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.

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.

How do you do it?

I have had several people ask me "how do you do it?" And now they have started asking Mike. So, I thought I'd try to explain it here.

I have Lupus, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and several other health issues. Lupus and the arthritis are the ones that affect (or bother) me the most. I have pain and fatigue nearly everyday. But, I don't want to just sit back and wait to die. Who would? I exercise in the pool at the YMCA 3 times a week. The water helps a lot to keep moving and sorta flexible.

The main thing is God keeps me going. He encourages me and comforts me. He has also given me common sense and some pretty good doctors. The doctors then give me the medicines I need to cope with my diseases. Remember, there is no cure for Lupus.

I am in a study for a new medicine for the Lupus that really helps. I get it every four weeks. The med only works for 3 weeks. The week in between? Well, let's just say I try to not do anything. I sleep a lot those days and take a lot of pain meds. We are hoping the study med will be approved by the FDA soon and that I will be able to get it thru Medicare or the manufacturer. And to get the infusion every 3 weeks instead of 4.

Remember, God gave me common sense too. I know when I am "DONE" for the day. Mike knows if I tell him I am done, then that is all I can do. I might as well have a seat or go to bed. The common sense comes in to know when you are reaching your limits and either slow down or stop. What good will you be to the rest of your family or yourself if you over do it? I know what I need help with as well. So, I am no longer afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

How do I do it? I have a loving God, a wonderful and supportive husband, good doctors, good meds and common sense.

Hope this has helped.