Merry Christmas! (New items listed, too!)

It's Christmas Eve, and here I sit surfing the Internet, shopping for new supplies, and waiting for my husband to come home from work. I can't ever seem to quit looking for new tools and supplies to play with, even on a day like today. Today is also my older brother's birthday, and though I'm sure he doesn't read my blog, I'll wish him a very happy birthday anyways. ^_^

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, too! And my gift to you--A handful of new items in my shop ^_^. I've listed a couple of those new knot earrings and a couple of other items -- more will come after Christmas.

I'm also excited about participating in one of my favorite jewelry suppliers' contests again this year--Fire Mountain Gems Metal clay, metal bead, wirework and chain contest. I have 2 planned entries this year, though I do wish I'd had more finished by now. Both entries will make it to my shop eventually.

So have a wonderful Christmas, everyone (and even if you don't celebrate Christmas, have a wonderful day!). ^_~

Updated knot earrings!

My chainmaille knot earrings are one of the most popular items in my Etsy shop, and I've made some great improvements to them in recent weeks. I'm going to be listing a new crop of them very soon, with some great news:

1. They're now soldered! I previously used epoxy to bond the knot to the post, mostly due to the irregular surface join. The epoxies I use are self-leveling and generally do a great job of filling those gaps, but when it came to larger knots with smaller pads and posts, the knots would separate from the pad much too easily. So, I've experimented with soldered versions with great success!

2. Solid gold! Coming soon are my knot earrings in solid 10k/14k gold. The first ones will likely be 10k knots on gold-filled posts, but 14k posts are coming soon.

3. Much larger styles! I've had some requests for larger knot styles in the past, and with the limitations of the pad sizes, they've proven difficult. Now, with the soldered versions, much larger knots are possible. Look for a very large pair of solid sterling knots to be listed in my shop soon!

I'm very excited to offer these improved designs and new metals, and would love feedback on them. If you happen to purchase a pair once they are listed, please let me know what you think of them!

Blog neglect (again), new pieces & Christmas sales

Oh my, my. I tried so very hard to keep up with this blog, but yet again I fail in an epic sort of way. Only one post for November?! Well, I don't suppose it would make you feel any better if I said that most of November was spent designing lots of new jewelry, would it? ^_^ The 95 item count in my shop reflects the rate at which I've been finishing new pieces ^_~.

I've been taking care of custom item requests and trying hard to get to work on Christmas projects. I suppose between the two, my time has dwindled. I also make all of my Christmas cards every year, so that takes up a large chunk of time, too. As of right now, I have about 2/3 of my cards finished. Must....work.... faster!

Sometimes I get lucky and the weekends offer at least a little bit of rest, but as of late, that hasn't been true either. This weekend is shaping up to be busy yet again, with a last-minute surprise:  I get to attend my 2nd 49ers football game of the season on Sunday. *laughs* And anyone who knew me up through a few years ago would ask: You watch football?! The once-frightening answer today:  yes, I do. Though I must admit that I love baseball a whole lot more.

I would also like to take this moment to thank everyone who has purchased jewelry from me this year, my first in business. I truly enjoy designing jewelry and it is thanks to you that I can continue to do what I love. I have been absolutely floored by the number of inquiries and purchases this holiday season. So, thank you! I promise, I will find a way to thank you more directly for your business soon ^_^.

I have some wonderful ideas in the works for new jewelry -- some of which I hope to actually get in my shop before Christmas, but I can't make any promises. At least I finally updated this blog, though! ^_^