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

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.

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 3

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

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!

Copper Wire Jewelers - Featured Artist - Melissa N. Cox

Have you met Melissa N. Cox? A talented Mixed Metal Artist from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this Wife and Mother of two creates fun, funky and inspirational jewelry. There is a simplicity and charm to Melissa's work that I am drawn to. Here's a few of my favorites from her web site Mel's Treasures .



Melissa is the featured artist today chosen from the over 500 members of Copper Wire Jewelers and it's never an easy choice. Look for more featured members of CWJ. Who knows, one day it might be you.

While you're thinking about copper, stock up at A Beaded Affair copper wire in all the popular gauges of round, half round and square wire.

Copper Wire Jewelers Welcomes Member #400 - Danette Steimle

Please join me in welcoming Danette Steimle, our 400th Member at Copper Wire Jewelers. A multi-talented Jewelry Artist  who creates dynamic and exciting pieces from her "little yellow house on a hill in the countryside of Brush Prairie, Washington.", Danette tells me much of her inspiration comes "from sitting and just looking out the window at my view."

Like me, Danette loves pearls and it's evident when you visit her new site Fine Windings . Touch of Lavender, one of her favorites and mine too is a cascade of lavender fresh water pearls and sterling silver which you can find right along side the equally lovely Gold Class with, you guessed it, gold pearls and gold filled wire. Yumm! But Danette's not limited to just pearls and incorporates stones, crystals and of course Copper in her work. Fine Windings is for her richest pieces but if you are on a bit of a budget, and who isn't today, you also need to visit her Etsy store Fine Windings on Etsy which features gorgeous jewelry for under $50.00.

Our 400th member is a life long crafter, creating with her hands since her teens. She has enjoyed "crocheting and knitting, stamping, scrap booking, painting, making jewelry, beading, sewing and decorating. Currently she's crocheting Shopping Bags and always has a project waiting to be worked. With a thirst for knowledge, Danette, strives to learn so that she can master, not just play, at the craft work she loves. I often warn people of the addiction that is wire wrapping and Danette's been bitten by the wire bug. She says, "It wasn't until last year that I started wire wrapping, and I instantly fell in love. I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't created something from wire since then (though not all of it has been admirable! lol)." Hard to believe with the beautiful examples I've seen. 
 
Hand made is a family affair at Danette's house. She creates from her home studio, complete with computer set up and jewelers bench, hand made by her husband, to her specs, not to mention the recent addition of a TV also courtesy of her husband. Now that is husbandly support, I tell ya.


"Our oldest kids have left for college and we have a daughter at home who is a 17 and a son who is 12.  Aside from Jesus, my husband, Matthew, is the light of my life along with my children.  It's a real blessing to be able to work from home and be here for my family, too!" and of her home she says, " It's just paradise here."

I predict great things to come for our 400th Member. With her creative talents, thirst for knowledge and the drive of a natural artist, she's sure to be a success. Welcome to Copper Wire Jewelers. 

Follow Danette on Twitter @FineWindings and Facebook Fan Page Fine Windings (Love her Welcome Page, check it out)

If you like making, buying or just drooling over Copper and alternative metals jewelry you might like to join Copper Wire Jewelers. Come on over and take a look! Copper Wire Jewelers where silver is the alternative metal. 


Visit A Beaded Affair for copper wire in 1/2 round, round and square plus unbeatable bead bargains. Lots more findings and beads coming soon!

Rose of Sharon Jewelry says, "Where are the sales?"

Rose of Sharon Jewelry wrote an article on her blog that got me thinking. "Where are the sales?"

What a good question? One I think all jewelry makers working to create an online presence have struggled with. We've been told by all the experts that we must Twitter, Plurk, Facebook, Fan Page and Flickr to be successful. I know I get lost online searching, following, writing and drooling. I love to spend my off hours, and truthfully, some of my working hours surfing, reading email, tutorials, shopping for more supplies and generally keeping all my Social Marketing Venues active and up to date. How much time do we devote to craft and how much to the necessary evil of marketing. I'm on the computer way too much but have generated a fair amount of business with my online time. I figured out early that jewelry sales online are tough and switched to supplies, a much easier marketing job as I'm targeting the people who I like to follow any way. I keep most of my jewelry for in person sales through shows.

I keep reading that you need to be online about 2 years before you will make an impression with a web site. You must brand yourself and become a recognizable member of the online community. It's a case of building a following that keeps returning and generating enough interest that your web ID goes up so you show up higher in the search rankings. But the market is so saturated with jewelers that getting noticed is almost impossible. And, to make it worse, everyone is doing the same things so you are competing in a saturated market, doing the same things everyone else is doing. From a marketing standpoint, that is a disastrous position.

Almost 30 years ago I attended a sales seminar and I wish I could remember the speakers name because he made a serious impression on me. He said, "Figure out what everyone else is doing and do the opposite or at least something different." The seminar was for Real Estate sales and I used that theory the entire time I was selling real estate to great effect. I think we need to do the same with jewelry. But what could we do differently and still make use of the tools like Twitter and Facebook?

I don't have the answers to that question yet so I'll keep on plugging away, featuring sellers, trying to find interesting information to post, making sure you know where to buy the best copper wire (shameless plug) and generally trying to support other artists in their quest for online nirvana, a jewelry sale.

Got an idea how we can do it differently? Post it here. I'd love to see your ideas.

Stop by Rose of Sharon Blog and her Etsy Shop or her Artfire Shop for a real treat.

Lois
Copper Wire, Beads and Findings http://www.abeadedaffair.com
Best Copper Jewelery Group on the net http://copperwirejewelers.ning.com

Etching Copper Looks Like Fun

Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine - Issue 1

Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting

Can't wait to play with this, although in the clip he mentions 6000 degrees as the temperature of the flame, I found this great video that is a copper wire groupies dream. "Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting" is available through a number of different venues. I located it first on Total Vid and the reviews give it high marks for brazing but low marks for flame painting, something I really wanted to get ideas about. There is a short clip on the site to give you an idea of quality too.






This next site won't teach you how to smith but it is sure pretty to look at. Coppersmithing by Sian


And finally for today," Art of Coppersmithing:A Practical Treatise on Working Sheet Copper into All Forms" in paper back by John Fuller on Amazon.com.

Basic Copper Smithing can also be found on Amazon for purchase.


Now, my next goal is to find lessons on Flame Painting. I can just imagine wide copper cuffs that look like that first picture.



Visit A Beaded Affair for copper wire and beads, Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Pricing. Discounts start at $50.00.

Unpretentious - Without Ostentatious Display

Wash When Dirty by Kristina

Of The Earth Artisans by Kim Paluch

Battlefield Rosaries by Karon Adams

Ardent Designs by Joelyn

Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for beads and findings for discriminating jewelers.

ESMarts Team Challenge is Back with a Twist

ESMarts, the Etsy Social Marketing Arts Team I belong to is having a new team challenge. Create something natural. Sounds simple, doesn't it? I thought so until I started to try to draw on my creative muse and I got lost in flowers and clouds. Well, it is summer and the sun is shining today.

Anyway, as a Team we've had other challenges and the team always enjoys the competition, creativity and camaraderie. This time we're doing it with a twist. You, our readers, get to vote for your favorites. So watch the ESMarts blog for updates and the announcement when it's time to vote. Pick out your favorite and have your voice heard.


Check the links for our ESMarts Blog and the Esmarts Team Store where all proceeds go to worthy causes.

When at Etsy, don't forget to check my store too, A Beaded Affair for hand selected and individually photographed beads, findings and copper wire for discerning jewelry designers. For even more selection and additional discounts try my online store A Beaded Affair.

Always Wired Bead Lady

It's only natural for me to be atttacted to the work and art of the Always Wired Bead Lady. Joella combines all of my favorite materials in glorious combinations of color, texture and shape. She creates wonderful hand made chain maille bracelets like this copper byzantine chain and Kambaba Jasper and offers it in a variety of other stones and crystals too.










The Romanov is a popular chain maille weave sporting swarovski crystals in the center of copper byzantine chain which has been oxidized to give it an antique look.

Comprised entirely of sparkling sterling the hand cut rings and lazer cut beads in this dazzler will brighten any outfit.





Never settle for costume jewelry when you are searching for accessories to go with your carefully chosen outfit, stop by and select a piece of hand made art to wear.

You can find the Always Wired Bead Lady at Etsy and stop by her blog Always Wired Bead Lady to see the new pieces she is working on too.

Just a few updates

I am participating in the One World One Heart Blog Give Away and have a lovely pair of earrings up but you can't register here......please go to my other Blog A Beaded Affair to comment for a chance at the earrings. I have had such a wonderful response I am going to add more earrings and have more winners,....just 'cause it's fun.

Oh2122 posted on her blog today an update on the CPSIA debacle. Check it out. Finally some good news.

Jamie over at Creations by Jae is really ready for spring. She just listed a choker on Etsy that just chears me up and shakes out the winter doldrums. Check it out here Creations by Jae.




Wilma of Whilma's Whimsey has been selected to be featured in an Esty treasury today. Check out her Swirling Seas Lampwork beads on the treasury and all the other wonderful items in her shop.






Our very own Auggie Queen-Parker, mia from our Etsy social marketing group Esmarts while she makes a major move had her first sale in her shop over the weekend. I've seen Auggie's work and that's one smart buyer. Visit Auggies shop at The Queen's Jewels.







Get rid of the winter blues, there's new work from the elegant studio's of Ga'Hooletree Designs and they are just in time for the perfect Valentine's Day Gift for your favorite gal. Visit Ga'Hooletree Designs on Etsy for elite gemstone jewelry.




Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for high end, hand selected, individually photographed beads and 1/2 round and copper wire for all your jewelry designing needs.