Bracelet Giveaway Winner!

Patti Vanderbloemen

Last week was oh-so-special to me!  I spent the week at Miracle Horse Rescue - and created memories that I will hold dearly for the rest of my life!  Many, many heartfelt thank-yous to Stephanie and Rob for sharing their home, 6 dogs, 3 goats, and all those glorious horses with me! I will blog more about that later! :)

Today, I am announcing the winner of this bracelet, created with an Artisan Lampwork focal faceted fluorite beads, and handmade sterling silver bead caps.

Many thank-yous for all of the lovely comments - I truly appreciate it!

The winner is...

Sue Pompetti

Sue - please email me (pattivan@verizon.net) and I will mail out your bracelet via snail mail! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!!

XO

Patti

Supporting Handmade

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Boy...have I been neglecting this little blog.  Sigh.  I also contribute to the Love My Art Jewelry blog every two weeks, and I think I spend more time thinking about that post than my own little space right here.  I must do something about that!

When I shop (whether online or in person), I truly try to find products that are "Made in the USA" - they are hard to find, but they are out there. It is not that I harbor any ill-will to Countries outside the USA that manufacture products, I simply prefer to buy "local", for lack of a better word. I am also a huge supporter of handmade - not just jewelry - for many reasons. I know I am helping someone support themselves or their family, and, the quality of handmade is typically much better than mass produced. When I was growing up, when I was not wearing my uniform for Catholic school, I was wearing some article of clothing that my mother had made. And, whether I liked the dress or not (sorry Mom!), it was the quality that mattered the most.

When I buy beads or handmade supplies online, I am thrilled when an artist includes "freebies". Many lampwork bead artists have slipped in a pair or two of earring-pair beads, or a focal, and it does not just make my day - it makes my week! I mean...what an act of kindness!

As a jewelry designer, I cannot include "freebie" beads in my packages - especially if the customer does not make jewelry. But, I want my customer to know how much I appreciate their purchase.  I donate 100% of my sales to Miracle Horse Rescue - the more I sell - the more the Rescue receives. Having a sale motivates me to create more - and this creative outlet is a necessity for my own peace of mind. I want my customers to know how much I appreciate that sale.

So, lately, I have been including a Sunshine Polishing Cloth in my sales (similar to this one). I slap my label on the package, and I typed up a quick little note on how to properly use the cloth. I have had a good response from my customers - similar to when I receive free beads! 

While I still include the polishing cloth, I have added something new to my packages. I began using handmade soap and lotions - my skin is so dry - and I have seen an improvement in the texture and elasticity in my old skin. Specifically, I buy my soaps and lotions from this shop: The Bathing Goddess. Wholesome ingredients that work. The shop owner - Catherine Pruitt - is a fellow jewelry designer (I own several of her pieces, as well)!  Cat and I have become "friends" on Face Book and one night, during one of our Face Book Chats, we were discussing her Solid Lotion Melts. There is nothing quite like these rounds of softness - I have a jar on hand at all times. Just a few rubs of the solid lotion between your palms, and BAM - instant softness! I told her that I purchased --- years ago --- a tin of single solid lotion melts that I kept in my purse. Well, Cat took that to heart, and came up with a purse pack size of these wonderful lotions!

So, I purchased a bunch of these Solid Lotion Melts, and I also purchased some Lip Balms. I love that I can pronounce the ingredients and they truly work! 

I typed up a little note...

And wrapped either a Solid Lotion Melt or a Lip Balm in a little cellophane envelope to include with my sales.

Yes - I appreciate every single sale from either of my shops - and I am supporting handmade the best way I know how.

Thanks so much for stopping by today - I promise to do better at blogging! :)

Have a great day!!

XO

Patti

Proof that Artists have the kindest hearts!

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Over the past few years, I have been blessed with beads and charms, donated to me by fellow artists. I donate all proceeds from my jewelry to Miracle Horse Rescue, and these artists - many of whom make these beads as their full time job - selflessly give these beads to me (a source of income for them!) in the hopes that I can create a piece of jewelry to benefit the horses. Jan Onipenco is one of these artists.

Today, I would like to share a different kind of donation.  Jan recently took up the art form of needle felting.  While I have seen images of these darling 3-D creations on the Internet, I was totally baffled as to how they are created.  So, I googled "Needle Felting" and was entranced by this process! 

In totally simplified terms, needle felting uses a sharp needle to turn wool roving into 3-D objects. The wool is agitated - with this fine needle - so that it sticks together, creating a solid fabric. While I have not tried this art form (yet!), the creativity in the final product is only limited by the imagination of the artist.

Well, Stephanie and Rob of Miracle Horse Rescue recently had a new addition to the family --- his name is Dusty!  Here is a recent picture of Dusty - with Emma (the beautiful little girl who now has a necklace with her name on it!)  Emma is Stephanie's grand daughter - she has the most contagious smile!  Millie - Dusty's mom - is also in the background, too!

And, here is Dusty's replica, completely handcrafted by Jan.

He is ADORABLE!

The auction for this beautiful work of art starts online today (June 24) and runs through Sunday (June 26).  If you are so inclined, please stop by the Miracle Horse Rescue Face Book page (link here)  and place a bid!

Now...Jan did not stop with her generous donation of "Dusty". An artist with many facets, she recently began her journey of making jewelry pendants and charm from resin, with gorgeous inclusions of nature, prints, and other decorations.

The two below are my favorites - :)

I am going to attempt (key word!) to bezel set these pendants in sterling for necklaces and/or possibly a bracelet - I also see a pair of earrings in the making!

I am forever grateful to the artist community for their generosity - THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH JAN!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

xo

Patti

Things can only get better...right?

by Patti Vanderbloemen

I was so glad that last week ended yesterday - it was not my best!  I had a second opinion doctor's appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who ordered yet another MRI (I am soooo claustrophobic)! But, I managed to get the nicest radiologist and came through with flying colors!

However, turns out I have a bone spur in my spine - in one of the vertebrate's within my neck. The doctor is surprised I do not have pains running down my arms, as my nerves are being squeezed by that little spur. I see a Pain Management doctor July 7th as hopefully, a shot will help with that pain. Motto of this story: When at first you see a doctor with zero bedside manner and could care less about your ailments other than to make you feel like a hypochondriac -  seek a second opinion!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I cracked a tooth on a 4-tooth bridge in my mouth. It does not matter that I brush/floss/water pic and see my dentist every 6 months, my teeth are just RENTED inside my mouth and are not meant to remain there permanently. My dentist gave me the sad news that I needed a new bridge (this was the second bridge - same spot - in less than 8 years) So, on Friday, I went to the dentist anticipating a 4-tooth bridge removal. Well, he pried that sucker off (no worries as I felt nothing as the Novocaine had kicked in) and then he left the room. I was concerned, as he had never done that in the past 15-16 years. He obviously needed a shot of "Just tell her and get it over with" as he came back in the room, pulled up a chair, and sat next to me.  Then, he delivered to me the bad news that the three remaining teeth (well...just roots at this point) required removal ASAP. So, he walked me across the street to a dental surgeon who proceeded to pull those three teeth out and perform a bone graft at the same time. He also told me I am not a candidate for implants and crowns, as my sinus cavities are too low and I would require some nasty surgery called a "Sinus Lift" if I cared to go that route.  No Thank You! So, a partial, removable denture is in my near future.

I was actually fine until the Novocaine wore off! :)  The swelling on the left side of my face is so intense that this 55 year old broad has zero wrinkles...on the left side of her face.  I look so lopsided! Honestly - the pain is subsiding every day - thanks to prescription strength Motrin!

Source: www.HypoThyroidism Solution.com

One last thing health wise that I would like to share with you.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about my present chronic vertigo, and all the testing I went through over the past 11 months.  My doctor is still convinced it is caused by my Thyroid and associated Hasimoto's Disease. Well, I have been influenced by Heidi Kingman (she does not know this little factoid, but I am)! She suffered many health ailments and three years ago changed her diet to Gluten/Dairy/Egg and Soy Free - she is so healthy now. So, I did a ton of research and decided to try a Gluten Free diet (I have to start slow and quite frankly, Dairy, Eggs, and Soy do not bother me one bit. In fact, I was not even sure if gluten affected me). Gluten intolerance can cause inflammation, among other things. Well, 10 days in, and my vertigo is much less intense - in fact - I have had only two days of any vertigo symptoms and it was so minor that it was "manageable". I almost feel normal again! :) Well...normal enough to venture down into my creative space!

So, I am still enamored with tube setting faceted gemstones.  So, I got daring (for me) and made this little anticlastic ring.

The sterling setting (the tube) has to be made to fit on the curve of the ring shank. It was challenging, but I am so tickled that it worked! I nearly shaved off my fingers while finagling the curve of the tube  with my files - it's only 6 mm wide.

A few months ago, I successfully completed my first etch on sterling silver.  I have made quite a few pieces of jewelry with this sheet - in fact - only scraps are left. Not wanting it to go to waste, I made a sweet little necklace.

I made a tiny little flower from a sterling disc, which I domed, and then added a little bud in the center, made from my shot plate. I was disgusted with the photos - 59 in total.  I have the hardest time taking photos of pure silver jewelry (jewelry not adorned with any beads). Inevitably, I end up with the weirdest reflections on the silver - usually of my camera.  Sigh. 

The bail was made from a piece of textured 10 gauge silver that I had scrapped from another project.

Finally, a very special little girl turns 9 years old today (Happy Birthday Emma)!!  So, I cozied up to my jeweler's saw and made her a special little necklace. Yup - another horse lover!

Again - not the best picture 'cause it's silver! But, I made a nice, substantial chain - 14 inches in length so she won't hang herself. :)  And since June is her birth month, I wired a little pearl to the last link in the chain.

I am so very happy to start a fresh new week!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Take care!

xo

Patti

New stuff

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Blog titles...how does one come up with a catchy blog title?  I can't even come up with catchy names for my jewelry...so "New Stuff" it is!

I very recently received a fresh batch of pewter charms from Vincent and Nooma of Inviciti (link here)  and lo and behold, I used every single set in a week!  That NEVER happens, as I usually tend to "over buy" ANYTHING, thus my stash of beads keeps growing (out of control, I might add).

First up is a very simple pair of earrings. I have had these two "orphan" beads from Maryse of GlassBeadArt (link here) for quite a while. Inevitably, I always seem to be "left" with one or two beads from ANY strand. No worries...they all get used eventually!

But, I really love the shape of these clear glass beads! They are so unique, and the glass itself appears to have crackling inside - reminding me of an ice cube!

I have been adding to my gemstone hoard as well. I had these TEENY TINY gemstones (4mm) with what is I am positive the world's smallest hole. Not really, but I had to wear my Opti-visor's in order to string these itsy bitsy beauties.I bought these with the intention of making a multi-strand bracelet. 

I had a small, Blue Apatite cabochon sitting on my bench and thought it would blend so well with the colors in the gemstone mix. So, I made a silver bezel and wrapped it to the center hole in the focal. Notice the horse?  That horse is simply perfection...to my eyes! 

I am always torn between making a "matching" pair of earrings. When I don't make them, I am asked for a pair..and when I do make them, inevitably one is purchased without the other. So, I flipped a coin and made a pair.

I like the fact that earrings are not so "matchy/matchy" with the necklace.

With my hoard of Inviciti charms dwindling, I made one last pair of earrings.

Those two little silver tabs were a death wish! When I make earrings, like most artists, I tend to complete one step on one earring and proceed to the same step on the second earring....always hoping and praying for symmetry and consistency. Well, after cutting each back plate and stamping the design; cutting the silver tubing, soldering it onto the back plate, and cutting a seat into the tubing; creating and soldering a half ring for the wire wrap; soldering on the earring post; and finally, oxidizing/buffing/tumbling, I was ready to set the stones. The first stone set beautifully. When I began to set the second stone, the gemstone was sitting just crooked enough to drive me insane. So, I had to cut the tubing off the ruined back plate and start over. I ALMOST said forget it, but I am glad I did not!

Lastly, I had several people (on Facebook) ask me to make a wire wrapped cross pendant like the one I gave away in my last post.  So, I made a few and listed them in my shop.  My favorite is the mixed metal sterling silver with copper.

So, that was my week!

Thank you for stopping by today!  Have a wonderful week!

XO

Patti

Winner!

by Patti Vanderbloemen

The winner of one of these wire wrapped Cross Necklaces....

is Kristine!!!

Kristine, please send me you address via email (pattivan@verizon.net) and I will get this out to you right away!

Thanks for the comments - and for stopping by today!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

XO

Patti

Symbolism in Design - and a Give Away

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Symbols - they are everywhere! Recently, I embarked on using an inspirational symbol in a few pieces - the Cross. Although I am a practicing Catholic - I did not choose this symbol solely for the religious aspect.  To me, it symbolizes Life, Truth, and  Hope. All good things.

I have been using Vincent's (of Inviciti) hand cast pewter charms in my jewelry for quite some time, including making several necklaces with a cross as a focal.

Isn't that gorgeous?  Not sure what I love more - the focal itself or the aged patina he applies.  Either way, I am smitten!

First up, I have been coveting an absolutely perfect strand of graduated turquoise. The blue/green and veining in these beads are truly perfect.  I seriously considered just stringing the strand with tiny silver beads - that alone would have been beautiful. 

But, I made a cross out sterling silver sheet to serve as the focal.

I added a turquoise cabochon, set in sterling, to the center. The handmade stamp (Danny Wade/Ferro Valley Tools) is also a cross and shield. I had the hardest time getting the patina just right. I wanted an ancient/antiqued/just-dug-out-of-the-ground look to this focal.  I hope I achieved that look. When I cut out the cross pattern, I gave myself some room to fold the bail over and add a rivet for closure.

Then I made some earrings out of copper - and added two tiny faceted Amethysts set in sterling silver tubing.  My first tube-set gems! I was excited to cut the seat into the tubing and actually see that it worked!  It's the little things....

The last piece I made is a Sideways Cross Bracelet.  

It also features some stamping with hand made stamps by Danny Wade.  It is actually a flower stamp...but if you turn it on its side...it's a Cross. 

Still enthralled with setting a gemstone in silver tubing, I added a little faceted Peridot to the center of the Cross focal.

More handmade chain - this is my go-to wire wrapped link of choice.  It's double wrapped and substantial, but still tiny and not overpowering. A tiny Swarovski Crystal in Peridot - and a little sterling silver leaf charm - are wrapped to the last link in the adjustable chain portion of the bracelet. 

Are you all still with me today?  'Cause I have a little give away for you!

I found an old tutorial on Pinterest for a wire wrapped Cross Focal (here is a link to the artist's blog if you are interested in making one yourself). It looked so simple in the tutorial but to be honest, it took me 3-4 attempts to not have a mangled mess on my hands! The cross measures about 2" in length - and not heavy at all!  I soldered closed a sterling silver jump ring for the bail, and strung the Cross on a sterling silver chain.

I am going to give away one of these necklaces! To win, simply leave a comment on this blog. If you want a second chance to win, share this blog post on Facebook, come back to this blog and leave a comment that you shared the post.  I will pick a winner in a few days!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a safe Memorial Day and please take a moment to give thanks to those that ensure our freedom Every.Single.Day.

XO

Patti

PS - Spell check on Blogger is not working today for some reason - please excuse any typos!!

It was the Middle of Winter...

by Patti Vanderbloemen

The last time I blogged (6+ weeks), it was Winter.  Yesterday was the first day of Spring.  My how time flies! :)  

Well, I have managed to create a few things here and there. The little series of photos to follow were taken from my I-Phone, so not necessarily the best quality!

I made another ring with a cone-style setting with a beautiful CZ (cubic zirconia) in a flashy clear color. The band is made from some leftover silver that I previously etched.  Although I will probably never wear it (I am lucky if I remember to shove a pair of earrings in my ears before I leave the house!), I made it for my personal stash.

There is a little, 10mm sterling silver concho soldered to the bottom.

Next up - again, for my personal stash, is a pendant made with a pretty malachite gemstone.  I had never bezeled anything other than a round or oval stone, so I considered it "practice".

I managed to saw a little heart in the backplate, and the bail is a piece of sterling tubing that is large enough to change out the chain.

The collage below features pieces I have made which incorporate patterned sterling silver wire.  I just wrote a blog post about these pieces for Love My Art Jewelry (link here, if you care to take a gander over there). This wire is quite substantial, and to be honest, it has been in my stash for well over a year, waiting for me to make a ring shank.

Other baubles that have crossed my bench include a few pair of earrings.

Last week, I made a series of five sterling silver hollow beads, graduated in size. These have been stamped for texture.

I went back and forth on what to make with these. I really had a necklace in mind, so I pulled out all of my artisan lampwork and ceramic beads, then I had gemstones laying all around the sterling. Nothing spoke to me.  So, I made a bracelet instead.

The first attempt included highly textured sterling silver spacers, flanking the three larger beads...but I did not like it.  So I took it apart and now, just hollows! This was also the first time I made twisted silver link chain. 

I will always struggle with taking pictures of my sterling pieces - if you look closely - my mug shot appears on those beads!  50 pictures - that's how many shots I took of that bracelet, and my face is in every single picture! :)

I spent some time shopping online last week for new cabochons, and this hit my mail box on Saturday (sorry again - quick picture with my I-Phone). Look at the flash in the Labradorite and Abalone! I have never had good luck buying Labradorite (with flash) online - usually, the stones do not have that flash-just an abundance of gray. These are from Irene's shop Iwooshop on Etsy (link here). That is not a large cabachon...maybe I will get that ring made!

If you have ever read my blog, you know that my heart belongs to animals. Well, Miracle Horse Rescue suffered a loss last week - Levi died peacefully in his sleep - he was almost 33 years old.  He had been with Stephanie and Rob for the past 12 years, so you know he was loved on daily. Rest In Peace, sweet Levi!

On the bright side, Millie is in foal and is about to have her baby ... any minute now! Stephanie loves on her daily and has reported that she has the sweetest disposition! She is a recent arrival at MHR, taken in from not so perfect conditions. My deepest gratitude to MHR for taking care of each and every horse at their facility.

So...that brings me to this...I am hosting a sale on both my sites (my website or Etsy). Need to raise funds for MHR and this is the only way I know how!

Thanks so very much for stopping by today - I hope to not take as long to blog again! :)

xo

Patti