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| Carnival Pinwheel Necklace (no spin) |
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| Spring Fling Scene |
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| Kyanite Quatrefoil And that's it for this week. I would have liked to have gotten more accomplished, but had a few orders to take care of earlier in the week.... The Carnival Pinwheel necklace is made from the prototype for my spinning pinwheels. This one doesn't spin, but is still quite pretty, so I turned it into a necklace and it is listed in my Etsy shop. The Spring Fling Scene earrings began life as me trying a different approach to acid etching. I am determined to figure out a fool proof acid etching process. I had this piece of sterling sheet that I decide to use for etching, and just started drawing on it. What emerged were all spring related items. Butterflies, leaves, flowers, swirlies, and dots for fillers. Then I had this sheet of etched silver, and didn't know what to do with it. I must have marked up that sheet 6 times with different designs. Yesterday after completing the quatrefoil ring, I just grabbed it, sawed a shape, domed it slightly, and then stopped. Now what was I going to do with it? They needed something.... I thought back to a design I did a long time ago where I wire wrapped beads onto sheet, and decided to do the same with these. So, I drilled the holes, and then went hunting for beads. These 3mm turquoise beads fit the bill perfectly! Have I told you how much I love turquoise? Growing up, I saw turquoise so much, that it became almost mundane, not interesting, commonplace. I am so happy to have rediscovered it. It is just so beautiful in all it's varied colors, matrix and all. And I told you about the quatrefoil ring earlier today...but it is now listed in the shop as well... I really try hard not to make this a place with any negativity. But I just gotta tell you that the price of silver has me down right depressed. When totaling up how much money I have in each piece, and then add in my labor... The total always gives me a sinking feeling. The price continues to go up daily, and I really don't think it is going down any time soon. I hate to keep reiterating the price of silver to clients, or just in general...I always feel like I'm trying to justify my prices. I don't know....it's just icky isn't it? |
First, all of your new pieces are amazing- especially that pinwheel necklace. I always love reading about how you make your work, hence the interview, as I'm just so interested in metal smithing.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I think most people know about the rise. Well, at least in the handmade community. And it sucks, but there's nothing you can do about it! Hopefully loyal customers will understand and I think your work is worth it anyway! Have a great weekend.
Love your new stuff. I agree about turquoise. I love it, too!
ReplyDeleteI saw the price of silver yesterday. My dad can't believe it. When he started doing silversmith work it was less than $10 an ounce. I know that was a long time ago but just two years ago it was only $13, now it's over $40?? oh boy! I'm going to have to start treating it like gold and making sure I chase every tiny scrap that flings across the room or falls off the bench!
Gorgeous pieces Amy...love the Kyanite ring.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the silver price - I can't help but wonder how high it will go and at what point will people stop buying, especially with the way gas and groceries also keep going up.