A little help from my friends...

If you've been reading my blog this week, you know that I shared these on Wednesday as an in process post.  Actually I had planned something different with the silver frill, but I had just bought these heart cabs and had them on my bench.  When I set them next to the frills.....it was magic!

I most often get requests from friends and clients for gifts in the price range of $ 25-$ 30.  I really struggle with coming up with something fabulous that doesn't have big dough in either materials or time.  So my initial intention was to make a pair of earrings in that price range.

I started knowing I wanted to do the scalloped edge, and the size is about as far as I could push the silver for that price range.  But of course I thought a plain piece of silver scalloped edge or no scalloped edge was too boring.

And so then I spent about 2 hours stamping a 2x3" sheet of sterling hoping to get 3 pairs of frills out of it.  And then I still wasn't happy.  I had to go and add sterling granulation all the way around the frills.  And that still wasn't enough.  They needed Turquoise Heart cabs!  Oh yes...

But when I had them all geared up, I thought they needed a little something else.... and that's where my friends came in!

I was absolutely stuck on what color I wanted to add to compliment the turquoise.  My initial thought was red coral.  And don't get me wrong, I love that color combination!  But I thought, maybe something different.....

So I asked my peeps on FaceBook, and I got the best responses!  Red coral, orange, yellow, mustard colors, purple, peridot, brown, purple, I'm probably even forgetting some!  It was so cool.  And kinda proves what I've always said.  Turquoise goes with everything!!!

What I really wanted was Carnelian.  But I didn't have any beads that small.  What I did have was some really gorgeous Citrine and I used those.  But you better believe I ordered some Carnelian rondelles because I am going to do Turquoise and Orange next!

But back to that elusive price range...I'm going to wrack my brains and come up with something that works.  It's just that it's soooo hard not to keep adding detail.... :-)

Have a fabulous weekend all!  My girls and hubby are going to the Daddy Daughter dance on Saturday!  They love going, and have so much fun together.  I'll share pictures next week!

Facebook Fan Promotion!

In an effort to have continuity in my branding, I have opened a new Facebook fan page!

Amy Nicole Artisan Jewelry

Eventually I'll be using my Ruby Mountain Beads page just for promotions for whatever I decide to do with that shop.  

To keep up with announcements for sales, promotions, and new work

come "like" my page!

PLEASE!  ;)

Thank you to all who have already liked my new page.  I appreciate you all more than you'll ever know.

I was thinking that maybe a little incentive might be in order.

And what is a better incentive than Jewelry?!!! 

I have 205 fans on my Ruby Mountain Beads page, and I'd be thrilled if I could get that many on my new page.  

Is a $ 40 gift certificate to my NEW store!

a good incentive?

I hope so.  

So here's the deal....When I reach 205 fans on my new page, I'll have a random drawing for the $ 40 gift certificate. 

Sound good?

GREAT!  

Will you help me spread the word by hitting the "share" button that is on the left hand side column on my facebook page?

It will post to your wall after you confirm you want to share my page.
Then, hopefully your friends will also "like" my page.

And the more people that "like" my page, the faster we'll get to 205, and the sooner I'll have the drawing for the gift certificate!!!!

Thanks for helping my out!  You guys are the best!  :)

Sleeping Beauty's Rose Wreath

It all began with this first ring (which, is on sale in the shop). Then, I was contacted by a customer who loved the ring, but could I make on with roses on the band? I'll tell you the truth. I tried to put her off at first. She was gently persuasive, and I decided to give it a go. I really wasn't sure I could make it work, but here she is......

Luckily it turned out beautifully, and I was asked to make a matching necklace and earrings as well.


I was very happy with how they turned out! They are on their way now to their new home, and I hope my customer loves them as much as I do!! This whole experience was just wonderful. I really enjoyed working with this delightful woman who knew what she wanted, wasn't afraid to ask for it (very politely I might add) and complimented me every step of the way. She gave me the artistic freedom to do what I wanted (which I always ran by her first), and she stroked my ego in a way that I am finally beginning to believe more in myself as a metalsmith.

On tap for today are post earrings. Oh, and I am doing a little experiment with facebook. I made an ad that is running from last night at 6 til tonight at 6. I already have some new fans!! Yay! I hope they like me ;)

Have a fabulous Friday everyone!!!!

Facebook Fan Promotion!

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon to fly to Las Vegas to meet my mom and two younger sisters. My youngest sister is turning 21! Wow! What a way to celebrate. In a way it will be like my own giant 21st birthday celebration that I always wanted but never had. The only difference will be is that I'm actually 36, and I don't think I can party the way I did when I was 21! At any rate, I will give it my best shot.

This will be the first time I have been away from my girls. They are 7 and 4. I know they will be perfectly fine with Dad, and will probably have way more fun with me gone. I just can't help but worry about going so far away from them. I'm such a baby! My husband travels four days a week, every week, and I can't leave for two days? I know, I know, everything will be just fine.

So, I leave you with this.........



Tiny Bubbles by AmyNicoles on Etsy

This is my give a way for September! This one is going to be super easy to get an entry to win. All you have to do is become a Facebook Fan of Ruby Mountain Beads. You'll find my Facebook badge to the right of this post, click on it, and it will take you directly to my Facebook Fan Page.

After you have become a fan, leave me a comment on this blog. Already a Facebook fan? Want extra chances to win? Refer a friend! For every friend you refer, you and your friend receive an entry to win. Again, leave me a comment with your friends name so I know they are a fan.

Of course I will give you an extra entry if you follow this blog or follow me on Twitter (my Twitter badge is on this blog!) as well.

Be sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win! Contest ends 9/28/09. The winner will be announced on Tuesday the 29th! I'll be back soon with pictures from Vegas!