Not quite yet

I have been in desperate need of some creative time.  Still unable to get to my studio for some serious 'play' I did take an opportunity to whip up some bracelets using memory wire and beads I had laying around.  Next year will be better!

Indulge Yourself

Indulge yourself or someone you know with a set of 99.9% pure silver stitch markers. What knitter or crocheter wouldn't be tickled with these? I love to crochet when I can find the time and these are perfect with worsted weight yarns also designated by a (4) although I am having no trouble using them on some Naturally Caron SPA which is a Bamboo blend and a (3) for a surprise I am making for a friend. These would make a great Secret Santa gift for Christmas too. Check them out here!

What does it say about you?

Some time back there was a post at mixedmediaartist.com

asking "What does your work say about you?" I wondered how I would answer this. I decided my work does reflect me in many ways that might surprise people who think they know me. Why? Because of the variety. From the rigid yet graceful origami Pinwheel to the free flowing Sea glass to my love of nature's detail in the Avocado Leaves the differences are stark. Some people know me as a detail oriented craft person while others see me only from my cut and dried business encounters. Those closer to me also know me as a compassionate animal lover and gardener. I am not just one of those things. I am a combination of all of them. And I am learning and growing and changing every year.

So what does the jewelry you buy and wear say about you? Is some of it fun loving while other pieces make a bold statement of your beliefs? Are some pieces bright and colorful while others are shiny and classy? Aren't you all of those people?

That is the glory of the years. As time goes by each of us becomes a more multifaceted gem. At times life chisels away at us and other times it gently polishes. But each event in our life adds dimension to who we are. I believe that is a glorious statement and one to celebrate and declare. Let your jewelry speak as to who you are. People will listen with their eyes and with their hearts.

What are you wearing today and what is it saying to the people you meet?

www.silver-byfire.com

Handcrafted in the USA

We received some interesting inquiries today. From China. Offering to make molds for the silver dove charms and offering their jewelry items for resale. Isn't it amazing how a such a simple thing can make you take a fresh look?

I realized that I need to add information on the website to some of the pieces like this dove letting customers know that this is not made from a mold. It is origami with silver. Many of the pieces are origami style and I will make a point of designating that.

Also ALL of the silver we sell is hand crafted in the United States of America. If it sounds like I am bragging, well, yes I guess I am because I am proud of it.

Occasionally molds are used on some pieces but most of the time we make the molds ourselves in order to have complete control over the jewelry process.

Look for more updates on the website coming soon.

www.silver-byfire.com

Hanging Avocado Leaves Necklace

This dainty necklace is simple but stunning and looks just as great for daytime as it does for evening wear. This one has been a big hit and is quite reasonably priced. Check it out today!

www.silver-byfire.com

Still working with Yahoo

The internet issues turned out to be an area wide problem and were therefore resolved fairly rapidly, however we are continuing to work with Yahoo on website publishing difficulties. I cannot say how long this will take to resolve. This is certainly frustrating. So in the meantime here is a sneak peek at one of the new necklaces.

www.silver-byfire.com

Finally Finished Flooring

The beautiful new floor.

The good looking contractor (Dave).

The final inspection.

www.silver-byfire.com

Progress so far

Last week everything was removed from the Studio and the flooring was delivered and set out to acclimate.

This week the floor was prepped and work began. Unfortunately two bundles were damaged and had to be reordered so we aren't sure just how much of a delay that will cause but it is looking so nice! In the meantime I am almost finished with the last batch of new jewelry designs so we can start photographing. It is all so exciting!

www.silver-byfire.com

Repairs Complete

As you can see in these photos the repairs from the fire are just about complete. Enough so that this weekend my daughter and grandchildren were able to move from my house where they have been staying, into this one. It has certainly been a long time coming but weather was just not our friend on this project. NOW the weather is absolutely gorgeous! As are the oak floors we discovered when the carpets were removed! They love it. I can't wait to get my studio moved back where it belongs so I can get to work! To see how far we've come see the post on Novemeber 19th here.

Options

I thought I would share these photos of a beaded crochet scarf I recently completed using Bamboo Thread. I think with the popularity of crocheted scarves we see mostly heavier weight yarn ones at least around here. But after her trip to New York my daughter informed me that, at that time anyway, they were wearing silk scarves there.

I happen to have done most of my scarf pin photos using the heavier yarn scarves and sweaters as they show up better for photography purposes. But the pins do work just as well on silk scarves, cotton bandannas (think Rodeo Days) and this light weight crocheted thread scarf. I just wanted to encourage everyone to think about other ways to use the same piece of jewelry.

Just remember that fine silver is softer than sterling silver in much the same way that 24 carat gold is softer than 14 carat. When adding other minerals to increase strength you decrease the value of the precious metal. This is something we keep in mind when choosing how different pieces are made.

www.silver-byfire.com

Other plans

No matter what plans you may make, life sometimes has other things in store for you. Now I intended a quick recovery from my last surgery so I could spend the summer and fall on all these wonderful ideas I have had for new jewelry pieces. But the surgery required a long recovery instead and just as I was getting over that there was this little fire. Doesn't look too bad from the outside.

But inside was another story!

And while we waited on the insurance someone helped themselves to the air conditioner. Now that's just wrong!

But after months of waiting the construction began.

Or maybe I should say deconstruction?

All in all it has been a bit distracting and time consuming what with picking out paint colors and new light fixtures etc.

But it will be nice - when it is done. In the meantime, tomorrow I am scheduled to have the next oral surgery. I do hope this recovery goes better! So keep in mind there could be some minor delays in shipping and no special orders for the time being. Sorry about that, but life had other plans.

www.silver-byfire.com

Halloween Spider

I thought you might like to see something I made a few years ago. I found it to be on the delicate side so never put it out for sale as I have my jewelry worn to be sure it will hold up to normal wear and tear before I sell it.

Even so it is a fun piece. Can you see the fly caught in the spider's web?

The back of the piece reminded me of a full moon and just really needed some creature of the night winging it's way across this cold silver orb.

www.silver-byfire.com

Scarf Pins or Shawl Pins?

If you check out Pins under shopping you will find some Scarf Pins. However, I just finished crocheting this Diagonal Lace Shawl and find the pins work very well if not better on this. It also inspired a sketch for some new designs. I can't wait to get to work on them. I will take the time for better photos of those. This one was focused more on the shawl.

www.silver-byfire.com

Freedom Bracelet

The freedom bracelet at the head of this blog is one I have not posted for sale yet on the website but you saw it first here! I made it after reading an article on mirror finishes, which are a more time consuming technique than with a textured background and small pieces are harder to hold onto while hand sanding to get that fine shine. The design however, was floating around my head waiting for the right time to blossom. But more on my creative process later.

http://www.silver-byfire.com/

In Memory of

This ribbon pendant I designed in memory of my late husband who died on active duty 15 years ago today. I wear it on special days in his honor. Eventually I decided to offer this design as a special order and was touched when one lady bought one in honor of her late sister and then ordered one for her other sister and her mother. This is certainly not the first time a piece I have made has had a special meaning for someone else.

I have found that people buy jewelry for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is to set off a particular outfit. Sometimes because it just jumps out and cries their name. Sometimes because it jumps out and cries someone else's name, and those pieces are cherished for a lifetime. I do not consider myself a girlie-girl. More like the proverbial tom boy, but this is part of the reason that designing fine silver jewelry is so very rewarding for me. I love seeing and hearing about the way in which my jewelry designs touch people and add meaning to their lives.

http://www.silver-byfire.com