Last One ... (for the season)

Home Boutique in Rockridge this evening.

Open Studio(ish)

I am hosting a day to pop in and browse Good To Go Jewelry pieces for sale. After a (bit of a) break from madly prepping for the (successful) trunk show I'm back at it again this week.

I will be home for drop in on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



If you are local and are interested, email me for more details.

Happy Days!

Initials Necklace

My take on the 'mama jewelry'. Initial charms (fine silver) can represent initial of each child, family member, dog - even spell out a name; you decide!

Each initial is handmade: formed, sanded, kiln-fired, polished and hand hammered.

I like necklace worn long, on a 24" sterling silver ball chain, dog-tag style; however 16"/18" length are also available.

Running in circles ...

 ... today!  Quick refresher here at home.  Looking forward to first Orinda Trunk Show tonight.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Only one week out; busy hands ... Why does inspiration, creativity, come at busy times?  Wish I could bottle it up for those slump days.  Working on finishing up many pieces, display, packaging ....  Looking forward to next week!

Curly Font ?!

Was on the pc tonight; and happened to notice that blog postings in the past month or so were showing in a curly/fancy font when viewed in Internet Explorer.  Have quickly fixed!


Those who know me know that is not my style.  When it comes to communication; it should be practical.  Leave the fancy stuff to the jewelry making.


Sorry to the eyes of those who have been reading via Explorer.

What a Day!

Stumbled upon the Etsy Storque Blog that featured Sellit; an application that supports and helps market/promote online merchants.  Good To Go Jewelry is referenced in the article  ( as well as a quote from me!  What a boost!


THEN ....  mail came today and there was a Collector's Edition of Beadwork Magazine: 41 Favorite Jewelry Designs, and my project is one of them.  They featured my Turquoise Collage necklace (see page 36).  I am so honored to be included in a great collection of projects with so many talented artists.  Thank-you Beadwork Magazine.  You can pick up a copy at major book and craft stores.


What a day!!!

Sellit

I'm liking these bracelets

More mixed bracelets.  The sterling silver chain is quite hefty; great weight & feel.  Technique tip:  I have been oxidizing chain  (before piecing together) with hard boiled egg.


Note handmade silver chunk bead used in top bracelet.  I'm happy with my first go'round results.

J&G

Thanks Jennifer!

Sun Came Out: New Pics

Result of Rainy Days

Inuksuit

Mama Necklace

Dylan & Bryce

Trunk Show

Trunk Show:  November 13

If you are local and would like to attend, please send me an email for info

Green Girl Studio Charms

Cynthia Thornton, of Green Girl Studios, has written a book called Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More, and it will be released on November 1, 2009!

I have admired and used Green Girl Studio charms in my designs; and happy to support them.  The frogs below are part of a give-away at http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/.  If you would like a chance to win; hop on over to Lorelei's blog and leave a comment.

Anti Tarnish/Silver Cleaning Suggestions

Lately I have embraced using fine silver as my focal pieces; however past finished pieces and findings are sterling silver.  I have been using a product called Jewel Brite to clean pieces that include softer stones, such as freshwater pearls and turquoise.  I came across Jean Campbell's cleaning solution and thought I would pass on:

Tarnish-Busting Formula
1. Choose a plastic or glass (never metal) pan that is deep enough so that when filled with water your tarnished jewelry will be covered.
2. Put a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour near-boiling water into the pan.
4. Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to the water.
5. Place the tarnished jewelry onto the piece of aluminum.
6. If necessary, add more baking soda to the dish until you see the tarnish coming off your piece. You should get a slight bubbling effect with an odd odor.


As soon as I got home that day I tried it, and guess what? It worked like a charm! I found I needed to take a soft toothbrush to some of the metal beads to get the tarnish completely off, but it didn’t take much. I’m not sure how the chemical reaction would affect gemstones or other beads, and I would never try it with a piece strung on silk, cotton, or nylon thread because of the hot water. But it went perfectly for this bracelet made of sterling silver, freshwater pearls, and crystals strung on beading wire.

I’ve heard of other at-home tarnish remedies, too:
• Mix mild soap, water, and a drop of ammonia. Rub the tarnished piece with the mixture and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
• Place clean silver in a plastic zip bag with a piece of white chalk inside. This keeps new tarnishing at bay.
• Cover newly cleaned silver with car wax to inhibit tarnishing.

Tribe of Inukshuk

Guess that would be "Inuksuit" (plural). Into the fire ....

North to Northern Ontario

Heading homeward where inspiration hit. This one's for you Zete!

Wrapped Crystals

Simple with a touch of bling.

Circles; two ways

Both hammered; both fine silver. Single hand formed, sanded and fired in the kiln. Double circles are torch fused, hand hammered and tumbled. Bon apetit!

Twisted Sister Earrings

My sister likes hoops; hand twisted wire on hoops; hence the name.

E&S

Estelle & Simone. Thanks Jenn!

Al

Beyond the kid's initials; for the momma named Al.

Re-inspired by a pair of earrings a couple years back. A friend was wearing them this weekend; I had to make them again. Necklace is another collaboration of techniques: knotting and wirework in this one. Stones are all natural and semi-precious; however can't recall names. I think yellow ones are serpentine; and believe the blue rectangles are aquamarine.

Letters x 3

Ana's kids on a necklace. (Thanks!)

Earrings today

Working through my 'favourites' stash of stones. The reddish beads are carnelian; yellow: I think are lemon quartz ...? Lost my notes to that strand ...

Etsy Shop

Shop is underway. Local folks; you know how to track me down. This shop is a convenient way for me to post available pieces.

Lots of admin to make this happen; takes away from the fun stuff of making. However; uploading here we go .... Keep checking back.

http://goodtogojewelry.etsy.com

Stinson Beach

Gotta love the life in NorCal.

Feel the Heat

Not 'just' for coffee. Spa time ....

More Hoops

Finished Letters on Sterling Silver Ball Chain