New work

I know it's been a while since my last shop update, but I had very little time these past two weeks since we got back from Germany. One of my co- workers is on holidays and I filled in most of her position at my day job, plus I had quite a few local custom orders that I needed to finish.
I do love it though when I know that I'll  have some time to spend behind the bench, creating whatever comes to mind. So, this is exactly what I did these past two days, create, from the heart.
I am waiting for some new materials and stones which I hope will make its way into my mail box early next week.
Quite a few have asked if I am going to continue making cast jewelry. I sure will, it is just a big process that takes a lot of time, plus I like to do a big batch all at once so that I don't need to stink up the house a few days in a row. It is quite a health hazard actually to be breathing in the fumes from melting silver. I do wear a gas mask plus I work under an exhaust fan, however, after last time I had a metal taste in my mouth for 2-3 days afterwards. I did some research and found out some rather disturbing news regarding those fumes that I now reduce my time casting to just a couple of hours versus a whole day.
I do find it SO much fun casting, but health comes first.
My mother gave me a ton of ancient coins that I will try to cast in silver next week.

I am also still working on my new line of more affordable jewelry which includes a lot of brass, copper, gold and silver plated brass and leather. Not sure though it if will be a good idea of combining those items with my higher end items in my Etsy shop. Perhaps I'll open a new shop for that alone.

Below are some of my latest creations. Hope you like them as much as I do! I had so much fun. Sometimes it feels great being a hermit and be a slave to the muse!

Chrysoprase in oxidized sterling silver.

Chrysoprase in oxidized sterling silver.

Chrysoprase in oxidized sterling silver.

Chrysoprase in oxidized sterling silver.

Funky German glass bead earrings with hand forged sterling silver links.

Funky German glass bead earrings with hand forged sterling silver links.

Butterfly necklace with bezel set turquoise cabochon.

Butterfly necklace with bezel set turquoise cabochon.

Butterfly necklace with bezel set turquoise cabochon.

Sunrise necklace in oxidized sterling silver and rhodochrosite.

Sunrise necklace in oxidized sterling silver and rhodochrosite.

Sunrise necklace in oxidized sterling silver and rhodochrosite.

Frontier earrings in sterling silver and light pink amethyst.

Frontier earrings in sterling silver and light pink amethyst.

Green jasper druzy necklace in sterling silver with embossed butterfly.

Green jasper druzy necklace in sterling silver with embossed butterfly.

Green jasper druzy necklace in sterling silver with embossed butterfly.

Green jasper druzy necklace in sterling silver with embossed butterfly.

Turquoise necklace in oxidized sterling silver.

Turquoise necklace in oxidized sterling silver.

Hand forged earrings in sterling silver and lapis lazuli beads.

Hand forged earrings in sterling silver and lapis lazuli beads.

Frontier earrings in sterling silver.

Frontier earrings in sterling silver.

This is my shop update for this week! There will be more items to come next week.

Thanks for reading!

xox

Sabine

Sept.16.2011

Hi all,

This time of year is the busiest for me in terms of crafting jewelry. I love every minute of it. Although I had to take a little breather for a week in between since I couldn't shake off a nasty lung infection I have been battling with for quite some time now. Just finished a week's prescription of antibiotics, but it doesn't seem to have cured it. Will have to further investigate.

I also have made quite a few new items for my Etsy shop. It really has been a blessing in one way to cut back on my day job so that I can focus more attention to my growing jewelry business. However, the down side to it is that there is also some sort of anxiety that comes with it. Thoughts like " am I going to continue selling" or "what if my sales don't pick up?" I guess every artist knows a bit of that, especially when you are trying to make a living doing what you love.
So I have decided to turn all these thoughts around into something positive. I am just letting things flow without worrying about the future so much. I'll look at it as a challenge to pursue a journey of becoming better at what I do and to learn as much as I possibly can along the way. I think it is important to stretch oneself and to not get stuck when a road block comes up. Keep moving forward and to learn from the past.
I know there has been a lot of frustration about the lack of views and therefore sales for some of us Etsy sellers. However, it just means to work harder. It is for sure a time consuming job being self employed, having to do marketing and creating. But this is my dream and nothing is going to stop me from pursuing it. I'm excited about the future! This job gives me so much in terms of happiness and balance that no matter if I have tons of sales or not I won't stop creating. If it comes to a point where I won't be able to continue to make a living doing it, I will just have to start working full time again at my day job.

I am really really grateful for the lovely returning customers I have on Etsy. Your support means more to me than you'll ever know! Thank you SO very much!

Anyhoo, I have a few projects, mainly sketches on the go that I am super excited about. Hopefully I'll have something to show you by the end of next week.

Here are some of my latest items I completed this week:

Whimsical oak leaf pendant necklace with a gorgeous juicy colored carnelian and several silver granules and one 14 carat gold granule.

Whimsical oak leaf pendant necklace with a gorgeous juicy colored carnelian and several silver granules and one 14 carat gold granule.

I just love this one! It represents growth and strength for me. I made this when I felt a bit lost and unsure. I took a step back and decided to step out of my comfort zone a bit and then this beauty came to life. It features a beautiful faceted rutilated quartz cabochon that is surrounded by texture, 14 carat gold and a lovely red garnet off to the side which adds some richness and contrast.

I just had to make another similar one, after my first one turned out so nice :)

Hand pierced lotus leaf necklace with bezel set baltic amber. I just love the amber with the oxidized silver.

Floral necklace in sterling silver and a lipstick red jade cabochon.

Little piece of loveliness. Showcases a an organic reticulated circle and a floating hand pierced flower with bezel set red garnet. A little 14 carat gold granule offsets the circle and adds a touch of whimsy.

I really have it for oak leafs this season. I guess all the walks I take in the forests inspire me. This one is hand pierced from sterling silver and embellished with pink cubic zirconia's and several granules.

A modern and timeless piece with great texture and a bezel set red garnet. Great for the holiday season, or anytime of the year.

Hand cast sterling silver crescent moon pendant with tapered set blue topaz.

Whimsical piece with a gorgeous hand cut and polished rhodochrosite, offset by three mother of pearl cabochons and floral embellishments.

I think I will take a couple of days away from the bench to do other things such as knitting a couple of scarfs for christmas presents and to get my house in shining order which has been a tad neglected due to my overflowing muse....well, it might be an excuse, but it's a good one! :o)

Now I'm off to enjoy some ice cream with homemade moist apple cake!

Have a super duper sunday everyone!

Thanks for reading!

xox

Sabine