Spring is in the air...

Which means my basement is warming up and I'm enjoying my time down there creating. Thanks to Jessi Thornhill and Emily Foster I have almost all my metal findings sorted and labeled...

I had these great labels on hand and they match the jar/lid colors.

When possible I label the metal type, item name, size if needed, and where I purchaed it.

As you can see I have a few! Still not quite done.

These jars came from Emily... I'll store my less used/more unsual metal pieces in these as they don't match the others.

Then, thanks to my mom, and to my in-laws (birthday and Christmas checks) I've been able to purchase metal stamping tools and a wonderful new bead organization system.

Each tray pulls out from the plastic sleeve. Then in order to open the compartment you have to push a  button. It keeps everything organized, visible and "locked down." All but my "special/i.e. expensive' beads are in here.

Of course when I'm in the middle of creating you'll see my tools and supplies all over the desk. Here are supplies for Bethie's birthday necklace...

So, I have had the serious itch to create recently. Whether that's due to the possible Tri-Kappa show, a new plan for Art and Soul, or just for the fun of creating beautiful things I'm not sure. However, It's been so fun. Here are a few shots of things I've created. For more pictures, or for prices you may visit my Etsy site... simply click on the Etsy link on the top right side of my blog page.

Happy Creating! Check back soon... I have a craft day coming up and I expect I'll be doing some stamping on sterling silver.

Blessings, Kim

Metal Work 101

Or maybe just "1"...?

Just starting out on this journey of learning to stamp metal and incorporate it into jewelry and other art. I've wanted to do this for OH so long. But didn't have the money to invest in supplies. Thanks to my mom and my in-laws I've been able to invest in several stamp sets, a stamping block and metal pieces. Enter the creations.

I've added metal stamping to a recent wedding shower card. (Sorry, forgot to take photos.) Additionally, I've made some necklaces.

This is my latest and is called "Who" Loves You?
You can find it on my etsy shop... see the sidebar.

I hammered the letters and distressed the metal.
I also wire wrapped a Czech glass pearl and dangled it on the pendant.

I love this darling owl. I have several...keep watching as I'm sure more will pop up.

I made this necklace yesterday.
I wanted to play with a tri-tone pendant. 

Someone suggested a Love, Hope, Faith necklace, but size of letters and sizes of blanks limited me.
So, I used a heart for the "Love"...

There's a gorgeous Czech glass bead that dangles over the heart... you catch glimpses of the heart as the bead sways. 

It's all hanging on a lovely copper ball chain. 

This is the one that started it all. A lovely sweet sixteen gift inspired by Miss Lydia.

I'll happily make necklaces to order. Initials, dates, thoughts, etc. You're limited by size and number of blanks, and size of letters. I have many many beads I can add... either as dangles or incorporated into the necklace itself. Chains range from ball chains to delicate chains. Just drop me a line and I'll do my best.

OH, and through Friday, February 14 there is 10% off at my Etsy shop... just use the coupon code
"happyheartday"!

Hope you enjoy!

Blessings, Kim

Newest Creations

Recreated an old line... some personal note cards. Spoiler alert.. Aunt Carol if you're reading this, please stop till after the box arrives. Aunt Sue, if you want some for your birthday just let me know. Your box contains something different.

There are two cards each with matching envelope liners/card trims, making for a total of 8 cards. The packet is wrapped in a vintage hankie. I'm so tickled. Had a lot of fun. My original line was made using tools available to me on "Crop Nights", but since that store is no longer open I had to rethink my designs.

I hope she enjoys. I would have rather done lavender as that is a favorite color, but I had pink, so that's what we went with.

Then, I finally started metal stamping/hammering tonight. This is my first attempt, made into a sweet necklace. I really like it.

Although it's hard to tell in this photo, I've used a brass/copper metal for the pendant and chain. The bead is a beautiful pink pearl glass bead. I've done the wire wrapping as well. All new skills since Art and Soul. 

If anyone is interested in ordering a personalized necklace just let me know. I'll happily oblige. Prices will vary depending on metals and beads used. 

Blessings and happy creating!
Kim

Creating Frenzy...

I'm not sure whether that means I'm creating a frenzy, or in a frenzy of creation. Either way works. My basement? It looks like arts and crafts threw up all over... my kitchen counter has a soldering station, my piano bench has a jewelry display, the floor by my "work" table is covered in scraps, receipts and bags from the local crafts stores, the other side on my hubby's weight bench I have my paper trimming station, along with inks, glues and some glitter. By the couch I have a table full of dominoes waiting for decor, and on the floor are 2 canvases drying, and several glittered letters also drying waiting to be turned into "JOY" canvases. In the corner is the beeswax pot where I melt the wax to coat my altered art/assemblage bottles. I have a small wooden box full of vintage flowers turned into hair clips and corsages waiting for the sale, along with some leftover memory boxes and bags of buttons. It's a LOT O' STUFF! I mean... art... HA!

And all this? It's for the 3rd Annual Art & Soul Artisans and Crafters Fair, Saturday, November 19 from 10-3 at Chapman's. Wow... run on sentence anyone? Um yeah... of course there are no new photos because I've used all my AA batteries and need some more for camera purposes. So, stay tuned. I may actually whet your whistle for the craft show with some photos. I may also show the mess and see if anyone volunteers for clean up.Or to pay for me to attend "Crafters Anonymous." Just kidding. Kind of. I would take free clean up help.

Actually, I'm quite excited for this year's show. There will be a number of other crafters and LOTS of goodies to buy for gifts for that special someone on your list.

So, I hope you all will join me. And, watch here for photos in the next 4 days... I hope.
Love, Kim

It's time to catch up!

Life has been a little more than full lately. Perhaps OVERFLOWING would be the best word. However, we are slowly returning to our normal routine... and by that I mean that I am letting us sleep in every morning till 9 or 9:30 until I finally feel rested. Most mornings I'm up by 6 or 7, but I get a glass of water, sit down in an easy chair and snooze a bit more. Sounds decadent, but I think it's what the doctor orderd after our busy schedule and my illness. This morning is one of the first mornings I'm starting to feel myself. To that end I'm updating my blogs and putting up some OLD pictures.

Here goes:

My "booth" at the childbirth expo.
Several thoughts: know what size table you'll have. ACK to the table cloth.

Even if you sell nothing, which was the case, you get the word out.

I did sell one necklace later after the expo.

I sold 3 necklaces at the other booth I had the same day.

Wee One has taken to prepping "welcome home" posters to put on the door leading to the basement from the garage for Dear when he arrives home. Somehow he's earned the nickname "Possum."

Go figure!

Not sure if I posted these earlier... unstamped background papers.

These are some of the stamped papers. Now that the two shows, expo and Easter are past I can concentrate on this online class again. The art I've been working on each day has been jewelry, jewelry, jewelry. Wish I had taken a photo of my two recent necklases "Allelujah"... a domino necklace, but done in paper collage style, and "Miss Emily" ... a domino necklace using "A Bit of Charm" style photo. The first was for my Easter attire and the second was sold to another doula who founded the expo. I've also completed 4 mini journals in the style we're to use for our poetry journal. One is already gone, as a gift. Hopefully I'll get photos up of the other three. They are so sweet!

Lovebirds ... $10

Vintage domino adorned with vintage bird cut out, a defintion from a late 19th centery dictionary. Around the sides of the domino you'll find rich copper trim. The waxed linen necklace is embellished with a gorgeous black button and several rich metalic beads.

Bloom... a bleated birthday gift for Bekcy

she is blooming in godliness, maturity and her pregnancy!

"Bird in Flight"... I went for a diferent style this time. Fun and funky!

$20

A gorgeous irridescent blue disc , over which flies a sweet "antiqued" swallow, while below dangles various glass beads and a stamped word. All hang on a simple but lovely waxed linen necklace.

Woodland Flower... $25

A lovely glass disc over which dangles an antique button. From below is a group of hanging beads, along with a stamped copper word. All hung from an antique style chain.

 "Friendship" and "Golden Swirl" earrings

$20 and $20

A "Bit of Charm" in the original style on a simple copper ball chain, the necklace is ehanced with a sweet rose gold plated swirl and glass beads. The earrings are on rose gold findings, also with rose gold swirls, rose gold beads, glass beads and luscious "jade" style beads. Perfect gift for a special sister or your best friend!

"Miss Olivia"... $30

Another in the "Bit of Charm" line... named for a lovely young lady in town. The photo reproduction is ehanced with delicious glitters, while the lovely rose gold chain has various dangles including rose gold charms, an antiqe button and glass beads.

"Psalm 23" ... $25

Another in the "Bit of Charm" necklace line. A lovely reproduction of a vintage postcard. Enhanced with glitter, glass bead dangles, rose gold dangles and a gorgeous antique button! The back reads "Psalm 23."

"All That Glitters" bracelet and matching earrings

bracelet... $35 and earrings... $20

Gorgeous antique buttons set on goldtone findings. Some buttons are stamped, some enameled and some set with contrastings metals. All unique and very collectible! The earrrings are adorned with gold tone beads and lovely glass beads as well.

"Psalm 23" Breast Cancer bracelet...$18.50

Mixed beads with silvertone spacers which help to share the thought of Psalm 23. Originally made as a breast cancer survivor bracelet. Might also be worn in memory of a loved one.

"Glassy Black" ... $45

Collectible antique and vintage black buttons, some from the 1800s!

All set on a silvertone bracelet.

Here is "Glassy Black" with "Stunning Sterling" set,

altogether I call this "Black Tie Affair" as it's that rich and gorgeous!

Necklace and earrings use sterling silver findings, swarovsky crystal beads, vintage "pearls" and a gorgeous shell and "pearl" vintage pendant/button.

Black Tie Affair!

Necklace...$25

earrings...$20

bracelet...$45

I hope you enjoy all my creations. None are listed on artfire or etsy yet, so feel free to contact me here if you're interested in purchasing any of these items!

Blessings, Kim

Buttons and Beads

"Beautiful Buttons"

Art Fire
Product Description:
$ 25.00
Quantity: 1

"Antiqued" copper color necklace. Chain is embellished with 3 vintage mother of pearl buttons. Added on are several scarlet lampwork beads. The clasp has a lovely pearl bead dangle allowing you to clasp it at varying lengths. Looks great against a simple t-shirt, lovely sweater or a nice v-neck shirt.

Inspiration / Story behind this Product:
I was given a large stash of vintage buttons. Truth be told some of them date from the 1850's! I love the look of these buttons but wanted to add a flash of color so dug through the beads and found these lovely scarlet lampwork beads. All in all a lovely piece!

"Lampwork Earrings"

ArtFire

Product Description:
$ 15.00
Quantity: 1
Lovely lampwork bead earrings on gold plated wires. These go well with "Beautiful Buttons" as you can see in the second photo. Necklace sold separately