CarolynArtist at AutumnLeavesJewelry.Etsy.com

Tomboy Spinner Ring Giveaway WINNER Yay!!! :-)

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Thank you everyone for participating, I plan to do this once a month!
:-)

How To Vid

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Oldie but goodie from a year or more ago. These can be helpful for your Etsy orders! :-)

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Saturday!!!

Repost

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0000

i just had to, i was perusing her videos tonight, i love her lyrics, and her music and voice...this has always been a favorite

Rejuvenate

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000

with a day off from the studio.

Recharge with everyday relaxing rituals. I'll nap if I need to, I'll buy Joe Joes if I can (yes I went thru all those boxes, not all by myself, and I did give one away!) My friend Jodi and I enjoyed a trip to Trader Joes last week to stock up, after a long day at the studio.

Other possibilities include:
Read and read, pull out some old poetry books. Watch a movie. Talk to my cats. Email friends...recently I've discovered the wonders of Mod Podge...i'm not kidding, it's fun!

Thursday is my Saturday this week :-)

I hope everyone has a lovely day!

Round Box with Poppy Lid in Sterling Silver

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:58:00 +0000

When I was a little girl I used to take things apart, nice things, mostly my own things. It seemed unbearable not knowing how the Geisha moved (and why were there multiple Geisha's) in my large, black painted, jewelry box my father brought back from his time in Asia. The box was awesome, it had top side drawers that flipped open (lined with soft red velvet) and some drawers that slid out under. The dissection didn't take place in a frantic fury like the opening of a candy bar (i spare no patience on such things), but over time I did pry that huge box open, from underneath- to discover its parts, the mirrors, the little mechanisms and~ I touched the Geisha. It was both thrilling and disappointing to find mirrors behind the slow dancing mechanical Geisha. I felt brain zapping thrills to see how these parts worked.

A similar fate fell upon a jewelry box brought back from Turkey to me as a gift, when we were stationed in (then) West Germany. Before too long, I'd upended the pretty octagonal shaped brown box (with gorgeous lighter wood inlay) and discovered the cylindrical metal piece that held the parts and went round and round to the theme song from the movie Dr. Zhivago. (When the lid opened a tiny plastic ballet dancer popped up with arm extended overhead and she moved in circles to the tune of Lara's Song from the move Dr Zhivago.)
I admit I get my thrills in odd ways, and the most fun that Turkish jewelry box brought was having the ability to play with the device to make the music go faster, then slower...and once I'd figured it out, it was not much of a joy to have around.

So many more pieces were taken apart, later half regretted...though mostly my curiosity was sated...and fueled...

This is why I love to make kinetic pieces. (Partly) I love to see something that would normally be still (let's say a ring) have the ability to be beautiful and move and move. This is where my love of Spinner Rings comes from.

When I figured out how to construct my first metal hinge I was over the moon. It doesn't mean diddly that I can go buy a ready-made hinge, I want to make it. My brain wants to enjoy the satisfaction of creating a piece that has caused my hands to construct.
These long-ago actions lead to my story behind making this piece, she's small but she if functional.
I can picture someone giving it to their beloved with a tiny note inside, a question maybe? A statement. Maybe~ a promise.

Soon I'll delve into these further and make them larger to fit rings and things. For now this is what I have to offer.

Channel Set Ring in Green Turquoise

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:14:00 +0000

The sun is out the sun is out!!! I feel like shouting because it's been so dark!!!

Etsy Listing for Chunky Unky Channel Set Green Turquoise Ring

This was a very soothing ring to make for many reasons. (Oh the tactile experience) The burnishing of the bezel into the grooves of luscious turquoise cabochons felt so satisfying. The sanding and sanding of the silver and back to get the silver just so...was hard to let go of when it was over. (does this ever happen to you?) The way it feels on and the architecture of this simple piece is fun to ponder.

There is no oxidation on this ring, it will come in time, trust me! The band is doubled, very thick and smooth. This is best worn in the middle or next finger over as it's meant to cover about 3 fingers.

Size 9.25
my mark is on the inner ring shank, along with a .925 sterling silver stamp

i hope you like :-)

and I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!! :-)

Stacking Rings

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:48:00 +0000

make wonderful stocking stuffers, little gifts, big gifts, just because gifts! I'll be making some today.

Hello, just a few things from my creative corner of the world :-)

I'm hoping for some sun to get pics of my 2 new pieces to show you. I'm pretty excited about one in particular because it represents my branching out from jewelry into containers, with lids....oooo I can't wait to get pics of this piece.

My instructor keeps encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone...and he's right about this -
It's only metal, it can be remelted, it isn't the end of the world if it doesn't turn out perfect.

and...I like to think

Yes! After several changes the piece DID turn out fantastic and I am proud of it!

It's also very lovely to dig deep into your creative brain and make something from your soul, not that all of the smithed pieces on Etsy aren't AMAZING! (they are!)

~it just feels good to create something in my whimsical style, don't we all? <-Crave to create from our own souls?

News from my home: this guy is sick going on day 2...this was taken this time last year...he's not a happy camper today...sooo, I must tread lightly with my hammer taps again...(he's refused coffee for 2 days now, that's pretty serious! or dramatic) :P

Care Hears from Vacuum about Sale at AutumnLeavesJewelry on Etsy!

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

I'm hoping these items find happy homes so that I may list newer items :-)
(These are ready to ship items, please check the size before you order and Bless you!)

.Pre-Holiday Sale 40 Percent Off -Turquoise Moon Ring This pretty ring currently has 12 Hearts

Pre-Holiday Sale- 25 Percent Off - Chunky Wide Sterling Silver and Turquoise Cuff Bracelet
This Pretty Cuff has 17 Hearts, it is very chunky silver!

Pre-Holiday Sale - 30 Percent Off -Silver and 14k Gold Lariat For Her This elegant piece has 7 hearts.

Pre-Holiday Sale - 25 Percent Off- Be Safe Pendant This pendant has 8 hearts :)

Pre-Holiday Sale- 35 Percent Off -Big Yellow Taxi Pendant Ah the stone, the setting, the hand made chain, this pretty has 19 Hearts

Pre-Holiday Sale- 40 Percent Off-Autumn's Leaf Lariat in Sterling Silver 5 Hearts, well over 1,000 views, this is great deal :-)

Pre-Holiday Sale- 35 Percent Off-Fields of Gold Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver

To Relax

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:41:00 +0000

is to feel calm and not feel time-

I've been taking lots of photos for a friend, and they've (for the most part) turned out pretty nicely.

I'm digging in deep to my soft couch for comfort. We've had amazing weather for November. (that happens sometimes)

almost time for tea

this is me in the light of the laptop, which hubby says I look good in (he's a pretty sweet guy!)...oh and yeah those are my chins<---plural, it's about gravity, age and grace...which I'm teetering on the precipice of each...

Day Off...My Curious Adventures...

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:40:00 +0000

...inside my own thoughts...
oh okay I'll spare you those, someone told me (more than once) that I am tangential. I took it as a negative criticism, and now I'm happy to say it's just the way my brain works, it just is what it is.

Blast from the past photo
Outer Banks, NC inside an indie coffee shop bathroom, I lovet this sign! I'll go back for vaca next Spring just to sit and look at this sign!!!

As I type this I'm multitasking, I'm in the midst of knit 1, purl 1 (row 1, row 2)Knit, Knit, (rows 3 & 4), repeat. (moss stitch) really...I'm on the couch in front of our big flat screen...

A movie just started which I've seen about 5 times in the past...gosh Angelina Jolie has long limbs. The art and wardrobe in this movie is very moving. The movie is hard to watch for its subject matter, but its well made. (I admit I'd like a pair of roller skates and a 1 level house to do chores ~ the way the ladies in the 1930s did at work~ portrayed in this movie, wow)

The dryer is going I can hear the clothes and the pink dryer ball pounding away inside the barrel.

It's hard to believe just 4 hours ago I was perusing the aisles at Target for various products. I did remember to separate out AutumnLeavesJewelry from my regular purchases. (not that I go out and shop very often)

I'm contemplating dyeing my own hair again, I bought the right box this time, a warm tone, I know I can do this I know i Can! My greys are coming in thick and i would love a simple, reasonably priced lift.

There's a moment when my hot tea is just the perfect temperature, and I think I just had that sip! (I'm a fan of mint and licorice teas) in the afternoon and evening hours.

I've promised myself 2 days off, and I usually don't stick to them. This week I am. :) Convos have been answered, I do enjoy communicating about art.

Tomorrow night we go see Rob Thomas in concert with friends. We have very nice seats (by shear luck)

Wednesday I'll carpool with my friend Jodi to Old Town Alexandria to our ongoing smith class we take. I'm trusting my gut that by then I'll be recharged to put my soul and sweat into some new pieces for the shop, for you.

if you read this whole blog entry I would like to give you a hug! :-)

Fire Opal Ring in Sterling Silver...

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Etsy Listing for Fire Opal Ring in Sterling Silver

Front

Back

Side

I love this ring...and it's too big for me, which is a good thing. Some day I will make my birthstone ring in a size that fits!

For now, this pretty needs to find a home. She's a size 9. The band is forged by me, I went for a matte finish with some oxidation and sanding.
The Fire Opal stone is oval and chunky, to give it a contemporary look and make the stone pop I decided to have a rectangular shape encompass the silver bezel.
The back has my mark, .925 stamp and a little heart cut out to allow light to flow through this firey, gorgeous orange stone!

I hope you like :)

It's Sunday and I've got my Redskins jersey on...hubby is negotiating 9 holes of golf while we both ponder the chores that need doing.

Meanwhile, the coffee is yummy and the sun is out!

I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Fire

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:48:00 +0000

in
this
spot

here

tomorrow

I'm staring at it now and loving it. Happy I made it too big for my biggest finger.

Also

I plan to finish the finish on this piece and list it as well...if you follow my blog you may recall I made this months ago...I love containers...the lid fits so well now :)

I've Been Up To...

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:12:00 +0000

...Stupid Human Tricks...
this is me in Jodi's studio, showing her that i CAN make my feet flip backwards...can you do this? I identified my anatomy for you...it's really me, turning my feet at my hips.

This is Jodi in her kitchen adding one of the last ingredients to our yummy chili we slow cooked before going to her studio to smite...Chocolate! (we didn't smith chocolate, just metal, but we added chocolate!)...to the...chili...here...

a piece i worked on this week, I'll be adding some pieces with COLOR, stones, turquoise, green and blue turquoise, FIRE orange OPAL this weekend!

i feel like i've been in a black and white dream this week working on gorgeous, methodical pieces in silver and black and I am CRAVING color now...NOW...I want color!!!

do you ever experience this?

Secwet Agent Smiffer

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Better? probably not

I'm having a play date today with Jodi of themagpiestreasure
We're doing to smith at her studio and do something pretty awesome while we work.
Cook!
Slow cooker, her idea, double the batch of chili, I'll take half home for my family when I leave. Isn't that a cool idea?

Todays Mission...

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Post Office

Studio (class) in Old Town Alexandria

Coffee...more

New photo for my custom listings, no more using Wonder Woman I can be RING Sizer Woman...(see the ring sizer I'm holding?) Cheesy eh? Not my fave, I got hubby to take it. I got these awesome new gauntlets from AlytheRed on Etsy they have COFFEE cups on them!

Nope this isn't the pic for my custom listings....must work on...pic...

I Made a Tube...(you don't say???)

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:39:00 +0000

(i really really really did...)for a custom order, and soon it will look similar to this (Personalized Instant Family Heirloom Spinner Necklace)...only different because it's custom with other lettering and a different date...Hope to have pics up by the end of the week, if not sooner...)you might be wondering why I made the tube (14 gauge btw) in lieu of buying prefab...and for me, the answer is simple, I love to heat, anneal, move, seam, solder a nice piece by hand...

Have you noticed how dark its getting? Does anyone like to Fall Back? I like that there's a change, but not the feeling of less light throughout the day.

when it gets dark it's fun to doodle with pics

The Etsy Gift Guides have had a LIFT! I've seen some pretty cool items up! (Items from friends too!!!)
This Sterling Silver Peach of a Dish with Swing Out LeafMade it to the One Of A Kind Etsy Gift Guide, I'm so thrilled, I want it to find a home. It's a ring dish, or trinkit dish if you will, all in sterling silver, all made by me, with a cute leaf that swings about any way you would like it to!

Birdie Birdie Birdie Ring

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I'm currently listing it in my shop now...

Here she is
Etsy Listing for Birdie Birdie Birdie Ring in Sterling Silver

There are 3 little birdies chasing each other around this ring. They flit around in hopes of finding little twigs, little worms and hoping for a bird feeder.

The ring is made from 15 gauge sterling silver, (think VERY thick and chunky)and super wide. It is very slightly flared (think spinner ring without the spinners!)
.925 is stamped on the inside and it has been sanded and buffed so that is super smooth.

This is a size 7.25-7.5

In other news it continues to rain rain and rain...I'm working on a custom order this weekend (Family Heirloom Spinner Necklace) which will take quite a bit of time and patience on my part. I'm so grateful to be making another!

We have leftover candy from Halloween and I do not want any this morning, (translation- I ate more than my share last night!!!)

I hope everyone has a great day!!! :-)

Mary Karr - more reasons to love her work (watch this)

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:09:00 +0000

This reader is looking forward to purchasing and savoring her latest work
Lit

Hubby Arrived Home Safe...

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +0000

...So I made our family Pumpkin Pancakes! (DH was out of town for a week) :P Hubby and daughter chose real butter and real maple syrup, I liked them dry, (funky I know) but I only wanted the taste of pumpkin. Now, if there were a pumpkin flavored maple syrup I might opt for that!

i hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday. I've been doing paperwork today...and finding new and interesting ways to procrastinate this task! Funny that living in this computer age we still need paper back ups!

I've got new rings to list, maybe tomorrow or Monday...thick silver bands, with luscious landscapes...

Wedding Ring in14k Gold Photo and 2 New Birdie Rings

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:11:00 +0000

i hope you like! The Wedding ring is 14k Rose Gold with 2 Sterling Silver spinners. I spent a long time shining her up! She's on her way to the bride :-) This brought incredible joy!!!

The other two rings (oh, one is upside down!) are my new Sterling Birdie Rings. They are a series of birdies in flight and landing, they are chasing each other around the ring in search of some good grub, places to nest and they have a touch of OCD. They are made from super thick silver, 15 gauge, they are slightly flared for comfort and they made me grin from ear to ear when I made them. Better pics to follow, along with listings in my Etsy shop.

Caption This (please) and Win a Spinner Ring

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:24:00 +0000

Win a Free Tomboy Spinner (in your size, or your loved ones size!)

I'm giving this 2 weeks in hopes to collect some darn funny and witty and thought provoking titles. Now...I know (if you have a potty brain like I sometimes do) there could be an obvious caption, I ask you to dig deeper...

I hope this helps with your caption:

(this photo was taken Oct 28, 2009, by my friend Jodi, near the end of the day at our jewelry smith class held in Alexandria, VA)

Busy Busy Day in Old Town Alexandria (a day in photos)

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:42:00 +0000

Can you tell I didn't drive Mini for almost 2 days? Mini totally blends with the autumn leaves!:-)

Jodi headed over from her town to my home, then we transfer over her tools and goodies to Mini, and head to Old Town Alexandria for smithing class.

It's amazing how much we fit in the back of Mini, the seats do come down...

Driver side view from inside sweet lil Mini Cooper

Jodi is so patient. Doesn't she look like the Pretty Leaf Fairy?

At the studio...there were about 15 of us!
Miss Diane is always smiling! Notice the ring she is working on?

An often seen pose, this is Jodi at her work bench going under the table for either a tool, metal, or a snack

Pieces I made (well...started) today...along with a view of my MESSY bench, which imo is the sign of a busy person:P

This is Sweet Caroline, she reminds me of Debra Winger...she works hard in class...and tells the best stories (if you look in the mirror you'll see Care (me), and Nick (instructor) talking to Jodi

Shades of Opal Gift Guide On Etsy (October Birthstone)

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:50:00 +0000

...just a reminder...as October nears its end, there are plenty of wonderful Opal pieces of jewelry to be found in Etsy Gift Guides, I'm grateful mine has made it in...here she is...

Etsy Listing for Fire Orange Opal October Birthstone Ring in Silver and Gold

If you love Opal, or know someone who has an October birthday, Etsy currently has a gift guide featuring many wonderful pieces of jewelry made with Opal
Shades of Opal Gift Guide on Etsy

Fantastic Book and the Wedding Ring, 14k Rose Gold Spinner

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Here's a tidbit on Wiki about the book...

I'm home sick today, I saw the doc this morning and am on some meds. No big deal, but it did curb my plans for the day. Had to cancel a fun smithing date at my friend Jodi's house. We'll have our ongoing class on Wednesday at least. (hubby is out of town this week...but we communicate constantly via text, celly, FB, you name it) :-)

The 14k Gold Spinner is done and ready to ship (actually it's been waiting to be shipped as the new owner wants it at a certain date.) It will be overnighted to her.
I was hoping to have a photo of the ring TODAY, it's just like the other 14k Rose Gold spinners I've made, yet each one has a unique touch. Each one is built from my hands with my soul and my sweat.

and it's for a Wedding :-)

I hope to have a pic up tomorrow to show you, I'm taking it easy today, planning on taking tomorrow off too.

Oh...and...

I
Love
Etsy

and thank you Emily and Mary! :-)

I love that art is not JUST about money and sales (if it is then one might burn out fast), it's about creating the piece, losing oneself within the piece and passing it on to someone who will love it right back. What a fantastic connection between artist and buyer. It must be the same with writers and readers.

That said...I am one happy camper!!!

Retro Red Round Ring

Carolynartist@comcast.net (CarolynArtist) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:12:00 +0000

I was busy today...

New Etsy Listing for Retro Red Round Ring

I love this ring. This is what came out of me today. (i mentioned before i have been craving color) Here she is. I wanted simple lines and flow to go with the pretty, shiny deep red enameled dome cabochon a fellow artisan made.

She is a size 8.25 A half round (very matte) sterling silver ring shank is connected to a bezel made of copper and fine silver. I wanted to have a contrast in metals on the underside of this pretty ring.

I love that the cabochon is round and domed, the dome is not perfectly centered, that would just be so predictable, this ring has character.

I chose not to oxidize because the red enamel is such an eye magnet, also there's a bit of black in the red.

Isn't it lovely to take such a delicate piece of enamel and encase it in strong metal?

Hope you like her too...