New Jewelry Banner

Okay, it has been a crazy week with work and the gem and mineral show this weekend and I finally have a new banner for my jewelry shops on Etsy, 1000 Markets and ArtFire. I have been struggling to make something myself that I could and finally broke down and hired Swieky Siggies Graphic Design to make me something. I'm excited, I fell in love with all her banners, avatars, etc. The banners are up and running on ArtFire and my 1000 Markets sites now and Etsy will be sometime this week. Who knows, I may even have her design me some new business cards. If you want to check out her site on ArtFire here it is. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=16010&op=new&body=1

Here is a sample of some of her banners.

Enjoy and visit my shop soon.

Friday Special - Gem Show

Okay, since I am the editor of the Puyallup Valley Gem & Mineral Club newsletter I have to give a plug every once in a while and today starts the annual club show at noon in Puyallup, WA. We will have lots of vendors selling everything from beads, minerals, rocks and fossils to finished rocks related pieces and jewelry. One of the highlights is upstairs visiting with all the demonstrators. They will be showing visitors how to make various lapidary goods including faceted stones, gem trees (my personal fav), cabachons, precious metal clay, and beading. There will be display cases (yes I will have one with my gem trees) a silent auction and raffle tickets available for great prizes.

If you want to see me, I'll be locked in the kitchen...okay not locked, but tied down...that didn't sound much better, working in the kitchen all weekend and hoping for a break any chance I get to look at all the goodies.

Here is a link to the flyer. I've also included pics from previous shows.

Vendor H&I Lapidary

Our member Jerry showing the kids how to polish Opal.

One of our Junior members showing how to make gem trees.

Come on out and visit us this weekend.

Featured Artist - Jan Finnell

I'm fascinated with the art of altering items and images into something different than what they were originally intended. I’ve made a few pieces of jewelry using the technique of creating a collage of sorts between glass in a pendant, but haven’t tried all the other various ways and objects to alter.

There would be almost an unlimited number of items you could alter. Some of the items that I have found recently besides my little pendants are keys, watches or timepieces, photos, altoids tins or any other candy tin, boxes, cigar boxes, shadow boxes, eggs (usually referred to as egg artistry), bottle caps, photos/paint + images on canvas and books.

One of these art forms is called Steampunk, yes they have their own art name. They use watch parts, brass and anything else metal, Victorian and eclectic, but all items seem to have a common theme of gears or watch parts. I’m fascinated by all the different items that can be found and some of them so simple. Jan Finnell is one such artist that makes it all look somewhat poetic and most wearable…okay, not too sure about the bottlecap necklace, but everything else I would wear. Her items don't seem to be quite as masculine as other steampunk artists...maybe that's why I like her jewelry items. Visit her over at her 1000 Markets site to see her collection of items for sale or check out her blog.

Wicked Wednesday - Cherry Blossom Dessert

I remember making this when I was much younger as it was an easy dessert recipe and loved it then and still do. Try some variations with different pie fillings.

3/4 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 c. butter (softened)
1 lg. can cherry pie filling

Mix first six ingredients until coarse. Press 1/2 this mixture into the bottom of an 8x11 glass baking dish. Spoon pie filling evenly over this layer then top by sprinkling the remaining mixture evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. I always check after 30 and if sufficiently golden brown on top I take it out.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tuesday Tunes - Crazy

Yes, it is going to be a crazy week this week with our gem and mineral club annual show that I'll be volunteering at for 4 days. So to be appropriate, I have selected crazy songs, and no not songs that are crazy, but have the word crazy in the name. I especially like the Patsy Cline "Crazy" the best, but you choose yours and have a crazy week.

If you are interested in attending the show and live in Western Washington, here is the link to the flyer. Come say Hi, as I'll be in the kitchen the entire weekend.
http://www.puyallupgemclub.org/new_pvgmc/PDFs/2009%20Show%20Flyer.pdf

Crafty Monday - Reuse old Jewelry

The Better Homes and Gardens site has some great ideas for reusing some of that old jewelry you have lying around you aren't wearing or using items found at a flea market. I especially like the beaded napkin rings and the wall art using vintage colorful pins.

Using vintage pins and buttons to create wall art and simple frames.
Beads wrapped around a metal napkin ring for a one of a kind look.

I love these filigree frames that vintage earrings and brooches have been used as embellishments.

Colorful large pins used in a shadowbox frame to create art work...I'm sure I have some similar large pins laying around and wouldn't these look great in a bedroom above your dresser.

A necklace that has been taken apart has transformed a plain cake plate into something special. Find simple instructions on the BHG web site.

If you are in the mood for something different in the way of crafting, check out my crafty blog for the newest post on making a paper fan.