Tidbit Tuesday...

1}  So far so good on the lice situation at my daughter's school.  (I probably just totally jinxed myself)  I claim nothing short of a miracle that she hasn't gotten it...er  them...whatever.

2}  I just read the words "wanna-be artist" and the words shot to my heart in a pang that let's me know I'm still struggling with the term "artist" when describing myself.

3}  It is extra painful to feel the sting of betrayal by a sibling.

4}  I don't really care for Adele's speaking voice.  And the radio stations are starting to wear out her songs now.  But I still love the bass in Rolling in the Deep.  Every time.  No matter how many times they play it.

5}  I have a strong desire to make right now.  Why is that always the way?  I always want to create most when told I can't.   I'm a weak task master though, and don't listen to myself when I say that the taxes must be done...before I know it, I'm in the shop fiddling with something.  Must. Stay.  FOCUSED!


And, I want to share pictures of the latest and greatest...

Made to go with these earrings.  (Not sure why I don't have a picture of both earrings together...)

Sterling Silver and all natural Chrysocolla Druzy and Gem Silica on the reverse side.  Gorgeous stones!

Charmed, I'm sure...

~Estrella~Sterling, Citrine, Apatite

 

 

~Marietta~Sterling Silver, Amethyst

~Minette~Sterling Silver

I have added a new section to my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmyNicoles?section_id=11149215

Of course I have big plans to load the new section with charms galore, and time permitting, I will.  This section is in the infant phase right now.  I plan on adding other chain options for necklaces, and some bracelet options. 

I enjoy making these little works of art, and it is also gives my clientele a more affordable option than some of the pieces I've been making lately. 

I do have to giggle to myself a little when I name these charms.  I read a lot of historical books, mainly about royalty and I love all the high falootin names the ladies had.  So, since sometimes naming my work doesn't come easily to me, I am naming them the first name that pops into my head. 

HeeHee.  Minette was the nick name for the sister of King Charles II of England.  Marietta, I believe was the name of one of Marie Antoinette's sisters, and Estrella?  Well, citrine and apatite together remind me of the stars....

Stay tuned for more history lessons.  One high falootin name at a time ;-) 

Crocus Earrings

More Amethyst!  These cabs I had the pleasure of hand picking.  I think I've told you before how much I love the very dark Amethyst, and boy are these ever dark purple!  I had a devil of a time capturing the fact that they are indeed purple.

 I decided to make these post earrings.  Beginning with that fabulous pop of purple and ending in a tail that reminds me a bit of the tail on a kite, not that I look at them...

 Here you can see the purple in the cabs pretty well...

 Each little square has been lightly textured on both sides and domed.  Attached are faceted Amethyst and hand cut peridot beads. 

I am so ready for Spring.  A sure fire sign that Spring is near is when the Crocus blooms in all it's purple and green glory. 

Available in my online shop!  http://amynicole.bigcartel.com/product/amethyst-peridot-and-sterling-silver-post-earrings

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

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? 

New Work!!

All items have been listed in my store on Big Cartel!

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to go directly to my store!