Mel's Treasures Jewelry Expressions

My Day Off - Pool Party Birthday Cake DIY

2012-01-30T14:38:00.000-05:00

I know this is normally my jewelry site but I'm on my day off and I want to step away from the jewelry fro a break. I hope you don't mind.
I did this about 5 years ago but my newly addiction to Pinterest has inspired me to blog a DIY. I found the recipe for the cake in a Women's Day magazine that summer and we were having a pool party for my daughter so I thought this would be sooo cool! I used to make all kinds of cakes for my daughter because she just loved something unique and I loved being creative. I've made Barbie cakes and numerous shapes, etc. but this one was the biggest hit. Please remember that 5 years ago I was not as good with photography so the cake doesn't look as great in the pics.

Here is the pic of the completed cake. I'll start with what you will need.

Cake, any size and it's easier if it is already iced. I cheated due to time and went to Food Lion and bought one already decorated in the colors and edging.

2 boxes of blue jello

Decorations of your choice. I found the beach party toys in the little girl's barbie section in Wal-Mart. Be creative! Make it your own with your cool ideas.

Chewing gum (I used fruit stripe)

Rings (you can usually fing these in the candy section at just about any store but I found mine at the dollar store)

Gummy Bears

Twizzlers or licorice

small paper plate

knife and scoop or spatula

Start with making your pool.

There are two ways you can do it. With both ways you will need to make the jello the same. Use the jigglers recipe on the back.

This is how I made mine:

1. Decide what size you want your pool to be. It doesn't have to be deep in the cake because it's more visual anyway. About an inch deep is all you will need. I used a small paper plate and cut around the outside edge with a knife. Once I had my guideline, I started in the middle of my circle scooping out small portions of my cake. You can be real particular and make the bottom of your pool perfectly smooth but it really doesn't matter because if you get at least an inch down, you won't be able to see it. Once you get your hole cut out for the pool, put your cake in the freezer or fridge while you're mixing up your jello so it will get nice and chilled. (If it is too warm, the jello doesn't do as good.) Mix up your jello using the jigglers recipe on the back of the box. Put in fridge just long enough to chill it but not long enough to set up. About 10 mins. Just check it because that part is kind of foggy.

Take your cake and jello out of fridge and pour into your hole. You probably will have some jello left over if you made a small hole like this one but you can always put it in the fridge and eat. Better to have some left over than not have enough!

Place back in fridge until it has completely set. Overnight would be great but when I did mine, I didn't have that much time. At least a few hours.

OR...#2 you could make the jello in a dish the shape you want your pool to be in, let it firm up and cut the hole and sit the jello down in it. I was afraid it would break up when I tried to transfer it so I didn't.

When it has set, take it out and decorate. I use chewing gum for the diving board, twizzlers as the edging, and the sand was made with yellow sprinkles. You could also use those little umbrellas that you put in drinks. I was out at the time.

You could also use teddy grahams and made bathing suits on them with icing.

Voila! You're done!

Note: I do remember that it was a really hot day and we didn't have a cooler for the cake so we had to eat it pretty much as soon as we started the party.

Good luck and feel free to post me your pics or ideas when you make yours.

Rings created from Decorative Baby Spoons

2011-12-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

I have had so much fun designing these rings. I use small baby spoons and hammer the ladel and then slightly heat them up to make them easy to bend. Then I carefully forge them around a ring mandrel and then polish with my foredom. I like these because they are bigger than the usual spoon rings and don't really look like silverware.

New Silverware Designs

2011-12-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

I've been working on some new jewelry designs using some new pieces of vintage silverplate silverware I found at various antique sales. I'm having so much fun! In the first picture I created a gorgeous bangle from vintage sugar tongs. I've been creating spoon jewelry for over 10 years and I have never run across this pattern. It is Nils-John silverplate. I curled the fork ends around and charms could be added for some extra bling. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to keep this one for myself since this is a one of a kind piece.

More to come, so stay tuned!

Love you to the moon and back..

2011-12-01T18:46:00.000-05:00

Back by popular demand! One of my favorites and a saying that I have told my children for years. I love you to the moon and back. This can be customized numerous ways but most customers prefer this one. I left out the "I" on this one because sometimes more than one person will be giving the gift or some people just prefer to leave it off. Of course, I can always add it. The stars are additional charms I add with the children's inital. You can add as many as you would like. Each one is $5.00. The total cost as you see it here is $42.00. If you are interested in ordering one, please feel free to contact me at mel@melstreasures.com or go to my website at http://www.melstreasures.com/ and if this is for Christmas, all online orders have to be submitted by December 15th.

New Design Challenge~Bezel Setting

2011-11-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe the Holidays are already here again! I have 32 orders for custom jewelry designs and starting to panic just a little bit on how I will get them done. Take one day at a time..(I tell myself this daily)! I am so thankful for the orders and cannot believe that I have made it another year with my business. 11 years and counting now. Wow!

One of my newest design challenges have been soldering mixed metals and silver bezels and rings. I have finally progressed to making family trees and charms with birthstones that will fair the worst wearer. If you're like me, you forget to take that necklace or bracelet off when swimming, sleeping or showering. These will definitely stand the test of time. It is a bit more of a process, though. I first purchase a tube of sterling silver. Then slice the pieces based on the thickness of the stone. Buff and smooth the edge, then solder to the silver. Clean, polish and tumble the piece, then set the stone and press the silver all around the stone to insure it will not come out. Then more polishing and another tumble. Here is a picture of one of the first ones I did.

Also the family tree. I have ordered some extra polishing tools to attach to my foredom so that I can get in the nooks and crannies to get the smooth shine through out the piece. This was my first family tree. The prices are $6.00 per bezel (stone setting) plus the price of the silver charm with stamping or the family tree. If you would like one, feel free to email me at mel@melstreasures.com and I will quote you a price for the entire piece. I will stop taking Christmas orders around the first week of December. I ended up working all the way up to Christmas Eve at 9pm last year and missed my Christmas Eve dinner with my in-laws and was so tired I didn't even feel like socializing so I plan to be closed on Christmas Eve this year.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Mother's out there. I didn't get to post on or before Mother's Day due to trying to complete orders. I had prom, Mother's Day, weddings (still have more of those) and online orders to complete. Needless to say, I was burning the midnight oil. No complaints here. I'm very thankful for every one! Here is a follow up to some of the orders I completed. I really enjoyed the expressions from the local customers when they picked them up. It is such a treat to have people that appreciate the hard work that goes into each piece. Thank you again for all of your support. I have some new design ideas swirling around in my head so I hope to get those in play soon.

Spring Has Sprung! Bright New Jewelry

2011-04-12T16:11:00.001-04:00

I have finally got back into the swing of things and decorated the store. I have bright new "Color Fusion" pendants with silk necklaces, Lampwork Easter Egg charms, Purse charm~key chains, crystals and so much more to go with that new Easter dress. I'm currently working on Prom and Bridal jewelry and getting orders in for Mother's Day. If you haven't been by, you need to stop in and see all the beautiful new colors. The Color Fusion necklaces were a hit at the Farmer's Market this past weekend so I have been working very hard to get more made. Some of the popular colors are lime green and orange. The sunflowers with the yellow in the middle are so cute! Come by and check them out and if you're not local, just drop me an email and I'll get yours right out to you.
I also have to mention my sister's pocket bags. She makes some of the most gorgeous bags with customized pockets and uses top quality fabric including real leather. She owns the fabric store which is where I'm located and you can come in and pick your own fabric and design and she'll make it up for you. They are the best!!

To Market, To Market..... New Fused Glass Pendants

2011-04-01T00:57:00.001-04:00

This is just a few of my new fused glass pendants I've been working on for the "Farmer's Market" opening April 9th. I've been working on a complete new line of jewelry and this is my "Color Fusions" Collection. I have also created earrings to complete the sets and will upload those on my next post. I love the new fused glass I found and wish I could get more. There are a limited amount of these I can make with this glass. Gorgeous spring colors that remind me of bright Easter Eggs. They have an iridescent finish on them that really stands out. If you would like one, come by and see me at the market on April 9th from 8:00am to 1:00pm or if you are not local, feel free to email me with an order. The largest pendant (orange in picture) with a leather cord is $38.00, the medium size like the blue and yellow in pic are $32.00 and the smallest in green is $28.00. I do have lots of other colors and beautiful dochroic glass that can be substitued. I can also substitute the leather cord for a sterling chain, ribbon necklace or many other options. Hope to hear from you soon!! These won't last long.

2011-03-14T12:18:00.001-04:00

Spring Bangle featured on Divapreneur Homepage

Thank you to Divapreneur for featuring my bangle on your homepage!!

There is a little story behind these pieces...

I was recently juried for the local "Farmer's Market" and this bangle and earrings were some of the items approved for me to sale at my table. I didn't realize how far the market had come with artists and how flooded the market is with jewelry designers until I decided to ask for a booth. I went through strict judging by other artists and was thrilled to be approved but sad that I cannot do any "beading" for my booth. Only silverwork, my stained glass pendants, spoon bracelets, hand stamped items, lampwork glass items and hand forged items can be sold there because of other jewelry designers that had been approved before with beadwork. At first I was a little down because beadwork really helps me fill my table and also allows me to price some items at lower cost for people that are there just looking for a simple trinket or small gift. After I thought about it a bit, I realized that this gives me an opportunity to expand my creative outlet and have fun with wire work and forging and create unique items that are really heirloom quality and keepers! So I'm having a lot of fun coming up with creations. The only problem is I can get my brain to quit designing when its time to sleep!! Our first day at the market is April 9th. So needless to say, I will be very busy creating lots of items for my booth!

This bangle is hand forged with sterling silver and I have included some gorgeous lampwork glass beads and a few whimsical Thai Hilltribe silver insects. I finished it off with a hand forged clasp in sterling silver. The earrings are made with the same set of lampwork glass and have been wire-wrapped in sterling silver. If you would like to purchase this bangle or earrings, just email me. The bangle is $62.00 and the earrings are $22.00.

New Stained Glass Jewelry

2011-03-13T13:49:00.002-04:00

I've been working on this for a few years on and off and finally just sat down and forced myself to learn how to do this. After many trials and errors, I think I'm doing a lot better. A special friend sent me these dichroic cabs and they are just beautiful. Thanks Deb!! I know I have a long way to go, but I really like how these turned out. The pictures are in the order that I created them. The sunflower has been sold. I'm not sure if I will let the butterfly go. I am a collector of butterflies and this is the first one I made. The other pendants are hot off the bench. Just made them yesterday. I got a creative hair and worked till I was just to tired to continue. Hope you like them.

Dreamers Into Doers - Martha Stewart

2011-02-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to have my photo of a Mother's Necklace design featured on Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doer's website. Thank you!!

Dreamers Into Doers

A Beaded Affair - Lois A. Linquist is one amazing lady!

2011-01-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Almost a year ago Lois was kind enough to write about me on her blog. The title and link is Have you met Melissa? I felt honored that she had taken the time in her busy life to do this. Especially seeing her beautiful designs!
Now it's time to honor her! This past year I have followed Lois and her incredible drive from designing, running a store to publishing magazines. Let me just tell you a little bit about it all. This only touches the surface, I'm sure. She creates some of the most beautiful jewelry including flawless wire wrapping. I have included a picture of her design here of a beautiful pearl bracelet incorporating a very hard pattern of chain maille (I struggle with chain maille horribly). She runs a supply store that has pretty much everything you need including gorgeous gemstones, copper findings, pearls and so much more on her website at A Beaded Affair and at her Etsy store . You will love her products. In addition to this, she has created a group called Copper Wire Jewelers where designers meet, talk and discuss techniques, offer tutorials, showcase their designs and have the opportunity to submit their designs to an online publication of Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine. This is her 4th publication!

Lois is doing all of these things while dealing with the pain of recovering from recent back surgery. I just can't imagine how she does it. I personally want to thank you, Lois! You're amazing and you deserve many rewards for all you do.

Family Spiral Necklace

2011-01-06T22:08:00.000-05:00

My family spiral necklaces are one of my special designs. I love making these. It forces me out of my comfort zone and challenges me each time. Each one is carefully made by using a 20guage piece of sterling silver sheet metal. A spiral is drawn on the metal with a sharpee pen, then cut with a jeweler's saw. This is not an easy process because you still have to file and cut more out because when you go back to stamp the names, it spreads and overlaps where you have cut. There is a lot of filing and buffing with this project. This is when I'm very thankful for my Foredom Flex Shaft. Each one is special to me. I add the birthstone before or after the name based on your specifications. Birthstones can also be left off and a design added in it's place. This necklace is $56.00 with the sterling necklace. Special bails with Swarovski crystals or cz's can be added for an additional cost. This is a great gift for that mother or grandmother for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. It can also be stamped with a special saying or verse instead of names. Feel free to contact me with your order.

Spoon Jewelry

2010-11-02T18:08:00.000-04:00

I went antique shopping for silver plate spoons and to my surprise I found 3 fabulous containers just waiting for me to swoop up. I can't wait to share my new designs with you. Here are a few pics from some I created with my last batch of finds. Hope you like them. If you're interested in ordering one, please let me know via email. They go pretty fast when I post them. Thanks for looking!!

Publication! Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine

2010-11-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to expose that I have been published in another magazine. This is an honor to be included with so many other talented designers. Check out the link. I'm on page 17. I plan to create some more bangles similar to these to add to my website for great Christmas gifts. Check back often for new designs!! Link to online magazine

New Items at the Trading Post!

2010-09-30T15:30:00.000-04:00

I've just filled up my booth at the Northwest Trading Post in Glendale Springs, NC. If you haven't had the chance to stop by yet, you should. They have so many things to choose from. Homemade fudge, sourdough bread, candies, Mel's jewelry (ha ha) and so many more items. Check them out!!

Thief!!!

2010-09-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

We have a local thief on the loose. Our local Trading Post in Glendale Springs, NC is kind enough to allow hard working local artists display and sale their handcrafted items to the local and travelling tourists. We are just trying to make a living and we all work very hard. This year we have someone that we have narrowed down as being local because they come back often. The first time it happened, it hurt my feelings a bit, but the repeated times are causing me to get angry. Every time I go to refill my booth, something is missing. Today it was this. The person(s) is getting brave. Now they just cut the pendant right off. If you are local and you happen to visit a store that has this pendant, please contact me. The other jewelry artisan at the Trading Post has also lost some valuable pendants as well. This is just cruel. I want to catch them. If you're the one and you're reading this......I will catch you!!!!! If I don't, God will.

New Footprint Charms

2010-05-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

This one was created for a special friend for her birthday. Her daughter's feet were a little challenging (or should I say her baby feetprint) ha ha. When I shrunk them down, they were just too light and the left one didn't even show up but at the top so I had to fill in with black to make it work. I am so thankful for photoshop software. I was able to keep all of the lines, etc and only darken what was already there. I'm so careful to make sure that the charm is a perfect duplicate of the actual print. That's what makes it so special. I am so thrilled with how this one turned out! I polished it to a super high shine and it has the birthstone embedded down in the silver. The Polymer Plate turned out perfect and the clay fired great. I couldn't be more thrilled. I made this one nice and thick and took a lot of time buffing and polishing. I'm having so much fun with precious metal clay. I hope you like it and I hope my sweet and dear friend loves it!

UPS...

2010-05-26T22:47:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official...I have decided that UPS has some problem with me and does not want me to get my packages. Within the past 5 months I have experienced delayed delivery of 4 overnight packages that I paid dearly for. The 3 earlier in the year were due to weather. The crazy thing is that my store is directly on Main Street and through out the day I see numerous UPS trucks zipping by. On one of the occasions that I didn't get my overnight package, my sister that lives in Crumpler and has a driveway that is a nightmare in snow managed to get her regular ground package. Still I didn't. I ended up making arrangements to drive down to Wilkesboro and pick it up myself or risk losing customers.
My question is...when you know that they are calling for 10 inches of snow and you probably won't be able to finish your route, do you not look though your packages and make sure that the people that paid for overnight or 2 day air get theirs first since they obviously need it or they would not have paid dearly for it??? I just don't understand.
Today was no different. Except there was no snow....no explanation...just no package. Well, I'm sick of it. The 3 earlier in the year did not give me a refund because of the increment weather "clause". So I lost so much money on those. Especially when I had to use my gas and borrow a 4 wheel drive to get down the mountain to Wilkesboro. I wonder what the "clause" will be for this one and will I get my $52.00 back? Probably not. If I'm lucky it will come tomorrow or the next day and there will be no "I'm sorry" or anything. Just please sign here.
So if there is anyone out there that has experienced the same problem...PLEASE speak up!

Sweet Baby Feet!

2010-05-12T18:58:00.001-04:00

This Mother's Day was so special for many reasons. I got the opportunity to create some really unique pieces for that perfect gift. The one that I really enjoyed the most was a new item for me that I have been working toward perfection for some time now. Baby footprint charms. I have always loved them and have been dying to learn how. So...I have been doing lots of research and alot of samples to get it right. I'm still trying and will continue to get better, or at least I hope I do. For now, this is my pride and joy. Well, someone else's pride and joy that I got to play with!! Here is a picture of a finished piece with two footprint charms that were taken from birth certificates, scanned, reworked, reduced, and with lots of time and effort, I created them into charms.
Let me know what you think! If you would like one created, feel free to send me an email. I'd love to work one up for you.

Mother's Day

2010-05-03T17:08:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day is a special time of year for me. I am so fortunate to still have my mother here with me. She is so special and I want to thank her for everything that she has done for me and my family. So much I have learned from her and still do.
I hope you don't forget to give your mother a special hug, gift, card or just a phone call to tell her how much she means to you.
I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!

A beautiful Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T21:52:00.002-04:00

I cannot remember the last time we had such a beautiful Easter Sunday. Over the years I have purchased a beautiful spring Easter dress to wear and ended up wearing something from my winter blah wardrobe because it ended up being below 40 degrees and even snowing at times.
This was so nice to have a change. After church we went to "Granny Albertine's" for an incredible meal and sat out in the sun on her country porch and drank ice tea. My soul craves sunshine so I was warmed to the tips of my toes.
I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did.
Beautiful Easter pictures to follow....

My Tree of Life gets an upgrade...

2010-03-20T20:52:00.007-04:00

I have had such a wonderful response to my family tree design that I decided to create an upgrade. A lady asked me if I could make a family tree with the same design so I had her give me her information and I did a sketch to see how it would look. When I got done, I was trying to decide how I would distinguish the people and it came to me. The birthstone ring that my mom has from years back that we all saved up to get her for mother's day one year. So, I decided to fill the holes with birthstones. It worked! They look great and I have came up with so many different versions and styles, no two could possibly be the same.
I will be running a Mother's Day special with them this year. Check my website to see!

Cell Phones....why do we have to have them...???

2010-03-15T22:56:00.006-04:00

Cell phones. I'm trying to remember exactly when I got one. How did I survive without it? I did just fine. I went all through school, moved away from home and lived in a large city (at least I thought it was when I moved there) Greensboro, had a child up to 4 years old and moved back to Jefferson...all of these transitions without a cell phone or even wanting one.
I was thinking about this today when I was standing in line at the local cell phone company after waiting "forever" to get the next representative so I could have them look at my daughter's constantly needing repair cell phone and fighting with another customer. (you can read more about this after the next paragraph)
Why have we become so dependent on them that we are suckers to pay this outrageous fee, buy the latest and greatest phones that have just hit the stores, sign a 2 year contract to get them cheaper, pay for insurance to hope they won't tear up, only to regret it before we even walk out the door and our phone is already out of date and not working properly?

We were next in line, had been standing there for over 30 mins and a woman weaseled her way in front of us and just started talking to the representative. Trying to be a good Christian went out the window and I immediately said in a strong tone, "Excuse me but I believe we were next". To get an idea of what I was talking to she had on 3 inch stilettos, skin tight jeans that I know she had to lay down in to get them on, a wig that was streaked black and white (yes, like a skunk), false eyelashes with rhinestones on them, and was insanely popping her gum with her mouth open. She was probably 5 inches taller than me and honestly acted like everyone else should have parted the red sea when she walked in. I had already had enough of listening to her constant sighing and gum popping and I was already on the verge of saying something even before she jumped in front of me.
Then she had the nerve with her sarcastic tone to tell me that she needed to see a supervisor and this lady was it. I told her we were next and she could see her when we were done. She started in about how she didn't mean to disrespect me and that I could "come on up here and do my thang". Well, I didn't get on up there and do my thang but I did tell my daughter that she could speak to the representative now. What makes people think that their time is more valuable than ours?? Anyway, she just kept telling my daughter that she didn't mean to disrespect and called her sweetie.

To get back to my point...why do we go through this only to have yet another phone in addition to the one at our home and work so we can be more accessable to talk. Yes, I carry one and will continue to carry one but I just don't know how I got stuck in this have to have a stupid cell phone....
Oh and by the way...the problem that my daughter was having with her cell phone....didn't get fixed because it didn't do it while she was there so we walked out with the same problem we walked in with. Hmmmm....
That's my story and I'm done. Thanks to anyone out there who reads this and understands.

A special pearl necklace for a special bride

2010-03-09T21:27:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to share my news!! A special piece of jewelry I created for a wedding made it to the cover of a local magazine, "All About Women". A wonderful customer of mine, Jama, came to me for a unique and vintage piece of wedding jewelry to wear on her special day. She showed me her dress and gave me some insight as to what she was looking for. After sketching and creating in my head, I came up with what became the perfect pearls! I searched for a brooch with history. Finally, I found one that a lady had purchased from a little antique store in Paris and she was selling. I purchased it and carefully removed the pin from the back and recreated a beautiful focal piece for the necklace. I added to strands of pearls to it with one coming to the back. To complete the set, I made simple post pearl earrings. With a bride as gorgeous as she is, anything more would have been too much.
Her lovely mother, Teresa, wrote in to the local magazine about her special day and was kind enough to mention me. She wrote more about my piece explaining the special qualities of it, however, they edited that part out.
I'm still thrilled that I was mentioned and more thrilled that Jama is on the cover. She is a wonderful person and beautiful. So deserving!
With that said, if anyone would like a special piece created for them on that special day, I'd love to work with you.

Ooh, I've Got Something to Show You!: Floral Affair Earrings

2009-11-02T22:55:00.002-05:00

These earrings were on Etsy and a blogger found them and liked them. I was thrilled to see someone post about them but was sad that I didn't know about it until now!
Thanks anyway!!

Ooh, I've Got Something to Show You!: Floral Affair Earrings

My "Tree of Life" Pendant

2009-03-09T17:54:00.010-04:00

I love how this pendant turned out. I made this by accident. I created this last year and was really proud of it but had no takers. It was the funniest thing. I decided to change the chain to some 4mm fancy jasper and few silver balls and put it in my store and bam! I had orders right and left. I am so thrilled! No two are the same as I do not use a pattern. I can also create one with the number of members in your family. The unique thing about this tree is it has a daytime side with flowers open and blooming and then when you flip it over, you will see the nighttime. I intentionally left the back side oxidized and slightly buffing it and the shadows left around the tree looked like the night. You also notice that the flowers are gone. You can purchase this pendant in many gemstone necklace choices, leather or on a silver chain. The cost is very reasonable starting at $20.00.

Long Time - No Post...Resin Cont'd

2008-09-26T00:02:00.011-04:00

So sorry for the long time without posting. Alot has been going on but still no excuse. I thought I would be good about keeping it up but "life" got in the way.

The great news is that the economy has not hit my business yet as I have still been just as busy as always. In fact, I think I'm selling more. Alot of people tell me it's because my prices stay pretty much the same and are still affordable. I do try to keep expenses down so I can give the savings to my customers. I know I need to make money to stay in business so I don't give it all away but I also don't multiply the cost out the roof either.

Anyway...I have some new items to show you and I have also been working on some tutorials upon request and will be posting those as well.

I decided the Resin experiment wasn't for me for quite a few reasons. Number one: I'm not patient enough for all the processes you have to do and Number two: it's something I have to do outside because I don't have very good ventilation in my basement studio. The weather just doesn't hold out long enough around here to do things like that. Number three: I'm just a metal kind of gal...ha ha!! I just love metal and gemstones and lampwork and....well...you understand (I hope).

So...with that said I'm selling off the lot of items I purchased to do this. It's a long list but everything you need to get yourself on the way to some really gorgeous resin jewelry. I put about $250 or more in it if you included all the things I bought to drop in the mix and little this and thats at Michael's and AC Moore. I've decided to sell it all including shipping for $175.00 so if you're interested.....it sure is a great way to get started.

Here is the list of Items Included:

Resin (2 part epoxy) 1 gallon each minus 1 cup (each gallon)
4 resin molds with spray on mold release/conditioner
Glitter diamond dust .50 oz
Glitter Metallic mixes multi
Glitter Metallic mixes brass
Glitter metallic mixes copper
Glitter prisma tallics fuchsia
Opaque pigments 1 oz in the following colors (these will last a long time) Never used any but pearlscent (can't even tell I used it, 2 drops), Black, blue, brown, green, pearlscent, red, white, yellow
I got all the primary colors so they can be mixed to make secondary colors
Resin finishing spray
High Quality Embossing Heat Tool: Used for getting the bubbles out of the resin and smoothing it out without moving anything.
(I used this one time)
Book: The Art of Resin Jewelry by Sherri Haab - $19.95 value. read one time. Very helpful to make resin jewelry.

2 bottles with tips to easily pour resin into molds
I also will add any extra items I bought from Michaels to do these like brushes, stir sticks, cups, gloves, decorative papers, etc.

Feel free to drop me a line if you're interested. I'm not going to leave you hanging so here are some pics of the final results after they cured:

I have to admit....for my first time, I think they turned out pretty darn good. I know the pic is not that clear but if it was you could see how cool they are. By the way....I'm selling this lot of resin cabs on Etsy as soon as I can get them uploaded so if you see anything you would like for one of your jewelry designs....give me a shout!

Well, it's late and I have to get some things done before hitting the hay. I can't wait to show you my new jewelry. Thanks to Deb Wiess...I have some awesome turquoise to show you.

Nite!

Resin...Second Phase

2008-05-27T11:34:00.004-04:00

Okay, so here I go. Making a horrible mess! I've learned some things from this first experience....It's impossible to pour resin from these cups into teeny molds without dripping no matter how careful I am. So....for my next step I will be using a bottle with a tip on it. I also learned that the gloves I bought are not thick enough for resin. I took my gloves off and my hands were coated with it, so I immediately washed then two or three times. Yikes!

I managed to get them all filled about 1/2 way and cleaned up the molds from drips.

Then I used the heat gun to get rid of the bubbles. It works great and I would highly recommend getting one. It's hard to see the resin as it is clear. I added some color to a few and also some glitter just to see how it would turn out.

I'm going to leave these covered out in the sun until it goes down and then I will bring them in and put them up for drying in a warm, dry spot.

After they dry, I will get some of the cutouts that I did and put them on top of the resin and cover it the rest of the way. Hopefully, it will turn out!

Pierce's Ballgame

2008-05-24T15:44:00.014-04:00

My 9 year old son, Pierce is a pitcher in the minor leagues. We are so proud of him. He had a game today and is now at 56 strike outs for the season. I just had to put on my bragging hat a little. :) Here is a pic of him pitching. He told me that he just closes all the noise out and can't hear a thing. I have to admit, he is pretty consistant with each pitch. People actually come just to watch him pitch. Maybe we'll be parents of a pro someday! Never know....

He had a slow start with hitting. No matter what he did, the ball just would not make contact with the bat. He finally got a taste of it when he hit a really good pop up at the last game and now he is unstoppable. Hi hit a line drive today and it was awesome.

Today he made it home with a slide. I just happen to get a picture of it. The grin on his face was unforgettable when he came into the dug out. I was so glad to see him finally get to home. I know he was too.

AND HE'S...........

SAFE!!

Resin...First Phase

2008-05-24T15:24:00.004-04:00

Okay...I finally got to start on my project last night. I decided to save some product and steps by doing several at a time. So.....I got a little carried away with papers and clips and stamps, etc. I went through all my scrapbooking supplies, stickers and anything that I thought would be cool as a charm, pendant, etc. under resin. This is what I ended up with.

Yes...I know....I got a little carried away but I figured that if I went ahead and did alot then they would be ready for my next project. You have to do two coats of Modge Podge on each side so that when the resin is poured over it, it doesn't soak in. I have accomplished two coats on one side and one coat on the back side. I'm now waiting on those to dry for the last coat. I should have that done sometime tonight. Meanwhile, I am going to go ahead and pour the first coat of resin in the molds. I'll take a pic of that when I get them completed today.

Plans change on a dime....

2008-05-23T08:25:00.002-04:00

As usual, my plans got changed yesterday so I didn't get to start on my project.....sorry all. The deck took much longer than planned and then Pierce had a make up game which lasted way into the evening so I decided it was a little too late to get started last night. So, with that said...I'm going to try again today.
Along with the project for my nephew, I'm going to do one for my niece too. She needs some items for teachers so I will be adding that in. I think it will be quicker and more productive.
The weather here is beautiful again today so I will hopefully be doing most of my work outside for ventilation. I've been told the resin is toxic if not well ventilated so I'm going to make sure and follow all recommendations to be safe.
Till later on my progress....

Resin Supplies are here!!

2008-05-22T07:52:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited! I've received my supplies to start work on my resin jewelry. My first project is going to be a gift for my nephew. I have a teeny lock of hair that my sister snatched when they weren't looking.....no abuse was not involved..hee hee. Check out the adorable little fella....

I'm going to make a resin charm with his lock of hair and then take a pic and do picture transfer on metal for another charm with his birthdate on it. I'll show you my results.....well...if they turn out ha ha. That or I'll be telling you what I did wrong.....
It will take me two days to complete so I'll post each day to show you my progress.
I have to stain the deck this morning..ugghhh...so I won't start on it till this afternoon.
I must go to work on the deck now so I'll post later..have a great day! It's beautiful and sunny here.

New to Etsy

2008-05-21T00:10:00.003-04:00

I decided to take the plunge and try Etsy. I've added some things and will be working hard to get the store full of goodies. I hope you will stop by and take a look and please...please...please...add me to your favorites shop. How sad is it to look and see only one favorite. Of course, I did just start today but I'm not used to not having linkage! My website has been my only means of exposure until this blog and now Etsy so I'm having expansion withdrawal! Is that a word? Who knows.....
I would love to hear from some of you out there that have had a blog for awhile. Connect to me...talk to me or just tell me how dumb I am for trying this. Ha ha.
My problem with this blog is that I have never kept up with a journal, etc. so this will really take some discipline to keep doing. I'll do my best.
To come......I'm experimenting with photo transfer AND resin combined with my stamping and metal work. Check back soon to see my new "treasures"!
Night!

Something new...

2008-05-16T02:06:00.001-04:00

This is a new thing for me....blogging. Normally, I am not a blogging type of person but I think this is great to share experiences and I have enjoyed reading others. I hope that I can help others understand the world of artistic jewelry.

Since blogging is new for me, it will take a while for me to get my page the way I want it. I'm still learning the settings, layouts, etc. so if anyone would like to throw me some tips or tricks, I'm always open for constructive criticism. Ha ha.

Going to bed now. I have finally researched enough on my next topic to write a book. Stay tuned.....I have some fun things to add.
Nite!!