What a Busy, Busy Weekend!

It began with Friday.  This is a work day for me at the church.  I do the bulletin and plug the song service in the computer for the overhead projector.  Then in the evening is SNO.  Seniors' Night Out.  This is dinner and game night for our senior citizens.  We are the babies of the crowd...my hubby and I.  This week we had our granddaughters with us.  They enjoy playing games with the seniors.  Izzie, 3, usually just plays or watches a video.  But Jesse and Kaylee have fun with the adults.

I had a Craft Show on Saturday in Catoosa. I showed a lot of the new Copper Jewelry I'd been working on.  Repousse' and hammered copper, cold connections and such. It didn't make much money, but we had a lot of fun. I met several Facebook friends.  That was pretty cool.  We shared tips and ideas.  We admired each other's work.

Then of course church on Sunday.  That is always a busy day for us.

Then on Monday we had a Prime Timers' activity.  This is for our senior citizens.  It helps keep them active and have fellowship.  They needed an extra driver and that turned out to be me.  We drove about 221 miles.  21 of those were in circles.  Bro. Jim made a few wrong turns and of course I had to follow.  I didn't where we were going so I ended up going in circles with him!  All in all we had a lot of fun.  We finished the day with Braum's Ice Cream and a couple games of Skip-Bo.

Today I was able to catch up on some chores, laundry and jewelry making.  Please check my facebook page and see what's new!   www.facebook.com/inspiredwirejewelry

Tutorials

No, I didn't make a tutorial.  But I enjoy shopping for them.  Here is a link to some great tutorials!
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2834149

Also, go to http://www.magpiegemstones.com/ for some more great tutorials!

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

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.

Fancy Fashions by Laura

I am going to try to convert this blog to be about my jewelry rather than my personal life. After this post. I am working on a song to sing in church called "Where's the Line to See Jesus?" It's a beautiful song and I would love for you all to hear it! Once I have it down and sing it at church, I will try to add it to my FB page. If I can add it here I will.
Now, jewelry. I found I love working with wire, particularly copper! I love the feel of it. I love twisting and pounding it! That can really work out frustrations as long as you keep your fingers out of the way! :)
I sold my favorite 2 copper bracelets at my last show. I was sad to see them go! So, I guess I will have to make me a few new favorites. I like that my hubby enjoys going to the hardware store with me. He is surprised at what I pick out for my jewelry. I haven't even gotten into anything outrageous yet.
I hope to start being a better blogger! I also hope you all enjoy reading my blogs. Please feel free to leave comments. Good ones of course.