Jewelry Making 101

Welcome to the world of metal smithing. Above are photos of a cone and a two part hollow form (sphere bead) made from copper. These were last week's homework assignments. It is quite a different process to the pre-fabricated ready-made jewelry making world we live in today. The industrial age has relieved jewelry designers of many of the time consuming and labored steps required for the simplest of tasks. Today, we can buy inexpensive closed jump rings and bezel cups but there was a time when jewelers did everything by hand. To be a great jewelry designer, it is important we learn these age old skills so there is a laundry list of techniques we have to include in our midterm projects for my metal arts class. Things like hollow forms, textured metal and wire, rivets, soldering, cabochons in bezel settings and of course, a concept paper explaining your piece at length.

We first created a "mochette" which is a sample of our design made out of paper and other supplemental supplies. This allows us to work out construction issues before we cut into the expensive materials plus helps us estimate how much metal we'll need to order to make our project.

I came up with this necklace which has three flowers of varying sizes and designs. The center flower bezel would be set on a metal swivel attached with a rivet onto a lip soldered to a hollow form. A little twist (no pun intended) on a locket. I thought I'd use 3 different sized wires to create the "chain" and have them swirl and loop with soldered leaves like miandering vines. The entire piece is to be made of sterling which I ordered from H. Schmidt & Son (208 Precious Metals) on ebay. Their prices are incredible and they totally worked with me to get the right amounts and gauges for the projects.

Once I received my materials, I cut out my flower shapes and wire to create the flowers.

I tinkered with the cabochons and flowers arrangements before I decided where I wanted everything.

Next I hammered the flowers and wire to create some texture. Did you know that the word "Smith" is derived from the verb "to smite" which means to strike with a tool? This hammering causes the metal to get hard (work hardening) so I had to anneal the silver (heat the metal to a super high temperature) so I could bend the petals to create dimension. The annealing caused some discoloration which I will remove later in the process after I've added patina.

Next, I had to bend bezel around the stones and solder the ends together, then to a flat piece of silver to create a bezel cup. I have not burnished the setting closed (that is why it looks unfinished) because I still need to patina and solder the settings to the flowers and to the necklace.

For the center flower, I created a wall for the locket and soldering the top on. I still need to set the rivet and cut the locket hole before I can do the bezel for this stone.

Next I'll do some patina, filing/ cleaning up, plus finish hammering /forming the necklace from wire and solder on leaves. Then I'll solder the flowers together and on to the necklace. The final steps will include burnishing the bezel and bending the closure. I simulated the finished look a little for the photos below. I hope it all comes together as planned but we shall see.

I had ordered these really amazing stones to go into it but I didn't realize they were coming from China so they may not arrive in time. No wonder they were so inexpensive, right? It is probably better that I save those beautifies for when I am more experienced anyway.

The wire petals above were soldered together (this is not as easy as it seems and took many times at the torch). I wanted to set the stone with wrapped wire but this technique is also more advanced than I expected so I may not go that route- we'll see.



This is my mess - I love the contrast of all the tools and the itty, biddy stones. You should see my finger tips. No ink stains or matted glue in this craft, but lots of little cuts...ouch. More to come as I progress... Happy Friday!

It's the Little Things

So last week we got a little bad news...I started noticing the return of my pain as I weaned off my post surgery pain medication. We met with my surgeon last Wednesday and he said I have a classic "a-typical presentation" of Trigeminal Neuralgia so I'm back with my neurologist in a few weeks to discuss my options. The last resort is another, more invasive surgery but I'm not going there. I'm coping with the pain one day at a time; sometimes one hour at a time by soaking up the joy in the little things. This morning as I enjoyed my coffee, I began to consider how all the little things added up to a really big life filled with blessings. This is just 20 "little things" that took place over the last week that made me feel good:

1. I checked my VM and had 6 messages of people asking me how my Dr. appt went
2. My teacher said my wax sculpture looks fantastic.
   
3. I bought these beautiful stones on ebay for my midterm project for a fraction of the cost at other places
   
   
   
   
4. When I came out this morning the kitchen was clean!
5. My friend Emily offered to drive the kids to school if it rains.
6. Aidan won his soccer game!
7. I ordered new business cards
8. I started a HUGE new project for a client!
9. Patti ate lunch with us on Saturday.
10. I spoke with Jen more than once this week
11. I got a call from a woman I just met inviting me to get together for a meal sometime.
12. We went to Starbucks yesterday AM for coffee and to play Uno with the kids and Lindsey and we saw Bob A.
    
13. Cameron wrote a comment on my last blog entry that made me feel so good!
14. Laura told me I inspire her.
15. I found an old deck of Skip Bo cards and I wasn't missing a single card (out of 144)
16. I got to hug Nancy J whom I have been missing.
17. my family and Michele W's family went to see "cloudy with a chance of Meatballs"
18. I listed a zillion new items on my Etsy shop - Its so exciting!
19. I saw a bunch of people I love on Saturday morning and got to tell them so (and they said they loved me back)
20. I fit into a pair of jeans that used to be tight.
    

Life is a Trip...

I've been a bad, bad blogger. My only excuse is that I've been live, live, living. After my surgery in August I had some complications which landed me back in the hospital for 5 days with an L P and the possibility of a second operation. Thank you God for my amazing family, friends and doctors who carried me through a terrifying ordeal with kindness, humor and love.

Just 2 days after I busted out of the hospital I had my 1st day of school at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Talk about diving back in. Wow- did starting a new semester in sculpture feel surreal. I really felt intimidated those first few weeks considering my only exposure to 3D art involved play dough, but I soon found my voice and my first piece made in clay turned out to be something I feel proud of. We are now working in wax which will become a bronze ststue when it is all said and done. i am loving this project and received lots of kuddos from my teacher today. That is the most amazing feeling!

I'm also taking a Metal Arts/Jewelry Design class which is basically the fundamentals of black smiting...super duper cool! This class is so amazing and I have an aptitude for it which makes me extra enthusiastic. We learned how to solder, patina, make jump rings and other findings in the first few weeks and now we are creating hollow forms. In 2 weeks I'll turn in my midterm project made out of sterling silver. I did a mochette of my design which I had to present to the class last Wednesday. Some thought it was too ambitious but I heard lots of great feedback about the overall concept. We'll see how it comes together... The cabachones I ordered arrived today and they are not anything like their photos...Disappointed! So I've been skowering Etsy looking for something amazing.

Work has been really busy - really good - but really busy.. I' working with 2 talented artists helping them with their Etsy shops and the merchandizing of their artwork. Stephanie of Fabulous Vixen Designs (www.fabulousvixen.etsy.com) and Patti- Zipartist (www.zipartsist.etsy.com). Both of this women are stricken with incredible talent and I am honored to be a part of their creative journey.

What has really kept me busy, busy, busy is the photo archiving and scrapbooking part of my business. I'm working on several heritage albums for one client and I just started a new project with another. That and my Etsy shops (www.jillienedesigns.etsy.com & www.jillienesvintageshop.etsy.com) take up 3 days week of my time. I am so grateful to have aseveral different facets of my business - I get to be creative with my scrapbooking services and the Etsy shops allow me go on treasure hunts so I can provide amazing vintage items at terrific prices. All of this has put my own designs on the back burnert but that is OK because my abilities are evolving while I am learning all the new techniques at school.

Speaking of learning, I have had the opportunity to teach art to a home school student this Fall. What a wonderful treat! She comes to my house once a week and we discuss different mediums, tools and techniques and then she keeps an art journal for her homework. Next week we are going the San Jose MOMA to identify the things we are learning in various kinds of art. I hope that I will have future opportunities to do this kind of work and am adding this course to my list of services. I'm hoping to link up with one of the home school progrms in the area.

The kids are doing great! Aidan just pulled off his 4th 100% in a row (plus all 4 bonus words) on his spelling test. I'm so proud of him because spelling was never my strong suit. As a reward, he is getting a goldfish which he wants to name Gary Monda.

Eva turned 4 last month and I am not sure who had more fun celebrating, Eva, me or grandma. We went to afternoon tea with Aunt Mary who came for a 2 week visit to help while I was back in the hospital. It may have been the highlight of my year. What a joy to be able to do girlie things with 3 generations of family.

what else?

I guess that is all for now... i will be editing this entry and adding pictures tomorrow as I am writing on the train on my way home from school and have limits to what I can do from my cell phone keyboard. I just wanted to reconnect and share all the artistic joy in my world these days.

hello Fall.

August is a blurry blank. My life feels like it was pulled through the eye of a needle. The first couple of weeks were spent getting ready for surgery and the last weeks were hospitals, aches and pains and a drug induced haze.

So now it is September. You can feel the seasons a-changing. The kids are back in school, its a little chilly at night and life is moving faster. I am resistant to putting all the new event dates in the calendar because I'd have to accept that the holidays are right around the corner. I seem to be clinging to the forgiving schedule of summer, unwilling to accept that life moves fast whether I authorize it or not. Like a computer scanning for a file, my brain is searching for a paradigm, a course of action, a loophole, that will allow me to walk at my own pace without being left behind. I'm hopeful that the secret formula will appear and insert itself into my lifestyle without much work on my part. I believe it will happen because healing from brain surgery demands it.

That is it all I have for now - its time to spend some time with my little ones. Hope you are having a fantastic labor day and easing into Fall in comfort.

Last Day of Summer Vacation

Aidan started first grade on Wednesday. He returned home to tell me that it was the best day of his life! Isn't that wonderful?

Eva begins her second year of preschool on Monday. I am so happy that I felt well enough to enjoy her last day of vacation with her. I cannot believe how much easier it is to hang out with just one child. Of course I had it easy because Eva was thrilled that mommy was up and around and that she had me all to herself! We did a little of this and that - play dough, painting, coloring and such- and then my overwhelming need to create took over and we made these adorable aprons:

Eva was my designer while I did the cutting, sewing and gluing. My apron is made from a pair of Tim's old work jeans and Eva's is made from a too-small pair of Aidan's. I let Eva loose in my stash and she selected the lace, ribbon and embellishments so these are Eva originals. I just think they are darling!

Then we had a photo shoot in the backyard using the tri-pod. Its been a great day because I got to hang out with my very best friend doing my very favorite things and I'm mobile!

This Program is Temporarily Interrupted

Photo taken following my craniotomy to treat TN on Tuesday, Aug 18th

Taking a few weeks to heal but am dreaming of colorful creations while I rest... Thank you's to the many, many friends and family who have literally carried us through this process. My body is a bit broken right now but I am whole with the love, support and generosity of my community. Cards, meals, childcare, jillcare, phone calls and gifts have been showered upon us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Zippity Do Da- Dippity Day

Its been a busy few weeks with lots of wonderful experiences and artful days. What is surprising, is that I don't feel like summer has just flown by. There are still a few more weeks and so far, we have sucked the summer out of nearly every day that has passed.
I had my last art class at camp this week. It was a another great year and I am delighted to have been able to work with the girls. Just to catch up on the last three sessions, for week four we made "All about me" 6 x 6 inch books.

I based the project on Me & My Big Ideas, "A Kid Like Me" line. In my opinion, the "house" (below) page is by far the best. I disassembled house shaped chipboard books, had the kids decorate, then we mounted the house on a chipboard page. This part of the project was inspired by a class I took with the talented Rebecca Gawryl.


The next week we made these darling beaded watches. The girls were so creative, many taking the concept and adding their own twist.


Last Tuesday we made burlap wall hangings. They turned out fabulous and I got wonderful feedback. Many of the girls told me my class was their favorite thing about camp. Yay!

I also handed over a project I was doing for a dear friend. I framed a bunch of art work that her children had done and collaged some photos of her daughter on a giant canvas. I was so nervous that she would not like it - its one thing for someone to buy your finished work, its entirely different when you are commissioned. Thankfully, they were delighted with it and I've even had an inquiry from another parent to do collages for her two kids.

I also finished and sent off button bloom bouquets for a wedding (see top). This is the wedding that is going to be in the coffee table book - wouldn't it be great if a shot of my blooms made it in one of the photos? I'm hopeful the flowers fulfill the event planner's vision. She was great at sending me pictures and explaining what she wanted so fingers crossed.

I've also been busy creating a logo for Fabulous Vixen Designs.

One of Stephanie's many stunning creations!

Stephanie has been doing some HOT new jewelry designs and revamping others. She is such a talented artist and I'm one lucky lady to get to work with her.

Lastly, I just finished restoring some Vintage Jewelry for Artique which will soon be called Adorn Bridal Boutique. They are stepping up the retail side of their business and as one of their buyers, they would like me to increase my offerings. I'm thrilled because I just love the hunt for vintage treasures!

Speaking of vintage, I've opened a second shop on Etsy, Jillienes Vintage Shop (jillienesvintageshop.etsy.com).

Eventually, I'd like all the vintage items, including jewelry to live there and Jilliene Designs to be the home for my creations, kits and button blooms. Eventually being the operative word.

As you can see, I've been one busy lady, all the while playing with my little guys and trying to run a household.
The truth is that my Trigeminal Neuralgia has been tenacious, even on the medication so I do, do, do to deal with my pain. Laying in bed only makes it worse although I've done my share of that this summer as well. But relief is near. I'll be having surgery in a few weeks which has more than a 99% chance of leaving me pain free. The downside is that it is brain surgery which is scary business.

This is a post operative scar of a woman who had the same procedure.

I was completely freaking out the first few days after it was scheduled but I've had some rough pain days since, and am now excited and eager to be free of the treacherous condition. If all goes well, I should be fully recovered to start a new semester at The Academy of Art.

I'm taking a sculpture class and figure drawing. Can't wait!! So there is the last few weeks in a nutshell. Good stuff.

Keeping it Real

I got some fabulous feedback from my wonderful friend Aimee. She explained what her regular blog spots tend to look like and offered ideas on how I could adapt my blog to present a more business like facade. She put thought into my content, feel and tone and shared her thoughts with the sweetness that makes her so fabulously Aimee. That is when I thought I would like to stay fabulously Jilliene which means if the concept is coming to me, than perhaps it isn't meant to be. So, for know, I remain the same... Authentic to my everyday thoughts, my art and my life.

Blog Face lift

I'm thinking its time for a blog makeover. Not necessarily just the look but the content too. A shot in the arm to take things to the next level. Tell me (be nice), what do you suggest my little blog needs to attract more visitors and offer more to my viewers.

Leave your comments and you will be entered to win in a random generator drawing for this prize:

Includes Paper Bliss 3-D embellishments, a roll of Bobbin ribbon, a Petaloo magnetic closure 6 x 6 album, Fancy Pants Rub On's (yummy), letters, word stickers and tags. I will post the winner at 5:00 PM PST on Monday. Thank you so much for your input!

Elegance on Etsy!

Just a few of the elegant vintage pieces listed on my Etsy shop. Click on the mosaic to view more treasures!

Sometimes the universe screams "YES"

Yesterday was a fabulous day. I felt validated as an artist on so many levels. It felt like a meteor shower of possibilities and affirmation! The universe seemed to be screaming "YES!"

It started with an email from Lori at www.fabricatedfamily.etsy.com informing me that one of my items had been included in her "Grace Kelly" themed treasury on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=70861).

What is the Treasury?
The Treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 hand-picked items each. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or just whoever they like. The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy. Admin often choose an exceptional Treasury list to promote to the the homepage hand-picked items.

Being included made me feel like I'm officially in the Etsy shop owner club plus I felt it validated my photographs and merchandise. It was nice.

About an hour later, I received an email from a wedding consultant in New England requesting a bid on my button blooms for a swanky wedding. Not only is the business and interest a nice nod, but she told me that this particular wedding will be appearing in a coffee table book called Brides Across America so if I was selected, my work might very well be included! I know this line has been used before, but " I'm just honored to be considered..."

Woo Hoo! just got an email from the event planner and they would like to use my blooms for the dessert buffet tables! Contract on its way!

My mom, arrived a few hours later along with my quilt from Back Porch Quilters. I ripped that box open like a kid on Christmas morning! It was so special having my mom there because my mom comes from a long line of quilters. Her approval was nothing short of an "A." I was delighted at her response as I laid it out on my bed. This quilt is the most wonderful thing my hands have ever created! I just need to attach the trim and it will be ready for life at the Isaacs' house!


The final creative excitement of the day was that I completed the fabric album for my client's children as a "thank you" for 1 1/2 years of business. It may not seem like all that big of a deal, but I made the book without instructions and on the grumpiest machine in the world. I just felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment and that special joy that comes from giving from the heart.


It was so nice to share my news and show the quilt and fabric album to my husband. I could tell he was excited for me and proud that my creative life was evolving. But most of all - regardless of the acknowledgment from outside sources, I'm just glad that I feel good about my work today.

Recipe Box Purse

Here is a fun little project you can do with your kids or as a cute party favor. The cost is less than $5.00 and it is quite simple to assemble:

Recipe Box Purse

Materials:

• 1 recipe box (Michael’s has them on sale for 30% off of $1.00)
• White Krylon Fusion spray paint
• Color coordinating papers
• Modge Podge or white glue
• 9 pieces of yarn about 1 yard long
• 3 pieces of yarn 6” long
• 1 large brad
• 1 metal charm
• 2 large mouth beads
  

Instructions:

• Spray the recipe container with White Krylon Fusion spray paint covering up all the designed cover paper including on the inside lip.
• Cut assorted paper into the following measurements and glue to box panels. (1 of each):

6” x 4” – glue to front body
¾“ x 6.25” – glue to front lid rim
3” x 6.25” – glue to top of lid
4” x 6.25” – glue to back

• Punch centered holes into both side panels just below the lid line for the purse strap
• Punch a hole in the center of the lid rim for the purse closure
• Punch a hole just below the purse closure hole on the main body of the purse for the closure string.
• Divide the 9 pieces of yarn into 3 groups and braid the groups together loosely.
• Insert ends into right side of the purse and tie 1 – 2 knots to secure. Repeat on the left side.
• Insert large brad into hole on lid lip, close backing with some wiggle room so yarn can be wrapped around the front to keep the lid closed.
• Insert 3 pieces of 6” yarn into large mouth bead and tie a knot securely.
• Thread yarn through hole below lid from the inside out. Bead should secure ends on the inside.
• Slip yarn ends through the other wide mouth bead(s) then tie off through charm.

To keep purse secured closed, wrap yard behind the brad head.

This project was a more whimsical design because I will be teaching it to 8 year old girls. For different effects try these ideas:

• cover or collage the purse with pages from old books, sheet music, the funny papers, crossword puzzles, pictures from magazines or old love letters.
• Use a belt buckle as the purse clasp and the belt as your strap
• Add artificial flowers, bling (faux gemstones), buttons, lace, fabric, trim or ribbon to embellish the outside.
• Buy a vintage handbag from the thrift shop and up-cycle the handles to use on the purse
• For a party favor, embellish with theme appropriate paper or ephemera- fill with party hats, horns and noise makers- make it a centerpiece for your tables
  

In other news, I am thrilled to be buying a new sewing machine the old fashion way... I saved up $ for a deposit (some raised from my "I want a new sewing machine" sale on my Etsy shop last week) and I now have a spectacular entry level Janome 2010 on lay away. We essentially stopped using credit cards last fall in an attempt to change our relationship with money. It has been such a freeing experience and has put the fun back in special purchases. I love how lay away builds anticipation and draws out the "wow" factor. I am proud to be teaching our children these kinds of spending habits rather than the ones I learned growing up from characters like Popeye's Wimpy...

"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today"

The new machine is brilliant. It is just the right amount of machine for my skill set. The owner of the shop I bought it from spent over an hour with me finding out my needs, experience and wish list, then matching me with an appropriate machine. He didn't even try to sell me a high end set up and I REALLY appreciated that because it can be hard to feel good about a Saturn after you have just test driven a Mercedes. He took me through all the features, a lot of the various feet (which he through in) and gave me the grand tour of his store (Ray's Sewing Machine Center) which has been in business since 1947. They offer a 5 year service plan, free classes for all sorts of projects each week AND the best part is that you can trade your machine in for the full payment price towards a newer model for 5 years! Most places only give you a year!

My new machine features an automatic needle threader (yay!), a thread cutter, 50 stitches, free motion stitching (for Quilting), Auto tension, a speed control switch, plus a whole bunch more!

I'll probably have another sale this Wednesday so I can drop off another payment on Thursday. I'm hoping I'll have this baby paid off in no time!

Tag Album Tutorial

I've taught 2 sessions of art at Camp Gan Israel. The bunks were combined this year so the projects had to be suitable for 3rd through 6th graders. Nothing too challenging so that the younger ones don't get frustrated yet, exciting enough to keep the 6th graders engaged.


The first week we did mini albums using a cardboard frame and DCWV pocket full of posies paper. The girls did a wonderful job at following the project and did not hesitate to incorporate their own twist! I love that they are so inhibited! The project instructions are at the bottom of this entry.

The next week we made cards. We did a flapper hat and a cup cake card. They jumped at the chance to do their own thing with each project and many went on to make 2nd and 3rd cards while others were finishing up. They inspire me!

Today I did some crafting with my own kids. It all started when Aidan wanted to outline my feet with one of those magnetic sketch boards. Next thing we knew we were decorating our lunch plates with food. Then I put out paper plates, googly eyes, yard, glue and other goodies and the kids started making faces. I was so impressed that their attention span outlasted my own. Thank goodness got home from work so I can get on to my work. Business has been great which means there is lots to do. I'm so grateful that I get to enjoy my family and my job on my own schedule.

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Tag album instructions

Kit contents:

For the signatures:

1, cardboard cover

8, 9 x 3 ½ inch strips of cardstock

2 pieces of ribbon

For the cover:

1 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch piece of card stock

1 4 x 4 inch piece of card stock

1 ½ in x 3 ½ in strip of card stock

To pick up:

2 strips of ribbon for binding

Stickers and other decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Arrange the 8 pages into 2 stacks of 4. Fold each page in half, edge to edge. Use a scissors to smooth the crease.
2. Create 2 books of 8 pages by stacking the folding 4 sheets on top of one another.
3. Staple the center of both of your books (twice- top and bottom) to hold them together. Set these two books aside.
4. Find the 3 small sheets of paper for the cover and arrange them to your liking. Glue these pieces on your cover with a glue stick. Make sure you glue all of the corners.
5. Punch holes in the center of the tag shape on both sides of your cover –
6. Punch 2 holes in the center spine at the top and bottom.
7. Thread your ribbon through the two outside cover holes and tie into a knot.
8. Find your binding ribbon and twist ends together.
9. Insert ends of both ribbons into one hole of the spine. Smooth the ribbon so there are no twists, and then thread the other two edges through the second hole. Before you pull the ribbon tight, slip one of the signatures under one ribbon and tighten the ribbon around its fold. Tie it tightly. Do the same for the next signature with the other ribbon.
10. Decorate your pages with pockets, tags, photo mats and photos – use stickers, paper and flowers to embellish the white pages.

as life slows down creativity bubbles to the surface

I sat there, unsuspecting...dare I say, indifferent? Then it happened. A creative idea made its way into my mind's eye. It had texture and color and challenges that made me nervous. It was fluid, told a story, had a beginning, a middle and an end. It did not emerge out of something I had recently seen nor was it inspired by school, work or an online challenge. It was a unique artistic concept for me to explore at my leisure.

But where did it come from? Oh hell, this detail was unimportant right?. What was important was that it wasn't, and then it was- and that it was mine and no one else's. So I sketched in my art journal for the 1st time in months. I had improved since the last time I doodled out an idea. How refreshing. I had become accustomed to expecting more from myself than my hand could deliver. I wrote out instructions for graduating the values in the margin and identified the shading. It was a recipe for an oil painting and it WAS NOT a still life.

I drifted back to it's origin. Where did it come from? And then it hit me. The creative thoughts flooding my mind came from the quiet space in between the activities that constitute "my life." I had just spent the last few days floating on an inner tube, taking long walks and enjoying my family. I had noticed how fast butterflies flap their wings; I had waved hello to passing strangers; I had strolled. These activities allowed my mind to decompress for the first time in nearly a year and there was space for creative thought to bubble to the surface. This is an important revelation indeed.

Quiet, balanced living does not come naturally to me. It's just not my default. I lean more towards the hustle and bustle, flippity floppity, READY-SET-GO! style of living. But if my artistic process would benefit (not to mention my mental health) I might give it a try...At least until next semester :o)