Etsy Metal Finds 9/30/09

Since many of us are already weary of the early barrage of both Halloween and Christmas decor (and there will be much, much more to come over the next few months), I thought it might be soothing to the soul to ogle over some of Etsy's unsung treasures, like beautiful, hand-crafted, solid-wood beds, tables and home furnishings. There is absolutely nothing like an aesthetically pleasing, well-made piece of wood furniture.

I was really surprised to see so many amazing furniture craftsmen on Etsy, and here are a few of my favorites. I've also listed some honorable mentions below--both Etsy and non-Etsy sellers.

paulus: Sunburst Bed

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mstrf: Abaci Black Coffee Table

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Paulus: Oceana demi lune

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eastvoldfurniture: Floating Credenza

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Honorable Mentions

Etsy
jalexstudios: L-Modern Vase

upcycler: Humilitas Table
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Non-Etsy
Probst Furniture
www.probstfurniture.com

Furniture X Design
http://furniturexdesign.com/

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posted by tgendesignstudio

Upcoming Art Shows/Festivals

Metalriot - September 26, Nuts Over Art Festival - Memphis, TN



Maggiejs - September 26 - Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee, NC



Stankwytchbaily - September 25-27- Peoria Art Fair, Peoria, IL

The Next Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 6: "Create a Character!"

Here are our fabulous "eleven" EtsyMetal
participant entries from last weeks'
"Newspaper" theme!

But first, 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 (see bottom of this post) of the latest PR challenge, then we post all the submissions from the previous weeks challenge. (as seen below)

#1~ Alisa Miller "Fashion Headliners"
Alisa says, "Mine is paper mache with shades of blue. Then I
put a cut out flowery shape over it with the newsprint
pattern." Alisa's Blog.

#2~ Shannon Conrad "untitled"
Shannon says, "I was inspired by the paper chains I used to
make when I was a kid. I used 26 gauge copper and decoupaged
newspaper to it and folded the metal in a woven pattern. Multi-chain necklaces are so popular right now and I thought
it was fun to take that trend into a different direction by
making one of the strands as a paper chain." Shannon's Flickr.

#3~ Thomasin Durgin "For Heinlein"
Tomi says, "It was inspired by the novel Stranger in a
Strange Land. The text comes from an article on the Chase for
the Sprint Cup. I cut a sheet of silver in a way that reveals
some words and conceals others. The back is copper and the
piece is joined with brass nail head rivets." Tomi's Flickr .


#4~ Nina Gibson "untitled"
Nina says, "Financial Times newspaper (which is pink) and
black watercolor and mod podge and copper wire armature.I wanted to make a piece of jewelry using that hard shell. I
built an armature for a bangle bracelet using copper wire and
paper mache over that using wheat paste glue. The shape of
the armature turned out really well, with a ruffle at one
edge and a wider lip at the other. I wanted it to have the
look of a ruffled sleeve." Nina's Blog.


#5~ Mike Stromberg "untitled"
Mike says, "Newspaper on copper armature with red and copper
spray paint, Sterling Silver bail, Rolled newspaper neck wire
bound with copper and Sterling Silver Skulls. Mike's Flickr.

#6~ Jesse Danger "untitled"
Jesse says, "The newspaper shreds are from the Seven Days
personals section, one side of the page had "just friends"
ads and the other side had "kinky only" ads, thought is was a
fun twist. One side of the page had the "two 2 tango" section
for just friends and dating and the other had the "hot 2
trot" section for full on kinky hook ups. Be careful what you
look for in these clippings!" Jesse's Blog.


#7~ Sara Westermark "St. John's Passion"
Sara says, "I used an old score from Bach's "St. John's Passion" for the paper. It killed me to use a score, but this was a modern adaption by a former choir director who basically edited it and then printed out the scores at a copy shop. It was a score in progress, so there were still edits being made, so it was okay to destroy it." Sara's Blog.


#8~ Beth Cyr "untitled"
Beth says, "I'm pretty happy with this week, although, I kind
of wish I'd started on it earlier. This was my original idea
and I kept procrastinating as I didn't feel it was very
creative. I played around w/ some other things trying to get
a different idea and when at the last minute, nothing - I
went back to this one! My favorite part about it is the view
from the back - how you can see the silhouetted tendrils
through the paper." Beth's Blog.

#9~ Cynthia Del Guidice "Safe News"
Copper sheet fold formed into a vessel with sterling silver wire rolled up into balls. Cut and crumpled up newspaper tucked into its interior. Pin made of surgical steel. The piece was also oxidized and buffed with beeswax. The piece represents the state of news and mainstream media, especially print newspaper, in the world. Cynthia's Blog.

#10~ Rachelle Stromberg "untitled"
Rachelle says, "this is a nest of newspaper with some little pearl eggs on a Sterling Silver ring. Rachelle's Flickr.

#11~ Victoria Takahashi "Polyporus Brackets"
With this piece, I pretty much worked this one as I went. It is made of pages from an Asian book. I lightly whitewashed and glued the cutouts, burnt, painted, stamped, laminated, riveted and then attached to a copper plated steel bracelet. To see WIP photos and previous jewelry challenge pieces please go here.


And one lovely GUEST submission!
Two pieces submitted by Tiffany Nelson.
Tiffany makes 2 paper pieces this week.
Sadly they are not made of newspaper, but they are still really fun and colorful!
1~tissue paper necklace 2~star pendant

Now for Episode 6: Jewelry Challenge-Video snippet "Create a Character!"

Hello Designers! This weeks challenge is based upon 5 different film genres. I ask that you pick 1 genre and write a short story(paragraph) about a character in that genre who would be wearing your piece. Next week I will be posting your short stories along with your jewelry picture.

Also ETA, if you are feeling adventurous, you might ponder your approach to this exercise with creating the "story" first. Then create the piece, maybe it will be the same, or maybe it will open new avenues to your creativity?! I mention this as I caught something the judges were saying in their critique about the designers approach to their pieces, it caught my ear and I thought it might be something important to think about....

Action Adventure

Film Noir

Science Fiction

Period Piece

Western

Now "Carry On!"

*guidelines for guest participants: The pieces you submit should be pieces that are made specifically for the weeks show. Please then post your links in our comment area, then cross-post this to your blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. And please tag your photos this week with "EMJC-PR6.6-Create a Character". Currently we post your name with a link to your piece on our blog. If we get more participation from our lovely guests we will start posting pictures of your pieces on the blog too! We can't wait to see what you will come up with! Remember, the deadline for submitting your link is always on Fridays, 12 noon, Pacific Standard Time.

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

Andrew Bird

PJ Harvey

Tom Waits

Brooke Waggoner

The Meteors

Mose Allison

Kate Rusby

The Next Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 5: "Newspaper!"

Here are our fabulous "nine" EtsyMetal

participant entries from last weeks'

"The Customator" theme!

But first, 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 (see bottom of this post) of the latest PR challenge, then we post all the submissions from the previous weeks challenge. (below)

#1~ Thomasin Durgin “Cosmic Sprout”

Customator picks: “ring-wood-organic/nature”

Tomi says, "My challenge was to make a ring incorporating wood and a natural or organic theme. I painted a wooden bead and set it like a pearl with balled silver wire. I am calling it Cosmic Sprout, as it's more space age organic than earthy organic." Tomi’s Flickr.

#2~ Catherine Chandler “untitled”
Customator picks: “ring-fabric/thread-upcycled/green

Catherine says, “My ring is made from recycled silver scrap (with exception of the base and bezel), and upcycled vintage material. I was inspired by my Great Aunt Dorothy, who the material once belonged to, as she was a contessa in Italy and wore fabulous costumes. The ring fits between two fingers, rather than around one, to give it a more modern aesthetic, and is very comfortable. I wanted to create something that could be worn to a gallery or gala event and be noticed (similar to the goal for the models in the episode).” Catherine’s Blog.

#3~ Kathryn Riechert “Tribal Necklace

Customator picks: “necklace-leather/fur-tribal/ethnic”

Kathryn says, “This necklace is a twist on a traditional strand of pearls. It features freshwater pearls, chrysoprase beads, and leather. I cut the leather into leaf shapes and placed one inbetween each pearl. A green bead adds a splash of green. This necklace can also be worn flipped the other way around, where only the leather and pearls show.” Kathryn’s Blog.

#4~ Shannon Conrad “Vine and Leaf Bangle”
Customator picks: “bracelet-organic/natural-steel”

Shannon says, “Vintage steel "leaves" and coral "flowers" have been riveted to a heavy sterling bangle. Sterling silver "vines" are woven around the bangle for additional visual interest.” Shannon’s Flickr.

#5~ Nina Gibson “untitled”
Customator picks: “tiara/hair ornament-glass-industrial/steampunk”

Nina says, “I have glass cabochons - one of my absolute favorite materials to work with - and for the sake of steampunk, I focused on black. The floral cabochons I have seemed too soft and feminine to work with this theme and when I noticed the faceted one sort of looked like a bug eye, I got excited as I had picked up the vintage brass flies the day before. They just had to go together. This is the first time I've made a barrette and making the mechanism to snap in and out of hair was a good lesson in construction for me. I see more barrettes in my jewelry making future.” Nina’s Blog.

#6~ Beth Cyr “untitled”
Customator picks: “ring-aluminum-victorian/byzantine”

Beth says, “Part of my goal has been to create pieces that all work together and still look like me. When doing a little research on victorian or byzantine jewelry, I thought that my organic vine collection might work fine as 'Victorian" with the lacy and tendril-y look.For the aluminum - we had been talking about how to treat the metal underneath clear stones and one suggestion was aluminum foil. I thought the textured effect of tightly crinkled foil would give an extra dimension to the ring. I am really happy with the effect” Beth’s Blog.

#7~ Delias Thompson “untitled”
Customator picks: “ring-plastic-upcycle/green

”Delias says, “The seed beads are old plastic beads from a bracelet my sister made me a long time ago. The ring band is upcycled from an old ring that was sitting on my work bench that I screwed up so I cut out the fold where the stone would have sat. I upcycled wire from my scrap box for the wrap.” Delias’s Blog.

# 8 ~ Victoria Takahashi “Patience”
Customator picks: “bracelet-wood-industrial/steampunk”

This was a very diffucult and challenging challenge for me this week. It is a disassembled and reassembles music box. I had it set in my mind I needed functioning parts for the steampunk aspect. Well I aborted this project about 5 times. But my saint and unreasonably patient bf kept prodding me forward and telling me not to give up and saying you can do it, one thing at a time. Well. If it wasn’t for him I would not of, so thank you honey. I named this “Patience” as it took a lot of it. I learned a lot from this one and it was all worth it!

to see a short video of the music box, and past PR pieces here.

#9~ Sara Westermark “Nostalgia Cuff”
Customator picks: “bracelet-victorian/byzantine-bone”

Sara says, “Sterling Silver, 18k bezels, Fossilized Bone and Diamonds. I did some research and this hinged style of cuff was quite the rage in the Victorian Era. I used the same square wire reinforcements on the edges to add to the strength. Sara’s Blog.

and one lovely GUEST submission!

by Tiffany Nelson

Customator picks: "brooch/pin-wood-tribal/ethnic"

Now for Episode 5: Jewelry Challenge-Video snippet "NEWSPAPER!"

OK designers! WOW, this weeks challenge is the most straight forward one yet! I am adding one element to this one, pre-printed book pages can be used as well for this one. So all we need to do is incorporate some newspaper in a piece of jewelry and voila! Can't wait to see all your crazy creative creations! Now, "Carry On!"

*guidelines for guest participants:
The pieces you submit should be pieces that are made specifically for the weeks show. Please then post your links in our comment area, then cross-post this to your blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. And please tag your photos this week with "EMJC-PR6.5-Newspaper". Currently we post your name with a link to your piece on our blog. If we get more participation from our lovely guests we will start posting pictures of your pieces on the blog too! We can't wait to see what you will come up with! Remember, the deadline for submitting your link is always on Fridays, 12 noon, Pacific Standard Time.

Upcoming Art Shows/Festivals

Kathryn Riechert - September 18-20, 2009 Arts in the Heart of Augusta - Augusta, GA



Metalriot - September 19, Copper Young Arts Festival - Memphis, TN

Etsy Metal Finds 9/16/09

The Art of the Coffee Mug

I don't know about you, but I can't begin my day without coffee. I need the sound of grinding beans, I need the smell of it as it brews, and ultimately I need the slight boost it gives me to help me fully open my eyes in the morning.

As a coffee lover, it goes without saying that I have a thing for really cool coffee mugs. My favorite is one I've had for about ten years with a print of a little "girlie mouse" on it. She's wearing knee-high stockings and a dress, she's sitting on a tall stool with her legs crossed, and the caption says, "Caution: Hot Stuff." I LOVE that mug, and I've treated it as nothing less than fine china over the years. If it should ever break, I'd certainly be heartbroken.

So, in anticipation of the inevitable Ultimate Exercise in Clumsiness, whether it be tomorrow or another ten years from now, I've started scoping out replacements. The selections below are all so wonderful that I find myself wanting one of each. And, of course, if *you* find others that you think might appeal to the die-hard coffee drinkers among Team Etsy Metal (and they do exist), please feel free to leave a recommendation in our comments section.

In the meantime, methinks it's time for my second cup...

Enjoy!

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Top Left: Mug with Pink Interior by kimwestad
Top Right: Button Mad Hatter Mug by madhatterceramics
Bottom Left: Demitasse with Lily Pad Saucer by JDWolfePottery
Bottom Right: Witch Shoes in LOMO by christywhitehead
Center: Frankie by JThompsonPots

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posted by agjewelrydesign

The Next Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 4: "The Customator!"

Here are our fabulous "ten" EtsyMetal participant entries from last weeks' "Surf Wear" theme!

But first, 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 (see bottom of this post) of the new PR show. We also post all the submissions from the previous weeks challenge.

#1~ Kathryn Riechert

earrings "Into the Blue" and ring "Seashell"

I have to tell you that Kathryn was done the next day after the show!? She was very inspired this week. And also she was the first to submit 2 weeks in a row! Woo hoo! Kathryn says, "The third week of Project Runway asked the designers to make a beach wear look. Lucky for me, I happened to have these great chrysoprase gemstones that look just like the ocean! I put blue chalcedony stones at the top of the earrings. The sides of the bezels and prong settings have been textured to look like sand, at the same time this has the effect of making those areas extra glittery. I'm quite happy with how these turned out and have to give a nod once again to the runway for pushing me outside of my comfort zone!

To see more about Kathryn and her beautiful treasures see here!

#2~ Thomasin Durgin "untitled"

Tomi says, "Mine is an untitled necklace featuring a silver pendant with a pierced copper stylized wave form and three pearls, the attached silver chain includes drilled pearls strung in an asymmetrical pattern. I generally use gems very sparingly in my work and I had fun incorporating all of the pearls. I look forward to future challenges and the opportunity to approach the designs in a new way." See more of Tomi here!

#3~ Sara Westermark "Beckoning Waves"

Sterling Silver and Copper Handmade chain with hook clasp. The coral figures have inspired me to do a whole coral series with dewy cabochons in aquas and greens set on the copper in a sterling bezel. To get to know Sara a little better check out her blog.

#4~ Victoria Takahashi "A Surfer's Souvenir"

My piece is inspired by my first initial thought about surfing. It is scary! All those giant man eating Sharks creeping beneath the surface. So then that got me thinking about the simple little Shark teeth they sell in tourist markets on a cord. Well I thought, I'm gonna make me some surfer bling!It is hand carved bone, oxidized and fabricated Sterling Silver, and two Cubic Zirconia. It is relatively big and heavy. The words stamped "Mano-Niuhi" mean Great White Shark in Hawaiian. It is a Talisman to protect the surfer. To see more of my past PR pieces here!

#5~ Nina Gibson " Surfs Up!"

Nina has alot to say about all her inspiration and the pieces you see here.

Please see her blog for an insight to the Nina's process!

"You go girl!"

#6~ Amanda Conley "Surfboard and Starfish Necklace"
Surfboard and Starfish Necklace made from Sterling Silver and Gold-fill with Leather, Turquoise and Serpentine. See Amanda's blog here.



#7~ Shannon Conrad "Oceania"
Shannon says, "I made a handmade Sterling bail for a large irregular piece of Larimar. I soldered a bezel cup to the rivet that holds the bail in place and added a pearl. I love how this piece of Larimar evokes the ocean as seen from space... with the blue sea and brown land masses and bits of clouds. I like the simplicity of this pendant. It could be worn with anything
from a bikini to a long, flowy printed sundress.
Please go here to see more about Shannon.



#8~ Cynthia Del Giudice "Algae"
Cynthia says, "It is a pin. Made out of Copper and Sterling Silver with patina and
cultured Pearls. It is inspired on some algae I collected when I was living in Los Angeles."

To read more about Cynthia please see her blog post!

#9~ Beth Cyr "Sea Goddess"

Its fused Argentium sterling silver, patinated, w/ red coral. it will be for sale at some point...

but its not listed just yet!To read more about Beth and this challenge please see her blog.

#10~ Stacey Hansen "At the Beach"

Stacey says, "something surf inspired... since i am not a surfer, i immediately thought of the beaches at home.this mammoth cocktail ring features a huge coral cabochon set in a handmade bezel which is accented with hand cut and filed sea grass and fine silver grains of sand." To read more about Stacey and this challenge please check out her blog!

Now for Episode 4: Jewelry Challenge-Video snippet
"The Customator"

Once again this week is a bit vague to be interpreted into a jewelry challenge. So I have scraped together a master plan, muah hahaha! Here it is:

There are 3 categories, "type, material and style." I blindly pick 1 card from each hat so you end up with a total of 3 cards. This will give you the 3 parameters to work within. For the members of EtsyMetal they will have their cards picked and posted in our forum. And for our *guest participants, just write in the comment box and I will pick 3 cards for you and post it the same day you ask.

Quote from Tim Gunn: "The models of the runway have been invited to a special industry event and what they wear might very well be their ticket to their future. They need to stand out and be noticed to the agents, designers and the press not only see not only their impeccable sense of style, but also their ability to wear and sell 'a look'."

OK so this has relatively nothing to do with our challenge or does it? you decide!

"Carry on designers!"

*guidelines for guest participants:

The pieces you submit should be pieces that are made specifically for the weeks show. Please then post your links in our comment area.
Please remember to cross-post this to your blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. Also please tag your photos this week with "EMJC-PR6.4-The Customator" Also for this challenge just write in the comment box requesting your 3 cards and I will pick and post the same day in the comment area, so keep an eye out for it! We really look forward to seeing you! Deadline is always on Fridays, 12 noon, Pacific Standard Time.

Etsy Metal Finds

As someone who was trained in science and who almost pursued a career in astronomy, stargazing has always been an integral part of my life. On any given night you can find me studying the vastness of the cosmos and pondering the origins and mechanics of the universe.

In my early days as a stargazer, I'll never forget the very first time I found the constellation Cassiopeia and realized that I was at the same time looking into a wispy arm of the Milky Way. I cried. Well, not literally, but to say that I was moved would be an understatement. Being able to look up and see billions and billions of stars outside of the glare of city lights, way up in the mountains, was an overwhelming experience (the histories of the mountains in and of themselves is phenomenal from a geological perspective, so consider that a double-whammy).

As the fall/winter viewing season gets underway, I encourage you to dust off your telescopes and binoculars and aim them upward. At a bare minimum, you must step outside and find Orion--and you can do that with the naked eye.

In the meantime I found a few "more frivolous" items to help get you in a stargazing mood. I had to try hard to limit myself to just a few because there were SO many fabulous things, and I could easily have listed 20 of my favorites!

Enjoy, and Clear skies!

Leo Constellation Star Astronomy Graphic Tee by Isotope

Astronomical Clock-Prague 8x12 fine art photograph by photohale

Retro Scifi Tech Small Tilting Tabletop Telescope in Wood Metallic Silver by builderstudio

Free Luna Set of 5 Blank Greeting Cards by DaogreerEarthWorks

Mad Scientist Challenge: “I Am Starstuff” bracelet by Molecularmuse

Star and Sparkle, Adopt an Alien Conjoined Twins by AdoptanAlien

posted by tgendesignstudio

2009 September Blog Carnival

Several of the team choose participate in a once-a-month blog carnival. We converge on the first Monday of each month, writing about the same topic, from our own experience and interpretation.

It is my joy to bring you the little blurb each month. For September 7th, 2009; we asked: "What was your first piece of metalsmithed jewellery?" Some thoughts to flesh it out include, but are not limited to: What did it mean to you? What materials? Silver price at the time? Were you in class/ home? What would you do different now to it? What did you learn from making it? And so on.

I had a great time writing this entry, and am looking very forward to reading all of our members responses. A little bit more insight into our members' backgrounds. I hope you enjoy! :)

September's Participants:

Andes Cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/

Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com

Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com

Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com

Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/

Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/

Delias Thompson http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com

DuckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG

Kerin Rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com

Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com

Libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com

Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com

Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/

Quercus Silver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com

Sara Westermark http://sarawestermark.blogspot.com/

Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/

EtsyMetal News 9.05.09

Danielle Miller has a few items from her Midnight Marquise Collection in the fall Artful Home catalog - you can check out more on her blog!

Nina Gibson now has her line of vintage glass cabochon jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets) on Uncommon Goods! That is incredibly awesome - you can check it out here.

And Shannon Conrad of rubygirl hit 1000 sales! This is such an amazing milestone, YAY Shannon!!

The Next Etsy Metal Jewelry Challenge: Project Runway Season 6-Episode 3: "Surf Wear"

Here are our fabulous "ten" EtsyMetal participant entries from last weeks'
"Pregnancy" 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 (see bottom of this post) of the new PR show. We will 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 and then we will post your links in the next weeks EMJC-PR reveal post.

*A special note to 'non-team members' that are joining in:
We are so glad to have you be a part of our challenge!

The pieces you submit should be pieces that are made specifically for the weeks show.

If you decide to join the game then please remember to cross-post this to your blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. Also please tag the photos this week with "EMJC-PR6.3-Surf Wear."

I see that last week we have some new players so I will be listing those today, here :)

*Deadline: Fridays 12 pm PST*

#1~ Kathryn Reichert "New Life"

Our first team member entry made it in early!

Kathryn says, "You can wear it long to drape to the top of the pregnant belly (the chain is 32" long). There is no clasp for swollen fingers to have to fiddle with. Or if you want to draw the attention a bit higher, you can use this handmade s-hook to double it and wear it like this.

The materials are sterling silver, patina, goldfill, freshwater pearls, peridot, and apatite. This necklace would fit into my Renewed Collection which uses tree rings as a metaphor for regrowth, rebirth, and new life. Pregnancy fit nicely into that concept, so I decided to make something using elements from the collection. There is one bird's nest with 3 eggs on the necklace. Also, the scattered larger freshwater pearls are egg shaped. The peridot and apatite chips mimic leaf shapes and are scattered throughout the chain. The green and blue give the impression of looking through green leaves and into a blue sky.

#2~ Amanda Conley
Amanda says, "It's an Sterling Silver and Peridot initial necklace with the birthstone in the center of the flower. I used "e" because it is the initial of two of my children."

#3~ Shannon Conrad "Americauna"

Shannon says, "I love the necklace of feathers on my chicken Honey Bunny. I wanted to try to translate that in metal. So this is my ode to Malvin and his chicken suit. Handcut copper "feather" links., each has been formed and then enameled with 3 different colors as well as a white stringer. The enamel was then etched to make it matte. I am actually pretty pleased with this one. The "feathers" were cut with a tab on one side and a hole on the other. Each one links to the next - no jumprings or anything. It acually makes it lay really nicely on the neck."

#4~ Victoria Takahashi "Fertility Basket"

"I have been using these PR jewelry challenges to spark my creativity. Its been a fantastic catalyst and motivational tool, and a way to make me think and implement old and new ideas. Bringing favorite techniques back to life has been so satisfying for me....

This piece is all fabricated out of Mild Steel and Sterling Silver and Quail eggs.

It is a homage to Malvin, another designers' Designer, just like James-Paul was. I was VERY sad to see them both go. But I predict here and now that, Marvin will come back and play in this season again! To see more of my older PR pieces please take a peek here."

#5~ Sara Westermark "Mothers Web"

Sara worked hard to ge this beautiful structural cuff done, and I sing her praises as she had a injury and she STILL managed to complete her project! Now I say that is

dedication and determination! Materials are Sterling Silver and Topaz.

#6~ Nina Dinoff (blogged)

Nina says, "I wanted to do something that really worked for a pregnant woman. The first thing that came to mind for me was that women's fingers expand and they can no longer wear their rings. So this is a ring that expands from a size 5 to a size 6."

#7~ Nina Gibson (blogged)

Nina says, "Week 2 of the Project Runway Challenge was tricky! I mean from the standpoint of jewelry, the needs of pregnant women are mostly the same as those who are not. We all want great jewelry! When I designed my piece, I thought I was going to do something totally different. The oval back plate is, of coarse the belly, and the U wire that becomes the necklace bale is very fallopian looking. I added four fine silver dots as well, which can be customized to represent the number of people in one's family. The feeling I really was going for is the heaviness of pregnancy and the support needed. That "fallopian" line is lifting and supporting. I am pleased with how it turned out and although it may represent pregnancy, it can be worn without any reference to fertility at all as just plain adornment."

#8~ Sophie Wiggins

Sophie says, "I designed a piece of jewellery for an expectant mother...the Peridot is because it is supposed to confer ease in childbirth (um, as I recall, NOTHING would have made that easy, so maybe I should have worn peridot!)this is modelled after primitive european jewellery, deliberately - having children is as primitive as it gets, and it's also about creation, so it was supposed to have a priestessy feel. It's deliberately asymmetric, too, just because my bump stuck out more on one side than the other, both times.so yes, that sums up pregnancy for me - wonky and primal. And I couldn't wear rings when I was pregnant, bracelets bugged and drew attention to my revolting swollen hands, and I liked wearing necklaces above the suddenly ludicrously oversized boobs and belly. I know. TMI.

#9~ Beth Cyr (blogged)

Beth says, "My goal - to make things that fit the challenge but are pieces that will fit w/ my collections too! My piece is fused Sterling Silver - my organic vine pattern that I created a 'ball' out of. It also reminds me of a birdcage. I filled it with these gorgeous yellow flowers - 4 o'clocks. They don't bloom during most of the day and when they are closed up, the rather look like scrambled eggs - or just plain scrambled egg yolks. The chain is all handmade fused Argentium Sterling Silver also. There is no clasp - so it is super easy to just slide right over your head! A little symbolism w/ a little practicality."

#10~ Cynthia Del Giudice

Our final entry is a beautiful hand fabricated Copper and Sterling Silver pendant. It hangs from a handmade Sterling Silver chain. I love the organic feel of this necklace and I love the womb interpretation.

We are proud to say we have 2 guest entries this week!

Jaime Pickering "Gaurdian Lariat Necklace"

Jamie says, "I think any woman in the throws of pregnancy can appreciate a piece of jewellery that adjusts to fit their mood or body. The wings and pearl are symbolic to a mother protecting its child - something any mommy can understand!"

Tiffany Nelson "Motherhood Necklace"

Tiffany says, "A sterling silver hand cut design especially for the expectant mother. A stylized pregnant silhouette along with a hand set moonstone cabachon represent the bond developing between mother and child."

Now for Episode 3: Jewelry Challenge-Video snippet

"Surf Wear"

"OK Designers" this weeks challenge is a bout Surf Wear. The actual challenge is:

"to create a fun and fashionable Surf Wear look".

Tim says, "it's critical to infuse your point of view and personal style into this challenge." Also, if you are feeling super motivated, there was an extra added bit to their challenge, it was to design a Avant Garde interpreted Surf Wear piece. OR maybe you'd rather just make the Avant Garde piece, make one OR perhaps both!?

It's all up to you designers!
So, here are some ideas that were thrown out to help design a piece around this weeks episode.
"sun, surf, beach, color, california surf icons, water, sand, bathing suits, surf culture,youth..."

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!"