Thing-a-ma-jigs

Today I finally broke down and bought myself that Thing-a-ma-jig I've been wanting.  Literally. :)

What is it?  A jewelry maker's best friend.  One of my very favorite things about making jewelry is making cool, funky designs with wire.  Almost every pair of earrings I've made so far has some kind of wire design incorporated, even if it's just a small curli-que {technical term} at the bottom.  The trouble is, it's very very very difficult to make freehand wire working look at all symmetrical.  I'd make one earring and it would look awesome, then the next one would look nothing like it.  That's where my much-coveted thing-a-ma-jig comes in.  It's basically a metal slab full of holes and it comes with pegs in all different sizes.  You put the pegs in however you want them, secure them from the bottom with little plastic pieces, then wrap your wire around them.  It comes with some pattern ideas, so I tried one of those first.

Here's the setup:

 And here's the wrapping.  I decided to use colored wire so it would stand out from all the other metal and I could see what I was doing!  This is 20 gauge.  I think.

Here are my first two attempts.  You can see that although they're not totally perfectly identical, they're pretty darn close...and when they've got your whole face in between them, no one will ever notice the differences...lol.  I can't imagine what it would look like if I tried to recreate this pattern freehand. Yikes.

Then I tried out my own pattern.  The curli-ques at the bottom are freehanded, and they looked much better before I decided I wanted to add a bead, unbent them, and tried to re-wrap.  Note to self.  Add beads first next time.  Sigh.  Anyway, curli-ques aside, you can see that the wavy part up top is pretty close to the same on both earrings.  Yay, thing-a-ma-jig!  Again, I'd have agonized over that if I tried it on my own.

I know, I know...you're thinking, "Wow!  That's totally groovy!  Where can I get a thing-a-ma-jig?"  I've seen them in several places.  My first sighting was at the super-fun Potomac Bead Company where it was about $25.  Then, I saw it in Michael's for $20.  I had a 40% off coupon for one regular price item at Michael's this week, so you can guess which store won.

 Well, the clock tells me it's time to put my fun new toy away and get dinner started...hubby will be home in 20 minutes or so and I think he'll be much more likely to "ooh" and "aah" over this stuff if I feed him first. :)

For the Birds

Today, it seems like our household's adventures are all about birds.  It started this morning around 6 am when a bird was incessantly chirping outside my window and woke me up.  I do mean incessantly.  Hubby, who heard it too, stuck in some earplugs and rolled over. I was oh-so-jealous as he drifted back to sleep, leaving me to listen to "cheep.  cheep.  cheep.  cheep cheep.  cheep.  cheep..." 

Later in the day, Noah {who has been fascinated with robins lately} insisted on painting a little wooden birdhouse we bought at Michael's.  I told him we could hang it in the tree out back so that when we water the garden plants every day, he'll get to see it.  Here's how it turned out:

For the first time, I was grateful for the hook the previous owners of our home left in the kitchen ceiling.  Noah is too impatient to wait until part of a project dries to paint the rest, so he did it all at once and I realized there was no way to sit it anywhere to dry.  So, we hung it from the ceiling...trust me, that's not its permanent home!

While he was content to mix blues, green, and purple on the main part of the house, he was super-inistent for some reason that the roof HAD to be red.  All of it.  He was quite determined.  I guess it's the Red Roof Inn for his robins.  Who knows, maybe that will entice my chirping little friend to stay there overnight instead of outside my window...hey, one can hope!

As for me, I've been playing around with my new Etsy shop during Noah's nap, mostly by making some bird's nest pendants to list.  These are the 5 I made so far.  I experimented with making a large version and a miniature version, as well as using some different colored wire.  What do you think?

Well, it's almost time to head over to my parent's house for dinner...Mom's making baked chicken pot pie. Mmmmmmmm!  Chicken's kind of bird-y, right?  Well, hope you have a fantastic day, not one that's "for the birds..."  {Ok, even I'm groaning at that one}. :)

Taking the Plunge

So, I did it.  This evening, I set up an etsy shop in the hopes that I might be able to sell some of this jewelry I'm having such fun making!  So far, I've listed one bracelet and five pairs of earrings.  I figure it'll be a little test run to see how people respond, and if it takes off, I have lots of other things I can make and post.  I know some of you have asked about the Birds Nest pendants, and I promise to get some up there soon.  I need to get some more glue to stick those little eggs in first. 

I have to admit, I'm biting my fingernails a bit because my one other venture into the world of selling my handmade creations didn't go really well.  In fact, it was a colossal flop.  Back when I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I tried to sell some handstamped cards and gifts at a local craft fair a few times, and I think one of those days I literally only made a dollar.  It was disheartening, to say the least, so I was kind of hesitant to go out on a limb and try again with etsy.  But, I figure that if nothing sells, I'll keep some of it for myself and give the rest away to my friends and family...I'm sure they won't complain. ;)

Here's a teaser of what I've listed:

Come visit me sometime!

One Artsy Mama on Etsy

Bloggy Hugs,

GIVEAWAY!

77!  That's the number of followers I had when I signed in yesterday afternoon!  I've only been blogging for less than two months, so I'm beyond excited that in such a short amount of time, 77 people have been entertained and hopefully inspired by what we do here in One Artsy Mama-Land. :)  I've "met" some of the greatest people, seen so many amazing ideas, and have really enjoyed the creative outlet this gives me to share some of our favorite projects.   Thank you, thank you, thank you for following and for the sweet comments you all leave...they brighten my day every time!  Also, thank you to the ladies at the Mingle With Us Blog Hop for featuring me as your guest hostess this week; I think that's how my most recent followers found One Artsy Mama.

As you may remember, I promised that when I hit my goal of 75 followers, I'd do a giveaway.  The results of the Facebook poll are in and it looks like by popular demand, I'll be giving away a Bird's Nest Pendant.

I can make it just like this one, or I can customize the number/color of eggs if you want them to represent your little chickadees.  If you're interested, here's four ways to enter; each one gets you a separate entry, so the more you do, the more chances you have to win!

1. Follow me!  Then leave a comment letting me know.  If you already follow, just leave me a comment to remind me. ;) {1 entry}

2. Like One Artsy Mama on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did. {1 entry}

3. Leave me a comment telling me your preference for number and color of "eggs" if you were to win...or if for some reason you prefer one of the other pieces of jewelry you see posted on here or on FB, tell me which one. {1 entry}

4. Post about this giveaway on your blog and/or Facebook and let me know. {1 entry}

If you leave a comment combining some of that info together, I'll sort it out and make sure your name goes in the hat {literally} the right number of times! :)  If you entered yesterday, I'm so sorry to make you do this, but please re-comment since that post has completely disappeared.  Blogger was down for about 24 hours and it seems that the most recent posts and comments and everything got lost in the process.  Boo.  Contest will remain open until Friday, May 20 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Addictions

So, in case you missed my Mother's Day post, I have the world's most wonderful mother.  Today, Noah and I got to spend the day with her and she {generous lady that she is} fed two of my big addictions: jewelry-making and Starbucks.  First, she went with me to buy lots of new supplies for my hobby and footed the bill...this may have something to do with the fact that she wants a pink necklace/bracelet/earring set.  One of the new techniques I'm trying is "chain mail," which is basically connecting big jump rings together to form cool patterns and designs.  Here are my first attempts at earrings and a bracelet with a few basic instructions.

CHAIN MAIL EARRINGS

Materials: jump rings in two colors, earring wires, pliers

STEP 1: Make a chain of five jump rings.

STEP 2: Add a second jump ring to all but the first link.

STEP 3: Attach a colored jump ring to the second and fourth links; it goes around both rings on one side and only around one on the other, if that makes sense {see photo}.

STEP 4: Attach top jump ring to earring wire.

Here's another photo...the color is more true to life in the first pic, but this one was a little sharper.

CHAIN MAIL BRACELET

Materials: jump rings in 2 colors, pliers, clasp of your choice

This was really hard to get a good photo of...sorry!

Instructions: Make a chain of jump rings following this pattern.

1 silver ring

3 silver rings

1 silver ring

2 silver rings and 1 colored ring {color in the middle}

REPEAT

I didn't count my links, I just kept holding it up to my arm until it went around comfortably but wasn't too loose.  Then I attached a barrel clasp to the end jump rings.

I think they're pretty fun looking, and I have lots of outfits they'll match perfectly!  When I showed hubby, he said, "Hmm.  Sexy."  I'll take it!  As for addiction #2, I got my Mocha Coconut Frappucino fix, and my mom took these really fun photos of Noah and I just clowning around.  We all had a case of the sillies this afternoon, I guess!

We were trying to do a totem pole, well, I was, anyway...but Noah didn't quite get it, as you can see.  So, then we did our best monkey impression.

And then I pretended to be Noah's hands.  He thought this was hilarious.

Thanks, Mom, for a great day!  Next time, Starbucks is on me!

Hope you all had a fun day with a little case of the sillies thrown in too.

Purple for Mama

Let me share with you the highlight of my day.  Today, we spent a nice afternoon with my mother-in-law and my hubby's grandmother.  After lunch at a local deli, where Noah gobbled up his grilled cheese, we headed to Michael's...again.  Grammy wanted to buy some picture frames for Noah to paint, and I, of course, went straight for the beads.  We split up to do our shopping, and when Grammy and Noah came back, Noah was carrying these.

He handed them to me with a big smile, saying, "Fow-nows fo Mama." {Translation: "Flowers for Mama"}

Grammy told me he saw them, picked them up and told her that Mama needed them because they were purple {my favorite color}.  I hugged and thanked him, and he told me he picked them, "because it make Mama happy."  Yes, he's right about that.  My sweet, sweet boy.  Of course we brought them home, and I'll find a place to proudly display such a special early Mother's Day present.

Going along with the purple theme, I bought {among other things} a string of beads in three shades of purple that I absolutely love.  I decided to try out the cluster technique I used yesterday with them and made this necklace charm.  It looks a little funny sitting there all by itself...the effect is much better when it's hanging, but I didn't have a spare chain to attach it to.  Since I've been making a bunch of necklaces lately, I've just been switching them all on and off of a chain I already had and I'm wearing it at the moment. :)

Well, that's about it for today, I suppose.  Hubby will be home in an hour and it'll be time for tacos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!  And I heard a rumor that the two of them are going shopping for my Mother's Day present...think I can get Noah to tell me what it is?

Oh, and don't forget, I'm only seven followers away from another giveaway; this time I'm definitely thinking it'll be a piece of jewelry.  Any suggestions which kind?

Recreating a Favorite

It's been a good day here in One Artsy Mama-land.  Noah and I got to go out shopping with my grandmother, who wanted to buy him some shorts and t-shirts for the warmer weather {that apparently can't decide if it wants to stick around for good or not}.  She took us to Kohl's and Children's Place, and to lunch at Panera, then I convinced her to stop by Michael's so that I could pick up a few supplies: some wire, some head pins, and a few beads.  Then, when we got home, she and Noah watched a movie, which gave me a chance to play for a little while.

As much fun as I've had making earrings, I think I like bracelets even better!  Here are a few that I've made in the last two days.  This first one, along with the matching necklace charm, was a gift for my mom.  She loves turquoise, and she generously bought me some beads and other supplies last weekend, so I figured it was a good repayment.

Here's a purple/pink one:

A blue/turquoise version:

I added some green in this one for contrast.  Meanwhile, I'm really starting to think about setting up an etsy shop.  The only trouble is, some of these beads are only one or two of a kind from a big pack, so I can't really recreate some of these designs.  Which means I can't post a pic of something I want to keep for myself because I can't duplicate it...I just have to put up photos of things I'm actually willing to sell.  I figure I'll start making some things and setting them aside specifically for the shop...this bracelet is the first thing I'm putting aside in the hopes of maybe selling it.

My other challenge today was to try and recreate the basic look of some of my absolute favorite jewelry.  I've mentioned before how much I love Poppi, created by Dawn Benedetto.  These are the 3 pieces of her jewelry I own.

I just think they're soooo fun!

I wanted to create something similar using some of the fun beads I bought in Alexandria this past weekend.  It's not exactly the same, but this was my take on it:

What do you think?

My other exciting news of the day is that I was featured for a second time on the Sunday Showcase link party at Under the Table and Dreaming.  Stephanie Lynn liked my Mother's Day gift idea {can't say what it was...there are grandmas reading...} from this post!  I feel so honored!

Well, hope you all had a great day too.  I'm hoping for some sunshine and some warmer weather tomorrow so Little Crafter can get to the playground.  He was so forlorn all morning since it was raining, and then this evening he insisted, "It not cold.  It NIIIIICE outside.  No cold.  Noah go to the playground."  It's 52 degrees and windy...but we did make a brief stop so he could "go down da biiiig slide."  The things I do for love...

Hands-On Mother's Day Cards

One of my favorite holidays is just around the corner!  This Sunday is Mother's Day, and I'm excited to spend the day with Little Crafter and Hubby touring some gardens.  I'm also looking forward to sharing the little cards and gifts I have up my sleeve to show my wonderful mom and mother-in-law how much we love and appreciate them.  You've already seen the "big" gift idea, but I wanted to get Noah in on the action too, so I spent some time with him making special cards.  Since there are a few days left, I thought I'd share these ideas with you in case you want to make some too.

{Grammy and Grandma, sorry to do this to you again, but you get to stop reading now.  I promise no more secrets after Sunday!}

Unfortunately, I can't claim either of these ideas as my own.  But that's what I love about blogging and sharing inspiration...I get as much or more than I give!  This first idea came from the weekly Macaroni Kid newsletter I get every Tuesday.  It's a handprint foam flower, and boy is it sweet!

HANDPRINT FLOWER

 

Materials: colored craft foam, colored cardstock, pencil, scissors, glue, photo

STEP 1: Trace child's hand on foam with fingers spread apart.  Cut out.  Repeat for the number of "flower petals" you want.  We used six; the sample I saw used eight.  If you have multiple children, you can do a few prints for each child and combine them into one flower, or have each child make his/her own.

STEP 2: Cut out a circle of cardstock as a base and arrange handprints around it to form flower petals.  Glue in place.

STEP 3: Cut out photo in a circular shape to form center of flower.  Size will vary depending on the size of your child's hands/the flower.  I just found something to trace that looked like the right fit.  Cut out a slightly larger circle of colored cardstock.  Adhere photo to cardstock circle, then to flower.

STEP 4: Cut stem and leaves from green foam or cardstock.  Glue in place.

TA-DA!  The sample I saw took it a step further.  They wrote "Reasons I Love Mee-Maw" on the stem, then wrote something they loved about their grandmother on each "petal."  I am still debating whether I want to do this or not...I really like the look of it as is and am afraid to add writing. :p  Either way, it's sooo sweet!

The second idea came from a cute blog called Serving Pink Lemonade...Jeanine shared it on a linky party I visited this morning, and I fell in love with it.  Here's our version:

FINGERPRINT FLOWER CARDS

Materials: inkpads in various colors {we used pink, purple, yellow, and green}, white cardstock 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Optional Materials: wording stamp, blender pen {you can also use green marker}

I didn't dare take step-by-step pictures while Little Crafter's fingers were covered in ink, so you just get the finished product pic:

STEP 1: Fold cardstock in half.  Have child press thumb into ink pad and place it onto the paper in a flower shape.  Then, add a flower center using a different finger.  Repeat, changing colors if you like.

STEP 2: Add stems using marker or a blender pen in green ink.

STEP 3: optional - Add a stamped greeting.

I thought these were really sweet keepsakes and something easy a child can make with minimal assistance to give to a mother or grandmother.  Hope you like them!

In the meantime, I've been working more on my jewelry skills...here's the latest.  My first bracelet with a real hook closure!

Well, I guess it's time I get busy around here.  My Bible Study buddies will be here in a few hours and the house needs a little work.  Then again, I hear my beads calling...which do you think will win? :)

Oh, and speaking of winning; I promised to do another giveaway when I hit 75 followers.  I just noticed today that I'm only 10 followers short of that goal!  YAY!  Tell your friends to come check out One Artsy Mama and it'll be giveaway time again before you know it...I'm feeling a jewelry giveaway this time, I think!

Linked up to:

An Ear-full

I have to confess, I was more anxious than usual for Little Crafter to take his afternoon nap today!  After getting some new beads yesterday and looking at a few library books about jewelry making, I was ready to try my hand at some projects.  I tried to do a bit of work while he was finishing up his lunch, but he got mad at me for not paying enough attention to him and dumped his apple juice on the floor.  Twice.  So, the rest of my beading waited until now.   I focused on earrings today because they're quicker and easier than anything else, and I had some new ideas.  I've discovered that my favorite way to make things involves some kind of decorative wire shaping, so that's what I decided to play with this afternoon.  This first pair is a gift for Jess, who got me started on this hobby last Wednesday.  She loves blue and I thought they kind of look like a decorative "J."

[These are the ones I was working on during the apple juice incident...]

I saw this idea in the book that came with my starter kit; you just make a spiral underneath your bead.  I really like the effect.

It also had a variation where you wrap wire around the top of the bead too, which I tried.  Can I just say, wow, that's hard?!  I was completely awful at it.  One earring turned out better than the other, ironically enough, my first attempt was the better of the two.  I was pretty dissatisfied, but I do love those pink beads!

And for this pair, I thought I would try out a different shape.

The absolute hardest thing about doing the wire shaping is getting two earrings to be symmetrical!  I saw a tool yesterday at the Potomac Bead Company designed to help with that.  It's a board with lots of holes and pegs that fit into them.  You arrange the pegs any way you want, then you wrap your wire around them.  I think I "need" one of those for sure.

I would really, really love to hear your comments and suggestions since I'm so new at this!
Hope you have a great day!