Before and After

I have previously blogged about the amazing results you can get with a piece of jewelry using liver of sulphur. I thought it would be interesting to show my latest piece of jewelry before during and after antiquing the piece with liver of sulphur. For all of you out there who are a bit anxious about working with liver of sulphur, it can literally transform your artisan jewelry. Although this particular bracelet is lovely as is, it becomes even more beautiful after treating it to a bath of liver of sulphur and then giving it a whirl in the tumbler. I would love to hear what you think! Step 2 or the ugly part of this process will be posted in the next few days.

Sterling Silver Wirework

My extensive hours of reading blogs and looking at artisan's etsy shops have really paid off! I was fortunate enough to find the amazing blog of Contrariwise Ramblings at http://akacontrariwise.blogspot.com/ and subscribed to it immediately. First of all this blog makes me smile. The author has a great sense of humor and writes with a very personal tone that makes you feel like you have known her for years. Secondly, she has some great tips and tutorials on her blog. In other words, in my humble opinion, it is everything a blog should be !

Besides having a wonderful blog, this artistic lady does some amazing things with wire work sterling silver jewelry as you can clearly see. Take a look at her wonderful work at http://contrariwise.etsy.com/.

Just Do It!

These three words have become my mantra after my fun and fabulous wire retreat at the home of Sharilyn Miller. Often people will sign up for a instructional course, buy all the materials, learn the techniques and then feel hesitant about trying them out once they are home in their own workshops. It's human nature to go back to what is easy for us and to push the challenges aside. This time, I decided to listen to the words of my teacher, Sharilyn and "just do it" with the help of her wonderful book Bead on a Wire. I am really pleased with the results and have so enjoyed working with silver and copper wire. So next time you are feeling insecure about trying something new, give a whirl and "just do it."

Simply Circles

Sometimes the most elegant and classic pieces of jewelry are quite simple in design. These gorgeous circle themed pieces have a timeless look that will always be in style. Perhaps circles attract us by their symbolic nature. Circles represent infinity and our need to go on and on. See these pieces and more in the etsy shop of mooretaste.

Treat Yourself On Valentine's Day

Now is your chance to treat yourself on Valentine's Day. The etsy shop of A Little Brown Bird has some lovely pieces for you to consider. The two show here happen to be my personal favorites, but the shop has many items that are sure to please.

Going Out on the Town

Do you have a special evening planned? These extraordinary beaded pieces might just be perfect for you. The beaded bag is made with a beautiful combination of different size and shape seed beads and has a very interesting wooden lizard bead hanging from it. The white bracelet could be worn with any outfit and is just dreamy! Don't miss cigarboxes interesting shop.

Let Sleeping Gypsies Lie

What makes this unusual tapestry so interesting is that it is beaded . It is made with over 30,000 delica seed beads. The time that went into this piece makes it an incredible buy. Please take a look at this piece and onethousandhills other amazing beaded pieces in her etsy shop.
Don't forget to take a long at her blog too.

Beaded Beauties

If you are looking for something red for your valentine,then consider this exquisite design . Myfairladyvt4 makes these amazing bracelets using a variety of of seed beads and a gorgeous Czech glass button. Take a look at these bracelets and the lovely sets she sells in her shop before you choose your Valentine Day gifts.

Buttons N' Bows

If you are looking for unique gifts, take a look at these darling button bracelets by Ulixis. They come in a variety of shapes,colors and designs and would make a lovely gift. She also does journals and I thought this one might be the perfect gift for the season. Just imagine all the wonderful things you might include in a book like this! Pictures, memorabilia, and other items could be included or leave it blank for that special someone to fill with daily thoughts or events.