Inventive Exploration

I have long struggled with how to solder a piece once the resin has already been poured. Last Tuesday I went where no man has gone before and invented a way to solder metal that has resin inside of its structure. Now by no means was this a major soldering phenomenon but I was able to solder a jump ring to a bezel. The resin did get soft but it hardened quickly after I finished soldering. My biggest surprise was that there was no discoloration of the resin nor did it catch on fire:-) Given the flammable nature of resin in its liquid form I was praying that this process would not trigger a heat reaction from the resin. In the back of my mind all I kept hearing was the robot from lost in space saying Danger Will Robinson, Danger, Danger. Ordinarily I would give this process away for free, but my concerns over the safety issues prevent me from doing so.

No Longer a Hobby

With my upcoming participation in the American Craft Council Baltimore Show I guess I can no longer call myself a hobbyist. I am in full production mode and between managing my two web sites VelinaGlass.com and ArtJewelryOnline.com, working full time and supporting my two sons in college to say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. A lot of my previous work has been focused on organic shapes and big bangles. I will still maintain these items in my line, but I am now producing a new line that is focused on circles. So far I have thrown out 2/3 of my prototypes but I am extremely pleased with the remaining work. One of the things that I love about resin is that since the material itself is inexpensive I can work through prototypes using resin and not the more expensive metals. The value in resin is in the design and arduous finishing. I may spend anywhere from 2-4 hours sanding a piece so that it feels like silk. I am trying to get away from smooth surfaces to avoid sanding but some of my more popular work is smooth so I will continue to sand and watch TV so that my mind does not become mush. The work shown above is representative of my metalwork, organic and smooth surface.

American Craft Council

I am overwhelmed with fear and anticipation as this is my first year participating in the Baltimore American Craft Council show. I am doing both wholesale and retail so I am expecting 5 grueling days. I don't know what I would do without Lori Gottlieb (awesome jewelry artist) she has been helping me every step of the way! I thought all I had to do was make jewelry but there is so much more that goes into preparing for a big show. I am scouring the internet for more tips and tricks. Hopefully all will go well. Pictured is Lori's Open Pebble Necklace with matching earrings. It is my personal favorite!

EtsyHolidaySale and EtsyFreeShipping

I forgot to mention that my Art Jewelry Online Etsy store is have a holiday sale with worldwide free shipping and 25% off your entire purchase. Some of the bargains are left to right Single Pearl Cuff Bracelet Reg $280 Sale $210, Gentle Current Bracelet made of re-purposed Lake Superior Pebbles and peridot gemstones Reg $375 Sale $281.25, Love and Kisses hand blown glass perfume bottle Reg. $95 Sale $71.25, Dark Chocolate Mink Ring made of reclaimed mink and sterling silver Reg. $230 Sale $172.50 and my very own Fossil Brooch Reg. $295 Sale $221.25.

Shopping Online

Before I even had a website I was a devoted online shopper. The great sales bargains never outweighed my discomfort at waiting in long lines and exposure to large crowds. If there is anything I can't find online I send my boys out with a specific shopping list. I always felt the reason they called it Black Friday was because of my strong desire to avoid venturing out of my home. So for all the brave souls that go out into the jungle of holiday shopping I wish you short lines and great deals!

Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

I now work at Terra Firma a jeweler's supply store in Pikesville, MD. The other day a mother and daughter came in to buy some display merchandise. The little girl about 11 was just too well behaved and when my coworker commented on her excellent behavior the girl smiled sheepishly. I then told the little girl to always remember that well behaved women rarely make history. To this she showed a wide bright smile while her mother shot daggers at me. Oh well, it is hard to censor myself at 52 and soon to be 53 YIKES! pictured is sapphire ring by Kelly Kerkes

Gearing up my Etsy shop for the holidays. I am adding lots of new work over the next few weeks from my Nudes series. I hope you will stop by and take a look. Just click on the button below for a sneak preview.