Silversmithing, What do you do?

People always ask me, how did you get started?  That is a good question.  I started a long time ago with an interest in jewelry, all beading and loved it.  I had friends who liked my pieces and because it was a hobby I liked doing craft shows and selling my pieces. 

After beading for a while, I was interested in doing more and so I found a local bead shop where I learned some more difficult ways to bead and then also started taking courses in several different mediums, including learning how to create pendants out of dominos.  Not everything was for me, but everything definitely taught me a new perspective, and added to my tool box of things that could be  done.

Then I decided to take a metalsmith course at a local school (I was lucky there was one).  I found them through our Learning Exchange in Sacramento, and paid $150 for a full day of learning about silversmithing.  That price is almost unheard of now, but back then it was expensive, especially for a hobby.

I then met someone who had some experience, and she helped me tremendously, answering my questions and showing me a variety of techniques and the "right" way to do things. 

I then found Iris Sandkuhler, who happened to live about 2 hours from me, but offered courses online, http://www.sandkuhler.com/ but instead of taking a class online I went to her studio and spent a wonderful day with her.  She opened my eyes up to the primary medium I use now, fine silver, but she showed me riveting, and some other techniques, that aren't difficult, but that I didn't feel comfortable taking on.

And last, while I was pregnant, knowing it would be a long time before I got to take another course, I went to the Alan Revere Academy in San Francisco and took Metalsmithing. 

I am happy to say that now there are some good places online that you can learn the simple techniques for cheap:  www.jewelrylessons.com, www.beaducation.com are two good ones that I am familiar with.  Not to mention you can watch www.youtube.com and see just about anything on designing/creating jewelry. 

But there is nothing like being in the studio with someone getting that direct attention.  Check out your local shops, schools, programs and see what you find.  Just google it!

#jewelry #irissandkuhler #beaducation #jewelrylessons #alanrevereacademy #metalsmithing

Holiday

I love taking a vacation, a holiday, whatever it is to spend time with the ones that you love.  In particular I get to spend a ton of time with my son and he is at that age where every day is something new. 

Over the last 2 weeks that I have been on vacation I have been able to sit back and watch how much he changes, day to day, minute to minute, as opposed to when I am working and miss the day stuff, and then catch up when I get home at night.

Most recently, outside of his first accident I posted about last week, he speaks so eloquently.  He is so sweet and says "yes please" and "no thank you" to just about everything.  When he is asked a question, he answers the question with an answer and restates the question.  It is like listening to a well spoken adult when he speaks.  It is in some ways, hilarious.  He will say things like "that's not fair", or "I am not ready", or the funniest is when it's time to end something he likes doing, he says "2 more minutes mom". 

Anyways, what's the point?  Stop and enjoy the little things.  That make a big difference.

New Year, New Post, Resolutions!!

I have a new years resolution, doesn't everyone?  Isn't there something that you want to do different, better, new?  I always have this ongoing tally in my head of all the things that I want to do for the new year, and here they are:

1.  Eat better
2.  Exercise differently
3.  Let the past be in the past
4.  Focus on the future
5.  Do more specific jewelry designs, that I like
6.  Let go of those that you have outgrown
7.  Connect with those that you have things in common with
8.  Go to school/class
9.  Accept that I make mistakes, and it is ok
10. Accept that others make mistakes, and that it is ok

So there are just some.  Lots to do, right?  Yeah, I think it is in my nature to bite off more than I can chew, but I am going to try it anyway.  What would your list look like?  Doesn't mean you have to do it. 

Gold Fill vs. Gold Plated

I sell items that are 14kt gold fill, the chain I use, the metal I use to make pieces, etc.  When I do shows most people never ask what the difference is between gold fill and gold plated.  I usually ask them if they know, and they often say "no", but still don't ask me to explain the difference.

Why do I think it is important for someone to know the difference, well because it's like understanding the difference between non-fat milk and regular milk, you want to know what your getting.

So, gold plated is a base metal with one layer of gold over it, it rubs off quickly.  I recently bought a necklace in vegas that was gold plated, and let me tell you within weeks it was the color of the base metal.

Gold fill is a base metal with layers of gold-pressure bonded to it.  It lasts for a long time and is worth more than gold plated, although many people think they are the same.

Vermeil is a layer of gold over sterling silver, but it, like gold plated, wears off quickly, but at least you have sterling silver left at that point.

So now you know.  It's important to know.  You don't want to walk away with regular milk when you want non-fat!!

Christmas Eve

I think I have mentioned that I have a little boy.  He is the love of my life and also 2 and a half years old.  What does that mean?  Well he is on top of everything, climbing, running, and just plain so active.  I love it, never dull, and thus far I have been very fortunate that he hasn't got hurt, until today.

He busted his lip, not just in one place, but in several.  Blood everywhere and that is no exaggeration.  I mean all over him, me, his mouth was full of it, my sweatshirt, his shirt, ugh, and I think that made it worse.  So then it was about stopping the bleeding, does he need stitches?, and all the other crazy things that come with it.  Not to mention that he was wearing one of his favorite truck shirts, its a crane, he loves trucks!  So far, I don't think he needs to get stitches, but I am also not a doctor, ha ha, although I like to think I know what I am doing.

The poor little guy kept saying, "Mommy I am hurt, I have coco." My heart breaks.

So, there it is, the first, of what I am sure will be many, accidents.   If I am lucky maybe this will be the last one, I will keep him in a bubble.  :)  #protectivemom #lovemyboy #loveofmylife #bubbleboy

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Instagram and RGD

I am not much of a social media gal.  Actually, I find it hard to keep up with what I am doing, much less everyone else.  But I have found a friend in Instagram. 

I love Instagram, it's quick, fun, easy to use, and I can get my point across in just a few taps/clicks on the phone.  Facebook sometimes seems so cumbersome, and let's face it, people aren't on FB like they used to be.  But with Instagram, I get to put up my thoughts, post a pic that goes with them (or not) and walla you have a little story that goes with your jewelry.  Simple and easy.

Now if I could just link my Instagram to my FB to my Twitter to my...... LOL. #instagram #socialmedia #enjoytheride

So Blessed

I have had my business now for 10 years, which is a long time.  It is something that some months I think I am doing this and others I think "why?!", but I love designing/making/crafting jewelry, whatever you want to call it.  And there are many who love my work so then I think because it's fun.

But just recently I started to get some coverage for my little business.  I have a great PR firm who sought me out and they took me on.  I believe through them I have received more exposure then ever before, but recently Glamour UK magazine contacted me and then ELLE UK magazine.  Can you say "wonderful!".  So with that here is a sneak peek at the January issue, a few more to come, but I am excited.  Just a little mention, but a big deal for RGD!!

My Focus...

My focus has changed so much in the last few years.  For those of you who are moms, you get it.  Prior to my son, I spent all my time on me.  I once had someone ask me, "What do you do all day without children?", I thought it was a funny question, but now I get it.  And I only have one child, she has multiple and grandchildren, so I can only imagine.

I used to take long showers, go to the bathroom alone, read magazines, garden leisurely, take random trips, eat out whenever, go out whenever, but all that is different now.  Yes, my son is 2.  But for me, I have found, that he always comes first.

Before I go out to eat I make sure I have good healthy food for him, before I go anywhere I make sure his nap isn't coming, long showers are really unnecessary (nice, but not with the drought now) and most often he will call "mama" while I am in the shower, usually because he needs something. It's very cute and sweet. 

It's funny the things that I do now, or don't do, because of him.  I would rather spend the morning at the zoo now, or the afternoon at the children's museum.  I often take him to the play area at the park, the mall, or figure out what he might enjoy and we do that.  I love it!  Showing him the world is far better than my world before.

My little blessing, life is good!

Las Vegas was good

Las Vegas Accessories the show was good. I met some amazing people, made some new friends, and got some new accounts. As always I learned a lot. It's half the fun of doing the shows. What did I learn:

1.  I never know what a show will be like
2.  To laugh a little more at the shows
3.  To realize most of us are in it together
4.  That regardless of why I am in Vegas, I love that place

I had my son during the show so after the show each night we went to Circus Circus which is fun. To the mall. And just lookig around and running around the hotels. I even got out a little one night, some adult time.

So whats next?  I dont know. We will see.

Pictures say a 1000 words

One of the things I love about doing shows and selling my designs is the people I meet.  In some ways I gain more from them then anything else about a show.  I meet the store owners of course, and often develop good relationships with them.  They meet my son, I get to know about them, their lives, stores, etc.  It is nice to have constant new people in your life.

Then there are the other exhibitors at the show.  I learn so much from them.  I have learned the ins and outs of shows, what ones are good, what shows are out there, better ways to market, how to develop contracts, line sheets, the list goes on and on.  I have learned that I know so little, and still to this day I don't know much, about the business.  I have also met people who have helped my business literally.  They don't come around often, but trust me they are out there.  And when you do meet them, be gracious.

Recently another exhibitor, introduced me to her photographer, and that is why I have these lovely pictures now.  It's fabulous!  Her name is Sarah Kitsner and she takes amazing pics....and let me tell you, for me, her pictures say at LEAST 1000 words!