Summer 2013 Jewelry Affaire

Earlier this week I received my artist's copy of  "Jewelry Affaire" Summer 2013 available July 1st.  So thrilled to have a two-page article devoted to my etched cuffs!  You can order a copy online or go to your area's bookstores and craft supply stores. 

I finished a batch of solid brass etched pendants embellished with vintage keys and rhinestone.  .

 

I was able to list a handful of them on the Etsy site and I dropped of a load of them at Kelly Lane Boutique in Lebanon, Ohio

 

I am currently working on etched brass earrings that will work nicely with other In Small Spectacles pieces.  I will post about those as soon as I finish them.....and have a free moment in what has been a most-crazy summer.

 

As always, thanks for your interest!

 

Sara

What Is It? Contest

These past few weeks have most certainly been busy, but I have been able to squeeze out enough time in between Summer Fun and Summer Shows to make some new designs.  I used an element not commonly found in jewelry supply shops and I thought it would be fun to start a Contest to see if you could determine what it is.  Here's the deal:

• "LIKE" my Facebook Page. 
• Find the Contest post and enter your answer in the comment section of that post.  This will automatically give you the chance to win one of the key necklaces pictured below.
• Son #3, who has a birthday this weekend, will pick the winner from among the correct answers on Monday evening when I'll announce the winner.
• Feel free to "Share" the Contest on your Facebook page, your friends' Facebook page, and anyone else you think who would love one of these:

QUESTION:  What do you think these etched brass pendants were?

 

I etched them with Scripture, Gothic script, music scores, tapestries, etc.

 

They aren't what you think they are

.

 

I added keys and huge solid brass vintage jump rings....

  

 

 

....and vintage West German crystal beads....

 

....and added bronze tone etched cable chain.

 

Super edgy and industrial looking and the crystals and rhinetsones soften the whole look.

Enjoy your weekend and Happy Guessing!

Sara

Next Up...

Finished Arts on the Green Fine Arts and Crafts Festival yesterday on a high note:

 

 

 

 

 

Now onto....

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Sara

 



"Jewelry Affaire"

I opened my e-mail yesterday to find confirmation from the editor at "Jewelry Affaire" magazine that I will be included in a 2-page technique based article!  It will be available this Summer on July 1st.  This is a HUGE honor for me!

I don't know if you are familiar with this magazine, but it is one in a long list of titles that Stampington & Company publishes quarterly. Each magazine covers a specific topic or genere, for instance "Where Women Create" gives readers a glimpse into the studios/work spaces of artists.  They have publications for artful blogging, stamping, setting up a small business, digital photography, the Culinary Arts, quilting, etc.  You can find them in art supply stores and book stores and the publishing company staggers the release date of the various magazines so there is always something fresh to look into.

I look at each publication as a work of art as they are collector-worthy and beautifully laid out, each page crafted with heavy card stock. As a jewelry artist, these publications are vital to me.  They challenge me to try new techniques, products, and tools and put my own spin on them to incorporate them into my jewelry line.  They illustrate that anything created with the hand should be considered a Work of Art and each step in the process of creating that art is important and worth considering.  From setting up my work space to designing business cards and editing my blog, great thought and detail need to be applied for the end result to set me apart from others and compete in an ever growing and let's face it, saturated, market.   

If you are an artist, new or seasoned, I encourage you to look into these publications to see how they can stretch you creatively and satisfy your cravings for technical knowledge and beautiful illustrations.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sara 

 

I just received jury confirmation for the Arts on the Green in Oldham County, KY just outside of Louisville.  This is a FABULOUS outdoor art festival I participated in last year, so I am thrilled to be a part of it again this year.  The dates are June 1-2, 10-5pm.  Stop by, say "hello," and see some of the new In Small Spectacles designs such as these:

 

 

 



Thanks for checking in!

 

Sara

I feel like a pleasing environment is very important when creating.  Scents, sights,and sounds can make a huge difference for me.  So day or night, whenever I am busy creating new pieces I have this candle burning.  It's the candle Anthropologie usually has burning throughout their stores, so if you have ever wondered what that lovely scent was, this is it. And when the candle is completely gone you are left with a beautiful mercury glass container in which to store your bathroom supplies, rhinestones, jewelry, or other odds ends.

It's almost a certainty that I have music playing during my waking hours.  Good tunes make mundane tasks like laundry, cooking, cleaning, and time in the car much more tolerable, don't you think?  Sites like Pandora are excellent for getting a continuous stream of music going that you may not already own or without having to get up or move to change cd's. You just type in a band or song you like and Pandora will create and save a "radio station" for you that plays songs/artists that are similar to the one you typed in. It's also a great source to discover new music.

What are some of your "musts" required in creating an optimal work environment?

Enjoy your weekend,

Sara

Fully Loaded

The layered look is so in right now which is why my layered bracelets have been so popular.  These pieces take the guesswork out of which bracelets to choose when you want that layered look.  With all of the many layers and textures, they are really five bracelets in one.  Now I have added necklaces to my "Fully Loaded" In Small Spectacles line.

 

 

 

Each eclectic necklace has vintage solid brass charms wired in between glass, crystal, semi precious, aged rhinestone, and solid brass vintage beads.  And the centerpieces are these amazing vintage brass wrapped Lucite charms. 

 

All of these have been added to the Etsy shop and I will continue to add more. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Sara