A Little Bit of Chainmaille, A Little Bit of Wire Wrapping

This piece is definitely a statement piece!  Hand cut copper jump rings for the chainmaille portion of this project paired with some fancy wire work.  The flowers are handmade using wire and beads as well.  This one of a kind necklace will garner lots of looks and compliments!  You can find this necklace as well as other one of a kind pieces here.

Purple Flower Chainmaille Necklace

Facebook Trunk Show Extended!

Tiger Striped Flower Focal

Lavender Shift Floral Focal W/Spacers

I have decided to extend my trunk show on Facebook until Monday evening at 8pm.  Since its Cyber Monday, I figured extending the show would be easier than running a new sale lol.  And honestly, my pricing for the trunk show is the lowest discount I have ever given and unless I decide to do another trunk show liable to be the lowest discount you will see from me ever.  Every single item in the show was made b

Lemon Yellow Lampwork Glass Earrings

Blue Green Rippled Heart

y me.  There are European charm bracelet beads (for a quarter of the price of retail beads in the stores, and completely one of a kind as well)  There are focal, pairs and sets in all colors with lots of different design elements.  I also have a fair amount of spacer beads.  Last but not least I have a finished jewelry as well, many pieces also use my beads, so if you love lampwork but don't want to make it
yourself, this is the time to get a great piece of jewelry at a fantastic price!

I'm Back. I Think Lol!

Well, its been quite a while since I have posted last.  Its been a crazy 7-8 months at my house.  My youngest graduated from high school this May and everything leading up to graduation has just kind of taken over our lives.  Her grad party is finally going to be next Saturday then we will be done!  Of course, college starts next month, my oldest's last year of college and my youngest's first year of college.  Lots of changes in our house.  In the mean time I have started adding items back to my Etsy shops, so for those of you who prefer to shop on Etsy, most of my new work is there.  You can find my jewelry at silverriverjewelry.etsy.com
I've added a mixture of old and new to this shop, with several new styles including more beadwork, ear cuffs and more.

I have also been adding new beads like mad to my etsy bead shop silverriverglasswork.etsy.com  Lots of new beads, more orbits beads, some very large lentil and heart focals among other things.  The lentil in the picture is a whopping 1 1/2 inches across!  This would make a stunning focal.

One more item on the shop news front, I have re opened my stitch marker shop on Etsy also, so if you are an avid knitter or crocheter, and want unique stitch markers/row counters come check them out! silverriverstitches.etsy.com.

I am hoping to be able to start posting again more often and may do a weekly post involving a coupon or an item prices at a special price for the day.  Keep an eye out, you might come across a great deal.  And dare I say it?  Christmas is only 5 months away!

New Pendants Listed

Today is voting day in my area, I went and voted before I headed in to work today. This is my daughters first year to be able to vote and she was so excited. We sat down yesterday and went over all the issues on our particular ballot. I am so glad that she realizes that her vote DOES matter!

What does this have to do with pendants? Absolutely nothing lol. I listed four different kinds of pendants in the past couple of weeks, some lampwork pendants, a fused glass pendant,an Ohio Flint pendant, (which would make a perfect man's gift for Christmas by the way), and a couple of pretty pink quartz pendants. I will do a post on Ohio Flint here very soon, its only found in one part of the world and one area of Ohio.
Here's some pictures of some of the most recent pendants listings. If you see one you like, you can go take my poll on facebook and get 25% off of one too!

Poll On Earring Types

I would greatly appreciate any one willing to give some input via a poll on my facebook page. As a gift for taking the time to answer I am offering a 25% off coupon to my Artfire jewelry shop. Please leave me a comment here that you answered the poll and you can use coupon code facebookpoll for your discount.

Christmas in July!

Its time for the annual Christmas in July sale in my Artfire shop! Use coupon code
CHRISTMASINJULY and receive 20% off your entire purchase (not including shipping of course). This is a great opportunity to get started on some early Christmas shopping or to stock up on gifts for the rest of the year. Click on the link above or click on one of he pictures. Have fun shopping!

Jewelry Item of the Week October 7th 2010

Lampwork and Sterling Silver Bracelet Midnight

I really like this piece, its simple, subtle, but still elegant and sexy. The beads glow a midnight blue when the light shines through them. The glass beads are made in my home studio.

Jewlery Item of the Week Sept 9th 2010

Etched Copper Heart Earrings With Pale Pink Quartz Teardrops

I love these earrings, they have everything I like in a pair of earrings. They are handmade, copper, have an original drawing etched on them and have beautiful, faceted, teardrops made from a the palest of pink quartz. What's not to like?

Collections on Artfire

Artfire has come out with a wonderful tool, very similar to Etsy's treasuries. I have made a couple of collections and wanted to share my current favorite. These are a great deal of fun to make and its wonderful to be able to find some beautiful work I might never have seen!

Royalty

Curated By: SilverRiverJe...

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

Beaded Necklace

So I have taught myself how to bead crochet (can I tell you what a pain it is to start the darn thing with those teensy tiny seed beads lol) and was fooling around with different ways to use the resulting efforts. I settled on this design, incorporating metal work, wire wrapping and one of my handmade lampwork beads. I designed the clasp to be the focal piece in the front so its easy to use but still makes a statement. This is available in my Artfire shop.

New Beads

Well, my life is at its typically insane pace +10 the next couple of weeks lol. Lots of family stuff going on and I have to work extra since there are lots of vacations going on in the office. Schools out in a couple of weeks (thank goodness!), my daughter has her dance recital two days after school is out so we have lots of rehearsals (which would be no big deal but the car is in the shop until June 4th, due to an accident s0 she can't drive herself, rental car companies frown on 16 year olds driving their vehicles) and we have a holiday weekend in there. Just totally crazy all the way around. I have lots of new beads to list but haven't had time to take the pictures. Some new jewelry designs also, which incorporate beading, metal etching and lampwork. But you will have to wait just a bit to see those til I have time for pictures lol.

Any way, here are a couple of beads that I just recently listed. Simply click on the picture.

Also don't forget about the new sale section in my jewelry shop! 20% off or more on selected pieces. The discount has already been applied.

A New Design

I have been spending a lot of time on the lampwork beads. Totally love doing this, and am very happy with my progress. So anyway, the jewelry had been kind of on the back burner for a bit, I made a pair of earring here and a quick bracelet there but nothing too strenuous. One day I really just felt the need to do something a bit more complicated and involved. So I sat down and made this. I am very happy with the way it turned out and plan on doing more of these with a variety of stones and lampwork, with both copper and sterling silver wire. Would love any comments on the design. I am also just starting a beaded cabochon, which is something on my list of things that I wanted to learn. Can't wait to see how it turns out lol.

A Potpourri of Light and Color

I will occasionally be having a guest writer for my blog. This will be the first of three to begin with. I would love your opinions on the content and if it was helpful in any way, or, if you just enjoyed reading it. And of course, I think my jewelry is the perfect compliment for making a unique, whimsical statement in your wardrobe!

It is often a glint of color or a bit of sparkle that first catches the eye. The onlooker pauses and then explores more deeply, taking in the fine textures of the materials, the workmanship and the sense of style that combine to create the look. This is not some judge at an art show or the art-lover visiting a gallery. I am talking about the person next to you on the bus, the couple across from you in the coffee shop, or the receptionist at your next appointment. T

he glints, the gleams and the layers of tasteful beauty that these onlookers appreciate are on you. You can wear them with confidence so you will not only look your best, but you can do so in a unique style that screams, I do not conform to the laws of “trendy” and “fashionable”. I am my own person.

To create this look, start with good, solid basics. If you’re dressing in jeans and a sweater, complement the look with a good belt. Hand-tooled leather with an intricate design would be good. Then add a tapestry cloth vest, one whose weaving is shot through with glints of bright silk in bold colors. Keep the fabrics of sweater and vest smooth and comfortable, and then make sure the jeans are not so plain or new that they clash. Softly worn denim with subtle overstitching for decoration would be a good choice. Tuck the jeans into a good pair of boots, well made, low heeled and not so high up on the calf that you resemble a member of the musketeers. Now, add a scarf, or maybe a boa? Do you have a special pair of earrings or a new suede cap? Begin to build on the basics, layer upon layer of pure “you”. After all, your outfit is sort of the window dressing on the person you are displaying to the world. Make sure that yours complements and never clashes with the person you wish to be seen as when you venture out.

So, maybe, you don’t have all of the elements. That’s fine. You have basics, or you’d never make it out of the house. Experiment. A splash of color or a glimmer of jewelry can make a dull suit or dress sing an aria, and the song will be of your own composing. Keep the layers light, so you can add or subtract without feeling like you’re molting, and feel free to change them about as the day and your needs change. For lunch, doff the cap and scarf, and let that beaded necklace that was hiding have a chance to peep out. You are a one-woman show in style, or at least that’s what you will appear to be.

The concept of layering is not new. Most, however, seem to think of it in conjunction with keeping warm. And while layers are great for added warmth, they can add drama or fun or mystery just as easily. So, have fun with the concept. Make a new statement every day, or simply modify the same one so that you are consistent, but never repetitive. It begins with a glint or a sparkle. Where it goes from there is up to you.

Just a Quick Add On

Just wanted to post a quick picture of another beautiful, romantic piece made by Exquisite Studios and my lamp work beads. The necklace is simply beautiful and I am thrilled she made my beads look so good lol! Here are the beads. And here is the lovely necklace she made with them.

Artisan Feature

Well I am finally back to posting on my blog. I have missed doing it but the holidays were so completely crazy I couldn't squeeze out spare moment.

I am going to do a little bit more on the artisan features this year, I have come across some really great shops. I am also going to feature some pieces from other artisans that are using my lampwork beads in their work. On that note, here is the first one. This piece was made by Exquisite Studios and can be found here. She took one of my lentils and paired it with a hammered circle made by AlishaWhite. I think they look beautiful together and am excited to see how my beads are used in other peoples creations. And not only does ExquisiteStudios make some really beautiful jewelry, she makes also makes the most beautiful candle holders. Go check out her shop, her jewelry is elegant and romantic and well worth a good look!

Holiday Sale Extended

Wow, it sure has been super busy at my house since Thanksgiving! We had a great meal and family get together, I hope all of you had the same. I think that was the least tense Thanksgiving in years lol, no bickering going on at all. I think everyone was just too stuffed! I hope everyone is ready for Christmas! No? Me neither lol and we are celebrating with my side of the family on Sunday ( oh my gosh I have 5 days, eek, I hope I get everything done in time!)

I have decided to extend my sale in my artfire shop until the 1st of the year. 10% off everything in my shop using coupon code Holidays1. I can't get anymore custom orders like the rings and some of the pendants done in time for Christmas though.

I sincerely wish each and every one a fabulous Christmas, with lots of love and joy, and happy, prosperous New Year!

Check out this great contest!

The Fire Divas are hosting an Introductory Jewelry Challenge! This challenge will be for jewelry designers who use artisan lampwork in their pieces. The winner of the Challenge will receive a beautiful group of Fire Divas' work. This is a wonderful chance for jewelry designers to show off their talents and get exposure!

Please click on the link below to get all the details & to enter: We love to see how designers use our creations, though for this 1st challenge, ANY artisan lampwwork beads will do as long as they're handmade.

http://firedivas.blogspot.com/2009/11/calling-all-desingers-introductory.html

Holiday Sale Starts

I am having a holiday sale starting Thanksgiving day and running until the 13th of December. Everything in my Artfire studio is on sale for 10% off. Enter the coupon code Holidays at check out and the 10% off will be taken off. Please note that if you want a custom order, I am currently at two weeks and my last day for Christmas shipping via first class mail is December 14th. After that I don't know if it will make it in time without a shipping upgrade or not. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving if you are in the United States and that everyone has a wonderful holiday season no matter what part of the world you are in!

P.S. The coupon code won't be valid until Thursday!