Blog Update

Hello!  I've been trying out the blog feature on my website and will be blogging there at least through the end of the year to see how it goes.  Check it out and see what you think!  http://www.kristinahenning.com/blogs/news

Let the design go where it may!

I really struggled with making this design come together.  I'd add stones, take them off, second guess and put them back on...and on and on for over an hour.  Finally I had to step back, take a big breath, and let the design go where it wanted to.  The results?  Proof that I need to listen to the muse and stop trying to control the ride.

New packaging

A couple of months ago, I decided my website needed a face lift.  I considered having someone do the graphic design work for me, but my budget said NO.  That meant the only "graphic designer" I could afford was me, myself, and I.  After much angst and brain-pain, I finished the web work and a new look for my packaging as well.  Now that the pain is over and everything is back from the printer, I am thrilled to share the new look!

Birds, flowers, bright colors...oh yeah!  I hope you like it too.

What's new for Fall 2013?

Geode slices!  I love geodes so I was thrilled to find these rustic beauties.  I'll be using these in long necklaces for Fall - some with leather, others with a mix of gemstones and chain.

Of course, I have to keep one for myself!  I had a hard time deciding which one, but in the end this beauty caught my eye.

The first one I'll work with will be the light gray circular one (top row middle).  Right now, I'm thinking about a mix of gray moonstone, tourmalinated quartz, pyrite and oxidized silver.  Can't wait to get started!

Holy dowel!

I spent a little time in Home Depot today buying paint to finish my studio's makeover and picked up these awesome wood dowels.  These are great for forming wire for ear wires, hoops, jump rings, etc.  I plan on using the largest diameter to make a pair of rose gold hoops.  And yes, I did buy one in every diameter!  I don't think the lady who checked me out had ever seen anyone so excited to buy a bunch of wooden poles...

Hello again

Sorry for the lapse in posts.  I was trying out the blog feature on my website, but after some experimenting and thought, I've decided to stay on Blogger for a little longer.

Tonight I'm working on a Pretty Palette Necklace.  Here's a pic of my friend, Sarah, wearing one. This is the same design that I created for Bead Style Magazine last year but in a new color combination of dark teal, emerald green, light blue green and rich brown hues mixed with oxidized silver.

It all begins with a mix of gemstones and silver.  

With a little time and patience, it turns into this...

The focal stone had a wonky hole and didn't want to wrap correctly, but eventually I showed it who was boss.  I'll finish up the chain tomorrow evening and then oxidize all the silver.  When its all finished, it'll look a lot like this....

Handmade

There's been a lot of talk lately in the Etsy community about the flood of mass/factory produced items into the handmade marketplace.  Its been in my thoughts lately too as I work on defining/refining my "brand".  What does handmade mean to me?

To the maximum degree possible, I make by hand all of the components that I use in my jewelry.  Why?  Because its important to me...because it matters.  I think of myself as an artisan/craftsman.  I think its what helps set my jewelry apart from others.  

Maybe it would be nice to share a glimpse into that process from time to time?  Yes!  So today, I wanted to share some pics of the process I use to make ear wires. First, I choose my wire - sterling silver in this case - and then I measure and cut.

Umm, funny how this is the first time I noticed the warning about safety glasses.  Don't be like me!  Luckily, I wear prescription glasses so I'm covered...right?

Time to file!  Nothing is worse than sharp edges next to tender ears.  I'm working on the end that will make the loop at the front of the ear wire.  You'll see later on that the other end - the one that you slip through your piercing - is a little more labor intensive.

This is a handy little tool that slightly rounds the edges.  

These lucite drops require a larger loop to hang and swing correctly.  

Hammer time!  This helps harden the wire....also good for letting off excess angst and stress...not that I have any of that....

I use these handy pliers to bend the wire into an ear wire-ish shape.  They're actually good for all sorts of projects.

Add the final kick and then trim it down to a not so scary length.

Now its time to file the other end.  Yes, I'm a little fanatical about getting that kick smooth!

Hammer time again.  I actually have a specific number of hits that I use every time.  Hmm, maybe I shouldn't admit these things in public :)

Ta-Da!  After a good cleaning, they are ready to use. 

I hope this post wasn't too boring.  I tend to get a little excited when I start talking "shop".  What can I say?  I love what I do!