Summertime Love...

I know I'm jumping the gun a bit since this is only the first week of February and we are looking at several months before the summertime weather will be here, but there has always been the feeling of summertime for me when I work with these colors.

Turquoise and Citrine.  Ahhhhhh...... :-)    The color of these cabs are just the perfect shade of greeny blue turquoise.  All metal components are hand made by me, out of sterling and fine silver. 

These earrings are available in my store!  http://amynicole.bigcartel.com/product/sterling-silver-turquoise-heart-and-citrine-earrings

New

Freshly listed:

http://amynicoles.etsy.com

Just for me..

Over the Holidays, my cousin commissioned me to make a cuff bracelet for her Mother in law.  I had about a 4.5" strip of 18 gauge sterling sheet 1/2" wide left over, and decided to run it through the rolling mill until I could get enough length on it that I could make myself a cuff.  I think it ended up being maybe 21 gauge.  I don't know for sure since I don't have any calipers.  Which, btw are on my to get wish list.  I think they will come in handy especially since I'm processing my own scrap.

Anyway...The last cuff I made myself also had a similar silhouette, which I didn't realize until I thought to try wearing them together.   I guess I just love the scalloped edge!

This one I stamped in a concentric circle using 3 different sized dot stamps, with flowers in the center.  I set three 4mm iolite cabs on there because I love iolite.  It is a gorgeous shade of violet blue. 

The thinner gauge is ok, for me, but I wouldn't sell one that thin.  I've decided to offer it as a made to order item with choice of stone, in 18 gauge sterling.   I have it listed in my online store, but not yet on Etsy.  


I recently made myself a nice pair of sterling earrings too.  I don't often set about making something I know will be mine.  I have pieces in my personal collection that I have made,  but usually because they never sold!  lol  It's kinda nice to treat myself once in awhile.  How about you?  Do you make things just for you? 

Feeling good....

I'm not sure I've shared with you before that I am a moody person.

I naturally sway a bit to the depressed side, but I've found I can control it if I exercise regularly.  I envy those people who are naturally happy....but not so much that I haven't learned to accept myself the way I am.  

I am always shooting for even keel...

But today, I actually feel really good!  I have a nice cardio high working...I actually made a few sales at the retail shop!  And I am feeling inspired to make more things for Faithful Treasures.  

People actually paid retail for something I made!

And I didn't sell myself short on what I wanted for the stuff either. 

I generally find it gauche to see posts....."like, omg!!  I just sold my blah, blah, blah....sprinkling sales dust....teeheehee"

I mean I know people are excited to make a sale.  Believe me, I know.  I get very excited every time I sell something.  But it always sounds braggy to me.

But I'm just so excited I had to tell!

Anyway...I made a few pieces for Faithful Treasures.  Mainly hand stamped name pendants, and one necklace...

~Faithful Heart~

I tried out a different bail than I usually do.  I soldered the jump ring to the top of the disc rather
than drilling a hole.  I like this look much better.  It also allows more design space.

I also used the same star that I used in the Teacher's gifts.  I really like them quite a lot.  And stars are pretty popular down here in the Lone Star State....

I'd like to continue to grow my line of hand stamped name jewelry.  I'll eventually add these to one of my online shops.  Actually probably both of them.  My poor Big Cartel store is in desperate need of some inventory...

Oh, and I forgot to tell you.  Another reason I'm happy is that we are slowly but surely working on moving me into the biggest available room in the house.

It is technically supposed to be a formal living room.

But we really aren't "formal" people.  ;)

So, it's been my library and the girls' playroom since we've lived here.

The girls are getting older, and they don't really need a play room anymore.

So...It's going to be my new studio!

We custom ordered a door for the room so visitors won't walk in and go  "oh, a work shop.....nice....".

We loaded up a bunch of the girls' junk, and moved it out of there last night.

I will post pics after the move!

Have a fabulous day all!  :)

Hand stamped name jewelry...

A friend recently ordered some hand stamped necklaces for some new Mothers in her family.

I thought it would be a good opportunity to let you guys know that I do make hand stamped custom jewelry. 

I don't offer these in my shop.  Etsy is just pounded with hand stamped jewelry, and it is hard to compete in this area when many offer hand stamped jewelry for a very low price.  The thing customers don't realize until they get their piece is that the price is low because the seller uses thin sterling sheet.

I use heirloom quality 20 gauge sterling sheet when I make these necklaces, and hang them from sturdy sterling rolo chain.  

My friend mentioned that some heart charms might be nice to go with them.  I've had some trouble sourcing sterling heart charms that I like, so I decided to make them.  I used 18 gauge sterling, domed them slightly, and voila!  And, it is in keeping with my purity thing creating pieces with only hand fabricated components.  

These make really nice gifts for new Mothers, Grandmothers, etc...or anyone that just likes personalized jewelry.  So, if you are ever interested in hand stamped jewelry, keep me in mind!  Shoot me an email or an Etsy convo and I can quote you a price. 

Is it just me or has this week been agonizingly long?  Shouldn't today be Friday?  It sure feels like it....

I just can't seem to stop

Another newie that I added to the shop. I made this one for my niece for Christmas.

A fun custom order.

I just want to brag a little

Will you look at this baby? Isn't it gorgeous? I just love the way it turned out. Thanks to my most loyal customer for the opportunity to make this.

Hand Stamped Dog Tag Necklace

My first attempt at a dog tag style necklace. I like this style, but my stamping needs a little work. I'd be happier if the letters were a little straighter.

I made this for my daughter's friend. She is a bit of a tomboy and thought she would like the dog tag style, I just had to girly it up a little with the hearts though.

The hearts are a new technique I haven't decided if I like or not yet. After stamping the heart I etched a pattern into the metal, then gave it an antique finish.

The style is a keeper, I just need to work on executing it better!

Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry with Birthstones ~ Even more New Designs!

I have introduced my new line of custom hand stamped jewelry before, but I have come up with some new designs that I am really excited about! The only example I have left to do in Sterling Silver is the disc that is still left in copper! I have plans to make myself one as soon as my silver order comes in.


These are 2 1/2" discs in sterling silver with gemstone birthstones. These little discs will only hold 4 characters each.


This pendant is made of two discs stacked together. The smaller disc is 6/8" and the larger 1".


This is a 1" disc with 2 longer names stamped on it, and a heart at the bottom. I would add the birthstone gemstones to this as well.



This is a 1" disc with 4 names stamped on it. I made this one for my sister as a family necklace. It is stamped with her husband's name, her name, and the names of her 2 daughters on it.



This disc is 7/8", and works well with longer names. This one has the birthstone gem, and a little sterling heart charm. So sweet!


I stamped this necklace with the initials of my Mom's grandchildren. Each disc measures 3/8". They are spaced by a bar and link chain, the links measure about an inch long.


I love this bracelet! It is the perfect size to accommodate the larger discs, and I can load this baby up with up to seven discs! The discs shown are 6/8".


This necklace is made up of 3 discs that measure 6/8". The sterling silver spacer beads space the discs perfectly to keep them from overlapping. (this necklace can only be made using the 1mm or 1.5mm cable chain)


The kids want in on the action too! I made this little id bracelet for my 7 year old daughter. Her favorite color is pink, so I used 4mm Rose colored Swarovski Crystals on a sterling silver chain. This could be made with the gemstones, or swarovski crystals. The gemstones are $ 4.00 a piece, and the crystals are $ 5.00 for all of them. The base price for the bracelet without the gems or crystals, including the silver name plate is $ 20.00


I made this one for my youngest daughter, it has her name, with 2 birthstones.


A small rectangle with a 6mm Swarovski Crystal. You can choose a gem if you prefer, or the sterling heart, or both.......


This is a sterling silver heart with birthstones. I can put children's birthstones, the whole family, the birthstones of your wedding party, grandchildren, whatever you desire!


This is a dog tag style necklace that I made for one of my daughter's friends. Hand stamped with name, and a small heart. Topped with two gems in favorite colors. Hangs from a 1mm sterling ball chain. The tag measures 6/8" long. $32


Another dog tag style for a friend of my daughter's. This one is 7/8" long. $ 35




This one was a custom order, the photos show the chain at 16" and 18". I love the chain on this one! $ 82


Here is a picture of the gemstone birthstones that I have in stock. They measure anywhere from 3.5mm to 4 mm. They are small, but are genuine gemstones. They are from left to right,

January- Garnet
February- Amethyst
March- Aquamarine
April- White Topaz
May- Emerald
June- Moonstone
July- Ruby
August- Peridot
September- Sapphire
October- Pink Tourmaline
November- Citrine
December- Apatite

Pricing List:

Sterling Silver Discs:

3/8" 1 initial $ 8.00
1/2" 4 characters $ 9.00
6/8" 7 characters $ 10.00
7/8" 10 characters $ 11.00
1" up to 23 characters $ 12.00

Sterling Heart Pendant (pendant only, no gems added, no chain added)

$ 20.00


Sterling Silver Chain with Lobster Claw Clasp:

16-18" 1.5mm Rolo Chain $ 18.00
16.18" 1.5mm Cable Chain $ 16.00


Gemstones, 6mm Crystals and Sterling Silver Heart Charm are $ 4.00 each.

Bar & Chain Bracelet with Lobster Claw Clasp $ 20.00

Bar $ Chain Link 16" or 18" $ 40.

Shipping and handling is $ 3.50 and includes a complimentary gift box tied with a fabric ribbon and placed inside an organza bag. It will all be sent in a bubble mailer. If it is a gift I will be happy to mail it for you with a gift card to the recipient.

I have listed the price of each component separately so you can build your own necklace or bracelet. Remember that this is your custom piece! if you have anything in mind that you don't see here, please contact me and let me see what I can come up with.

As far as payment, you can mail me a check, or I can send you an invoice through PayPal and you will be able to pay by credit card. As soon as I receive the payment I can get started creating your custom piece! I will let you know at time of purchase how long it will take me to get it in the mail to you.

These hand stamped necklaces make great gifts for mom's and grandma's, for anyone who loves personalized jewelry, and even for yourself! If you would like to place an order, contact me via e mail at amy_nicole@rocketmail.com and we can get started on your custom piece.

Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry with Birthstones ~ New Designs!

I have briefly introduced before my new line of custom hand stamped jewelry. I am slowly expanding on it. I have added a few new designs. You can tell the new ones because they are in copper! I usually practice on copper because the sterling sheet is so expensive. I must say that last night when I made these, I was in the stamping zone! I am finally getting the hang of this!


These are 2 1/2" discs in sterling silver with gemstone birthstones. These little discs will only hold 4 characters each.

This design in sterling silver, with 2 1/2 inch discs and gemstones on a 16" or 18" chain is $ 25.00. Additional discs with gemstones can be added for $ 8 a piece.



This pendant is made of two discs stacked together. The smaller disc is 6/8" and the larger 1". I also stamped dots along the edges, it added balance in this particular piece with the top name being longer than the bottom. These could be done either way, with the dots or without. Your choice. I would also add the gemstone birthstones to dangle in the center.

This design in sterling silver, with 2 names and 2 gemstones on a 16" or 18" sterling silver chain that closes with a lobster clasp is $ 35.



This is a 1" disc with 2 longer names stamped on it, and a heart at the bottom. I would add the birthstone gemstones to this as well.



This is a 1" disc with 4 names stamped on it. I made this one for my sister as a family necklace. It has the names of her family and their birthstones on it. This is another example of what I can do on the 1" disc.

Either of these designs in sterling silver, with up to 23 characters and up to 4 gemstones on a 16" or 18" sterling silver chain that closes with a lobster clasp is $ 30.



This disc is 7/8", and works well with longer names. Shown is the disc with lettering. I think with all the extra space this would look really great in silver with a gemstone birthstone and a little sterling silver charm that would dangle in the middle of the disc above the name. Maybe a heart charm? Really cute!

This design in sterling silver, with 1 name and 1 gemstone on a 16" or 18" sterling silver chain that closes with a lobster clasp is $ 25. I can add a sterling charm, which I would have to quote you a price on. I am not currently stocking sterling charms, and will have to order the charm. If you have a certain charm in mind though, I will do the leg work in tracking one down and quote you a price.



Here is a picture of the gemstone birthstones that I have in stock. They measure anywhere from 3.5mm to 4 mm. They are small, but are genuine gemstones. They are from left to right,

January- Garnet
February- Amethyst
March- Aquamarine
April- White Topaz
May- Emerald
June- Moonstone
July- Ruby
August- Peridot
September- Sapphire
October- Pink Tourmaline
November- Citrine
December- Apatite

These hand stamped necklaces make great gifts for mom's and grandma's, for anyone who loves personalized jewelry, and even for yourself! If you would like to place an order, contact me via e mail at amy_nicole@rocketmail.com and we can get started on your custom piece. Payment can be made by cash, check, or if you prefer to pay by credit card, I can send you an invoice through paypal.