Tutorial - using a SpeedBrite Cleaner

I know this doesn't take a whole lot of tutoring...it's more of an introduction to a little gadget I have found indispensible in my shop. This little work horse is so efficient at removing tarnish...it truly is amazing.

In the kind of work I do it is virtually impossible to clean in between all the wire and stones. A normal ultrasonic just doesn't cut it, and besides it isn't safe for most stones.

So first and foremost, let me introduce you to.....ta da...the Speed Brite Mini!

I don't really "get" all the science behind HOW it works...hey, I'm an artist, give me a break! It has something to do with the Ions that attach to the buildup, or tarnish, on your work and basically lift it off your jewels. The Ions then go after your clean jewelry to brighten and polish.

I love that it's fast, odorless, silent, and safe! There are no ammonia or acids, which is a blessing if you are a jeweler like me...goodness knows I'm exposed to more harmful chemicals than I would like to be! You can use it on gold and silver, as well as all stones normally not eligible for cleaning...like pearls, opals, or turquoise!

So here is how it works:
1. Prepare your cleaner by adding the included cleaning solution mixed with water. Specific directions on the solution.

2. Get a bowl of fresh, clean water for rinsing.

3. Retrieve a towel for drying your pieces when you are finished.

4. Now go get your yuckies piece of jewelry...you know the one, it's laying on your dresser so black that you don't remember if it's silver or gold! :) Since I'm a jeweler I could find no piece THAT far gone. But for the sake of demonstration I did find this ring I cast a long time ago, and it's been sitting on my bench for a good long time. I'ts set next to a bright & shiny ring for comparison.

5. Now you need to attach the "magic clip" either directly to the piece, or you can hang it on the included bar. I like to go for direct clippage!



6. Once your jewelry is suspended in the solution, press the button on the front of the unit. Gold can stay in for 30 seconds, but you MUST take silver out every 10 seconds and rinse in water. Look at how many bubbles are in the photo. That's the Ions hard at work. I dipped the ring in for 2 cycles...total 20 seconds...rinsing in water and wiping on a towel in between cycles.
7. That is all that is to it, and look at this ring! Bright, shiny...like new. Hmmm, maybe I'll have to finish it now!

If you are interested in this mighty wonder...please contact me through email at thebeadgirl@comcast.net, or leave a comment on this post....and I will send you a PayPal request for money. It sells for $80.00 plus shipping. Yes, it's not a cheap item, but most places I've checked into are selling them for $100 - $140! That's ridiculous! I'd rather pass my savings on to you because I think it's such a wonderful thing. Besides, people with yucky jewelry are bad reflections on "us" jewelers!

It does need to ship UPS ground due to the chemical solution included with the item. It includes a 1 year manufacturer's warranty as well as a 9 volt battery to make her go! Best of all? She's made in the USA!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It has been a such a busy and fulfilling year at StudioJewel. I would like to thank each and every one of you - customers, suppliers, family and friends for all the support. I am truly OVERWHELMED.

I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year ahead, filled with blessings you cannot even begin to imagine!

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9.6

Christmas Shopping ETSY-style!

So you all know I'm a huge fan of Etsy. Not because I have a shop there...that is only ONE small reason! I just love to SHOP there for everyone on my list!

There are so many great gift ideas that are inspiring, creative and just downright unbelievable! I have highlighted a few shops that I have purchased from this year, but feel free to make a cup of tea...cozy up on the couch...and get some of the best Christmas gifts you have ever purchased before. I promise...you will be glad you did!

My favorite shop for candles. They smell SO good and last a long time.

AJS COUNTRY COTTAGE

I bought a laptop case here...and I love it! So cute AND afforable!

BERTIES CLOSET

Very cool graphic prints...make an awesome gift!

SHARP GRAPHIC ART

and last...but not least...

I bought the most awesome personalized gifts from "Santa" for 2 of my girls last year at this shop...such amazingly cute designs!

TINY GREEN APPLES

Now this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Etsy shopping, but hopefully it will get you on your way. And remember many shops, like my own, are running Holiday specials through Monday...so take advantage of this perfect time to shop away.

I'd love to hear about any other shops YOU discover, so please come back and let me know!

Black Friday thru Cyber Monday sale at StudioJewel!

It's that time again...

...when people get in that shopping frenzy, desperately trying to find "that" gift for the special people in their life. Of course it often ends with the purchase of something that YOU don't love, just because you run out of time.

This year, why not do something different. Why not buy something original, meaningful, special. Why not order from StudioJewel. :)

One of my favorite parts of my job (besides playing with fire and pounding on metal) is hearing the response from someone who has purchased or received a piece of my jewelry....especially the custom pieces. When a person has spent the time choosing a personalized gift, with a hand stamped phrase or word, the response is OVERWHELMING.

For the remainder of this weekend I am offering FREE SHIPPING and 15% your entire purchase in my shop on Etsy. The discount has already been figured out so you just need to shop away!

Thanks for looking...and I wish you a very blessed Christmas season!

love, thebeadgirl

Embracing Fall

How often do we get so caught up in dreading the future, that we forget to embrace the present? Yes I know that statement could have a lot of meaning behind it....but I want you to go beyond what I said...I want you to think!

Fall is, and always has been, one of my most favorite seasons. The colors, the warmth and briskness combined, the crunching of the leaves. I have wonderful memories of jumping in large piles of leaves as a child, and even losing one of my Thom McCann shoes! (who remembers those?) I love the smells. It is such a tactile season.

Lately I have found myself dreading fall, because I feel the ominous looming of winter. Now winter in and of itself is not a bad thing, but when you live in Michigan winter becomes grey, grey and more grey. Yuck. See? It makes me depressed to even write about it!

But this year I am CHOOSING to love fall. I've decorated for it....the candles are filling the house with the scent of pumpkin and cinnamon....we enjoyed halloween to its fullest...and Thanksgiving will be wonderful!

So welcome to my home...and welcome fall.

ArtPrize - the world's largest art prize

On August 28 I wrote a blog post that expressed my deep concern and fear for the upcoming "contest" I had entered called ArtPrize. I knew it was going to be big, I knew it was going to be something I would kick myself if I wasn't a part of it...but truly I had no idea.

This last week has been a whirlwind of receptions, parties and viewing incredible art. Beginning tomorrow I will post some of the sites I have taken in. There has been so much.

But first I want to introduce you to my entry. I labored over this piece for so long, I wrestled with the story behind it, I wrestled with the execution...then I even wrestled with how to display it. When it finally sat in place, the evening of its "unveiling" so to speak, I was EXHAUSTED. Mentally and physically.

But again, I am proud to be a part of this amazing event. ArtPrize is exactly what Grand Rapids, Michigan needed. And here I give you...

The Journey

This design was created as a personal journal entry. A visual depiction of the mental and physical journey I have taken over the last year, as well as a journey further into my medium - pushing boundaries, taking risks.

The central stone of blue lapis is a representation of myself. Strong, poised, confident for the eye to behold...but surrounded by chaos. Sometimes that chaos would try to make sense. Sometimes the paths would have meaning and direction, but most often it was my life spiraling out of control.

Then there were dreams, nightmares - hammering at my foundation begging me to crumble. But the foundation....the very core of what held me up was the God who saved me. I did not always see it, nor did I always want to acknowledge it - but when it was most chaotic, most out of control...that is where the base of the piece is the widest...that is where He carried me. And all along my journey He followed me, twisting and turning as I sought to help myself...unsuccessfully.

The faceted stones and the gold balls represent different milestones along my journey - people...places...things. The 5 silver bars that cling to the base and help bring stability are my children and my husband....constants who waited and prayed. These components each played a part and helped me to move ahead and fall back in step with a Savior who loves me.

Although my journey will not be totally complete until I take my final breath, I now look hopefully to the future that lies ahead. We each will face trials, there is no question in that...but we can become stronger, more confident and more beautiful by facing and marching through the challenges life presents, knowing we never have to face them alone.

________________________________

So let me know your thoughts - honest thoughts. And hey, if you feel so inclined, sign up to vote and give me your thumbs up! One catch, you have to be able to confirm your registration IN Grand Rapids...so if you're an "out-of-towner" this might just be the perfect time visit our city. Right now it really IS the place to be!

Today is my Birthday...

...and not just any birthday. Today I begin another {gulp} decade. Yes, it is true...I have reached a milestone. Today I am 40.

When I say it out loud, it seems surreal. How can it possibly be that I am 40 years old? Sure I have 4 kids. Sure my oldest is almost 14. But 40? That is old! Or at least I USED to think so. Right now I'm thinking it is very, very young! Right now I'm thinking 50 is a whole 10 years away and I'm in the prime of my life. Right now I'm thinking the future is very, very bright.

In all actuality I'm looking forward to my 40's. I will NOT be pregnant ever again, and as much as I can, I have reclaimed my body. After training most of this year for a mini triathlon, I'm in the best shape of my life. My hair has finally recovered from 4 pregnancies and is regaining it's life and curl once again ...albeit there is a bit of grey in there...but no one will never know! My jewelry business is thriving, and I more creative ideas than I know what to do with.

And I have a family that loves me, and even likes me most of the time. After spending the last year in "traditional" school, my kids have asked to come home for school again. They like me, they really, really like me! So I will treasure this year. Treasure having them all to myself. (and in the middle of the year if you hear me say otherwise, please remind me of this post!)

So instead of bemoaning and dreading the fact that I have reached the big 4 - 0. I'm going to be grateful....and I'm going to CELEBRATE. I'm going to chase my dogs, play frisbee with my kids, throw a baseball so hard it stings my son's hand! I'm going to jam out to tunes from the 80's... because I know all the words. I will climb trees, and swing high and I will laugh out loud...often.

So wish me a Happy Birthday, 'cause I'm in the mood for a party!