Where does the time go?

Standard cliche - but I truly cannot believe that December has snuck up on me yet again. Sigh. Since I have not kept up with my blog, I decided to write a sort of rambling post today and just sprinkle some pictures of recent designs I have made here and there. Some have sold, and others are still available.

Copper Flower Post Earrings

Sterling and Copper Flower Post Earrings 

I had a fantastic Thanksgiving this year! We hosted my sister and her family, and it was truly enjoyable! Although, anytime you add a child to the mix (Gavin is 2 years and 3 months old), it always increases the fun. The past year has held so much negativity, politically speaking, that it was simply refreshing. I look forward to Christmas when my house will hold even more little ones!

Fold Formed Sterling Leaf and Lapis Lazuli Necklace

 

I opened up my own website a while ago, through Indiemade. In the meantime, I have kept my Etsy shop, which basically has the same items. I opened my own website when Etsy first allowed manufactured items, versus handmade. It was hard choice for me, as I am not all that computer literate and starting a brand new site was so time consuming. While there were lots of negatives to Etsy, there were also lots of positives. 

Heavy Gauge Twisted Sterling Silver Bangle

I recently read in a Facebook forum where a woman had an item from her shop "yanked" by the legal team of Etsy, stating the title of her necklace was subjected to copyright infringement.  She has been making this same necklace for years and has sold many. The fact that Etsy can pull an item/suspend it from your shop with no feedback from you really irritates me to no end.

Set of 3 Stacking Bracelets, with Turquoise (sold)

Etsy also has two payment methods for Seller's to offer to their customers - PayPal or Direct Checkout.  With Direct Checkout, the customer simply uses a credit card without going through PayPal. The Seller, however, does not actually receive the funds for a minimum of 3 days. Example: Customer purchases through Direct Checkout on Monday. On Tuesday, IF I REMEMBER, I have to instruct Etsy to deposit the funds immediately. I would receive the funds in my chosen bank account by close of business Wednesday (available to me on Thursday).  If the seller forgets to instruct Etsy to deposit the funds immediately, they are deposited to the seller's account in 7 days. This irritates me! Why should Etsy have use of the seller's funds for ANY amount of time? 

Rainbow Fluorite Bracelet (sold)

Lapis Lazuli and Cloissione Bracelet (sold)

When an item is listed for sale in Etsy, there is a $0.20 listing fee, plus a nominal fee is kept by Etsy if the item is sold. Items are listed for 90 days...they then expire, and the seller has to pay an additional $0.20 to relist the item. It does not sound like a lot of fees...but it adds up!

Sapphire and Sterling Silver Ring

I have had only a few sales on Etsy this past year. So, I have decided not to relist any items that expire. By March, my Etsy shop will be empty.

Onward!

For the past few months, I have gone crazy using Pattern Sterling Silver wire. I am a lover of texture, and this wire is amazing,

Patterned Sterling Silver Bangle

  

Patterned Sterling Silver Earrings

Patterned Sterling Silver Earrings

Some of the wire available is square - this is some thick wire! Not always easy to manipulate, but I was determined!

Pattern Sterling Silver Earrings - Square Wire (sold)

Pattered Sterling Silver Earrings - Square Wire (sold)

Pattern Sterling Silver Hoops (sold)

Triple Hoop Earrings with Pattern Sterling Silver Wire

I have also enjoyed playing with stamps. I do not have a proper anvil, but I did recently purchase a 12" piece of railroad track that has significantly improved my stamping.  That long, flat surface of hardened steel is so much better than my little 3" x 3" bench block.

Tiger's Eye and Garnet Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace

Artisan Glass Cabochon and Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace

I have not participated in a craft show for several years now - my chronic spine and neck issues just cannot handle all that stress.  So, I have relied solely on online sales.  My sincere gratitude to my online customers.  I had the best November sales EVER - and Miracle Horse Rescue received every last dollar! This warms my heart --- the support of handmade and ultimately, the equines of MHR!

Justice!

Stephanie (R), Me,and Dusty!

Luna and Millie

One last plea...if you are so inclined!  Here are the residents of Miracle Horse Rescue under the wonderful care of Stephanie and Rob Pierce.  The horse of your choice would love to receive a Christmas Card to decorate their barn this season!

If you are still with me here ... THANK YOU! And as always, thank you so much for stopping by! I wish you all Peace during this most special Holiday Season!

XO

Patti

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

Okay ... so I lied on my last post and have been lax (again!) at updating this personal space of mine. Sigh.  First of all... I have so very much to be grateful for, and I wish you and yours a heartfelt, peaceful, and Happy Thanksgiving!

I am also having a quick BLACK FRIDAY sale in both my online website (here) and Etsy (here). Receive 25% off your total purchase (minimum purchase of $30.00) through Friday evening, November 25th (11:59 PM).  Use coupon code THANKFUL at checkout.

Remember - all proceeds are donated to Miracle Horse Rescue!

Have a wonderful day!  And if you do dare to go out among the masses on Black Friday...please be safe!

XO

Patti

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

Grrr....and a Giveaway!

by Patti Vanderbloemen

I had the most beautiful artisan-made lampwork focal bead and I cannot for the life of me figure out the maker! I have a bit of OCD when it comes to organization (that would be an understatement), so I am a bit mad at myself for misplacing the artist's card.

I have a hard time designing with this shape bead - too many options! I could easily see it hanging vertically as a necklace focal, with a tassel of beads or chain, or simply strung in a necklace (horizontal) with like beads. But, I was in the mood to make a bracelet.

I dug forever (truly) to find beads that went with the beautiful colors in this focal.  I found the TINIEST faceted Fluorite beads - purchased back in the day when I thought  2 mm was more like 1/2 an inch! :) The beautiful pinks, purples, and greens of the lampwork worked perfectly with these gemstones.

I carefully cut and forged two sizes of bead caps from both plain and etched sterling, soldered together some extender chain jump rings, and tumbled the silver, oxidized, buffed, and tumbled again. I then spent quite some time stringing three strands of these teeny beads (oh my eyes!!) to make a multi strand bracelet. 

The focal bead is complete with "stringers" of clear glass wrapped around the bead added for texture. It was not until I was editing the photos that I saw the problem... and I cried a little. This is where the "Grrr" comes in from my title of this blog post!

Can you see the issue? I cannot see it with my naked eye - I had to put on my Optivisor's, and even then, I could not see it.  But the camera does not lie!

One of those "stringer strands" of glass has chipped. The bead is not sharp anywhere - but it is there, and I cannot sell it knowing there is a flaw. As I have had this focal bead forever, I don't know when it became chipped. The chip on the exterior of the glass does not impede its purpose - it looks fabulous...even on my freckle-filled arm! And, well, I spent hours on this bracelet - I just do not have the heart to take it apart!

So, I am going to give it away!

Statistics:

• Bracelet measures 8 1/2" in length
• Adjustable to fit wrist diameter from 6 1/4" to 7 1/4"
• Genuine faceted Fluorite Gemstone Beads (triple strand)
• All metals used are sterling silver
• Handmade bead caps and chain
• Sterling Silver Lobster Clasp
• Sterling silver beads and wire guards

How Enter - 2 Chances to Win

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

2) Share this blog post on Face book - COME BACK HERE and leave a second comment on this blog post - equals 1 entry.

I am traveling out of town from Monday - Friday of next week and will pick a winner when I return.

I sure hope someone out there wants to give this bracelet some love!! Thanks so very much for stopping by!  

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

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