Tips for Buying Artisan Jewelry
Enjoy. You can sign up at the new platform once you click on this link!
Enjoy. You can sign up at the new platform once you click on this link!
Posted in COLOR : Enhances & Impacts
All the posts from the previous site are here now. Shortly I will point this address to the new site, too. But sadly my followers (that means you!) will not transfer over to the new platform. I don’t want you to miss out on all the upcoming posts and new features.
You can also use this link to sign up for alerts (first look at new products, subscriber-only discounts and more)
Thanks so much for your continued support. I love hearing the comments from you as I share my thoughts and expertise.
Here is the latest post from the new site: Stone Setting; An Inside look at bezel settings.
Posted in This and That | Tags: alenesadornments, blog address, new platform
Want more details? Drusy is formed when water is forced into the porous areas of the gem. After rapid cooling the tiny crystals begin to form in the cavities created by the water. For use in jewelry design, these stones tend to be more fragile than regular quartz. The stones should not be used where they may hit against hard surfaces (as in the case of a bracelet or ring) However, if the stone is mounted properly (with some protection) a ring may be OK. For example, I designed this ring with a higher bezel that folds into the stone. This helps protect against damage.
Healing properties?? You bet! Quartz itself is considered an energy amplifier. Did you know that when Acupuncture needles are coated in quartz, the effects increase by 10% (as mentioned in The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall.) Drusy quartz is also said to stabilize our aura and aid in creative thinking. Cool! I think I better wear my Drusy today!
I do love working with these stone. I feel they add a richness to the design. This pendant, while featuring Red Creek Jasper as it’s main component, is enhanced by the addition of the caramel colored drusy accent. Did you learn something new today?
Want to own a drusy piece? Check out my web site for current and new designs.
Posted in Gemstone Legends and Facts | Tags: Arizona, artisan, artist, bold, crystal, drusy, healing, jewelry, opal, pendant, quartz, Red Creek Jasper, statement, Sterling Silver
After reading the real definition, I see that I was loosely defining this word to include colors other than the natural color that comes from oxidation.
So perhaps I need to re-title this blog as ‘The Nitty Gritty of coloring metals’
I LOVE seeing the different ways I can make the metal colors shine and ‘pop’. This design to the left is copper that I dipped in sesame oil (when it was still hot). It created this RED finish. So vibrant, don’t you agree? To the right (NOT my cleaning supplies) are the natural household products I use to create these gorgeous colors. (Vinegar, Ammonia, sesame oil and peanut oil to name a few)
Did you know that copper, when coated with vinegar and exposed to Ammonia (in a closed container) will create a natural blue color? like this?
FYI, these earrings are on closeout right now for $30.00
My favorite though is still the heat patina. Once you heat the copper and plunge it into water, amazing things tend to happen. And the best part is that each time you get a different effect. I have experimented with this so much trying to get the same colors each time.. but the copper has a mind of its own. That is what makes designing with copper so much more fun.
I hope you enjoyed this peek at how metals can be colored.
Check out my current closeouts today. Great values and most ONE OF A KIND.
Here are a few tips that help me. Give them a try.
1) Compliment a stranger. Do you like what they are wearing? Or perhaps you like their haircut.. Doesn’t matter. Just take the plunge and do it. Not only will you make that person feel special, but this simple act will boost you as well.
2) Write a love letter to your significant other, your parent, or your child. Take the time to express how feel about this person. Your whole outlook will shift. You don’t even have to give them the letter (although I recommend it). Your energy will lift.
3) Do jumping jacks. Go outside, even if it is cold out. Find a dry area and do 3 jumping jacks. (OK you can do modified ones if necessary) What a rush!
4) Pay it forward. The person in front of you at the supermarket .. buy their groceries for them. Or the one in line at your favorite coffee or donut shop. Make their day.
5) Finish that personal project you have been putting off. Gardening, fixing the dripping faucet, scrubbing the kitchen floor. Hard work always takes our mind off the hassles of the week. And you get something accomplished!
6) Make a new friend. Knock on the door of your new neighbor and introduce yourself. Or talk to someone in line at the grocery store. Make a true connection. It doesnt have to be a life long relationship. the few minutes in a conversation is enough to re-adjust your priorities
7) Take $20 and shop at the Dollar Store. Sounds silly I know but this works. First of all it is amazing what you can still buy for $1 these days.
I challenge you to try some of these tips. And let me know how you fared… You do feel better don’t you?
If you liked this post you may enjoy Remember to Look Back
Interested in Copper and Sterling Jewelry Designs? Join my Newsletter for SUBSCRIBER-ONLY discounts and first looks.
Posted in Inspiration & Encouragement | Tags: Arizona, cats, encouragement, energy, explore, fun, inspiration, jewelry design, passion, smile
Sandy retired from a 30 year Real Estate career when she decided to help jewelry artists market their work. From this beginning, Sandy determined that she really wanted to create the jewelry designs too! She began with training from Luxe Jewels and eventually created jewelry with beads from Kenya. This line is called Kenya Kasuals. Two years later Sandy found her passion while working with Swarovski crystals! Her new designs are marketed as Heart and Soul Gems.
Sandy was making lots of heart designs as well as using many of the chakra colors. Heart and Soul Gems was the natural outcome!
Galleries, stores and Etsy
Sandy LOVES jewelry and loves learning new techniques. The whole process from design to sales is so much fun!
Julie Harmon, Harmon Studios has taught me many great techniques
(busy lady!)
http://www.heartandsoulgems.com
If you enjoyed this post you may like Lucy Brookes
Posted in Person of Interest | Tags: artist, chakra, jewelry, living your dream, passion, sandy schenkat, scottsdale arizona, Swarovski crystal
Posted in Jewelry Designs | Tags: alene, Arizona, artisan, bracelet, copper cuff, cuff bracelet, jewelry design, Limited Edition
I used 3 CZ stones here to bring out the colors of the jasper stone.
Amethyst gem is highlighted when I add a purple CZ gem.
What are your thoughts? do you love the versatility of these beautiful stones??
If you enjoyed this post you may like Rhodochrosite: good for the Heart
Posted in Gemstone Legends and Facts, Jewelry Designs | Tags: alene, amethyst, Arizona, artisan, cubic zirconia, CZ, diamond, gem facts, jasper, jewelry designs, silver, sterling
Posted in Inspiration & Encouragement | Tags: aesop, einstein, inspiration, quotations, quotes