New name!

I've changed the name of my business from Fancy Fashions by Laura to "Inspired Wire Jewelry".  I wanted something a little more professional sounding.  How do you like it?

It is definitely a lot of work to make the change!  Fanning in Facebook, changing the blog, closing old stores and opening new ones!  Then calling the Tax people to tell them of the change, new business cards and banners.  And creating a website.  Which I have not done yet!

Also, my daughter Rachael is on a Missions Trip to Kenya.  Specifically Kibera.  World's worst poverty stricken area.  So, I am having an auction on Facebook to help raise funds.  And all proceeds from my shops, old and new, will go toward her next trip to Columbia.  That trip will be this summer for 3 weeks.  It is a work-study for college.  We are still needing to raise $2200. 

Here are the links to the shops and the auction!  Come on in and shop!  And help support Rachael.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=194725360547523&aid=43407
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InspiredWireJewelry?ref=si_shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/fancyfashions
http://www.artfire.com/users/fancyfashions

Why

I have an incurable disease. I take a lot of meds everyday.  I have pain somewhere in my body almost everyday.  I get depressed by it all every now and then.  But when I say anything about it or post it on FB, people get upset.  I am not supposed to be negative.  I have people watching me all over the country.  I am a preacher's wife and people "might get the wrong idea".  I am supposed to be happy and joyful about everything all the time no matter what!  Well, it doesn't work that way. 
Yesterday was a very bad day for me.  I said something about it a couple times to a couple people. Big deal. Does no one else ever have a bad day?  Am I the only one? Or am I the only one not allowed to talk about it?  I offended a couple people yesterday.  Family.  Who cares!  They don't have 7 doctors.  They don't have 15 different meds on a daily basis.
I am a Christian so I am supposed to be perfect? I don't think so!  If you just leave me alone a little while, I will be just fine. Let me work it out in my own way!  Was Job a perky Paula? Was he jumping up and down for joy when he was covered in boils? Was he shouting praises when all his children died?  Was Mary singing "hallelujah" when he firstborn son died on the cross?  NO.  They just didn't turn from God.  Neither am I.  I figure it is better for you who are around me if I warn you that I'm in a bad mood.  That way you know ahead of time!   You all have bad moods too whether you want to admit it or not.  And the people around you know it.  I refuse to put a lie on my face. 
I am still a child of God.  I am still in love with my husband.  I still enjoy my church.  I am simply having a difficult day or two.

Last night's work

I was working with 12g copper wire last night.  I have the pieces almost ready to be tumbled then photographed.  I decided to just make a couple of freeform wire bracelets.  I pounded the copper until I thought my arm would fall off.  But it's a good workout!


I also made a copper heart. I pounded it and am in the process of adding pearls to one side.  This will make someone a really nice pendant!  Valentine's Day is coming up very soon!

So, you need to check my shops on a regular basis to see what has been added! http://www.fancyfashions.artfire.com
http://www,fancyfashions.etsy.com

Two posts in one day!

In keeping with the theme of many Etsians, I have a few Pink items in my shop. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28938872/delicate-pink-and-white-bracelet  This is a delicate pink and white bracelet made with porcelain beads.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32732215/pearl-ring  This ring is made for the hand of your little Princess.  It can also be made to fit the Queen of the Manor! Just email me the size(s) you want!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32637662/dark-rose-pearl-ring 
Here is another ring made with a cranberry colored freshwater pearl.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/14921051/spring-flowers-bracelet  The focal of this beautiful pastel bracelet is a lampwork bead made by the Artisan, http://www.lajewelrydesigns.com/.
I hope you've enjoyed looking at these pieces!  I certainly enjoyed making them!
Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!

New Look!

I did a little playing around with the appearance of my blog page.  I think it looks a lot more inviting and positive.  What do you think?  Please leave a comment so I know you have stopped by! 
Thanks!

Playing with Copper Sheet

Last week I bought a small piece of copper sheet from the hardware store. I also picked up supplies to do a little etching. I found out a few things as I played with both.
1. This particular sheet is the wrong gauge for what I want. It is too thin. But it is the only gauge at the store. Now to shop around until I find what I am looking for.
2. I need much better metal snips. The ones I am using (hubby's) are too ragged in the cutting. The edges are very rough. I know a hydraulic press would be great, but that is not it the budget right now.
3. I love using the sharpies as a resist. The finer point sharpies don't offer enough resist to suit me though. I may just need to go over it a 2nd time. I do want to try the PnP (press and peel paper). 4. My drawing skills leave a bit to be desired. Maybe with some practice on paper I will do a better job.
5. The acid bath was easy to use. I would like to try the D battery and salt water, but that will be later. I have plenty of the acid on hand. I tend to use up the old before buying new.

I am really having fun with the copper though. So I am going to continue playing and creating with it. For now I need to improve my tools, drawing ability and clean up my space. I also need to re-organize my studio. I did that last year, but that was before I was using a torch. The acid bath is done in the garage and I would like a small spot for that out there. I am just not sure Mike would be willing to allow me a small spot!
When I have a piece finished completely, I will post it in my shops.
http://www.fancyfashions.etsy.com or http://www.fancyfashions.artfire.com
Stay tuned for more fun with copper!

Copper Tubing Jewelry

I made a new bracelet today. I actually started it last night and finished it today. I even put a patina on it. Looks pretty good if I do so myself!

I even started another one tonight. I will finish it a little different. I'll play with other stones or more wirewrapping. What do you think about it? You can see more of my pieces at http://www.facebook.com/FancyFashions. This one is in the photo album titled December items.

I enjoy the pounding and experimenting with the copper. I am also learning a bit as I go. Copper wire will lengthen as you hammer it, but copper tubing won't as much. So, I need to cut the tubing close to the length I really want. The 2nd piece needs trimmed. Once that is done and the ends filed, I will play with finishing it off.