The Tax Man Cometh ..no he's here!
This is a funny blog post from Fire Mountain Gems on taxes for the mixed media jewelry artists. Does it sound familiar? Compliments of the CraftsReport CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Stay Tuned!
Have a great display idea for your craft booth. Well it's actually a way to hold signs or small carded jewelry in a unique way. A conversation starter (or for something else you can sell at your booth). Will have pics up this weekend so check back.
5 Minute Copper Wire Pendants
I love finding ways to make simple yet interesting jewelry that is fast and easy. Perfect for those times when you're feeling creative but have limited time.
If you don't have a large supply of copper to work with you can always practice with long pipe cleaners or cheaper wire like galvanized until you perfect your "style".
If you don't have a large supply of copper to work with you can always practice with long pipe cleaners or cheaper wire like galvanized until you perfect your "style".
I start by taking about 12 inches of 18 guage wire. This makes a nice size pendant but if you want to make something more substantial use a longer length. If you prefer something dainty, use thinner wire. You can even use two different gauges (thickness) of wire and twist them together.
Start with your length of wire and begin twisting it in different directions. You can weave it in and out or even add beads as you bend it back and forth.
Once you have twisted your wire into a shape that is pleasing to you take the ends and loop them into bails to attach your chain or cord. If you are going to use a different part of your pendant as a "hook" point for your chain then simply weave the ends into the design or spiral them for a nice finishing touch.
You can at this point hammer the pendant flatter with a leather or rubber mallet or leave as is. Now add your chain or cord and your done. The whole process doesn't take more than 3 minutes. 
The necklace below is made up entirely of these twisted wire objects. All I did was make ten or twelve pieces and then arrange them into a pleasing pattern and hook them together with hand made jump rings from the same gauge wire.
Vintage Letterpress Printer's Stamp Block Revival!
I have always love old letterpress printer's blocks.
Last week I found one more way to appreciate them. As jewelry.
I picked out an odd one for this demo. Actually I wasn't sure what it was, but then realized it was a pair of hands rinsing a cloth in a bowl.
1. I began by prying the engraving off of the wooden block. They are hammered on with tiny nails and removing the plate is pretty easy.
2. Once free of the block I took snips and cut roughly around the design to remove the excess metal. You can use a jeweler's saw if you prefer, I rather use snips then file the rough edges down. I used my dremel to smoothe the edges, then a wire brush to clean up the front.
3. I decided to use the engraving upside down for my necklace. Using a nail and hammer I punched guide holes where I wanted to attatch a chain, and then enlarged the holes with a drill. If you want a nice finished hole then you could drop in small grommets to line the holes.
4. I touched the raised area of the printing plate with some silver nail polish to bring out the design and added some coiled springs and a chain.
Simple and Chic in less than an hour.
Looking for printer's blocks for your next project? Check out SalvageSuppliePlus
Coming Up Next Week
Two new ideas using a common piece of hardware and a vintage printer's tool. In the meantime be sure to check out all the great links to information I have for you on this site...there is always something new to discover.
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