Rose Quartz and Amethyst

This is a classic combination in the smie precious gemstone world... and one that I adore. What girl doesn't love the look of pink and purple together? Amethyst and Rose quartz are also said to have special properties all their own.

Amethyst is a beautiful purple colored variety of quartz. Many used to believe that carrying an amethyst stone cured drunkenness. It was also believed to promote a clear mind and increase intelligence. It was also carried as a stone of protection.

Rose Quartz is a heart stone. It is said to heal emotional maladies and promote healing. Its also said to promote inner peace and promote forgiveness.

When the two are combined, as they are in the pieces pictured from my studio, they are said to bring love to its wearer and keep it near. What a lovely thought!

Jewelry Party Offer

I have decided to run a special for the people in my immediate area and even those who might not be close by but would be willing to work with me on this. I am offering to do jewelry parties with my creations. I will offer the host/hostess $30 credit to spend in my studio for simply hosting a jewelry party featuring my things. For every $50 in sales I make at the party, the host/hostess will earn another $10 credit. I think this is a heck of a deal!

I am also hoping to collect information from other artists who have done something similar in their areas. I'll combine my experience and knowledge with that info and write a complete blog about throwing handmade jewelry parties. My hope is that by compiling the information I might be able to help out other jewelry artists considering this idea.

A few finished pieces for Art Auction consideration!

I have put the finising touches on a couple of those focal pieces I was working on for the Art Auction. Now, I am not sure they are both the pieces I will be donating but they are finished so.... here goes.

With the blue piece, I played with the idea of doing a swarovski crystal beaded chain but once I got it together and set it beside the focal, it looked way to gawdy and cluttered. So I settled for simply putting the focal on a streling silver knotted wire chain. It looks stunning!

For the copper woven heart, since it is such a large piece, it absolutely NEEDED a long chain and some additional embellishment. I added some wired pieces with the same swarovski crystal beads dispersed with the bright copper chain to acheive a more balanced look. Its become a real statement piece I believe.

Labradorite

I have always loved labradorite. I adore the blue fire that glimmers in the light. I love the earthy feel of the greys and black flecks. I just love it. So, when I purchase there's lovely labradorite briolettes a year ago, I knew it would take me ages to compose a piece to properly display them. I finally combined them with sterling silver chain and wire into this stunning necklace.

New pictures of....

... some pieces that have been in my stock for a while. I am still working on getting some pieces ready for the art auction but haven't finished anything today to photograph. So, I thought I'd take some pictures of some pieces that I have not listed yet due to not having decent photos. I now have some decent photos and am going to share them... and hopefully list them soon too!

More art auction inspiration

I have made another focal piece for consideration to be an art auction piece. I REALLY love this one. I bought some fantastic rhinestones from a seller on Artfire who's shop is called Supplies and More. http://www.artfire.com/users/SuppliesAndMore They are excellent and I may need to get another of this blue stone... for myself. ;)

Art Auction Assignment

The local art gallery holds a wine tasting and art auction every March to raise money. Since local artists are allowed to display and sell art through this gallery, I obviously am supportive of this cause. The auction last year was superb and I had a great time. This year, I've been asked to donate a piece or two for the auction. Of course I said yes. In exchange for my donation, I will receive two tickets to the event plus all the free PR and exposure that this event will bring my shop. Thank goodness I ordered those new business cards with my artfire studio listed on them.

The plan is to make several pieces and choose the two that best represent my style and will appeal to the attendees. I've created a few focal pieces already and plan to build the rest of the necklace or bracelet around them. I am by no means finished creating pieces for this auction yet.... this is just the start!