Sucree

In the Studio

2011-01-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post photos of works in progress and the studio in action, but I just get carried away soldering and shaping! Here's a quick snapshot of my bench earlier this week as I prepare to introduce my line to a local boutique. Some new money clips and tie clips for men and some fun spinner rings and color spots necklaces for women. There should be quite a few new photos and items coming to my website and Etsy shop soon!

Local Eco-friendly Fashion Show

2010-11-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Half Past Lavish is putting on a local Eco-friendly fashion show, EcoLavish, on Thursday Nov 11th. Sucree Jewelry will be strutting down the runway. We'll also have some of our eco-friendly fashions available for purchase onsite! Just in time for the holidays. Get your tickets before they sell out!

What a lovely way to wake up- Front Page feature!

2010-10-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just had to share

2010-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

I discovered Emiliana Torrini tonight watching a promo for Iceland. Her song Jungle Drum makes me want to get up and boogy. The cinematography of her videos are imaginative, playful and full of fantasy, particularly Sunny Road and Heartstopper and the following:
Enjoy!

Hammering away

2010-05-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've been sketching a lot of ideas, but haven't had time to actually sit down and start making them until this week. Here's a sneak peek at a set of thin bangles to stack on your wrist, a sterling silver band that you can personalize with your own message, the first part of a new series of resin pieces and some earrings that I joined together with a rivet. I'll be adding them to my website and Etsy shop soon! I hope you like them!

Treasury West

2010-05-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Featured on Monster Bites today!

2010-05-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

If you have not already been to their website, you really should! Especially if you want some jewelry! I am giving away a gift certificate towards anything in my jewelry collection. Leave a comment to enter and be sure to follow here or on my Facebook page to receive updates about giveaways and sales. Have a great weekend!

Like Giveaways?

2010-05-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

If you like eco-friendly products and giveaways, have I got a site for you! MonsterBites365 has a daily giveaway featuring artists who create green products. There are a lot of cool things on this site. I've seen handmade scarves, laundry detergent, pillows, soaps and these really smart packages by Abeego Designs that replace plastic wrap. Brilliant. I'll be doing a giveaway on Friday, so head on over to win. But don't wait until Friday, go now!

Don't Forget Mom!

2010-04-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my new Petals set of stacking rings and matching earrings. Eco-friendly recycled sterling silver. Individually hammered and "antiqued" petals form unique flowers. The earrings are hypoallergenic and about 1" long.

Moms never complain when "Oops I forgot it was Mother's Day until last night so I ran out and bought you (the only thing left in the store), I hope you like it!"

Don't let this be you! Show Mom you thought about her and chose something she would actually like. After all, she did change thousands of your diapers!

Etsy is another great place to shop for all things handmade and unique for Mom this Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!

EtsyRain Spring Show Press Release!

2010-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

I am a member of this local group of artists. Read more to learn about our upcoming show!

Seattle, WA

EtsyRAIN spring show features locally produced arts and crafts, supports Lifelong AIDS Alliance

SEATTLE, April 22, 2010 – EtsyRAIN announced today that it will host its second annual Spring Craft Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

The EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show will be held in the lobby and the fountain courtyard at the beautiful Intiman Theatre, located at 201 Mercer Street in Seattle.

Arrive early for swag bags:

The first 50 customers through the door will receive free swag bags full of handcrafted items by Seattle-area artists.

Support local artisans and crafters:

Choosing to support our area’s small businesses helps in so many ways! Buying local is more than just the hottest trend. From reducing your carbon footprint to keeping your hard-earned dollars right here in Seattle, purchasing locally produced items benefits our city and our planet!

Our featured charity:

Lifelong AIDS Alliance

http://www.lifelongaidsalliance.org

Mission statement

Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to preventing the spread of HIV, and to providing practical support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. Lifelong AIDS Alliance was formed in 2001 through the merger of Chicken Soup Brigade and Northwest AIDS Foundation.

Spring Craft Show benefits local charity:

In the spirit of keeping it local, EtsyRAIN has chosen a Seattle-based charitable organization to support at its spring craft show.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance (lifelongaidsalliance.org) is a group that strives to create “a world without HIV or AIDS, where every person living with illness is treated with dignity and respect.”

Representatives from Lifelong AIDS Alliance will be at the show, sharing information about their organization, selling raffle tickets for gift baskets filled with EtsyRAIN member merchandise, and collecting donations of canned food.

Admission to the event will be a suggested donation of $1 that will go directly to Lifelong AIDS Alliance or a canned food donation for their meal delivery program.

About EtsyRAIN:

EtsyRAIN is a local collective of over 700 artisans and craft makers from all over the Puget Sound region who operate online shops on the international handcrafted shopping site called Etsy (etsy.com). EtsyRAIN's mission is to create a local creative community that nurtures, supports and educates artists who currently have or are interested in opening their own independent e-commerce shops on Etsy.

The group’s website at HYPERLINK "http://www.etsyrain.com" EtsyRAIN.com features an event calendar of local craft-related events that is quickly becoming the "go-to" place to find out about crafty happenings in the Seattle area. Check it out to learn about all things crafty going on locally, such as classes, shows, application deadlines, networking events and more. You can even create an account and post your own crafty events!

# # #

NPR Donation

2010-04-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

NPR is having their spring pledge drive this week on KUOW in Seattle. I will be donating 100% of the profits from all jewelry sales this week to NPR. Come support NPR and get a nice piece of jewelry for yourself...or mom (Mother's Day is just around the corner!) A little teaser, I'll be adding some new items starting Wednesday. Remember to mention NPR during checkout!
Support National Public Radio!

Sign up for a Giveaway!

2009-12-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

I ran across these amazing handmade stamps by Corrabelle of The Mayberry Sparrow a few days ago and found that she was giving one of her handmade stamps away on a blog by Christina of Akane Designs. There are many chances to win, but you have to sign up quickly...the drawing is tomorrow! Good luck everybody!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

I've had quite a busy holiday season, which means there has been little time for creating new items. I have sketches of new earrings, a ring, and bracelets but no time to create them. I did however take the time to make something new for the nieces! It is Christmas after all! Here are photos of a Personalized Charm Bracelet and Personalized Necklace. I think these will be perfect for any child or teen, but also mothers and grandmothers.

I only made one pair of these earrings, but plan to make a pair for myself as well! Forget Me Not are dainty and perfect as a second earring. Hopefully as the holiday rush slows, I'll get to create the ideas I've sketched too. Happy Holidays!

Runner Up

2009-12-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everybody who voted! The Celebration Necklace was a runner up and is featured in the Members's Choice Gift Guides. Here is the article and the gift guide for anybody interested. I'm sorry I haven't been posting very much lately, but have been busy with holiday orders. I still have a few items listed as "coming soon" that I haven't had time to create yet! Hopefully I'll have some time this week or at least after the holiday shopping rush!
Happy Holidays to all!

Come Vote!

2009-12-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to find my Celebration Necklace was nominated as a favorite in the Gifts For Her Voter on Etsy! Please spread the word and come vote for my necklace! There are quite a few nice items on here, it might be a tough vote! :)

And the Winner is...

2009-11-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

I've enjoyed learning about my new fans and blog followers tonight! Thanks so much to everybody that participated in the Earring Giveaway! It was fun for me to read people’s responses and "meet" everybody. There were 91 entries!! which means I picked two names. The winners are: Maggie Gofman and Melinda Hosler! Congratulations to both of you for winning a free pair of earrings!
For those of you who didn't win, I had so much fun doing this I will likely do it again soon. In fact, I do have a gift for everybody! I will be having a storewide sale this weekend starting Thanksgiving Day through Monday. All of my jewelry at http://www.sucreejewelry.com/ will be reduced from 10-30% off. I’ve already started reducing the prices. Exclusively for my Facebook Fans and blog followers, you will ALSO get free shipping or an additional 10% off your entire purchase, whichever is greater! If you haven’t already become a fan, join now! http://artist.to/sucreejewelry

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I'd better stop now or I'll give away the house...

* Sorry gift certificates are not included in the sale. Mention you’re a Facebook Fan or Sucree Jewelry blog follower during checkout and I will refund you the additional 10% or shipping fees. Discount applies to purchase price and does not include taxes or shipping.

Only a Few Days left to support POF

2009-11-18T22:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess you can support them any time, but our fundraiser is coming to an end! Don't forget to check out all the fabulous artists donating a portion of their sales here and mention POF when making a purchase by Nov 21st!

Thanks to all of the artists for donating their time and art to this great organization!

What nice Birthday Gifts!

2009-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today I found that I am featured in two more gift guides on Etsy! This is amazing! They are two of my favorite pieces. Beach Walk is featured in the Holiday Fashion Gift Guide and The Embrace is featured in the Statement Gift Guide. I just had to share my excitement!

Now I am off to celebrate by creating some more jewelry, after a chocolate chip cookie!

POF Fundraiser starts this weekend Nov 8th!

2009-11-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

I am co-hosting a home show and fundraiser featuring some local artists. We are opening it up to online orders as well to allow our friends around the world participate. Starting this Sunday Nov 8th, you can order from these artists and have a portion of your purchase donated to Prosthetics Outreach Foundation. Just remember to mention POF during checkout.

Here is a little sneak peak at some of the artists' items in a treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=92541 Look soon because it will expire in afew days!

Gift Guide Feature

2009-11-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to find "The Recession" ring in Etsy's gag Gift Guide today! It's official full name is "The Recession Ring...2.0ct cushion cut diamond ring without the diamonds." There are some really funny items listed- a finger puppet that is just too hilarious and a T-Rex onesie.

Barb Dunshee created this gorgeous treasury including my "Continuity" earrings. Check out those awesome end tables! And Barb's fantastic pottery while you're at it!

Holiday Prep

2009-10-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Only half the work of selling my artwork is the creation process. The other half is posting the photos and descriptions! I am slowly but surely adding the new items to my website and my etsy shop. Here are a bunch of photos that will be added within the coming day(s).

I am really in love with the look and feel of eFerVess! I don't have photos of the matching earrings yet, but they're coming!

Home Show and Fundraiser

2009-10-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know already, I am co-hosting an artists home show and fundraiser in the Seattle area. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Prosthetics Outreach Foundation. I am contributing my work as are these fabulous artists including Anna Katherine Curfman of IndigoCrane, and Tory Browning of Tissage. Jodi Griffiths will also be representing Silpada jewelry. The event will take place on Nov 15th from 1-5pm, but don't worry if you can't make it. We are also extending the opportunity to an online venue. From Nov 8-21st you can shop with any of these artists (and more!), just mention POF during checkout to make sure your purchase counts towards the donation!

A full list of all the artists participating in this event, at the home show and online, can be found here. Thanks so much to the many wonderful artists and yourself for supporting POF! Happy holiday shopping!

Facebook Fan Page

2009-09-28T22:24:00.001-07:00

I am busily updating my Facebook Fan Page. As a fan, you will have access to fan only sales and discounts coming for the holiday season. Click on the link in the right hand column to become a fan now!

Peru's Gold Rush

2009-09-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 30-250 tons of stone and dirt are sifted through for a single plain wedding band? Yes, tons!

Listen to this fascinating story and view astounding photos regarding gold mining in Peru.

This is part of NPR's series on the Interoceanic Hwy being built in the Amazon across Brazil and Peru. You can hear stories about the struggle to balance human life and conservation as well as see images from this amazing biodiverse area here in their 4 part series about the road, gold, hunting an endangered species, and Noah's ark.

This series confirms my commitment to recycled metals and jewelry.

Visit The Chic Ecologist for more information about the impact of gold mining and all things eco-friendly.

Stay tuned for a list of eco-friendly jewelry suppliers and feel free to contribute some of your own!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

2009-09-10T17:44:00.001-07:00

My niece just started school this year and turns a huge 5 years old! Tough to make jewelry for a five year old, but here is a cute necklace that I know she will love. I just hope she doesn't lose it right away! :)

Stay tuned for a post about tarnishing jewelry.

Also, I just opened a shop on Etsy to sell some of my surplus jewelry supplies: http://www.jewelrysupplier.etsy.com/

Low Tide

2009-08-19T18:31:00.001-07:00

I love to beach comb and am fascinated by the creatures that are exposed at low tide. I get pretty excited when I see the tides getting into negative numbers. Here are some photos of some of my sightings during a few -3.5 tides this summer.

This striped nudibranch appears to be laying eggs, such an amazing sighting.

Moon snails form these geometrically precise sand collars after mating. They are composed of moon snail eggs and sand. So don't crush them or kick them if you spot one on the beach. Those are thousands of eggs.

Can you spot the Beach Shore Crab hiding in this photo? He's only about 1.5". Look for eyes beneath the single piece of eel grass.

A beautiful purple sunflower star.

I couldn't figure out if this Kelp Crab was chasing me or following the tide!

From my bench

2009-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

A few items I've been working on:

The first one I'd like to share is this necklace I designed for my Mom. It is made of recycled sterling silver and features two hand cut and shaped flowers that are cupped and textured. I then set two topaz stones in them for November, my brother and my birth month. I think this would also make a great engagement gift or aniversary gift with the cuples' birthstones in it. Or maybe just a pretty necklace with your favorite stones in it which I am planning to make for myself.

"Seattle Rain" was a gift for friend's birthday and celebrates all that the NW rain brings us as well as the blue skies that eventually follow.

I guess I was in the mood for necklaces because here is another. An addition to my Cascading line, this necklace is adjustable in length, a great match for plunging summer necklines.

Featured on Etsy's Front Page

2009-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Beach Walk featured on the front page of Etsy on Father's Day!

NEW Set of Ten Stacking Rings

2009-06-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to introduce my new line of stacking rings! And what a towering stack they are! There are ten individual sterling silver skinny bands for you to wear as you choose.

If you haven't already read about it, I am offering the set of ten to 5 buyers for a 50% discount in exchange for being product testers for me. Basically all you have to do is answer a few questions about fit and quality after you have worn the rings for a few days. I like to test all of my products, but sometimes I am making too much jewelry to test it myself and I really like to hear what buyers think. What I find comfortable, somebody else may not.

You can purchase the set of rings either on my website http://www.sucreejewelry.com/ or in my Etsy shop http://www.sucree.etsy.com/. You'll also find more photos and information about the rings here. Don't forget to leave your ring size!

Under Pressure

2009-06-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

I work well with a deadline! The new set of stacking rings is complete and I love it! It is made of 100% recycled sterling silver and looks fantastic. All I have to do now is take photos and post it in my Etsy shop http://www.sucree.etsy.com/ and my personal shop http://www.sucreejewelry.com/.

Interested in testing this new piece for me? I will post the rings at a discounted price by Friday (maybe even tomorrow). All you have to do is answer a few questions for me after wearing your rings for a few days. Only FIVE lucky buyer's will have this opportunity. I will post here on my blog when the ring has been listed as well as announce it via twitter (sucree) and in the Etsy Promotions Forum. You can purchase through Etsy or Sucree Jewelry.
I hope you like it!

Coming Soon! Test my new stacking rings...

2009-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a new line of stacking rings. I am obsessed with stacking rings. I love how they fit on the finger and offer a versatile look. One day it's a thick stack of 6, another day it's a single band. This new ring set has been in my head for a while and it's great to actually create it. I'm even thinking about offering them at a discounted rate to a select number of buyers. I need help testing new jewelry out every now and then. When I've been creating a lot of new pieces -sorry I am so far behind in posting photos!- it's difficult for me to thoroughly test all of them and I really want to before I sell them at retail prices. So stay tuned for a screaming deal on some cool new stacking rings!

I'm giving myself a deadline of this weekend to post them!

Other new items that will be posted soon: hammered hoop earrings, birthstone pendant, sea glass stacking ring set, a nature inspired necklace

Roadtrip!

2009-05-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

I will be on a roadtrip until the end of the month! A few hotspots...Moab, Crested Butte, San Fran. Jewelry updates to follow.

Basic Home Studio

2009-05-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

I recently put together a wishlist of metalsmithing tools for my home studio. I've expanded upon this list here to include the tools I already had and what I thought was a good basic jeweler's studio. If you're just starting your home studio, you might want to begin with the list provided in my post about Roughing It as Metalsmith. The financial commitment will be spread out over time and you'll still be able to make metal art at home. Please note that I do not have any consumables listed here, such as pickle.

Fire-proof surface
Torch with regulator/tank/ventilation/tips
Tumbler
Flex-shaft with multiple burs/bits
Fire brick
Hand saw
Wooden handled locking tweezers
Tweezers
2 Third hands
Chasing hammer
Planishing hammer
Rawhide mallet
Needle files
Multiple pliers including round and flush cut
Soldering pick (I'll teach you how to make one of these)
Dapping punches
Dapping block
Disc cutter
Bezel pusher
Burnishing tool
Ring mandrel
Vise
Small anvil
Bench pin
Optiviser
Task lighting
Ring clamp
Half Round File
Ear plugs
Safety glasses
Stool with backsupport
Standing mat
Copper tongs

Wow, that's a long list and I could keep adding more but this seems like a good basic list. You could easily add and remove things that are appropriate for your technique.

2 New Pendants, a Ring and a few in progress

2009-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's complete! I decided this should be a pendant instead of a pair of earrings for now, but will make these as earrings as well. I love the geometry of this pendant, modern and fresh. It will hang from a fine sterling silver necklace I am finishing.

Here is the enameled pendant I posted a photo of earlier. I like how transparent enamels don't hide the metal, but make the metal more prominent. Great color combination to match with multiple outfits.

If I haven't already said so, I love to garden. I can't have enough flowers around me, so I etched a flowering vine around this sterling silver band. Pretty and delicate.

Here's a little sneak peak at a piece I am excited about. One of my friend's recently adopted the 3 kids she has been a foster parent to for the past three years. I have been wanting to make her something with all of their birthstones to celebrate the occasion. With Mother's Day coming up, I was inspired to make some for other people in my life as well as my customers. You should be able to find this in my shop early next week.

Ergonomics for Artists

2009-04-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

One of the first Metalsmithing instructors I had was quite holistic in her approach. She was teaching Jewelry Metalsmithing I: Beginning metals fabrication. We were all quite new to the art and had come to metalsmithing from different careers. I am a physical therapist and have been for about 10 years. One of my areas of expertise is in ergonomics. (click for my therapy blog post regarding the definition of ergonomics and consumers.) I grinned when I heard her telling us “Adjust your chair so that your shoulders are resting.” She continued throughout class to explain good work techniques. I shared with her that I was a PT and appreciated that she was teaching us good work techniques. She’d learned the hard way and had been to a therapist for various injuries caused by her art.

You might be thinking, I’m young I won’t get hurt. Or I exercise so I’m strong. Those are great things, but they won’t prevent you from getting an overuse injury. An overuse injury involves repetitively performing an activity in a position that puts unnatural strain on your body. The trouble with an overuse injury is that it takes time to show up. You may feel soreness after hunching over your sewing, but then you stretch and feel better. That’s a great first step, stretch out and change the position you are working in. But over time, hunching over is causing your ligaments to lengthen. You don’t want loose ligaments. They are not flexible and won’t “re-tighten”. After years of doing your craft, you look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Or maybe you’ve pinched some nerves in your neck and can’t feel your finger tips anymore.

I want to share some basic pointers on how to work safely as an artist so that you can continue doing so for years to come.

1.One of the most important things you can do for yourself is change positions frequently throughout the day. Set a timer every 45 minutes if you need to. Get up and walk around for a few minutes.

2.Take mini stretch breaks. A chest stretch and shoulder rolls will prevent you from being the Hunchback. A lot of art involves fine hand movements pinching brushes or tools. Give your hands and forearms a break by stretching your forearms. If you’re sitting a long time, your hamstring muscles will tighten and lead to back pain so don't forget to stretch them too.

3. Be aware of your posture while working. Your chair should have a supportive backrest and you should be leaning against it instead of sitting on the edge. Sitting away from the backrest does not strengthen your back, but leads to overuse. If you like to work in standing, consider a padded floor mat and tall stool to give your back a rest on occasion.
Consider some sort of magnification if you find yourself bending down towards your work and make sure you have adequate lighting. Your shoulders and neck should be resting. Try to avoid bending your neck to look down at your work.

While working on a surface, bring the work to you versus leaning over it. For example if you are cutting fabric, slide the fabric towards you as you cut versus reaching and leaning across a table. For metalsmiths, you should be sitting with the bench pin at chest level when sawing.

Here are some before and after photos of Todd working on a wooden kayak. With his work surface lower, he bends his neck and back.

We raised his work surface with a cross piece on the saw horse. His neck and back posture are much better.

4. Many crafts have tools designed to decrease strain and improve your ergonomics. A ring clamp is a good example. Instead of pinching a thin piece of metal in my hand, I slide the band into a ring clamp. I now have a large handle to hold my ring allowing me to push my bezel in without nearly as much hand strain. Take advantage of these existing solutions for your specific art.

5. When you are not creating art, do activities that work different muscles and put your body in a different position. When I have been sitting at my workbench I choose to go for a walk or rollerblading versus sitting on my bike.

If as you are reading these tips you think, that won’t work for me or I can’t do that. Think about the concept and why I am suggesting the specific work technique. Then go back and think about how you could modify the suggestion to make it work for you. It’s worth the time and thought and you will likely be able to come up with something that will improve an awkward work technique. By speaking to all artists, I am only giving a few broad examples and suggestions here. There are many ideas specific to each craft.

Consider hiring a professional. Remember we are talking about preserving your ability to create the art you love, maybe you support yourself as an artist, and an injury or soreness doesn't stay in the studio. It lives in your body and can affect your ability to play with your kids or enjoy sports and hobbies. An ergonomist can observe your work technique and make recommendations regarding ways to improve it and reduce your risk of injury.

Tools for Roughing It as a Metalsmith

2009-04-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

I like the convenience of being able to metalsmith from home. Though it would be expensive to create a home studio that provided all of the tools available at my local art studio, it is possible to create metal art from home. Here is a list of basic tools to enable you to create from home without breaking the bank:

Hand saw
Bench pin
Fire brick
Sand paper 320, 400, 600 grit
Needle files
Wooden handled tweezers
Tweezers
Pliers
Torch

Now obviously this limits what you are able to create, for example I don’t have a ring mandrel or hammer listed here. Add any other tools that you just can’t live without. The list also does not include consumables such as flux, pickle, or saw blades. So keep in mind the cost that these will add. The point is you don’t need to create a full home studio to create art at home.

I want to discuss the torch briefly. The tanks, torch tips, regulators, hoses, etc will cost well over a hundred dollars. But this list is about Roughing It, so buy a butane torch, crème brulee torch, or small propane tank with torch tip. If you aren’t soldering a large piece, the crème brulee torch should work and is much easier to handle than the propane or butane torches. I can’t stress enough the importance of good ergonomics to artisans, so please if you are using a large torch, make sure it is minimal use and keep most of your soldering for the studio. Check back later in the week for a post about ergonomics for artists.

If you are going to be making a lot of jewelry at home, well, you probably don’t want to Rough It. In which case you’ll want to consult my Home Studio list (stay tuned) and spend the money to set yourself up to work comfortably and efficiently.

Happy Metalsmithing!

Art in Progress

2009-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

An update on what's happening in my studio:

This has been in my sketch book for too long. I'm happy with how it is going so far and wonder if it will become the earrings I've imagined or a pendant. Here are the remaining components that need to be assembled. The round piece is a tube set gem, though it is very dirty right now! The idea behind it is to intermingle various geometric shapes. Modern and classy.

This poppy has also been on my work bench for a while now. All it needs is a necklace to hold it. It has been enameled and kiln fired. I'm playing around with a few options for the necklace, but want to continue with the poppy idea in the making of the necklace. I think I've finally come up with a design I like for this!

The grey stripe agate looks fantastic in this modern, clean bezel setting. All I need to do now is polish and clean up the metal and this ring is complete. I like the size of this ring and the unique markings on the stone.

Last sneak peak is a pendant with three domed and enameled discs that will be linked together. The color is transparent offering a metallic look to the pieces.

OK, Back to the studio!

Newly Completed

2009-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

I had a productive studio session. I think I was also propelled forward by documenting some works in progress in my blog! Here are two of the completed pieces I shared photos of in Works In Progress:

This druzy is such a pure white and has an unusual shape. I didn't want too much metal on the pendant to compete with it. Hard to see in this photo, but the center has such great sparkle. I haven't even had the opportunity to post this in my shop yet. Though I must confess, I am considering giving it to my Mom!

Every piece of this necklace is handmade. I cut and enameled both sides of each disc, shaped and hammered the various links, and hand forged the clasp. When I started this necklace I didn't like how the links were working together, but I changed their shape and now I love it. I'll be making more of this in different lengths, colors, and shapes.

Now off to enjoy some NW sunshine!

Works In Progress

2009-04-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy putting together my website that my studio is just sitting, waiting. I've finally completed enough of my site that it's time to get back to what I really love creating, wearable metal art! Sometimes the distance from my projects is good, especially if I'm not 100% happy with how a project is progressing. This time has allowed me the opportunity to process what I wasn't satisfied with in two of my designs. Now I'm excited to get back to them and implement the new ideas I've been mulling over.

Here are some photos of works in progress I wanted to share with you:

This will soon be a necklace. I am planning to make it very long, but adjustable so that it can be worn as a choker.

These earrings are close to being finished. Featuring one of my favorite colors, these might not make it into my shop. : )

I bought a few stones at a local gem show recently and am excited to get them set. These will both be necklaces. I love the shape, detail and color of the pink agate. This white druzy has a unique shape, great sparkle, and such a pure white color. A lucky Mom might find these around her neck at Mother's Day.

Lastly, I am just putting the final pieces of this necklace together. I love its spring look and am really excited about the end result. I'd like to make it in other color combinations as well.

Now, to my studio!

2009-04-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

My website is up and running! Come check it out by clicking on the link to the right of this message. Thanks!

Woodpeckers, Dentures and Soaker Hoses

2009-03-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

My house has been kinda crazy these days! Todd and I live in what I like to call an efficient (read small) house. But we are not alone. Oh no, we take up the least amount of space in the house in fact. McTavish, Squeaky, and Conan truly have the run of the place. And so does whoever they decide to bring home at all hours of the night. Sounds like wild teenagers right? : )

Meet McTavish. He's the i-brought-you-a-mouse-so-keep-the-treats-coming youngest member of our cat family. He likes to party it up at night and invites all his cat friends over to yowl outside our window. Every so often he brings us a special surprise. We came home to find a small woodpecker hopping on the windowsill one day. A disinterested McTavish lay in front of the fireplace.

And then there's Squeaky. Cuddly, geriatric, always purring, no teeth, and so blind she bumps into things. Which is funny and sad at the same time. She mostly spends her day curled up on the sofa, eating ice cream with Todd, or growling as she runs away from an imagined McTavish who she smells everywhere but has no idea where he is lurking because she can't see.

Conan is the neurotic cat of the house. Make any noise and he's sprinting to the nearest corner or tallest surface in the house. He likes to bite the top of my head and lays on it like a he's a hat. He is very sophisticated and wants only running water. No bowl for Monsieur Conan. He discovered a soaker hose is a great water fountain!

Jewelry Site and Features

2009-03-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm going to start the day by pimping my jewelry!

I just found out that my Recession Ring is in Etsy's April Fools Pranks and Gags voter poll. How fun! I love cushion cut gems, but this is a little more light hearted and easy on the budget!

Help me make it into the Gift Guide and Blog by voting for it here:
http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=36

The language of Dreamweaver is slowly unfolding for me. I've been working on my jewelry website and have finally uploaded it. I'll be updating it and adding a lot more artwork in the coming weeks. Here is the link: http://www.sucreejewelry.com/

My first private jewelry show is this weekend. It'll be a casual event with a group of ladies in a friend's home. I've been gathering up supplies and prepping for the event. I have 5 new necklaces just waiting to be completed. I am hoping to post them and bring them to the show. On that note...gotta get hammering, soldering, drilling!

Beginnings

2009-03-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Sucree?

My first language was French. I grew up in a small town bordering French Canada. It was a great place to start out. I could ride my bike in the middle of the street, play hide n seek in the field behind my house, and catch tadpoles in the pond up the street. It's the kind of place you envision when you think about a good home for your kids.

My grandparents lived across the border in Canada. They had a simple home with a huge garden, a barn full of chicks, a playground and candy store next door. There were always at least 10 kids running around that house. What more could a kid want! How about a maple sugar camp just down the road?

The French word for maple sugar camp is sucrerie. Which is where sucree (sweet or sugary) comes from! For about 45 years now, my grandfather has been making maple syrup, mostly as a hobby. Some of my favorite childhood memories come from there and when I think about my culture, this is what I think of. It is the root of my love of nature and the inspiration for my jewelry collection.

Visit these Sites

2009-02-05T20:35:00.000-08:00