Monday!

Patti Vanderbloemen

Last week was spent playing with sterling silver-which will always be my favorite metal!

These little hoops are actually quite small.  I reached for some heavier gauge wire, twisted the ends together and then melted them into a ball.  Then, I flattened the ball, did a bit of shaping with my files, and soldered on a tiny little ball of silver.  I really like the organic look of these hoops.

Still thinking of hoops, I made a pair of double hoops.  I soldered the tiny  jump rings for security sake.  I did not add patina to these - just kept them bright and shiny.  These are quite dangly!

Then I got out the copper, added some silver and some tube rivets.  

Those mixed metal tabs, above, were my favorite of the week...until...

I discovered a new-to-me tool a couple of weeks ago.  It took a while for it to arrive, but, it is a shot plate and I used it to make those tiny little center flowers in the hoops above.  In fact, I wrote a blog post at Love My Art Jewelry and demonstrated how I made those little flowers.  Click here if interested in reading about that!

Then, I got really brave and made what started out as a solid sterling silver spinner bracelet.  I have only ever made these with a copper base, as an 8" length of metal is required.  So, I held my breath when I hammered, praying that the solder join would hold!  Well, it did!  BUT, I loved the texture so much on the base bracelet that I did actually CUT OFF the inner spinner bracelet...'cause I wanted to see the texture!

That little satellite/inner spinner bracelet did not go to waste!  I re-soldered and made a couple of sets of stacking bangles, instead.

I also worked on bezel setting a couple of gemstone cabs, but, not liking my results right now.  They are sitting on my bench...staring at me...begging me to make them better.  In time...

Last, but not least, I am having an End of Summer Sale in my shop.  I am hoping that this sale will raise some funds for hay for Miracle Horse Rescue.  Charitable organizations are really taking a hit this past year.  If nothing else, I am hoping that by having this sale, Summer will be over quicker...have I ever mentioned that this is my LEAST FAVORITE season??

Thanks so very much for stopping by today!  Hoping you have a wonderful week!

xo

Patti

Love My Art Jewelry

I am extremely honored and humbled to join the artists at Love My Art Jewelry.  Today is my very first blog post - an introduction and pictorial evolution of my work to date...what an eye opener!

Simply click on the image below.

For those of you on the East Coast - please stay safe!  The sleet/freezing rain from yesterday has continued to place my entire property on "Best Ice Skating Rinks in Northern Virginia"...not a good place to be!

xo
Patti

I think it is time for a giveaway!

Last week, I posted that I would be having a fundraiser, of sorts, to both raise funds and garner attention for Miracle Horse Rescue (MHR). (You can read that post here) To date, I have sold over 25 pieces of jewelry! Many of my "online friends" have been kind enough to share my many posts to Facebook - THANK YOU! And, many of the jewelry purchases have been from fellow jewelry designers - I am so humbled and grateful for your purchases!!  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!  Funds have already been sent to MHR....but I want to send more!

I also mentioned that there would be Giveaway's...so here is the first one!  

Information about Miracle Horse Rescue

MHR is a federally-recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization which is dedicated to the preservation and welfare of abused, neglected, and unwanted domesticated horses of all types and conditions.  Some of the stories they have shared are simply heartbreaking.  As MHR is a very small organization - run by only 2 people who have literally dedicated their entire lives to helping these horses- I want to help as much as I can. For more information, please view their FaceBook page. 

My Fundraising Activities

So, from September 13, 2013 through October 31, 2013, I will be donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of my Etsy shop to MHR.  To further entice you to start your Holiday shopping or buy something for yourself, I am offering huge discounts!  My sale prices will be already be reflected for each item.  Here is the low down I am offering:

9/13/2013 - 9/20/2013    - SAVE 30%

9/21/2013 - 9/27/2013    - SAVE 25%

9/28/2013 - 10/11/2013  - SAVE 20%

10/12/2013 - 10/18/2013 - SAVE 15%

10/19/2013 - 10/31/2013 - SAVE 10%

Again - 100% of all proceeds will be donated to this wonderful organization!  Please help me to help these gorgeous furbabies!  

The Goods

Mary Jane Dodd posted an awesome tutorial on the Love My Art Jewelry Blog for making hoops without solder.  I tried it...and I LOVE IT!  These are the earrings I will be giving away:

click on the picture for a larger view!

These earrings are made from sterling silver wire, Argentium sterling silver ear wires, and a lovely pair of lampwork beads from one of my favorite lampwork artists - Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads.The earrings measure 1 7/8" from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the earring.

How to Enter

1.  Leave a comment on this blog post -  equals 1 entry

2.  Post a link to this blogpost on Facebook - equals 1 entry

3. Go to my shop on Etsy Shop (link here and PIN an item to your Pinterest Board - equals 1 entry

For each task above, you must leave a separate  comment on my blog to let me know!  I will choose a winner via Random Organizer sometime on Sunday.  Lastly, make sure your contact email is "turned on" or leave me your email address so that I can contact the winner!

My whole reason for this giveaway and my measly attempt at fundraising is to spread the word about this wonderful organization!

More giveaway's to follow! (I'm thinking bracelet for the next one....)

Thank you so much for stopping by today - Enjoy the Weekend!

Patti

Love My Art Jewelry-CYBER Sale!

In support of "Buying Handmade", many artisans have gathered together and are offering HUGE discounts on their handmade jewelry components and finished designs.  In my shop, I am offering 30% discount by entering ARTJEWELRY30 at checkout.

Follow the link below to the Love My Art Jewelry website to see all links to all the shops participating.  Happy Shopping!

CYBER SALE!!!

My holiday Cyber sale - celebrating small business and artisan, handcrafted gifts - starts now!  Enjoy 30% off of your total jewelry purchase in my shop by using ARTJEWELRY30 at checkout!  You must use the code at checkout to realize these fantastic savings!

Many artisans are having a Cyber Monday Sale to kick-off the holiday season.  Be sure to visit the Love My Art Jewelry blog site to see the links of all the stores!

Happy Shopping!  And, thanks for stopping by!