Learning a new skill!

In the past I had wondered how some artists made their own wonderful jewelry findings. Full of character, handmade findings seem to bring such a different feel to a piece. I assumed there would be a lot of expensive tools involved...and figured it may be best to leave this sort of thing to the "experts", so to say. But I've been rethinking this for the past month or so. I have been talking to my husband about how I'd like to possibly learn this new trade eventually, when the kids are older. Well, due to a new little flower earring design, I was in need of some small earwires and had to go searching on etsy...and realized that I just can't keep spending so much money! So I started going through what I had on hand, and playing around with wire. It got me to thinking that maybe I really needed to look into what it would take to make my own findings! So today...I started a forum entitled " So if I want to learn how to make my own findings..." and there were SOO many helpful people who responded with what/how/where to search for information on this. I have to give a HUGE thank you to LisasLovlies who pointed me to a tutorial she had set up on her blog to make earwires!!!

And here they are... my first attempts at making my own earwires! Now, I know they are not perfect, but I love them just the same. It is a whole different feeling of accomplishment! I am hooked! I just used the same 20g copper wire I already had on hand, my round nose pliers, a hammer, and the flat surface of my husbands clamp. So I don't have the exact materials...I am playing around with what I have available to me and I love it! So to all of you out there thinking about doing it I say DO IT! Just dive in! What's the worst that could happen? So you use up some wire, big deal. Use copper first, it's cheaper :) So here I am...making my own earwires. Oh and I tried a clasp too. Next up for me are headpins. (Well, if I can get over my fear of the torch!)

My crazy bead obsession!!

So, I think I probably go to Michaels Craft Store at least once a week, and I am constantly buying new supplies on etsy, and am always looking at all the jewelry supply sites. It's a bit like a sickness I'm afraid! I just can't seem to help looking at all the pretty things. Now, I am usually pretty good about limiting myself to a budget, but that doesn't mean I don't walk around that stupid store WAY to long with all kinds of things in my hands. I'm one of those shoppers that picks things up along the way, walks around and then decides to go put half of it back. (I do actually go and put it back where it belongs though...another sickness of mine, everything has to be in it's place) Very often, when I do these little trips around, most of the impulse type items leave my hands. I opt for the more versatile items and make sure I get the basic findings first. Usually I leave with one little "treat".

So just a few days ago, on my most recent visit to Michaels I picked up these lovely dusty pink Crystazzi glass pearls. Now, I have had these in my hands I can't tell you how many times. The color just calls to me...it's so deep and dusty and lovely. So I'm walking around and finally make it up to the counter...and they are STILL in my hands! YES FINALLY! Along with a these lovely dark green and sage ones too!! Oh my excitement! It is such a silly little thing. But they are just so pretty. They finally came home with me! And I couldn't wait to use them...they are my new favorites...at least until my next trip.

Saturday Special Featured Artist Series!!--well, O.K...it's really Wednesday I know!

So last Saturday didn't work out as I had planned, but that's the way it goes. Right now my two oldest boys are with their grandparents though and my youngest is sleeping!! Ah, sweet sweet peace! So I thought this would be a good time to do another feature artist :)

Today's pick is RanaMuckPhotography!! I discovered her shop on Etsy while I was looking for some peacock feathers to make earrings with. She was amazing to work with and went above and beyond to get the feathers to me before my mother's birthday! She has two shops on etsy and just recently set up shop at 1000Markets!! I was so excited to see that she has joined.




In her shops you will find beautiful photography, hemp jewelry and (on etsy only) her supply of bird feathers for your own projects. She has such a beautiful, playful style that shows through in each of her pieces! The necklace pictured above is her Lampwork Heart Necklace that can be seen at her 1000Markets shop. I love how she mixed the different hemp cords. It gives this piece such a unique feel!


My favorite photograph of RanaMucks is her Canoe on Wisconsin Lake. It is so peaceful and simple. Just beautiful!

So check out RanaMuck at 1000 markets or her two shops on etsy: RanaMuckPhotography and her jewelry shop RanaMuck

Out with the old and in with the new!

Wow! Things have been so hectic for the past month with the holidays and friends and family being in town that I feel like I've barely had time to catch my breath. We had a wonderful visit from my brother in law and his wife and new baby! We had so much fun! It was great to see my boys playing with their baby cousin. And those baby smiles...they just melt your heart. A great time was had by all!

But now it's back to work time. My husband just started school again last Saturday, and that's quite a change! But it's good for our family, and I think good for my husband too. I'm just hoping I don't go too crazy while he's gone :)

And so it's back to work for me too. My next priority is working on my photos. It's such an ongoing battle it seems. When I first started my shop on Etsy my pictures were terrible. With some great tips and, of course experience, I have seen steady improvement. But then, just about a month and a half ago I had to buy a new camera. So here I am, back at the drawing board again, trying to learn camera settings. Playing with settings, lights and composition!!! It's a bit crazy. My wonderful brother in law was able to give me some great pointers though (he's great at photography!) and I am eager to give them a try! So I'll be editing out a lot of the old photos for new, improved photos!! (well, hopefully!) So...for January my theme is OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!!!

Saturday Special Featured Artist Series!!

So, since my hubby has school every Saturday, I've decided it is a good day to do my special feature of talented artists I have been lucky enough to find. I am going to try my best to make this a weekly feature, so we are going to hope that three certain little boys decide to cooperate with their mommy :) So for my very first featured artist, I have chosen someone extra special!

NINE DRAGONS SCULPTURE ART

I want to introduce you guys to a wonderful artist who has a shop on 1000 Markets. Nine Dragons files her shop with beautiful original oil paintings, art sculpture pendants and beautiful, unique jewelry She is meticulous in her detail and it shows. Her paintings have such a beautiful, life-like quality. My personal favorite is her oil pastel Desolation It is remarkable. Sue's use of light and shadows just amazes me! I am hooked for sure!

She's also a very talented sculptress. She creates these detailed sculpure pendants that just grab your attention. I love her tree frog Fabulous isn't it?

I also love following her blog! Right now she is taking us step by step through her next painting! She has a great way of explaining the processes she must go through to get to the end result. So take a peak! Here's her blog and make sure to have a look around ninedragons shop too.

And be sure to stop back in next Saturday, for my next featured artist!

Hope Tag- #3 in the Beach Glass Tag line

I am exited to introduce my newest Beach Glass Tag necklace just in time for the inauguration. This tag is entitled Hope! I thought it was the perfect sentiment for the hope so many of us are hanging onto as we approach January 2o, 2009! The hope that we can all pull together as a nation and make the changes that need to be made to make this an even better country to live in.

This necklace feautres a silver toned "Hope" charm that hangs off of a silver plated 16 inch chain. I have chosen a lovely green, triangular shaped piece of Lake Erie beach glass, and have accented this with a tiny, light- blue piece of Lake Erie beach glass.

Simple and beautiful, it is truly one of my favorites so far! You can find this necklace listed on etsy at JLynnCreations.etsy.com.

Excitement grows!

I have been working on my new Beach Glass Tags line and today the second necklace in the series sold! I am so excited about this line and I'm pleased to see that excitement is catching! I do have more in the works, and am exploring a sterling silver option as well, for those that have sensitive skin. I have been trying to find the right combination of materials and price to bring in attention, and I think I may have found it! I also have a "circle sentiments" beach glass line I am exploring as well! A new year means a time for exploring and heading in new directions! Cheers to 2009!

1000 Markets invite!

I recently set up a new shop on 1000markets! It is a beautiful market with many talented artists and crafters. It is a juried location and you have to set up a few items in a shop and then apply to be accepted. Then, in addition, they have what they call Markets. They have different themes and some are a bit more selective than others. Tonight I was accepted to the Inspired by Nature market!!! I am so excited I'm bouncing off the walls tonight! It is a beautiful collection of handmade items that are inspired by nature and my Lake Erie beach glass jewelry was excepted. There are a few other talented artist who work with beach glass that are featured there too. I am honored to be listed along with all the other wonderful artists in this group. So, drop by my 1000Markets shop http://www.1000markets.com/users/jlynncreations And while you are there, take a look around at the other amazing artists!

New beach glass product line! BEACH GLASS TAGS!

I have been trying to figure out something to do with all those "imperfect" pieces of beach glass I have picked up over the years. And then, while I was at my local craft store looking at charms it hit me! I've combined the "imperfect" (not worn quite enough, or chipped), but still beautiful beach glass with little sentiment tags. And, to keep the price lower, I have chosen to use plated chain instead of sterling chain. Ta-Da!! BEACH GLASS TAGS!

I'm very excited to have found something to do with all these wonderful pieces of glass AND to have a lower price point to offer my customers in this terrible economy! So take a look at the first Beach Glass Tag necklace that's available in my etsy shop. There will be many more coming soon, so be sure to stop back!

So I finally did it!

I have been talking about creating a blog for a few months now. So, as part of my New Year's resolution to grow my jewelry business......HERE IT IS!! ( So please bare with me as I learn all this as I go :)

I started creating jewelry this past summer and just couldn't get enough! I have always been the crafty sort and jewelry making combines so many things I love....colors, textures, and just the playing around of it all. I love to go downstairs in my room and get lost (not hard considering that I share my crafting space with the laundry too)! It is my escape. It is my time. And I treasure it!