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

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

WoW... Cyber Sale Monday

Greetings everyone... as promised here are more items for sale. Please note that the Bit of Charm necklaces show a bit of a gap between two sides... I'm doing my best to fix that right now. My last batch, all sold, were just fine, so this should be fine as soon as I get out the pliers!

There are lots of pictures, and for most of my "BOC" necklaces I show both front and back. Hang in there, and keep scrolling down till you see something you like. Also, dont' forget to check the previous post for more items!

"BOC"... Miss Kim "Strength"

$15

copper ball chain

Amber Swirls and Twirls

antique amber bottle, beads and copper wiring

makes a great vase!

$10

Amber Waves

same as above, different design

$10

Beautiful Blue

"Swarovski" discs, and glass beads

silver tone ear wires

$15

"BOC" Bovine Beauties Psalm 23

What can I say? I love cows

$15

"BOC" Bovine Beauties

I told you I loved cows! (I own one of these as well)

$20

"BOC" Send in the Clowns

A simple copper ball chain, word disc and a fabulous reproduction of a period photo.

$15

"BOC" Drama Queen Drama

Beautiful reproduction of a vintage photo, rose gold plated necklace, beads and clasp, glass beads and vintage buttons finish off this lovely piece.

$25

"BOC" Flower Fairy

$15

"BOC" Gladys Peace

A simple copper ball chain, with an added word charm.

Sweet and simple

$15

"BOC" Miss Kim Strength

I simply love the look of this photo reproduction. To me it appears as if she is listening to God and gaining her strength from His grace, mercy and love.

$15

"BOC" Sisters Phileo

Having sisters is a wonderful and special thing, whether sisters by blood or some other bond.

Hung on simple copper ball chain.

$15

"Childbirth" a domino necklace

(please forgive the photo quality...much more beautiful in person!)

$10

"Fair"

$10

"Friendship"

$10

"Love"

$10

"Angelic"

(this is child sized in length)

$10

"Earth Tones"

a necklace and earring set

amber toned beads, glass beads and gold and silver toned beads, gold toned ear wires.

$10 (a price change from what's pictured)

"For to Such belongs the kingdom of God"

Don't let the photo size fool you.. this is a full 14x18 canvas.

The canvas has been painted, crackled, had paper added, and then coated to preserve the finish.

The assemblage pieces are mostly vintage: doll dress, watch face, photo, buttons, millinery, rhinestone jewelry, lace, rick rack, and a piece from an 1800s photo album.

$65

"Glossy Black"

bracelet $45

earrings $25

all antique buttons... Czek glass, mourning buttons and other glass buttons

silver toned bracelet and ear wires

Jasper bracelet

$15

jasper beads, silver toned spacers and silver toned clasp

"Pierced Heart" earrings

vintage pierced metal buttons, swarovski style beads, silver toned heart charms, sterling silver ear wires

$15

Primary Swirl

$10

Primary Fun

$10

I hope you enjoy what you've seen here. I also do special orders so if something sparks an idea feel free to email. I'll happily take orders the same way. Currently I'm not set to take pay pal, so money orders are best unless you're in town... then cash works as well. Checks are accepted, but must clear before I ship the merchandise.  Shipping costs will be figured based on your order, I'll ship for as cheap as possible, but if you have a preference just let me know.

Whimsy and the word @gmail .com  (minus the spaces)