One Last Hoorah

Gold Dioxe Cuff...Made with Love

Shine On Consignment: Sets

EE004: acrylic

EE002: acrylic

EE002 & EE004

EE003: acrylic & brass

EE001: acrylic & brass

EE001 & EE003

Shine On Consignment: Necklaces

EE050: acrylic & sterling silver on sterling silver chain

EE012: acrylic & sterling silver on ball chain

EE013: acrylic and sterling silver on ball chain

Shine On Consignment: Earrings

EE006: acrylic & 14K goldfill

EE007: acrylic & sterling silver

EE008: acrylic, brass & 14K goldfill

EE009: acrylic & sterling silver

EE010: acrylic & sterling silver

EE011: acrylic

New Direction

I was not completely happy with how my line was evolving so I took some time to analyze why I was unhappy. I determined that while the acrylic pieces are absolutely fabulous, the methods of assembly were too delicate. Now, I am working to make some funky, unexpected ways of displaying the acrylic that is more bold and daring. I will keep you posted!

Where have I been?!

I have an excuse, really!
Over the past few weeks, I have been focusing on the development of my new line. My neglect to my beloved blog has been because I have not actually finished any projects at AS but started several than remain in progress.
I have, started a pair of "waterfall" bridal earrings, 2 sterling rings, initial pendants and Angie's "Green" line and all have wonderful stories:
The "waterfall" earrings were started to supplement the spring bridal line. Given the parameters of the project, I got to work, bailing like a mad woman. However, after several hours of experimentation, I still wasn't satisfied with the layout because it wasn't "waterfally" enough. I am working to fix this problem.
The 2 sterling rings have been a wonderful learning experience. I have learned how to cut, connect, solder, shape and shine rings. However, due to a few small problems, one ring melted and one will not accept solder. I am working to fix these problems.
The initial pendants were developed to provide a cost efficient alternative for graduation presents by allowing customers to customize jewelry. This task required that I find or make 3 of every initial and solder jumprings for each pendant. I got about 4 pendants soldered before I mindlessly grabbed an "A" pendant just after exposing it to open flame. Ouchy. The initials are on hold until I get the sensation in my fingertips back.
Angie's "Green" line is made of all recycled, hand-cut metals in simple, organic shapes. So far, I have cut out 2 sets of "rain drop" earrings and pendants. I filed the edges and put a matte finish on each piece. The earrings are awaiting hand-crafted earwires and the pendants need some bails to attach to a chain. Beauty!

Time to Get Started!

This weekend, I had the opportunity to start compiling my consignment line. After several hours of experimentation and consistent "help" from my kitten, Tosh, I emerged with 5 pieces for my new line! Hooray!
Enjoy the pictures...

Earrings

Sterling silver beads, handmade sterling earring findings, silver veneered acrylic

Necklace

14k gold chain, clasp, gold veneered acrylic pendants. Approximately 22-24".

Earrings

Homemade sterling silver earring findings, silver veneered acrylic. Approximately 2.25" long.

Earrings

14k gold chain, goldfill wire, handmade goldfill earring finding and gold veneered acrylic. Approximately 4.25" long.

Bracelet

Sterling silver chain, beads and clasp with silver veneered acrylic. Approximately 7.75 inches.

Monday: worked on a few special orders left by Lindsay, one pair of earrings and one necklace repair. Worked on some miscellaneous orders while enjoying the weather and people.



Fun with Lacey and Elise!
I had a great time playing with Lacey while Angie and Lindsey were out of the "office".

Thursday: Today we got down to business and I finished the metal-cut earrings I started with Angie by creating some unique findings and sanding the tips. Worked on some more special orders, including a bracelet for Natasha made from some beautiful dark amber stones. I wish I had one for myself!
The earrings are hand-cut brushed brass with gold findings. They hang approximately 2 1/4 inches. Absolutely beautiful!

March 21, 2009

Sadly, my posts from last week did not make it onto the site! I will be sure to re-post the pictures and information on Monday, when I have access to Angie's camera!

I am chugging away at my consignment line! After reformatting one of my images (before doing them all and realizing they are wrong...again), I arranged another meeting with Jerry to (hopefully) get some designs cut. An early (8:30 AM!) meeting was met with initial disappointment as they editing was still incorrect. After brainstorming how to fix the problem, Jerry agreed to edit my one image for free just so I could see the laser at work. With a quick flick of the mouse, the image was ready for cutting. Here is a design that has been properly edited (after reading several Help Tutorials- this piece is now ready to be cut)

Luckily, there were scraps of the materials I plan on using (brushed silver and gold veneered acrylic) so how the pieces will actually look.
Although the laser is capable of cutting precise curves and lines (according to whatever image is drawn), I have purposefully left imperfections in the designs to demonstrate that the images are actually hand-drawn.
Here is the first piece...More to come soon!

March 20, 2009, March 22, 2009

I designed all of the pieces for my consignment line in illustrator today. Because I wanted to maintain a hand-made quality in lasercut designs, I hand-drew all of the images using a tablet connected to my laptop. The images turned out beautifully, I cannot wait until they are all cut so I can get to work!
Here is a preview:

Jerry and I met this evening to finalize the designs and give me a demonstration of how the laser works. He was interested in my designs but it turns out that all of the work I invested in the original designs would not work with the machine. In order for the laser to read the image, I need to reformat the images but focusing on the negative space of the image and highlighting the positive space. I have quite a bit of editing in front of me. We are going to try and meet again next weekend so this project can start rolling!

March 9, 2009 & March 12, 2009

I worked with Lindsay today on some special orders, including a necklace for a soon-to-be mother and a stamped metal pendant. It was my first time cutting, buffing and stamping metal- it was a very successful day!

This was one of my most memorable days. Angie taught me how to effectively cut shapes out of metal. She drew an ellipse with a scalloped interior as an exercise in metalcutting (Angie does a great job challenging me) and set me to work with a saw. I learned new techniques from the beginning to the end of the session (choosing a blade, preparing the saw, proper cutting techniques, SANDING-and how important it is, creating a satin finish, bending the metal). When I see Angie again next week, we will create earring findings for the brass pieces and take some pictures! Thanks Angie!

March 7, 2009

I met with Jerry in Gunbarrel today to discuss the manufacture of graphic pendants for my consignment line. He was extremely receptive to my ideas and excited to get the project underway. We ended up talking for nearly and hour about common goals and observations. I am greatly looking forward to meeting with Jerry again to begin work.

March 6, 2009

Met with my internship coordinator, Sally Elliott, and Lindsey for a sit-down evaluation of my work and progress so far. The meeting was a success especially because I was able to recap all of the knowledge I have gained working at Angie Star. I am am so fortunate!
Sally stuck around and chatted while we all enjoyed her company. Thank you to Sally for taking time to meet with us!

March 5, 2009

Today, I had the privilege to work with Angie. We discussed my internship progress and planned how I could make-up some of the hours I have missed due to sickness and school obligations. Now, I have the opportunity to start a consignment line that should be done the final week in April! Luckily, I had been planning a side project for myself so I am even more encouraged to follow-through.
Additionally, I worked on the layout of a multi-strand mother-of-the-bride necklace that is full of pearls and amethyst beading.
A successful day!

March 2, 2009

Today was another bridal day!
I worked on one bailed strand of a 5-strand bracelet that will be put together by some morning interns. It turned out beautifully, I cannot wait to see the finished piece!
Lindsey had be working at the front of the store today so I could become more familiar with check-out procedures and customer service. Working in the front is wonderful because I can be easily distracted by the interesting people walking down the sidewalk.
I realized that a pair of earrings I made when I first started had sold! I took this as a personal victory and smiled for the rest of the day.

February 26, 2009

Soldering Day! I took the jump rings made on the 19th to be soldered. Having only used the torch a few times prior, I was a little hesitant with the flame. Under Lindsey's guidance, I learned how to close the rings before soldering, cut the correct solder, prepare the torch station (including proper safety precautions) and solder the rings closed. We found that soldering the lower gauges was a bit tricky as they were highly susceptible to melting under the high heat. With a little practice, I'm sure I will be a pro in no time!

February 23, 2009

Today, I started some Spring bridal jewelry. I am working with Lindsey to add to an already existing collection of jewels. Thanks so my wonderful teachers, my bailing-time has decreased so I was able to finish a 3-layer bracelet of white and pink pearls before I went home. All in all, a very successful day!

February 19, 2009

After a rough beginning of the week, I was thrilled to spend some time with the Angie Star ladies.
Today I learned how to make jump rings with Lindsey. I made several of varying gauges and sizes. They were then separated into different containers so some could be soldered at a later date.

I Can Explain.

I hate being center stage.
I made the mistake of divulging my deepest fear to Angie who quickly, a so maliciously, cornered me for a head-shot portrait. I did what I could to avoid her pursuits and she eventually settled on a back-of-the-head-shot portrait. It may look like I'm laughing, but I am really crying. Only kidding! I AM laughing. Angie submitted to my embarrassment and settled on this picture for my intern profile. I think it is quite nice.
Note: if you desire a picture of me, I would recommend more of a sneak-attack. Hide in bushes, hang from rafters, do what you must to not be seen. The pictures are not always of the highest quality but at least you have a chance of seeing my face.

Friday, February 13

Friday the 13th! I had a headache all day, probably should have carried some good luck charms in my pockets for protection..
Spent a lovely (and busy) day with Miranda finishing Inese's repair order. Took some pictures, ate some chocolate, a good time was had by all.
Next week, I will start a repair order for Scott. On Monday, Angie and Lindsey will demonstrate the intricate art of toggle clasps.

Reminder to Angie: please give me the toggle demo on Monday :)

Worth Noting: I have not seen Lindsey for 4 days...life is beginning to lose meaning...

Thursday, February 12

Thursday was short and sweet for me. I worked on Inese's necklace (bead bailing with chain) for about half hour before Angie kicked me out the door. :) With my free time, I headed to North Star to gather some beautiful beads for a necklace (for myself!). I had a great time bugging the lovely ladies of North!

Necklace Repair for Inese

Inese brought in these wonderful beads for a little rennovation; she decided on a double-stranded neckalce. Here it is in progress..

And here is Inese's finished necklace...

Bail-chain Necklace

Bail-chain Necklace and Bracelet

Silk-knot Necklace