Here is the final piece from my studio last weekend - a large, stunning labradorite cabochon. I learned the prong setting from an online course by Lucy Walker Jewelry. This setting technique has gotten quicker and easier with practice!

It seems that I prefer to work very large or very small. This weekend I did a little bit of both. I just love the depth and sparkle of this small cloud-shaped moss kyanite. I don’t think the photos do the color justice - it’s a velvety, deep ocean blue. I bought a few of… Continue reading Sparkling clouds

I usually think of turquoise of a summery stone ... but this one sings of winter to me. I’m absolutely smitten with this White Lavender turquoise. I’m really enjoying the new Liver of Sulphur I tried on the back, too: It’s been in the forties, so it’s a little chilly in the garage - even… Continue reading Winter white

In the past few weeks, I’ve been grouping my (zillion!) cabs into a series of small seasonal collections. It’s been quite a production! In this picture I’ve also got some serious craftermath going on because I’m starting to put together handmade holiday cards again this year. What I am not planning to use in a… Continue reading Collections

I am getting ready to try flush settings again, this time with a 4 mm stone. In order to avoid having to layer sheet metal, I bought one thicker sheet. 12 gauge is heavy - substantial - but challenging to work with given it’s heft. Once I get the hang of it, I’m looking forward… Continue reading 12 gauge

I love the brown paper and leafy ribbon, but I’m going replace the butterfly ribbon next time. And I finally settled on a dark green for the gift bags inside. Each little experiment is fun and rewarding. Sending these off to their new homes, and really gaining an appreciation for what it would be involved… Continue reading More packaging experiments

I didn’t metalsmith last weekend, and my shop was a bit of an explosion when I went out there today. I put some music on and cleaned up my workbench, and then I decided to prep for making a couple of Octopus Setting rings. I didn’t even get around to turning on my pickle pot… Continue reading Clean & prep day

Since donating jewelry to a charity auction a few weeks go, I realized I have to come up with some packaging so I can send the pieces off to their new owners. But, I don’t really have a logo or anything. Until I can get one made, I’ve been experimenting with my vinyl cutter, and… Continue reading Packaging experiments

Back in 2013 I traveled to the Bead & Button show to take some classes and (of course) shop. While I was there I visited the booth of Gary Wilson, who is a self-described ‘rockhound’ and lapidary artist. I purchased this cabochon, without really having a clear idea what I was going to do with… Continue reading The cab that started it all

I think I may have a tool addiction. Send help?! Check out this yumminess from @buffalo_rutland_co , which arrived in the mail today. This a new hammer along with some shot plates, which I want to use to decorate some bangles. Though, it turns out that the shotplates are going to take some practice ...… Continue reading New hammer & shotplates

I started the weekend with no clear projects in mind, so I did a little sawing of copper shapes again. I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone - the passing of the seasons is so much more noticeable in the shop, where the days are both cooler and shorter. These little copper treasures… Continue reading Fall treasures

This weekend I made a few pendants to support a charity auction at work. The turquoise is from @turquoise_moose, the rosarita heart and the aqua chalcedony are from @the.family.stone. In the coming weeks we are going to contribute funds to a few local organizations, including @bravespacealliance. 1 October. These pieces raised over $900 at our… Continue reading Donations