Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wedding!!!

Some wonderful news from my elder daughter, Anna!  Her boyfriend, Nick, proposed to her while they were on vacation this past holiday - right after a tour of Graceland and bellies full of fried chicken (my favorite food, too)!


They are getting married August 4 here which is located between Chicago (where they live) and North Carolina.  It's a lovely location, especially for weddings.


And I'm honored to be asked to make her engagement ring and their wedding bands.  If you have been following my "oops" and "got it finally" process on my Facebook album, you know that I have been practicing - made 2 prototypes, one in copper and another in sterling, plus a floral embossed band in sterling.

Rainbow quartz in copper

Rainbow quartz in sterling
Wedding band in sterling

Now, I am ready to tackle the real thing but this time in rubies, my mother's diamonds and gold!  Wish me luck and these should become fabulous family heirlooms!



Saturday, March 3, 2012

Classes and Workshops 2012!

It's been a while since my last update - I have been filling up my time with workshops and classes with several master jewelry artists, along with getting together with several talented JAR friends for a week of sharing fresh techniques and camaraderie.  


How do to keep your art fresh and interesting for you and your customers?


Here are a few shots from recent workshops with James Carter Studio, Carrboro, NC.  Check out his jewelry gallery.


Tube set diamonds


Suggested tools
Practice with CZs


Variations on Bezels
My finished bezel set pendant







Backside of my finished bezel set pendant


My next posting will be on my recent excursion 
into cloisonne enameling with Lillian Jones.