Easy Cuff Bracelet

Even if you aren’t an experienced metalsmith, with a few simple tools, you can make this easy cuff bracelet.

You will need:
Bracelet mandrel
Raw hide hammer
Anvil
Ball peen hammer
Jeweler’s saw and No. 2 blade
Assortment of jeweler’s files
6" by ½" 16 gauge sterling sheet


1. First use a saw or metal cutting shears to cut a piece of 16 gauge sterling silver sheet into a piece that is 6" long and ½" wide. Pieces of sheet this size can also be ordered from metal suppliers. They may charge a fabrication fee to precut the piece, but it is very minimal.

2. After cutting the sheet, you may have bent it a little. Don’t worry. Just use a raw hide hammer and anvil to pound the sheet straight again.

3. Next, use shears or a saw to cut off the corners of the rectangle you made in step 1.

4. Now a lot of filing is needed all around the piece of metal. This is required in order to smooth out the rounded ends of the sheet and also on the straight areas so it does not poke or cut the wearer. You will notice the sides of the metal are very sharp. Be careful while handling the strip so you do not cut yourself.

5. Texturing is the next step. Though this is not a required step to make this bracelet, I think it adds a lot to the look and it’s fun to do. Use the round end of the ball peen hammer and lightly tap the strip of metal while holding it on top of the anvil. It does not take a lot of force to create this textured look. Texturing only needs to be added to the side that will be the top (or outside) of the bracelet.

6. Once the piece has been textured, it is time to shape it. I use a round bracelet mandrel, but an oval one would also work. Use your hands to press the sheet (textured side out) around the top part of the mandrel. Hold the sheet against the mandrel with one hand and hit the sheet carefully (watch those fingers!) using a raw hide hammer.

7. Take the sheet off the mandrel and put it on your wrist to see how it lays. Adjust with your hands if necessary.

8. Finally, polish the bracelet using a dremel or polishing wheel.
This cuff bracelet is easy to make and looks great.

Log Necklace tells our Story.

Unexpected Treasures

I spent this last Saturday with my best friend Patty and her family hosting a garage sale. We had a ton of fun, lots of hard work and many laughs. In the middle of all that fun her brother and his friend Rhonda stopped by. It was such a pleasure meeting Rhonda for the first time. I have several of her wonderful handmade pieces of jewelry and love wearing them all. I would encourage all of my friends to take a look at her blog if looking for fun jewelry for yourself or as gifts.

What an unexpected treasure meeting the artist in person.

About Rhonda:
After graduating with a BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia PA, she migrated out west. She did the usual restaurant stint and ended her career with food as a private cook. The woman she worked for showed her some cloisonne pieces she had made and Rhonda fell in love with the process. She has been privileged to sell her handcrafted cloisonne earrings, pins and pendants at the Pike Place Market in Seattle WA since 1984. You can find her there most Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information and pricing contact Rhonda at cloisonneart@verizon.net and be sure to visit her blog at:

http://cloisonne-art.blogspot.com/

On the Look Out

I just can't seem to get enough ideas, supplies, resources. I was out shopping today actually looking for a new product to incorporate into my jewelry and stopped to visit Jewelry Resource a favorite store in Seattle http://www.jewelryresourcesupply.com/
Liz Jones happened to be in the store and shared a wonderful new resource with me I came away with much more than I went in for. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Liz!!!

Check out this web site for exciting bits and pieces.

Ornamentea

http://www.ornamentea.com/theshop/Index.html

On a side note Liz is an author, her fabulous book introduces you to the wonderful world for Silver Wire Fusing. Congratulations Liz.

Rivets

Rivets are a fun easy way to attach metals.I've used textured copper and silver to create a 3-D shadow box necklace, attached with a handmade brass S hook, to a leather neck cord.The earrings are textured copper with silver findings riveted to them. The ear hooks are sterling silver.

Ammonite & Pearls

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Ammonoidea

Extinct Order
The term ammonite refers to an extinct group of mollusks. these creatures, along with the dinosaurs, died out at the close of he Cretaceous Period, about sixty-five million years ago. their existence on earth lasted for about 330 million years. The hard shells which these organisms occupied are found as fossils in many places around the world.
Due to the nature of the fossils no two jewelry items are the same. I have very limited supplies.

Inspired

Inspired by Gasworks Park in Seattle, this pin is made from colored aluminum. I receive many complements when I wear it around town.

Time for Fun!!!

This fun and crazy necklace keeps you on time. Because the watch movement is open it is an old fashion wind up watch. I loved seeing all the movements happen. It reminds me of my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Epps, who wore an open watch like this one. All of her students were intrigued. Materials are colored aluminum and leather.

Pearls

I love the look and feel of pearls. I just can't seem to get enough of them. I have the traditional cream pearls that every girl should have, but these are just so much fun. They go with everything and draw attention to them no matter the occasion I ware them.

Swarovski Crystals and Bali Silver

This is a stunning set to complete any wardrobe.

Care:
I recommend washing Swarovski crystals by hand in lukewarm water to which a few drops of a mild dish detergent has been added. Then rinse under running water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid spotting and lint spoiling the shine. Under no circumstances should any abrasive or corrosive detergents be used; glass or window-cleaning fluids should also be avoided, as they often cause streaking. When handling your crystal, it is advisable to wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

~ How it all Began ~

In 1997 my husband Jim and I were about to fulfill a life long dream to sail around the world. Wanting a way to record the trip I created a log necklace. Each day, special occasions, and milestones are visible through the use of only the finest quality sterling silver, hand made beads and unique mementos from the far reaches of the planet. As the winds carried the vessel across the Pacific ocean into paradise islands such as the Tuamotus, Fiji, and Vanuatu, I learned the secrets of the black pearl. Crossing the Indian ocean anchoring at the remote atoll of Cocos Keeling, and the island of Mauritius, I fine tuned my skills. In South Africa I witnessed handed down techniques of craftsmanship. The Atlantic offered more secluded islands like St. Helena, on to the Caribbean, South America and through the Panama Canal all the while new skills and techniques were begin learned. The log necklace became the catalyst to share my love of adventure and fine crafted jewelry that tells a story. All of my work is handcrafted aboard the sailing vessel “Cape St. James” where I live aboard with my husband Jim. If you would like to know more about personalized jewelry you can order contact me at: CapeStJames@gmail.com

Upon our return my Log Necklace was written about in Bead & Button magazine.