Friday, April 10, 2015

Custom Bookmarks!

For Christmas last year, I made about a dozen bookmarks for friends and family.  They were a lot of fun to make, and I found a bookmark blank in a size I really like, so I'm now offering custom bookmarks in my shop!

Here are the newest bookmarks, in a similar size to mass-produced bookmarks at the store.  These are 6 1/4" long by 1 1/4" wide, and are available in copper, brass, and aluminum.  For more information & photos, please see my FB album or my Etsy listing.  Thanks and enjoy!

Custom metal bookmarks!  Quotes by R.W. Emerson, Aristotle, & Cicero.

Here's a "Before & After" shot of the cutouts!  First I write out the quote and draw the design, then I stamp the quote, drill the cutouts, saw the cutouts, file rough edges, and sand the entire bookmark.  In this case, I applied a rainbow flame patina with my torch before spraying on a clear coat to protect the finish.

"Before & After" of a custom bookmark.  Quote is adapted from Nietzsche.

This is one of my favorite cutouts to date - the boy and dog are so dang cute!

Happy Creating!
SSS

Friday, April 3, 2015

Greens & Pink - Natural Stone Pendants

Between custom orders, I've captured another stone and a couple beads in sterling silver wire settings! 

This first one is an aqua terra jasper bead - this is one of my favorite stones.  The sea green color with the tan inclusions never bores me!

Aqua terra jasper bead wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Next is a mariposite cabochon wrap.  This one is fairly large at over 2 inches long.  I wasn't sure I was going to be able to set this one, actually, because my first stone broke!  Thankfully, I had purchased it from a local couple and she was able to make me another - from her last piece of stock!  I like the new stone even more than the old one - it has a bit more green in it.

Mariposite cabochon set in a sterling silver wire wrap.

Finally, I have a rhodochrosite bead accented with smoky quartz.  I think this stone is remarkable for its natural pink color and crystalline banding throughout!  I still have a few beads left - I pull them out to use them about once a year.

Rhodochrosite and smoky quartz in a sterling silver wire weave.

Thanks for looking and happy creating!
SSS