other new copper jewelry

Here are some examples of what else I've been working on lately. More wire-wrapped, copper and semi-precious stone jewelry. You may simply click on the image to be taken to the listing...







There are many more examples on my etsy site...just browse around and see what I've got. Also let me know what you think!

cheers!
xo diane

Oooh, look new flower rings...

Okay, so here's what I was working on yesterday. Some semi-precious stone flowers made from briolettes. Yellow jade, pink jade and amazonite. All great colors for Spring/Summer! The centers are made with mother-of-pearl 4mm round beads. Just the right touch for your new wardrobe.

These will be made available on my etsy website sometime very soon!



cheers!
xo diane

new copper wire wrapped rings

I've been busy today creating these lovely copper wire-wrapped rings. I've been working with copper lately since it is so beautiful against the skin, its wonderful to work with, and has healing properties to it as well. These are a few of my favorites so far...

The simple pearl which you are able to stack with other rings.



The pretty aqua glass flower (stacked with previously mentioned pearl ring).



And probably my favorite, the faceted citrine "disco ball" style ring. Super cute and goes with everything!



UPDATED WINTER 2009!!! These are now available on my website on the copper rings page.

cheers!
xo diane

etsy shop now open

I've decided after long last to try to post a few items over on Etsy. If you don't know what that is, perhaps you've been hiding under a rock for the past year or so... Okay, so perhaps I'm being a little hard on you. Etsy is a website where people have their own "online shop" and predominantly features handmade goods. You can also find supplies, vintage items etc. but its mostly about all things hand crafted.

Since I have my own website I was reluctant to join, but since everyone and their brother seem to be on it, well, this little lemming decided she'd go over there too.

I have added a gallery view on the sidebar of what I have listed online. You can check out my site: www.tastyjewelry.etsy.com and even subscribe via RSS feed so that you are notified when I post new goodies.

I've decided to place newer items that don't really seem to fit my "graphic and mod" sense that I have on my website and it's a great way to try out new designs. Its a whole lot of work to list the items, but if its going to drive more traffic to my current website and get my name out there more, then hey, I'm all for it.

Let me know what you think. I'd like to keep adding new things and even plan to use it to list "reduced priced" items. Ah, I'm sure you'll like that part. :)

taking some time off

i don't know what's happened lately. i seem to have fallen off the bloggers wagon and into some strange abyss. i've been getting organized and going through all my stuff getting rid of the old and not adding anything new. (thank goodness since i don't have any more room anyways!)

the old stuff is going to be listed over on my etsy site under the "jewelry" section. basically i'll be listing discontinued items from the website and will also feature a ton of one-of-a-kind items that never made it there. there are many times when my creativity strikes and i just have to make whatever it is that's "calling" me. i've found some really great treasures that need a good home. and while you're over there check out my beads and other jewelry making components...if you're crafty they might be right up your alley!

in the meantime, here is a pic of my current studio setup. i have to be completely organized or i won't be able to find anything. enjoy!




i will be returning to the daily blog as of august 3rd since i really miss the challenge of writing everyday. so look out!

cheers!
xo diane

new listings at ETSY!

i've been busy going through all of the CRAZY stuff i have in my studio and with the new update to the website i've decided to clean house. so i have a little shop over at ETSY where i plan on selling funky components & kits (so you can make your own jewelry) and limited edition jewelry which is no longer available on the website.

check out these items i've listed recently.

funky craft kits




printed acrylic rings




keep checking back for new items!

cheers!
xo diane

a lesson on ethics in the indie craft world

i just have to write about this since it makes me sick to see the rampant stealing of ideas in the indie craft world. there is a HUGE difference between being "inspired" by someone else's work and blatantly STEALING someone else's designs.

in this age of over exposure by way of the internet via blogs, craft sites, etsy, etc. is an original idea a thing of the past? not unless you are a true artist and not an opportunist. there is a GIGANTIC difference here. an artist is someone who comes up with unique, original ideas and is inspired by the world around them...an opportunist is someone who takes an artist's designs and passes them off as their own.

i have been subject to several people "being inspired" by my designs lately and its got to stop!!! i am able to create freely since it is a part of who i am as a person. i have decided to pursue my passion as a career in the jewelry making business since there is no way that i can turn off this creativity. so i guess i'm lucky because new ideas come as easily to me as my next breath, what i can't figure out is how other people think that means they can take MY designs and pass them off as their own.

i'm not talking about materials...i use many different types of materials to keep my jewelry unique. i have been creating jewelry for OVER 30 years...simple bead stringing is not my thing anymore. what i'm talking about is the marriage of the materials with the actual design of a piece. here's an example:

here's my ring that i designed over a year and a half ago:


and here's one i just saw where the "designer" says that she started making these before the holidays. see any resemblance? come on!!!



i would like to contact the designer to find out just exactly where she stole her idea, but i already know. now perhaps you are saying "sour grapes", but when this effects your livelihood how can it not be of some concern?

the indie craft world is full of wonderful and talented people with loads of new ideas. i am inspired by them constantly. to see art in a museum does the same thing. but does that mean when you see something and say "i could make that" you should? not when you decide to also put that item up for sale. you are in essence taking money out of the pocket of the designer. should the original designer be compensated? i don't know how that could work either...it just boils down to ethics.

they just seem to be a thing of the past. especially in this day and age of the internet where images float around freely. the hard part is not wanting to put your items out there to be "inspiriation" to others, but all i have to say is that i've already come up with new ideas that will blow you away.

new etsy shop!

i've decided to go etsy! well, sort of...i have been making jewelry for over 25 years now and have amassed quite a collection of cool beads, books and other supplies. well, since i don't live in a mansion, i need to make some space in my studio for new ideas.

so what does this mean for you? i've decided to sell some awesome vintage and fun goodies that i have on etsy.

check a few of them out here:




click on the photo to take you to my shop....keep checking back to see what other goodies i might add.

cheers!
xo diane