I think it's probably been a couple of years that I've wanted to play with fusing wire, but never got around to buying any fine silver to try it. I have, however, had argentium sterling for about a year now and had no idea that you could fuse it until now. What fun! All I've really done it make some slender hammered "stacking " rings, but hey, I love them. I've seen them around on Etsy, but had no idea how simple they are to make. I have a vision of making a bunch of them and taking them to a gathering or ritual so that I can give one to everyone. I think that would be really sweet. Not that every one would like them just because I do.. LOL.. but hey, it's the thought right? Anyway, enough talking, here are a couple of photos of the rings and fusing set up.

It's been a lot of fun in my jewelry world lately. I've got a bad habit where I am always working on cleaning the studio instead of working in it. You'd think I would catch up wouldn't you? I've got to believe there are at least some others out there who know what it is like to be ruled by your mess.
But HEY! No more... That's what I say. It's time to create, work and have fun! I'm finally feeling like I'm getting into a creating groove. Yes the mess is still around me and I'll find time to work on it bit by bit, but it's about time I get myself back in gear and on Etsy again. I've been dabbling in wire work for a number of years now ( hmmm.. maybe 5 years?), but the frequency of my working is very occasional, whether it's due to physical pain or depression. I've been desiring to work on it everyday so that I can further develop my skills and watch where I go with it. I've envied other artists who are able to work on a piece every day. I know my own limitations and I've come to terms with them, but right now, I'm feeling good and I want to say NO MORE! I will manifest time, energy, and an able presence to create as much as I want. I'm not huge on affirmations, but I'm giving it a go. Of course I've got the other side if me saying, "but..but....but..."
Not listening:) well kind of.. but......... I'm going to give it a go anyway.
For the last number of days I've been up in the studio working on finishing out pieces so that I can photograph them and get them out there. I primarily make pendants; they seem to be what moves me. Yesterday and today, I've been working on chains to finish them out. Some pieces I'll just sell as a pendant, but I'm enjoying going a step further and making them into a necklace. I'll be curious to see which people are more drawn to. From what I see out there, I suspect people like the entire "package", but we'll see huh?
Well anyway... that's what I am up to... catching up and moving forward. Woo-hoo!

So... I've not been active on my blog for quite awhile now, but I'm working on it! I went through a long spell of not being able to create because of my carpal tunnel, but it did give me time to work on some photography and buy more beads! Oh, what an addiction I have.
Fortunately these days I'm working my way back to making things. It's always a battle with the wrist stuff, but I do what I can. I just wish I could be making beauties ALL DAY!
More from me soon:)

This pendant is one of my recent creations. I got these gorgeous kyanite brio's and apatite focal from sellers on Etsy and I just had to PLAY! I'm experimenting with photographing my pieces, hence the "image test".

I made this necklace the other night. I started by hammering and texturing a piece of wire that became the anchor for the dangling carnelian, amazonite, sterling charms. You can see in the upper right corner of the close up photo, the clasp I made. I made the ball on the end of the sterling wire using a pencil torch. Pretty basic in the silversmithing world, but it is the first time I played with a torch. Scary.. and woo-hoooo!

I'm sitting here and I haven't been working on much new so I figured that I'd post some older wraps of mine. I am working on one thing right now which is a pretty simple, custom pearl and onyx necklace. I'll get it in here when I finish it. So for now, let's see what I've got to show. Oh and by the way, I am still working towards my goal of putting a lot more time into my jewelry making, but as you all know there are always things that interrupt our goals. It's coming along though. Of course, I will be slowed down again by my upcoming trip to Quartzite,AZ for the gem shows (yippeeeee!) I'll be gone for a month then have to come back and RECOVER! I know... poor me. I've also been working on unearthing my chaotic studio so that I can actually get to my supplies. I'll post a photo when I'm done. I don't know about you, but I really enjoy seeing other artists' work spaces. Okay... photos:

This is a piece I did the other night. A few days ago I picked up pen and paper to see what might come out. I don't usually sketch things first, so it was a little experiment. I've been playing with wire since then trying different things out. This is a pretty big piece, almost covering the palm of my hand. It has turquoise, smoky quartz, jade and amber within it's form. I've been playing with the spiral theme since this piece, so I'll post something else in a little while. Unfortunately, while I am very inspired by woven designs, my carpal tunnel won't permit as much as I'd like to do. I just have to take it a little bit at a time. It's hard at times, but I try to be patient!