Tuesday, July 22, 2008

My New Muse

When I was little I loved anything that was miniature or had lots of pieces to play with like lego, Barbie and my favorite was playmobile. Now as an adult, I don't play with those sorts of things any more because a.) They don't really interest me any more and b.) some how I do not thinking it would really be socially acceptable for a 29 year old woman to be playing with toys.

I was surfing around on the internet about a week or so ago and kept coming across this wide eyed, slightly strange but adorable doll called Blythe. The were made for children by Kenner in 1972 but the large eyes that change color and direction when you pull the cord in the back of their heads scared children and were only made for a year and then were discontinued. After it was obvious that there was a real collectors following for these dolls, the Neo-Blythe dolls began to be produced in 2001. Now you can find them all over the internet and there are so many sites dedicated to these cute fashionable collectible dolls. When I saw them online I was intrigued and started to research them. The more I found out about them, the more that I saw the different clothes and accessories you could buy or make for them, the more fascinated I became. This tapped into my love of all things miniature and here was a doll that an adult could have because it was a collectible not a toy. I researched and found a shop in Toronto (these dolls are not readily available in Canada or the US) that carries Blythe and I bought my very first girl who's manufacturers name is French Trench.

French Trench, who is yet to be given her own personal name, has become my new muse. My plan is to open a new etsy shop and to make jewelry, accessories and clothes for this fashionable quirky doll. This idea collaborates my talents as a jeweler, sewer, marketer and lover of miniatures and collectibles!

I can't wait to get started but it will have to wait until after my across Canada trip in a Uhaul that starts on Tuesday next week. Watch for lots of stories and photos to be posted from that trip!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tools of My Trade

One of the things that I wish I had had help with when I first started making jewelry was what tools to use. My designs would have been more refined and better made much quicker if I had know how to better use my tools. However, what tools you use and for what, is a very personal thing so try out other people's suggestions but always remember to use what works best for you.

Here are the pliers that I use:
Chain nose:
I have two pairs and often use both at once to do things like opening jump rings or other intricate work where my fingers are too big to get a good grip. The chain nose pliers are like an extension of both my hands when I work with them. They are great for getting a 90 degree bend in wire and for lots of other basic techniques.

Round nose:
It took me a while to find a pair of round nose pliers that I really liked the size of. The end of the nose comes in different thickens and this thickness dictates the size of the loops you can make with them. The pair that I have is about 1mm thick and I really like them because I can make very small delicate loops with them but can also make larger loops if I put the wire farther up the nose. I also use them at times when I need to hold on to something in a very tight space and the chain nose pliers are too thick to get in.

Side cutter (full flush):
I use to use the basic side cutters that you get at most bead stores and with any plier kit and I never liked them because it was really hard to get into small places to cut wires flush when you are doing any small wire work. Finally I came across a pair of side cutters that have a very tapered nose and thin jaws so they are really easy to get into small spaces and get a nice clean flush cut. It still confuses me why these are not the normal side cutters used but like I said before each artists is comfortable with different tools.

Crimp pliers:
For many years I use to just flatten crimps with my chain nose pliers. This never looked very good, the edges were a bit sharp and I was always worried about the crimp slipping. Then I was in the local bead store and saw crimp pliers on a display. The woman in the shop showed me how to use them and now my crimps look clean and professional and I don't worry about slipping any more.

A short story about these crimp pliers; I always squeezed very very hard on the pliers to make sure that the crimp was well closed. I guess I squeezed too hard a few too many times and one day while I was squeezing a crimp with all my strength one of the jaws of the pliers broke off and flew to the other side of the room at an alarming rate! Luckily it only hit the floor and not my eye, someone else, a window or the TV. I am sure that this was a freak occurrence and now I know not to squeeze quite so hard and that the crimps are just as good if you use less force.

There are lots of other types of pliers out there such as end cutters, long-chain nose, bent nose, loop closing, flat-nose, rosary and split ring. I have used a few of them but not all of them and have just found the pliers that work for me for what I do. My advice is to experiment with different pliers, ask what other people use and in the end you will find what works best for you.

Happy plier shopping!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

On Someone's List

It is always a such a huge compliment to be included on someone's treasury list on www.etsy.com. For those who don't know what a treasury list is, it is a list that any etsy member can make to show off the work of other people, some lucky lists are hand picked by etsy admin and put on the front page. The list lasts about 3 days and then spaces become available so that other people can create new lists and promote other items. To find the treasury click on the link on the home page of etsy.

Here is a photo of the treasury list that my Pomegranate Seed Earrings were included in (they are in the top right corner). The photo is also a link to the list if you would like to have a look. I love the beautiful colors of this list!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Etsy is All in the Family! Grannyknits now open

I have been a crafty person all my life and have not only done jewelry but have done a great list of other crafts. Most of this is due to my very crafty and talented mother.

Yesterday, after lots of preparation and thought my mum finally opened her own etsy shop called Grannyknits. She makes the cutest knitted dolls (ok I might be a little bias) that are bright and colorful and are even baby friendly. There are currently six listed but there will be many more of these Sweeties to be listed soon.

My mum has been knitting forever and is the most talented knitter that I have ever met. All her work is super high quality and she designs her own patterns which I am always in awe of.

Hope you enjoy the dolls as much as our family and friends have!


Sunday, July 6, 2008

Looking for Metal Stamping Supplies?

I found a great seller of metal stamping tools and supplies on www.etsy.com called JCStuff. He has been so helpful, has great items and always answers my emails quickly. It has been a great shop to do business with and I have placed two successful orders and plan to do more business in the future.

Check out JCStuff's shop (he is on holiday but will be back on July 9th):
www.jcstuff.etsy.com

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A New Way To Get Your Fashion Magazine Fix

N.E.E.T. Magazine is an online magazine that showcases grassroots creativity and fashion forward style. The pages are filled with bright colorful spreads that feature independent designers and vintage clothes and accessories. The photography and thought put into this magazine is high quality and the editor finds items that are unique and eye catching. You can flip through it like a real magazine with a click of your mouse but think of all the trees you will be saving by reading it rather than a printed magazine! A great read for people who want something different and unusual.

Check out the magazine and my luli designs advertisement near the back of the magazine.