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Well, as usual, the members of the Etsy Metal team are busy this month. Here's what some of us are up to in November-
Danielle Miller-Gilliam's "Ridge Collection" will be represented by llyn strong fine jewelry at SOFA in Chicago, IL from November 4-6. SOFA: Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair is a gallery-presented, international art exposition dedicated to bridging the worlds of design, decorative and fine art. You can see the "Ridge Collection" by clicking on the link.
Danielle Miller-Gilliam will be at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show in Atlanta, GA on November 4 & 6.
Jen Lawler Designs will be participating in an invitational art show called "Art On The Prairie" in Perry IA. The dates are November 12-14th.
Jen Lawler Designs will also be participating in the Black Friday Market Day Event on November 25th from 9-2.
Meg Auth is a featured artist for the month of Nov at CircaArts Gallery in South Bend IN. She will be presenting a new collection of jewelry incorporating Lake Michigan beach stones entitled "Stoned Love". Gallery opening is Nov 11.
Lena Echelle is at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show November 4 and 5.
Lena is also teaching thorn setting in a one day workshop called Thorn Theory 101 at the Spruill Art Center in Atlanta. Click on the link for more info.
Beth Cyr changed her shop name! bcyrjewelry is now just BethCyr.
Andrea of Amuck will have jewelry in the exhibition titled "From Minimal to Bling:Contemporary Studio Jewelry" at The Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, Ma. Nov.4-Dec. 30 2011.
Andrea would also like to announce that she is a member of Susan Lenart Kazmer's Ice Resin design team for the next year.
Well, that the November happenings here folks. Stay tuned, the members of Etsy Metal continue to make the news...
Sue
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Project Runway: Season 9; Episode 13 - "The Final Challenge"
This Week's Challenge:
"Finale, part 1 & 2"
Project Runway Challenge:
The remaining designers are working on their final collections to be presented at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and must present a three-look mini-collection to present to judges.
Our EtsyMetal Translation:
Create a mini collection in any variation of pieces! Feel free to draw on previous challenges to inspire, or create something completely different!
Here are the final Submissions for Season 9:
My collection was created using the poor-man's raising technique. I don't have the right tools for doing raising so I improvised and used my rawhide mallet, my vise, my set of dapping punches and my ball peen hammer. But first I patterned my copper with my rolling mill and a scrap piece of raw canvas. I wanted to give the metal the feeling and flow of fabric. The three pieces turned out to be wonderfully lightweight yet sturdy!
I am thinking that they would all coordinate with any of Anya's designs this season.
For my take on the challenge, I wanted to do something that represents my style so I've used materials that I love to work with, Nevada boulder turquoise, pearls, and a rose cut diamond. Done in sterling silver with touches of 14kt and 18kt gold, the collection includes a pendant, earrings, and a ring.
Guest Submission
New Challenge:
Accessorize This?
Due: 12 midnight pst Next Thursday, 11/3/11
Project Accessory Challenge:
EtsyMetal Challenge
The challenge for the designers was to create something fabulous out of junk. We all have a junk drawer in our house. (I have four!) The drawer with the "junk" we save for no apparent reason. So go dig through the junk drawer and find the fabulous to create an accessory of your choice to pair with a simple t-shirt and jeans. Necklace, earrings, bracelet, belt, or handbag...it's up to you! Limit yourself to ONLY what is in the junk drawer for materials. No materials from the bench except glue and paint. Of course, full access to all of your tools
**guidelines for guest submissions**
Please read this every week as there may be small updates and changes. The pieces you submit must be pieces that are made specifically for that weeks challenge. Then post a link to your challenge creation in this weeks comment area before the deadline.
*We only are accepting guest submissions from our blog comment area at this time, insert your links there. Then please cross-post this to your Blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. And tag them with "EMPA 1.1". We will post your name with a link and a picture of your piece on our blog. Thedeadline for guest submissions will be Thursday at 12 am (midnight), Pacific Standard Time. The new blog posts and the new challenge will go up the Friday after the new episode airs.
Now Go Be Creative!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tool Review - Kerr Smoothy Flameless Wax Finisher and Mini-Torch
Recently I saw this little guy and thought "oooh, how fun! I need one of those!" I know I haven't yet used it to it's full extent - so this may not be a great review in those terms... but at least will introduce it to you and let you know that it exists!
I haven't used it as a mini-torch, only as the flameless heat blower. :) It is like a super tiny, super hot hair dryer! Beware - it IS hot. And because it is so tiny, you do have to take a little care in to totally melting out a section of wax. Once you get the hang of it though - it is really amazing.
I use it to lightly melt out finger prints or little imperfections that aren't meant to be there.
Now, you may be thinking, "Well, I use my alcohol lamp for the same thing. How is this any different?"
It isn't A LOT different, but it is. Only having the heat w/o the flame makes for a much more subtle and controlled way of warming up a wax or smoothing out an area.
In the winter when the wax is harder to work with, I use it just a little to get the wax all warmed up before rolling it out or working with it. A lot of my wax work is with soft waxes, so it is great for getting it to a warmer temperature where it is more malleable.
It is always a great way to melt a little wax on to something like... the back of a leaf - won't catch the leaf on fire like the lamp!
A couple of downsides (and maybe someone that has one can tell me?) Refilling the butane is a PAIN! I'm not sure if I'm doing it wrong, but I have yet to figure out a better way to do it. The connection just isn't that great, so I have to wear gloves or the super cold butane sprays out on my hand. And it is a little difficult to tell how full it is.
Overall, I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons and I would recommend it to anyone who does wax work
You can find it here on the Rio site.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
EtsyMetal Charm Swap 9 Update
We have twenty participants! EtsyMetal CS9 is officially underway.
Since we are pretty early in the process there isn't a ton to report on but we do have a few sneak peeks for the week.
From Sarah from JujuBySarah:
"Here is a pic of my "stones"...little ceramic baby heads."
and from me, Laney, from Silentgoddess:
"I am thinking I will use this little vintage travel trailer pendant mock-up as my inspiration for my charms. Although I have been known to change my mind... often."
Until next time...
Since we are pretty early in the process there isn't a ton to report on but we do have a few sneak peeks for the week.
From Sarah from JujuBySarah:
"Here is a pic of my "stones"...little ceramic baby heads."
and from me, Laney, from Silentgoddess:
"I am thinking I will use this little vintage travel trailer pendant mock-up as my inspiration for my charms. Although I have been known to change my mind... often."
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Ask Auntie EM - Bezel setting tools
Have you heard about the new weekly blog post called "Ask Auntie EM"? Ann Hartley of Hartleystudio and I, Sue Szabo of lsueszabo , will be answering YOUR questions in a weekly post we are calling "Ask Auntie EM". EtsyMetal has over 100 members with vast amounts of knowledge and far reaching interests and capabilities. We figured if we couldn't answer your questions...someone on the team could! "What can we ask?" Great question! Ask anything! Metalsmithing, enameling, raising, stone setting, cooking, childcare, travel...you got a question, we probably have an answer! Email your questions to askauntie@etsymetal.com and YOUR question might get answered next week!
Here's this week's question from Dale, who posted the question on our comments section-
My favorite well-used wooden dowels and a bone folder (left)
A standard steel bezel rocker (left) and burnisher (right)
Here's this week's question from Dale, who posted the question on our comments section-
"I've been experimenting with making gem-set bezels, but have been unable to find a satisfactory tool for folding the bezel edge over the stone. There seem to be a variety of tools on the market. Do you have a bezel pusher that you particularly like?"
This is a great question, and YES, i do have a favorite tool. It may be a bit unconventional but I really like a plain wooden dowel. First I use it vertically all around the side of the bezel to get it as close to the vertical edge of the stone as possible. Then I gently start to fold it over- of course, the best way is to do opposing sides first- North, then South, then East, then West. Another way of looking at it is the clock face- bend over the bezel at 12, then 6, then 3, then 9. Then proceed to fold over the rest. I like the wooden dowel because, it doesn't scratch the surface of the stone or the metal and it will take alot of downward force without breaking. Of course, there are times when i need a bit more "oomph" and I just can't get that stubborn bezel edge down- for example, in a tough corner. Then I get out my standard steel bezel rocker and apply downward pressure while rolling the rocker on the bezel surface.
Some people like to use the standard steel bezel rocker to initially bend over the bezel but I don't. If you slip with it, often you've scratched your stone or enamel unless you have protected the surface. I also think it can leave crimps and dents in the bezel easily- it's just too aggressive for my taste. Crimps and dents and scratches will almost never happen with a wooden dowel. I have them in different sizes to use with different size pieces.
My favorite well-used wooden dowels and a bone folder (left)
There are other tools similar in concept to the wooden dowels I use. Some like to use a standard bone folder that is available at craft stores like Michael's. These also work well, are very inexpensive, and will not scratch your stone.
After the bezel is down firmly, I finish it by covering the stone with blue painter's tape (it comes off easily without leaving residue on your stone) and then burnishing the bezel down completely with a standard steel burnisher to remove any gap and tighten it up. Some people like agate burnishers (available from Rio) as they don't scratch your stones. I tape mine off anyways for the final finishing so I use the standard steel ones which I think work better.
A standard steel bezel rocker (left) and burnisher (right)
Once the bezel has been nicely burnished down, I then sand the bezel and do all the final finishing with the tape on the stone to protect it. You should end up with a pretty perfect looking bezel.
I am only addressing HAND pushed bezels and not hammer set ones, we'll save those for another day....
Thanks for your question Dale. Anyone have something they'd like to ask Auntie EM? Email us at askauntie@etsymetal.com!
Til next week, happy metalsmithing!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Keeping or quitting your day job
I am curious, regarding the idea of Keeping or Quitting your day job how, EM members refer to their work and define themselves. Some people refer to themselves as, artists. While others may call themselves a craftsperson, Maker, jeweler, dabbler, etc. Some may even prefer no definition.
For some of us a 'day job' is necessary to keep a studio space outside of our homes, maintain supplies, food in our stomaches, etc., etc. Some people that have work (day/night jobs) aside from their creative pursuits often hope or dream of a time when these creative pursuits will be able to take centre stage.
Etsy Metal members share their stories of the work they love, sacrifices made (or not made) in being artists, metalsmiths, makers, etc. This series is about achieving a fundamental sense of fulfillment and purpose, of finding your place in a community of your peers. It's about sharing the truth of what it is to be an artist in the 21st century, in all of its forms. We all walk different paths in the expression of our work, yet we came together through Etsy.
• • • • Lisa Dienst-Thomas also known as, Lisa's Pieces or LPJewelry on Etsy.
I am a Wife, Mother and Metalsmith full-time. I am a Community Programs Coordinator at an Assisted Living Residence part-time. Sometimes my life is so busy I feel dizzy. I love my part-time job but wish I didn't need it. I must work so that I can BUY health insurance at a group rate. My husband is self-employed and the cost of decent family health insurance outside of a job is prohibitive.
I wish I could be in my studio 80 hours a week. I feel calmer and more grounded when I am creating. I have been creating "things" since childhood. In my twenties I took a jewelry class and even though that first night there were too many people and not enough tools I was hooked. I found my calling. Jewelry making is my passion.
As much as I love making jewelry I love teaching jewelry making to others. My students inspire me both with their work but also by forcing me to examine basic skills and come up with new work of my own.
I hope to be able to retire from my part-time job someday but will hopefully make jewelry the rest of my life. I know there are careers where I could make much more money but my heart sings when I create jewelry and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Make sure to visit Lisa's Etsy shop!
For some of us a 'day job' is necessary to keep a studio space outside of our homes, maintain supplies, food in our stomaches, etc., etc. Some people that have work (day/night jobs) aside from their creative pursuits often hope or dream of a time when these creative pursuits will be able to take centre stage.
Etsy Metal members share their stories of the work they love, sacrifices made (or not made) in being artists, metalsmiths, makers, etc. This series is about achieving a fundamental sense of fulfillment and purpose, of finding your place in a community of your peers. It's about sharing the truth of what it is to be an artist in the 21st century, in all of its forms. We all walk different paths in the expression of our work, yet we came together through Etsy.
I am a Wife, Mother and Metalsmith full-time. I am a Community Programs Coordinator at an Assisted Living Residence part-time. Sometimes my life is so busy I feel dizzy. I love my part-time job but wish I didn't need it. I must work so that I can BUY health insurance at a group rate. My husband is self-employed and the cost of decent family health insurance outside of a job is prohibitive.
I wish I could be in my studio 80 hours a week. I feel calmer and more grounded when I am creating. I have been creating "things" since childhood. In my twenties I took a jewelry class and even though that first night there were too many people and not enough tools I was hooked. I found my calling. Jewelry making is my passion.
As much as I love making jewelry I love teaching jewelry making to others. My students inspire me both with their work but also by forcing me to examine basic skills and come up with new work of my own.
I hope to be able to retire from my part-time job someday but will hopefully make jewelry the rest of my life. I know there are careers where I could make much more money but my heart sings when I create jewelry and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Make sure to visit Lisa's Etsy shop!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Project Runway: Season 9; Episode 1 - "The Final Challenge"
This Week's Challenge:
"The Final Challenge"
Season 9, Episode 12
Project Runway Challenge:
In this episode, the challenge was to create a mini-collection that emphasizes the designers' overall fashion vision. The designers went to Governor's Island in NYC for inspiration.
Our EtsyMetal Translation:
Create a piece inspired by the sights on Governor's Island. Never been there? Visit the website's photo gallery to see photos of the sculpture exhibition, and other photos. Need to be there to be inspired? Visit your local public park and make a piece with your inspiration (please provide a photo of your local park).
Hand sawn from a single piece of brass. Riveted tagua nut.
Mini Collection: Sterling silver suite of a pendant, earrings and a ring. All inspired by a sculpture on Governer's Island, NY.
Fused copper wire with red spray paint, inspiration from Governer's Island.
I knew that I wanted to create a set of rings that created a sculpture when worn together. I took my lead from one of the most prominent sculptures in the park: Eagle by Alexander Calder. I found myself in downtown Seattle at the SAM Sculpture Park last Sunday and instantly knew were my real inspiration would come from! And what a beautiful day it was. The sun made a rare October appearance and chased away the clouds moments after we arrived.
It was a much needed art infusion!
Inspired by Colonel's Row on Governor's Island. I love the tree-lined corridor and green outdoor spaces, and I wanted to take advantage of a small leaf shaped stone I once cut in a lapidary class, so I have the pale green unknown stone a home in this silver leaf pendant.
Guest Submission:
Next Week's Challenge:
"Finale, part 1"
Due date: Thursday, October 27, midnight
Project Runway Challenge:
The remaining designers are working on their final collections to be presented at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and must present a three-look mini-collection to present to judges.
Our EtsyMetal Translation:
Create a mini collection in any variation of pieces! Feel free to draw on previous challenges to inspire, or create something completely different!
*Don't forget to catch Project Accessory on Lifetime which will air after next week's Project Runway and check back here for a new EtsyMetal Challenge!
Make it work!
**guidelines for guest submissions**
Please read this every week as there may be small updates and changes. The pieces you submit must be pieces that are made specifically for that weeks challenge. Then post a link to your challenge creation in this weeks comment area before the deadline.
*We only are accepting guest submissions from our blog comment area at this time, insert your links there. Then please cross-post this to your Blog, Flickr, Etsy, etc. And tag them with "EMPR 9.13". We will post your name with a link and a picture of your piece on our blog. Thedeadline for guest submissions will be Thursday at 12 am (midnight), Pacific Standard Time. The new blog posts and the new challenge will go up the Friday after the new episode airs.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
EtsyMetal Charm Swap 9
The month of October brings a brand new EtsyMetal Charm Swap known from here on out as Charm Swap 9 or CS9.
This go-around I, Laney Clark, and my co-curator, Michele Grady , will be working as a team to bring 20 Etsymetal members together to create what promises to be a phenomenal collection of charms. I'm one of the newer members to the EtsyMetal team but I have hit the ground running and I am really excited to be a part of this swap. I am so happy to be working with Michele as she was the co-curator (along with Victoria Takahashi) of the EtsyMetal Charm Swap 8 that has just wrapped up. It will be great to work with someone who knows the ropes! Be sure to watch the EtsyMetal team store for the EtsyMetal Charm Swap 8 bracelet as well as individual CS8 charms for sale.
Here is how the EtsyMetal charm swap works:
Signups are held for members who want to join the swap. We have a limit of 20 members and each member needs to create and mail-in 22 charms. 20 of each participant's charms will be swapped with other participants and in the end, each member will receive 20 different charms back (including one of their own). After all of the charms have been swapped there will be 40 remaining charms. 20 of those charms will be used to create the EtsyMetal Charm Swap 9 bracelet. The other 20 will be available for sale individually in the EtsyMetal team store along with the completed bracelet.
Half of the proceeds from the sale of the bracelet goes towards our EtsyMetal Youth Outreach Program. EtsyMetal will donate 50% to the curator's choice of a Youth Art Organization. I will announce the recipient once it has been selected.
CS9 signups opened up earlier this week. The charms are due the end of March 2012. Over the coming weeks I will be documenting the progress of the swap here on the blog so be sure to check back often.
Until my next installment here is a hint from Victoria Takahashi on what she is dreaming up:
"I had already decided during cs8 what I was making for cs9!
A piece that I believe has represented me for a long time now.
I hope you will like them team!
And I better start now if I am going to be done by march 2012!? ha!"
Sunday, October 16, 2011
EtsyMetal 5 year Anniversary Sale!
It's our 5th Anniversary and many of our members are celebrating by having a sale! If you aren't familiar with EtsyMetal, we are an international collective of artisans who create jewelry and works of art in metal. The group carries the traditions of handmade craftsmanship into the 21st century, often using the same tools and techniques that have been part of our trade for thousands of years.
Here are just a few of the shops who will be participating
These are just a few of the shops participating in the EtsyMetal Team's 5th Anniversary sale this week. Use the coupon code ETSYMETAL at checkout. (see individual shops for discount amounts)
You can click on each picture to visit the artist's shop or you can use this list to visit participating shops:
discomedusa
metalriot
Inbar
markaplan
bcyrjewelry
BethCyrWeddings
Juju By Sarah
Maria Goti
wildflowerdegsigns
AdobeSol
Silentgoddess
Shirlee Grund
Lichen and Lychee
Under Distress Jewelry
Hartleystudio
ReaganHayhurst
Panicmama Jewelry
alisa miller
LaJoailliere
Cynthia Del Giudice
L. Sue Szabo
Erin Austin
Jennifer Lawler
Michele Grady Designs
SimplyAdorning
Victoria Takahashi
NRjewellerydesign
Karla Wheeler Design
QuercusSilver
Kathryn Cole
Ashley Akers Jewelry
Iacua
Sarah Hood Jewelry
Howlindoggie
LivelyHood
Each shop owner has set the discount amount, you will need to check each shop's announcement for their own specific promotion. Use the code "ETSYMETAL" at checkout to get your discount! Have fun shopping and thanks for celebrating our anniversary with us!
Here are just a few of the shops who will be participating
'Etsymetal Team's 5th Anniversary Sale!' by hartleystudio
These are just a few of the shops participating in the EtsyMetal Team's 5th Anniversary sale this week. Use the coupon code ETSYMETAL at checkout. (see individual shops for discount amounts)
 medium copper floral bl... $57.00 |  Heart necklace with Lab... $37.00 |
 Redwoods - 14k Rose Gol... $2055.00 |  FOLIUM RING 2 $52.00 |
 Skull and Crossbones Ne... $56.00 |  Rose Cut Labradorite an... $235.00 |
 Rosey Posey Sterling Si... $145.00 |  sterling silver cell ri... $155.00 |
 Handmade links with fol... $180.00 |  Cherry Blossom Charm, J... $45.00 |
 Chrysocolla Raindrop Ne... $225.00 |  E1038 tiny tart tins $36.00 |
 amber crown ring - ambe... $94.99 |  Sterling Silver Tall Mo... $75.00 |
 fringe hinge kinetic ea... $77.77 |  Pink Tourmaline Pyramid... $210.00 |
Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.
You can click on each picture to visit the artist's shop or you can use this list to visit participating shops:
discomedusa
metalriot
Inbar
markaplan
bcyrjewelry
BethCyrWeddings
Juju By Sarah
Maria Goti
wildflowerdegsigns
AdobeSol
Silentgoddess
Shirlee Grund
Lichen and Lychee
Under Distress Jewelry
Hartleystudio
ReaganHayhurst
Panicmama Jewelry
alisa miller
LaJoailliere
Cynthia Del Giudice
L. Sue Szabo
Erin Austin
Jennifer Lawler
Michele Grady Designs
SimplyAdorning
Victoria Takahashi
NRjewellerydesign
Karla Wheeler Design
QuercusSilver
Kathryn Cole
Ashley Akers Jewelry
Iacua
Sarah Hood Jewelry
Howlindoggie
LivelyHood
Each shop owner has set the discount amount, you will need to check each shop's announcement for their own specific promotion. Use the code "ETSYMETAL" at checkout to get your discount! Have fun shopping and thanks for celebrating our anniversary with us!
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