November Challenge – Winner’s Designs

Six names were drawn from the hat, and five people stepped up to claim their prize.  Each package contained 8 pink Swarovski faceted beads (8mm) and one Swarovski clasp to match.

Robin was delighted when she received her package.  She loves crystals and she loves pink.  She wanted the crystals to be the most predominant feature of her piece.  She actually came up with two different designs, taking the first one apart to create the second one.

Design #1

Close Up - Design #1

I like how she contrasted the blue and silver elements with the pink crystals allowing them to stand out, front & centre.

Design #2

Close Up - Design #2

You can see more of Robin's work on Facebook, Pinterest, or on her blog.

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Pink and sliver are two colors that Zoe normally doesn't work with. So it took her awhile to figure out what she wanted to do with her challenge kit.  She experimented with 3 different designs before coming up with "Pink Bubbles". This silver fish got into the champagne and is now blowing pink bubbles. 

Pink Bubbles - Close Up

Pink Bubbles - Full View

To see more of Zoe's work, check out her blog and her Etsy shop.

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Kashmira really wanted to use each and every piece in the package she received from me.  She also wanted to challenge herself to make a bracelet since she struggles with them.  She was determined to overcome that mental block.  It did not turn out to her complete satisfaction, but she is reasonably pleased with the end result. Next, she made some very simple earrings for herself and she used part of the toggle to make a tiny pendant for a necklace.  Now, when she wears pink, and needs something dainty to accessorize her outfit, she will have this set.  It will become a staple for her.

Kashmira's Designs

Take a look at Kashmira's blog and her shop to see more of her work.

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When Lisa opened her challenge kit with the pretty pink beads, her first thought was to create a winter themed bracelet with icy white crystals.  Then, she remembered that she had some beautiful collage beads with Japanese paper made by the talented Jeannie Dukic!  They were a perfect match for the pink beads!  The focal bead for the bracelet is a dyed agate. The bracelet and matching earrings have a "feminine, floral" vibe to them. She named the set "Winter Blooms".  

Winter Blooms Earrings

Winter Blooms Bracelet

Go to Lisa's website/shop or her blog to see more of her designs.

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Gail made some earrings with her challenge kit.  Aren't they adorable?  They look like they'd be fun to wear.

Gail's Flower Earrings

You can see more of Gail's work on her Etsy Shop.

Thanks are extended to everyone who entered the Giveaway Challenge.  I wish you could all have won!  The November winners did a fabulous job and came up with some very different designs.  This was so much fun that I will have another giveaway challenge in the new year!  Stay tuned to my blog for details.

New Techniques: Embellishing Chain

I was flipping through an old issue of a jewelry magazine this weekend and picked up a tip on a new technique to embellish chain.  By weaving lace, cord or ribbon in the chain you can get a whole new look and change it from mundane to magnificent.

Here's what I started with...a simple antique brass chain and a carnelian doughnut pendant.

By weaving some mustard coloured wax cotton cord in and out, I got a whole different effect...

I can't say that I'm totally happy with the end results, but it's a first attempt using this technique and I learned a few lessons.

I will weave the cord through first, then attach the pendant separately next time, for sure.  The weight of the pendant is pulling too much on the cord.

The cord is knotted close to the clasp and a bit of jewelry cement holds it secure.  Very easy and simple technique with hundreds of possible variations.  I'll be trying this again.

Memories & Thanks Blog Hop

I signed for a very special blog hop that will be happening on January 12, 2013.  The idea originated with Lori Anderson as way to express gratitude for a friend who passed away unexpectedly.

How often do we let an opportunity to say thank you to someone come and go without action?  How often do we regret not saying it when we could?

So, this blog hop is for those people in our lives who mean a lot to us.  We will each create a piece of jewelry that tells the story and reflects the personality, likes and dislikes of that special person.  Then, we will share our creations and stories on the day of the blog hop.

To read about Lori’s friend, Marianna, check out her post.  If you would like to participate in the blog hop, you will find out how to sign up there.

Don't put off until tomorrow what you could do today...say thank you to someone special in your life.

The Personal Touch

I've thought about it and decided to maintain my blog as part personal, part business related.  My art is a reflection of me, and I want people to see that.  Some may not agree with that approach but that is what feels right to me.

My opening statement required a little revamping.  One of my main goals has always been to introduce prayer & meditation beads to people of all faiths & traditions.  That information had been added on the front page.

You may notice that I've added links to my Twitter and Facebook, as well as, a link to my Etsy shop along the right hand side of this blog.  I want there to be multiple ways for someone to contact me or see my work.

I've rearranged all the gadgets too.  The blog archive is now near the bottom, while the links and Follow Me are at the top.  I noticed that is how many other bloggers do it and it makes good sense, now that I think about it.

Please let me know what you think of the changes. Comments are welcome & appreciated.

Why Am I Blogging?

I have not been utilizing my blog to the full extent that I could or should be. I know that. So, it's time to sit down and determine exactly what I want to accomplish with it.

When I set up my blog, I had a clear purpose in mind as you can see in my opening statement.

“Highlighting Jasper Moon’s upcoming events & new products, plus sharing timely crafts & recipes, special offers or coupons, workshop ideas & updates and a few other tidbits of interest that cross my desk or my mind.”

I originally wanted it to be a ‘personal’ blog, not strictly a ‘business’ blog.  It was my intention to post at least 3-4 times per week.  Where I’ve fallen short is in the implementation.

There’s always a reason to ‘put it off to another day’…not enough time, too tired, can’t think of anything to write about, downright laziness sometimes (I can admit that).  Well, that is about to change.

If I’m serious about promoting and growing my jewelry business I have to stop making excuses and get working on it.  The blog is just one of many tools I can use to do that but that is what I’m focusing on today.

What DO I want to accomplish here?  Should I change directions and make the blog strictly a business forum?  What is the best approach?  Over the next few days, I will be examining these questions and many more, trying to refine my purpose and direction.

I hope you join me on this journey and feel free to offer suggestions or comments during the process.

Retail Outlet: The Crystal Dawn

Established in 1997, The Crystal Dawn has been supplying crystals, stones and many forms of metaphysical, spiritual & wellness products to the Ottawa & surrounding area.  They are located at 217 Dalhousie Street in Ottawa and can be reached at (613) 241-2262 or via email.

Recently, the owner of this shop contacted me expressing an interest in carrying my Tree of Life pendants.  After an e-mail exchange discussing price and materials, Mary placed her first order!

If you live in the Ottawa area, you can now find my work at The Crystal Dawn.  Their website is under construction but there is a link to subscribe to their monthly newsletter there. You can also 'Like' them on Facebook.