Red Creek Jasper

Red Creek Jasper Earrings

I had a very productive weekend.  I had several pieces on my agenda for the weekend and I finished them all and then some.  That sure doesn’t seem to be able to happen very often. 

Japser is absolutely one of my favorite stone.  It comes in so many varieties and a vast array of colors.  I found a new one I had not seen before, it is called Red Creek Jasper, there are so many colors and it is just magnficient.  I made a pair of earrings and bracelet with the jasper this weekend. 

Japer Facts:

• Jasper is one of the birth stones listed for the Sun Sign of Virgo. It is also the Mystical birthstone for the month of October.
• Jasper is an opaque and fine grained variety of Chalcedony. It is found in all colors including: red, brown, pink, yellow, green, grey/white and shades of blue and purple.
• It often contains organic material and mineral oxides which give it interesting patterns, bands and colors. Many of these patterns resemble landscapes with mountains and valleys, thus the name “picture” is part of the name of many well know jaspers.
• Jasper was a favorite gem in ancient times and is referenced in Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian and Latin literature.
• Found worldwide, a wide variety of named jaspers is found in the western areas of the Unites States; California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Washington.

Gem-Lore:

Jasper is known as the “supreme nurturer,” it sustains and supports during times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness.

Red Creek Japser Bracelet

Right Brain Challenge

Oh no! It's Not Time For Bookkeeping Again?!?!

The things that makes all of artist types is the same thing that makes us so terrible at taking care of all the business and bookkeeping tasks.  Our nature is to do things that are creative and are started in the right side of the brain.  Not things like bookkeeping – one of those tasks that is so far on the left side of the brain.  I have been trying to use Quickbooks for all the business record keeping and absolutely detest every minute of it.  My husband, bless his heart, tries to be really patient with me while I am trying to learn all of this but you can only have patience for so long.  The other day he suggested that he do all of the bookkeeping for me.  It’s a really tempting offer – I hope he was serious and just not frusterated with me at the time, but unfortunately is was probably the later.

I know all of this is important, but the right side of my brain would much rather be creating something in my studio!  I know I have to eventually get my hands around all of this.  Maybe someday it wont be so PAINFULL……..

Metal Forming Class

Rio Grande Jewlery Suply

I know it has been so long since I have posted.  First I was busy getting ready for the Artfire Christmas in July sale, then I have been doing daily maintenance for the sale for the past couple of weeks.  The sale runs until Friday, July 23.  Hope you get a chance to stop by.

Now onto today’s post.  For sometime now, I have been wanting to continue learning some new techniques with my jewelry making.  The metalsmithing and metal forging really intrique me .   I have read a lot of books but there is nothing like hands on instruction.  I found a one day workshop at one of the local jewelry supply businesses here in town. I just registered for their metal forming class in August and I am so excited.  Here is a brief synopsis of the class:

Make a sterling silver neckband, bracelet and domed earrings while learning to form wire and sheet into wearable jewelry. Students learn to use professional jeweler’s tools while working at a jeweler’s bench.

Here are the projects that we will work on.  I will post pictures of my actual projects once I have finished the class.  Until next time, have a great evening.

Class Projects

ArtFire Christmas In July Sale

The ArtFire Christmas In July Sale is almost upon us! Beginning on July 12th and running for twelve days many of the fabulously talented artisans at ArtFire will be offering a variety or combination of discounts, free shipping, coupons, free gifts, bogo and other types of promotional incentives. It’s a great time to find fantastic deals on wonderful handmade items.

 The “Christmas In July” trend page will be up and running on the 12th so it will be easy to find the studios that are participating in this exciting sale. Just go to ArtFire’s Home Page and then look in the Trends Section for “Christmas In July”. You will be able to search for specific types of items from that page or just browse through all that is being offered.

The Twisted Stone Designs Studio I will be offering free shipping on all items for the duration of this sale.  I will also be having daily specials sales on specific items, keep an eye on your favorite items.  I hope you will stop in… 🙂