Melissa Muir Shares "Tool Time Tuesdays"

As my jewelry journey continues I've found certain artists that I go back to time and again for inspiration and instruction. Melissa Muir fits both bills for me on her Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox Design Journal. I love her Tool Time Tuesdays and read them faithfully. Frequently I get to watch them since Mellisa is making YouTube videos and posting them with her blog.

One of today's "TTT" videos is about operating 3 different torches. Some of you know that I was fortunate enough to host Don Norris, LearnSilver.com at A Beaded Affair one weekend at the end of September. We had six students who, with me learned to solder and each made a gorgeous piece of sterling silver jewelry. I love my pendent, but more on that later when I have a picture. So I was particularly interested in today's videos about using a torch. After you watch the video, head back over to the Tool Time Tuesday blog and watch the other videos on today's issue. You'll want to go back and find all the other great videos too.



After you learn how to operate your torch and all the other tools Melissa has taught about, don't forget to check out all the solid copper wire, findings and beads at A Beaded Affair. You can use your new torch skills with solid copper. Don't settle for plated copper. Create heirloom jewelry with solid copper products.

Cool Tool Alert! - Strips Copper But he doesn't know what that tool is for!

Poor guy. He doesn't know he is making tangled beads for earrings and pendants. What a shame to send this to the smelter when it's gorgeous jewelry just waiting to be made.



All your Solid Copper Wire, Findings and Beads at A Beaded Affair! Stop by and check out what's new.

Szarka of Magpie Gemstones and Making Leather Jewelry

I've really enjoyed all of Szarka's videos on making jewelry. In this edition, she shares her approach to incorporating leather into your jewelry repertoire. Well worth watching and visit Magpie Gemstones.



Don't forget to stop by A Beaded Affair for all your solid copper needs. Don't settle for plated copper. For the same price make heirloom jewelry with solid copper. Wire, Beads, Findings and new items added weekly. http://www.abeadedaffair.com

Ultimate Wire Jewelry Tutorial Deal from Shaktipaj Designs

One of my favorite things to do with my blog is to promote jewelry artists that offer something more to the world of design and share their knowledge and creativity with others. Heading that list is Perri Jackson of Shaktipaj Designs, a name well known in wire circles. In addition to being an incredibly talented jewelry designer, Perri is one of those people with the rare gifts of eloquence and clarity. She uses her gifts to teach us how to create her amazing designs through a series of tutorials which help you master the techniques involved, so you can take those techniques and build on them to design your own beautiful jewelry.

On her web site, Perri is now offering, for a limited time, an incredible deal on the entire series of tutorials, that's 21 complete tutorials for only $35.00.

But wait, there's more! There's actually 30+ designs within those 21 tutorials. It's really an amazing deal that will keep you happily wrapping and coiling for many months to come.

Perri's tutorials are loaded with clear, crisp, close up pictures that guide you through every single step in the process of making some really complex designs. She believes ""The details are not the details. They make the design." Charles Eame, and Perri gives you all the details you need to complete her tutorials.

Perri has some interesting plans for the future. She's going to concentrate ononline class instruction, private work sessions and video classes – and ultimately – a BOOK!!


I wish her all the luck in the world. Knowing Perri though, she'll be a wonderful success at whatever she attempts.

Don't wait to order your tutorials. This is a limited time offer!
Shaktipaj Designs



Oh, and don't forget to stop by A Beaded Affair for all your copper wire and beads to create those great Shaktipaj designs.

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 5

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

Copper Wire Jewelers - Love copper? Join today!

The Beading Gem's Journal

What an honor I had today to be featured in The Beading Gem's Journal, an excellent blog about all the facets of jewelry making. In fact, it's one of the blogs I read faithfully because it consistently provides information, ideas and tutorials in a reader, or is that beader, friendly way. The author, Pearl, a CWJ group member featured Copper Wire Jewelers today, a group I started almost 2 years ago for jewelers and beaders who enjoy working in copper and other alternative metals. I've been grinning from ear to ear since I read the article.

Karen, of Karen Makes Stuff  , also a member of Copper Wire Jewelers and a friend, suggested that Pearl could do a blog about the group and of course Pearl ran with it and out did herself. Karen and I met when I found her blog and discovered that she lived near where I grew up and my Dad still lives. We got together for an impromptu wire wrapping lesson and had a ball. In fact, Karen has the only pictures of me that appear anywhere online and thankfully it's only my hands. Here's the lesson Karen turned into a blog.

I am truly touched by the sentiment expressed in the article, the trust the members have put in me and the love of the friends I've made through Copper Wire Jewelers. I've said it before, the members of Copper Wire Jewelers are the best jewelry group on the web. I hope you will all come and see what we've built and will continue to grow. My special thanks go to Karen and Pearl for the article which blew me away.

Don't forget to visit these two great blogs and then check out Copper Wire Jewelers

3rd Anniversary Sale at A Beaded Affair

Viking knit in fine silver with bali beads and AAA pearls

It's been so terribly long since I've written. Shame on me. I try to write only when I think I have something important or interesting to say and lately I just haven't felt interesting. Well, something finally made me sit up and take notice and want to write a couple of words to the world at large. I noticed the other day that it was three years ago that I started on the journey into the art of creating jewelry and learning how to function on the world wide web.

Soft Flex Extreme 925 – 19 strand – .024 inches – 50 feet – $31.99 – Check this price, Best on the web

It seems like only yesterday that I was torturing my daughter for information on how to sign up for blogs and asking her to fix all the many things I broke on my way around the web. Well, actually, it was yesterday, once again she had to come to my rescue. But that aside it's been an adventure in learning, experimenting, creating and selling.

Filagree Puffy Heart Beads – 26 x 20 mm - 2@$2.99

Learning to make wire jewelry is one of the most engrossing ventures I've ever embarked on. Each time I work a piece I learn a little more about wire and what you can do with it. It stretches my imagination and my muscles. Have you ever tried to bend 10 gauge copper? It's not an easy feat, I tell ya. I love working with tiny gems and beads making dainty, classical pieces and big honking gemstone cabochons creating that statement piece noticed from across the room. Each piece takes on it's own personality and carries a little bit of me with it.

Solid Copper Jewelry Wire

Along the way I started getting some incredibly good deals on supplies and opened all the A Beaded Affair stores to share those great prices on the supplies I use with all of you. Each store carries it's own group of different beads and a great selection of solid copper jewelry wire in 1/2 Round, Round and Square wire. The main store also carries chain and copper findings and some other goodies reserved for you.

It's been a great 3 years, with apologies to my daughter and I think we should celebrate. From now until May 31st shop any A Beaded Affair store, use the coupon code 3rdAnniversarySale and receive 10% off everything you purchase. The only catch? You have to visit a store, buy something and use the code. Use the code as many times as you like between now and the 31st and I hope you'll share it with your friends.

Thank you to all my friends and fans for a great 3 years. Here's hoping I'll have another 23 to enjoy!

Visit the shops:
A Beaded Affair
A Beaded Affair on Etsy
A Beaded Affair on Artfire
Zibbet and Ecrater stores (Discount will be refunded. Just email me the code or ask for a revised invoice.)

Check out my website created by Wicked Plum Shops . Easy e-commerce and surprisingly sweet! Your own domain with shop without all the complicated coding. Websites for artists who want to create and sell, not struggle to learn e-commerce.

Black Friday Discount 10% off Everything in every shop!

I don't post a lot but when I do it's something you need to read. I've just loaded up my shops with the first ever Black Friday sale in A Beaded Affair history. Cool huh?

OK, so everyone is running sales.....what makes this different? Shop at any of my stores, save 10% on everything, no limitations, no limits on the number of times you can use the coupon and save even more because I'll combine shipping for you from all the stores and ship together.

 Each store has different beads and findings and supplies. Lots of items at true wholesale and discounted prices. Main store has stringing and other extras too. Take a look.

 Each store has different beads and findings and supplies. Lots of items at true wholesale and discounted prices. Main store has stringing and other extras too. Take a look.

Fill a box. Any shipping costs in excess of a priority box will be refunded too, so stuff that box!!

Start here:
http://www.abeadedaffair.com
http://www.abeadedaffair.etsy.com
http://www.abeadedaffair.artfire.com
http://www.abeadaffair.ecrater.com
Questions?? email me at Lois@abeadedaffair.com


Happy Shopping!
Lois

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 4

Open publication - Free publishing - More wire wrap

@HyperspaceHippo - Voyage of the Hyperspace Hippo: Creating a Gift

Many of you know that I often spend my twitter time re-tweeting the hand made copper jewelry pieces you post on Twitter. In fact, that's how many of you found me in the first place, when I tweeted a piece you posted. I've always thought it was a win-win situation for both of us. If you post a piece from your shops and add the words copper, copper jewelry, hand made copper my Social Oomph search engine notifies me. Most mornings and some evenings I'll go through the lists and re-tweet at least a few of the pieces I like. Every once in a while I get to help someone with a copper project or answer questions about wire wrapping or copper wire. One night a couple of weeks ago was one of those occasions. I met @HyperspaceHippo.



@HyperspaceHippo had a simple request for some solid copper lobster clasps. Not easy to find in solid copper, I had found some in 3 sizes for my shop but hadn't added them yet. We tweeted back and forth a bit to find out what she needed and I told her that I would post them for her. She also needed a small length of chain and a couple of jump rings to go with the clasps for a very special project. I don't carry chain or jump rings yet but I had them in my personal stash that I would share with her. So, off went the package and I thought that was that, until this morning.


I love waking up to find a mention on Twitter. @HyperspaceHippo has written an article about the project she needed the supplies help with Voyage of the Hyperspace Hippo: Creating a Gift 
What a very special loving gift she created. It's truly an honor to have met her and helped with this gift. Sales aside, this is really what Twitter should be all about. Making friends, creating relationships that, even though online, have the power to touch you. @HyperspaceHippo did that today.

Solid Copper Lob Clasps 5/$2.79

Filiagree Puffy Heart $2.99

Just Joined a Great Team - Etsy Supply Street Team - ESST Team

I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined the best supply street team at Etsy. Here are a few things from the team members. If you create it they have everything you could possibly need to make it. Check out all the ESST Member shops for all your creative projects.

While shopping, don't forget to check out all the new wire, findings and beads available at A Beaded Affair

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 3

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

This is fun - Free Ads for your Etsy Store

Free ads for your Etsy Stores from ESellerAds - Try it out! Lots of fun and who knows you might sell something.

Special Treat with your Copper Purchase

Many of you know that I often throw a little extra in with your package. This year many of you received A Beaded Affair pens with your purchases. A few weeks ago, while drinking a cup of "Happy Belly Tea" by Om Shanti Handcrafts, my favorite hand made soap slinger, a light bulb went on.

I contacted Kate with my idea and now, for a limited time only you can try out a sample size of Om Shanti's fabulous soaps with any order from my main shop A Beaded Affair, while supplies last.

So, step right up, order some wire and enjoy a little treat for your hands on the side.

Om Shanti and A Beaded Affair are shops created and designed by Hot Glue Media with e-commerce powered by Wicked Plum. Developed by artists, for artists.

Speaking of artists, July 15 is the posting date for the next issue of Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine and this one should prove to be the most exciting one yet with the fabulous art and articles from the artists at Copper Wire Jewelers. Don't miss the launch. Leave a message here if you would like the free link sent to you on the publishing date.

That's all for now. Just click on over to the shop and pick up your copper fix and get a little treat in the bargain.

The Jewelry Widower - Is that your tool or mine?

Like most men, I have a bunch of tools. A passage of manhood, you might say. Heck, some of them are still in their boxes. I swear I will learn to use that router some day, and every guy needs to have a belt sander.

With my wife doing a lot of jewelry work, of course she needs tools. The other day she asked me if I had a dapping block? It bugged me that a) I didn't know what she was talking about, b) she had to tell me what it was and what she needed it for, and c) I did not have one. I have loaned her several of my tools, and have to follow up on getting them back. Her complaint is that I leave tools all over the place. You never know when you will need a screwdriver, Vise-Grips, hammer, wrench, or nail setter, right? I just like to have them quickly available.

Ever since my wonderful wife began creating her marvelous jewelry, I have been supportive. At first she was interested in the gems, so I bought her as gifts all different types of scopes, weighing devices, magnifying visors with a cool light, tweezers, and other types of gadgets that I thought she would be interested in using. She has taken over the back bedroom and has multiple work areas, though after all that she is frequently doing her work in the bedroom. I even put in a high def TV so that she could have entertainment while back there. I have built her a neat bin holder on wheels so that she could store her different beads, fittings and other whatchamaycallits she may need. There is a great vise with a vacuum bottom so that she could attach it where she needs it. To top it off, she has her photo studio set up in there, with a tripod from my photojournalist days and a photo cube with lights. All she would need is a fridge, microwave and a hot plate and I might not see her for weeks.

Having found myself at a nearby Harbor Freight on the way home from work today, I thought I would surprise my wife with a gift of the dapping block. I went in and asked one of the workers there where I could find one, and received the strangest look. He had no idea what I was talking about, and after consulting with several of his co-workers he told me that they did not have any dapping blocks of any size. I went back to my car to call my wife on the phone, asked her what size dapping block might she be interested in for her work. Lois informed me that she did not remember what project it was for, or what she was going to do with it, but thought it would be nice and a handy tool to have.

I believe the gulf between men and women is not as large as one might be led to believe. I plan on buying for myself a very large vise that will be mounted on my almost completed workbench in the garage, and that way I know that it will not be borrowed, along with my router and belt sander. If I can find those missing instructions for the bench then I can finish putting it together. Heck, it's been almost a year. But that is another blog.

Copper Wire Jewelers Welcomes 600th Member - Christina Stewart - White Rose Creations

One of the best things that has happened to me as a result of opening the jewelry group, Copper Wire Jewelers, is getting to meet so many wonderful artists I might never have met but for the group. One of those people

is Christina Stewart of White Rose Creations and TwistedWireJewelry. I’d like you all to help me welcome Christina, our 600^th member and learn a little bit about her with me.

Christina hails from Oak Harbor, Washington on the Island of Whidbey with her supportive husband who’s getting in the act too by working on Viking knit and considering some lampworking and her nine year old son who seems to
have final approval on each piece. Isn’t it wonderful to have such support from your family? She has her craft table set up with all her supplies but finds herself creating where ever the mood strikes. You might find her on the couch or creating at the kitchen table or even on occasion at her day job. Time not spent with family or wire often finds her with sketch pad in hand designing future pieces.

I asked Christina how she got started making jewelry?

“I started out with chainmaille. A friend was working on a shirt, and we used to have chainmaille parties where several of us would work on various parts. The classic 4 in 1 pattern was too plain for my liking and I ventured into doing more difficult weaves. I was working on chainmaille jewelry when my friend pointed me to DeviantArt so that I could put pictures of my work online. I got to cruising the site, looking for other chainmaille when I stumbled upon wire wrap jewelry. It was craft at first sight! I began looking at what other artisans had done with their pieces and it just clicked.

I downloaded several tutorials, and failed at every single one of them. I went back and looked at the wonderful pieces that others had done thinking that this was just not something I was meant to do. That was when my creative muse stepped in and slapped me. My first piece took forever to make, but was worth it in the end. It was more elaborate than the stuff I ended up making later on, but I'm slowly progressing back into that type of wrapping as I learn. I just started making some really nifty looking rings out of silver, gold, and copper that really challenge my skills.”

I enjoy the earthy tone of Christina’s work. She says, “I'm a big fan of rough stones as opposed to cabbed or faceted. I use them all but there's just something about the natural look of the rough stones with the orderly wire
wrapping that calls to me.” Combining stone and wire is not new but there’s a freshness and individuality about her work that is very appealing.



Asked who she admires, Christina sites Sarah from Paradigm Shift Jewelry. Of her swirling wire work and gemstone creations she says, “It was her wire work that got me making wire jewelry. Eventually I would like to be able to make wire pieces with as much flow as the pieces Sarah makes.”

Above piece by Sarah - Paradigm Shift Jewelry

For the future, Christina looks forward to having her own studio some day and not having to share her space with her son’s dinosaurs, who she says are “starting to give her looks”. Ahead, the artist in her would like the opportunity to
leave her day job and create jewelry as a career. Keep an eye on this talented lady. It’s possible she may be one that goes the distance.


Thank you Christina for sharing a bit about yourself and your art and for being the 600^th member to join Copper Wire Jewelers. Our group has grown so much in such a short time. It’s a treat to be able to feature one of
our new members.

If you work in copper or any alternative metals and you are looking for some
inspiration, stop by Copper Wire Jewelers for an incredible array of artwork you can wear. Now 600 members strong, over 3000 individual photos and the 3^rd issue of Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine will be coming to a computer near you on July 15 with all new work and many new artists along with some old favorites.


Leave a comment on this post if you’d like a link to the magazine sent directly to your email.

See our previous issues here: Issue #1, Issue #2

Don't forget to stock up on copper wire, beads and findings at A Beaded Affair .
New in this weekend 16gauge 1/2 round wire. Great for wrapping on bracelets!

The Jewelry Widower - Still alive

Just a reassurance that after my first blog my fingers were not broken, nor any other bodily harm inflicted. There were a few fellow JW'ers (Jewelry Widowers) who have let themselves be known. I do not suffer alone, thank heavens!
How many of you have been involved with helping out with shows? I was volunteered to help set up for a recent show in Quakertown, PA. I am off from my job as a Registered Nurse every other weekend, so I normally look forward to my time off, even though there are other things that require my attention, such as mowing the grass, cinematic exposure (watching movies), and of course going to my computer to save the world from aliens, falling bricks, asteroids, etc. The show in Quakertown was on my weekend off, of course. It was a tedious setup, with the wind trying to knock over the tent and all of the displays. Luckily, I had created several containers with sand to tie to the tent, and also strapped down the dummy heads, (not mine) which my wife uses to display her fine necklaces. It was also necessary to arrange the setup so as nothing else would be blowing away, though I did comment that if people found her business cards down the street they might look for her. (There's your litterer, Officer)
As the people started wandering in, many had questions about the fine work that my wife had created. All I could do was stand and point to my wife and say, "You have to ask her." My fantastic spouse would then go into vivid details about her creations, explaining that it was all hand made, of natural gems, and silver or copper. There were no artificial stones or materials. Of course, hearing this several hundred times during the day can make you a little ear sore, but I did my best to tolerate it, being supportive of my wife. She would introduce herself to the hopefully-to-be customers, "Hi, I'm Lois." She would then be gracious and point to me and identify me as the husband. Not being a shy guy, I would introduce myself as "Manuel" which brought forth many a questioning stare, and would clarify with "Manuel Labor." A few still wandered away with head-shaking bewilderment.
An important lesson learned from doing previous show with my wife was to have a decent meal beforehand, and to make use of the facilities. Why, you may ask. Because no matter where the show is, your site will always be farthest from the port-a-potties, and by the time you finally get there they are 1) full, 2) there is a long line, 3) you are standing downwind, and 4) there is no place to wash your hands. Always carry hand sanitizer with you as part of your set-up gear.
It turned out to be a fair day, and at the end is the take down of all the equipment, storing it in containers, then loading it into the car. It is tiring and always such a relief to get that done. But the greatest feeling is when it's all done, we are packed up, and on the way home, my wonderful wife turns to me and says, "Thank you honey, I am glad you were here to help me, it would have been much harder without you."
What can you do at that point, but square up your shoulders, look her calmly in the eyes, and say, "That's okay dear, I was glad to help.

Guest Blogger - THE JEWELRY WIDOWER

Please welcome our guest blogger and my husband - The Jewelry Widower - Al Linquist



MY wife makes jewelry. I am sure that there are many other "Jewelry widowers/widows" out there, and faced with the same situations. Does your partner spend almost every free moment involved in the process of making jewelry? From the actual making of the items, to the photography of such items, and then putting them on the computer on their web pages. I appreciate that my mate wants my opinion frequently about her artwork, and I do really mean art, but have you ever been in the middle of something with great concentration, ie; football game in the final seconds, reading the great novel, or saving the world from asteroids when suddenly the newest creation is put in front of you for your comments? I find that I must pay close attention to the item, and also the question asked. I do not want a sneak question coming up on me, such as "Does this necklace make me look a] too fat, b] too thin, or does it go with any other item that may be mentioned.; I like to think that I am very supportive of my wonderful wife, and am truly impressed with many of her creations. I have found that at times she even listens to my input, for I have seen her make suggested alterations. There are times when I am sure her inquisition is purely perfunctory, as any comment I can make seems to be unheard. I was even informed that I was allowed to blog here, and this is my first blog ever anywhere. Considering that, if I am never heard from again, it is because I have been banished, or worse. There is always the great Husband's Answer to any question: "Yes dear, you're right, I'm wrong, I'm sorry."



Thanks Al for your keen insights into the life of a Jewelry Widower. Al will be an occasional guest blogger here and at his main blog http://copperwirejewelers.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-jewelry-widower . Hope you enjoyed.

Visit http://www.abeadedaffair.com for all your copper jewelry wire needs.

So, Where do You Store Your Copper Jewelry?

A Copper Jewelry Box of course!

These beautiful boxes are the work of Ana Maria Enciso.

"In my work I seek to recover the folklore and joy of the Andean people."

"I was born on April 17, 1952. For 24 years I have dedicated myself to

metalwork in the city where I got married to an able smith, from whom I

learned the art of working with silver and plaques. Today we have a

small family business, in which my children are also involved, and... Read the rest of the story here http://www.novica.com/itemdetail
/index.cfm?pid=118131

This is from the site Novica -

NOVICA unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world. Read about their lives, explore their

fascinating cultures, and select from more than 30,000 handcrafted works

of art.

...in association with National Geographic.

Even if you aren't searching for something for your home this site is full of eye candy from artists all over the world.

Copper Wire Jewelers - Featured Artist #2 - Dianna Wolfe - After Midnight

One of the artists that welcomed me into the realm of wire jewelry art is Dianna Wolfe. From the first time I met her online she was encouraging and supportive of my work. I still look at the pieces she makes and am amazed at how she takes a pattern and creates simplified beauty in the control and grace she imparts to her work.

Aside from being an active member on Copper Wire Jewelers and running several Yahoo Wire Jewelry groups, you can find Dianna's work at her beautiful site, After Midnight. It's visually stunning and filled with the fabulous work of Dianna Wolfe.

While your here stop in the shop and pick up some copper wire and create something beautiful today.