Weekly Review - Pepe Ring Former

One of our members, Kathryn Riechert, posted these videos for another member who was interested in buying one. She graciously allowed us to post them here for everyone to see. I think everyone on the team wants one now! Combined with great reviews and an amazing video - I'm not sure how I will manage without one of these for too much longer!

CHARM SWAP 4 Work in Progress 2

Istanbul Designs etched sterling charms with her pen and ink anvil. To see more of her in progress pictures go to her flickr.

Tomorrow is the deadline to ship the charms for Charm Swap 4 and lots of pictures are coming in. Next week I'll post the finished charms, but this week, we will see the second installment of Etsy Metal's Charm Swap 4 "Works in Progress". I've tried to include a link to the artist's flickr or blog so that you can see even more of their works in progress. (sorry WIP group 1, but I wasn't clever enough last week to do that).

Quercus making her resin filled boxes. Check out more of her pictures on flickr.

Here's the skinny---Charm Swap 4 participants make 22 charms for the swap with 20 to trade with fellow members. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. Fifty percent of all sale proceeds go towards a charity designated by members of the charm swap. Everyone has been working very hard on this and it has been a pleasure to curate this event. I must say that Meg from simplymega wins the "speedy" award for jumping in with only ten days to complete 22 charms! Thanks for your hard work!

Simplymega busted a move and completed her charms, joining with only 10 days to due date!

Metal Riots's charms are already here at my house! Check out her flickr for more pics!

Andes Cruz shows us her progression with her enameled charms.

Rubygirl did honey comb sand cast charms from a vintage button! You can see more of her sand casting on flickr.

Tuizui is making weathered enameled rings in bright colors. Reminds me of kicking back with some chips and salsa! More on her flickr.

Howlin Doggie has done a beautiful cast long sterling leaf. She has blogged on her progress here.

Experimetal is making a jointed copper and brass charm.

To purchase charms from earlier swaps, or the entire bracelet--visit the etsymetal team store.
Thanks to Kathryn Riechert for making the tag and thanks to Nina Gibson for making the base link charm bracelet. Another hearty thanks to Vic from Experimetal for her continued mentoring! CS4 ROCKS!

EtsyMetal News 8.29.09

Ride With Us! from Russ Roca on Vimeo.

Our lovely Laura of Tangerine Treehouse is on an amazing adventure! You can follow her and Ross Roca's progress on their blog. If you feel so inspired, you can make a donation by clicking on the paypal link to support them on their way!

Nina Dinoff hit 400 sales! woohooo! Go Nina!

The Next Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 2: "Pregnancy"

Here are our "seven" participants entries from last weeks'

"Red Carpet Theme"

For those of you who are just stopping in for a peek, EtsyMetal is holding a fun freestyle Jewelry Challenge that is coinciding with Project Runway episodes.

Every Friday we will post the video snippet (at the bottom of this post) of the new PR show here and also post all the submissions from the previous weeks challenge. Anyone is welcome to play along with us. Just post your link of your piece in the comment box so we can see your pieces!

Our first designer above to submit her piece was Shannon Conrad. It is a fabulouso super chunky Sterling Silver cocktail ring sand cast from a vintage button.

I know from experience that these pieces are very substantial and have a wonderful weightiness to them and are luxurious to wear.

Our second entry is a fabricated pendant necklace by Maggie Joynt. It has a gorgeous luminescent Prehnite cabachon set in Sterling Silver with Copper embellishments. Maggie always has wonderful textural yummy details in her pieces.

This third entry is a very eye popping giant enamelled Red Poppy pendant. Its blazing color really reminds me of the real thing that I love so much. This piece was made by Kathryn Reichert. Kathryn says "It is meant for some young starlet to wear to a fun, happy, non boring event!" She also mentions that she is keeping this beauty all for herself.

This next entry is our fourth piece to come in and it is a beautiful handcrafted very large faceted Topaz ring. Sara named this her "Smoky Topaz Organic Tower Ring". Wow this is a really fun one and to be worn as a statement piece for sure! It was made by our lovely multi-talented Sara Westermark. And she also blogged here.

Ok moving along to our fifth entry now, {tee-hee} that would be me, Victoria Takahashi. This piece was intended for a Video Music award Red Carpet event. I was envisioning a heavy metal female rock icon to want to wear this ring. I hand carved a set of bone fangs then I set them in special formed Sterling Silver settings with a nice heavy band. I like Kathryn am keeping this one for myself as well :)

For our sixth super elegant entry. ...This one is a dramatic and super fun piece by Beth Cyr. It is a neck piece but it has such a wonderful essence like a fabric scarflette. I love the delicacy of the Argentium Sterling Silver fused wire. "Bravo Bravo Beth!"

*here is Beth's Blog post.

And last but not least number seven, our final entry! Presenting Nina Gibson! These fun long post earrings have a wonderful retro feel to me. They are fabricated out of Sterling Silver and Faceted Blue Topaz. To read more Nina has blogged about these pretty little earrings.

9.04.09: Nina Dinoff slides her piece in a week late but it is so beautiful I had to slip it in.

OK now for Episode 2: Jewelry Challenge-Video snippet: "Pregnancy!"

"OK Designers" this weeks challenge is a little tricky is it not? The actual challenge is: "to create something chic for a pregnant lady to wear that will show off her curves".

so, here are some ideas that were thrown out to help design a piece around this weeks episode.

"a mothers piece, something symbolic of mother and child, pregnancy, growth, symbolism, birthstones, how pregnant women cannot always wear their normal rings, comfort, curvy shapes...." But as always, these challenges will be purely for fun, there will be no winner or losers. They are simply our own interpretations on the weeks subject. So ultimately do whatever you feel is appropriate.

"Carry on designers"

Studio Songs - What we're listening to while we work

Joy Division

Simon and Garfunkel

Sigur Ros

Iron and Wine

MGMT

Muddy Waters

Etsy Metal Finds

Its not quite fall yet here in Georgia. But it is coming and I am excited. Other places like Alaska - well, you are in full swing!


1. Oak Leaf Tile Magnet by lesperancetile
2. Alaska, Photograph by 3parisians
3. How Trees Celebrate by ShadedMemories
4. Autumn Leaves A Fallen Raku Bottle Vase by DASRAYpottery

Discomedusa = Caitlyn Davey

Etsymetal member, Caitlyn Davey (aka Discomedusa) creates wonderful tribal-inspired jewelry with an organic-industrial feel. In this interview she divulges her roots and inspirations...enjoy!

1. Where do you live, and where are you from?
I recently moved to rural upstate New York, where I grew up.
In the last 15 years, I've also lived in Providence, Boston, and Portland.

2. How did you get started working with metal?
After geeking out about chainmail in high school, I began taking some lessons from a jeweler in Providence. In 2004, I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art with my degree in 3d fine art (with a passion for metalworking and glass)

narrow petit blade earrings

3. What are a few of your favorite pieces at the moment?
Some of my new 18g 'blade earring' iterations are especially streamlined and satisfying. Conversely, I always enjoy making humongous sterling silver, copper, and brass blade earrings, especially 12g and 10g.

10g mega 'filigree' blades with green patina

4. What inspires you (artists, objects, interests)?
My interests and inspirations include microcosmic coffee table books, entymology, Ernst Haeckel's drawings, Blaschka glass models, tribal jewelry, indie & couture fashion.

5. Do you have any other artistic interests?
Someday soon, I'd like to make a room for my sewing machines and get busy making clothes from recycled elements.

Caitlyn's work can be found in her Etsy shop: discomedusa and on flickr. You can also read her musings on her blog.

CHARM SWAP 4 Work in Progress

Work in Progress by Charm Swap creator, Experimetal

This summer twenty of our members have been working diligently on the 4th generation of Etsy Metal's Charm Swap charms. Charm Swap 4 participants make 22 charms for the swap with 20 to trade with fellow members. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. All sale proceeds go towards a charity designated by members of the charm swap. The deadline is fast approaching (August 31) and everyone is keeping me updated with their own works in progress.

Box charm by Quercus Silver

Pierced Flower charm by Blazer Arts

Beginning of Flowers on Vines by Bijougirl Designs

Beginning of the Tree Charm by Kathryn Riechert

Silver Acorn Cap Whistles by Aubergine228

Soon to be stamped dandelion charms by Nina Gibson Designs

Riveted industrial skyscrapers by Maggiej's

Jigsaw Charms by Sara Westermark

Cast Organic charms with Rough Diamonds by Beth Cyr

Pinwheels by Nova Designs

To see charms from earlier swaps, please visit the Etsy Metal Store.
Thanks to all the participants for all your hard work on Charm Swap 4.

Etsy Metal News 8.22.09

Cheetah Cuff by alphabettispaghetti

Welcome to the weekend, everyone! Here is some news from our members this week.

A big congratulations goes out to Sara of sarawestermark and Nina of ninadinoff, who had two designs each accepted into Lark Books' new publication 30 Minute Necklaces, to be published in the Fall of 2010. I can't wait to see what you've come up with, ladies!

Congratulations to Amanda of bijougirldesigns who hit 1000 hearts in her shop this week. That's a whole lotta love!

Kathy of studiometalsmith is having a weekend sale, offering 10% off all earrings including clearance items. Enter the promo code "weekend deals" to receive the discount.

This last week Lisa of lpjewelry got the keys to her new studio at Water Street Studios and is excited to be moving in. Check out the pictures of her amazing new studio here.

Head over to alphabettispaghetti to support a great cause this month. For every Cheetah Cuff sold, Wendy will make a donation to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which will match any donation made this month.

Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 1: "Red Carpet"

This is the beginning of Project Runways' Season 6!

EtsyMetal Team has decided to do a weekly jewelry challenge that is loosely based upon our individual interpretations of the current weeks Project Runway show, there will be no winner and no loser. Members will participate however often they wish throughout the season.

We will be posting the pics of the EtsyMetal Team pieces made for the weeks challenge here and also posting a snippet of the next weeks challenges the day after the new episode airs. So Team members, this means you must have your pics/links to us before Friday @ noon (pacific time) if you want your pics posted :) yes it is a deadline!

This is open to the public and we would love for you to play with us! All you have to do is check in here the day after the latest episode airs (Thursdays 9, 10 & 11:30pm PST, Lifetime channel) and then you have 1 week to make a fabulous piece and post your links to your pics in our comment area so we can all see them!

Have fun and be creative and do what you do best! Carry on designers!

*Season 6 - Week 1: Challenge description:

Tim Gunn says, "This weeks challenge is to represent your individuality and make a red carpet piece, for any red carpet event. "

Hiedi Klum says, "This week is about innovation and your point of view."

noformdesign on HGTV's "That's Clever!"

EtsyMetal member, Paul Phillips (aka noformdesign), was taped for the HGTV show "That's Clever" and it aired last March! We are so proud to have a TV star amongst our membership! ;)
You can see more of Paul's work in his Etsy shop and on his website.

Blazer Arts = Deb Blazer

Eve Nouveau Pendant

Deb Blazer is the talented jeweler behind Blazer Arts. She creates contemporary jewelry that is graphic, dramatic and feminine. She is another one of our newest Etsy Metal members and we are proud to have her on our team.

1. Where do you live, and where are you from?
I currently live in Florida, but grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I will forever be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Ring of Fire

2. How did you get started working with metal?
I have a bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Metalworking and Sculpture from Penn State University. I fell in love with metal in a sculpture class where we learned to cast bronze. There was just something empowering about controlling the molten metal. From there I apprenticed under one of the best custom jewelers in the Northeast, Sharon Teaman, for three years and went on to work at a number of jewelry stores as a bench jeweler. When I was pregnant with my first son, I made the decision to start my own business in order to stay home with him.

3. What are a few of your favorite pieces at the moment?

I love working with Tahitian pearls, but am starting a new bamboo series that I am just so excited about. It's going to feature my black silver and green gold.

Water Lily Necklace

4. What inspires you (artists, objects, interests)?

I have a minor in Art History where I concentrated on Japanese and Chinese art so that usually works its way into my pieces. I also adore nature and Frank Lloyd Wright. He was a genius.

Sumi-E Bracelet - Sumi-E means "black ink painting" and refers to traditional Chinese Brush Painting.

5. Do you have any other artistic interests?
I'm pretty handy around the house. I even made our coffee table. I'm looking forward to working on some larger, more sculptural pieces in the future...light fixtures, mirrors, vases...home decor.

You can find more of Deb's exquisite work on her website, in her Etsy shop and in her 1000 Markets shop.

Etsy Metal News 8.14.09

Wedding Band-14k Gold Hammered Ring by stamp

There is lots of great news this week!

Our biggest news is that so many of us are participating in the Etsy Weekend Deals this weekend! See our blog post below for details on how to take advantage of free worldwide shipping in many of our Etsy shops!

Congratulations to Clare of stamp, who hit 500 sales this week. Yay, Clare!

Nina of ninadinoff will be at the NYIGF from Aug 15-19.

Danielle of daniellejewelry was mentioned on the blog Carrotbox on Wednesday, August 12. (Her name is on the list under the main feature.)

KathrynRiechert will be in Jacksonville on 8/15 at the Riverside Arts Market.

Rachael of sudlow is in this month's Pregnancy Magazine with one of her peapod necklaces.

Etsy Weekend Deals:

Etsy Metal's got
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!
corresponding links below

We are excited to announce that many, many Etsy Metal members (corresponding links below) will be offering FREE worldwide shipping in their Etsy shops this up-coming weekend, from Friday the 14th through Sunday 16th.
To cash in on this great deal, just go to any of the shops listed here, pick out what you want, click "add to cart" and then write "Weekend Deals" in the "Message to Seller" window during your checkout. Your full shipping and handling will then be refunded to you by the seller. This is a deal too good to pass up!

Participating shops:
1. Studio Metalsmith
2. Cynthia Del Guidice
3. Ashley Jewelry
4. Nectar Jewelry
5. Nina Dinoff
6. Discomedusa
7. Sarah Hood Jewelry
8. Bijougirl Designs
9. Sudlow
10.Maggie J's
11. Metal Riot
12. Kathryn Riechert
13. Rubygirl
14. LP Jewelry
15. Amity Jewelry
16. Norsola
17. Nanopod
18. Lunasa Designs
19. Colleen Baran
20. Nina Gibson Designs
21. DuckduckGoosestuff
22. Laurel Hill
23. Nova Designs
24. Stamp
25. Quercus Silver
26. Beth Cyr Jewelry
27. Treanelli
28. Pearl Everlasting
29. Danielle Miller Jewelry
30. Catherine Chandler
31. Jesse Danger
32. Ash Hilton
33. Sara Westermark
34. Simply Mega
35. Kira Ferrer

Tip - Straightening Wire #2

Several months ago, Beth Cyr shared a wire straightening technique: Roll the wire between two steel blocks (see it here).

I use straightened round wire in a lot of my work and I use a flexible shaft technique to make LONG pieces of super straight wire:
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION!!
-Place one end of the round wire into a vise.
-Insert the other end into a flexible shaft chuck jaw.
-While holding the flexible shaft handle, pull the wire taut.
-very SLOWLY press on the rheostat pedal...continue to pull the flexible shaft handle taut.
-Stop when the wire is straight and work hardened.

If you use square wire or put multiple pieces of wire together, you will make fancy twisted wire. Maggie Joynt showed us how to make twisted wire with square wire using the flexible shaft here.

Have fun and be safe!

Etsy Metal News 8.7.09

Blossom Necklace by KathrynRiechert

Good morning and happy Friday!
Here is some news from our Etsy Metal members:

ashleyjewelry's Bubble Earrings were recently featured in a Storque article called Etsy Finds: I've Got Connections. I love those earrings!

Amanda from bijougirldesigns recently entered some "tomato jewelry" in Nashville's Tomato Art Festival and this week her tomato necklace was on News Channel 5's "Talk of the Town!" How cool is that? Check out Amanda's blog for more info and some photos of the ring that went with it.

Last week I posted that Kathryn from KathrynRiechert has a piece in the current Art Jewelry Magazine. This week we get to see a photo of it: here (and above). That is gorgeous, Kathryn!

Cynthia of cynthiadelgiudice will be part of an art jewelry exhibit in the "Museo Casa Yrurtia" in Buenos Aires, Argentina from August 9 until September 2. Two of her fused plastic pieces will be on display. For more information visit her blog.

I have been working hard on a new line of work for SarahHoodJewelry called Botanica. To celebrate the launch, this weekend I am offering 10% off any Botanica piece priced at $200 or under, and 5% off any Botanica piece priced over $200 for the weekend of 8/7-8/9. Just write "Weekend Deals" in the Notes to Seller and I will refund you through PayPal.

Natural Rose Cut Diamond Twig Ring by SarahHoodJewelry

Etsy Metal Finds

After taking some photos of a beautiful moth this morning - I wanted to do a finds that was all insect based! These were some of my favorites.



1. Insect Human Hybrid by Wishbonestudios
2. Fly Shirt by vital
3. Spider Web Clutch by cipolla
4. Mosquito Hawk by GollyBard