Back to work!

It has been several months since I have posted anything here. I am getting back to work online and on my newest creations of jewelry. I started making collage necklaces,made of buttons,beads,pins on a leather piece. They are quite different than other things I have done. I will be posting some pictures of some examples of this new style. One of my favorites sold this weekend. In the next several months I will be making lots of new jewelry and will be posting pictures here and on Etsy! Now I need to get back to work!

Inspired by Art Museum

Last month I went on a class trip with my oldest son to Washington,DC. We had a nice day and explored a lot of the Smithsonian museums. I still keep thinking about the Art museum. I was allowed to take photos, so I did. The colors in some of the paintings,though quite old, are still vivid with color. Some of the photos I will be posting and then posting the jewelry I created with the art as the inspiration.

Recycled cardboard cuff bracelet

I have decided to show how I make some of my cuff bracelets. I have taken pictures of the various stages of the bracelet in development. I decided to make these after I was left with a long roll of super strong cardboard. The roll was from a big roll of holiday wrapping paper. I finished wrapping some gifts and used all the paper. I stuck my hand in the roll and got to thinking what a perfect size for a bracelet. This being extra sturdy, I have to use a saw to cut it. You can make it as thin or as thick as you want. Just slice off a piece and begin. The next step is to file the edges for a smooth finish to the sides. The next step to pick your fabric,paper or ribbon to go around the cuff. In this one I used black bias tape that I had laying around. You wrap it around the cuff, securing it with fabric glue as you go. Let it dry for at least a day. Next, I added a vintage white flower piece to the front, I used E600 glue for this. Let this dry again. To make this cuff more stain and weather resistant, I sealed it with several coats of varnish sealer. This seems to give it some shine and texture ,also. So, there you have some instructions for the cuff. I have made many of these using the same big roll of cardboard.

New Display Set Up!

I have added another permanent space that is selling my jewelry and accessories. It is located in Lancaster,PA and is called Building Character. I have been selling there every first Friday for the past several months. They get quite a crowd there on Friday nights. The store's focus is architectural salvage and local art. There are so many interesting things to see in the store. I have a small set up in place and will be changing it over the next several weeks. Below are some pictures of the displays. If you are in the Lancaster area, come check it out! It is located at 342N. Queen St.

Handmade in PA Proud!`

I am an artisan based in the Exeter area. I moved to PA when I was 6 years old and have lived in the state ever since. I have enjoyed living here,especially where I live today. I have also met some fabulous artists along the way of selling and networking. This weekend I will be having Free Shipping on any purchase in my Etsy shop! Other members of the group, Handmade in PA Etsy team will also have special deals going on for the weekend. I will also honor the Free Shipping deal if you order a custom item during this time! So, check out the other members blogs and Etsy shops for some deals!

New to the Blog World

This is all new to me! I am trying to give my business a better online presence,so here is my attempt. Blog what? Ok. I am the first to admit that I don't know what the heck I should be writing about. What mundane details will someone else find interesting? What happens if I get sidetracked? What do other people have to say? I would not say I am a good writer-I like to stick to the facts only, like a newspaper article. With that said, I am willing to stretch myself and write about my latest jewelry creation,post a lot of pictures and describe my newest vintage button stash!