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!

This week in the studio....

I received some colorful, beautiful quartz gemstones....

Some of these beauties will be making their way into new designs for next week.  I've already used the green  drops in a version of my popular Ophira earrings and the beautiful blue elongated drops in a new pair of Peyton earrings.

Last night I took the very grainy shot below of some work in progress.  I finished up 2 orders and managed to make 1 and a 1/2 pairs of earrings.  The one I am holding is a new version of my Satchel earrings - I'll finish the set tonight.  The pair sort of hidden by my hand are the Peyton earrings made with blue quartz.

The muse is definitely with me this week!  I can't wait to share the final pics on Monday.  Till then, have a great weekend!

Giveaway Time!

How quickly time has flown... Kande - Kristina Henning Jewelry is now 4 years old!  To celebrate, I am having a giveaway  - now you can be excited too.  To enter, go to http://bit.ly/Zyi1Sl

Good luck!

Spring 2013

I love this time of year when things begin to grow and bloom, the temperature is just right, and the sky is a lovely bright blue.

This Spring, I've gathered a mix of lush emerald greens, vibrant pinks and oranges, and sweet pastels to celebrate the season.  I hope you'll enjoy the new designs!

To kick-off the new season, I'm having a sale!  Choose your coupon code - SPRING (for 15% off any purchase) or FREESHIPPING (for free shipping - includes international orders).  Sale ends March 11, 2013.  The coupon codes are for use on both my website, www.KristinaHenning.com, and Kande, my Etsy shop.

Kande Earrings with ruby zoisite

Kande Earrings with hot pink quartz

Ashley Necklace

Olivia Earrings with opal quartz

Green

Do you ever get fixated on a color?  I do all the time.  This month its green.

Kassandra Earrings

Green quartz, smoky quartz, pyrite, tigers eye & silver

Riley Earrings

Emerald green quartz & silver

Julie

How do you know if she is the best friend in the whole world?  When she graciously volunteers to be your model/victim for product shots.  She never says a cross word as you have her poke 30 earrings through her poor little ear, drape her over and over again with necklaces, and push her this way and that way to catch the light.  All in a rush as you try to get this done in a 30 minute lunch break!

The best part of all?  She happily offers to do it again next week!  THANK YOU JULIE!

Hadley

Finally had time to work in the studio a little bit this weekend - yay!  I've had a few requests lately for smaller earrings for everyday wear so I came up with the Hadley earrings.  I love the way these turned out.

Hadley Earrings

Sage green quartz, labradorite silver and gold

I'm hoping my shipment of wire arrives this afternoon.  I've got a lot of creative energy to burn off!

Exciting News

My Delilah Earrings are featured in Bead Style's 365 Earrings, Special Edition. January 2013!  Thanks so much Naomi for giving me this great opportunity!

Delilah - Pink amethyst, antique pink glass seed beads, sunstone,silver and gold

New Pretties

What's new in the studio this week?  These drops of chrysocolla set with gemstones - white topaz (left) and pink sapphire (right).  Such yummy colors!  I already have big plans for the one on the right, but I think I might have to keep the one on the left for myself.....

New this week

It feels so good to be back into the regular routine.  Best of all?  I've got some new sparkly girls going into the shop this week! 

Thalassa Earrings - ammonite fossils with a mix of green and brown gemstones and pearls

 

Gesine Earrings - sugilite, silver and gold

Satchel Earrings - mix of green and teal gemstones

 

Autumn Earrings - gemstones, crystals, gold and silver

 

Olivia Earrings - crimson red quartz and gold

 

Verdant Earrings - black geodes, quartz, silver, gold

Saturday Progress

It's a rainy day down here in little Mauriceville, TX.  Its been raining all week...I'm so ready for it to move on.  On the bright side, I've managed to make a bit of progress in the studio.  Here's what I spent my morning working on courtesy of Instagram...

I'm loving the black geodes with the sage green quartz drops.  I love the sugilite too - the purple color is gorgeous.  

Time to head back into the studio.  I hope you're enjoying your Saturday as much as I am. Bye!

Hello Stranger!

Oh my, its been quite a while since I've blogged.  I took some time off during the holidays to spend time with my family and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Now its time to shake off the last of the holiday daze, get in the studio, and get to wrapping!  Here's a little glimpse into what I've been up to this week....

I found a drawer full of packages at the post office....not once, but three times!  *happiness*

Inside the packages, I found an explosion of color....quartz, sugilite, garnet, and more!

I made some fine silver head pins with my handheld torch....

...and then I used some of the head pins & light teal quartz to make this version of my Satchel earrings...

It was a wonderful way to kick off the New Year!  I hope 2013 is treating you well too.  Well, its time to head into the studio to see what kind of trouble I can get into tonight.  See you back here on Monday evening!

Studio: Before & After

I started the day off at 8 a.m. with a fresh and organized studio; ready to "wrap the day away.

Twelve hours later - my fingers are all cramped up, my studio is a disaster zone, and I have a teacup full of sparkling gemstone creations.  A great day!

Pink and Red

I have a feeling there will be a lot of pink and red prettiness in the shop next week .....

Frosty

From top left: Icicle cave (pinterest), Cerussite (mindat.org), Snow (pinterest), Adelyn Earrings (kristinahenning.com)