginning to now.
Where we started:




Framing Begins:



Hanging Sheet rock:

I hate mudding and sanding sheet rock.


Getting closer:


The tables have been started: It even has SIX catch trays!


This is the one for the rolling mill and bench vise


Tables in the studio.... GETTING CLOSER!!!!! 



The beginning of ventilation system:

Wow, has it been another month already since I posted my last stuff? This month has been just plain crazy. We have purchased a home in Norton, Ohio. We found out that we will be staying here in Ohio for another 3 years. It is going to be so nice to be able to settle down for a few years once again. The new home is going to be a lot of work. We have a lot of cleaning to do and a yard to put in, and of course, a studio to build. The basement has 1,500 square feet and my hubby has given it all to me. YAY! Now all I have to do is find the money to outfit it the way I want it. *sigh* the tool buying frenzy and envy never ends does it?

Classes for the semester end next week. I am just about finished with my final project. In fact, I will probably be at the school today for a very long time trying to finish it up. I will be sure to post when I get it back and photographed.

Once I get my studio set up I will post pictures. I am going to work on my summer class schedule coming up here shortly as well. I am going to have several options as far as an "Open Studio" workshop session and such. It should be fun. Riley has also asked that I create some fun kids classes also, so watch for those too.

In the mean time I did manage to finally finish a piece that I had been working on for quite a while. This next piece was commissioned by a wonderful lady in the U.K. In fact, the piece is already in the mail on the way to her. Debbie has been wonderfully patient while I figured out the techniques best for this project. Debbie is another Sirius Black fan. After seeing the piece that I did for my friend Lora, (see My First Cast Piece) she asked if I could make a piece for her as well.

This piece is made with black acrylic. I layered a couple of pieces together, cut them out, sanded and filed, sanded and filed, sanded and filed and finally polished them. As I was trying to figure out how to finish the piece and attach the black leather cord I came up with the idea to create a silver back plate. This plate is attached to the acrylic shape with two "screws" that I made with a process called Tap and Die. This piece turned out so well. It really does look much better in person. I am really hoping that Debbie likes it as much as I did. Everyone in my class also loved it. Thank you Debbie for being so patient during the development of this piece.