Be the Ball

Do you have a Happy Gilmore in your life?  Or at least someone who likes to golf?  Why not get a personalized golf ball marker just for him, or her.  These markers are made of nickel silver and they are a thick gauge so they have a little weight to them.  They can be personalized with anything you like.  Help keep your golfer in line, or least help him mark his spot.  They cost $8 each.

I WANNA ROCK!!!

Do you have someone in your life who is a musician?  Or someone who just loves music?  Why not get him (or her) a personalized key chain or pendant in the shape of a guitar pick?  It is made of heavy gauge pure aluminum.  This means it is mega durable and lightweight.
It is thick so it won't bend.  Keep in mind it is only about the size of a quarter so there is a limit to what can be stamped on it.  The font is small, 1/16" but it is legible.   It would be similar to this one.  *Please note that this is not my work...it is for reference only*  A key chain or pendant like this one costs $12.

Teachers Rule

I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong, but I am up to my eyeballs in Teacher Appreciation key chains.  But it's a good thing.  I had no idea it would be so popular.   I'm glad that so many people want to show their child's teacher their appreciation.  I know it's just a  key chain but it's the thought behind it that really matters, right?  I mean, we're entrusting our childrens' futures in their hands.  Like the quote says, "from tiny seeds grow mighty trees"...teachers are the sun, water and food to our little seeds that we drop off at school every morning.  Without them, those little seeds would never sprout.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, "Thank you teachers out there for all that you do!!"

Tree of Life or Family Tree pendant

I made a prototype last week of a family tree pendant made out of Vintaj brass and glass beads. I didn't get any response from it.
Since then I've made another one made from Sterling plated wire and Swarovski crystal beads wrapped around a rhodium plated pewter ring. Each fruit on the tree would represent a family member and can be customized to birthstones or whatever color one wants. The colors shown in the silver piece are from a bead mixture pack called "earth" and I thought it was fitting.
A pendant like this would cost $12. Add a chain for just a few more dollars.

Peas in a Pod

We've all heard the expression " they're like peas in a pod". Why not showcase your little peas with one of my custom wire wrapped peas in a pod pendant? They can be personalized by number and color of peas. They are shown here in a few different shades of green Swarovski crystal pearls.

Whether you have one little pea, 2, 3, 4 or more, you can get a custom piece to show them off.

These pendants start at $8 and go up with each pea added.  Add a chain for just a few dollars more.

My latest key chain

I just finished another key chain. I like the simplicity of it. Stainless steel can be a bit difficult to work with though because it's so hard and tough. I have to hit the stamps pretty hard in order to make a mark. And if anyone knows me they know I'm a little accident prone. Whacking that hammer that hard that close to my fingers makes me a little nervous. I have slipped a few times and started cursing at the hammer and bench block and then have to quickly hold my tongue as my kids are often in the next room. However all my fingers are still intact after making this piece.  A key chain like this costs $10.

We have a WINNER!!!

Congratulations April R.   You won the giveaway contest!!  I contacted you via Facebook so we can get the details worked out!!  Thank you all for your interest and support.

Patriotic Key Chain Idea

So I'm thinking of making some patriotic key chains.  They would cost $10.  They would be on either a silver or red aluminum disc and have your preference of patriotic saying like, "PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN", "GOD BLESS AMERICA", "IN GOD WE TRUST", etc.  They would be embellished by 3 Swarovski round crystal beads strung together and a small pewter flag charm.  I haven't made any yet because I want to get some feedback first.

The components of the piece are above.  

Would you be interested in something like this?  Or know someone who would be?  

Any and all comments are welcome.

Teacher Appreciation Key Chain

In honor of my son's teachers, I decided to make each of them a key chain for Teacher Appreciation Week.  I know I could've just bought them a nice coffee mug or picture frame but why would I do that when I can custom create something specifically for them?

It is a 1½" aluminum disc, a ¾" copper disc with a copper tree charm, a silver plated apple charm, a glass leaf bead charm and a red Swarovski crystal round bead all on a clippy key chain ring.

Around the bottom layer of the aluminum disc is states, "from tiny seeds grow mighty trees".

Around the copper disc it states, "teach love inspire".

The embellishments I think speak for themselves.

I think this is a great gift for any educator.  It's just a little reminder of why they do what they do.  I thank all you teachers out there!

This item costs $12.  If were to be done in all sterling silver then it would cost $25.

Wire Wrapped Bangle

I just finished my first bangle bracelet.  I have a customer who wanted to get something for her Mom for Mother's Day.  However she wanted it to showcase all of her children as well as their spouses and all 7 of her grandchildren.  We decided on a bracelet because it just seemed like way too many charms to hang on a necklace.

We ran into a few hurdles though.  The cost was rising due to the fact that we were going to need so many stamping blanks.  We were looking at a bracelet that cost over $100!!  I just couldn't do that.  That's just way too much, in my opinion.  So we worked out an idea to have each "family" each stamped onto one of 4 blanks.  I had to use my smalled font to get this to work but I was able to do it.
The bangle itself is made from 14 gauge sterling silver wire which I formed into a bracelet shape and fashioned a twirly "s" hook on each end so that the bracelet can be fastened when worn.
I also added a round Swarovski round crystal bead in garnet for just a little pop of color since she said her Mom really liked deep red.

I'm happy with the way it turned out.  I really enjoy the unique look that the wire wrapping adds to the piece.  It's a great technique because you really can't mess it up.  There's no template.  You just do it how you think it should be done.

This item costs $65.