Hey, January...I got you.

January 1st feels good, doesn't it? Holidays over and done. New ideas brewing. Morning sun shining and post New Years revels hydrating.

2015. I got you. 

I have a couple of thingsto share that might help you ease into making 2015 a good one.

Have you heard of the Passion Planner? I hadn't either. I found out about it on Facebook when some bead-world friends posted about it. It's planner, journal, idea-keeper and motivator all in one.

I've started mine for 2015 and I already love it. I have so many random thoughts and great ideas and stuff that I want to achieve that I can't always keep track of everything that flies through my head. It's laid out for non-lineal thinkers like me. Includes space to plan life and work. Exciting!

There are a couple of new publications that I am excited about, too. First is a revamp of The Crafts Report (a favorite of mine) called Handmade Business. It looks like it's going to be full of good info. Currently they are offering a free subscription to their digital version (the free version includes the majority of the content of the paid edition) but I think it's a cool way to check it out. Looking forward to seeing what they have to share.

The second is a special edition magazine from Interweave Press and the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors called Artists & Makers. I got my hands on the debut issue along with a few extra copies. it has helpful articles, interesting profiles and general inspirational goodness. I have three copies to share. If you'd like one, leave a comment and I'll pick three at random on Monday. Leave a way for me to reach you in the comments so I can get your mailing info.

Are you on my mailing list? There are great new classes and events coming up in my studio for 2015. I have done some rearranging and added a some new tools and equipment. More information to come in a few weeks. You can also check out my website for all the latest information.

All the best to you in 2015!

Wanna make a sample??

WOW! Thanks so much for your enthusiastic response to my Vine Ring Kit. I am super excited that so many of you ordered it and can't wait to see how they come out.

I have been busy working on my next kit. It will be available in my Etsy store soon.

It's called "Rustic Shield Pendant". It features a pressed silhouette shape and metal sheet in copper, leather and micro screws. I really love it. Since I am such a busy gal lately I need some sample makers so I have some fantastic examples to show what you can make out of it.

This is where you come in. I need three people willing make samples from the kit.  I'll send you enough supplies, templates and instructions to make two shield charms. One is for you to keep and one is to send back to me. The kit is for the pendant only. How you use it in a finished piece is left to your imagination. 

Think of the kit as a starting point and feel free to put your own design stamp on the piece.  I am going to use the samples that you return to me as examples to show customers what can be done with the kit so they will be pictured online and taken to shows. You can return just the completed charm or make a simple completed piece, either way works for me.

If you're interested leave a message in the comments below. I'll choose three replies and contact you to get your mailing info. The kits will go out next week with the samples back to me two weeks after that. So let's say around December 1.

You'll need the following tools:
Chasing or texture hammer
Bench block
Metal shears
1.5-1.8mm hole punch
Two pair chain nose pliers
Half round metal file
Torch for flame patina
Liver of Sulpur
Fine tip permanent marker
Scissors
Metal Stamps (optional) or a medium-sized nail or screw

Thanks so much! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

NEW!!! Class in a Kit

Over the years, I have had requests from students for kits from my classes. It's always been on my  to-do list and I am so excited to offer the first one.

 Vine Stack Rings

The kit features beautiful sterling silver wire that I have patterned and annealed. I have included copper practice wire in the kit so you can hone your skills before jumping in to the sterling silver.

You can find them in my Etsy store at this link. Kit includes the wire and detailed step-by-step instructions with photos. You supply the tools. It's perfect for the advanced beginner. New to soldering or want to learn more? Grab my book Simple Soldering, also listed in my shop.

Hope you like it and stay tuned... more kits are coming soon!