Patterns for Sale - Knitting with Metal

The free knitting with metal document (here) was such a big hit, I decided to write a couple of for sale patterns. So far sales have been pretty steady and it looks like patterns will be permanent aspect of my business.

Pieces of the Sun

Serpentine Mermaid

 Patterns are $3.00 each. Here's the link: Patterns

New Free Pattern - Baby Leggies

I used to sell these baby leggies locally. They're a great beginning double pointed needle (dpn) project. They're also super soft, cute, and snuggly. It makes me wish I had a baby to dress up. : ( Maybe someone will let me borrow theirs. 

Here's a link to the free pattern: Smiling Raven Creations

Knitting with Metal: A Guide for Beginners

I've gotten a few questions about knitting with metal. I've decided to write a few affordable patterns for blooming metal knitters. Here's a basic overview of metal knitting techniques to get started:

Knitting with Metal: A Guide for Beginners

Please post or e-mail with any questions or constructive comments. This is the first document I've composed for public consumption.

I'll be at the Craftopia show next weekend. Admission is free. If you're in the Eugene area, come check it out!

Treasury - Showcasing Eugene, OR Artists

Eugene is known as a hub of artists and crafters. We really have a unique mix. Here's a treasury I put together featuring Eugene Artists:

Eugene Oregon Artists Gallery

Here's a few highlights:

       





 

Treasury - Classic Star Trek

I grew up on old Star Trek episodes via my dad -- who does an awesome Spock impression by the way. The unfortunate consequence of my upbringing is a moderately unhealthy interest in trekkie stuff... especially really weird trekkie stuff.

This search began innocently enough. Soon I was delving into the underbelly of Etsy's fan art enthusiasts. Etsy has provided some of the most original (and sometimes disturbing) Star Trek items I've ever found. I hope you enjoy this visual ode to Star Trek, provided by the wonderful (and sometimes terrifying) artists included in this gallery.

Star Trek Gallery

Here's some of the highlights:

                    

 

New Item: Copper & Fresh Water Pearl Dangle Earrings

 

Here's a new item in my shop. These earrings consist of 100% copper and golden fresh water pearls. The pearls are dyed through a permanent process. Essentially the color is introduced into the pearl WHILE they're in the culturing process. The result is permanent and luminous color. 

I'll be posting more on real vs. fake pearls sometime in the near future.  I've been busy with school and business, but hopefully I'll make some time soon.

Etsy Find - Skullery

When I found this shop today, I was really smitten with the products. Skullery specializes in taxidermy & bone sculptures. I was most excited to find the glow-in-the-dark bird skulls. Her prices are very fair and her products are original and interesting. I was an instant fan.

I'll be buying a few lots of these for myself in 6 months or so. I'm saving up for a nice bead drill and plan to make some killer earrings.

skullery.etsy.com

Copper Bracelets

My husband has been encouraging me to make more bracelets out of copper. Copper bracelets are very economical. In addition, they have a different look and feel. Over all, I'm very pleased with how these turned out.The metal is 100% copper, including the toggle clasps.

 

Turquoise Woven in Copper

 

Serpentine Mermaid Bracelet

New Store in the Works

I'm currently working on a new Etsy store. I'll be selling beads and supplies. Jewelry will still be my main focus. Selling supplies will be a side hobby. :)

New Item: Garnet Rosary Earrings

My metal supplier is about a week behind schedule due to the holidays. I'm all out of sterling silver & 14k gold wire. :( In the meantime, I've been making rosary earrings and other, smaller items. I invested in some sterling silver chain a while back and have been making a lot of dangle earrings.

I'm going to school full-time (16 credits) for engineering. I'm slowly trying to add new items as I'm able. I've got a large pile of earrings and a bracelet staring at me. Some highlights include a set of amethyst rosary earrings, labradorite & moonstone dangles, black & white pearl dangles, and pearls wrapped in 14k gold. In addition, I made peridot and pearl bracelet a few weeks ago. The colors make it very hard to photograph!

In the meantime, here's a picture of a new item in my shop. These are a pair of garnet rosary earrings I made the other night. I wanted to make something with an air of elegance and romance. I was very pleased with the result. If you'd like to buy these, or just look at more pics, click on the picture to go to my shop. :)

Garnet Rosary Earrings in Sterling Silver

UPDATE: I'm still working on the pearl article. It may have to wait until the weekend.

New Item: Blood Red Rosary Earrings - Glass and Sterling Silver

Here's another set of my rosary earrings. These earrings are modeled after a set I made for myself. Click on the picture to see the item page.

New Pictures - Young Amber in 14k Gold

This piece is woven from 14k gold-filled wire and decorated with young amber pieces. I really love working with gold-filled -- which is longer lasting and better quality than gold-plated. The colors with gold are so different from silver.

It was really difficult to create a bracelet with just the right amount of orange-tint. I was afraid too much would make it look tacky. I think, however, that it turned out a successful endeavor.

I'd like to create more gold pieces. I've thought about making another with freshwater pearls and 14k gold-filled. I recently sold a bracelet with a similar design.

On the next gold and pearl bracelet, I'd like to incorporate larger pearls. I bought some very fancy, shapely pearls recently that I have in mind for this project. More new items coming in the next week.

Onyx and Turquoise Earrings

Here's another new item to my shop. These earrings are onyx and turquoise in sterling silver. Click on the picture to go directly to my Etsy shop.

New Set - Bracelet & Earrings - Amber, Citrine, & Carnelian

I hope this type of bracelet sells well. I really loved the design process. If you look closely, the beads are in a repeating pattern and form lines. This piece took me about 4.5 hours to complete. The bracelet is one of a kind.

And here's the matching earrings with a new picture. :)

Coming Soon: New article about faux pearls

New Earrings

There was finally a little sunshine today. I got the chance to take some pictures and post a few new items in my Etsy shop. Click on any of the images below to get to my item page.

Black Vintage Glass & Hematite in Sterling Silver

Freshwater Pearls & Peridot Rosary Earrings in Sterling Silver

Freshwater Pearls & Sodalite in Sterling Silver