Facets by Kathryn

2010-08-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Announcing!!

Just got some great news. After 14 months of being laid off from my teaching job, I have been recalled!! I am really excited about returning to the classroom. Don't know what grade level or subject I will be teaching. I can teach elementary and middle school, language arts, social studies or reading. Keeping my fingers crossed for a great spot, but I'll roll with whatever position I get. School starts after Labor Day here but regular teachers go back today. Now I'll get to haul all my teacher stuff out of the bins in the basement to their next home. I've learned a lot about myself while being off and also about the plight of unemployment plaguing our nation during these time. My prayers and hopes go to others in the same situation! Stay tuned as I update my blog with my news and a few jewelry pieces thrown in.

2010-08-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Sneak Peak

Here's a sneak peak at a turquoise pendant that will be featured in my retooled Etsy shop in September. I got the stone from gemcutter on Etsy. He does the most beautiful cabochons.

Photos of the 50's and 60's

2010-08-20T10:02:00.003-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Photos of the 50's and 60's

View more presentations from egs.

*On a side note, you will notice all the people in this video are of one ethnic and economic group . Contrary to the beliefs of this time, people of color(I am African American) were not featured in most media advertising. We had the same experiences and things that these people pictured had. Just had to add this side note. Have fun viewing!

2010-08-19T15:49:00.015-05:00

No Cable, Internet and Phone/Living Like the 1950's & 60's

For the last two days we have been without cable, internet and phone service. Finally the cable company arrived today and restored the power. Seems someone knocked loose my connection on the outside of our building.

Being without these has been a bit**h for both Ken and I. We're both kids of the 1950's when you only had four tv stations, transistor radios abounded and celluar service was unheard of . Seems our society becomes more and more dependent of these amnetites as the days pass. Growing up in the 50's and 60's was sooo different from today. See if you recognize any of these from your youth. I apologize in advance as I searched for these I couldn't resist This list is long and feel free to add your own.
drive ins

bubble gum cigars

Mr. Ed

bell bottom pants

I Love Lucy

The Twist(dance)

Mad Magazine

Slinky

TV trays

American Bandstand

Lassie

Capt Kangaroo

smiley faces

hula hoops

Purple People Eater

penny candy

hippies

platform shoes

saddle shoes

Popeye

Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys

Woodstock

playing jacks

white sidewall tires

juke boxes

stuffing a phone booth

stuffing a VW

sit ins

Cold War

riding ing the car w/o seatbelts

laying in the back window of the car

Twiggy

Howdy Doody

Romper Room

sock hops

Sherri Lewis and Lambchop

fins and chrome on cars

57 Chevy

The Lone Ranger

go go boots

dressing up to go to church

drinking from the garden hose

Gumby

petticoats that scratch

Being gone all day playing somewhere on your street

Red Rover

Lava Lamps

White Castle Hamburgers

Aqua Net

Evening in Paris cologne

beers that required an opener

MD 40/40

putting a ballon on your bike tires to sound like a motorcycle

Whew! What a list. Please add your own memories to this list in the comment section and keep the list going!

2010-08-12T20:23:00.009-05:00

Fordite??

If you love looking at unusal jewelry, you may have found a material called Fordite and wondered what the heck this stuff is. Multcolored in various colors it is strikingly beautiful. Lately I have been both fascinated and been looking for and buying Fordite. Some of this material can be pricey because of its limited availability. Since I grew up in Detroit, memories of the automobile plants will always be a part of my memories. Several relatives spent a large part of their lives working for Ford Motor Company. I still live in a suburb of Detroit and have witnessed first hand the effects of the decline the loss of our auto factories have had on our state.

Fordite, aka Motor Agate, aka Detroit Agate is not a mineral or a stone. It is the material formed by over spray in the paint booths where they used to paint cars. An electrostatic method is now used in painting cars in which the paint is electosatically magnetized to the car body. This over spray accumulated in thin layers of various colors as they changed colors on the assembly line. The enamel was then baked over and over the create a very hard and light material.

Some very clever people discovered that this material called slag could be harvested from the paint booths then cut into smaller pieces and worked on a lapidary like a rock or gem.

The material comes from the British Daggenheim factory, in the Detroit plants, and the Ohio plants . I haven't been lucky enough to grab some from Detroit. All of mine come from England., but I'm still looking.

Light weight, colorful resembling wood grain patterns of multi colors this stuff is truly beautiful!Here are some pics of my personal stash of Fordite which will be jewelry pieces soon.

A fordite necklace I completed for the Ann Arbor Art Fair that will be for sale on my Etsy store this fall.

2010-08-10T21:34:00.008-05:00

Custom Order Completed

Just finished the custom order of the two rings I posted in my previous post. Here are the completed rings. I'm really happy how they turned out. One is for a 40th birthday present.

I am really pleased how they came out. Just wish my friend had another cabochon I could get for myself.

2010-08-04T09:49:00.012-05:00

Custom Jewelry Orders

I enjoy doing custom jewelry orders. When my internet and face to face sales are low, many times a custom order comes my way. I'm very fortunate to say that all of my custom work has be a positive experience for me and my buyers.

Here are some tips to prevent misunderstanding between the artist and the customer.

Beginning the Custom Order

When someone requests a piece have as much conversation as posible regarding what they expect. Don't be afraid to make suggestions as improvements to their idea.

Once the design has been decided, don't give a price quote immediately. Take time to research the materials cost and availibility. Figure approximately how much time you spend making the piece. Final prices higher than orignal quotes do not make happy customers. Wait, research and get back to them.

Be sure to include price of shipping any supplies to you that you don't already have on hand.

Rush jobs cost more. Make sure you relay any additonal costs to the buyer.

Once the price is developed get back quickly to the customer.

Write a Work Agreement

This can come in the form of an email or a single written plan. Do one and prevent problems and headaches later!

The agreement should include:

The date.

Your name and contact info.

The customers name and contact info.

A description of the work the customer expects. A sketch of the finished piece may be included.

Your price quote.

The date you expect to deliver the finished piece.

Your terms. As a protection for yourself, your terms should state that a non-refundable 50% of the total payment must be received before any supplies are ordered and any work begins and the balance is due when the piece is finished-at the time you deliver.

Your guarante policy

Deliver the Custom Jewerly

When the piece is complete contact the customer and arrange to delivery. Be sure to remind them the final payment is due upon delivery. Mail a photo of the finished piece to online shoppers.For online orders, have the customer pay in full before shipping. I can't stress this enough. I've seen many online sellers complain about sending an order before final payment and not receiving it. Email the customer once the piece has shipped and the expected arrival date if possible. A handwritten thank you note with the package is always appreciated. Finally take photos of the piece to show other potential customers what you can do!

Ok, back to me. I'm currently doing a custom order of two rings for an artist friend who is mainly a beader. Two large rings with vintage glass cabochons. Here are pics of the rings in progress.

After I complete them this weekend I will post pics of the completed rings.

Don't forget, I have a 30% off sale on most items in my Etsy shop. Check them out at
http://www.Facetsbykathryn.etsy.com

2010-08-03T13:58:00.007-05:00

Huge 30% off sale in my Etsy shop.

For the next 3-4 weeks I will be have a 30% off sale of my jewelry in my Etsy store.

http://www.facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

As my skill sets have been improving by taking classes, experimenting and networking with many other metalsmiths and jewelry people, I will be posting more detailed, larger and more complex pieces as I retool my shop. Yes, in order to do this I need to move some inventory and of course make some money. In the meantime while I work in my studio take advantage of some great jewelry at 30% off.

As a tease to what's coming I would like to show anew pieces that will be for sale.

Sonoran Sunrise beauty

30% of at http://Facetsbykathryn.etsy.com

2010-07-30T19:23:00.009-05:00

Ann Arbor Art Fair

OMG we made it through one of the most challenging art fairs I've every done. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is actually four fairs in one. It ocurs the third week of July for four days. It is the grand daddy and oldest art fair around. Starting in 1960 it has grown by leaps and bounds. I was a part of the Michigan Silversmith Guild booth. It was a two booth space with nine artist and various demo artists throughout the days.

Day one started out well but the temps hit the high eighties and low nineties, with high humidity. We drank H2O all day and rairly went to the little girls room! Everyone was hot and sweatly. Day two, Thursday brought a large storm ,rains and a tornado moving across our state. Day 3 was the killer. Luckily I was off, but in the afternoon another storm blew in during the late afternoon. The fair organizers called the show for the day about 4:00pm. There was 4-6 inches in our and other booths. My booth mates championed the cause, removed everything except the displays and got out of Dodge. Day 4 was the best. Light sprinkles during the day, the temps went down and the humidity subsided.

Overall, even though the weather was a challenge and the foot traffic was also down we perservered. My thanks to all the Michigan Silversmith Guild for job well done, you deserve it !

Here are some pics from fellow members and me.

New Piece

2010-04-02T09:48:00.003-05:00

I just completed this mutton jade and sterling piece. Very pleased how it turned out.

Just listed!!

2010-03-30T20:13:00.002-05:00

This vintage glass cabochon necklace was just listed in my Zibbet store at http://zibbet.com/FacetsbyKathryn.

Cleaning Copper and Brass

2010-03-25T22:25:00.014-05:00

When I do shows I am often asked, "How can I keep copper or brass shiny?" or "How can I clean copper or brass. There are many commercial products on the market to do this, but many kitchens already contain foodsafe, non toxic methods to clean these metals. Here are some of my favorites.

Equal parts salt and vinegar or salt and lemon juice

Mix together and put piece in.

Remove item from solution and wash in warm soapy water.

Dry thoroughly

You can use also soy sauce. I save the little packets you get with chinese food and put them in a small bowl.

Lastly, Mary a close friend I do shows with swears by ketchup.

All of the above methods are safe and can be put down the drain after use. Happy cleaning!

What is Zibbet?

2010-03-24T21:59:00.014-05:00

At the end of last year I joined Zibbet, the latest entry into selling venues online. Even though I have not had any sales I really am liking this site. It is beautiful and easy to navigate as a seller. As most new sites that are in the beta stage they have many kinks to work out. Communication with the owners brings a quick personal response. It is growing and I am a premium seller who is committed to helping to make it grow.

Just finished this white vintage glass and sterling necklace yesterday. Features a pressed glass cabochon from the 1940's from Japan. I will be listing it in my Etsy store today.

Studio Reorganization

2010-03-24T16:18:00.014-05:00

Ok, I've been working on getting my studio cleaned up and organized during the winter months. This included many trips to the dumpster and some serious cleaning. My studio shares my basement with the washer and dryer plus storage in in and every spot that is available. Finally got some shots of both the studio and how I organized my work area and supplies. Here is a before and after look at what my huge box of sterling, copper and brass wire and sheet looked like before and after the reorganization.

Before Shots

After Reorganization

Sterling Storage

Brass and Copper Storage

2009-10-05T16:29:00.005-05:00

I'm in Craftgawker!!

I currently have six(6) photos that have been accepted on craftgawker. If you don't know about this site, check out the beautiful photos submitted by crafters and artist. Only the best get selected. Check them out at http://www.craftgawker.com/

All six of these items are currently available in my etsy store at http://www.facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

2009-10-02T18:17:00.007-05:00

TGIF, Fall Colors - American Beauty

Just listed today in my Etsy store. Sky blue simulated cabochon on a half round sterling band.
http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

Here is my next shop item that coordinates with the Hot Fall Colors for 2010.

Red Jasper ring set in split sterling band, also available in my shop.

Have a happy weekend everysone!!

2009-09-30T21:40:00.010-05:00

Just Finished, So Proud!!

I just finished these two rings and I am so pleased at how they came out! I've always loved turquoise and my new favorite stone is ocean jasper in all it's various colors. I have some more ocean jasper cabs to be made in to other pieces also. These two rings were just posted to my Etsy store.

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

Turquoise

Ocean Jasper

"The hazy, cloudless skies of Indian Summer. Leaves scurrying down the street before the wind. The cold shiver from an arctic blast. Indian Summer. The last warmth of the sun. Chilly mornings and glorious warm afternoons. The Harvest Moon. The Hunter's Moon. The Rainy Season. Dry corn stalks clattering in the wind. The touch of frost on grass and window pane. The smell of burning leaves."- Keith C. Heidorn

The next of the Fall Colors series - American Beauty

2009-09-29T09:11:00.008-05:00

Who is Shopping Online?

As a artist/crafter/seller online have you wondered who are those persons sitting behind a computer or on a cellphone trolling your site. This question I've pondered over and over in an attemp to get them to come to my webstore and buy. E-Commerce usage is at an all time high versus walking through the strip mall and giant malls of today. I came across this informative article regarding the profile of the average Etsy buyer: http://ow.ly/nFNJ.

Fall Colors - Purple Heat

This purple cz ring is currently available in my Etsy store: http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

2009-09-28T20:22:00.007-05:00

Fall Colors 2010 (cont) - Burnt Sienna

As promised, here is my next entry for items in my Etsy store which are similar to my previously posted Top Ten Colors for Fall 2010.

This spiny oyster and sterling ring in available in my Etsy store at: http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/. Check out my other items.

2009-09-26T21:51:00.006-05:00

Saturday, Great Day

Very good weekend Saturday. The weather here in SE Michigan was on the cool side and we decided to get some soup from Zoup. We got seafood chowder and turkey chili plus two great salads. I ate the chowder and saved the chili for tomorow. So good with the french bread we got.

I completed two pendants and three rings. Check out my Etsy store next week when I list the new designs. Perhaps I'll get a chance to take pics of them tomorrow and post in my blog.

What I do have are pics of some of my newest cabochons. I'm really looking forward to what I can do with these.

At the top, Indonesian coral, sonoran sunrise. In the middle, chinese writing stone and ocean jasper. At the bottom, ocean jasper.

2009-09-25T17:29:00.009-05:00

Fall Colors, Honey Yellow

As promised I am adding one more of my items from my Etsy store which match one of the top 10 colors for the fall. I love yellow, no matter what time of year it brightens the spirit and the body!

***Don't forget 10% off one single item from my Etsy store if you leave a comment in my blog and add Top Ten Fall colors in the message to seller section. Offer ends Oct 11, 2009

2009-09-23T19:53:00.006-05:00

Fall Colors for 2009

I by no means consider myself a fashionista but I have always enjoyed color and it's affect on our world. I've found these ten (10) hot color choices for fall 2009. Enjoy incorporating touches of these in your wardrobe, home decor ,jewelry and your artistic creations.

So for you fashion conscious, its off to the mall or your favorite online site. If you're a crafter/artist like me, its off to the bead store, artist supply, fabric store, etc to find new additions to our private stashes. Happy shopping!!

2009-07-27T15:27:00.024-05:00

Great Weekend Under the Trees

This weekend we did the Art Under the Trees art fair in Garden City, MI. The day started by having to set up in the rain. Thank goodness, Pat, Mary's husband did the setting up of our E-Z Up tent. About 10:00 am the rain finally stopped. We met so many great people, both the organizers and the fair visitors. I saw so many great dogs too! If I had a house and not a condo I would definetly have a pooch of our own in addition to our cat.

The sales were surprisingly good for our Michigan economy. The Arts Council in Garden City is a grass roots organization of people working very hard to bring the arts to this bedroom community.

After doing the bookeeping for our show and saying yipee, I posted the following rings to my Etsy store. Here is the red jasper and sterling ring I posted.

2009-07-23T09:43:00.011-05:00

Harry Potter, Twilight and So On

Its currently raining here in Michigan which motivates me to get to work on some more pieces. I guess I am probably one of the last persons to read Twilight. Being a Harry Potter fan I haven't been that interested. I've watched some of my 6th grade students really get into the book which I guess is a good thing since I teach language arts!

This summer I've been reading Greg Iles' "Blood Money", a thick book, which I like and it's quite intense. I was looking for something easier/quicker and decided to finally start the first Twilight book. It hasn't grabbed me like everyone else said it would but I'm only on chapter three.

Here's a ring that I listed on Etsy this morning with a kind of Twilight flavor to it.

2009-07-22T12:24:00.007-05:00

Repair and Create, and On the Road Again

My flexishaft has been sick and is currently in repair. Hurray! Today I get to pick it up at my favorite jewelers supply, Armstrong Tools, in Livonia. Luckily the shaft needed replacing at a cost of about eight dollars. I'm off to pick it up.

Mary and I just completed the Ann Arbor Street Fair this past weekend. I demo's riveting, a type of cold connection. We had a blast, tons of people attending the four different fairs. We're off to do a two day show in Garden City, MI for their Arts Council. This is the first year for this event, so we're trying to get in on the ground level if it becomes a hit. I'll be in the basement completing pieces for Saturday this week.

At the end of next week we're off to do an art fair in conjunction with the River Raisin Jazz Festival, in Monroe, MI. This fair is a two day event and I must drive about one hour to get there. After two day I'm usually dog tired.

I am including pics of my first shipment to my first out of state gallery, the Artisan Studio in Clinton, Tennessee. I was fortunate to have been contacted by them to represent my jewelry. In addition to this one I am currently at On the Ave, a gallery and restaurant featuring the art of Michigan artists in Jackson, Michigan.

The second pic shows the jewelry to be sent, the first shows it ready to be shipped. I'm very excited to see how my jewelry is accepted.

http://www.gardencityart.org/
http://monroemainstreet.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=260&year=2009&month=08
http://www.artfair.org/
http://www.theartisanstudioclinton.com/

2009-07-21T10:02:00.006-05:00

New Items

These rings came out great! I will be posting them in my Etsy store over the next couple of days.

I've really come to love working with natural stones in my jewelry and I'm becoming quite a rockhound. Now I have to organize all these!

2009-01-10T17:41:00.003-06:00

Simple Post Earrings

I love the simplicity of post earrings. Here are some I just finished and will be on sale in my Etsy store.

Peach Moonstone & Sterling

Gray Freshwater Pearl & Sterling

Malachite & Sterling

Carnelian & Sterling

Black Onyx & Sterling

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/

2008-12-31T20:26:00.003-06:00

My Wish for All

Kathryn Ruffin

Facets by Kathryn.etsy.com

2008-12-29T14:59:00.013-06:00

My Workshop

Its always great to buy handmade, even in this economy. For many crafters/artisans they have a love/hate relationship with their workspace. I thought I would post some pics of my workshop in it's cleaned up state. Since these pics were taken I have gotten a new, real, metalsmith bench which I am so proud! I will post picture of it when I have cleaned it up

A side view of my worktop and beloved tools.

The soldering station where I play with fire. I use a Smith Little

torch with an oxygen/propane mixture

My polishing station where everything comes up bright and shiny. Also pictured is my drill press make holes in anything. Lastly is my minature rolling mill to flatten, texturize and roll out wire. This is a work in progress as I am still making friend with this tool.

There you have it, where I spend a great portion of my free time and money. Oh, and on the other side of the room is the other things I have to use occasionally, the washer and dryer!

I will post pics of my favorite hand tools in a future post, stay tuned as I showcase them.

2008-12-27T12:25:00.011-06:00

Exercise 101, Day 5

Well I've been to the fitness center five days. On Friday I learned all the machines to do the lower body workout. All of these are machine based and boy have I lost a lot of strength in this area! I walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes(including cooldown) at a speed of 2.7 miles per hour. Just my luck there were two young women in their late 20's visiting the gym. They proceeded to start on the elliptical machine for about 25 minutes, then one machine down from me they started running on the treadmill, and I do mean running at about 5-6 miles per hour!!

In my middle-aged mind I could see myself giving her a quick opps push off the machine, but what the heck, I was once young, in shape and thought myself invincible too!! Felt great and went home satisfied.

In the picture above are some copper pieces that have been in my studio since I took an etching class this summer. I could never figure out what to do with them until now. Decided they would make great pendants. So now is the before and after pics of some of the pendants that will be in my shop shortly.

This completed pendant will be on sale in my Etsy shop soon, so check it out.

After Christmas Sale in My Etsy Shop

2008-12-26T10:25:00.009-06:00

30% Off Holiday Sale!!!

It's the day after Christmas and I'm having a holiday sale in my Etsy shop. Selected sterling silver and copper jewelry is 30% off. Come in and check it out.

Sterling Wirework Necklace

Was $35.00, now $26.00

Peridot & Sterling Oxidized Pendant

Was $45.00, now $31.00

Sterling Chainmaile Pendant
Was 42.00, now 29.00

Black Onyx Sterling Pendant

Was 36.00, now 25.00

Exercise 101

During the holiday break Ken surprised me by paying for the start up cost of a new fitness center close to our home, and I do mean close!

A Planet Fitness center opened approximately 2.5 blocks from our complex. I can go to our entrance and see the building. My exercise habits have been on a steady decline for several years, probably about five. I've also developed a lower back and neck problem where I'm losing space in between the vertebrae in both locations. This summer I walked as much as my back would allow.

In an effort to heal my body in a nonevasive way I have been going to a chiropractor for about three weeks for adjustments and massages. My assistant principal praised his methods and I decided to give it a try. So far the pain in my lower back has lessened and I can sit for extended periods without getting up like an 85 year old (I'm 56). My first massage was heavenly and I'm scheduled for another one this coming Friday.

It is my high hopes that with regular exercise to increase my flexibility, increase my cardio and the chiropractic, my general health will improve. I will keep posting on my progress and any ups and downs.

MIA for So Very Long!

2008-12-21T10:44:00.006-06:00

It's been so very long since I updated my blog. Like many I have a difficult time dividing my time and getting things in order. If you're new to my blog, my name is Kathryn Ruffin. I'm an educator and crafter/artisan who lives in the south eastern Michigan city of Farmington Hills, just outside of Detroit. I live with my partner, Ken and my tabby cat, Megabyte, both of whom I care about deeply. I currently teach 6th grade English/Language Arts, social studies and reading in the Pontiac, MI school district. Being an educator has been paying the bills for 29 years.

As I sit here, I am looking out my window at the snow dump of two days ago. As a long time midwesterner I am used to a lot of snow, but folks here have gotten spoiled in the past 5 or 6 years of light snow gifts.

It is my intention to share so much with my readers over the coming weeks as I get this blogging thing together. Right now my little digits are in training to post regularly.

2008-05-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

Summer Bling!!

Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Large Swarovski Drop Pendant

2008-05-13T17:38:00.003-05:00

Citrus Delight!!

Orange Vintage Glass set in Sterling Silver

Orange Vintage Glass, Sterling, Hessonite and Green Garnets

2008-05-04T08:13:00.001-05:00

Spring Time and Turquoise

Turquoise and Sterling Necklace

Turquoise and Sterling Cross

Its's finally spring and time for the coats to be put away, work in the yard and get some that fresh air. Opened collared shirts, tee shirts and dresses to show off your faboulous jewelry. Here

are some that would look great!

Turquoise, Pearl, Coral and Black Onyx Sterling Ring

2008-04-28T15:55:00.003-05:00

My Love with Lucite!

Vintage lucite cabochons set in sterling silver bezels

2008-04-20T17:46:00.002-05:00

More Vintage Glass & Sterling Silver

Orange Vintage Glass & Sterling

White Vintage Glass & Hinge Sterling Bracelet

2008-03-30T10:13:00.000-05:00

My New/Old Finds!!!

I've finally had time to concentrate on my crafting because of my Easter break. Recently I've discovered two fabolous new/old materials to incorporate into my jewelry making: lucite from the 1960's and molded pressed glass from Japan during the 1930's and 1940's. I fell in love with the vibrant colors and the detailed patterns. I've purchased a bit of both and am experimenting on ways to showcase them.

Here is a sterling ring and pendant set with the lucite cabochons.

Next is a pendant with molded 1940's glass.

Cleaning Copper

2008-03-05T19:15:00.000-06:00

Cleaning Copper Jewelry

With the price of sterling silver at $19.74 many designers and buyer are discovering other metals for their jewelry. Pieces made of copper, brass and bronze are now being seen in marketplaces. The marrying of metals is evident in designs. As an aspiring metalsmith I personally like combination of sterling with copper/and/or brass. I offer these two nontoxic solutions for cleaning your copper jewelry to bring back that bright penny shine!

Method 1
Mix equal parts salt & lemon juice

Drop in jewelry for 1-2 minutes

Rinse and dry thoroughly ( I use a hair dryer)

Vinegar can be substituted for the lemon juice.

Spring Trends 2008

2008-02-26T17:35:00.000-06:00

Spring Trends for 2008!!

Hopefully you are thinking ahead to spring to update your wardrobes. Are you wondering what special pieces will be essential to your look? Read on for the jewelry trends for this spring. In coming blog entries I will write about upcoming color trends.

Spring Jewelry Trends for 2008
by Kristie Leong M.D., Feb 5, 2008

Warm weather will be here soon and so will the latest springtime fashions. Here are some of the hottest jewelry trends for spring 2008.

Spring will soon arrive and along with it comes a host of new fashion trends and ideas. One area where spring 2008 will really sparkle is jewelry. Jewelry trends will run the gamut from classic designs to the sculpted and bold. Here are some of the best spring jewelry trends for 2008:

Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstone jewelry will take on fashion importance for the spring of 2008. Popular gemstones run the full gamut with an emphasis on blue shades of stones such as aquamarine and blue sapphires. Although blue will rule, gemstones in all colors will reign supreme when incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Amethyst, peridot, and opal will be popular gemstones and will coordinate beautifully with springtime clothing fashions. Semiprecious stones such as lapis lazuli and moonstones will also be seen on a variety of jewelry designs.

The Hoop Earring
Hoops make an important fashion statement for the trendy ear this spring with hoop sizes running the full range from huge, oversized single hoops to the popular interlocking triple hoop earring. Look for hoops decorated with gemstones in popular shades of blue and green such as aquamarine and peridot for an ultra trendy spring look.

The Classic Pendant
Jewelry takes on a more traditional look for spring 2008 with the reappearance of the classic heart motif worn as a simple pendant. Although this look will be in strong demand around Valentine's Day, expect to see its popularity continue throughout the spring and summer. You'll also see a variety of pendants worn on simple cords and chains with motifs that reflect the person style of the person wearing them including a favorite stone or symbol that has a special meaning. The classic pendant is an ultra simple look that works well with spring's more detailed, flamboyant clothing.
Cocktail Rings
Cocktail rings worn singularly are in multiples are still a hot item for spring. Cocktail rings are a flashy and attractive way to show off well manicured hands. The range of ring styles to choose from is dazzling. Try cocktail rings set with semiprecious stones such as turquoise, lapis, or jade to coordinate perfectly with the colorful fashions of spring. Wear one bold cocktail ring or several smaller ones to make a fashion forward spring statement that's sure to be in vogue.

This year's spring jewelry trends will add a touch of sparkle to the ears, necks, and wrists of fashion conscious women everywhere. Why not treat yourself to these. (Quazen.com)

Heart Pendant

2008-02-22T07:53:00.000-06:00

From My Heart To Yours!!

Sterling Heart Pendant $38.00

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

Swarovski Belt Buckles

2008-02-21T23:18:00.001-06:00

TGIF!!

Swarovski and gold-toned belt buckles to get your glitz and glamour on $25.00.

Approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.

I have two leather belts which will fit these buckles. I will include them free to the first two people who purchase one. Email me for info at: http://FacetsbyKathryn@aol.com

2008-02-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

Rings for your fingers and bells. . . . . . . .

Turquoise, Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, Coral on a Handcrafted Sterling Silver Dangle Ring. $35.00

Red Jasper and Sterling Fabricated Ring.$32.00

Oval Rainbow Moonstone and Sterling Ring. $29.00

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

2008-02-13T17:26:00.000-06:00

Razzle, Dazzle with Rhinestones

Genuine Swarovski rhinestones handset by myself in brass setting and hung on a brass chain with matching earrings with goldfilled earwires.

Closeup of Center Portion.

Swarovski Earrings with Goldfilled Earwires.

Currently here in Michigan we have a lot of snow and temps in the single digits. Here are some rhinestone pieces to heat up the day.

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

2008-02-10T15:52:00.000-06:00

Copper Love!!

Copper and Sterling Earrings with Handcrafted Beadcaps

Copper Double Rhino Snorting Drano Unisex Bracelet $30.00

Working with copper rates high on my list along with sterling silver. Copper has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Whether bright and shiny like a new penny or oxidized or patinated, they both have a warmth about them. The benefits of wearing copper abound in our society. For me marrying copper with sterling show the best of the two metals.

It's now four, yes, four degrees in my part of Michigan and I'm trying to motivate myself to do some crafting instead of vegetating on the couch with my cat and a cup of hot chocolate!

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

2008-02-06T16:36:00.000-06:00

Go the Winter Blues......

London Blue Topaz Sterling Set with Bezel Set Stones, OOAK $60.00

Denim Blue Lapis Sterling Pendant on 18 inch Steling Snake Chain

Blue Chalcedony and Sterling Pendant on a Blue MOP Shell Necklace, Sale Price $25.00

Closeup of Pendant

Got the winter blue? Surely these will chase them away!

The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. (infoplease.com)

For more 0f my jewelry visit:

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

Project Runway

2008-02-04T17:03:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love Project Runway?

Sterling Envelope Pendant with Brushed Finish $33.00

Sterling Envelope Pendant with Brushed Finish and Faceted Amethyst Bead $34.00

If so, you can probably remember Uli wearing a necklaces very much like these. Very delicate, simple, classy and fabricated by me!

Check out my stores for more like these:
http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

2008-02-03T20:35:00.000-06:00

Happy 2008!!!
In honor of Valentine's Day, here are a few items from my store

Red Jasper and Sterling Band Ring $32.00

Red Jade Sterling Earrings $18.00

Sterling Silver Heart Pendant $38.00

In future blogs I will be introducing my family, friends and my jewelry partner, Mary Kernahan, wh I also work with under our company name of "Silver Sisterhood". Check back for more.

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn

New Gemstone Stack Rings

2007-04-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

Gemstone Stacking Rings

Gemstone Stack Rings. $24.00

Various Gemstones Available, Just Ask!

I finally finished photographing and posting my gemstone stack rings. These are the companion pieces to my sucessful bangle bracelets. Check out my stores and pics for more at:

http://facetsbykathryn.etsy.com/
http://blujay.com/FacetsbyKathryn
http://flickr.com/photos/FacetsbyKathryn