Lots of changes in my life

Beautiful
Originally uploaded by luvmypups

I have had lots of changes in my life in the last year. I've had a death in the family, gotten married for the first time and the loss of my job of 21 years. So two of the changes have not been good. The marriage was wonderful...and still is. We are still newlyweds. Although we both are unemployed at the moment. We both were let go because of attrition at the companies where we worked.

I have decided I no longer want to be in the BIG corporate world. So, after a lot of thinking the past month, I have decided I want to start my own wedding planning company. My husband may join me, but he's not 100% sure yet.

Anyway, I am extremely excited! I have been researching the field and have signed up for a class and also a seminar on becoming a wedding consultant. I will probably begin the Association of Bridal Consultants certification program within the next month. So exciting. I'm going to turn something negative into something VERY positive for me and for my upcoming clients/brides :) Change is not always bad!

So with my career change in mind, I will be creating a new line of wedding jewelry. Some of you may have seen the earrings I made to wear in my wedding on June 7. They were so special to me. Everyone loved them. I also recreated a pair and they are for sale in my Etsy shop.

This is going to be fun! Please keep visiting my blog and my Etsy shop for what's going on in my life and career.

In love with pearls

White coin pearl ring
Originally uploaded by luvmypups

I first made this ring last fall and it was an immediate hit. It is a real beauty. It is all sterling silver. The beautiful pearl is actually a coin pearl that has been bezel fitted and adorned with daisy wire. Rings are a lot of work so I really am proud of the rings that I make. This one is for sale in my Etsy shop. Don't forget about the upcoming holidays! Hope you like the new ring.

Blue Beauties

Sterling silver sparrows and blue kyanite
Originally uploaded by luvmypups

Ok, so I have a weakness for birds and ever since I've seen these flying sparrows (sterling silver) I have loved them and wanted some to work with. I have them in brass that I purchased from Vintaj. I finally found them in sterling silver. I also recently acquired the beautiful blue kyanite marquis shaped briolettes. They are real beauties. I love the richness of the blue. These are my favorite earrings this week. They are really light and dainty. Visit my Esty shop to purchase. And feel free to contact me if you would like a pair of these with another color or type of gemstone.

Laboratory experiments

Copper butterflies that were given a patina
Originally uploaded by luvmypups

I have tried a couple of times to achieve the nature patina that nature gives copper. I recently bought the Summer 2008 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. There was an article on Patina'd Metal by Diane Russell-Horn. As you can see from the picture, I have achieve the blue patina, but I have yet to figure out how to achieve the greener patina.

You have to mix a combination of ammonia, white vinegar and salt. But after "trying" to be patient for days on end, I FINALLY achieved the blue. This is truly a process that has no recipe.

I plan to make the bright blue butterfly possibly into a bracelet. Check my etsy shop soon to see the finished product.