New Work Space

All of my materials, works-in-progress and finished goods have until recently been floating in the corner of my room in a bin. Very frustrating, my tulle was getting crushed.
Finally, I have expanded my work space into the library so I have more floor space to cut things out and an almost empty closet to hang finished items.
It is a great relief to me that I can spread out a bit and stretch my legs so to speak. Mostly, I'm doing some last minute inventory bulking (between the 72 other things I need to do over the next two weeks) and on the 8th I'll finally have time to hit the flea market. If the weather's bad, it'll be the 9th.

Spring Home Decor

I've been working on a few fun projects lately. The first, pictured below is of a "Wind Catcher." It is a metal wreath with wire accents shaped like flowers and with a large collection of ribbons looped around it. The idea was that it could be hung on a porch or by an open window and will sway liberally according to the wind. I used the basic construction of the wire flowers on the wreath to create a band of flowers attached to a hemp cord, which would also be charming in a window.
A similar technique was used for making a present for my mom the other week. I used one length of 20 gauge wire and shaped it into the word "Love" with bead accents in the grooves of the letters. I think these will move well at the flea market. I can't go for a few weeks, I'm so busy with other things, but I've been liberally handing out business cards and attempting to find better photography methods in the meantime.

New Chain Maille Pics

I have discovered that this style of jewelry is extremely hard to photograph effectively (even with my slightly better borrowed camera). Perhaps it's the high level of shine or the small details, but I snapped a bunch and only got a few usable pictures.Here they are:

A double layer front with green bead accents.

A single layer of links with four rust toned freshwater pearls.

A bracelet with mauve bead accents.

My "Mixing Metals" Necklace- a mesh of links bib in the front with a pearlescent pendant, and a fine silver chain for the body of the necklace.
I might post one or two on Etsy, but in a few weeks I want to take a bunch of things down to the flea market to enjoy the fine weather and the spring crowds.

Income Tax Sale

Everyone one in the US is rushing to submit and pay their taxes by the end of this week. This is the moment when everyone realizes how truly poor they are. At least that's what I've realized.
With this in mind, I'm having a sale on the jewelry in my Etsy shop so that American and international customers can treat themselves at an affordable price.

A few words about Chain Maille...

I used to work at a Renaissance Faire, but had to give it up in leui of adult responsibilities. Still, I love the culture and styles and try to vistit at least one or two faires every year.
So lately I've been experimenting with a chain maille style jewelry. Several vendors at the faire sold jewelry that used the basic principal of interlocking llinks, ranging in their degree of similarity to actual armor. Many people I've spoken to like the idea and think it's very intruiging, but are hesitant to actually try and sport some of the very intricate, armor like pieces. The pieces I've been making are very light and usually consist of a single strand of links that have decorative layering spread throughout it with beads or pearls. (One such necklace is pictured a few posts down, the bracelets are very hard to photograph I've found.)
However, I've been looking at various link configurations and have been thinking of doing something a little more authentic. Though this might be cheating, I've been buying my links from an adorable old man I know who sells jewelry making supplies. I've been too busy to actually sit down and make a batch of links, to make sturdy, even ones, the method I've read usually encourages a hot process for the metal, which can be delicate and dangerous work.
So, I'm going to pick up some more links today. I'll record my progress here.

Which Banner?

I have limited photo-editing software and skills, so I've been using an online resource to make my banners. I've tried three different ones on my Etsy so far and woul like an opinion on which is the best. I'm really not loving the first one but, will still include it. (Click on them to see full size).

Happy National Poetry Month!

I just posted this necklace on Etsy, the top pendant flips up and reveals a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Be careful what you set your heart on, for it will surely be yours."

Work Music Suggestion

I've been listening to The Vitamin String Quartet while writing and sewing lately, they gave me a boost to finish the Upcylced Shoulder Bag one post down. A group of studio musicians from Vitamin Records records pop and rock music using mainly violins and violas, with the occasional cello or guitar to spice things up.
You can purchase their CDs through Barnes and Noble I believe, they can also be found on iTunes or some things on Playlist.com. Here are some links to their YouTube channel where you'll find the most complete collection of their music, here are some of my favorites:
Cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall"
Cover of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
Bob Dylan's "Lay, Lady, Lay"
No Doubt's "Bathwater"
Paramore's "CrushCrushCrush"
Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole"
There are plenty of other artists they cover as well; they do some amazing tracks of Nirvana and The Killers.