<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Handmade Artists&#039; Forum Blog &#187; Creative Handmade Artisans</title>
	<atom:link href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/tag/creative-handmade-artisans/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com</link>
	<description>Supporting Handmade Artists from around the world. The Handmade Aritsts&#039; Forum is a site deicated to handmade crafts and goods.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:46:17 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3</generator>
		<item>
		<title>&#8221; Support Handmade&#8230; It&#8217;s Where The Hearts At &#8221; &#8230;</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:46:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>katstreasureshop</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My newest treasury&#8230; there are so many absolutely talented artists/artisans .. here in Etsyland&#8230; from painters.. photographers&#8230; crafters&#8230;. beaders&#8230;sculpters&#8230; seamstresses&#8230;just to name a few&#8230; people that are so visually keen&#8230; have a sense of style.. proportion&#8230; just know what works!! .. We are the small folk&#8230; no big corporation behind us .. but we are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My newest treasury&#8230; there are so many absolutely talented artists/artisans .. here in Etsyland&#8230; from painters.. photographers&#8230; crafters&#8230;. beaders&#8230;sculpters&#8230; seamstresses&#8230;just to name a few&#8230; people that are so visually keen&#8230; have a sense of style.. proportion&#8230; just know what works!! .. We are the small folk&#8230; no big corporation behind us .. but we are still here .. working .. promoting &#8230; networking&#8230; trying to get it out there&#8230;&#8221;Support Handmade ..It&#8217;s Where The Hearts At &#8221; &#8230;<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTA4NzgwNHwxOTQ2NTk0ODY1/roses-are-red-violets-are-blue?ref=pr_treasury"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5761" title="Screenshot_2" src="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Screenshot_2.png" alt="" width="344" height="368" /></a></p>
<p>&#8221; Hard work spotlights the character of people.. some turn up their sleeves.. some turn up their noses.. some don&#8217;t turn up at all &#8221; ..<br />
Share the L ~ O ~ V ~ E .. hugz.. KaT
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fsupport-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;&#8221; Support Handmade&#8230; It&#8217;s Where The Hearts At &#8221; &#8230;&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/support-handmade-its-where-the-hearts-at/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>European Box Bracelet</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:52:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Atwell Rasmussen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chainmaille]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wire]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I thought and thought and thought and just could not devise an unique chain pattern of my own, so I sat down and made a European Box chain with 6 mm ID rings (hand cut from 18 gauge round copper wire).  The result is a 7 inch bracelet here displayed on a flocked hand. The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I thought and thought and thought and just could not devise an unique chain pattern of my own, so I sat down and made a European Box chain with 6 mm ID rings (hand cut from 18 gauge round copper wire).  The result is a 7 inch bracelet here displayed on a flocked hand. The process of  making chain is very relaxing for me; and it exercises my arthritic hands.  Cutting to the chase, here it is:</span></span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/?action=view&amp;current=AU.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none; margin: 10px;" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/AU.jpg" alt="AU 7 inch Bracelet, Europeann box chain made with 6 mm ID copper rings." width="427" height="640" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks for looking,</p>
<p>John
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Feuropean-box-bracelet%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;European Box Bracelet&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/european-box-bracelet/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Teapot Lamp is Born</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:49:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>myeuropeantouch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artisan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[custom mosiacs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mosaics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5746</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I found this discarded formerly silver plated teapot at a small shop and it was just begging to be transformed. Fortunately a client had seen my other teapot Lamps at my flickr site&#8230;. She fell in love with it and ordered one . I started out cleaning up this teapot, sanded, ruffed it up a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I found this discarded formerly silver plated teapot at a small shop and it was just begging to be transformed.<br />
<a title="teapot raw by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613756137/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6613756137_8f97b1e5b0.jpg" alt="teapot raw" width="451" height="500" /></a><br />
Fortunately a client had seen my other teapot Lamps at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/sets/72157608657314769/" target="_blank">my flickr site</a>&#8230;.</p>
<p>She fell in love with it and ordered one .<br />
<a title="teapot 003 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613756897/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6613756897_e01482688a.jpg" alt="teapot 003" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>I started out cleaning up this teapot, sanded, ruffed it up a bit to prepare it to take a white primer and paint. Before that I removed the finial on top of the lid, drilled a hole, marked the bottom where I would drill the hole for the threaded hollow rod to go thru all the way to the top. I secured the threaded hollow rod with washers and nuts.<br />
<a title="teapot 004 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613757145/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6613757145_b747f65193.jpg" alt="teapot 004" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
After primer and paint where dry, I then cut up vintage bone china plate rims with my tile nippers, added stained glass pieces which were also cut over and over again until the fit to the curved body just right and glue them to the body with thin set.<br />
<a title="teapot 002 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613756597/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6613756597_20c30989f9.jpg" alt="teapot 002" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>There, one side done, proceeded to the other side, and partially the bottom, and stained glass around the rim. One can see part of the teapot that is not mosaiced yet, just the white paint. The thin set needs to dry for quite some time before I can go on to the grouting of the entire teapot body.</p>
<p>After usually at least a week the mosaic on the teapot is ready for grouting. The grout just has to be the right consistence to get into all the nooks and cranny&#8217;s. I let it sit for about an hour until I wipe the grout overflow of the teapot body with a wet sponge. Then it will sit again for a while until I wipe the grout film of the stained glass and fine bone china pieces cut from plate rims to make everything shiny. I wait a few more days normally before I seal this mosaic on the teapot body with a tile sealer. My client needed this in a hurry for a gift so I sped up some of the process a bit to help her out, by using a hair dryer.<br />
<a title="lamp2 001 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613757707/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6613757707_70b54ff0ee.jpg" alt="lamp2 001" width="375" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Here we go all done so far&#8230;<br />
<a title="lamp2 003 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613759817/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6613759817_11d2a120e7.jpg" alt="lamp2 003" width="375" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>The lid was then covered in thin set and glue to build it up a bit, I then set in all the clay roses, vintage rhinestone brooches, cameos, pretties and baubles which would dry within the thin set/glue and be secured.<br />
In the meantime I made the lamp shade, finished it up with tear drop pearl trim and an old fashioned Rhinestone Earring. I threaded the electrical cord thru the hollow metal rod and connected the cord to the actual light kit and mounted it on the top of the hollow rod. Put a light bulb in, yep it works, all good&#8230;.Topped of the spout with a Crystal Chnadelier Tear Drop and a Rose.</p>
<p>Here is the finished project and my client was very happy, which in turn pleased me and made me happy.<br />
<a title="lamp22 005 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613763737/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6613763737_fbb2afb571.jpg" alt="lamp22 005" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>Handmade Teapot Lamp Decor, formerly silver plated. An exquisite presentation, loved previously &#8211; to remain now a treasure for the next 50 years in your home perhaps?<br />
<a title="lamp23 001 by Viktoria's Shabby Cottage, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktorias_cottage/6613766295/"><img style="margin: 10px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6613766295_18eea91113.jpg" alt="lamp23 001" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
I sanded, primed and painted this teapot in a cottage white color and then sealed it. This timeless classic, I then adorned the lid with handmade clay roses, vintage antique Jewelry and bling, meticulously laid on this teapot. The handmade clay roses and leaves I arranged so to give the impression they are climbing from the lid. A chandelier Prism hangs gracefully from the spout accompanied by a lil rose.<br />
A classic Cameo, who you might usually find on a sweaters and blouses, settles on the lid and some on the belly of this Teapot.<br />
I am quite pleased with the outcome of this reclaimed Teapot.<br />
An abundance of Shabby, Cottage Chic&#8230; A treasure for a Victorian, beach, cottage, shabby, Paris home or Apartment.<br />
I do accept custom orders, please contact me.</p>
<p><a title="My European Touch" href="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/Myeuropeantouch" target="_blank">Mosaic Art by Myeuropeantouch</a>
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fa-teapot-lamp-is-born%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;A Teapot Lamp is Born&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/a-teapot-lamp-is-born/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Caring For And Cleaning Your Copper Jewelry</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:19:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>NancyWildWire</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copper care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wirewrapped]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5698</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love copper jewelry don&#8217;t you? It took me a while to figure out how to slow down the tarnish and the proper way to clean my favorite metal safely. The best way to keep it nice is to always store your jewelry in a separate plastic zip bag.(silver too) I prefer natural methods over [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" style="margin: 10px;" title="Buffalo Nickle ring" src="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/useruploads/20122011162040/products/201201201726313820d/gallery/front1_cc50920012012052631.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="212" />I love copper jewelry don&#8217;t you? It took me a while to figure out how to slow down the tarnish<br />
and the proper way to clean my favorite metal safely.<br />
The best way to keep it nice is to always store your jewelry in a separate plastic zip bag.(silver too)</p>
<p>I prefer natural methods over harsh chemicals when it does start to tarnish.<br />
Believe it or not any tomato based product like ketchup or tomato sauce does a<br />
great job,it&#8217;s not fast but it works well. Dab some on the copper and let it set<br />
a couple of minutes,then rinse in cool water. It may need to be repeated on<br />
stubborn tarnish and you can also rub with an old T-shirt or soft brush to help<br />
remove it,then rinse again. Buff with a soft cloth and it should be bright and clean.</p>
<p>My favorite method is lemon juice or vinegar.Dip or squirt it on, let it sit a<br />
few seconds rub with a soft cloth or brush(baby toothbrush) if it is very<br />
stubborn add a little salt and rub lightly. Rinse well,pat dry and buff to a nice<br />
glowing patina.<a href="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/useruploads/20122011162040/products/2012011910304623820/gallery/front4_20dcc19012012103046.jpg"><img class="alignright" style="margin: 10px;" title="Buffalo Coin Necklace" src="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/useruploads/20122011162040/products/2012011910304623820/gallery/front4_20dcc19012012103046.jpg" alt="" width="294" height="294" /></a></p>
<p>Which ever method you chose,always be sure to completely dry the piece before you<br />
place it back in the bag and remove as much air as you can when you close the<br />
bag.If your jewelry has stones avoid getting the cleaning solution on<br />
those, especially pearls, shell, and opal, any dyed or treated stones too.<img class="alignright" style="margin: 10px;" title="Mystical Stone Ring" src="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/useruploads/20122011162040/products/20120120151855f7584/gallery/front1_dcc5020012012031855.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="294" />
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fcaring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;Caring For And Cleaning Your Copper Jewelry&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/caring-for-and-cleaning-your-copper-jewelry/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Peridot and Sterling Silver Pendant</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:55:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Atwell Rasmussen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Breakroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artistic jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewellery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sterling silver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wirewrapped]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5690</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was thinking and decided to try a twisted wire project.  I took three strands of 18 gauge round soft copper wire and twisted them together into one strand.  Showing this to my wife, she said, why don&#8217;t you use silver.  I would like something done with this in silver.  I took three strands of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was thinking and decided to try a twisted wire project.  I took three strands of 18 gauge round soft copper wire and twisted them together into one strand.  Showing this to my wife, she said, why don&#8217;t you use silver.  I would like something done with this in silver.  I took three strands of 21 gauge square half hard sterling silver wire and twisted them in a similar manner.  When I show this to Debora, she asked what I was going to do and I replied that I was thinking of a twisted drop with a stone set in the bottom loop.  She asked to select the stone, and she selected a 6 mm round peridot.  That set the size and shape of the stone and setting.</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/?action=view&amp;current=PeridotPendantDLRverticalfront.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/PeridotPendantDLRverticalfront.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="213" height="320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/?action=view&amp;current=PeridotPendantDLRrightside.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/PeridotPendantDLRrightside.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" height="213" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The twisted wire was formed into the basic shape, then the top was wrapped with 21 gauge half round Argentium sterling silver wire to form the bail.  A precast head was soldered into the loop with hard silver solder.  The entire piece was then pickled, hand polished and tumbled to a high gloss polish.  The prongs were notched with a square fine file, and the peridot was set into the silver setting. <a href="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/john@rasmussengems.com" target="_blank"> We have a finished pendant:</a></span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/?action=view&amp;current=PeridotPendantDLRLleftside.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/PeridotPendantDLRLleftside.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" height="213" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/?action=view&amp;current=PeridotPendantDLRback.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/Gemlover7476/PeridotPendantDLRback.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" height="213" border="0" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These last to views are from the back and the extreme left side.  Overall, the effect of the twisted wire accents the entire design.</span></span>
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fperidot-and-sterling-silver-pendant%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;Peridot and Sterling Silver Pendant&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/peridot-and-sterling-silver-pendant/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pricing Handmade</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:12:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Uniqlets Jewelry by Lisa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Breakroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pricing handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling handmade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5661</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A blog post about pricing handcrafted goods sparked more debate than I would ever have imagined.  So, I thought, why not jump into the fray?  It hadn’t seemed that complicated to me.  Whatever job I do, I expect compensation for my time and my talent.  I demand compensation that includes health benefits, paid vacation, paid [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" style="margin: 10px;" title="Bakelite Geometry Bracelet" src="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/useruploads/19052011083126/products/20111118014235cc509/gallery/front1_6f75818112011014235.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="315" />A blog post about pricing handcrafted goods sparked more debate than I would ever have imagined.  So, I thought, why not jump into the fray?  It hadn’t seemed that complicated to me.  Whatever job I do, I expect compensation for my time and my talent.  I demand compensation that includes health benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and a salary that allows me to pay my living expenses and generate savings.  Why not expect the same compensation when I design and create jewelry?<br />
To be fair, I know that I cannot expect the same hourly pay or benefits from my new jewelry craft business that I command from my career.  But how much will I lower my expectations?  My question to fellow crafters is  “would you take a job that offered less than minimum wage?  Would you resent competing for a job with someone who will accept less than a living wage because the job is not his or her sole income source?”<br />
My challenge to myself and others is to approach our businesses as careers.   That means, when pricing a piece of jewelry, I take into account the cost of my materials, my overhead &#8211; including health insurance, tools, expenses for my website and shop, advertising and promotion.  And, I include $30 an hour for my time.   I only count the hours I spend creating things.  At some point, I would like to pay myself for equal number of hours I spend on all the other aspects of my business.   Enjoying what I do does not negate the value of my time.  I must value my work and my design if I am to expect a customer to value them.  I don’t compare my prices to those in Walmart or Target or a similar store.  <a href="http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/Uniqlets,%20Jewelry%20by%20Lisa" target="_blank">My one of a kind products</a> are not comparable to mass produced merchandise and, presumably, my customer is not deciding between purchasing one of my pieces and buying something mass produced in China.<br />
It all comes down to determining who the target customer is and how to make that customer my customer.   I know that my customer appreciates the creativity, time and passion that goes into a handmade object.  My customer values uniqueness and wants one of a kind items.  When pricing my jewelry, I  look at prices in fashion magazines, craft galleries, boutiques and design or craft museum shops.  I know that I cannot command the prices charged for top designer costume jewelry featured in the pages of Vogue or Bazaar.  But those prices (which are often ten times my prices) remind me that there are people with disposable income who are spending freely when they attach value to items.   That is the crafter&#8217;s biggest challenge, promoting our creations in a way that will help people to attach value to our merchandise, to perceive our products as exclusive, desirable, luxury items.  We need to show customers what is unique and special about our work, to teach them the difference between handcrafted and homemade.  We have to help customers to attach as much value to what we make as they do to items in boutiques and upscale stores and catalogs.<br />
I don’t claim to know how to do that yet.  But, I think it starts with valuing our work, pricing it accordingly, and not under-cutting our fellow crafters.  We are craft professionals, not hobbyists.
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fpricing-handmade%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;Pricing Handmade&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/pricing-handmade/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Where do you Keep Your Jewelry?</title>
		<link>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/</link>
		<comments>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:27:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chakolota</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artisan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artistic jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creative Handmade Artisans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handcrafted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handmade jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry boxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Made in America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solid wood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unique gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood art]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://handmadeartistsforum.com/?p=5621</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jewelry is everywhere.  There is estate jewelry, handmade jewelry, costume jewelry, high-fashion jewelry and everyone’s favorite– fine jewelry.  Whatever your style, whatever your pleasure, you can always find jewelry. For those who adore jewelry, they can always find it somewhere.  Even some grocery stores (we’ll keep it general– no free ads here) have a small [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jewelry is everywhere.  There is estate jewelry, handmade jewelry, costume jewelry, high-fashion jewelry and everyone’s favorite– fine jewelry.  Whatever your style, whatever your pleasure, you can always find jewelry. For those who adore jewelry, they can always find it somewhere.  Even some grocery stores (we’ll keep it general– no free ads here) have a small jewelry counter.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_5624" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Img_0013.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5624  " src="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Img_0013-300x255.jpg" alt="RDC513's Roll Top Desk" width="240" height="204" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Can you Believe it&#39;s a Jewlelry box?</p></div></p>
<p>Where do you keep these pieces of adornment?  Do you have a jewelry box?  Do you spend a lot of time and money on jewelry only to have it all over the house?  Perhaps, the top of your dresser is loaded with these treasures and trinkets.  “No, I have a jewelry box,” you say in protest.  But let’s be honest, is it organized?  Is it just as nice as your jewelry?  Was it handed down from your great-grandmother or your grandmother?  Is it as great an heirloom as some of your pieces of jewelry?  Is the quality worthy of your treasures?  I pose all these questions because I know a secret– handmade jewelry boxes!  “So what?” you ask.  Here’s the “so what.” These aren’t just any jewelry boxes.  Read on&#8230;</p>
<p>Nestled in Cincinnati, Ohio is <a title="Ramon Design Concepts" href="http://www.rdc513.com/" target="_blank">RDC (Ramon Design Concepts) Woodworking</a>.   Ramon is the artist who creates these wooden jewelry fortresses.  The boxes are exquisite, unique, exotic and some are just downright cute!  There is nothing typical about RDC’s jewelry boxes.  The designs are mind-blowing and the only thing you can say is WOW!  How did he do that?</p>
<p><div id="attachment_5622" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 178px"><a href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/zebra.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5622 " src="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/zebra-300x224.jpg" alt="The Zebra Wood" width="168" height="125" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Zebra Jewelry Box</p></div></p>
<p>The first jewelry box that was sold was made of tiger wood.  The customer was so excited, she looked at her granddaughter and said, “You can help me take my jewelry out of the plastic bags and put them in my new jewelry box!”  I cringed at the words “plastic bags.”  However, I applauded the customer for the serious upgrade.</p>
<p>I doubt if the little girl knew that one day she may own that same jewelry box.   It will have monetary value and a sentimental value that will be priceless.  That little girl will have fond memories of helping her grandmother to place treasures of adornment in a little tiger striped box that brought so much joy.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_5639" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Queen.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5639  " src="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Queen-300x225.jpg" alt="All we need is Cleopatra" width="240" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This is called Queen of the Nile</p></div></p>
<p>That’s the aim of RDC’s creations.  We design and create works of art that are functional, beautiful, and intended to become heirlooms that will be proudly passed down with sweet stories and precious memories from generation to generation.  Most of all, these wooden beauties are one-of-a-kind.  So the little girl in this story will have a jewelry box as unique as her memories.</p>
<p>&nbsp;
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/"></div>
<div style="height:33px;" class="really_simple_share robots-nocontent snap_nopreview">
<div class="really_simple_share_facebook_like" style="width:100px;">
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fhandmadeartistsforum.com%2Fwhere-do-you-keep-your-jewelry%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=27"<br />
						scrolling=&#8221;no&#8221; frameborder=&#8221;0&#8243; style=&#8221;border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:27px;&#8221; allowTransparency=&#8221;true&#8221;></iframe>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_google1" style="width:90px;">
					<g:plusone size="medium" href="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/" ></g:plusone>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_linkedin" style="width:px;">
					<script type="IN/Share" data-counter="right" data-url="http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_stumbleupon" style="width:px;">
					<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=1&amp;r=http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/"></script>
				</div>
<div class="really_simple_share_twitter" style="width:110px;">
					<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal"<br />
						data-text=&#8221;Where do you Keep Your Jewelry?&#8221; data-url=&#8221;http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/&#8221;<br />
						data-via=&#8221;" ></a>
				</div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://handmadeartistsforum.com/where-do-you-keep-your-jewelry/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

