A Little Charm Fun

Well it was an absolutely beautiful day today and I didn't even step outside. Sometimes I really need to make more time to get out in the fresh air....even though it was a bit chilly but I was out and about all weekend either teaching a class or taking a class so I was glad to be able to just laze about today.

I did finish up some charms for a round robin bracelet exchange. This first one's theme was amethyst. I love the color and the stone so this was pretty easy for me. I wanted something that would mean a lot to the person receiving the bracelet so I fused fine silver and shaped it into the heart form, hammered it and then added small faceted amethyst stones. It turned out pretty good. I'm used to making hearts that are much larger for pendants but it was fun making one smaller.

This next bracelet charm theme was industrial steampunk. Now I don't make many steampunk style pieces so I had a bit of trouble, but I found this Industrial Chic charm, took it apart, wrapped it with some annealed steel and added a few pearls. I think it kind of has a hard and soft edge to it.

I've been playing with setting stones in bezels and am terrible (that's what happens when you try to teach yourself) so yesterday I took a class at Tacoma Metal Arts Center. This is the piece I'm still working on as I need to do some more clean up, polish and then set the stone in the bezel (it is just sitting in it right now). I'm liking the mixed metal look of the copper and silver bezel. I'll be sure to post a final picture when I have it finished. I highly recommend the metal classes by Amy Reeves, she was patient and offered lots of suggestions even to me when I wanted to try a much larger piece then the rest of the class and I wanted to try to solder a silver bezel to copper which I guess can be a little challenging. I'm always up for a challenge.

Be Safe, Be Happy and Be Healthy

A Little Soup Anyone?

For the past few years I've participated in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party, so I couldn't let this one go by without playing again. My partner is Leslie Schenkel and she does some amazing lampwork beads. I am so lucky to be paired with her this year. Here is a look at her blog , and here are the lovely things she sent me to play with.

She sent two sets of beady goodness to choose from. I may use the set on the top with the purple and greens but I'm fascinated with the bright colors of the 2nd set. Oh, what to do. Maybe I'll make several things and then I can use all of it.

If you are wondering what I sent her, here is a quick look. I made the pendant and the components. I can't wait to see what she makes from all of it.

The rule from Lori to participate in this bead swap is you must have a blog and once you have your swapped beads from your partner you must use the focal and the clasp.

In other interesting news, I special ordered some pottery pendants to be made so that I could sell them as essential oil diffusers. I'm so happy with them. They were made by Teresa Griffin Pottery Studios and features a glazed back and unglazed front so that the essential oil will absorb.

Here is the complete batch.

Here is the piece I made today. I've even tested it with a drop of Peppermint essential oil and it works great.

Have a great week and don't forget to come back on March 30th for the Bead Soup Reveal where I will show you what I have made with my beads from Leslie.