Testimonial

I recently posted on My Facebook page, 'The first male friend or girlfriend or wife that responds will get a 8 inch stainless steel bracelet for their honey to test drive for me."

My friend from high school responded and I sent her husband an 8 inch Stainless steel Half Persian 3 in 1 bracelet made from 18 gauge 5/16 saw cut rings.

He sent back his thoughts a week later, per my request.

A REAL guys opinion of your bracelet design.

1) What do you like about it? The design with the intertwined rings is very cool, the added rings gives it a nice 3D effect. Also and added bonus is that it doesn't pull me arm hair.

2)What don't you like about it? Honestly, the only thing the I can think of, is that sometimes when I resting my arm on a surface the clasp has a tendency to poke me. The lever that opens the clasp is pointy. Other than that it's very comfortable.

3)Would you wear this style as a necklace? Yes, I would.

4)Would you give the bracelet as a gift? Well, I don't give too many guys gifts, however if I did, yes I would.

5)How much would you pay for this bracelet? I'd say $40 to $50.

6) Who's the best jewelery maker you know? That's a tough one. My daughter Alyssa makes some wicked jewelry using wire and beads. But, since I don't wear beaded bracelets..that makes you the best jewelery maker I know.

Frann,
Thank you very much for the bracelet. I'm going to enjoy it for many years. It would be really cool the have that necklace, hint, hint. Fathers day is coming and I'm sure Wendy is looking for some ideas ;).
Could be a possible sale for you.

I should do this every quarter :). By the way, I never 'designed' HP 3 in 1, but it's nice to be known as a designer.

Inspired by AmongTheRuins

I adore this woman's work.

She puts a new type of motivation in the prodding, poking, always wanting to learn voice that constantly chatters to me.

Check our her site for more of her imaginative Steampunk influenced designs.

Gearing up for the Summer selling season

I just placed orders all over the place for display items for bracelets and necklaces, of which I have tons. I purchased two long display tables and the most expensive and important of all my purchases: A merchant tent.

I love how Ebay has the 'Make Me an offer' feature.

The seller wanted 149.00. I countered with 129.99 and he was firm at 145.00.

I don't understand why he would only go 4 dollars below his asking price, seems to defeat the purpose of using that feature. On the other hand, it got my attention and I wanted this particular tent.

It is red... my favorite color and sure to stand out in a sea of blue and white tents. They had black but I'd roast like a cornish hen in a black tent. It also has four 'walls'. Two of which have nice translucent 'windows' to let light and a curious peek into my selling domain.

Here's a small picture. Taken from the ebay transaction (link:tent since the picture isn't showing)


I've also ordered some findings and supplies for new items I'll be introducing to the Etsy site.

Busy busy busy.

Supplies stuck in UPS limbo

I thought that the rest of Ann's rings and other supplies were going to be delivered today. I was wrong. They are 'delayed' in Minnesota.

So I won't be able to finish her custom order until the end of next week.

On the upside, I'm growing fond of the fuchsia beads... Go figure.

In a sea of Fuchsia and Aquamarine

An old friend from High School found my etsy site and commissioned two sets of beaded jewelry.

In silver lined Shocking Fuschia and AB silver lined Aquamarine 8/0 seed beads.

We went through a few different hues of pink and turquoise but in the end, these were her choices.

The pieces are very simple but time consuming because two beads must be threaded on 20 gauge jeweler's brass 1/8 inch rings.

So for the next week or so I'm drowning... in a sea of fuchsia and aquamarine!

Kicking off the Season

With a decent sized Event inventory and some contacts I'm gearing up for the Fleamarket/Craftshow season.

There are two local places that have weekly Fleamarket/Auctions or Huge fleamarkets on Summer Holidays.

I've been browsing some local shops for ideas. It seems that there are a ton of beaders that show their wares. Since I am not a beader, I think finer styled chainmaille items will stand out.

I still have the items that attract the younger crowd: Lots of Anodized aluminum bracelets, earrings and chokers. But as I evolve the collections I'd like to carry; Colors, Fine Maille, Strong Maille and Sterling silver, I think each type of person that frequents the venues I choose to show at will have a nice variety to choose from.

Colors is self explainitory. Anodized aluminum and Enameld Copper. In bold colors and fun 'n young styles.

Fine Maille includes more feminine weaves like Half Persian 3 in 1 or 4 in 1. Shaggy loop beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces in Jeweler's Brass or shiny Stainless. Bronze and copper necklaces with matching braclets. Appealing to women of all ages.

Strong Maille: Larger gauges, bolder weaves in Copper, Bronze and Stainless. Geared toward women who like big, bold substantial pieces or Men who like simple chains.

Sterling silver bracelets and necklaces in Byzantine, HP variations, simple Double cable. No beads as of yet, I'd like to learn more wire wrapping techniques to incorporate either natural stones or sea glass.

By the end of the week, everything should be cleaned, bagged and tagged for transport to the first event.

Once upon a time...

... there was a dreamer.

The earliest recollection I have of crafting is in day camp when I was about 8 years old. We were able to make the obligatory dry macaroni design on Popsicle sticks and everyone did the same thing... Elbow macaroni, painted gold... slap a picture in the middle. YAWN.

I found the Alphabet macaroni letters and wrote a story.

It took a few weeks of daily creativity. In the end I did what I wanted and I loved it.
Where is it now? Who knows but it did start the path I'm on now.

To create and enjoy.

I love metal. I love bending it... shaping it. Weaving it. Matching it with other elements such as beads or wire. I'm self taught and rely mostly on the generosity of others with their ideas and experiences.

I do not consider myself a designer. Once I grow my knowledge base, perhaps I will have enough confidence to design signature pieces myself.

Currently I am building my knowledge of traditional weaves and incorporating them into the creation of jewelry. I have a collection of items in a shop locally. West Michigan is hard hit by the economy and I was a reluctant victim. After this summer season of Fleamarkets and Art Shows I'll be back to working a 'real' job, until I can nest egg enough money to do a combination of jewelry making, shows and teaching in the local area.

I've found a haven of sorts in a forum created by two fellow Maillers.
Handmade Artist Forum is a great collection of Artists. Not just maillers, there are sculptors, painters, glass makers, yarnsmiths (knitting, crochet and macrame) and many many others.
Any Artist that makes items, for sale or pleasure, with their own little hands is welcome to join.