Wearable Metal Art Fine Jewelry

Mighty Cold Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Now this is cold...10 degrees at 7am! Clover Creek froze on both sides. Earlier before I took these pictures around 11 am, it was almost across the whole creek on the surface.
Been awhile since I last posted on the blog. I have basically moved over to Vertical Response. If you are thing of using an email program for your business. THIS IS THE ONE! Very reasonable in cost and works easy.
We are now in our "off" season till middle of April. This is the time we spend making new items for the upcoming season of shows.
However, this year it is Jerry making. As I am having surgery on my foot finally. Major stuff so I will be in a wheel chair for the next three months. Not exactly what I was hoping...but it should get me walking again...I hope. And, while I am out of "shape"...I needed to close the Etsy shop temporary. As you all know, Jerry does do computers.

This also an update on Lucy and Charlie...they have grown into great pals for all four of us. Hard to get good pictures...finally got Lucy but Charlie was avoiding the camera.
Well, wish everyone a terrific year.....
Fran

Bodega Jazz, Art, & Wine Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:31:00 +0000

This weekend is the Bodega Seafood, Jazz, Art and Wine Festival
Held at the Watt's Ranch, Hwy. 12 @ the SMALL town of Bodega, just 1/2 mile East of Hwy. 1.
We invite everyone to come over to the coast and join us. Weather should be great, sunny and in the low to mid 80's. That sure looks cool, compared to the inland temps we are reading this afternoon.
Read more »

Working our way North up the coast

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:42:00 +0000

We are back at the Sonoma County Westside Park in Bodega Bay now. Will leave on Friday for Gualala and our next show Art in the Redwoods @ the Gualala Arts Center.
   Last weekend we were at the 12th Annual Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival, held in Scotts Valley, Ca. @ Sky Valley Park. Enjoyed seeing all our friends there and meeting new ones too. This years weather was fantastic, just a little fog in the am, then bright sunshine in the afternoons. With a light breeze to keep it cool.

   We met up with Bill and Susan Dakuzahu Fri. evening for dinner. Susan is a website engineer and has been working at building a new website image for us. It has been in need of some "help" for awhile now and I feel that she has done a great job, click:wearablemetalartbydesign.com   and take a look for yourself at the difference she has made!
We are now working on re-vamping and building an Email marketing plan called: Vertical Response. Will sending out our new Newsletter later this month.
    Also, take a look at our Etsy Store. I have added some new items. The following are just a couple of them:

Pretty colorful pin......
On the left top a free form designer cut cabochon of Spectorite, middle: 5mm round facet London Blue Topaz; right top another free form designer cut cabochon of Lemon Opal from Idaho. And finally, a beautiful free form designer cut cabochon of rare Sugilite from Africa. All three of these beauties are bezel set in Sterling Silver, surrounded by textured and tooled silver background and a small added Copper wire design.....$268.00

These earrings are: matched pair of Mave Pink fresh water pearls, 3mm round facet garnets, and a free form designer cut match pair of rare Sugilite cabochons. Bezel set in Sterling Silver, with a free form wire design. These have heavy duty posts and large adjustable backs included. ...$175.00

We invite you to make that beautiful drive up Hwy. 1 to the little town of Gualala this weekend and join us at the 50th Annual Art in the Redwoods @ the Gualala Arts Center. Know you will enjoy yourself....check out their website:gualalaarts.org.
See you there...........

Back Home for a few Days

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Had a visitor this morning . Can't think of why or

what he was looking inside for. Maybe just to say welcome back home.

It is Garlic Time

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:57:00 +0000

First, a big THANK YOU to Bargetto Winery for hosting the Summer Fine Arts Festival. The live music was wonderful to listen to and the Gypsy Pizza Oven made great tasting pizza. Jerry and I ate way too much, but we couldn't help ourselves, best pizza that we have had.

Again, our wonderful friends, (clients) made our weekend. We send a thank you to each one of you. Wear and enjoy your new jewelry.

Read more »

Bargetto Winery - Summer Fine Arts Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 02:28:00 +0000

Had a great (short) "lay-over" in Bodega Bay @ Westside Park. Rested from our last show and even managed to sneak in a few hours work on my portable bench in our motor home. Early this morning we headed South and arrived at the Pinto Lake RV Park in Watsonville, Ca. around 2pm.
Thought I would make an advance look at some of the new work that Jerry and I have just finished for the Summer Fine Arts Festival @
the Bargetto Winery,
3535 Main St.. Soquel, Ca.
Show is Sat. and Sun. 11am - 5pm
Everyone is welcome, free admission, and food and beverages will be available.

Owhee Jasper Pendant

Ocean Jasper, Moonstone, Pearl Earrings


Owhee matching earrings


Varicite Pendant, has matching earrings

Metal Art Pendant (new style)

This is a new style for me
all metal art with Amethyst and Peridot

On right is Varicity from Austrailia, Pearl and Mint L.G. Sapphire

There will be some wonderful artists present. Many of them good friends from the (former) Mt. Art Guild. Looking forward to having you come by, visit and shop at the show.
This is a link to one of the artists: pattylakinsmith.blogspot.com
See you this weekend!
If you need directions, call us on our cell: 530-604-3649

Patty Lakinsmith: Another Sneak Peek

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 02:06:00 +0000

Patty Lakinsmith: Another Sneak Peek

Mendocino Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Steele Wnes

Thursday, July 14th we headed out on our trip to Mendocino, Ca. for the MAC Summer Fine Arts Festival. When we stopped in Corning for gas Jerry noted that a tire on the motor home looked "funny". So we headed over to the tire shop where we found we needed to replace 4 of the 6 tires on the rig....ouch that cost a buck or two!!

Steele Wines

Stopped over at the Steele Winery in Kelseyville, Ca. steelewines.com , off of Hwy. 29 for the night and a short visit. Naomi Key and Pam Shine are great hosts, even had hot coffee for us early Fri. morning.
We drove on around Clear Lake and over to Hwy. 1, headed North to Willits, Ca. There we turned west on Hwy. 20 and down, up, down, up and finally into Fort Bragg, Ca. Continued south on Hwy. 1 to Mendocino. Just a beautiful scenic drive.


MAC Art Center	Art pieces are put out all over the garden area

Fri. afternoon I wondered around the center snapping shots here and there. Then around 4pm we started setting up our booth for the show.
We enjoyed the show and visiting with our friends, however, financially we did not do well. So, even if we enjoyed ourselves not sure that we can come back again next year. :>(

Jerry in kayak

Sunday evening after the show we headed south again on Hwy. 1 around 7 miles to a small campground on the banks of the Albion river: Albion River Campground www.albionrivercampground.com We elected to camp there Sunday and Monday nights. This is a beautiful place to camp with lots of fun things to do. Like taking a kayak out.

This is all for now. Will continue the "story" as we travel on to the next show: Summer Fine Arts Festival, Bargetto Winery, Soquel, Ca. bargettowinery.com
Have a great evening, hope to see you soon.

Getting Ready for lots of shows!

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:49:00 +0000

Hope all of you had a safe enjoyable July 4th weekend. We were in Chester, Ca., (near Lake Almanor) for their annual one day festival hosted by the local Lyons Club.

Iam putting the finishing touches on our new work that we have just finished. As we will be heading out on Thurs. for the Mendocino show. Afterwards we have planed a slow drive down the coast hwy. 1 to Bodega. After a couple days there will drive on down and over to Watsonville, Ca. where we have reservations to stay at Pinto Lake RV Resort for a couple weeks. While we are doing the Bargetto Summer Arts show. Then finish off the month with the 3 day Gilroy Garlic Festival.

The following are highlights of what I finished up over the past few days.

Long designer cut cabochon of an interesting coco brown agate. This is thought to be a fossilized wood. I have bezel set the stone using 30 gauge sterling silver bezel wire. Extending the back 24 gauge sterling sheet on the left side and bottom so I could add texture and tooling. Also added an edge of 16 gauge round wire to this and in a free form design around the piece. The bail is tooled and is large enough for an omega or larger chain.

approx. size: 4 1/2 in. long by 1 1/4 in. wide set price: $375.

Matching earrings are below

Here are the matching earrings to the above pendant. As you can see I have added similar texture and tooling in the design around the bezeled cabochons..

Size: 1 1/2 in. long by 1 in. wide. I have soldered heavy duty sterling silver posts to center back and have large adjustable backs included.

These two items are a set, and are priced together at $375.00

This is another pendant with matching earrings.....

Designer cut cabochon of Owhee Jasper. I have bezel set this piece, then extended the sheet silver partly up for design work to be added. Heavily textured and tooled design accents added to left side. Along with a pretty 5mm round London Blue Topaz facet. Then I added hand made leaves and some copper wire textured for color to accent the colors in the stone. This piece has a large hand forged loop bail at the back that will fit most any Omega or larger chain.

Colors: soft gray blues with rust brown, and coco brown

These are the matching earrings

to the above pendant. The "tongue" cut cabochons are a beautiful color match to the pendant stone. I have "cap" bezel set each and added design accents to top that compliment the pendant, including matching London Blue topaz.

Sterling Silver heavy duty french ear wires, with soft plastic backs.

Size: 2 in. long by 1/2 in wide

colors noted: soft gray blue; rust and coco browns

Price: $275.00 for the set

These are just a few items that we will have at the Mendocino Show. There are many other items of interest. Some will be listed on our Etsy store: wearablemetalartjfh.etsy.com

I will be adding more over the next few days as time permits.

Also, during the past month I have been working on our website again. This time I am re-vamping the entire site. As I am looking to promote custom work with our stones and yours. So, I have added a page to explain the process and will be adding several pages of some completed work over the past. With the hope that by viewing the photos you will be inspired to have something made just for you.

The finished items that we have for sale with be listed in our Etsy Store only.

Well, looking forward to seeing you soon at one of our summer shows.

Still cool...and have a great summer....

Summer is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:45:00 +0000

We had an eventful return trip home from our last three shows. When we stopped for gas in Corning I discovered the van had a flat rear left tire...just watched it go down while the gas was pumping in. So....ended up at the tire shop to replace not one but all four tires.
   In the meanwhile, Jerry drives out the gas station drive way. Snap, bang and pop...something broke underneath the front end of the motor home. The front "sway bar" bushings gave way on the steering "something rather" *%^#
  I know that we were extremely lucky that all this happened when we were NOT on the freeway driving.....but. The repairs costs more than we made at the last three shows. Funny how that happens.

A thank you to all of our friends and "client family". We enjoyed visiting, seeing and working with each of you at the last three shows: Art Fiesta, Sacramento; Art in the Park, Burlingame; and Summer Fine Arts Festival, Danville.

Wow, moving from around 75 degrees, with a brisk bay area breeze, back up the our home at a warm 102 degrees last week. Was a shock on the body! Then an unusual fast moving low front dumps over a half inch of rain and temps back down in the low 70's on Tues. and Wed. And today, working its way back up into the 90's. With a warming trend to 102-105 for the July 4th weekend and into next week. Summer has finally arrived! Knew it would happen this way....bang just in time for the holiday weekend.
Speaking of July 4 --we will be up in Chester, for their 4th of July Art and Craft show Monday. At least we will see the beautifull Lassen area and visit Lake Almanor on our trip. Will enjoy seeing our friends at the show as we only get up that way once a year now. This is a fast moving show, held in the community park along side the Feather River in the middle of town. We expect it to be warm up there too, usually in the mid 90's when we hit low 100s. So, figure to see people drift in early around 9am to view the what we have this year. Take a short break near 11am to see the local parade down Main St., then back down the steps to our booth in the park. Around 3pm....the show closes and we pack up and head for home. A fast one day event hosted by the local Lyons Club.
   I went to use my camera a couple so days ago. And found that the "handy" flip out viewer had flipped one time too many and broke. When I checked around on repairs, found it was cheaper just to purchase a new one. I did some research on the internet on what I needed. Off to Costco, and Best Buy to see them in person and finally purchased a Cannon PowerShot SX130. Seems to have all the bells and whistles that I need, mainly the Macro operation that I use all the time for close ups. Taking pictures of our jewelry has been a challenge for years.
   With rain that we had this week, all of the weeds around our place just grew up overnight again. They always manage to pop up faster than we can keep up with them. I took time out earlier today to spray as many as I could see in the hot bright sunshine.

While outside I thought I would try out my new camera. This is a shot of two of older oak trees on the property. They are beautiful this year in their huge grander.
On the right is part of the gravel drive back towards our place.

Couldn't resist taking a shot of one of our "pestky" weeds. These guys just popped up everywhere......everywhere thousands of them!

Now I best get back to work. Now that I have a new camera I need to design a few pieces for new custom work.
Oh, almost forgot!! I have started on redesigning our website: http://www.wearablemetalartbydesign.com/ . After much thought I have decided to move it in a new direction. More towards inviting custom work from you our friends, and new friends soon to be. Iam putting together several pages on custom orders, only have a couple done so far. Will add photos of both sold and un-sold work to help some of you with design ideas. I also want to add photos of some of our stone collection. I say some, as I am a stone addict and have way too many in the safe to actually display a photo of each.
With this change, I am also going to add more items to our Etsy Store: http://www.wearablemetalartjfh.etsy.com/ .
It is our hope to be able to cut back on the number of shows that we do each month in a few years, less if it can work out. And spend more time designing and doing custom work .
Bye for now, stay cool and enjoy the summer weather

Spring Jungle

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 22:44:00 +0000

First, we would like to say a special thanks to all our friends and clients who are our friends! Thanks to your enjoyment of our creations, we had good sales both at Clayton Art and Wine, and Alamo's Mother's Day weekend Arts Festival. It was great to serve and visit with each of you again this year. Look forward to visiting again soon. Perhaps the Summer Fine Arts Festival in Danville, June 18/19(see our show schedule for more info).

Spring is bursting out everywhere around here. It is unbelievable that we are still having great sunny days only in the mid to high 70's, and an occasional low 80's. The weather pattern has been a few days of soft rain showers, and back to beautiful sunshine.

From the stark bare trees and brush of winter, our
area is bursting with green, wild flowers and...........

POLLEN.
While Jerry and I were doing the past two shows we came in contact with what we thought were allergies. Especially since every year Jerry usually gets them bad. By the time we were home from the Alamo show both of us were sick. We gave it a few days and now, we had added bad chest colds, fevers, sore throats and you name it. So, off to the doctor.
Thankfully, I am now getting better and Jerry is slowly following. Seems we each had a viral infection which really knocked us to our knees. We were like hybernating bears, both of us sleeping almost around the clock. Just up for water, meds, soup and showers. Thus why I haven't posted anything for awhile.

Today, I am back to my bench. Still can't solder as my eyes are still healing from the viral infection. Feels good to draft up designs for the summer shows and look out at the "jungle" above.

We have a very busy schedule for the summer months of June, July, and Aug. Check out our show schedule page for more information.

Well, back to my design drafting.....

ON THE MOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:54:00 +0000

Jerry and I are now at the Sinclair Ranch for a couple days before going on to Clayton, Ca. for the Clayton Art and Wine Festial.
As you can see Jerry enjoys working on the tractor. Here he is mowing this field, and sneezing most of the way. Up on the hill side the winds usually blow pretty fair, enough to "rock & roll" the motor home. And Spring time usually brings the season's allergies .
We are very grateful to the owner, Sally Sinclair Brittian, who graciously permits us to park on her property between shows. Jerry and I have always enjoyed being out in the open!

Tomorrow we will move over to Clayton, Ca. as this weekend is the 16th Annual Clayton Art and Wine Festival! Artists will be located on Marsh Creek Rd. and Main St. in downtown Clayton. Hours: Sat. 10am -7pm and Sun. 10am-5pm
We have been guest artists at this show all 16 years. The volunteer staff members are wonderful, each and every one of them!

14k&9.25 Opal & Ruby

14k & Arg.9.25 Larimar, Chalcedony, Topaz

Look forward to seeing and visiting with everyone...Come on over and see our new Spring line. Many new items, as this is the first show we attend in the East Bay

Working around the yard on Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 02:36:00 +0000

Ok, guys keep it moving!

Lucy is checking out the new bark while watching and supervising both Jerry and Red work in the yard this afternoon.
It was time to re-furbish the landscape barking. Been around 6-7 years since the landscaping was done. The older well worn bark washed across the drive and down into the berry bushes, with heavy winter rains.

Red, our brother-in-law.
Mind you, this man is over 80 yrs. young. And he is out on the flat bed trailer shoveling bark from the trailer into the wheel barrows.
This man works everyday of the week!

With is back to you, is Jerry taking a break from the bench to help Red put in new bark around the yard.

Beautiful, day to be outside!

Just fun'n, Jerry and Red mess'n around while they work. The two of them may "grumble" alot about working. But looking at them, you can see they enjoy it too. They got the entire flat bed unload today...but no Easter eggs were found. Guess the Easter Bunny didn't hop by. LOL... Oh, well we are on diets anyway.

Happy Easter everyone. Hope your day was enjoyable also.

Enjoying the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Jerry and I are parked at the Westside Side Park in Bodega Bay for the next 4 days. Taking rest of today, Thursday, and Friday to relax and enjoy the gorgeous bay. We found this park about 4 years ago, when we were doing the Bodega Fisherman's Festival. And, ever since we get here as often as we can between shows. The park is run by the Sonoma County Parks and usually has a full time camp host. They do a good job of keeping the park as "natural" as possible. No hookups, but there is a dump station on site.

Took a short walk from our site and found this pretty little jewel....
The Ice Plants this time of the year are really beautiful and just coming into bloom. On our way in on Hwy. 12 I saw an older dairy farm with the entire long drive leading up to the house from the road. And the road side edge lined in Easter Lillie's that were in full bloom. Wanted to take a picture but, the road is very narrow and I found no safe parking.

From our site we can view the incoming and outgoing boats. This picuture was taken during low tide of a fisherman coming into the harbor. Salmon Season opens on Saturday. So the crab boats are working overtime to get their crab pots pulled and packed away.

We also have a great view of the bay. Right across to Bodega Bay village. Had lunch at Lucas Wharf this afternoon which is on the far right side of this photo.

So from this you can see that Jerry will really enjoy himself. He has already just return from his first walk down to the boat dock .
I will kick back and work on crossword puzzles.
Any of you that want a drive or live close to Sebastopol. The Apple Blossom Festival is on Sat. and Sun. April 16/17 and we will have lots of new pieces for you to enjoy! So come on over and join us.!!
See you soon......

Finishing Up

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Another beautiful Spring day. Started off rather on the cool side @31 degrees early this morning!
I finished up the rest of the new work I had been working on. Still would like to finish up a hand made metal bead necklace tomorrow given enough time.

Pretty "gemmy" Rosy pink Rhodocrosite designer free form cut cabochon with a trillion shape facet cut pink tourmaline. Hand fabricated in Sterling 9.25 with accents of 14k Gold balls. 16ga. round silver wire is hand forged with a forging hammer to form top accents. Bail is located behind center curl.
size: approx. 2 1/2 in. x 1 1/4 in.
$245.

These earrings are hand fabricated in Sterling 9.25 and 14k yellow Gold. 14/20 G.F. hand made ear wires. At the top are a matched pair of 5mm trillion shape faceted Apatite and below a pair of 11 x 9 designer triangle shape Aqua blue quarts druzi.
size: approx. 1 1/4 in. long x 1/2 in. wide
$325.

Jerry finished this pendant today. Hand carved designer cut cab of Covolite, by Rock Raven Lapidary with 10 x 8 Emerald cut facet of London Blue Topaz.

size: 2 1/2 in. long x 1 1/4 in. wide
$420.

Whale pin: One of a kindBelieve it or not, this is a baroque fresh water pearl! Very unusal shape and texture. When I spyed this pearl, I immediately saw a humpback whale. It is made in 9.30 Argentium Sterling, with a pin at the back. I added a 2mm round facet tanzinite blue diamond. Approx. size: 3 in. long x 1in. wide $335.

Another one of Jerry's today...we decided to make this piece into an optional pin. So, he has added a "tail" and a pin to the back. Hand fabricated in 9.25 Sterling. The georgeous bead in the center is a "reptilian" lamp worked bead by Patty Lakinsmith Plays' With Fire studio. Approx. size: 3 1/4 in. long x 3 1/4 wide at the widest point of legs $265.

That's all for tonight. Have a nice evening....Fran

A Few More Done

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:35:00 +0000

With the beautiful Spring weather we are having. It is hard to keep my mind on working inside. However, I did manage to finish a few more nice pieces yesterday.

Larimar Slide

This one is a beauty. When I found these stones at the 2010 Tucson show. I just fell in love with them.
Large Slide (pendant)
Handfabricated using 9.25 Sterling, & 14k yellow Gold. The large designer cut cabochon of natural Larimar has "modeling" blends of baby and sky blues. Accented with a 4mm rd. facet Apatite at top, below this is a 5mm sky blue Topaz facet. Then to the left is a 10mm rd. cabochon of Ocean Blue Chalcedony which glows with a "cat's" eye shimmer.
size: approx. 2 1/2 in. long and wide - $540.00

Cherry Creek Slide

Another larger piece is this pretty pendant. Handfabricated using 9.25 Sterling Silver. The bottom stone is a large "teardrop" shape cabochon of Cherry Creek Jasper from Colorado. Accented with a 8 mm rd. faceted L. G. Padparadscha Sapphire. And features 3 leaves with a flower setting the sapphire at the top.
size: approx. 2 1/2 in. long x 2 in. wide -
$275

Jasper Combo Slide

This is another "pretty". A large slide (pendant). I wanted this one to be a pin, however when finishing it I felt it was too heavy. It is featuring several stones together with an unusual color combination. At the top, a free form piece of Baltic Amber; left a rare piece of "old stock" Sugilite; right, a 8mm trillion shape facet of Peridot; at the bottom a large free form designer cut cabochon of Deschuttes Jasper, beautiful mixed shades of browns forming a "picture" to each of us. This piece is handfabricated using 9.25 Sterling and Bronze.
Size: approx. 3 1/4 in. long x 1 1/2 in. wide
$295.00

This is last, but not least!
Larger freeform designer cut cabochon of blueish green Turquoise (old stock). Accented with a 7mm rd. cabochon of Amethyst. Handfabricated in 9.25 Sterling and Bronze.
Size: approx. 2 1/4 in. x 1 1/4 in
$165.00

Again, I hope you have enjoyed seeing these pieces. I am finishing some more work in the next few days. So follow our blog so you won't miss anything. :>)

Later..............................

Another great sunshine day.....and more finished work

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:05:00 +0000

These are the ones that I finished up today. Hope you are enjoying the previews.

Pretty 5mm rd. faceted Rhodolite Garnets prong set with hand forged daisy flower petals, accent at the with 3 14k gold balls. Argentium heavy duty french wires
Size: approx. 1 1/4 in. long x 1 in. wide
$85.

Very different pair of 10x8 faceted Gismo Topaz from Nigeria.Color flashess from strong pink to pastels with a hue of purple. Prong set and 9.25 Sterling 16ga. & 18 ga. rd. wires used to form design. Sculptured earwires enter the lobes and grace downwards in a single motion. Design accented with 14k yellow Gold graduated balls.
size: approx. 2 & 1/4 long x 1in. wide
$165.

These beauties are Ocean Blue Chalcedony square buff cut cabochons set in 9.25 Sterling. Below are two matched Osmena pearls from the Phillipines. Heavy duty posts and backs are included.
size: approx. 2 in. long x 1 in. wide
$150.00

Uniquely designed matched pair earrings. 4mm faceted Pink Tourmaline and underneath match pair of Black Mother of Pearl tear drops. Earring is hand fabricated using 9.25 Sterling, heavy duty french wires
size: approx 1 1/4 in long x 1/2 in. wide
$150.

Matched pair of Almadine garnets, checker board face trillion shape. Unique design is hand forged 16 ga. round wire.
Size: approx. 1 1/2 in long x 1 in. wide
$75.00

Very uniquely designed for a very rare stone...Rasberry Ocean Jasper. Accented with fresh water pearls and Rhodolite Garnet cabochons. The stones are designer free form cut cabochons and bezel set in 9.25 Sterling. The design wires are 14 k yellow Gold and Sterling. Earrings have heavy duty posts and backs.
size: approx. 2 1/4 in. long x 1 in. wide earrings
pendant is about 2 in. long at the largest point and about 2 in. wide
$395. for the set

Matched pair of 10x8 Sun Stones cabochons. Very radiant colors of orange/reds (rare)The material was mined from the Dust Devil mine on the Oregon Idaho border. This color intense is rare and considered AAA grade. Earrings are hand fabricated using 14k yellow gold.
size: approx. 1 1/2 in. long x 1 in. wide
$535.00

These are a fun pair...hand fabricated in 9.25 Sterling with a single 18 ga. rd. hammered wire added to face. Very light and airy design, 9.25 Sterling ear wires and 8mm rd. faceted Canary yellow Topaz from Nigeria.
Size: approx. 2 1/4 in. long x 1/2 in. wide
$155.00

Matched pair of Captivating Blue Topaz 6mm rd. faceted, material is from Nigeria. Earring is hand fabricated using 18 ga. round wire of 9.25 Sterling and 14k yellow Gold.
Size: approx. 1 1/4 in. long x 1in. wide
$135.00

Well, this is it for tonight. I will be finishing a few more pieces that need soldering and fixing after getting caught in the buff wheel. I hope to have them posted by Sunday.
Have a great night looking at the stars outside.......

Preview of New Work for Fran

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Preview......New work
Remember that pile of jewelry pieces.....
The following are pictures of some of these items.

Baroque Fresh Water Pearl; A Grade 9x7 Oregon Sunstone accent; hand forged Sterling Silver 9.25 flat wire, wrapped around at an angle and secured with prongs.
size: approx 2 1/4 in. x 1 1/4 in.
$470.

Natural Australian Opal doublet with 4mm round L.G. Ruby facet accent, prong set. Opal is bezel set in 14k yellow gold with Sterling 9.25 back. The unique bail is hand forged 16ga. round 14k Gold wire.
Gorgeous red fire
Size: approx. 1 1/4 in. x 1 in.
$420.

Another beautiful free form delight. Baroque Fresh Water Pearl, accented with 9x7 faceted natural Zambia amethyst at top and 2 graduated 14k Gold balls at bottom. Pearl is secured in a Sterling 9.25 hand fabricated prong setting.
Size: approx. 2 1/4 wide x 1 1/2 long
$410.

Beautiful free form pin. This creation is hand fabricated in Sterling 9.25 Silver using several unique processes. Top is a pretty piece of Baltic Amber, bottom a designer free form cut cabochon of a newer find of Montana Picasso Agate...yes from Montana. Both stones are bezel set and the backing is 22 ga. sheet extended upwards giving support to the pin on the back. The decorative designs at top are a combination of tooling and also textured repose` work. Accented with a coil of Copper at right and a 14/20 Gold Filled sheet leaf at left.
size: approx. 2 3/4 in. long x 2 in. wide - $175.

This one should be familiar.....
These are the earrings that I did an earlier blog with.
Combination of Sterling 9.25 and 14k yellow Gold. Hand fabricated. Forged 18 ga. round wires make the designs at the top. 5 mm round faceted London Blue Topaz accent a beautiful rare colored Crazy Lace Agate from Mexico. Heavy duty Sterling ear wires
Size: approx. 2 in. long x 1 in. wide
$175.

These light and airy earrings are simple and elegant. At the top a bronze circle with tooling. Center: beautiful 11mm round Fresh Water button pearls, secured at back with prong. A light and airy look of 16ga. round Sterling 9.25 wire shaped to a free form triangle with 14k Gold balls added as accents
Size: approx 2 1/4 in. long x 1/2 wide
$135.

That is all for now.... but don't fret. I have more to be finished up and will post them when done.
Hope you enjoyed these and remember they can be purchased on our Etsy Shop, at an upcoming show near you, (if I still have them) or contact us direct.
Enjoy this gorgeous sunshine weather and have a great day.

Day One of sunshine and buffing jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:16:00 +0000

Day one of buffing......

Does anyone know what one of the most terrible sounds when buffing jewelry is?

........ping, ping, tink, thud, and slience.

That was a very small piece that you can barely hold on to with your gloves. It has now bounced around the buffer, and a wall, the floor, and where now?....is an early Easter egg hunt. If I am lucky I managed to catch sight of it as it bounced. Today, I did manage to find the two that got caught with the buff wheel. Also, another lost last year. It was all the way out the door and under a util. table we have just outside.

Think this will ever look like real jewelry?

Remember that photo of misc. jewelry items and pieces? Well, over the last week or so it has grown some. This photo is just some of the items after buffing most of the day and this evening cleaning the buffing compound off and out of tiny little holes and spaces. They were rinsed in clean clear water and now I am going to take each item one by one and dry it and inspect it for any problems, such as broken solder joints. Tomorrow, I will try to finish another bowl full ready to buff and clean.

Today has been beautiful! Georgeous sunshine. Really felt good to have the sun warmth. The weather report, actually gives us another 3 or more days of this sunshine too! We might actually start to dry out some.

This is another picture of Clover Creek. Just outside our studio door over the weekend. We had heavy down pours with thunder and light'n

That's all for tonight....
will update again later this week.
Also plan to post some pictures of my new work. After I finish setting the stones and doing the final polish.
Have a good night, and peak out at the stars.

Wind is blowing and rain is pouring.....

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:24:00 +0000

Today, I am in the shop with the heater turned up keeping warm. Absorbing myself in creating new work again. Our area in Northern California is in a Winter Storm warning with a flood advisory at present for creek, streams and rivers. The strong winds with gusts up to 40mph with an occasional 50mph rock the trailer from time to time. Strong storms like these blow thru often in the winter season.

Thought I would include some pictures of our creek (Clover Creek) that flows a short distance outside our work studio. Actually gives you a view of what we can look out to from our benches. The picture above is looking up the creek, and this view is from Jerry's window.

This view is looking out my window. Look closely to the left top, that is the bridge railing of our road. As you can see the creek is runing very close to the bank edge. There are actually two banks, this is the first, about 24 feet farther up is the second bank, "flood bank". The second is about 4 feet from our shop trailer door. About 7 years back the water was up and a little over the second bank when a very strong storm front moved thru the area.

Actually these views are very realaxing and draws both of us into Mother Nature's wonders most of the time. Many types of wild life pass thru each day. We have several wild Turkey flocks from time to time near by also Deer. Charlie and Lucy usually scare them off with their barking and running in their excitement. One of the funniest sights are wild ducks, bobbing up and down the high water flow. As they progress down stream towards North Cow Creek and much larger water way South of here. Looks like a wild ride to me. In the Spring time, Wood Peckkers will acutally fly right up to my window and land "ahold" of the window edge. Then start pecking away on the window at it's reflection. It is really unnerveing at times as I am afraid they will break the window! This view, you have seen earlier.......doesn't this just relax you!

Of course we also have many other wild animals visit. Racoons usually visit during the night, seeking out Velcro's dry food dish or other morsels. Many, many birds,Wood Peckers, Robins, pretty Hawks, Blue Jays, all sorts of small wrens, and many that I really don't know what they are...except very pretty and nice to listen too.....even a georgous Bald Eagle comes by from time to time.
Speaking of birds, we had one visit that we really remember. One cold winter morning. My brother-in-law, Red with his brown, lambs wool lined winter hat pulled down around his ears, was walking out to the front gate to get the morning paper. All of a sudden, Jerry's sister, Michell yelled as she came out the front door "Red look out" as she point towards the sky. Red ducked and his hat was narrowly missed by a hawk swooping down in an attack. Apparently, the hawk saw his morning snack atop of Red's head :>).
Well, I need to get back on the bench.....after all..."you all" want to see more goodies....right!! :)

Jerry has been "poping" them out!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 00:16:00 +0000

These were just finished.....................................

Sun and the Moon
Sterling Silver 9.25
Created by piercing....sawing out the design using a 4/0 blade; accent stone is a small Fire Agate from Mexico.....$95.

This one is a piece of "sliced" Fossilized Coral. Very unique and unusual formation created by Mother Nature in Her wonders. Jerry has made a custom prong setting to hold this piece, with a bail at the center top for balance. Deep Chocolate browns to tan hues; Sterling Silver 9.25....$155.

Another one from Jerry....an oriential like bar design at the top with a custom made prong setting for a freeform cut Fossilized Coral. This one has hues of pale brown, gold and yellows. Nice larger type bail at center top made from "sheet" Sterling Silver 9.25....$145.

Very unique and unusal visual in every piece.....
Rutiled Quarts cabochon, bezel set in Sterling Silver 9.25 with a "rabit ear" bail....$140.

Last, but not least is this pair of earrings made by Fran.... Varicite from Utah, nice spider web matrixing. Hand fabricated using Sterling Silver 9.25 with an accent on each of 16ga. round curved bronze.....$155.

These pieces will be on our Etsy store soon. With added photos from a better complete view of each.

More beautiful pieces will be posted as we complete them.......

Keeping Busy On The Bench

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 23:26:00 +0000

Since I last post with you, I have been busy on the bench. Really at this point not much is completed. It takes many, many processes and pieces. To put together and finish into a completed piece of "wearable art" jewelry.

Many times I have been asked " how long did it take you to make this piece". Well, to truely answer that question is very hard. As with many artists that really MAKE their jewelry by hand fabrication. I do not make it a policy to "time" each process. Simply because as an artist I become so "taken" into the designing and making of it, time just flies by.So my reply to this question is usually "about 25- 30 yrs." Which is about how long that I have been making jewelry.

To the left is a picture of some of the the pieces that I have made so far.......

At top center is a pair of large Montana Agate earrings. Below are several beads made in Sterling Silver and Copper; a dragon fly pin; another pair of small Montana Agate earrings; Rhodocrosite and Tourmoline pendant. If you look to the left top, you can see the pair of Agate earrings that I showed the design process in the last posting. I am still making up the finished design for the metal beads. At this point I will add Silver links along with some other beads to make a long necklace.

Often I will have stones laying on my bench in visual sight while I am fabricating...off to one side of course. Sometimes, designs just "pop" however, other times I will think out several designs before actually sketching.

Stones like these are placed in reference to where they may be when piece is made.

This morning I have these ....plus several more "working" in my mine. I will often go thru our "candy" in the safe to gather a few stones. And before I realize....the whole plastic bowl is full! On the left are two pieces of beautiful Baltic Amber with a newer found color combination of Picasso Jasper. I am really "drawn" to these colors right now so I have several shapes and colors.

To the right are three more free form cabochons with a 5mm round Hessinite Garnet. The Garnet will accent the red orange colors that are flowing thru the Picasso .

Back to the left side...this will be a set of three pieces. Georgeous Purple Sage with Dandrentic "fern" like markings. I will most likely add some Amethyst and Citrine stones as accents.

.....Back to the metal pieces in the picture at the top...Next I will tumble polish then, I will polish each piece by hand with the buffer. Clean the buffing compound throughly off each piece, rinse with lots of clean water, and hand dry them one by one inspecting them for any compound left or other imperfections that need to be done. Then finally, I am ready to set the stones and do the final polishing; take pictures, and make up a price tag, and put them into a plastic bag ready for our next show.

Then, I will post these pictures to our blog, Facebook, and our Etsy store for you to view and purchase them. Knowing some of the process done to create these I hope will add to the excitment and interest in the piece that is YOURS.

Just attempting to give you an idea of what is done by all artists in their attempt to make you their own creation just for you!

Designing Style

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:23:00 +0000

I promised a session on design a few days back.
So here we go.....
Usually designs just "appear" as I start looking at "free form" cut stones. I like things that are "off center" for the most part. Fancy long name for this is

asymmetrical. Never have been able to get into the geogemtric look, guess because I like odd looking with flowing lines.

I like taking pictures as I go, and sending emails with updates on the progress. This builds "energy" as I work and gives my client an opportunity to input their thoughts, or just see THEIR own piece come together.

I usually work up a design draft sketch, something like this one......
I will state materials to be used such as: 18ga. round wire for outside design wires/ 14k yellow Gold 18 ga. round wire for the center "s" design.

Then a close up is next step. With this is the actual size of the finished piece. Showing the stones laying in place. In this draft the earring is 1 & 1/2 in. x approx. 1 in. Then I give the final cost of completion. At this point I have the client make the final approval.

When working with a new client. I like to get some input from them. I usually say " just look thru magazines, or " doodle" up something. Then I look these over , and make my own concept of the idea. For the most part, it works for the both of us.

After getting to know clients thru the above process or most often from "one on one" contact at shows when purchases are being made. I get a "feel" of what they like....design looks, colors etc. Usually after a few contacts, a client will basically turn it all over to me to design and make the piece. As they feel confident that they will like the end result.

I will keep all work done within my style of design. Not that I am not open to new ideas. But, that is what it is all about....my style. Not a copy of someone else.

The finished photo of this pair of earrings will follow in our next NEW work post.

Hope this has been interesting to read. I will write some more in a few days or so. I am trying to establish around one posting every week or so. As I get closer to show dates, the busier of course I will be.

Hot Off The Bench

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:39:00 +0000

Been a few days "off" line visiting with very dear friend and client.
I know I said the next blog would be about designing. However, in the mean time Jerry has finished a few new pieces. You can find them listed at wearablemetalartjfh.etsy.com. Now for your preview.

Fossilized Coral w/Champagne La-Diamond

This is a beautiful designer "free form" cut of Fossilized Coral. Blends of grays to black with "peaks" of peach coral bubbling in view. Jerry has elected to accent this piece with a 7mm round brilliant cut Champagne Russian lab diamond.
To bring out the peach colors. (white spots are light reflections) Pendant is hand fabricated in 9.25 Sterling Silver; measures approximately 2.5 in. long and 1.25 in. wide.

Sea Turtle Pendant

  This is a special piece....hand fabricated Sea Turtle
   A few weeks back we had the pleasure to have been paid a visit from Patty Lakinsmith, a wonderful creative artist. Please visit her great work displayed for sale in her Esty shop at: pattylakinsmith.etsy.com
  During this visit she shared a preview of some of her new "reptilian" lampwork glass focal beads.  Jerry's viewed this gorgeous bead and said "this one is mine" as it "spoke" to him.
Turtle is formed using techniques of tooling and "reprose`". With hand forged 14 ga. round wire for the body. And has secured the bead in a matter that it can be turned around and be viewed from both sides. Beautiful shades of rust yellows with purple hues and uniquely etched pattern. Hangs from bail behind the head and is approx. 3.5 in. long by 3.25 in. wide. Sterling Silver 9.25

Fresh Water Pearl and Lapis Lazuli Pendant

Another new piece is this beautiful and graceful pendant. A free form white fresh water pearl and a designer cut cabochon of natural Lapis Lazuli, royal blue shades with "gold" pyrite. With a graceful hand forged curl like swirl running from right side to upper left of 16 ga. square wire. (Lavender spot at left bottom is a light reflection) Bail is behind/piece is hand fabricated in Sterling Silver 9.25. Approx. size 1.5 in. long by 2 in. at widest point.

Lapis Lazuli Pendant

Another Lapis Lazuli pendant. This time a Triangle cut cabochon on top and a spectacular "tongue" cut at the bottom. Beautiful royal blue with "gold" pyrite, (spot at bottom center is a light reflection),16ga. round wire star burst with 7mm round white pearl at left.
Pendant is hand fabricated in Sterling Silver 9.25. Bail behind and is approx. 2.25 in. long by 1.5 in. wide

Last, but least is this larger spectacular pendant. Triangle shape, left top, and designer free form cut, center, of Purple Sagilite. Accented at right with a free form Fresh Water Pearl. Pretty purple to lavender and "splotches" deep dark purple. Pendant is hand fabricated in Sterling Silver 9.25; bail behind and is approx. 3 in. long and 1.5 in. wide

Hope you have enjoyed this preview. Please stop by our Etsy Shop at: wearablemetalartjfh.etsy.com to purchase or our website: wearablemetalartbydesign.com.
I will be posting our show list for 2011 soon. Plus, I still promise to post my designing blog too....bye for now, Fran

In and Around our Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wearable Metal Art with Fran and Jerry) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:30:00 +0000

Clover Creek-view from shop window

Thought today I would give you an idea of where we create our jewelry. Our studio is actually located beside a small year around creek named Clover. This picture shows the actual view from my bench window,.... isn't that a great VIEW! :) We enjoy watching the birds and wildlife as they wander by. Seeing wild Turkeys, Deer, Skunks, Squirrels, Rabbits, Ducks often and even fresh water Otter and many other wonders of Mother Nature. Plus it offers us a very relaxing view to "un-wind" from a long stay on the bench.

Usually I can be found here most days - and nights. My friends have mentioned, casually, that designing jewelry, making it and taking care of my website, managing show applications, and doing the business accounts are close to obsessions. They are probably right, but I prefer to call it my passion. :)
Our studio is actually a 30 ft. Toy hauler travel trailer. We have converted most of the unit into our work studio for both of us. I have the forward bench and Jerry has the rear, with our TV, DVR units mounted in the middle. All of this being along one wall. Giving me an area to place my desk top computer and printer sitting on a large long office file cabinet along the opposite wall behind me. This gives access to all I need to process our show applications and keep track of business accounting...mounds of paper work.:(

I'm basically a pack rat, I keep everything that might come in handy someday and all that "stuff" is packed into nooks and crannies around my studio and in cabinets, closets and on shelves around our benches.

My swivel chair, with wheels, is in the middle so I can just turn or roll the chair a foot or so and get to most places without having to get up. This really is an asset for me because of my lower back issues.

Most jewelers use a special piece of furniture for working on jewelry. It is like a desk, but the work area is higher from the ground and there are especially built drawers and shelves. These benches can be purchased from many jewelry supply houses and range in cost from $250 to $1000 or more for custom design units.

I prefer a chest high bench that Jerry built for me to a jeweler's bench for a couple reasons. I have a problem with lower back and bending over a taller unit would cause a painful attack after just a short stay on the bench working.. I also like to keep my tools on the bench or stored in drawers under my bench.. A jeweler's bench is wonderful but where would I put all this other "stuff" I collect? :)

As I mentioned before, both of us have a TV and DVR, mine is to my right side and is fairly close to my bench. This is because I often work late at night and into the wee hours of the morning, which is when I get most of my inspiration. Having the TV or a movie running on the keeps me company.

The forward area of the trailer holds more storage and a place to pack and ship. There is a stove, oven, Micro Wave and sink too. I use the Micro Wave to warm up my coffee late nights or cold days, however, the oven has become a storage area for paper for my computer and we have covered the range top to more table area. to do the wrapping and packing for shipping.

Last but not least of the things I wanted to introduce you to is our "adopted" companions and security team.

Meet Lucy in the front, and Charlie behind.......
Both actually belong to Jerry's sister, Michell and her husband Red.
But we "baby sit" as often as we can.
Below is a close up of their faces...aren't they cute~~:)
However, don't let that fool you. Both of them keep us aware of what is going on around the place.
Now last one is Velcro....our cat.
He is around 11 or 12 yrs. old now, but both Charlie and Lucy know who's boss around the place. How he got his name...well when was a kitten he would follow us around the place. Often jumping up a tree beside about arm high to get petted as we passed by. Well ....... one hot summer day Red was walking around the place wearing Levi shorts.....no trees near by.....and yes you guessed it. He stuck like velcro to Red's leg...LOL
Thus his name

Velcro..the boss

Well, that is all for this evening. I think next time I will give you an idea of how I plan out and design draft a piece of jewelry....

Have a great evening and see you soon........Fran