Thankful for Great Rocks...

...and my new tumbler!

As I sit here on the couch at the end of my post-Thanksgiving day off, I'm enjoying the sound of shot and silver tumbling in my kitchen. This tumbler is the newest addition to my arsenal of jewelry-making tools. We'll see what happens in a few hours when I open it up and check out the results.

In the meantime, I had a wonderful afternoon in my workshop trying out all sorts of bead combinations for some really fun results. My proudest accomplishment of the day, however, was to finally finish my special holiday piece--a necklace featuring opal, chalcedony, quartz, clay, and rock crystal along with some hand-swirled sterling silver and some hand-knotted leather. I have spent weeks on this! I had a vision, but it wasn't quite working itself out, so I had to take lots of breaks. I am thrilled with the finished product! So, I'm wearing it out tonight along with some dangly opal earrings I whipped up.

Go Westridge, Go!

I had a great day with the crafty people of my neighborhood at our fair here in Westridge. I have some sore feet from standing all day, but loved chatting with folks. I'm ready to get to work on some new goodies now!!

Westridge Craft Show

Dearest Local Friends -

I'm going to be showing off my goodies locally this weekend at the Westridge Craft Show down in my neck of the woods. So, if you have a chance to stop by, I would love to see you and/or your significant others (who may be more interested in crafty stuff than you). There are over 20 vendors offering all sorts of items, even though I know it's my jewelry you really want to see!! There's no admission fee, either!

The location is:
The Westridge Swim & Racquet Club
12764 Quarterhorse Lane
Woodbridge, VA 22192

The hours are:
8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Hope you can make it by...but, if not, don't hesitate to contact me via email or through my etsy website: www.jenjuddrocks.etsy.com and we can work out something fantastic for your holiday gifting!!

Thanks for the support!

Jen

Beading in Peace vs. Watching Election Coverage

I have to admit, the television's on right now, but I spent the last few hours in the basement getting some color on in peace and quiet.

I am totally hooked on the asymmetric bracelet deal--I feel like I can really bring out the joy that's in a great glass bead with a little mix of stone and some pattern. I love the texture and the colors and how it looks when it's on--every time you look at your wrist, it's a different view! I think it's funny, though, that when I show these designs to men, they usually "don't get it." The imbalance bothers them...interesting, that's what intrigues me.

These two bracelets feature lampwork glass by Lisa New that I scored on Ebay in the last few weeks. No matter how much I might think about color and theorize about what might work, I can always count on one of her beads to drive an amazing color scheme.

Wish me luck on a show tomorrow up at Bolling AFB--a day on leave to have fun with jewelry. Yeah!! Also, if you're around here in Virginia/DC with me, I'm going to have my goods on display at my local neighborhood association Winter Craft Show down here in Woodbridge on Saturday, 15 November. The link up on the right side of the page has a connection to directions, so check them out--I would love to see you!

Earrings 'R' Me

I guess I could say "Us" but the cats really don't do much to help.

I got some more great tips from wire artist Jeannette Blix Ryan at a class this weekend--we focused on creating basic ear wires. Of course, it takes lots of practice, but while I was trying to take a nap on Saturday, my brain waves went into overdrive as I imagined these earrings. So, I rolled out of bed and made them!

I'm still working on the whole camera, photo dealio, but was too excited about these not to post them. They're sort of an "industrial" take on a kidney-shaped ear wire. They have lots of swing when worn, plus, they're sparkly!!