Wellspring Creations

UWIB Chat - Surviving the Holidays

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Join us for our first twitter UWIB chat by using the #UWIBCHAT hashtag on Tuesday November 8, at 8 PM EST @7PM CST and @5 PST. We will Tweet Chat about tips to be less overwhelmed with the holidays, favorite holiday cheer and ways to relax with treats for ourselves, family and guests.

How do you join us? At the above time just tweet #UWIBCHAT and when you click on the hashtag #UWIBCHAT you will see the chat stream in progress when you respond use the #UWIBCHAT hashtag in your tweet response so all will be a part of the chat. Feel free to Retweet responses with all the great tips we will be sharing. It's going to be great fun!

DATE: Tuesday November 8
TIME: PM EST @7PM CST and @5 PST

In the meantime, you can check out the UWIB gift guide! The left column lists a category for all those hard to buy for holiday gift recipients (and something for yourself, too)!

Treasury - DNA; The Building Blocks of Life

2011-10-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

Woke up to find my DNA earrings in this fun treasury! It just appeals to the science geek in me!

Treasury - Modern Gray and Blue

2011-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Cool blues and grays in this elegant treasury; a portent of cooler weather to come.

Treasury - What Women Want? Oh Yeah!

2011-09-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

I love the title of this treasury, "What Women Want", Rendachs on Etsy.(I liked the movie, too!) I just had to share. What do you think?

Charoite -- Lavender Purple and Pearly -- What's Not to Like?

2011-08-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Charoite is a lavender purple stone with a pearlescent white that is unique to the Charo River Valley in Siberia, Russia. I fell in love with this stone early in my stone collecting career. That was a lucky thing, too, as the quality available now is not nearly as good as it was when I collected my pieces. ...And with the decrease in quality of the cabs, there has been a 400% increase in price!

This kite-shaped cabochon was one of the first pieces I discovered. My source for this stone lived in St. Petersburg, would travel up to Siberia to collect the stones, and then ship them to me from Finland. The rich purple, large areas of pearly lavender and the hint of black contrast make this a lovely specimen piece. This special stone deserved a special setting, so I designed this unique geometric wrap specifically for it.

Some time later, I stumbled upon these torpedo-shaped charoite at a gem show. What I liked about this piece was the gradation from the darkest purple down to the pale lavender to the pearlescent bottom...and the shape! The deep grapey purple is a real treat in this specimen stone. This is a drilled bead and, fortunately, the stones were very reasonably priced (for a rare stone). I had fun capping this off with a heavy sterling silver cap and a matching sterling heishe on the bottom.

Much more recently, I was able to find these smaller stones, perfect for earrings. I hadn't seen the stone cut in such small pieces, probably because they are trying to use up smaller caches or perhaps just find a more affordable size. Another possibility, is that these are not from Siberia, but from a newer mine, recently discovered in China. The charoite from this mine is typically a paler purple and lacks the pearly quality of its Siberian cousin.

However you look at it, it you love purple and are intrigued by rarity, charoite is a stone to consider. With its variety of purple to lavender and the amazing pearly quality, it will always attract admiring comments and definitely falls into the "family heirloom" category!

Treasury - White, Brown, and Silver

2011-08-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Check out this stunning treasury. She has chosen a beautiful palette of colors and painted this treasury with items stunningly photographed. I'm flattered my asymmetric cuff was included!

UWIB Blog Hop - Red White and Blue !!!

2011-06-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

The school year has ended and summer is in full swing. Grades and graduations are momentarily forgotten and the sweating of the last few weeks of school but a dim memory. When this month's blog hop theme of "Red, White and Blue" was announced, little did I realize it would create a flashback to the last days of school!

Ever get a grade you didn't agree with? Ever get it successfully changed? One young man did! His name was Robert G. Heft. At 17, he designed an art project for which he received a B-. He discussed the disappointing grade with his teacher who jokingly told him "If your design is accepted by Congress, we'll reconsider". Unfortunately, no photo exists of his teacher's face when his flag design was accepted by the U.S. Congress in 1959, becoming the 50-star United States flag flying proudly on thousands of flagpoles across the country today!

The teacher did reconsider the grade and Robert got an A, especially deserved as his mother had insisted he do all the work himself! He carefully picked off the 48 stars on their flag and created his own design over it. How appropriate that our flag should be originally created from recycled material!

So celebrate the Fourth of July in style! Pull out the red, white and blue and remember Robert for his creativity, his spunk, and the great symbol he created!

Please visit the blogs of the other UWIB blog hop participants to see what interesting blogs they have written on this patriotic subject!

Rita Wetzel http://HandmadeBits4u.blogspot.com
Linda Stranger http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com
Trudy Miller http://MommaGoddessTreasures.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly http://blog.vintageday.com
Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Miriam Nelken http://goldcrestbags.blogspot.com
Robin Koehler http://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Cory Trusty http://store.aquarianbath.com/index.php/blog
Audrey Fetterhoff http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Janet Bocciardi http://thehoneyfromthebee.blogspot.com
UWIB http://uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com

May UWIB Blog Hop -- Wedding Bells

2011-05-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

The blog challenge this month is "Wedding Bells", an appropriate choice in light of the Royal wedding and the upcoming month of June. It's a great time of year to be wed, with (typically) beautiful weather, an abundance of flowers, and the heartfelt joy that the long winter is truly over. But when I think of weddings, I think of the gemstone most associated with them: pearls!

Pearls are ever present at weddings. They are symbolic (pearls of wisdom) and weddings are all about symbols. Pearls are the traditional birthstone of June. Some traditions believe that pearls were created when angels flew through the clouds. Over time, pearls have become synonymous with purity and innocence, the symbol of feminine wisdom, and good luck for the bride. What better choice for the traditional jewel of weddings? And, of course, pearls go with any wedding! I just completed a commission for a June wedding. The bride will be wearing a red wedding dress and a copper circlet of my making--decorated with...you guessed it...pearls!

Please visit these Unique Women in Business blogs to check out their unique views on "Wedding Bells"!

Rita Wetzel http://RitasCreativeNest.com
Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Cory Trusty http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com
Nancy Pace http://NancysWildWireJewelry.blogspot.com
Trudy Miller http://MommaGoddessTreasures.blogspot.com
Linda Stranger http://capecoddreamer.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly http://blog.vintageday.com
Miriam http://goldcrestbags.blogspot.com

UWIB blog http://uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com

Treasury: Hot Mama!

2011-04-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day coming, I thought of all the attributes of motherhood and decided that being recognized as a vibrant woman may be overlooked. I came up with my own tribute. Click and enjoy!

April UWIB Blog Hop ~~ Celebrating Womanhood

2011-04-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

When I first saw the theme, Celebrating Womanhood, I was stumped. Where to start? It's such a broad subject (pardon the pun). My son said "Something Pink" and that gave me the start I was looking for. Women are more than just the color pink!

Women's health, for example. Many have lost the fight to cancers synonymous to women. But because of them, their loved ones AND the fighting survivors, we enjoy the benefits of leaps in treatment and technologies. There's more to be done, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of women who will take up the banner to push for The Cure, symbolized by the pink ribbon.

We have access so many things today that we take for granted, but I remember older, tougher times. A high school girlfriend was the first to sue for admission to Annapolis, the Naval academy. She didn't make it, but she took one of the first steps that allowed women access to military careers. Thank you, Coralee!

Sadly, the first woman to apply to Annapolis does not show up in Google. Her name is lost to all but the living memory of a few. Many women's firsts are lost to history. Others are obscured.

Did you know Mary Phelps Jacob invented the bra? Catherine de Medici invented the corset; once a torture device, and now a fashion statement. Ever heard of Ada Lovelace? The daughter of Lord Byron, she invented the first computer punch cards to do mathematical calculations--in the late 1800s! Stephanie Kwolek? Holds the patent for Kevlar, the key ingredient in bulletproof vests, which is responsible for saving many a police officer's life.

These are just a few of the women who have made great contributions to the world, to science, and to women. We are woman, we ARE strong! Pink is a symbol of strength!

Please take some time to visit the blogs of these other Unique Women in Business. They are also participating in this April blog hop Celebrating Womanhood--and doing it in many unique ways!

Rita Wetzel http://RitasCreativeNest.com
Audrey Fetterhoff http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Linda Stranger http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com
Janet Bocciardi http://www.honeyfromthebee.com
Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri http://ElephunksTrunk.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly http://blog.vintageday.com
Cory Trusty http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com
Karen Terry http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com

2011 Earth Day Festival at Full Circle Farm

2011-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Full Circle Farm is an organic non-profit farm smack in the middle of Silicon Valley. Only a couple blocks away from two major thoroughfares, it is surrounded by single family homes and school properties. It backs onto Peterson Middle School and, in fact, the 11-acre farm is a large portion of what is/was the Peterson field.

It was a glorious day at Full Circle Farm for the Earth Day Festival! It started out ominously with overcast skies and this sign announcing that the remaining Peterson field behind the organic farm was quarantined for pesticide application...after years of neglect, the school had decided to reclaim the field from the resident ground rodents. It made Full Circle Farm even more of an oasis.

I checked in and then went out to survey my alloted booth area. Being used to setting up on paved streets, this was a new experience!

But if you're going to sell your handcrafted wares in person, you learn to be flexible and roll with the punches. It did lend a whole new meaning, as a "sales person" to working in the field!

As it turns out, I was the only artisan accepted to the fair. I take pride in the quality of my work, but I am a 'closet environmentalist' also. I've seen what strip mining can do the landscape. I try not to contribute to that by purchasing wire from an American source that recycles silver from reclaimed American sources (Like those advertisements "we'll buy your old jewelry"!)

And, in the process of collecting stones, I've learned that they are a finite resource, too. Many of my specimens come from only one place in the world. Often they were initially discarded as waste from iron or coal mines, like this Minnesota "silk stone".

The good news is I was very busy during throughout the festival, which meant I didn't have time to photograph the constant crowds that milled by. The sun came out, it was not too hot, and there were tons of families out with their kids to learn about gardens, farm animals, and what every individual can do to help preserve the earth.

Another highlight was working with all the teens and young adults who manage and volunteer on the farm. It was so delightful to meet hopeful and idealistic kids who are willing to put the effort into making change! And ultimately, that is what Earth Day is all about: every little bit helps!

Recycled Beauties Treasury to Honor Earth Day

2011-04-13T15:07:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Earth Day, it seemed only fitting to spotlight artists who create with recycled goods. Here are my picks, all selected from the Unique Women in Business team to which I belong. Let's celebrate Earth Day by pampering her (and you)!

Incidentally, in my jewelry I use an American source for recycled sterling silver!

It's Mother's Day Coming Up!

2011-04-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Robin Maria Pedrero is not only a gifted painter, but a woman after my own heart. She chose these items as her 'wish list' for Mother's Day and I couldn't have chosen better! Click on the item to read more about it!

All items are from the Unique Women in Business team, a lovely and talented group to which I am proud to belong.

Treasury: It IS Spring. The calendar SAYS so.

2011-03-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Enough of winter. Enough of gray days and rain. I'm ready for Spring, so I made my own garden while I wait for Mother Nature to catch up. Enjoy!

UWIB March Blog Hop -- Spring!

2011-03-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

We're all ready for it, aren't we? The Unique Women in Business is celebrating the theme of SPRING with this blog hop, a roll call of wonderful offerings by our team members.

I present this necklace in the soft Spring colors of green and pink. I created the green wrapped beads to separate the frosted pink glass and hung it from a graceful sterling silver chain. A feminine, updated version of the fan necklace.

Please hop on over to these lovely Unique Women in Business blogs to see their "Ode to Spring"!

Rita http://RitasCreativeNest.com
Jenn http://brynnsbeautifulbows.blogspot.com
Ann http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Robin http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Linda http://bellalindadesigns.net
Audrey http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Birgitte http://SewDanish.blogspot.com
Wendy http://blog.vintageday.com
Janet http://www.honeyfromthebee.com
Linda http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com
Karen http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com
Trudy http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com
Cory http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com
Nancy http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com
Lois http://foxygknits.com
Jenn http://alexshares.com

Reminiscing - The Dominican Republic

2011-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Back Home: a Treasury by a Dominican Republic expatriot! Wouldn't it be amazing to have a pair of billiantly colored macaws on your balcony rail?

Dominican Republic is one of only a couple places in the world where amber can be found and the richest deposits containing entrapped "fossils". My amber pendant is included for that reason!

New Venture! A Wire Wrapping Tutorial: Egyptian Coil Earrings

2011-03-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Due to several requests, I have written a jewelry tutorial for these earrings!

After college, I began my career as a technical writer, writing "Getting Started" manuals. Now I've come full circle by applying these same skills to jewelry! Forty step-by-step instructions with more than 60 photographs!

If you don't want to make the earrings, you can buy them, too!

LET'S GO SHOPPING TO HELP JAPAN!

2011-03-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

The following treasury features some Etsy shops that are commited to donating a portion of their proceeds to disaster relief for the suffering people of Japan.

I and the other ladies of UWIB, would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Japan and all the people suffering from the recent tragedy.

Shades of Orange and Blue

2011-03-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Artist Robin Maria Pedrero, an interntionally collected artist, has done her magic with an Etsy treasury. She has combined these shades of bright orange and rich blue in a manner that reminded me that Spring flowers and warm sunshine are just around the corner!

Thank you, Robin, for including my cuff!

A Sidewalk Cafe in Spring - an Etsy Treasury

2011-03-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

The mornings are getting lighter; the days are getting longer, but not quite fast enough. So imagination steps in and I see myself at a sidewalk cafe sipping my latte. My UWIB sisters have provided me with some lovely items to fill out my daydream. Enjoy!

Treasury: A Few of My Favorite Things by Crochetgal

2011-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Crochetgal makes some amazing treasuries and I'm delighted that she's included my pink rhodochrosite netted pendant in this lovely treasury. It's pink, feminine, and cheerful! Hover of any picture for a title and price; click on any item to go see more information on it! (Thank you CraftCult!)

Green UWIB Blog Hop for St. Patricks Day and Earth Day!

2011-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Green is not just a sign of Spring! From Saint Patrick's Day to Earth Day, the Unique Women in Business (UWIB) are celebrating with a roll call of Green items!

With respect to Earth Day (no pun intended), I happily use sterling silver that is recycled here in the USA. All those ads about buying your old jewelry? The silver is melted down and resold as wire! Mining new ore causes a great negative impact on the environment, while recycled silver is...recycled!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these Petite Cloverlear Peridot Green Swarovski Crystal Handcrafted Earrings. These fit on the face of a penny--check out the link (click on the photo)!

For Earth Day, I present this Aqua Terra (meaning "earth") Sterling Wrapped Choker Necklace:

Be sure to check out these other Unique Women in Business blog hop participants to see what they have to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Earth Day!

Ann R. http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Audrey F. http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Birgitte H. http://SewDanish.blogspot.com
Cory T. http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com and
Jenn B. http://alexshares.com
Karen http://www.jmjcreations.blogspot.com
Maria http://artbymsr.blogspot.com
Nancy P. http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com
Rita W. http://ritascreativenest.com
Robin K. http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Robin P. http://www.pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com
Trudy M. http://www.mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com
Wendy K. http://blog.vintageday.com
Cory T. http://delicateadornments.blogspot.com

Treasury: Here's looking at you :)

2011-02-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to mysassysupplies for putting together this lovely treasury in blues (one of my favorite shades, too!), blacks, and grays. So very elegant and I'm flatter that my fine silver "X" cuff is included! (You can click on a picture and go see the item listing! Thank you craftcult!)

Craftcult Treasury Widget for Blogs

2011-01-31T10:59:00.001-08:00

I stumbled upon this CraftCult widget in Etsy. In a few easy steps your Etsy Treasury can be installed in your blog! Check it out!

I was wandering around the Etsy menus (these days, you never know when something new will magically appear). In Your Etsy under the Resources heading, there's a link to Etsy Apps. Take a look! There are all sorts of hidden gems listed there. I'm headed back to find out more!

Shawl pins

2010-11-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Either it's getting chilly or I've just been hanging out too much with Lois of foxygknits, but I've been thinking about knitted clothing! Knitting is not my forte, but I have turned my jewelry skills to shawl pins and fibula (a fancy word for "safety pin") brooches.

Of course, I started with copper. I reinvented the safety pin first and added a foiled lampwork bead, some detailed spacers and a bit of wirewrap for good measure.

I like that yin-yang shape with copper and what stone goes better than shimmery tigereye? I reshaped it so it was conical to add more depth. Truthfully, I was inspired by a ruana I got last Christmas. (A ruana, I found out, is like a knitted poncho with a slit down the front.) A shawl pin would be amazingly handy with one!

Of course, silver must be represented, but these are fine silver which is .999 (almost pure silver). This is especially heavy wire and the results are stunning!

There are more on my

Mens Jewelry (Women like them, too!)

2010-08-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've watched men (of all ages) wander by my market booth. Many times they are shopping for the ladies, but often they are interested in jewelry for themselves. Since I'm hooked on rocks, it hasn't been to difficult to create jewelry that interests the guys, too!

Guys are drawn to fossils and these ortho seras are no exception. 400million years old, these are the ancestors to our modern day squid and octopus. The guys may be macho, but I don't wrap the 14-footers for jewelry. Just not practical!

The shark tooth is another favorite. These are only 50million years old, but as ancestors to our modern-day Great White shark, these are pretty cool! These are wrapped in fine (.999, nearly pure) silver! They're still pretty sharp, so I don't recommend wearing them for active sports!

My first foray into men's jewelry was with tektites. These are bits of earth that were splashed into the atmosphere and then melted and compressed as they came back, drawn by gravity. What's not to like about a hot rock that's been to space and back?

Carved natural stones make great men's jewelry, too. I offer choices from the "good luck" Chinese Dragon to the richly red-brown mottled brecciated jasper carved rattlesnake tail. While they aren't "carved", the knapped arrowheads are pretty cool, too!

I have a few strung necklaces, too: natural stone in grays/blacks and neutral browns (including a hint of lava), plus some new offerings in wood, bamboo, and carved horn! Please take a look at the WellspringCreations unisex jewelry. These are popular with the guys...and women love them, too!

Book Jewelry for the Discerning Reader

2010-07-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have always been an avid reader...and have been guilty of grabbing any scrap of paper handy to mark by place. Then, of course, I set it on the coffee table while I read and it gets lost, then tossed away. With all the books and magazines I collect, setting anything smaller than a coffee cup on the coffee table is in danger of being lost forever. It was from this personal experience that I decided to temporarily shift my jewelry-making skills to bookmarks. "...mother of invention" and all that.

I started with the intent to make something colorful enough to not blend in on that coffee table, but by using ultrasuede and gauze, an unintended benefit raised its lovely head! These bookmarks lie across the arm of the chair. They don't get lost and are right there when you need them!

A book to be me is near sacred. I don't break spines and I buy what I intend to keep. Why shouldn't my bookmark reflect the same values? So book jewelry was born. Most of my bookmarks are made with the same high quality materials that I use in my jewelry: sterling silver, natural stones, lampwork or Czech glass. For those on a budget, I do make a few with craft wire. You can tell by the economical price and the detailed listings which these are. I have some priced as low as $6! Still beautiful and practical!

I find that the bookmarks are attractive to a number of audiences: young readers really adore them (I'm all for anything that encourages kids to read!) Men love the natural styles. And what woman doesn't like something pretty? especially if it is a gift! After all, dahling, all the fine books are wearing them this season!

I've already set several aside for gifts (shhh), but I have a variety available at Wellspring Creations! And, of course, I'm always open to special orders for your someone special!

Loving Tweetdeck for Twitter

2010-07-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

Twitter is a wonderful community. I've "met" some lovely people, and made friends with folks with whom I really love to converse. But using Twitter directly through the web was just too slow and cumbersome.

There are several programs you can download to your computer to speed up and organize Twitter. Some have some really neat (and useful) additional features. Once I tweeted my frustration about using Twitter on the web and one of my Twitter friends told me to try Tweetdeck. I bow in their general direction.

Tweetdeck is a wonderful interface. Based in London, but with an international team, they frequently add even more useful features. It's been extremely reliable on my PC...usually when it's down, it's because Twitter is having problems!

This is the basic TweetDeck screen. It shows 3 of the 12 columns that I have configured for my own use.

I have mine set up with many columns. The leftmost column in the picture shows the tweetstream from @EtsyTwtrTeam. Every one of their tweets will show in the column. Tweetdeck updates these columns automatically and frequently, so I don't have to. (No more pressing "Refresh".)

The center column shows everything with the hashtag #EtsyTwitter. This way I can keep up to date on what's happening with the team.

TweetDeck also has several pre-defined columns you can choose:

There are other things to configure with TweetDeck that can be found by clicking on the wrench icon in the upper right corner. Here's a sample:

Other menus are accessible by clicking on the list in the left column...but that's a blog for another day.

In the meantime, I'd highly recommend you download TweetDeck and give it a try. Browse through the menus. See what you think!

Metal Allergies - Earrings

2010-06-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Your pierced ears are sensitive to metals but you really want to wear earrings. What do you do?

This is a very common problem. One I hear frequently from my clients ... and one I have myself!

People can be sensitive to many metals, so the remedy isn't just a black and white answer. It turns out that many people are sensitive to nickel, which is found in cheaper earwires, silver-plated, and even surgical steel. Switching to sterling may eliminate the problem (that's what worked for me).

Here's a set I made for a sensitive client. You'll notice there's only one earwire...she's using the following steps to test her sensitivity to sterling and gold-filled: I made her both a sterling and a 14K gold-filled earwire to test.

The first step* before figuring out what you CAN wear is to let your ears heal. They're going to be more sensitive if they're raw. (Otherwise, you're not going to be able to tell if the earwire test is working or if it's just the old rawness.) This means cleaning your earlobes with alcohol and wearing an earwire (just dipped in alcohol) that you aleady know you're not sensitive to (if you know of one.)

Next,

-try sterling silver earrings (not sterling silver-plated!), cleaning with alcohol each time. If you notice a problem, try

-dipping earwires into clear fingernail polish and let dry. This coats the earwires, placing a barrier between your skin and the irritant. Eventually the polish may wear, but you can just clean them with polish remover, rinse, air dry, and reapply.

-switching to 14K gold/gold-filled or argentium earwires may help

Hopefully, somewhere along the way, you'll discover what works for you. Then you can go to your friendly jewelry artist and they might just be able to convert your old earrings to the new earwires! A copper wrap on a sterling earwire can make those great copper earrings wearable!

*If your ears are extremely sensitive, you should talk to your doctor first and discuss these options.

How to Oxidize Silver with an Egg

2010-02-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

There are a number of ways to oxidize (darken, or forcibly tarnish) silver. For the most economical, environmental and healthy method, I use a hard boiled egg. I have used this method successfully with copper, too.

Smashing a hot hard-boiled egg releases steam and the sulphur fumes from the egg. It is those fumes that cause the silver to tarnish, or oxidize. The longer you leave it, the darker it gets. Here's how:

These are the necessary items:
* netting, cheesecloth or a jelly bag work well
* fork
* one FRESHLY hard-boiled egg (must be hot)
* silver piece, or wire wrap
* a lidded container large enough to hold the silver piece suspended over the egg, leaving plenty of airspace all around it

Directions:

1. Peel the hot hard-boiled egg and smoosh it with a fork in the container.

2. Lay the netting across the opening of the container pushing it inside enough to form a sling for the silver piece. (If you're using a square of cheesecloth or netting, a rubberband can be helpful to hold it in place.)

3. Set the silver piece in the netting so that it is suspended over the egg (not touching it) and there is airspace all around it. By the way, it is best to oxidize wire AFTER it is worked. Since wire rubs as it moves through your fingers, the oxidation tends to rub off while you wire wrap!

4. Put the lid on the container, place it in the refridgerator.

5. If you want a lighter oxidation, check the progress every hour. Do NOT open the container, just peek through the side. This piece oxidized overnight, because I wanted it black. You can leave it up to 24 hours.

6. Since my process was sealed and put immediately into the refridgerator, I added a littly mayo, mustard, and pickle relish, spread it on dark rye and had a nice lunch. Waste not, want not!

You may choose to gently rub the oxidized silver gently with a polishing cloth to remove the tarnish from the raised areas. This creates contrast and depth to silver work. I chose to leave this piece blackened. My intent was to create a sturdy bezel that did not detract visually the from the fossil. If you were 400million years old, you would deserve to be spotlighted, too!

You may click on the photo (right) to see the listing for this necklace. There is more information about the fossil there, also.

Update on New Year's Resolutions

2010-02-04T14:22:00.001-08:00

It's the beginning of February and I have made progress on my New Year's resolutions as listed in my previous post. Not bad!

I've put together a new color scheme for the tables. Getting the cloths was a real challenge. The first cloth was supposed to be the color "Sand". Who was to know that, while it looked beige under store lights, it was pinkish outside!? I finally found these 100% cotton squares in the color of my choice, but it took a lot of shopping!

I raised the table height, too. Oh THAT was fun...like, I'm so good at sawing PVC pipe!

I assembled the booth for a photograph to send in to my first Art & Wine Festival application of the season. The photo may look tranquil, but I was snapping shots between 30mph gusts which threatened to knock everything over. To Do List: finish my canopy weights!

As for my third resolution, I have come to the conclusion that my HP point and shoot camera does not like macro photography. Even when close-up is selected with single point focus, it just cannot seem to focus on the selected point. Of course, it says it does, but the truth shows once I upload it to the computer and try to crop the photo. I may have to bite the bullet and upgrade the photographic equipment. I'll let you know!

So, I'm pleased at the progress I've made on my resolutions. After all, it's only February and resolutions aren't necessarily things you need (or should want) to complete in a few weeks. I don't mind plugging away at it!
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New Year's Resolutions - 2010

2010-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions. I try to think of every day as being a new beginning, but there are a few things that I'm behind on:

1. I made a lot of new jewelry over the holiday season. What I still have needs to be photographed. I'm at the mercy of the weather, as I use natural light, so here's hoping for some cooperation.

2. I need to redo the look of my booth. I've settled on the frog for a logo. That, along with the bamboo trays I've been using, helped to set the color scheme. Now I need to find the fabric for a more cohesive look with bamboo, olive, and black. Then I need to take care of a few logisitics like raising the table height and finishing the weights.

3. With the new look in place, I want to expand into more upscale shows and festivals. I think my work would fit in well with that venue. The new look will help me, I think.

So. Just three tiny resolutions. That should keep me busy for a while!
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What do you see?

2009-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

What comes to mind when you see this photo? This is taken outside in an alley.

Leave your reaction in comments. The best response entered by Tuesday, November 24 at 12noon Pacific time wins a prize from Wellspring Creations. I'm the sole judge of winner and will send you a prize of my choice valued up to $20.

And the winner is @ Bei Mondi !!! It was a REALLY hard decision because I loved all the answers. "Where did I leave my coat" is something I can really relate to...especially having kids!

Thank you to everyone for playing and providing such fun, clever, and imaginative responses! Special thanks to those who retweeted the fun!
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Creating Custom Wire Wrapping

2009-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

I do a lot of markets, usually two or more a week. Folks will come by and ask if I do custom work...they have something they'd like wrapped. Perhaps it's a stone or something they like, but would like it "refreshed". I love custom work.

Doing custom work requires two distinct traits: art and science. The art side is pretty obvious. You have to design something attractive that suits the piece (enhances, not overwhelms) and that the customer likes. But the wirewrap performs a function: it holds the piece in place. There's a lot of geometry and physics involved. To me, it's like a puzzle that has to be solved. I love it.

One piece posed a problem because it was ornately carved so the wirewrap needed to be subtle and not detract from the stone. Also, its edges were thick and uneven. Making a bezel that would hold it in place firmly was a challenge. In addition, the piece was for a man, so some bolder characteristics were in order. I solved the problem by using the anatomy of the stone itself.

The bottom wrap is actually fitted in a crevice of the carving. Jade being particularly hard, this was a safe choice. Trying this on a softer stone could have damaged the stone. I used a pair of existing holes in the stone to affix the top/center to the top wrapped frame.

The broad wrapped frame and the top coil that I created for the bail lend a more masculine tone to the piece. The client's choice of copper reflects some of the subtle coppery color in the jade. We agreed that it would look better oxidized, but the client perferred that it do so naturally. This piece will only look better over time.

While this may look delicate, the stone is held in place very firmly..no give at all.

Another piece had different issues. This was originally a brooch, but the customer wanted it converted to a pendant. I wanted to reflect the mixed metal, asymmetry, and industrial tone of the piece.

This bezel idea came to me while I was considering the jade piece above, but the thickness and uneveness of the stone made it impractical. It was perfect for this piece. The geometry was a challenge on this bezel, as was the actual execution, but I was pleased with the outcome...and, more importantly, the client was thrilled!

The chain and clasp came as an afterthought inspiration. The client requesed that I cut off the original pin of the clasp and convert it into a pair of loops to use as a bail. The resulting openings were rather small and a dainty, delicate chain did not suit the piece. This bothered me subconsciously, but the morning I was to return the pendant to the client, this idea came to me. I continued the sterling/copper and asymmetric theme, even to the toggle clasp. It is actually two separate chains, each one connected to one of the loops on the back. This also solves the problem of the clasp sliding around to the front.

Thanks to the original artist who created this great piece of artisan jewelry. It was an honor to work with it.

I am now working on a new piece--this lovely faceted citrine! It is a particular challenge to wrap as it has slick edges, must have a base that allows it to lay flat on the client's chest, and must be open enough on the sides to allow the light to refract. I knew immediately what design I wanted to use, but planning the implementation has been tricky. Can you guess? You'll have to wait and see!

Update: Here's the final piece!

If you have a piece you'd like wirewrapped, you can make your request via "Ask Seller a Question" at Wellspring Creations plus see more of my custom pieces!

San Jose Farmers Market

2009-08-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Farmers Markets can be very colorful and active places. Here are some photos I took on Friday, August 28.

This photo, taken about 7am, should have been a warning of the heat to come. It got to about 105F, muggy (which is rare for us), and the merest whisper of an occasional breeze.

Welcome to San Pedro Square! I thought this view of the backside of some the booths illustrated well how some vendors are able to pack a lot into a small (10x10 foot) space! It's oozing out the back!

The market is located in San Pedro Square which has some history. I love these beautiful street lamps. Despite the construction going on around them, they are sentinels of an ageless beauty.

This photo was taken at noon. Normally the street would be much more full of people. Partly it was the heat and partly the economy, but this provides a better view of the line of craft stalls. Mine is the nearest one on the right (with the green awning).

I would have taken a photo of the vendors packing up...but I was busy packing up. We have only one hour to clear the street. Since there's only one lane, it gets mighty crowded with vendors cars. I guess we create our own traffic jam!
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3am Inspiration

2009-07-31T18:43:00.001-07:00

I woke up at 3am. I wasn't wide awake and would have drowsed off, but I made the mistake of thinking about jewelry. Next thing I knew, three great designs were floating through my head, so I got up to sketch them. One thing led to another and pretty soon I was trying to solve certain logistical questions by making up one of the ideas...and here it is perched on my dahlia! A wrapped copper loveknot with copper-flecked blue goldstone.

Here's Design #2, WHEW! it's very labor intensive and really requires four hands and the mind of Archimedes! (Why is there so much geometry in jewelry?)

And Design #3? Haven't a clue. By the time I finished sketching #1 and #2, it was Gone With The Wind. Hmmm. Maybe tonight....
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How to Put on a Cuff Bracelet

2009-07-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Cuff bracelets are a wider and stiffer form of bracelet. Some are hinged with sections, while others are one piece. This bracelet is an example of an unhinged, one-piece cuff. (A bangle doesn't open and you have to slide it over your hand and onto your wrist. The pictured bracelet does have a hidden clasp, so it is a cuff--do NOT slide it over your hand!)

There is a trick to taking these cuffs on and off that will insure they last for a very long time. Treat it like a spring, rather than a hinge!

Here’s how:

1. Unlatch the clasp and open the cuff only wide enough to pass across the narrowest part of your wrist.

NOTE: A cuff isn’t a bangle--you shouldn’t try to slide it over your hand to put it on...that expands it too much. As you can see in the next photo, the cuff is extended only about 1-1/2 inches.

2. Slip the bracelet on across the narrowest part of your wrist. Rather than from the top down, slide it across from side to side (the photo shows a side view).

3. Once the cuff is around your wrist, gently slide it around so the clasp is in the correct position. The cuff illustration shows the clasp is actually at the top of the bracelet. More often, the opening will be under your wrist.

4. If the cuff has a clasp, close the clasp. It may be easier to push your wrist against your body to hold the bracelet in place while you close the clasp with your other hand.

If you overdo it:

While the frame is a thicker wire, if it is bent like a hinge, several things could happen.

a. If the bend is sharp, it can cause the frame to be misshapen. The jewelry artist might be able to straighten it somewhat, but it would never have the straight lines again.

b. If the cuff is overextended to put on and off, the wire can succumb to metal fatigue and eventually break.
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Fun at the Gem Show!

2009-07-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

Oh BOY! I went to the Gem show and had too much fun. At first, I was concerned because there was NO line and when I peeked in the building, it was a fraction of the usual number of booths. I was worried it was not going to be worth the drive.

The only person in front of me in line was a jewelry designer from San Francisco. We had a nice chat while we waited, I gave her my extra free ticket (courtesy of CGM Findings) and she tipped me off to a new booth with really nice gemstones. (Good Karma!)

The doors opened and I made a beeline to CGM. Usually, there's a crowd, a long line, and a long wait, but not that day. They didn't even have their 'take a number' machine out! I picked up some lovely, delicate flat cable chain and rolo chain. I also bought some jumprings that somehow did not get into my bag...but they mailed them to me immediately when I called their LA office! Great customer service!

Avalon Beads had some marvelous finds. I love botswana agate and these rounds are gorgeous. The amazonite chips are perfect for a cuff bracelet that I've been visualizing for months! Those sparkly squares are aventurine! They're dyed, but too lovely to pass up.

I'm working on the amazonite chip bracelet, but I did finish a bracelet with the aventurine squares! If you want it, buy it fast, 'cause I'm mighty tempted to keep it for myself!

Always on the lookout for the unusual, I found these amazing natural amythest from Frank Import Trading Corp. They are graduated and range from 1" to 2-1/4" long--the possibilities are exciting. Check out that one with the chevron zigzag!

I've been need some silver spacers in some unusual shapes, so I visited Anil Kumar. They had JUST what I wanted. I love those little faceted ones, and the losenge is going into that amazonite chip bracelet! !They also had some unbelieveable spinel. The first hank found by my neighbor was almost black, it was so dark a gray, and it had a blue tinge to it! The guy behind the counter said "Oh no, you want to see this" and he pulled out a deep black hank from the wall behind. WOW! The sparkle. I didn't ask the price (neither did my neighbor), I knew it wasn't in my budget. One day! She and I agreed that we liked the lower grade for its subtle color and would it make a stunning multistrand choker

I went to JM Imports last. This was the booth recommended by my new friend at the entrance. They had some gorgeous gemstones, but my allowance for this day's shopping was about gone. They were the ONLY booth with natural malachite and they only had them in these chiclets, which are one of my favorite shapes!

With tired feet and hungry tummy, I headed for the car. I was delighted with my finds and actually enjoyed the fewer booths (and fewer people) very much.

Tips for going to trade shows:

(1) Wear comfortable shoes, you'll be walking a LOT on very hard floors. If you're going to a multi-day event, change your shoes at least twice each day. It will save your feet.

(2) Bring a backpack or comfortable-to-carry satchel to put your purchases in...beads get very heavy (note that strollers are not typically allowed).

(3) Bring a water bottle--shopping is thirsty work and it can get hot in those buildings, especially when they're crowded. And they'll charge you an arm and a leg to buy it inside the show. Better to spend your money on pretties!

(4) Make a list in advance of the types of things you need/want Don't expect to find specific items, you never know what merchandise will be available, but it will be a reminder when you start to get too dazzled by what you see.

(5) Be careful about buying things for which you don't have a clear use. If you get a brilliant idea, WRITE it down, you may well forget. Jewelers and beaders have destash sales all the time and lose money selling off what they cannot use.

(6) Most importantly: have a budget. Do NOT overspend. It is very easy to do, but there are going to be fantastic items next time, too. The first few times I was cautioned to bring cash and I spent every cent and wanted to spend more, but couldn't. Now I keep a running tally of my purchases in my head and stay in budget.

(7) Have fun!

Shipping is not Just Postage!

2009-06-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of challenges to having an online business. One of them is accurately calculating postage and shipping. There are a lot of costs involved with shipping and if your business goal is to recoup your costs (and not lose money), you need to take these things into consideration. Here are a few tips to help you more accurately calculate your costs.

NOTE: the costs used in examples are only examples. Your actual costs may vary depending on your source and the quantity you purchase. You’ll have to figure out your costs based on…well. your costs!

POSTAGE

Obviously when you set a shipping fee for an online item, you must take postage costs into account. My earlier blog, Economically Shipping Small Items, gives you an idea on how to ship a 1 oz. item for the most cost effective price. Your item may be heavier or have different shipping requirements, such as insurance or a different carrier, so you will need to use a similar technique to determine the best way to ship each item and the actual postage cost.

PACKING MATERIALS

The materials you use in your business may include:

*gift box or bag
*packing peanuts or bubble wrap
*shipping box or envelope
*packing tape
*shipping labels
*printer ink

It may seem ridiculous to consider the cost such small items, but whatever you spend you must recoup somehow or your business will lose money. We're not in business to lose money!

How can you figure it out? You don’t have to know exactly the cost of these items per package, but you can make an educated guess.

EXAMPLE: Say I use about 6 inches of tape on each envelope I ship. The label states there are 100 yards of tape on a roll that costs me $6.

Multiply 100yds by 36inches in a yard = 3,600 inches in a roll of tape
3,600 divided by 6 inches used for an envelope = 600 envelopes I’ll be able to seal with this one roll of tape (about)
$6 divided by the 600 envelopes = $.01/envelope

That’s not going to break anyone’s postage bank, but it adds up. Here’s an example:

*gift box or bag $0.50
*packing peanuts or bubble wrap $0.05
*shipping box or envelope $0.50
*packing tape $0.01
*shipping labels $0.25
*printer ink $0.05

TOTAL $1.36

Oh, you may think. I can manage to cover $1.36 without passing this on to the customer. But 600 packages later you're gonna need about$816 to go buy more of these materials! Fortunately, you've included these estimated shipping fees and have the money to replace your packaging materials!

TRANSPORTATION COSTS

Now, how is that package going to get to the post office or shipper? If you’re driving it over, how much is your gas going to cost you? I have to drive a 5-mile round trip to the post office. My car (no, I don’t drive a Mercedes…except in my dreams) gets about 22mpg and gas is running about $3/gallon today.

$3 divided by 22mpg = $0.14 cents per mile
$0.14 times 5 miles = $0.68
You can decrease this cost by:
*limiting the number of times per week you go to the post office
*ship several packages at once (spreading the cost of the gas)
*have the carrier pick up the package

So, now I have

* my 1 oz. envelope with its $1.26 postage PLUS
* $1.36 in materials costs
* PLUS $0.68 gas.

That’s $3.30 for shipping and postage. But wait, there’s MORE...

...YOUR TIME

Yes, your time is worth something. If you have a small business and you’re not shipping that frequently, you may opt to ‘donate’ your time to the process. Having a lower shipping cost may help you gain customer base.

If you’re doing a lot of shipping, you already know it takes time. You may even be considering hiring someone to help out and these costs need to be incorporated either into the cost of the shipping or perhaps into the price of the item.

Either way, you should be aware that this is a cost and at some point you need to calculate the cost and decide how you’re going to get reimbursed.

WRAP IT UP

When you mail a package to a customer there is more cost involved than just the postage. No one goes into business to lose money, so you need to consider the various costs, including shipping. Shipping costs include everything you use to package the item from the box/envelope to the tape to the label. These costs add up, but if you collect a small amount with each package shipped to recoup these costs, you are not losing money. If you’re driving your package to the post office, you need to consider the gas costs and at some point you need to include the value of your time.

Your business model should be to make money and shipping and handling is a cost of business. You have to charge for these costs or your business loses money.

COMING SOON...

...a new WellspringCreations blog on saving money by buying shipping materials in bulk, including links to sources.
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Economically Shipping Small Items

2009-06-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

If you have a webshop, USPS domestic shipping can be hard to figure out. I sell small jewelry items and after many mis-steps, I finally figured out the most efficient way. I hope the following can help you, too!

Say I have a pair of earrings to mail. If they're pretty flat, I can just put them on a card in a small plastic bag, slip them into a bubble wrap envelope and off they go...NOT SO FAST!

If I mail a 1 oz. envelope as described above, I want it to go 1st class. This package would qualify as a 1st class letter, which would cost $0.88. That would be great, but I need to know it gets delivered.

Ah, but delivery confirmation isn't available for 1st class letters. I could send it 1st class letter registered for an additional $10.60. Okay, maybe not.

I could send it 1st class certified for an addtional $2.80. So, $3.86 for postage isn't so bad, but can I do better? YES!

Here's the tricky (sneaky) part. If the same envelope is more than 3/4" thick, it is considered a 1st class package! One would think that would cost more. But no! You can get delivery confirmation on a 1st class package! So, a 1 oz. package ($1.22) with delivery confirmation ($0.80) costs $2.02. MUCH better!

Making your package thick enough is easy. Slip in a few packing peanuts, or, to make it a bit more classy, put that pair of earrings in a gift box and slip it into the envelope. There are other criteria you can use to 'convert' your letter to a package. USPS defines these at this site: http://postcalc.usps.gov/PopUps/pop_up14.htm NOTE: This webpage lists the criteria for a letter, but if you look lower, it lists certain criteria that would make it a package. Use this to your advantage!

Now, will the lady or gent at the post office explain this to you and tell you what's cheapest?

No, the first thing they ask you is "Do you want to ship this priority mail?" ($4.95 + $0.70 deliver confirmation) And, in my small experience, 1st class gets there just as fast as priority mail!

So for the graphically inclined, here's the sum up:

$0.88 1st class Letter (no delivery info)
$2.02 1st class package w/ deliver confirmation
$5.65 Priority Mail with delivery confirmation
$5.70 Parcel Post with delivery confirmation (Uh, pay more to take several days longer...hmmmm?)

These rates are based on today's postage rates (6/2009). You can save a few cents by purchasing some of these options online at http://postcalc.usps.gov/.

MORE SAVINGS: If you're a merchant, however, and you have a Paypal account, you can get the delivery confirmation at a great discount and that 1st class package would now be $1.56! This is available even if the customer didn't pay using Paypal. A shortcut to the postage page is: ship Paypal (you have to log into your merchant account and then you'll be redirected).

Now, keep in mind that this is the cost of postage, not your cost for mailing the package. My next blog will cover that, so stay tuned!
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Vacation Memories "Charm" Bracelet

2009-05-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Last year, we went on a vacation to the Northern California coast. We spent a glorious week on the bluffs above the ocean. One day it would be gorgeous and sunny and we would be out to the beaches; the next day it would rain and storm and we would stay inside, play board games and read.

Now, the best time to go beachcombing is the low tide after a big storm, and I was out every "after storm" morning taking advantage of the natural treasures that were tossed up on the beaches.

One day we drove to Ft. Bragg to "Glass Beach", known for its beach-tumbled glass in all colors that lies strewn amongst the pebbly beach. The originally whole bottles are broken up and then tumbled smooth and frosty by constant churning in the surf.

Finally, this morning I had a brainstorm and started using these amazing pieces in jewelry. It was my original intent to make jewelry, but I was thinking I would have to drill holes in the pieces to make beads (not really desireable), but my revelation was to wire wrap them!

I started with a "memory" bracelet for myself. Each link is a different type, but they are all "netted" with sterling silver wire and connected with links of freshwater pearls, continuing the ocean theme.

I used some vibrant abalone in blues, purples, and greens. I used a piece of frosted white sea glass with a little goldplated butterfly (we had seen some butterflies in the woods above the bluff). I even tucked a piece of broken shell on top of a deep purple mussel shell and netted them together. Each "charm" brings back a lovely memory.

I had gone through our collected booty and set aside several possible pieces for the bracelet, finally deciding on these, but not because the other pieces weren't equally gorgeous! In fact, I proceeded to take this rare piece of white abalone shell and wire wrap it in a suitably organic fashion for a pendant.

Wouldn't this be lovely on a bride? And the beauty of it is that it's not limited to weddings. It would go equally well with a little black dress or summer frock.

NOTE: You can click on the photo to see more views of this amazing pendant.

If you have a vacation treasure that you'd like have made into wearable art, feel free to contact me! I was thinking how nice it would be to "upscale" a beach treasure from a beach wedding or honeymoon!

Petite Wire Wrapped Jewlery

2009-04-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

I periodically browse my displays when I'm at a show. I make note of "holes", like...oops, just sold my last purple bracelet. Since I typically only make one of anything, it requires me to keep track of colors and types (and results in new invention), but I recently realized that almost all my necklaces are big and/or bold!

So I'm working on providing some petite wire wrapped jewelry. After all, why should the demur be prevented from sporting a lovely wire wrapped piece of art? I started with this shimmery blue kyanite square. Click on the photo to view a few other ideas!
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Online Photo HTML How-to: Mouse Over Titles and Adding Links to Pictures

2009-03-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

When you upload a picture to your blog, you get a bunch of HTML gobbeldygook that miraculously displays a picture. Here's how you can make a few changes to that code (safely) to add some features!

Mouse-over Title

A mouse-over title is simply a little title that will appear after a second or two when you hover your mouse on top of the photo. Try it on mine, don't click, just hover-->

First of all, when you're editing HTML code, it's always a good idea to make a text copy of it in any word processor. Make your changes on-line and if anything gets messed up, just copy your backup over it and start over.

Now to create the mouse-over title: Upload your picture to blogger. Embedded in the code, near the end, you'll see alt="". Just type whatever you want you title to be between the quotes. So mine looks like this: alt="Little Red-Headed Girl Earrings". Save it and preview it. Easy!

Add Link to Photo

When you upload a photo, Blogger makes two copies. One you see in your text when you're reading it and another, larger version if you click on your picture. You can try it out on this photo (then click on the back arrow to return)-->

But, say you want your reader to go to a link when they click on the picture? I want folks to be able to get more information on my earrings, so I replace Blogger's link with one to my shop. It's easier than it sounds.

Upload the picture to Blogger. At the very beginning of the gobbeldygook, there is a command a href="http://looooong link.jpg" etc.

You want to open another internet window, go to the website you want to link to and copy the command line (the http:// info that shows at the top of the screen). NOTE: You're ONLY replacing the information between that first set of quotes. If you have a problem, you have that backup that you can copy back to Blogger and try again.

Copy the http://.......com link and replace the link between the "". Here's how:

For example, mine starts with a

a href="3.bp.blogspot.com/ln_N5egiIjeshc/afSbF_V3-ojjI/AAAAAAAAAAAJA/1gTZqmI7yC8011/s1600-h/EC+Little+Red-headed+girl+T.JPG"

I delete the .jpg file name, so now it looks like this

a href=""

Now I paste in the link to my shop and it looks like this:

a href="http://wellspringcreations.ecrater.com/p/9034832/handcrafted-sterling-silver-earrings-with-jet"

Save and preview. Have fun!

Now you can try it with the modified link!-->

CPSIA Petitions to Save Pre-1985 Children's Books AND Handcrafted Goods for Children

2009-03-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

In addition to sending emails to your congressional leaders (my previous blogpost has a sample letter and the links), could you please sign the following petitions to mitigate the effects of the CPSIA?

* This petition requests that the CPSIA be modified to allow children access to books printed prior to 1985.

* This petition, written by Etsian, Kristin Kline, of
happyflyingbuttons addresses the CPSIA and its effects on the Americal children's apparel industry and small business handcrafters.

Please note that, while the ipetitions.com host requests donations to support their service, no donation is required to participate in the petitions.
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Death of the Printed Word?

2009-03-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

The CPSIA, a law intended to protect our children from lead and phthalates (a chemical that makes plastics soft), has taken a wrong turn and I am especially concerned with its decree that books printed prior to 1985 should NOT be available to children. In response to my previous blogs, I have heard some sad and alarming stories reflecting the repercussions of this mandate.

But what if this is the beginning of a trend? The CPSIA tells libraries they must "sequester" these children's books--keep them, but not let them be available to children. Then, Half Price Books removing half their children's inventory and the resulting lack of availability to foreign buyers who rely on these sources for children's books.

Taken a step further, we have the story from Australia, where the library management decided they were no longer a "research" library, but a "lending" library and removed all books printed prior to 2000.

Yesterday, the top news story was about the newspapers that are going out of business. The great San Francisco Chronicle, once owned by William Randolph Hearst of newspaper fame.

It makes me wonder if we are seeing the beginning of the end of the printed word. Hopefully, it will be a long road, but the prospect of my children's children getting all their reading material off the internet or their iBooks saddens me deeply.

Compare the incomparable photographs of Life magazine to the video clips from cell phones we are seeing on our news. Yes, it's instant. Yes, it's there. But it's hardly art; hardly memorable.

Besides the loss of the leisure of reading a good book, the smell and feel of paper between your fingers, the suspense of turning the page, and the lovely illustrations that can only be fully appreciated in printed form, what pitfalls lie before us?

Eventually, will we have a central online library? Who will control what we see? How much easier to track who is reading what--our own government wants libraries to provide this information to them today, but libraries have fought to protect our privacy--our freedom of reading--preferring to provide the information only where a lawful warrant is provided.

If centralized, how easy to eliminate what is embarassing or block what is unflattering. It's happening today. Type "Tiananmen Square" in a search engine in China and you will see a list of travel highlights but no mention of the massacre of July 5, 1989.

These things may not come to pass, but it is worth considering the ramifications if this were to happen.

Hopefully, our children won't be looking back on history and thinking 'I wonder why my parents didn't try to stop this from happening?'

CPSIA Letter to Congress

2009-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Here's an email you can cut and paste to your Senator. (That's a link to the Senate email addresses.)

Just change the "S 374" to "HR 968" (it's in twice in the first paragraph and once in the last) and then send it to your Congressional Representative.

Thank you to RuthsCreations for providing the basis of this letter.

Please support the passage of S 374, the bill that is currently being reviewed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This bill must not die in committee! If S 374 is not passed the entire US children's product industry will be in danger of collapsing.

Effects are already being felt, I have heard first-hand accounts of bookstores removing children's books printed before 1985 from their shelves. I have heard stories of thrift stores emptying their shelves into dumpsters and refusing donations of these books. And libraries told to "sequester" the books and prevent children from reading them? Even though the American Association of Publishers has tested the inks and determined that they meet the government standards.

In addition, I've now heard that manufacturers of motorcycles and ATVs are no longer being allowed to sell bikes or ATVs marketed to kids, or even parts to repair them. Because of lead content--it's ridiculous, what child that is old enough to ride a motorcycle is going to LICK it??? That's the only way any lead content would harm a child.

The financial losses will be great to bookstores, second hand stores, and other small businesses. This is NOT what we need in a recession.

Small business crafters, many of of whom got into business because they WANT to make safe alternatives to mass produced toys and other children's products, will put them out of business if CPSIA is left as-is. Not because they don't want to test, but because they CAN'T AFFORD IT. Testing every component at $800 each would require thousands of dollars on a product that might only bring a few hunderd dollars of profit. And what about one-of-a-kind? Impossible.

Please help us keep safe, affordable children's products available to the families that need them. Regulation is good but it needs to be sensible, and CPSIA may have been well intentioned, but it's effects are NOT positive.

Please support the passage of S 374.

Half Price Books Unstocks CPSIA Children's Books

2009-02-26T09:31:00.001-08:00

In response to my previous blog on the CPSIA law banning the sale and distribution of pre-1985 books to children, I have received the following note, printed verbatim and with permission:

I have experienced the severity of this issue first-hand. I run the children's section at Half Price Books (a used book store, for those of you who don't know, though most of the kids books are new- remainder or overstock from publishing houses that we buy and sell at a discount), and a few weeks ago we had to purge anything and everything from the section that could potentially contain harmful levels of lead. Fortunately, the Powers That Be deemed any ink used on paper to be safe; in other words, plain ol' books are fine, and we can keep selling them.

As many of you know, however, kids books often come with all kinds of extras: markers, lights, sounds, mirrors, toys, etc. The criteria we were given for what books we needed to pull from the shelves included many of these extras. Specifically, we were told to pull anything that was made in either China or Mexico that contained metal, painted wood, or mirrors.

Initially, it didn't seem like this would have much of an impact on the kids section, but as I went through my section pulling everything that was potentially harmful, I soon realized that this was going to decimate my section. My display tables were over halfway empty, and there were half-empty or completely empty shelves all throughout the section. We had to get rid of some really wonderful books and kits, including a stack of about ten Disney DVD board games that we had just received not a week before. The kids cooking shelf went from being packed full to only having half a dozen books left, all because most of the cookbooks were spiral-bound with metal.

We didn't throw away the books; we packed them all up and sent them to our district warehouse. The books will be tested for lead levels, and we might get back the books that are considered safe. As for the rest of the books, Half Price Books will try to get reimbursed by the vendors and publishers who sold the books to us.

I've spent the last few weeks fervently trying to rebuild the children's section, but, despite the volume of children's books that are sold to the store, it's been a slow process. I still have empty shelves that used to be full, though the section doesn't look quite so emaciated anymore.

The day that I had to get rid of all those books was one of the roughest days I've ever had at work. The kids section is my pride and joy, my baby, and I had to not only watch it get torn apart- I had to do it myself. It was heartbreaking.

From Jackie (who wrote from her Etsy shop at EasyOnTheEyes)

CPSIA and Vintage Children's Books

2009-02-23T17:05:00.001-08:00

I just ran across a box of my childhood books. Precious volumes with lovely illustrations, the smell of vintage paper, memories of my grandmother who gave me many of them...and illegal to share with children.

These books were all published before 1985 and according to the CPSIA there is lead in the ink that is dangerous to children. And, as a matter of fact, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) has done lead testing on these books and determined that it is within the stated CPSIA standards. BUT despite that, according to the law, such books may not be sold or even given away to children. In fact, they really aren't supposed to go to adult collections because they are CHILDREN'S books, and therefore at some point they might be read by children. God forbid.

I guess I wasn't in the habit of eating books when I was a child, but, except for the cardboard books geared for infants and toddlers, I haven't ever seen a child chew on a book. This I've seen with my own eyes at the library...but, then I think there is a much more likely danger of these children catching a cold or the flu from their teething on these public books.

As far as I know, there's never even been a study to determine if these books have ever harmed a child. I had lots of them and I'm considered pretty smart. I'm an artist and have my own business. I guess that means both my left AND my right brain are working well.

But, sadly, bookstores are throwing out their vintage children's books. Thrift stores will no longer accept contributions of these books. The libraries are, for the most part, still in shock.

Oh yes, the CPSIA offered a reprieve of one year. For now, they aren't going to require the books to be tested for lead (which destroys the books), but they're still liable for the lead content and can be prosecuted, if not by the federal government, then our state governments.

So, in a way, I guess an aspect of George Orwell's, 1984 has come true. In one year, our government may just have us burning all those pre-1985 children's books.

Shame on them.

If this concerns you, please write your federal legislators, requesting them to save these books from the CPSIA. Here are links to your U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators.

And, please, share this information with your family, friends, and associates, so that they can add their voices to saving the books.

Here are links to my (January) blogs on other aspects of the CPSIC (yes, unfortunately, there's a lot more to this law).

* How will the CPSIA affect you?
* DATELINE February 10, 2009: Ham Sandwich Lunch Soars to $10,080.

Update 2/25/2009--I've been getting some marvelous responses offline. Here are other sites these folks have shared with me that discuss the issue:

* American Library Association
* Parentdish

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New Natural Necklaces: Ginko Leaf and Onyx Wave

2009-02-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I took a break from computering to make some jewelry! Okay, truth is, I've been sequestered in the office and needed a change of scenery and some creative time! I started with a wonderful carved moss agate ginko leaf. I added a little gold filled bail and OH, those teeny beads! They're natural fancy jasper and moss agate ... did I say, teeny?

And check out this wonderful carved matte onyx pendant. Simple black and silver, what does it say to you?

For more information, just click on the pictures!

WellspringCreations goes to Twitter!

2009-02-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

I decided to learn something new today and got myself set up on Twitter. Signing up was easy. Tweaking the site and getting the color scheme and background designed and installed took a few hours.

The mini-photos are dropped onto a larger photo of my pond (a lined wine barrel). One goldfish is peeking out in this photo and the waterlily was blooming!

Why the pond? That's where I got my name: Wellspring. The frog, which I converted into a fountain, is my avatar for Wellspring.eCRATER.com.

Give me a tweet at http://www.twitter.com/WSCreations. Let me know what you think!
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New Asymmetrical Bracelet

2009-02-17T22:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in a contemporary mood and have created a new asymmetrical design which I've implemented in copper and silver.

First I made one in copper and it turned out great! I love the copper and I love that stone...a natural ocean jasper complete with a little crystal cave. NOTE: This one has found a new home, you can see new one(s) by clicking on the photo.

Second, I made a sterling silver one. I took out the mid-rib and experimented with the shape. This one's for me! It was on this piece that I discovered that it is better as a bracelet than a bangle and where I created the clasp. By making it a bracelet and more fitted, it sits beautifully on my wrist and it is so comfortable, I forget I'm wearing it...until someone compliments me on it!

Third, I made the silver cuff bracelet. The frame is sterling (for strength) and the wrapping is fine silver, which is very slow to tarnish. The stone is an oval striped agate, which I just love--those tones from black through cream through white are just stunning!

Click on the photos to see that latest editions of these cuffs (and others)!

Straighten your Skirt at the Market!

2009-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

When I set up my booth at the Farmer's Market, I am so absorbed, I usually don't pay much attention to the details of the other booths. I do usually try to do a quick wander around the craft section to say "hi" to the usual suspects and "welcome" to those I don't know. Of course, I check out and compliment their wares...it is really amazing the variety and talent displayed at these markets. And I always wish them a profitable day!

Last week, the booth across from me caught my eye. I have said "hi" before and admire their work, but that day I was admiring their display. Their jewelry was laid out on raised glass sheets. I had seen them with the Windex before they set up and I was envious because I was de-linting my fabric display that shows every speck of dust.

We got to talking about displays and they started making some basic suggestions about mine, which were welcomed! The first thing they noticed about my booth is that it looked neat. Not cool. Neat. My trays were clean and lined up and my long cloth hid the feet of my tables and the upper cloth was straight. I had made an effort on this, but it was for my own sense of order. They pointed out that the same qualities will attract customers, if only subliminally. Obvious point, but one that sometimes needs to be made!

Jewelry especially is very competitive--there are so many jewelry booths. The colors and style you choose for your booth are important, but no matter how chic your color scheme, it looses some attraction when your "legs" are showing or your table cloths are crooked.

I don't know if neatness translates into sales, but it couldn't hurt. It's a simple step and it's free, so as you set up, take that extra moment to step back look at your booth.

Is your skirt straight?
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New Copper Bangles

2009-02-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

I've been busy with rings, now I've moved up the arm and created a couple of new bangles. (A bangle is a bracelet without a clasp; it just slides over your hand. Both of these are "cuffs" because they're wide.)

I'm so pleased with this one! It has a heavy frame and yards of fine copper wire woven all around. The stone is a lovely ocean jasper with a cave of crystal druzy. I like the asymmetrical shape of the copper frame that contrasts with the carefully woven wire.

The second bangle represents one of those days when you feel like you take one step back for each step forward. With all the twists and turns, you still make it through the day.

These bangles are available at my metaphysical site, www.WellspringChakra.eCRATER.com (or you can just click on the pictures!)
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The First Market of the Year!

2009-02-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived the first market day of the year. Standing up for 6 hours after spending two months sitting while making jewelry or sitting in front of the computer is a hard adjustment! But we were between rain storms and the folks were wonderful, as always!

I was right, my trays were full of lint and bottle brush bits. I used my new roller tape cleaner and that did the trick, so when the people showed up to shop, I was spic and span. Interestingly, my pristine new ring display showed debris within an hour. Our air's not so clean...even after a rain!

Another jewelry vendor was kind enough to chat with me about my booth "look". I've been trying to improve it, but it still didn't seem "right" to me. She made some very good suggestions on color and presentation which made great sense.

If you're serious about markets and shows, your booth is always evolving and you should always be trying to update and refresh. I have my work cut out for me!

Preparing for a New Market Season

2009-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

I've been postponing it, but I finally made the call and booked my spot for the Farmer's Market on Sunday. The weather is supposed to be partly cloudy (in between rain...which we really need). Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Why have I been postponing? I'm not ready! For one thing, I've been making a lot of rings, but I have no ring display. And, of course, being a do-it-yourself-er, I want to make it myself. Okay, I'm not really happy with the store bought options, either.

The design is in my head and the materials are at hand. I'm planning to work on it after school today. I'll share my experience with you when I'm done!

Also, my display needs a major cleaning. Since I don't have a Spring break, I must do my Spring cleaning now. A roller brush (the kind with tape to clean up lint) is on my shopping list for this afternoon (I have a discount coupon :-)

I use trays lined with fabric covered cork. The fabric is black ultrasuede. It's lovely, but it's a bear to keep clean. The air quality is readily displayed...the particulate matter must be cleaned up constantly..

In one market, I'm under a bottle brush tree which sheds little red bits. I don't know where they hide, but they keep cropping up even at other markets!

So, with clean displays and the passle of new products I've been making over the break, I'll be facing this year's markets with a clean look and a fresh attitude.

Wish me luck!

Valentine's Day Gift Choices

2009-02-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

I had a discussion this morning with my neighbor's teen-aged daughter. I had mentioned jewelry as a Valentine's Day gift and her response was "No, you give flowers or chocolates for Valentine's day, not jewelry!"

Not exactly what a jewelry artist wants to hear, but it got me thinking. Chocolate and flowers are nice, but jewelry is a much better choice for Valentine's Day....

Think about it: the cost of having red roses delivered: $60..$80..$100? How long will they last?...maybe a week? How about a diamond instead? Every bit as red, a lot more sparkle, and lasting much longer!

Chocolate is nice...slip a single boxed truffle on top of the jewelry gift box and wrap a ribbon around both. Now you've REALLY shown her you love her!

Women love tokens of affection, but they really appreciate some thought put into it, too. She'll notice the extra effort. Buy her the jewelry for Valentine's Day. It'll cost you about the same, but it'll mean that much more!

Then bring her a Spring Bouquet on April 15--it'll be a lovely surprise for her...and it'll even cost you less!

Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. My neighbor agreed and added "Mother's Day is coming" (a broad hint to her daughter)!

Click on the photos to see more about these jewelry pieces or visit Wellspring Creations.
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Where Do I Design?

2009-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

At one point or another, all artists are asked where do you get your inspiration? In my case, it's a matter of where and when.

One of my favorite inspirational places is a restaurant. I especially like the ones with white paper placemats! Every so often I have an hour to kill and I stop by one of my favorite places, Khanh's Garden.

After more years than I'd like to admit, they know me, seat me in a quiet corner, take my order and I start marking up my pristine placemat. I was there today, as a matter of fact, and when I sat down I wasn't feeling too inspired, but when I left (despite having taken the time to eat every tasty bite) I took with me the placement--completely covered with sketches.

I'd never mentioned to them that I design and create jewelry, but today I gave the hostess my card with a sketch of this piece that I designed last month when I was in her restaurant. I hope she visits my Etsy website to see the finished piece, as they provided the place for it's inspiration!

Khanh's Garden is located at 335 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, California (just a few blocks from the famous Winchester Mystery house). http://www.khanhsrestaurant.com

New Jewelry Tool

2009-02-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

I mentioned that I'd turned down the thermostat after getting my last power bill (ouch!). The problem was that my hands would get cold, especially while I was working on the computer. Well, here's my new tool!

For some reason, my mouse hand gets especially cold, but these really help. My fingers still get chilly, but it takes longer and they warm up a lot quicker with the fingerless gloves.

Typing takes a little getting used to, because there is a slight resistance when I spread my fingers (like for the shift key). I haven't tried them for jewelry making (yet).

Definitely worth it. I got mine at Bliss Monkey Studio (love the name) on Etsy. I was amazed at how many styles and materials were available for fingerless gloves and the variety of Etsy stores offering them. Fun shopping! More fun getting!

Did I Succeed?

2009-02-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I set some goals for myself. Did I succeed?

Nope, but I did squeeze in a little weed pulling.

My excuse? I forgot today was the Superbowl. Talk about an exciting game! I wasn't really rooting for one team over the other, so I wouldn't have been disappointed whatever the result. Both teams really made a great effort; what a show!

A Day Lost

2009-01-31T17:51:00.000-08:00

For once, it was a beautiful day. It started out foggy (that was a surprise), but it burned off early and we had blue skies and relatively mild temperatures.

Did I go outside to play? No. I spent the day on the computer, learning more about upkeep on my webstores. I learned a lot of interesting things that will be valuable in maintaining my online stores. But where did the day go? Now it's evening and I hardly know where the time went.

Tomorrow I'm going to

(1) drink my coffee outside
(2) prune a tree (maybe even pull a few weeds)
(3) make some jewelry and
(4) photograph that jewelry
...all before I've lost the light to do it. THEN, I'll hit the computer.

There's a plan; let's see if I make it :-)

More Rings!

2009-01-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm still on a ring binge, but now I'm off to extremes from flowery to sleek!

This one is a sodalite twist with a frame of tiny natural sodalite beads and silver seed beads, surrounded by "petals" of wrapped sterling.

I love this natural citrine nugget! 14K gold filled wire was the obvious choice. I'm really pleased with the openness of the setting; it holds firmly, but lets in a lot of light! The photo doesn't do justice to the depths of the stone, however.

And finally, this sodalite in a sleek, almost austere, herringbone wrap. I recently read that the blue in sodalite is the same stone as the blue in lapis lazuli. The difference is that sodalite has the white matrix and lapis has the specks of sparkling pyrite. The shade of blue on this sodalite is close to lapis, and the sparkle comes from the silver wire wrap!

These rings are available on http://www.wellspringcreations.eCrater.com/ or you can click on the photos.

How will the CPSIA affect you?

2009-01-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

[[NOTE: On January 30, 2009, the CPSC announced they were going to postpone implementation of the CPSIA law for one year while they study its affects on craftspeople and other small American business. Hopefully, we won't have to revisit this in a year.]]

We all want to protect our children from harmful chemicals in toys, but the CPSIA, a law to go into effect February 10, 2009 was not carefully considered. This is how these new laws will affect you:

To the Schools, Teachers, and Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies skyrocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. Oh well, there's always television. :-(
Article from the American Library Association

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a ball of yarn and an instruction manual: you will have to make it yourself! That blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's been tested. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will likely be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” link .

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes magazine.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

text of the new law

If this upsets or alarms you, please contact your US Congressional Representatives and Senators!

Versions of this protest article are being published by over 200 bloggers on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. We want our government leaders to look again at this law and make reasonable modifications to protect our children and our crafts industry.

DATELINE February 10, 2009: Ham Sandwich Lunch Soars to $10,080

2009-01-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

[[NOTE: On January 30, 2009, the CPSC announced they were going to postpone implementation of the CPSIA law for one year while they study its affects on craftspeople and other small American business. In the meantime, you can still buy the highlighted in this blog for their original LOW prices ($12-$85).]]

That’s right. A child’s toy ham sandwich lunch is about to skyrocket in price to $10,080. That’s how much it will cost bugbitesplayfood on Etsy to test each component for lead and pthalates as dictated by the CPSIA, a new law to take effect on February 10, 2009.

Because of poor testing practices by overseas manufacturers, lax oversight by the huge American companies that buy and import these items, and a lack of resources by the Federal government, a new law, effective February 10, 2009, makes each manufacturer directly responsible for the testing of children’s items for lead and pthalates. It doesn’t matter that the “manufacturer” is an American grandmother sewing a Raggedy Ann from materials bought at her local fabric shop.

Lead tests are $50 each. Phthalate tests are $350 each. That’s $400 each for each color cloth, yarn, and thread.

Home made crafts are collectively a huge industry in the United States, such as:

New Orleans’ bobsandbits’ hand-painted wooden potty chair which costs $85 before February 10, but whose 12 components would cost $5,040 to test!

Flyingzoo’s wooden mobile, normally $29 but its ten components -- different kinds of wood, fishing line, thread, paints, etc.-- would cost $4,200 to test.

The stay-at-home mom from frillerup who makes the tutus of a little girl's dreams; today, $36; the seven components of the tutu will cost $2,940 to test.

It would only add a mere $800 to a silver wire-wrapped ring (up from $12). It doesn’t matter that the silver is from an American supplier who has already tested and documented that it is well within the stated standards. Many components have never had either lead nor phthalates, but will still have to be tested—even organic American cotton.

If the law is not modified, we handcrafters will all have to change our product offerings. Some will have the tests and pass the cost on to their customers, many will just close up shop; others, like me, will be forced to stop making children’s products.

If you want to save American craftsmanship for children’s products, please write to your U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators. And you might want to do your children’s shopping before February 10.

For more information on the CPSIA, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/children.html.

2009-01-20T11:01:00.001-08:00

I've had this lovely golden Colorado amazonite for a long while, but suddenly I was inspired!

It just seems the pendant itself is a wrapped box with a bow...a very elegant little package! Each side is slightly different. I guess that's becoming my signature.

I'm so pleased with this one!

You can find this pendant on WellspringCreations.eCrater.com-just click on the photo.

Rings! Rings! Rings!

2009-01-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

I'm on a roll of rings! Suddenly, every stone I look at says "I want to be a ring". I've been listening!

One thing about rings, though, is that sizing wire wrap is a challenge. I'm getting much better, but the sizes are still approximate-give or take a .25 size. Fortunately, folks seem more interested in the pretty ring than in what particular finger they're going to wear it on. I guess we have to change our name for "ring" finger!

I've been doing some research on the sizing issue (I am a perfectionist). It seems I need to invest in "stepped" mandrels. A mandrel is typically a tapered stick with the different ring sizes marked off--a three dimensional ruler for rings. When I originally went looking for a mandrel, I thought a "stepped" one might be nice, but since I didn't find any I figured it was a figment of my imagination (or a missed opportunity!).

In my recent research, other jewelers have mentioned them, so now I know they DO exist and one person was kind enough to mention a source. So, I shall check again. Even if I have to buy one for even sizes and one for half sizes, it will be a good investment! (Tim, the toolman really has nothing on a jeweler...we love our tools!)

In the meantime, I'm happy with the look of what's been coming off my mandrel! And, of course, I have to make one for me! The problem will be deciding which one....

Check out my latest rings on www.WellspringCreations.eCRATER.com

Farmer's Market

2009-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

I love going to the Farmer's Market. Well, I don't usually go as a customer; I go as a vendor. But either way, it's fun!

Depending on the season, we may have to get up at 5am and that part's not fun. But I stake out my spot, walk over to Starbuck's for a hot drink, and chat with the other vendors until it's reasonable to set up (after the street is closed off and after the dew falls).

Once that's done, it's a matter of enjoying the day. It's lovely to see all the folks out strolling. The families spending quality time together. I get to chat to anyone who stops for a peek at my jewelry and sometimes my artist's eye just has to tell a dad that his child is looking/doing something especially cute and he should take a picture!

The chat's not all about jewelry...or the weather *smile*. I've had some really good conversations about self-confidence (do you choose jewelry based on how YOU feel about it, or how someone else will like it?), parenting (pick any age, there's a lot to talk about), finite resources/the environment (I have stones that come from only one mine in the world..and it closed 50 years ago!), and, of course, the economy! And it amazes me how many people go to the farmer's market while they're on vacation! I've met people from all over the USA and the world. It's never dull.

So plan a visit to your local farmer's market. It's not just about great produce. It's a great place to meet and talk to interesting people and to enjoy life!

Remember the Spirograph?

2009-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, one of my favorite toys was a Spirograph. With a variety of gears moving around inside other gears, you could draw all sorts of round geometric repeating designs. I decided to work on using the same principles to create a wire wrapped bezel for a stone pendant. Geometry in jewelry can be a challenge, especially when the wires keep moving, but I’m pleased with the organic outcome. I think the tiny onyx bead frame enhances the look, too.

Love the shades of gray...and the occasional blue flash of the Larvikite! I used a different design on the back, so it's like having two pendants for the price of one! I'm putting it on www.Wellspring.eCRATER.com.

Choosing Quality Cell Phone Straps

2009-01-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

Several people have bought cell straps elsewhere and bring them to me to see if I can fix them. I have a good reputation with my customers for making quality items. Invariably, however, they are beyond repair because they were made of poor materials ranging from pot metal to “silver colored" wire. These materials may chip, but most often they just break.

Inevitably, these same people will replace their cell strap with one of mine. Afterwards, they drop by to proudly show me how well my straps are holding up and how pleased they are.

What's the difference?

Really, I shouldn't call what I make “cell straps”; I should call them “phone jewelry” because I make them like they are jewelry. I use the same materials and skills in my cell straps that I do in my jewelry. I use only Sterling Silver wire (never plated or "colored"). That's why I can guarantee my workmanship.

You have an expensive cell phone, it deserves a quality strap.

My straps are a good value--they will last much longer than cheaper items you may find online or in stores. And mine are not imported. You are buying US workmanship. And the money you send to me is being spent in the US.

And, incidentally, even my silver is made in America!

Storing Metal Jewelry

2008-10-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone has seen it. Everyone has done it. Even my own mother does it. You come home from a long day (or a long night) and take off the jewelry, toss it on the dresser. Every department store and knick knack counter sells bowls for you to toss jewelry into.

Take it from one who knows jewelry, this is not a good way to treat your jewelry.

Metal scratches…even when it rubs against other metals…certainly when it gets knocked against that diamond ring. Softer stones like turquoise, opal, and pearls can get scratched or worse. Pearls can scratch each other!

There are several methods for storing jewelry, but there are two key ingredients: separate and anti-tarnish.

First, every piece of jewelry should have an individual place where it isn’t going to get rubbed or bumped. The simplest method is to keep each piece in a separate box. I sell my earrings hanging on a cardstock card inside a fitted plastic zip sealed bag. This keeps the earrings separate and provides a slick surface to protect them from random scratches. Larger pieces, like bracelets and necklaces, I prefer to put in a cotton filled box. People often ask for the velvet gift bag and that’s okay for the short term or if the jewelry piece won’t be knocked around in a jewelry box or dresser top.

There are larger jewelry “closets” that can be used, but it’s important that you don’t overfill it. Every piece of jewelry should be placed where it can’t rub against anything but air or soft fabric.

Storing jewelry this way will protect against scratches and nicks, but what about tarnish? My other blog articles document the issues of why tarnish occurs and how to clean it. Storing your jewelry correctly can help prevent tarnish so you don’t have to polish it!

If I have a piece that is especially prone to tarnish, I have several tricks:

I store the item in a box, but first I set it on a square of, or wrap it in “silver cloth”. This is a chemically treated cloth (usually dark brown) that absorbs the chemicals that cause your jewelry to tarnish. If you have a box or chest that is designed to store silverware, it is probably lined with silver cloth..

Silver cloth may not prevent tarnish entirely, but it can insure it takes a really long time. You can buy silver cloth by the yard at quality fabric stores. Or you can buy silver cloth bags that are designed for a silver tea service. A small bag that would normally fit over a sugar bowl might work very well with a large necklace.

Silver cloth might adversely affect a porous/soft stone like turquoise, opal, etc. so you should skip the silver cloth for these pieces.

For longer storage, wash the piece first with water and dry thoroughly (perspiration can start the oxidation process). Put the whole box inside a zip closure plastic bag. This decreases the amount of contaminated air that can get to your jewelry. This would be a good way to store jewelry in the safe deposit box. Just remember to store different metals separately!

And those coins can go in their own sealed plastic bag!

Tarnished Gold

2008-10-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

YES! Gold can tarnish, too. 24K gold is pure gold, but any other karat weight of gold is mixed with other metals. This strengthens it so that it is more suited for life as jewelry, but it also introduces small amounts of metals that can oxidize (tarnish).

Even lower karat gold, like 10K, doesn’t oxidize easily, but when exposed to gases exuded by tarnish-prone metals, even 22K gold can get a jump-start to tarnish. My banker told me the sad tale of the customer who had stored gold jewelry and loose coins in a safety deposit box. The copper in the coins worked on the gold in the enclosed area and created tarnished gold and a shocked owner.

The best prevention is correct storage. This is true for gold, silver AND copper jewelry.

Recipe to Clean Copper Jewelry

2008-10-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

New copper is a bright, warm metal. Oxidation (commonly called “tarnish”) can give copper a rich patina. Some jewelry has been deliberately oxidized by the jewelry artist to get this effect. It is often a matter of personal taste.

Copper can be coated with a special jewelry shellac, which deters tarnish. Unless coated, all copper will eventually darken.

If your copper has oxidized and you prefer the bright, new penny look, you can clean your copper. Chemically treated tarnish removal cloths can work for large relatively flat areas and I have one type for sale on my Wellspring website, but a less expensive and more efficient method is to use a “bath”.

NOTE: This treatment cannot be used with soft stones such as turquoise, opal, pearl, etc.; nor can pieces with glued stones/crystals.

1. First, gently swish your copper jewelry in some warm, soapy water with a gentle liquid dishwashing soap. This will remove the skin oils from the copper.

2. Rinse well and pat dry (you don’t want to dilute the next step).

3. For a few minues, soak the copper in plain, household vinegar. You should see the tarnish disappear. (Alternatively, you can mix 1 cup warm water, 1/8 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt. Stir 'til dissolved.*)

4. Rinse very well with plain water, pat dry with a clean terry cloth towel (the nap will help dry the indentations of the copper).

5. Let completely air dry before storing.

This is only a temporary measure. Storing your tarnish prone jewelry in a jewelry gift box, which typically has tarnish resistant cotton, will deter the tarnishing during storage. But it is copper's nature to oxidize. You may just want to let it go the natural way or talk to your jeweler about the pros and cons of shellac.

*Some people recommend ketchup, but it's too messy for my taste (pardon the pun). It works because it is acidic, like the vinegar...in fact, ketchup HAS vinegar in it. Don't try it on anything but a simple flat piece...anything with a nook or cranny may end up with a permanent addition of ketchup!

Recipe to Clean Silver Jewelry

2008-10-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

As a jewelry artist, I am often asked what to buy to clean silver jewelry. This brings to mind a jeweler I knew as a child. She laughed about the "special" jewelry cleaner they sold at their jewelry shop. She mixed it up in her kitchen using common household items!

For my own jewelry, if it is a piece with a large, relatively flat surface like a hammered pendant, I will use a polishing cloth. You do have to buy these, but they are very convenient for a quick clean up on something with larger surfaces. I do sell these in my online shop for a reasonable amount.

However, polishing clothes do not work well on the majority of jewelry. For example, a polishing cloth would not work particularly well on a gemstone ring because it just can't get in and around that stone. A very delicate chain might actually stretch by being pulled through the polishing cloth and the inside of the links would still be tarnished.

The most common cleaning recipes rely on a chemical reaction to clean off the tarnish.

NOTE: Do not use this method on jewelry with soft gemstones like turquoise, opals, pearls etc.

What you'll need:
* glass or enamel coated pan
* aluminum foil
* salt
* baking soda
* liquid dish soap
* wood, plastic, or silver utensil/spoon. I use a pair of bamboo chopsticks. Stainless steel will re-tarnish the jewelry.

Line a glass or enamel coated pan with aluminum foil. It doesn't have to be pretty, but the jewelry will have to be in contact with the liquid AND the foil for this to work.

Pour in 1 quart of water. With utensil, stir in:
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap
Heat low setting on stove (simmer)--it needs to be warm, DO NOT BOIL.

Put jewelry in and have in contact with as much of the foil as possible.

Using wood, plastic or silver utensils only, stir the jewelry around and flip it over so that it touches the foil on all sides. The chemicals, the foil and the heat work together to remove the tarnish.

Remove.

Rinse with clean cool water. Pat dry with clean towel. Let air dry completely and store.

Discard the liquid and foil when you're done; it cannot be reused effectively.