Had an unexpected few hours free yesterday so I got to play! This truly is my warped idea of a really good time…thought you might like to see part of the cuff-making process, I know you are on the edge of your seats waiting to learn this-

By the time the cuffs reach this stage, they have already been cut, run through a grinder, stamped, etched in Ferric Chloride, wire brushed, heated with a torch to soften the metal (annealing), then went for dip in a pickle solution..not the dill pickle variety. Now ready for Round #2 and a dance with the nail-killer–the buffer. It spits off fine black dust that adheres to your hands and somehow finds its way underneath acrylic nails..can’t take the chance of wearing gloves or I might be replacing more than a lifted nail-.
Next is the shaping-really relaxing when all goes well, and capable of driving my blood pressure into orbit when it doesn’t. Today was one of the former, so all was good.
Now the really fun part begins- patina application and then coming up with original designs to embellish and finish the pieces–all 27 of them. Stay tuned, this part takes awhile.
Thanks for dropping by, please leave me some comments so I know I’m not just talking to myself-and pop over to my Etsy store if you are interested in seeing my current inventory:).

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Maturity and a Depth of character, the dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. I am sure I wasn’t digging that deep when creating this cuff–understanding the “deeper meaning of life” isn’t exactly on my “to do” list these days. I’m happy just puttering away in the shop, creating. It’s just that simple in my world.

I etched this brass piece with a lace motif, added some stamped silver solder and then embellished it with the rhinestone-adorned dragonfly….because I happen to really like dragonflies. They don’t sting-or bite-scoring lots of points in my books.

Please scoot over to my store and take a look at the rest of my available pieces, while you’re here, please leave a comment!

This summer my daughter and I were having a great timer wandering through several second-hand stores (Just Junk’in as as we call it…), in Creston, BC. While she was on the hunt for things to stuff babies into for newborn photos, I was rummaging for more exciting stuff…anything I could “up-cycle”into a wearable piece. Through the dust and cobwebs, I opened a rusty old drawer and could hardly contain myself. I found 5 old filigree escutcheons–just a fancy word for an ornamental or protective plate, as for a keyhole. Didn’t want the Seller to know I thought I’d found Fort Knox so acted like I was doing him a big favour taking ALL of them off his hands. It worked-got a discount and NO TAX!! Hallelujah!

After attaching the plate to a brass cuff I’d stamped and antiqued, I just couldn’t resist adding a final touch. This old single rhinestone seemed perfect! Hope you think so too!

Please scoot over to my store and take a look at the rest of my available pieces, while you’re here, please leave a comment!

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Mystics feel that poppies can be talismans for good luck in love, money and health. Because these flowers can be both lucky and respectful, they make fantastic gifts for someone who is in transition in their life. I had no idea about any of this while making this cuff…honestly. I just happen to love poppies-they bring back memories of my Ukrainian Grandmother who grew them in profusion behind the barn. They were gigantic to my 5 year old eyes! She used the seeds to adorn the wonderful breads she made and my own Mom is well known for her unbelievably luscious poppy seed chiffon cakes. You might say they run in the family–so I’ve always had a warm spot in my hear for poppies, all kinds in every color.

I love this brass poppy filigree , no small wonder it has made it’s way onto one of my pieces. I kept this design fairly simple (well-MY idea of “simple”). The brass cuff is acid-etched with a lace motif and a bit of stamped silver solder. The poppy was embellished with a few vintage rhinestones and then it was done. Promise. I am not adding any dangles or any more bling…

Please scoot over to my store and take a look at the rest of my available pieces, while you’re here, please leave a comment!