Final photo shoot!

Posted by | 2 Comments | Read More / Add Comment

Jenna & I just finished (what we hope is) the final photo shoot for my book. Yes!

Here we are finishing up the penultimate step of the final project. Notice the grey card that had to be in all the photos. We started referring to him as “Waldo” after the first couple shoots. We have a love/hate—well, mostly hate—relationship with Waldo.

If you think it’s cramped in our photo room, yes, you’re right. Not only that, but hot! It makes me sweat, just looking at how close Jenna is to the hotlights….

We probably spent about 80 hours like this—Jenna on her tippy-toes, and me squatting or on my knees…and we won’t miss it one bit. We are so looking forward to developing a better photo set up, with more space, for the second book. Even if we only get a couple feet more, it’s gonna seem luxurious!

Beaded Celtic Dawn bracelet

Posted by | One Comment | Read More / Add Comment

A good friend recently lamented the sad state of my online gallery.  Since the supplies part of the business took off, and especially since I started writing my book, I haven’t had time to cultivate the gallery like I used to.  This year I am devoting more attention to my line of finished jewelry (and cannot wait for my website redesign, which will make online ordering so much easier!) It is my personal goal to update the gallery at least once a month this year, and hopefully twice a month beginning in September.  Unfortunately, February flew by without an update.  But, um, today could technically be February 31, right?  :-)

Here is a bracelet I created last summer.  The weave is Celtic Dawn, with an edging of 4 mm crystals.  I’m considering developing a tutorial for it–but that’s a long time away.  After my manuscript is finished I think I need a breather from tutorials for a few months!

Chainmaille manuscript nearing completion!

Posted by | 3 Comments | Read More / Add Comment

Many of you know that I’ve been hard at work for the past year on an instructional chainmaille jewelry book.  My deadline to turn in the manuscript and the step-by-step photos is in a few short weeks.  Now that it is nearly complete, I am more excited then ever.  I think you’ll really enjoy the projects–there’s something in there for beginners and veterans alike!

I created approximately 100 pieces of jewelry for the book (and Vanessa pitched in for another cool dozen or so). Of course, not all of them will make the final cut, but I wanted to give the editors as many color variations as possible to choose from.  It is quite satisfying to look at a pile of brilliantly colored, intertwined maille. I’ve got to keep most of the book under wraps for now (as it won’t be published for about another year), but my publisher did say I could tease you with the photo of one such pile.

New 100% Made-in-the-USA Anodized Aluminum!

Posted by | No Comments | Read More / Add Comment

We are completely revamping our entire Anodized Aluminum process. When we’re finally all set up, the new rings will be 100% Made-in-the-USA. Please read more about this exciting news BEFORE you purchase anodized aluminum, so you know what to expect.

Help us provide you with better products by telling us what you think about Anodized Aluminum jump rings. Take a few minutes to fill out our 11-question online survey. Based on what you say, we might make a few tweaks before completing the transition. After all, we’re doing this for you, so we want to make sure you’re happy with the finished product!