New Tools

When I first started working with beads and wire, I bought a multi tool kit from the craft store.  Its been good to practice with and learn with, and I plan on keeping them for now.  But on Monday, I finally got to buy two new desperately needed tools.
I had had it.  I was using my round nose pliers and was just so sick of them chewing up my good silver wire.  The tips on my old pliers weren't pointy enough, and I couldn't get them where I wanted them.  It had hit a point of maximum frustration.
I used to think that it didn't matter what tools you had, that it really all depended on the artist.  Like "Its not the quality of the tool, its what you do with it."  I think now in some ways that can still be true.  You can use all kinds of tools and still create amazing things, but sometimes it makes a GIGANTIC difference if you are using better tools.
So let me just say, I am in love with my new tools.

Summer's Coming

The solstice is approaching :D
To celebrate the first day of summer here's a new coupon good till the end of June!

SAVE 10.00 % On Order Total

Use Coupon Code:

SUMMERTIME

during checkout.

 

A Wedding, When Vacuums Attack, and Warring State Katamari Pendants

Well, it looks like the weekend is winding down.  It was pretty good.  I ended up getting spontaneously invited to my friends wedding.  She surprised me before I even got the chance to surprise her with what I have been working on for the last few weeks.  I'll be posting some pictures of that soon.
Today however, my vacuum decided to do battle.  It ate a pen and I had to take it apart. Then  the belt broke. Finally, when I was vacuuming the floor with the hose attachments, it fell on me when my back was turned.  I'll probably have a handle shaped bruise on my arm tomorrow.  I still finished.  So I'd say I won.

Before and after the wedding yesterday I got to upload some new pendants to my shop.  If you aren't familiar with video games, they are based on a game called Beautiful Katamari.  Your character takes this ball and rolls it around and as its rolling things stick to it.  The more stuff that sticks to the ball the bigger it gets.  I love the colorful little balls, and they remind me of a kind of bead I fell in love with a while ago.  They are usually referred to as Warring State beads.

So here are some pictures of the new stuff I have.

I love them so much that I am having a hard time parting with them.  In the end though, I do love sharing the things I love. :)  So if you love them as much as I do, check them out in the shop.  I have many other colors besides these.  Each one comes on a black woven cotton cord with a sterling silver clasp and other sterling silver plated findings.  Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Special Orders & Surprises

It's been a hot week.  I am dreading the electric bill from all this stupid air conditioning.  I love that I have the option.  We didn't have air for the first few years we have lived here.  Just last mid summer did it get installed in the flat.  So, I guess I shouldn't complain too much.  I could be sweating and watching my charms varnish coats not dry.  Still, I wish I could erect a windmill in the yard.  :P

I'm currently waiting on a couple package to arrive in the mail.  Impatiently waiting.  Once they arrive I can continue working on these charms.  They look pretty cool.  I'm excited, but then again I'm a nerd.  I took the last few days off from shop stuff.  I have been working on a special surprise for someone.  It's turning out really cool.  I just hope the package I need to finish it shows up soon.  :)

I finished a couple special orders yesterday and I have pictures of one of them to share.

 

Swarovski Crystals & Pearls with Sterling Silver