Jewelryforallages

House of Jewels small, tucked away boutique in the heart of Vancouver

2011-08-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have found a wonderful little shop in the West End that has inspired me to make one of kind jewelry for the pleasure of it. I hope to create enough pieces so that I can consign them to this really nifty shop, House of Jewels If you are ever downtown and want something to wear that is not mass-made, then the House of Jewels is the place for you.

Adoption #3 entry (mentally challenged?)

2010-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

My journey to my Mom and Dad had several bumps along the road. For some strange reason I was not considered to be a normal healthy child in the orphanage. They (as in whoever makes these types of decisions in Kowloon) thought I was mentally retarded and thus it was decided that I was not ‘fit’ to be adopted by a nice english couple. Lucky for me, my father was a very stubborn and determined sociologist. Definition of sociologist, from the free dictionary on the web: The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society. So it seems, my father hypothesized that a child without any permanent role-models whom had to sit quietly in her crib all day long, while not being sufficiently fed perhaps had some ‘issues’ that did not mean this child was mentally retarded.

My Dad, Reg Robson, as many whom had the pleasure to meeting him while he was alive, would attest that my labelling of him as stubborn and determined is indeed a blessing and sometimes a curse. In this instance, I really benefited from my Dad’s stubborness to prove that I was not mentally retarded

Adoption #2 When is my Birthday?

2010-05-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Back in 1963, I was born sometime in late May, most likely. I don’t know exactly what date I was born on. This tiny fact is not a bad one, why? Well, I’ve always considered that since I don’t know the day, time or where I was born, I can celebrate my birthday for a whole week so at least I’ll get hit one the days I was born on. My parents didn’t really go for this concept since I wanted to have presents every day as well and cake too, but I didn’t push the cake part. This little unknown fact about me is a great conversation piece when getting to know someone, since usually at some point if you get to know someone well enough, you find out about when they were born so you can make or buy a card, or forget their birthday.

My first two years are very sketchy. I lived in an orphanage in Kowloon. The only record I have are reports from the nurses at the orphanage and the psychologist report for my adoption. The gist of my stint in the orphanage is that I was very nimble and could climb out of my crib easily and then climb into other children’s cribs and take their bottles of milk. I was labelled “the trouble-maker”. To further cement my label as a ‘trouble-maker’, I would demand the nurse’s attention when she would come into the ward and when I was older, like 1 years old, I demanded to use a knife and fork. I guess we used our hands or maybe the dreaded chopsticks for congee, but apparently I used to see the caregivers using forks and knifes and thought this was more civilized. My mom says this is why I was adopted because the orphanage wanted to get rid of the ‘troublemaker’, well at least she would have a civilized child who ate with a knife and fork!

My journey to my Mom and Dad had several bumps along the road...

Adoption #1 Basket Case

2010-05-07T09:49:00.001-07:00

Finally I'm ready to write about my wonderful parents. My life has two parts, before Mom and Dad and after. Before I could talk, crawl or even say no, something special happened to me. I was abandoned on the police station stairs in a basket in China. So I come by being a basket case legitimately. Special you say? How could that be special? My journey to my parents started the day my birth mother gave me up for life she hoped be better than what she had.

In response to newborn abandonment

2010-04-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Child abandonment of newborn babies in Canada is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code.

I think it time to change the criminal code so that mothers in small rural communities, big cities will have one less thing to feel guilty about.

What St. Paul's has done is good, but to what length? A new mother, distraught living in Richmond, or Surrey, do you think they'll travel all the way to St. Paul's?

In 1963 I was abandoned in a basket on the police station stairs in Kowloon, so I feel very strongly about abandoning children. Personally I think it would be the hardest thing for a new mother to do, and it is one of the most special gifts that a new mother can give her child, the hope for a better life than what she can offer at the very moment.

My birth mother gave me the biggest gift, life and a chance to live a wonderful life.

I am - poem by Emma

2009-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am...
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I wonder how hedgehogs evolved on the earth.
I hear the wind, softly blowing as it rustles the trees branches.
I see a hedgehog climbing out from its hiding place to seek other shelter in the vast area of trees and open grass.
I want to follow it, but I do not for I shall not disturb it.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I pretend to be a hedgehog.
I feel the wind tugging at my hair, telling me to follow the hedgehog.
I touch the hedgehog's spiny fur.
I worry that it might prick me and that I will get hurt.
I cry as I feel the hedgehog's spiny fur enter my soft flesh.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I understand now that I should not touch wild animals.
I say, let all hedgehogs be at peace in their green home.
I dream that all hedgehogs are not disturbed so they may be at peace.
I try to talk to the hedgehog, but it can not understand me and runs away into the dense green brush.
I hope that I will see that hedgehog again soon.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs

Dad's Family

2009-06-06T21:29:00.001-07:00

I really need to start going through all my photos. Some of them are so priceless.

Horseback Riding Competition April 18, 2009

2009-04-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Before the first competition of the day, Emma is ready.

Emma with her first place ribbon after the first competition!!!! The two competitions inbetween, Emma entered two events (Walkt/Trot/Canter Equitation [ages 11-17] and Pleasure Pony) that were for ages 11-17, and she came in 3rd in both events! I think she was the youngest one.

The last competition of the day, Emma won first place!!! A great way to finish the competition for Hunter Under Saddle Pony. Needless to say, Emma is so proud of herself as we are. (picture below is with Gail, who is Emma's wonderful instructor.

Emma's Social Studies Project - Traditional Japanese Room

2009-02-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

Emma holding her traditional japanese house. She used a shoebox and made the table out of origami and pillows using origami paper.

Emma's drawing of a traditional screen.

Traditional origami crane and box. It was very hard to blow up. It is about 2 cm across.

The lamps were a challenge since we didn't know how to make a circular blow up origami shape. So we did the next best thing, made a big cube for an overhanging lamp. The japanese are minimalistic. This type of organized house really appeals to me.

Socks the Hamster arrival

2009-01-02T15:33:00.001-08:00

Coming home. Shannon is Socks benefactor as well as Emma's wonderful tutor.

United Way Basket Competition at VGH My Diva Basket

2008-10-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

At the hospital each year we do a United Way campaign. Usually units form teams and submit baskets then VGH does a silent auction. For the last 2 years I've always submitted my jewelry as an individual. This year, I'm doing a Diva basket, a kind of PIF (Pay it Forward). My rule to myself, donations are mainly labour, or items that are brand new and did not cost the donor anything.

My friend, Tiffany donated a tea towel, "Diva's don't do dishes", and martini glasses (she won these), I donated my jewelry, a dancing freshwater pearl choker and Swarvoski crystal bracelet in pastel pink and purple. To go with the theme of "Diva" I asked two of my favourite bakers to donate as well, my friend Tannis who owns Elegant cookies, and is donating cookies with Diva and my favourite cupcake store,, co-owners Kathy and Lori,"Cupcakes" who donated 1/2 dozen of "Diva" cupcakes.
Right now this a work in progress, I'll post the final submission once I create the basket.

Emma's Pumpkin

2008-10-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Look what we carved tonight. Guess what!!!? no cut fingers.

Rainbows Vancouver

2008-10-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

What a lovely surprise to come home to an amazing full rainbow. The day started off rocky and ended with bright full colours.

Coming home from camp

2008-10-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

The trek out from camp. Hmm seems that Emma had some equipment issues. Holding her therma rest and drink... All-in-all, Emma tells me that she had a wonderful camp. This year she did something really special. A first year Guider needed to go to the washroom in the middle of the night. The guiders have buddies, for going to the washroom is an adventure up a mountain, where they must leave the cabin and go outside in the pitch dark to the outhouse. I'm told spiders grow about 6 inches overnight too. Anyway, the buddie didn't want to go with this first year guider. Emma heard the girl start to cry and called out "whoever is going to cry I'll go with you to the washroom". This is an event that to me as a Mom, makes me so proud of Emma.

Hollyburn Mtn - Girl Guide Camp

2008-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've not posted much lately, and made even fewer pieces of jewelry. Winter is coming and the torch is getting used again.

Here is Emma at camp today. I popped up to her campsite since she had such a difficult week, Emma got her second phase of braces and vaccinations for grade 6 students. Of course Emma is just fine, how could I think otherwise? Silly me.

Burn Camp - Alice Lake

2008-07-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

My article for VCH News:

My love of making jewellery inspired me to volunteer at the 15th annual BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund Camp for kids on July 24th. The camp is near Alice Lake, just north of Squamish and is funded by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, many local corporations, foundations and individuals.
The cost for a child to attend the camp is approximately $3000. The ratio of children to counsellors at the camp is 2:1 or 1:1. Counsellors come from many walks of life, some are nurses, some are firefighters some are just people who are passionate about giving their time to the courageous kids at the camp.
Tracey Taulu, trauma program manager, and I set up a jewelry station to teach kids how to crochet with wire and beads. What surprised me most was that our first customers were the boys at the camp. The counsellors were also into making necklaces. Let me tell you, watching a 200 pound, big, burly firefighter, crocheting and helping his young burn survivor is really cool.
By the end of the day, several kids had come by our station wearing their necklaces and bracelets with pride. Seeing kids smiling, and hearing them laugh and just be themselves is what life is all about.
This year, 73 kids attended camp. These kids have braved experiences that many adults haven't experienced and it was truly amazing to have the opportunity to see these kids have the opportunity to just be kids.
During the course of the day I talked to Lois Budd, medical coordinator for the camp, and patient services manager, BCPFF Burn, Plastic and Trauma Unit, VGH, about how the kids feel about camp. She said, “Once camp is over, the kids start planning for next year’s camp the very next day. And when kids turn 18, they are given the opportunity to come back as junior counsellors to be mentor younger burn survivors.”
As for me, I left the camp exhausted, in a good way, and truly amazed to see the happiness of the campers and the dedication of the counsellors. I’ve already started planning some activities that I could do with the kids next year, so I guess it is not just the kids who start planning their return.
Get involvedVisit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund Camp for kids website
(Photo Caption: Tracey Taulu, Patient Services Manager, Trauma Services, and 8 year old Julia, just finished making a necklace.) I post the caption shortly

My birthday gift to myself

2008-05-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

I wirewrapped this necklace quite a while ago with 18k gold. The citrine step faceted stones I bought in early May, I knew I wouldn't be able to part with them. Finally I bought some 18k gold in 18 ga to make a clasp. ***gasp*** the cost to buy gold, and I had to buy a minimum of 6 inches. This necklace is perfect for my neckline at about 15.5" in length and can very nicely wrap around my wrist two times for a perfect bracelet.

Geo Earth Collection

2008-05-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, Terrain, convinced me to buy these glossy bold botswana agate stones yesterday. This necklace is 34 inches long, needing no clasp. This is a definite break from my very tiny gems that I've working with.

Happy 11th Birthday

2008-04-29T19:24:00.001-07:00

Curled Pearl Petals

2008-04-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

Curled petals of silver with Keshi Pearls.

Labradorite flash

2008-03-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize how difficult it is to photograph labradorite. To actually photograph the flash in the labradorite is quite an effort. I found that turning the labradorite helps as does angling the faceted briolette in the above picture.

Tuesday's work photography

2008-03-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm particularly happy with the photo of the Mystic Topaz and Tanzanite earrings. I've just listed them on Etsy along with the Exclamation Pendant below that has a turquoise bezel set stone in it.

Simple curves

2008-03-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Good Monday. A day of metalsmithing. No idea what to call this pendant. Measures 1 3/4 inches in length.

Smokey Quartz long long necklace

2008-03-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

I finished making this necklace with my two jewelry friends today while watching "The Mist" by Stephen King. This necklace is outside my usual jewelry creations, chunky and 37 inches long. I put a clasp on it so it can be wrapped around twice. The stones inbetween are tourmaline. More photography practice with using the manual features AV on my Canon EOS Digital camera. I've learned to make the aperature really small so my depth of field increases - so the necklace is in focus at the front and back!!!! Edited. sad to say, I've sold this wonderful necklace.

Photography Practice

2008-03-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Practicing my manual setting on my camera. This gold locket was given to me from my parents for my tenth birthday. So I guess it is 30+ years old. I'm going to make into an heirloom necklace for Emma one day.

Here is a floating necklace, made with Blue Peruvian Opals and of course Swarovski crystals. This is a custom order for a friend's mother.

And finally, using some of the freshwater pearls that I bought last weekend for a commissioned piece. The richness of the pearls are really amazing.

Bellingham Bead Faire

2008-03-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the Bellingham Bead Faire with my friends. We got lots of rocks and sparklies. These are my beautiful pearls that I picked up. 8-9mm with excellent drilled holes.

Dewdrop Earrings

2008-03-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm practicing my photography. Using my very favourite fruit/cake platter that is an antique. The patina of the solid silver frame of this platter is so rich. I'm not sure if I'm photographing the earrings or the plate!!!

Well here is a less distracting photo. Last autumn I made "Snowdrop earrings" for Emma with the matching flawless chalcedony briolettes. These earrings are "Dewdrops" Perhaps I'll work on a seasonal theme using the same type of briolettes. Now if I can only buy some more of them.... hmmm.

Close up of the accents - sapphires, aquamarines and London Blue topaz...

Green Amethyst (presiolite) with silver and gold Earrings

2008-02-25T09:21:00.001-08:00

Finally finished my cube earrings. I fabricated the silver squares last December. My first attempt to fusing 18k gold to silver. The earring on the right was fused a bit too much, but the one of the left was better. I textured the silver and for a change oxidized the squares. The green amethyst (presiolite) cubes are faceted and measure about 9.5mm. I bought these fine cubes from a seller on Etsy. I decided that these earrings would look better being simpler. At first I was going to put on several tourmaline rondelles in the middle wirewrapped at the bottom of the silver squares, but I thought it just didn't look right. Perhaps I should have taken a picture to show you the difference. Anyway, I think simple gives these earrings a more organic feel.

My first knitted creation for Emma

2008-02-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

Look carefully, dear friend Knitsteel made the Rabbit pin for Emma in sterling silver. I finished this scarf tonight. Emma is now knitting me the matching scarf!!!

Copper Heart Clasp

2008-01-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was inspired from of my friends who have been playing with copper to play again. Practicing piercing and of course sawing. Soldered with copper solder all links. I don't have the faintest what to make, most likely a necklace.

Crazycats are here!! First sale on Etsy

2008-01-26T20:32:00.000-08:00

Emma has been sewing. The cat above is Moondust. Here is Moondust's profile written by Emma. "The fifth cat to come to my house is named Moondust. She says she comes from the moon, but she never lived there. Her favourite foods are cheese from the moon and rocket candies. Her favourite drink is milk. When she comes to your house, she will inspect everything, but she will get bored of inspecting and will hang around you. She’s never shy and makes a great companion because she is always there." Emma's Etsy shop is Blooberry. Today was the first day Emma put items in her shop for sale and she already got her first sale! She making small handbags and pillowcases.

This cat is Pussywillow. The fourth cat to come to our house and the first one that Emma made. This fine cat was adopted today. Here is Pussywillow's profile written by Emma: "Pussywillow was the fourth cat to come to my house and now wants to be adopted. His favourite foods are: tunafish and lollipops. His favourite drink is So Good Soy Milk. He will be shy at first when he comes to your house, but then he’ll be you’re your best friend. His favourite plant is pussywillows."

Giraffe Cat Green and Blue Polka Dots

2008-01-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Another one of my crazy cats for Emma.

Purses and Ugly Cat

2008-01-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Ugly Cat.

Two purses I made this weekend. They are about 5 x7 inches. Rained miserably yesterday and this morning, so what to do?? Sew!!! I also amused myself by watching the Haz Mat Team deconstruct a meth lab across from me.

Christmas Day 2007 The Felt Girls

2007-12-25T12:20:00.001-08:00

Monica with the wonderful felt hat from Vanessa.

Emma strutting the bracelet that Nancy made!!! along with the knitted fingerless gloves and funky knitted socks that her Grandma knitted her. The tee Emma is sporting is from a wonderful Etsy seller,
Circularassessories.

2007 Christmas Concert at Henry Hudson

2007-12-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

Emma has gone a long way since September, learning to play the tenor recorder!!! She played Jingle Bells, Up on a House Top and Lightly Row.

Tourmaline, Akoya Drop Festive Earrings

2007-12-08T11:38:00.001-08:00

My new festive earrings. In tourmaline with plump Akoya pearls. I've listed these on my Etsy site to see if I can sell jewelry rather than just earwires... sigh....

18k Gold, London Blue Mystic Topaz, Sapphires, Oh My

2007-12-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

Well I've finally made something with my 18K gold. Earwires. Hmmm. Today I wirewrapped all the London Blue Mystic Topaz briolettes I bought from e-Bay along with sapphires. These earrings are surprisingly heavier than I imagine they would be, but much lighter than many earrings I've made. I'm not sure how many headpins I used, probably over 50.

My Sweetie

2007-11-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

A picture really is a priceless!!!

I'm Winding Down

2007-11-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

Well I've finished the Craft Shows now. I'm officially on sabbatical from selling. I have a few pieces left and will hopefully just sell them by word of mouth. Above is an Exclamation Pendant that I was commissioned to do. The stone is garnet.

Last night I bought 5 rough cut cubed diamonds. And this morning a pair of biwa coin pearls on Etsy that are inset with clear topaz in a 18k gold bezel. In the next few months I hope to be able to fabricate with ease small gold bezels together to form organic looking pieces. Of late, Todd Reed has been an inspiration to me. He a self-taught jeweler who is very in touch with the organic side of fine jewelry making at it's best.

Moving onward with Jewelry

2007-11-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

This past week has been hectic for me. I've been crazily making jewelry from all my hundreds of semi-precious and Swarovski crystals. I made about 12 necklaces of freshwater pearl necklaces at 11:00pm or 5:00am, to have them sell instantly. Earrings, oh my, last week, I made about 40 pairs and all sold. I'm exhausted, but feeling good that my supplies are dwindling.

What irony, I wanted to move my jewelry that has been sitting in my jewelry room, some for 2 years now, and when you tell everyone that you are moving on to different jewelry projects, then all of a sudden, wham.... people are wanting my jewelry...

Finally read the camera manual

2007-11-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

I've been really trying to work on my photography with this digital camera I have. I actually read the manual and went online this week.

Here is a photograph, without a photo tent. I used one halogen lamp, put camera on the P zone, and changed the AEB to 1. Done in the dead of the night. I'm pretty pleased that my photo came out as good as that. No photoshopping done to it at all.

Snowdrops Pearls and Lemon Quartz Earrings

2007-10-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

I'm testing my new circular non-interchangeable earwires. These earwires have several dangles wirewrapped around them, so that you know you'll never loose any dangle since it is soldered together.

Ocean Breeze Blue Chalcedony, Blue Peruvian Opals, Green Amethyst and Labradorite Earrings

2007-10-26T16:31:00.001-07:00

I'm working on my new dangle type earrings. I'm trying to evoke elegant, streamline and eye catching. hmmm.

Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Citrine Briolette Necklace

2007-10-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

At the Fraser Valley Bead Show, I fell in love with many sparkly, facetted briolettes. This strand is said to be of the Tourmaline Family called Tandrite. I wirewrapped random number of briolettes, with an odd dangle of a Ruby rondelle. On the side of the necklace is a cluster of round smooth tourmalines, with rubies and one lonely Tanzanite facetted rondelle.

The other half of the Heart of Gold for United Way

2007-10-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Here are the matching earrings to the Heart of Gold Necklace.

Emma's Return from Girl Guide Camp

2007-10-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

I picked Emma up from Hollyburn this morning. The rain has been relentless this weekend. Thank goodness for wick away clothing and 100% rainproof gear from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). I think Emma could qualify for the outdoor store magazine, she was dressed from head to toe in all their gear. Special thanks to her guide leaders, Agnes, Andrea and Hayley.

Heart of Gold for the United Way Silent Auction

2007-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

The focal glass bead is the "Heart of Gold" by Kerri Fuhr (lampwork BC Artisan). This beautiful necklace I've handcrafted for my Periop Team at the Vancouver General Hospital for the United Way Basket Silent Auction. I wirewrapped Swarovski crystals to accent this beautiful focal lampwork bead. The dangles from the bead are Tandrite, a type of Tourmaline stone. All components in this necklace are hand fabricated by me and are all in sterling silver. Matching earrings to follow.

Northern Lights

2007-10-14T20:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went to the Fraser Valley Bead Show. I spent way too much, but have a beautiful selection of faceted, Mystic Topaz, London Topaz, faceted rubies, citrine, amethysts, periodot. Today I bought some Tandrite Tourmaline and Green Amethyst (presiolite). So I must make lots of jewelry now to get out of debt. I made these earrings this morning using my own sterling silver headpins and earwires. The top beads are sapphires, then I have a beautiful lampwork bead by Kerri Fuhr. The bottom of the earring is Labradorite and a Blue Peruvian Opal. I named these earrings Northern Lights. The Inuit have a ledgend that the Northern Lights are captured in Labradorite, and this is the spirit of these earrings. If you like these earrings, they are for sell!!! JFAA

I also purchase a big hollow lampwork bead from Kerri, named a Heart of Gold. This will be the focal bead of a necklace for the United Way silent auction at work, donated by my team, Perioperative Services.

Clouds

2007-10-08T17:18:00.001-07:00

A really cool thing happened today in Vancouver, first the sun came out and we had beautiful white puffy clouds, (now for those who do not know, this is like rare occurrence, especially since it is Thanksgiving Day). Last night I made these earrings called "Clouds". They are chalcedony, sapphires, aquamarines and one lonely Swarovski crystal. I caught the clouds in the reflection while taking photos of these earrings in my "photoshop area".

Using My Stones!!!

2007-10-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here is my Autumn Cornelian Necklace joined with the bracelet. In the spirit of making jewelry that can be interchangeable. This necklace may be extended form 21.5 inches to 28 inches when the bracelet is attached to the necklace. I hand fabricate all my sterling silver clasps and try to make them appealing enough that you want the clasp to be in the front!!! If this necklace and/or bracelet is calling your name, visit my online store

Another whole set, using all my Amazonite stones. Again, the bracelet and necklace may be joined together. For added flare, I've added Karen Hill Tribe silver lentils.

Turquoise & FWP Necklace No. 16

2007-10-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

So what to do on a Canadian Thanksgiving weekend? Start actually making jewelry from all the huge stash I have of semi-precious stones. What a concept?!!! Well above is a beautiful natural turquoise nugget necklace accented with bronze freshwater pearls and two Karen Hill Tribe 12mm silver lentils that are oxidized. And of course the clasp is one of mine. All components are sterling silver. If you feel the urge to buy this beauty go to my online store here

I'm a Devil, a dirty little devil....

2007-10-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today we went and bought fabric. Emma wanted to be a devil for Halloween. Needless to say, there is never a perfect pattern, but we had lots of fun improvising.

Study of Circles - Bubbles in Motion (BIM) No. 2

2007-09-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Shown with just two rings.

Another one of my Bubbles in Motion (BIM) No. 2. Again using the same concept that you can blow real bubbles using the (left) bubbler ring. The middle ring, omega open and closed is new in this series.

From L-R we have bubbler ring, omega open and closed, and the bubble in motion ring. This ring may be purchased right now from my JFAA website.

Sept 26th Emma has no BRACES!!!

2007-09-27T07:13:00.003-07:00

This is what Emma and I did yesterday!!!

Daisy FWP Pendant Necklace

2007-09-22T19:08:00.001-07:00

Here is my Freshwater Pearl Daisy Necklace. I made this for a friend today who would like to give it to his wife for Christmas. These are 5-7mm FWP in blue peacock and cream pearls. Each pearl is accented with a 4mm oxidized Bali Daisy Spacer. I made all my own components, the clasp, daisy, and headpin. I've not done wirewrapping in awhile and it nice to take a break from metalsmithing every so often. The necklace is 20" in length, the daisy Pendant measures 2.75 x 1.25 inches.

I've taken a break from madly listing all my findings on Etsy. I found that I couldn't keep up with making findings and was not making any jewelry. I'll still do custom orders for all my regular customers. I hope to actually start selling my jewelry from my website and from Etsy.

Cornelian Ring

2007-09-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

Today I've been busy. I cannibalized my garnet bullet ring, I took off the 4mm garnet cab (sawed it off) because I didn't like the look of it. I've been saving the cab platform that I made awhile ago. The carnelian cab is 14x10mm. I'm quite happy with the way the ring turned out. I'm getting better at smoothing the bezel and prong pushing the bezel evenly. The setting of the cabochon, in my opinion is the most difficult part for me while constructing a ring.

I'll reset the garnet bullet cabochon in another ring or maybe one of my study of circles pendants.

Evolution of the Bubbles - Study of Circles Ring/Pendant

2007-09-18T17:48:00.001-07:00

Quite by accident I discovered something totally different last spring. To practice my soldering I did various "circles". I created 3 circle rings and wore them for awhile as stackable rings. I made two small stackable circle rings for my daughter, Emma, but they were too big, so they sat sadly on my workbench.

I then got into soldering and linking chains. As I sat at my jewelry bench one day I felt lazy, and decided to use the stackable rings I was wearing as part of a linked chain and decided to incorporate the two smaller rings. I soldered on twisted oval links and attached a big circle to an oval link then to a smaller circle... I think you get the picture. After I finished this small chain, I looked at it and wondered if it would still fit my ring finger, so I accordion the 3 big circles together and presto!!! I had a jingly new ring.

I wore this ring for a couple of days, and again as I sat at my workbench, I thought, this would make a great pendant, so I soldered on one more small twisted oval link so it would attach nicely to a necklace --- and born was the ring that converts into a pendant.

I worn this ring quite a bit and discovered that the two smaller rings fit my pinky. I can wear this ring on my pinky, on my ring finger or on both my fingers simultaneously.

I went to many jewelry shows and my jingly ring was noticed by other jewelers who kept saying to me, "what and interesting concept". This "concept" has become part of my jewelry creativity, using bracelets to extend necklaces into asymmetrical pieces. I've called these pieces "bubbles" since this is the nickname for Emma. You may purchase my Study of Circles Pendant Ring in my Etsy Store.

Study of Circles - Bubbles in Motion (BIM) No. 1

2007-09-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

This Labour Day weekend I've been making stackable bubble rings for my "Bubbles". These are fun, flirty rings that you can wear alone or together. Must be worn only for fun, not to do dishes, or mundane chores.

The biggest bubble is 12mm ID of 18 ga. I particularly like the fact that I managed not to solder the silver ball while soldering and melting the ring at the same time. You can purchase this ring shown in my Etsy shop: Study of Circles - Bubble Rings or through my JFAA shop to save more!! JFAA

My Mom's Watercolours

2007-08-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

My Mom has been working on these beautiful 4x6 watercolour blank cards. The purple flowers I sold for her today!!! I'll be listing these cards on my Etsy site. These watercolours cards are great for the perfect gift that you send in the mail for a postage stamp.

Hippy Chick Bracelet Revisited

2007-08-12T10:11:00.001-07:00

I'm revisiting this bracelet because I have exciting news, The Little Funky Shop at Granville Island (address)will be displaying some of these copper and anodized aluminum bracelets. And true to form, as in my company's name: Jewelry for All Ages, this is in the Kid's Only Market, but this bracelet is sturdy enough for a child and elegant for her mom to wear. I'm making them to fit wrists that are 6.5 to 7.5 inches and 7.5 to 8.5 inches.

I've found the the middle ring in the bracelet has so much stress on it that it does come apart and thus the bracelet becomes broken. To rectify this I've soldered the middle 6.5mm ring (18 gauge copper) and the two single outside rings so add durability to this bracelet. As with any jewelry, any extreme force will either cause the bracelet rings to warp or for the open jumprings to come apart. But this bracelet has both soldered and open rings which in everyday wear, will hold up to to the "kid" test. All the copper rings I handmade, as well as soldering the rings myself. The clasp is a simple 16 ga S-clasp that is a secure, elegant way to fasten this bracelet even for those who have "fumble fingers" like myself.

Egyptian Coil Bracelet

2007-08-04T12:20:00.001-07:00

This weekend I decided to take the time to make one of these fine bracelets. I used Cristine's tutorial. I used 18 ga copper, and then made a 16 ga s-clasp with some jumprings that I cut. For Cristine's tutorial you can link from her home page: Egyptian Coil Tutorial. Cristine's work is outstanding and she is another fellow British Columbia resident.

More Cheekytrends Lampwork Beads

2007-07-21T20:18:00.001-07:00

Before going away on vacation I made this necklace with these gorgeous Peruvian opals (bought in Seattle with my dear jewellery friends, Rabbit and Meresea) and lampwork beads from my friend, Cheekytrends. After coming back from vacation, I decided I would separate the necklace from the lampworks and make a bracelet to go with the necklace, so if you choose, you may extend the necklace by adding the bracelet in. I make my clasps that, IMO, are stylish enough to wear as part of the necklace to add dimension.

Inner Strength Earrings and Pendant

2007-07-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Before my great Europe vacation, I made a pendant "Inner strength". After I came back, my sister came to visit me from Toronto and wanted the pendant made into earrings. I decided, that this would be a really groovy look and made earrings a bit smaller than the pendant. I must warn that when wearing the earrings, since the two hoops are not soldered to the figure 8 that they do jingle around. I made two pairs that my sister and Mom now both have!!!

Been Away on Vacation

2007-07-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Signage in Switzerland is so cool. I took lots of pictures of very old establishments signs.

Long time no blogging. We went to Switzerland, Portugal and then England for 3 weeks.

Switzerland was great and relaxing, but kind of like Vancouver weather, rain. Portugal was too hot, but so cool. And England, was perfect in temperature. Kind of reminded me of Goldilocks and 3 bears.

Collaboration with Cheekytrends

2007-06-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

Here is a 8" inch bracelet made with 49 strand beading wire. The focal lampwork bead is made by my good friend Liz who makes these fine beads. Liz self-taught herself this past year to make lampwork beads while minding 3 boys all under 5 years old. The stone is turquoise and the sterling silver is from Karen Hill tribes, this is the first time I've used wiggly silver on beading wire. For more of Liz's work see her website.

Part V, Set the Cabochon

2007-06-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Now we are ready to set the cab into the bezel. The tools needed are: (L to R) triangle file that has two smooth sides, prong pusher, burnisher and ring holder.

Use masking tape around the bezel when using the prong pusher so you don't scratch the ring shank. Now set the stone, you need to do it in specific order. Consider the bezel as a clock, first push (gently, not too hard to displace the cab) at the 12:00, then push the the 6:00 o'clock, by 3:00 then 9:00 o'clock position. After you've done this, do it again at 1:30, 7:30, 4:30 and 10:30 setting. Once done, you can push all around the bezel to ensure there are no gaps and the bezel is set smoothly.

Almost done, now the tricky part, once set, we need to file the bezel setting to smooth it around the stone. See below, how I have a gap at the 1:00 o'clock, I need to go back and file closer, before burnishing the entire bezel to make it gleam. (sorry I've run out of time), so there will be Part VI, the final product to come....

Part IV, Soldering the Ring Shank to the Bezel

2007-06-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Look closely you'll see the shank filed down so the bezel will be flat on the ring shank.

Now the tricky part, I flux the area that I need to solder and then put the bezel on the ring shank. I torch the area to bubble up the flux (the flux when heated slightly acts like temporary glue). Ensure the bezel is in the centre of the shank. Dip Medium Solder (MS) in flux and put on the inside of the bezel. I put 3 MS pallions in this bezel. Slowly heat up the ring shank, ignoring the bezel till warmed up then above the bezel higher than usual (say 8 inches above) heat up the pallions (remember they will bubble and jump around). After doing this, turn off the torch, look closely at the bezel and pallions to ensure that they are laying sort of on the inside of the bezel. Once you are satisfied, the you are ready to solder. Pic below, the pallions lightly heated up in the bezel. Once you have soldered the bezel to the shank you'll see the MS flow, it is important that the solder flow through to the outside of the bezel to ensure that the bezel is firmly attached to the shank.

Last part is to file again the bezel join on the ring shank.

Part III, Making the Ring Shank

2007-06-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Next, once you have the size measured, you need to translate this into the length of the ring shank. Using my handy dandy shank guide. I see that size 4.5 = 48 mm. I have 18 ga sterling silver so I need to add the thickness of the silver to the length of the ring 1mm for 18 ga (approx and double it to 50mm, I always go a little bigger for filing issues.

Now I use dividers to measure out exactly the length.

Once done saw the shank with your jeweller's saw and then file the ends so they are completely straight.

Then anneal the ring shank before shaping.

Once annealed, then put in the pickle.

Shape the ring shank first with the half moon pliers and anneal again, put in pickle pot.

After ring is shaped you need to anneal again because the metal expands again, adjust if you need to (see my ring shank expanded a little so I manipulated the shank again so both sides are completely flush together

Anneal again and pickled then you can flux the piece in preparation to be soldered.

Once fluxed I quickly heat the fluxed area to settle down the flux (it bubbles up with heat). Then take hard solder (HS) pallions (tiny cut pieces of HS, about 2mm x 1mm), dip the pallions in flux then place on ring joint. I put two pallions on the joint. Torch around the ring shank and high above the joint to settle down the flux that was on the pallions. Slowly go around the shank to heat it up evenly. Once heated up (now for this shank it took about 30 seconds) slowly wand over the HS pallions till you see the pallions melt and the flow into the joint. Once the HS has flowed into the joint, pick up the ring shank with cross tweezers and heat under (underside) the shank to "pull through" the HS. Once you see the HS flow through to the other side of the joint, Time to quench in water then toss again into the pickle.

Now comes the filing part. Opposite to where the joint is (180 degrees) file the ring shank down so the bezel fits nicely. Now since this is a small bezel setting, we don't need to file the bezel to fit the ring shank, but to file the ring shank down so the bezel lays flat. This is very important, the bezel must be flat on the ring shank. Below shows the joint that needs to be filed.

The two parts: shank and bezel ready to go together.

Cab Setting Part II, Soldering the bezel

2007-06-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Part II, soldering the bezel.

Solder a pallion of hard solder on the bezel after filing the edges down so they are flush. Remember to use flux
file the excess solder off the bezel

Tada!!! Now you have a bezel, but you now need to make the ring shank.

Cab Setting Part I, Making the Bezel

2007-06-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

I made a tutorial for a Jewelry forum I belong to. Here is the link
click here.
Tools you need: torch, cross pliers, tweezers, copper or plastic tongs for pickle, 3 step pliers (last setting isn't bad to get the bezel rounder, or a mandrel size 4.1 mm or knitting needle, scissors or Xuron cutters... charcohol block, container of water (in case you set yourself, other objects on fire).

4mm cab (this one is a sapphire) and small fine silver bezel wire or 26ga fine silver sheet and you can cut your own bezel wire

Cut the bezel wire with scissors, or cutters, a little longer than you need 2mm is a good idea. Shape the bezel wire around the cab, fiddle and fiddle and fiddle with it, till you drop it on the floor, then swear....

Then file and file and file, 1/2" round file is so handy.... 0, 1/0, and 2/0 sandpaper (I got this cool trick from my metalsmithing teacher, Dominique to put on paint stir stick)

ATC for Jewelry Artist Trade

2007-06-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hi There. Last week was a low creative week for me. Here is the start of the 3 generation Artist Trading Cards (ATC) that I'm making. The first part is my Mom's watercolour that has been chopped up into 2.5 x 3.5 inch ATCs. The back of these cards, I hope, will have a drawing from Emma, and something from me that will be semi-artistic, again I hope. I'll be finishing these ATCs most likely in Switzerland since my deadline is June 30, 2007, no ifs, ands, or buts...

Hippy Chick Bracelet and Mom's Birthday!!!

2007-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday is was my birthday. Lo and behold to my great surprise, I got a Pepe Jumpringer for my birthday from my sweetie. I first couldn't get the blade to cut the rings, but found that I had to really centre it on the metal guide first and adjust it so the blade was perfectly in the middle. I made the Hippy Chick bracelet that a friend of my thought was very "groovy". This bracelet is 18 gauge copper, the big rings are 6mm ID and 3mm ID connectors. I love my jumpringer and sense that chainmaille will be really incorporated into my designs.

And, I got these beautiful flowers from my friend as another surprise for my birthday.

And, my friend Rabbit got me a book on Gems, so I'll be able to go to bead shows and stop pestering her and Meresea by always saying, what's that stone??? The book is "Guide to Gems" by Cally Oldershaw. The pics and info are super in it. We went to Lighthouse park on Sunday and the weather was spectacular!

Finally, it is my Mom's 79th birthday today. Happy Birthday Mom!!! Oh, my Mom got the byz bracelet and wow, it looks great on her wrist!

Sterling Silver Byzantine Bracelet

2007-05-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

I finished this wonderful sterling silver byzantine bracelet last night. I made a clasp out of 16 gauge sterling silver, soldering it for added durability. Shhh, made this for a gift for my Mom.

2007-05-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the Zebra and Obsidian Necklace I made as a commission for a lady who is retiring from work. I used my omega holder to accent the focal piece that I wireworked up one side with 28 ga sterling silver and 1.8mm Karen Hill black silver.

Etsy Treasury

2007-05-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

This morning I hung around Etsy Treasury. I got one!! In honor of my jewelry friends, I made a treasury of items from my friends in my jewelry forum.

Here is the treasury...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1180360907956U5141665

Botswana & Cornelian Necklace

2007-05-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the necklace that I worked on this morning. I wirewrapped all the stones with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. The round stones are cornelian, they are accented with oxidized Bali daisy spacers, just to keep things different, I threw in some funky Karen Hill lentils. I made the big rings in the necklace, clasp and daisy sterling silver focal. I'm really groovin' this necklace. If you are interested in owning this delightful necklace click on: buy now.

Made 100 Headpins today

2007-05-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

1.75 inches 24 gauge headpins

Today I sold two items on Etsy, both headpins. I had to make 100 headpins today, so I was busy melting wire into little balls!!

Other than that, I made one more bracelet for a cause see my previous blog. So here are some of my pieces I've sold recently.

Crooked Lavendar Pendant

Flirty Serpentine Necklace

Ami's Necklace (Iolite with 5mm Swarovski clear rondelles, accented with sterling silver balls.

Tomorrow I need create a special piece of jewellery that I've been commissioned to make for a lady who is retiring up to Robert's Creek.

Metalsmithing

2007-05-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

Reticulation and Fusing

Hammered solder jumprings chained to make a necklace
If you are interested in buying this necklace right now, click here buy now

Omega holder

24 ga 1.5" headpins

16ga sturdy fun clasp measures 1 inch

Exclamation Pendant!!!!
Blue Glass Cabochon

In January I took a metalsmithing course at Mountain Gems with Dominique Brechault. Mountain Gems is located in Burnaby and is a wonderful store for Gems and tools for metalsmithing. After figuring out how to really saw through metal with fluidity, I fell in love with metalsmithing and especially soldering. There were several disasters in class which were perfect. I learned so much from Dominique. I learned how to saw, pierce metal, solder, reticulate silver (heating up silver, over and over and melting it so it wrinkles), fuse (joining to metals together without solder), make bezels, and cabochon setting. I took this course every Wednesday for 8 weeks, and after a long day at work, the 3 hours I spent in this class were the best 3 hours of my day (except seeing Emma & Peter afterward). I'm looking forward to taking an advanced metalsmithing course with Dominique in the autumn.

Above I discovered soldering jumprings and joining them is very addictive. I've made several necklaces and bracelets using 16 and 16 gauge sterling silver rings, and then doing my favourite thing hammering the rings afterward for texturing. As well, I've taken my metalsmithing skills to make almost all my on findings (clasps, headpins, jumprings) to truly make my jewellery all handmade by me. The Omega holder above is one of my trademarks for making lanyards for people who work and need to wear ID tags.

The last photo is a whimsical pendant that I made with glass cabochon. This piece is for sell (and will be uploaded to my website this weekend).

Bracelet for Weekend to End Breast Cancer

2007-05-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

About a week ago a friend of mine asked me if I would make three bracelets for a friend of hers who are participants in the Weekend To End Breast Cancer. I said absolutely. Today, I got an email from my friend, with a picture, could I make something like this. The above pictures are my interpretation of this bracelet.

I told her the that I would make the bracelet at cost and then cost out the retail price, and have her friends contribute the rest of the money to the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, or have them get someone to sponsor them for the bracelets.

Here is the link. www.endcancer.ca for this fine event, which ironically, I participated in three years ago!

Earthtone Eyeglass holder

2007-05-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today I was commissioned to make an earthtone eyeglass holder. I try to make these eyeglasses holders with no sharp stones to prevent scratching of the lenses. The length of these eyeglass holders is approximately 22 inches in length.

Peruvian Opal Wirewrapped Necklace

2007-05-22T06:56:00.001-07:00

Here is my second Eni Oken style necklace. I made this with Peruvian opals that I bought from the Whole Bead Show in May 2006. I wirewrapped this necklace with 28 gauge sterling silver. This necklace is has an assortment of semi-precious tiny beads with a pearl and bali silver. This necklace is for sell. Please see my online store for more details. Peruvian Opal Necklace

Branching Out with Wirewrap & Stringing

2007-05-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

In the summer of last year 2006 I began to use wire designs in my stringing. The above photo is appropriately named "Fairy Raindrop Necklace" by my daughter Emma. She thought the amethyst briolettes looked like raindrops.

As well I incorporated wirewrapping into my jewelry pieces as well. Using herring bone wirewrapping, this bracelet was the first that I made incorporating this design.

My Signature Pendant

2007-05-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my signature piece that started my jewelry business. I have this pendant on all my business cards. This was the first piece that I made without a tutorial and where I went outside the box. I wirewrapped two 18 ga sterling silver wires "S" scrolls, then added freshwater pearls wirewrapped in herringbone.

My Eni Oken Challenge

2007-05-21T21:10:00.001-07:00

First Piece Second Piece

Third Piece Final Piece

Here are my challenge pieces that we did on Bead & Button forum for inspirational pieces evolving using one of Eni Oken's tutorials. I started with a simple herringbone weave, and then went from there. THe bottom one with the red cornelian was my first piece. Ironically I sold #2 and #4 piece at a show I was in last October, The Fraser Valley Bead Show.

Wirewrapping!!!

2007-05-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

After discovering Eni Oken, www.enioken.com , I become wire-crazed!! Before I could start, I took apart my Mother's necklace that is very special to me (these are the orginal stones/amber that I got to wear when I was 7-years-old as a gypsy for Halloween.

My First Blog Entry - May 21, 2007

2007-05-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Starburst Pendant

Pacific Burst Pendant

I've finally decided to start a blog to keep track of my jewelry evolution. It has just been over a year that I started making jewelry. It started the day after Christmas 2005, when I was cruising around e-Bay. I discovered some sellers who were selling sparkly Swarovski crystals. I thought is would be easy way to make simple earrings and necklaces for my daughter who at that time was 9-year-old. I foolishly thought this was an inexpensive way to make presents for her friends birthdays, little did I know that my jewelry would evolve into something far more.

I gradually acquired materials to making earrings, going to my local bead store (LBS) and buying headpins, earwires, stringing materials, clasps and the list goes on.

In January 2006 I got my first order of 200 - 4mm Swarovski crystals in several colours. I searched the internet for every possible free online tutorial for making wirewrapped headpins, crimping etc. I made my first simple earrings, with 3 - 4mm Swarovski crystals on a silverplated headpin with a simple silverplated store bought kidney earwire (above is a variation of replacing the middle crystal with a freshwater pearl and experimentation of making my own earrwires. One day I fell upon Eni Oken's website, she changed my whole view on jewelry making.

I started right away wirewrapping with sterling silver wire, and spent days making pendants. The above two "burst" pendants are available for purchase through my online shop.