Ring Around The Rosie

Yeah, I know it's a line from a kid's rhyme about the black plague, but it sounds so cute if you don't think about it I figured it would work for these rings.

So, these are my 2nd in what will be a long series of Piece-a-Day projects. Not the most involved or creative, but they're colorful and fun. And they serve the purpose of aging to my inventory. Hey, what can I say, my biggest accomplishment for the day was fixing dinner for hubby - sigh.

Anyways, they are rose beads bought at a local craft shop. I should probably measure them, but the lighter blue is just over an inch across I'd guess and the medium blue is the smallest at about 1/4 inch. They're wrapped with 20 gauge half-hard copper wire.

Where will you find them? In the Copper and Clay Designs inventory at various festivals around the South Carolina Low Country. Or email me and I'll make one in your size.

I Forgot Already

Yes, I already forgot my plans to make a piece of jewelry every (week)day. In my defense, I pretty much declared today a day of rest after a very busy weekend.

Why?

My partner and I with Copper and Clay Designs had 2 festivals this weekend, one Saturday and another on Sunday. And what awesome festivals! Busy. Lots of shoppers. Lots of sales. And set up and break down times 2.

Today. Tired. In a good and happy way, of course.

But 1 day off is all I'm allowed because another result of a good festival weekend is low inventory. So tomorrow, back to my studio to see what I can create.

Painted Washer Earrings

Here is my first Piece-A-Day post. And actually it's 3 -- pair of earrings.

I've seen similar in a couple places. I own a pair of dangly earrings that are made with twisty little hoops and Venetian glass beads that I bought from an artisan at a festival. Also, the title character on the show Bones wears a similar pair in one episode. (Actually, she wears lots of totally awesome jewelry and I'm constantly taking pics of the tv screen.)

So this is my copper interpretation of the design. I started by punching the copper washers from sheet copper. Then I textured them with my pattern hammer.

The light blue color is Gilders Paste in patina that I brushed on, concentrating on the indented spots, then buffed off the raised areas. The dark blue color is an alcohol ink dropped onto the washers and lightly sanded off. I spray finish my copper to protect the color.

The beads are simple glass and resin beads from my stash accented with little corrugated copper beads. Ear wires are also hand made by me.

Wondering where you can find them? One pair will likely be in my ears (I'm thinking the dark blue, but I haven't decided for sure yet). Another pair will stay in my personal display for sale. The other will become part of the inventory of Copper and Clay Designs. If you're in the Summerville/Charleston, SC area you can see them Saturday at the Italian festival or Sunday at the Blessing of the Fleet.

A-Piece-A-Day

So I've been following Earrings Everyday for a while now. They feature these really gorgeous earrings everyday. Hmmm. Was that self-explainatory? OK, well, weekdays at least. It's a group of ladies who show off their earrings and often their inspiration and thoughts behind the designs. Lot's of beautiful eye-candy and a good read. Do check it out.

Now more to my point:

They gave me an idea . . . I tend to get a little lazy about my creations. I have lots of partially done stuff on my work table and in my boxes and, well, everywhere. We won't even talk about my stash of beads, wires and other bling.

So, I decided to follow the Earrings Everyday example and make something everyday. I'll make lots of earrings, of course, because they are popular and fun to make. I'll also make necklaces and bracelets and even some rings . . . something everyday.

Unlike the group at the earring blog, I'm only 1 person, so wish me luck and do pardon the occasional slip.

Meanwhile, check back regularly for some new creations.

Just in Case You're Wondering

Why I have a cute floral, butterfly and birdie background. They Might Be Giants has been playing on my radio a lot lately. This song has been stuck in my head, but that's OK, 'cause it makes me smile. It's called Birdhouse in Your Soul.

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I have a secret to tell
From my electrical well
It's a simple message and I'm leaving out the whistles and bells
So the room must listen to me
Filibuster vigilantly
My name is blue canary one note* spelled l-i-t-e
My story's infinite
Like the Longines Symphonette it doesn't rest

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

There's a picture opposite me
Of my primitive ancestry
Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck free
Though I respect that a lot
I'd be fired if that were my job
After killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts
Bluebird of friendliness
Like guardian angels its always near

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

(and while you're at it
Keep the nightlight on inside the
Birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

P.S. Did you know those songs that get stuck in your head are called "ear worms"? Yeah. I learned that on the Today Show this week.

First post to test

and see how this works. Want to see what all the boxes and options do.