Simple Things...

Last spring I went camping in North Georgia with family and friends and stayed at Cooper's creek campground. I woke in the morning to the clear and LOUD call of the whippoorwill and spent my days observing the simple things that I often overlook in my daily life. I was particularly drawn to the carpet of new flora that was so beautiful and lush!
In looking back through some of these older photos I am amused by how I have been unknowingly incorporating them into my work. Flower stems, leaves, pods... I guess they have imprinted my mind with their sweet and simple images.
The weather is warming here in Georgia and I am getting anxious for a new camping adventure!

Learning to enamel with Linda Darty's new book!

I just read "The Art of Enameling" by Linda Darty and it was GREAT! I have been wanting to explore some enameling in my metal designs and heard about her book. I was told that the book's photo gallery was reason enough to purchase it.... So true, beautiful work, incredible photos and close attention to the details as she explains different techniques and processes.

As a beginner I like to explore many different techniques and let my knowledge of a given subject guide me in future efforts. Linda explains the different processes in a easy to understand fashion and completely covered my initial interest.... torch firing, small kilns and incorporating precious metal clay with enamels, as well as plant a seed to move onto more complex projects.

So far I have just experimented with small kiln projects. Learning how thick to apply enamel to provide an even coat and figuring out how to get the powder to adhere to surfaces. I ordered a sample box of enamels from Thompson Enamels and I must admit that I am as fascinated as I am overwhelmed by all of the different color choices! My attempts are still in an infantile stage, but I am having a great time experimenting.

If you are familiar with enameling and would like to offer suggestions on technique or materials... Please feel free to add your knowledge. I would enjoy learning more about what products you use to adhere the enamel powder as well as tricks that you have learned.

I dedicated a full day to reading the book initially and have gone back several times to study a process more fully. I can tell that this book will get a great deal of use over time and would recommend it to anyone who loves enamel work and would like to learn more about it.

Thunder Snow in Atlanta

Celebrating a bit of snow right here in the deep south!

Free little knot ring!

I have been trying to think of a way to say thanks to those people who purchase more than one item at a time...? It happens on a regular basis and recently I figured out what to offer. My little knot ring is the perfect little token. Its handmade by me, symbolizes something sweet and it is more about my effort than the cost of the materials.
So here it is...
Visit my shop at http://www.metalluxe.etsy.com

I am on fire now!

After months of working with a small hand torch I came to the point were it was time to go for the big flame and get an oxy/propane torch! I had requested it for Christmas and was researching torch setups when I saw a friend at a gallery show I was in. After checking out my new work he asked about what type of torch I was using. I told him my setup and he mentioned that he had a torch setup that had been his dads, that I could have...
It arrived with the handle and various tips, plus the regulators for the tanks. It is a beautiful set. I would guess it to be from the fifty's. It has a lovely patina. It still took a bit of time to get the hose, tanks and odds and ends together, but finally it is up and running!
I do feel special working with this setup. Not sure how his dad used the torch, but now it is making jewelry, firing enamels and soldering silver and copper! I have always been attracted to used tools... the stories they must have... the ways that they have been abused, and cared for... I can tell that this torch was cared for by its former owner and now by me too!

Metal~Luxe

Please stop by my new shop!

I have divided the Urban Luxe collection away from my existing Luxe Couture collection and given it a shop of its own... Already I can tell that the two are going to be happier on their own.

If you stop by and decide to purchase something put in the code blog10 and get a 10% discount!

WWW.metalluxe.etsy.com

PEARLS and their care!

As many of you know... I love pearls!

Some of my very favorite and most precious jewelry items are pearls that have been given to me by my wonderful husband, or pearls that I have inherited from my mother and grand mother.

I love working with pearls and incorporating them in my jewelry designs. For this reason I thought that it would be good to give you a bit of info on how to care for them.

While they will last for generations it is important to take care with them and inspect them for problems. Just as you would have other jewelry inspected occasionally for wear, have your pearls looked at too.

Pearls are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you should handle them carefully to keep them safe from scratches.

Here are a few tips on caring for your pearls

• put your pearls on after you have applied make-up and perfume.
• You can clean your pearls with a soft, lint free cloth before and after wearing
  
• If you want you can dampen the cloth. Allow the pearls to air dry before storing them in a soft container or bag that allows them to breath.
• Take off all pearl jewelry before bathing. And, gemstone jewelry too. Shower and bath soaps are too harsh for pearls.
  
• You can clean pearls with a mild soap and water solution (Ivory).
  
• Never use solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
  
• Pearls can not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
  
• Rubbing pearls with abrasive cleaners or clothes can wear away the nacre coating.
  
• You can actually remove the coating of the pearl.
• Don't store your pearls with other jewelry. They can be scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them. Keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another soft fabric.
• Restring your favorite pearl necklaces and bracelets periodically so that you're sure the silk or nylon cord holding them is in good shape.
• If you notice any problems with the clasp, cord or extra slack in the piece stop wearing it and have it checked out for problems.
• Last, but not least... Wear your pearls! Take them out and give them some air and attention.