Metalsmithing & Bookbinding

I recently attended a fabulous class at Volcano Arts in Volcano, California. The focus of the class was bookbinding and I decided to pursue the option of making a metal cover for my book. With the exception of the eyelets, I fabricated every piece of metal in this book!

The main part of the cover is patinated copper. The wavy brass strip is repeated on the back cover. The closure panel is also brass to which I have riveted an etched piece of nickel silver. The book closes with a length of black elastic which lies under the curve of the nickel silver.

I learned the coptic binding technique to complete this book. This was an amazing class taught by Christine Cox, owner of Volcano Arts. She is a wealth of knowledge and a generous teacher.

Blast From the Past Earrings!

These 2 pairs of earrings feature color combinations that remind me of my youth -- avocado green refrigerators and turquoise blue princess phones!

I forged the earwires myself using 20 gauge sterling silver wire. I heated one end until a ball was formed. When cool, I hammered the ball on my anvil to make it flat. Added a few artful curves and voila -- earwires!

Charmed, I'm Sure

The newest etsyBEAD Theme of the Week (it's actually 2 weeks) is "Charmed, I'm Sure". Here is one of my pieces that I've put on sale as part of the theme. It features brass components, an antique key and a vintage glass bead.

Go to Etsy to find all of the wonderful items offered by members of etsyBEAD on sale through April 19. Click here to go directly to the search.

This Time it's Pink & Brown

This piece is done using the same techniques as the Aqua Blues Necklace. The difference is in the color of the beads. Pink and brown continues to be a very popular color combination and this necklace highlights the combo.

The drops include smoky quartz, pink opal, bronzite and freshwater pearls. All of the silver is sterling and has been oxidized for a vintage, distressed look.