This is a quick tutorial of the earrings I taught on the Country Music Cruise for Beadalon (makers of great jewelry findings) and Jewelry Television. One of the things I love most about them is that you can take pre-made findings like Beadalon’s Quick Links and alter them with a chasing hammer to make them your own. Here we go!
You’ll need a steel block and chasing hammer for this step. The steel supports the metal so that it can take the imprint of the hammer’s round end to make a planished texture. This is by far one of my favorite things to do in jewelry making! Just. Beat. It. Beat it.
Here we have a pinch bail. Use chain nose pliers to open up the bail.
Attach it to a Swarovski drop crystal so the prongs on the bail go in the holes of the crystal drop and then pinch the bail closed.
Use two pliers with flat ends to open a jump ring like so.
Connect all the layers of rings and charms.
Close the jump ring how you opened it.
Use a second jump ring to attach the first jump ring to the ear wire. SO fast to make!! Hello, Christmas presents for everyone you know!
Sweet. Sassy. Romantic. Just the way I like my earrings as you know!
Felt and Metal Earring Class
Yesterday morning I was searching for bike baskets (some that could carry Rocker), only to go to the super-store and see this shirt. I think it's a sign. Do they make doggie bike helmets?
There's still time to sign up for this class (taught by me, the crazy dog lady). It's a little bit felting and a little bit metalworking. You will learn lots of neat techniques that you can use however you like. It takes place next Monday and adventurous beginners are welcome! Here are the details and feel free to message me with questions.
I'm off to the Girl Cave. That's what I called our studio when we moved in because we can have as much girly stuff as we want! Yes girls, heaps of ribbon and beads, baskets full of buttons and racks full of colorful paint. Dark chocolate truffles stashed in the cupboards. You'd love it. My studio-mate came up with Jewels and Tools and the guy at the paint store calls it the Lady Lair. We have fun. My work table is packed with funky beads for a special project. Thousands of beads and more about that later. I hope to see you in class on Monday! XO.
Baked Apple Recipe
Oh Fall, how I love thee. September 23rd is the official first day of fall, but I am enjoying the cool mornings and evenings. I think I've already said this. This summer has been long, productive and hot. Lots of growth in so many forms. Thank you, World. And thank you Fall for coming along and cooling things down.
On Monday, I spent the evening with friends. Stir fry and baked apples and laughter and even some coloring. It was so cozy and nice. Again, thank you, World. Here's a link to a baked apple recipe if you get the itch. Don't forget the vanilla bean ice cream.
On a final note, I've gotten so many emails from readers looking for the pencil torch in my book, Metalworking 101 for Beaders. I'm so very sad to say Bernzomatic stopped making them. I know. (sigh) I can't believe it myself. If anyone wants to start a petition, begging them to make them again, consider my name added to the list. Until then it's back to acetylene and air or a little butane torch for us, kids (or at least for me).
Merry 2011…
"Merry 2011!" This is what my college freshman cousin texted back to me after I wished his family (who were somewhere skiing–I love their NYE style btw) a Happy New Year. It made me smile and giggle. He is refreshing!
This is me and Rocker earlier today, warm and toasty in our new cabin digs and oh so lucky to have each other. Rocker suggested we give you our best mysterious model look. Did we get it? Haha. We love us some PhotoBooth! Which leads me to I got a new computer finally….I converted to Mac-alisism! Praise the Lord! My old one was old and that's all I need to say. Ok, but I feel like I'm driving a caddy when I work on this thing. Smooth. Fast. I love it!
2010's life brought ups and downs…just like every year. I'm lucky, that's one thing I know for sure. I made so many new friends this past year and a beautiful new place to live and work fell from the stars into my lap. Still no "Mr. Right." I think that's ok for now though. I found that my work really grew and changed this year and some neat projects fell into my lap. I tried some new things, like my first Steampunk necklace that uses Jangles parts featured in Winter 2010 Stringing magazine.
Thank you everyone who has friended me on facebook. Facebook…whoulda thought?! If you haven't, please come on over and look me up! I want to also say thank you to those of you who purchased my Metalworking 101 for Beaders book this past year and dropped lines to say hello. I have a few goals for 2011 and one of them is to teach more creative jewelry workshops anywhere and everywhere starting with the Indiana Bead Society on March 19th.
There's lots more, but I'll stop here. I like this song so I'm sharing! It gives me that get-up-and-go-do-whatever-you-need-to-get- done-energy….which is what I'm all about this year.
Hi, I’m Candie. I design jewelry and crafts, author books, teach classes and host television programs. I thrive on simple ideas that anyone can achieve. I also love projects made from unexpected materials that stand the test of time. Join me as I lead a creative life! 
