Jewelry Party

So my etsy shop is NOT doing so hot.  Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! (anyone remember Gomer Pile?)  What is hot are Jewelry Parties.  I've held a few in the past 8 months, and have been more successful than my one year on the Internet.  I think, we, women like to see things up close and try things on.  We get to use more of our senses shopping in real life, and that's always a plus.  Oh, and if we are surrounded by friends or family, the chitter chatter opportunities are endless.  
I'm very excited to be hosting a jewelry party at a family member's abode this weekend.  I think many of these little munchkins will find a happy home.  I just hope these precious jaspers won't be separated, they've been together since birth.  Yeah, I think of these creations as little children I've birthed.  Oh, wait....then that would mean I'm a mom that puts a price on her babies.  Oh no,  not a good visual .  O.K.  That's it!  I'm cured!  These can go to different homes because they are jewelry pieces not a family.  Wow, thanks for letting me figure that one out:)  But, can I still call them munchkins?  That's such a fun word.  Try saying that 5 times.
    Now that I'm detached and in my right mind I'll continue.  If any other mom's are not seeing action on their Internet based shops, consider hosting a party to showcase your wares.  Remember this simple truth......Girl Time is Fun Time!   

MIA

I've been missing in action.  The mom thing has kept me especially busy lately.  Sabrina started swim at her high school.  She made varsity as a sophomore!  Yea, go girly!  This means two a day practices, which translates into more on my "To Do List" and hers.  She is doing the butterfly again, and she hates it.  She's one of the best ones with this stroke, but she doesn't enjoy it.  I've been coaching her on how she could ask for a different stroke.  She is not terribly assertive though, so I find out today if she mustard the courage to talk to her coach.

Alex began playing soccer on a men's league here in our city (Ranchooo Yooouuu Knoooow! Oops the cheerleader came out in me).  Oh, yeah, Alex is only 14 yrs. old.  My husband started a team that would allow him to carry two under aged players just to give Alex the opportunity to play with the big boys.  I think playing with the big boys is suppose to help Alex improve.  We'll see.  I went to there first game last night and I prayed Alex wouldn't get hurt the whole time.  These old guys take soccer way too seriously, but Alex enjoyed it.  He and dad had lots to talk about the rest of the night.  Good bonding time.  

Eli is the only one not in any sport at the moment, but his math facts are keeping us busy every night.  He takes a 1 minute math test every day and learning those math facts have been tough for him to master.  He just passed his 12 addition and subtraction yesterday, and we celebrated by taking him to the Lego store.  Eli didn't stop a beat and we began his multiplications.  Oh, I can't forget about his daily Spanish lessons with Mom (that he completely hates).  I write down sentences that are commonly used (non of that "cheese it rotten and stinky" crap), I read it, and do my impressions to help him understand what it says.  Then, he writes the sentence and practices saying the words correctly. He requested  a sentence to say "I don't like to study Spanish" (in Espanol of course).  Now, he's on a  kick and enjoys reciting "No me gusta estudiar Espanol".  

Oh, and I want to thank Beth for helping me get my mojo back and giving me some jewelry feedback.  All real good ideas.  Thank you for your support.  I have gotten some new inspiration so thank you, thank you.

Mental Block

I've recently come to complete blanks every time I want to sit down and make new jewelry.  I seem to be doing everything else (ie. chocolate candy, lampshade, cakes), but jewelry.  Now I am seeking your input.  What jewelry would you like to see me make?  Tell me about color, style, design and what not.  Help me get my mojo back:(

Great DIY Project

DIYers, this projects for you.  I got this great idea from Pretty ditty's blog.  She calls it a Peek-a-boo lamp shade.   Below is the before picture.  Not horrible, but very drab.  The shade has dried leaves in it, but not enough to make it stand out.  It is also paper, so not conducive to cleaning.   

I had to modify pretty much every measurement from the original peek-a-boo lampshade because of the shade shap (say that three times) I was working with.  After asking the mathematicians in my family for help, I finally came up with measurements and pattern for this blah shade.  I recommend you stick to the same shade style as pretty ditty used so you don't have to come up with your own measurements.  Any how, What do you think of the semi-final product?

Next, I am going to refinish the wooden lamp.  Haven't decided what color yet, but it'll come to me.  When, it's done, I'll move it to its new home.  Gladly, it will not stay on this overly cluttered computer desk where it cannot get the proper attention it deserves.  I will post the final product before it says good-bye.

Rock Star, Valentine Ideas

You have 3 days left to figure it out, 4 days if you're really gonna push it.  Just because times are rough doesn't mean you can't give your loved ones a Valentine.  I have a couple homemade ideas that will please your spouse or kids.  Please post your homemade ideas to increase the possibilities.  If there are any hubbies out there...pay attention:)

Hubbies this idea is for you.  Most women like chocolate.  Their new years resolution to stay away from sugar expires on February 14th and resumes once the chocolate has been consumed.  Make your wife chocolate dipped______!   Strawberries usually fills in the blank, but it they don't look good at your grocery store, think of other things she enjoys....pretzels, blueberries, raspberries, peanuts, walnuts, etc.   Now that you know how to fill in the blank this is what you will need.  

Chocolate wafers (Michael's or JoAnn's candy making section)

microwavable measuring cup or bowl

wax paper

*paper towels (if using produce)

plastic treat bag w/ tie (also in the candy section)

Whatever item(s) filled in the blank 

*If you are going to chocolate dip fresh produce (ie. strawberries, blueberries, etc.) you will need to wash them on Feb. 13th the latest.  After you wash them, lightly pat them dry and set them on top of a new (fresh) paper towels so they dry overnight.  

1.Cut off a long piece of wax paper and set it on the counter top near your chocolate dipping station.

2.Pour 1 cup of your chocolate wafers in your microwavable measuring cup/bowl and heat for 35 seconds.  They will look whole when you take the bowl out.  Now using a fork, mix well.  If the wafers do not melt and mix up smoothly, then and only then heat for an extra 10 seconds and mix well. FYI: Chocolate will burn, that's why it is important to to not over heat.

3. Dip your items in the chocolate.  You can dip the item 1/2 way or 3/4 way from the top if it is a larger item (ie. Strawberries, pretzels).  If you are using small berries or nuts, dunk them and use the same fork you mixed with to take them out.  Set chocolate covered items on the wax paper immediately after the dipping or dunking .  Place in frig.

4.  Clean up after yourself.  I'm sure licking off the chocolate from fork and bowl will be a real drag, but somebody's gotta do it.  A clean kitchen will be the next great Valentine gift.  By the time you finish cleaning, the treats should have hardened.

5.  Get the plastic candy bag w/ tie and place your handmade treats inside.  Twist tie and finished.  

Guys, you can't mess this up.  Even if the treats don't look gourmet gorgeous, the fact that you made the effort to make something and cleaned up after yourself will make you a Rock Star.   Be creative in presenting your homemade gift.

Idea Number Two:   Heart shaped chocolates

Hubbies keep listening, and mom's you can make these for you kiddies or hubby and join the Rock Star crowd.  You will need the following:

Chocolate wafers

Heart shaped candy molds (candy section)

plastic candy bags w/ ties

microwavable measuring cup (not bowl)

1. Pour 1 cup at a time in a microwavable measuring cup and follow the heating directions given in the above recipe.  

2. Carefully pour melted chocolate into each heart shaped mold.  

3. Place mold in the freezer for 3-5 minutes or until the chocolate sets.  You know it sets when it's not glossy, but takes on the matte finish that the wafers started out like.  If you are unsure, look at the unused chocolate wafers and compare.

4. Flip mold over onto a clean kitchen counter top and remove the chocolates.  

5. place them in your candy bag and twist the tie.  You are finished.

The mold I own can make up to 8 heart shaped candies (at once).  If you plan on making more, then immediately repeat the process until you have all the treats you need.  You do not have to wait for the mold to come to room temp. Do work quickly so your melted chocolate does not harden.  If it does, then just reheat and mix well.  I'm kinda lazy and hate to redo steps, but that's just me.

Guys, I haven't lost you...have I?  Well, if you are still there and you are wanting to buy your lady a jewelry piece.  I suggest you review my jewelry 101 and 102 blogs to help you select jewelry that works for her.

Enjoy being a Rock Star!  If you have other Rock Star ideas please post them.

 

Silver Care

How many of you own silver jewelry that is tarnished?  You might think that it's gone bad like a brown banana.  Yuk...eeee!  Well, your oxidized silver is not wrecked.  I want to impart strategies for slowing down the oxidizing process and how to clean and sparkle up your silver once it's oxidized.  

Before I do, I must say that some jewelry looks better after it is antiqued (shh, that means oxidized.  Oxidized= tarnished=antiqued.  It's all a matter of perspective).  

O.K. now for your silver care tips.  To slow down the "antiquing ;) " process place your silver in an air tight container (ie. a ziploc bag) with those pouches that come in your vitamins.  Another preventive tip is to not mix your metals.  Keep silver with silver and gold with gold.  I'm not the chemist (my sister is), but mixing metals causing silver to oxidize more rapidly.  

Lets move on to how to clean up and polish your silver.  If the entire jewelry piece is silver, then, and only then is it o.k. in Goya Designs' World to use the liquid jewelry cleaners.  The liquid will eventually destroy your crystals, semiprecious stones and soft gemstones.  So, unless diamonds (hard gemstone) are accompanying your silver, I do not recommend using the liquid cleaners.  

Please Do use a polishing cloth.  It allows you to target clean the silver components of your jewelry piece without harming the beads regardless of what they are.  A polishing cloth is actually composed of two clothes. A white and blue cloth are sown together to make one product.  (Polishing clothes may vary in color.)  One side is meant to remove the tarnish, and the other buffs and polishes.  On my polishing cloth, the white side removes the tarnish.  Below is an example of how you can clean with precision.  Oh, please excuse my hang nails.
The blue side is to polish and bring out the shine of the silver.  Once your silver is shiny again remember to place it in an airtight container with the vitamin pouch thingy.  Currently, I am gifting a polishing cloth for all orders containing 3+ items on Goya Designs. 
If you don't own a polishing cloth or liquid jewelry cleaner check this out.  Make a paste out of baking soda and a few drops of water.  Use an old toothbrush and paste to clean your silver.  After you scrubbed your jewelry clean, rinse with water and dry  immediately with a clean, dry towel.  Don't forget to place your silver in an airtight container with the vitamin pouch thingy.  I hate to sound redundant, but I don't recommend using this paste on jewelry pieces that also contain crystals, semi precious stones and/or soft gemstones as it is too abrasive.  But, if your jewelry is silver or silver with hard gemstones, then this is a great cleanser.  Following these silver care tips will result in a longer period of time 'til the next cleaning. 

Jewelry 103

Today it's all about bracelets.  To be honest, I never really liked them.  They either slipped off, banged into my work surface, or I'd have to shove them up my forearm so they wouldn't get in the way.  I only began enjoying bracelets, after I custom made them.  My helpful jewelry store owner, Irene, educated me on bracelets and now I'll pass the info. onto you.  Irene, informed me that standard bracelets are 7 1/2 inches in diameter.  This is too big for me.  

Unless your wrist is the standard size of 7 1/2 inches, you really do need a custom bracelet.

In order to know what to request on a custom order this is what you do.  First, measure your wrist with a sewing measuring tape (1st picture).  Fit it comfortably around your wrist...Not too tight. If you don't have one, then use a non stretchy ribbon to wrap around your wrist, then take a ruler to measure the ribbon.  Use a pencil to make your marks and so you don't ruin your ribbon.

Second, add no more than 1/2 inch to your wrist size and this will give you your ideal bracelet size.  So, using me as and example,  my wrist size is 6 3/8 inches and if I add the maximum of 1/2 inch, then that makes my bracelet size 6 7/8th.  Now, if you are custom ordering a leather wrist band then you don't need to add any length to your wrist diameter.  Again using me as an example, my wrist band would be 6 3/8 inches.

Once you have your bracelet, it will be a joy to wear.  Here are examples of bracelets I've woven. the pink one is the first one I ever made.  It came out too big, but I believe in practice makes better not perfect (perfection doesn't exist this side of heaven). The jewel tone bracelet was my second try and it fits very well.

Even though these are made with loads of expensive Swarovski crystals, they are durable and very 
comfy to wear.  Remember it is made to fit, so you don't need to worry about it clanking on anything, slipping off, or it being an obstacle in your daily routine. Truly, these bracelets can be
 worn with jeans and tees.  They are not just date night accessories.  In fact it will help your simple jeans and tee look polished.  Who wants to look frumpy?  Our husbands don't, I assure you, so start off with one item if you are not used to wearing jewelry.  My husband always says I look pretty when I wear jewelry.  

Bracelets are great for mom's with very young children.  I remember how they tugged on earrings or necklaces, but a bracelet is safe.  Even mom's of tiny ones can feel and look pretty and feminine.

This lavender bracelet is featured in my etsy boutique.  www.goyadesigns.etsy.com

I do take custom order requests, of course.  I couldn't write a blog about this and not practice what I preach.  Happy Day and as always Go Accessorize.