Event is Over - Stethoscope Giveaway - York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope Giveaway by York Avenue Studio

Welcome to my Giveaway Contest!  The random drawing will be held Nov 17, 2013 and one winner will receive the stethoscope in the photo as well as the airway openers.  Brand new!  Bright cheery colors!  Enter now thru Nov 16th, details below.

I am hosting this Giveaway in order to introduce my charms for stethoscopes, hoping to reach those who use stethoscopes and would be interested in a charm that is personalized and custom made. 



Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope wide band ring that can be personalized with names and dates. I designed this solid metal cuff to fit around the tubing of your stethoscope and stay in place. The charm shown in the photos has a name and the date, the date is in roman numerals for a classy look. This particular charm has a paw print and DVM for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a caduceus medical symbol.

Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio for Nurse or Vet

This is the perfect gift for anyone who uses a stethoscope! The name charm will identify their property as well as add a personal touch to their equipment. It stays put and isn't distracting or get caught up on clothing or in hair.  I make them in your choice of Golden Bronze or Sterling Silver. 

Gift for Nurse Vet - Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio


Some ideas: Name or initials centered front with tiny paw prints all around. Maybe a dog or cat or both. Maybe the University letters of the school where the degree is from. Butterflies, flowers, stars, hearts, etc.

Veterinary Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Please feel free to share this listing with anyone else that you know that might be interested.  There might be others that would like to find out about these charms and also enter the Giveaway. 

Designer made original art jewelry.

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To enter the Giveaway:
Unlimited entries per person, 18 years and older with a US shipping address.  I will mail the package to a US address only.  Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you win.  If you prefer to send your contact info and entry to me and remain confidential, send me a note to enter at support@yorkavenuestudio.com

One entry for every Facebook page like - Like my page and then comment below to be counted as entry.  Here's my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/York-Avenue-Studio-Handcrafted-Gemstone-Jewelry/138653009529987

One entry for Share on Facebook - spread the word for the Giveaway and leave a comment below to be counted as an entry.  The comment below can simply state "shared", but I would love to see the link, too, and visit your page!

One entry for every comment below with you ideas for what you might put on a charm - I really look forward to reading the ideas!

One entry for visiting my Etsy shop, YorkAvenueStudio,  looking around, and then commenting below about anything that caught your eye - I have a section in my shop called Personalized that I hope you enjoy browsing.

On Nov 17th, I'll count up the comments below, draw a random number, and contact the winner!

Good Luck!  Thank you for allowing me to introduce my Stethoscope Charms!
Kathy

Eureka! - Finding A Jewelry Style That Fits Like a Lost Puzzle Piece

Haunted House Pendant by York Avenue Studio - Reversible

After agonizing over the design details for my Haunted House necklace, I finally chose to keep the house size limited to a small version with tiny details, and layer the pendants so the copper would show along with the enamel.  The front has a black silhouette against a copper moon.  The back has a spooky copper house with an enameled winter scene in the background.

Haunted House Pendant by York Avenue Studio

My initial design included much more house with a pointed turret, tiny cross on top, moon behind the house, all framed with a silver circle.  The cost of materials and the labor pushed the end price too high for what I was hoping to offer the pendant.

Spooky House Black Silhouette - by York Avenue Studio

This is where the story takes a twist!  I was preparing a new design for a stethoscope charm to give to my daughter.  She is in Veterinary Medical School.  I wanted to know the thickness of the tubing so I could make the charm fit the stethoscope.  Searching around on Google, I stumbled upon a vintage stethoscope and took a closer look. 

Of course, I get distracted easily and the vintage shop also had jewelry, so I had to browse and then BAM - I found this!

Halloween Pin by Jonette Jewelry - JJ

Like finding a lost puzzle piece that fits, I was thrilled to see this pin!  The similarity is so amazing with the pointed turret, the circle window near the top, the porch step, I was so drawn to this pin and bought it!  The description mentioned that it was a JJ design.  I've never heard of that company, so of course, I Googled it.  The images that showed were, one after the other, remarkably wonderful and so similar to my taste!  Here are some examples of how, for years, I've been designing similar styles to this company.

The shooting star on the far right is almost exactly like the shooting star ring I made years back.  It was one of my first rings made using silver metal clay.

 

I started making the ring band flat, then formed the ring and set the gemstones.

This daydreamer frog by Jonette Jewelry has the same posture and whimsy as my little daydreamer monkey!

Daydreamer Monkey by York Avenue Studio

Back to the stethoscope charm, my drawing was for a snake spiraling up a wooden rod, the medical symbol for veterinarians.  Of course, another pin from JJ with the same!

Jonette Jewelry made over $5 million a year, outsourcing some work.  What a great company and hats off to them for such success back before the internet. 

Here is another Jonette Jewelry pins that I actually owned when I was young, incredible!  Just to think years later, it would come back in front of me just by a coincidence!

I have a sketch book full of ideas that are yet to be made, and while browsing the JJ site, it was so fun to see that "my style" is actually a STYLE that existed long, long before I started making jewelry and never came across until last night!!

Jewelry is one of those "love at first sight" things, something that sparks an emotion and feels like you've found a long lost piece that you've been separated from, finally to be reunited and bring home!

Kathy

Metal Clay Challenge - Beautiful Designs and Bad Rap Music

Here is my entry for the Design Challenge held by the Metal Clay Heads Team.  The theme is Text and Textures. 


"Personalized name pendant with fresh style! This design shows off a name or word with a reversed image that becomes something unique as a special shaped charm. I make this design with golden bronze that shines like gold and sparkles in the light. The lettering is hand written into a sheet of foam that leaves grooves as the pen is pressed down.  The clay is pressed into the foam.  The grooved lines are now raised which gives the charm texture and more depth."

Follow the link to the Challenge and view the entries.  Everyone can vote for their favorite.  Voting ends Sept. 7th, 2013

http://metalclayheads.blogspot.com/2013/08/text-and-textures-with-metal-clay-metal.html

Just for fun, and with a sense of humor, I played around with an app on my phone called Autorap!  Here is my own little rap song to promote the Design Challenge and get more votes for the team! Click my logo to hear it!

 

If you want to have some fun that is guaranteed to make yourself laugh and completely embarrass your kids, here is the link to Autorap!!!  As far as I know, this is only for use on a smart phone, not a computer, but I might be wrong. 

https://www.smule.com/autorap

I hope after you stop laughing, you take the time to vote!  Thanks for having fun with me!
Kathy

Updated with Round 2! - Ammonite Wins Round 1

Ancient Ammonite Matched Pair

Ammonite fossils from millions of years ago vs. Me - The wrestling match begins!

I absolutely love the organic beauty of these stones!  The colors, the pattern, the symmetry, love it all!  I have the idea to use these stones as the focal for some hair sticks.  The Ammonite at the top as the adornment and the stick part will be the wavy squid-like legs, made in glistening Goldie Bronze. 

The first challenge is how to secure the Ammonites in a setting. They are flat on top, the backs are rounded and curvy and uneven.  I am picturing a solid back that is curved to fit the stone, maybe some squid arms to curve over and hold the stone as prongs.  I spot a "perfect template" in the fridge!

The bottom of the coffee creamer is just the right size in the center, deep and has legs, hello!!!

 



 

After some hand carving on the dried bronze, I add the legs for the hair stick.  So far, so good....



Oh dear, there are several design issues now that I need to re-address:  size, thickness, shrinkage, weight, support during kiln firing, etc. etc.  The piece needs major repair, maybe a complete revamp in design, but I am convinced that I can win! 

The Ammonite won this round, escaping confinement and still has freedom, but I will be back for Round 2......Ding Ding!

 

UPDATE!!!

OK, I call this match at best a TIE!  The Ammonite is secure, but MAN, this is one heavy hairstick!  I ended up using jeweler's epoxy to glue the bugger in.  I repaired the cracks, adding more and more bronze that this piece would actually qualify as a dangerous weapon if thrown!  For now, I'll keep it by the front door in case someone tries to break in!!

 

 

Voting Poll is Open until Sep 25th



Silver Wings by York Avenue Studio

 Voting is now open for the September Metal Clay Heads Challenge.  My entry is above, Garnet Gemstone Silver Wing Earrings.  The theme for the Challenge is "Winged Flight" and all the entries are amazing and so different, each handmade by the members of the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy.

Metal clay offers each artist an unlimited potential to express any design in precious metal silver, copper, bronze, etc.  Adding gemstones is a technique that requires skill and planning and brings even more possibilites to the design table.

I hope you visit the Metal Clay Heads Blog and see all the entries and be sure to vote for your favorite!

Click here to go to the Challenge Polls!
http://metalclayheads.blogspot.com

Opal Neptune Ring - Trident and Waves

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

Completely hand sculpted in Fine Silver using Silver Art Clay, this Genuine White Opal ring features a gorgeous oval Opal with accent gems of Yellow Sapphire and Deep Red Garnet.  The nautical design flows with waves that continue around the entire ring band.  The three prong mighty Trident curves up from the side and directs the eye to the beautiful Opal.

This post is a follow up post that I showed some of the steps while making this ring design.  Click here for Part 1: Metal Clay Ring Fired Flat

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

The White Opal is 7x5mm oval set into a bezel to protect and secure the precious gemstone.

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

The Yellow Sapphire and Garnet gems were set using Syringe silver metal clay and Silver Overlay Paste, then fired in place.

Along the way, I made molds of the formed piece which will allow me to reproduce this ring and use variations with different gemstones.

I'd love to hear what you think of this new design.
Kathy

Art Clay Copper Cats with Blue Green Patina

Blue Copper Cat Earrings by York Avenue Studio

When I order material to restock my supplies, I always browse for something new to add to my cart.  More times than I can count, I’ve added Art Clay Copper only to delete it from my cart before checkout.  I really like the price compared to silver, but I am not a copper jewelry type person, I love silver.  I would always justify deleting it by telling myself that I would get some copper metal clay as soon as I had project ideas ready to make.





Well, I finally took the plunge and ordered some Art Clay Copper.  I chose that brand because it can be torch fired.  My plan:  make tiny pieces to torch.

When I opened the package, the bright orange color was startling.  I imagined smeary orange mess all over my workspace and tools, clean up being a nightmare, but I jumped in and decided to go with it.  I wore gloves to protect my skin because I am sensitive to copper, it makes me itchy like mad.  I kneaded the clay without worries that I had to be conservative and only use a tiny bit, as I do with the silver. 

Before I started, my design was planned out.  I used scratch foam board and drew a cat stretched out like he was flying.  I pressed the clay into the foam, cut around the edges and carved some detail.  The copper clay is very smooth and doesn’t dry as fast as silver, it was fun not having to rush.

I have heard horror stories about the copper clay firing.  Melted pieces, pieces that snap, pieces that crack or warp, black fire scale that won’t come off, etc.  These stories of woe come from very experienced metal clay artists and I was feeling bold that I would be successful with just a torch.  I fired the clay with my torch for about 5 minutes, keeping the color bright orange and consistant, not moving the flame around much, mostly centered on the spot where the whole piece was glowing nice.  I have balled copper wire and I am familiar with the color of copper as it balls, so I knew to keep the heat just lower than that color.  As soon as I turned off the torch, the pieces became black.  I quenched them directly in water and the black flaked off.  Then I placed the pieces in my pickle pot.

I tumbled the pieces for not quite an hour and they came out super shiny and cute!  My steel shot, however, was a disaster!  The water was a foamy orange and my shot looks like dull bronze, yuck.  I will keep this shot for copper now and have new shot for my silver.

As much as I love the shiny copper kittys, I wanted to add a blue patina.  I filled a glass jar with paper towel that had been dampened with ammonia.  I snuggled the cats in the paper and tightly shut the jar lid and left it overnight.  In the morning, the kittys had a gorgeous blue patina!  I burnished them with an Agate stone burnisher and the blue became shiny along with the copper highlights.  I had already soldered the sterling jump rings to the cats and made sterling ear wires.  I gave the earrings a solid coating of Ren Wax to seal the patina and reduce the copper sensitivity.

Blue Copper Cat Earrings by York Avenue Studio

The copper sintered perfectly, no warping or cracking, and I’ve dropped them several times, no breaking!  My next copper clay attempt will include some more refined, smoother pieces.  This first attempt was more focused on the sintering and the patina.  It was really enjoyable, can’t wait to make more. 

As always, my supplies wish list grows:  enamels, cutters, molds, textures, coordinating beads, etc.

One last photo, I picked these shell pieces up at the beach this week.  The colors are so amazing!  These are shells that have tiny sea creature holes and look like coral.  More jewelry ideas!

Silver Overlay Paste - This stuff is Magic

Silver Overlay Paste has so many uses and I haven’t explored them all yet.  I have had the chance to use it for embedding sterling in metal clay as well as use it for “soldering” pieces together.  Here are my notes.

Embedding Sterling in Metal Clay

I have been successful at embedding sterling silver in Art Clay Silver using the slow dry low fire clay formula.  Using a torch, carefully watching the color of the orange glow in the sterling, it is possible to incorporate sterling into metal clay designs.   Now, I’ve discovered Silver Overlay Paste which gives even better results with such a strong bond allowing me to make the most complex designs yet.

Overlay paste is not regular paste and it is not oil paste.
Regular paste can be mixed at home by adding water to fresh clay (or dried clay that has been crushed) to dilute the clay to a paste, thick or thin.
Oil paste can also be mixed at home by adding essential oil (like lavender) to regular paste.

Here are only some uses for these pastes:

Regular Paste - use it on fresh or dried clay, not yet fired.  Paint leaves, fill molds, many uses.
Oil Paste - use it to join fired clay to fresh or fired clay.  Must be fired at full temp for full time.
Overlay Paste - specifically formulated to fire at lower temp, 1200 degrees.  Great on ceramic, porcelain, and the first point of contact between any objects embedded in clay.  Very friendly to torch users.

I use two different methods for embedding sterling depending on if I am using the overlay paste or not.

Without Overlay Paste:
The sterling will need to be “gripped” by the clay so I make sure the part that is going into the clay has a bend, a loop, or I hack it up a little with a file or cutters.  This gives the clay something to grab onto as it fires and shrinks around the sterling.  I also torch the sterling to get it to a deep gray black color, then pickle the piece back to silvery color.  I use a little regular paste on the part that is going into the clay and push it into the clay and let it dry.

With Overlay Paste:
I torch the sterling, pickle.  Paint or dab the overlay paste on the sterling that will be attached and press it in place. Both methods might require a little filing or sanding before firing.  Both methods can be torched, and watching the color in the sterling has been key.  Sterling has a melting point somewhere around 1650 degrees.  If you have ever balled the end of a wire, for an earring perhaps, you’ve seen the salmon color turn to bright orange as the end balls.  That color will assist you when torching, as you do not want to get to the bright orange color and melt your sterling.  You also want to keep the temperature hot enough to properly sinter the metal clay.  If careful, it can be done!

Here is an example of sterling embedded without overlay paste.  This is my Bird Nest Mothers Ring.  I embed the prong settings and the ring band into the fresh clay, let it dry and torch.

Here is an example of sterling embedded with overlay paste.  This ring has 8 joins which means 8 places that needed two parts to join together.  I used a metal clay heart for the ring top that was fired alone first.  I then made a bezel with sterling gallery wire, not joining the seam.  I used overlay paste to attached the heart to the top of the gallery wire, overlay paste on the bezel seam, overlay paste on the bottom of the gallery wire and embedded that into a rolled out piece of clay.  I trimmed the clay around the bezel, outside and inside, let it dry and fired it all together.  From this point, no solder was used.  I was free to solder the ring band and prong settings, as well as resize the ring band using solder, no worries that it would collapse from the heat.

Overlay Paste Can Be Used Like Solder and Unlike Solder

This overlay paste is very much like soldering, because it joins pieces together.  It has a bright silver color, better than silver solder. 

It is very different in that is has to dry first, but it can fill gaps, it holds pieces together as they join like glue, no worries about undoing previous joins.  No flux used and the pieces don’t have to be perfectly flush to join.  The list goes on.  The overlay paste works best with joining larger surfaces and may not work well on tiny spots.  For example, resizing a ring only requires the tiniest join, best done with solder.  My heart ring top had a continuous line of overlay paste which bonded perfectly to the sterling bezel wire.
For anyone that is learning to solder, this overlay paste is something that I recommend you consider to learn, too!

Overlay paste is amazing, strong, and versatile.  I am hoping that this post will give other metal clay artists a fresh look at something that might have been overlooked before as “just another paste”.

Snowflake Jewelry - Frosty Fun Fashion Must Haves

All designed by the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy, this snowflake gallery offers a variety of styles to fit any budget. Take a look and find your favorite and grab them before they are gone!



The Metal Clay Heads Team is an amazing group of artists that design and create jewelry with top quality materials, extraordinary skill and take care of their customers like family and friends.

You are sure to find your next treasure in one of their shops on Etsy.

Voting Open - July Jewelry Design Challenge - Magical and Mysterious

Here is the link to the Metal Clay Heads Blog, currently hosting the July Challenge - Magical and Mysterious .  Vote for your favorite!  Entries were submitted by members who use metal clay to design jewelry.  The entries are required to have a working hinge and follow the theme of Magical and Mysterious.

My entry is pictured above and you can see more about this piece by following the link to the July Challenge. I also wrote a blog post about the behind the scenes for this design with more photos and detail, click here!
I hope you visit the Challenge and vote!

P.S.  The 100th Follower Free Jewelry Giveaway is still open until July 30, enter here!

100th Follower Half Off Coupon Code for Fine Silver Feather Earrings!

In anticipation of reaching 100 followers on my blog, I am celebrating by offering a super special SALE on my Fine Silver Feather Earrings.  The special is for a limited time.  I will make as many pairs as needed for this offer and keep the offer open until the end of July 2011.  My goal is 100 pairs ordered.  I also will be forwarding the proceeds of this offer to a special family that recently lost their home to a foreclosure and are split temporarily while looking for another place to live together.  They are in my thoughts and my heart goes out to them. ♥

Fine Silver Feather Earrings by York Avenue Studio

For only HALF the regular price of $30, each customer will receive a pair of Fine Silver (.999) Feather Earrings with sterling silver ear wires for only $15, shipped FREE to the US.  For other locations, please see the shipping chart at the bottom of the listing in my shop.  You may also order them at full price, of course, and more proceeds will go to the family.

I use real feathers as shown in the photo.  The feather is the natural "mold" to shape and provide the amazing detail.  The result is .999 pure silver gorgeous feathers! 

Fine Silver Feather Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I will offer these as shiny silver with a satin brushed finish or with an antiqued silver finish, just let me know your prefererence at checkout.  The length is about 1 1/2 inches and each feather will be unique.  These are high quality, lightweight and very comfortable.  Feathers are very hot in fashion styles and this unique design is extraordinary and sophisticated!

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Please "Follow" my blog and leave a comment below requesting this special 100th Follower Half Off Sale!  I will email the Coupon Code to you, so make sure you include your email address.  If you'd rather just email me for the code and not leave the comment below, that is great, too!  The Coupon Code is only valid for these earrings in my Etsy Shop, York Avenue Studio.  Not valid on any other item in my shop.  These are custom made to order and the proceeds will be donated, please understand no refunds or returns.  Normally, these ship out in a few days, but please allow 7-10 business days to complete your order.  I'll notify you when they are ready to ship!

Pass this special along, use twitter, Facebook, call your friends and family, tell your co-workers!  These earrings will make great gifts for birthdays, teachers, wedding and bridal party gifts, moms, daughters, nieces, aunts, sweethearts, wife, girlfriend, etc.

Order a pair for yourself and order another pair to keep handy for a last minute gift.

Fine Silver Feather Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I hope you enjoy this special and I am very excited that I have so many blog followers and friends to share my jewelry-making adventures!  Feel free to leave a comment, even if just to say Hi! I realize most of my followers make their own gorgeous jewelry, and I appreciate your comments.  I certainly hope to find new followers that will join me and would appreciate fine silver at half off!

I'm also holding a Free Jewelry Giveaway to add to the celebration, click here!
Kathy

10 Days and 10 Grams - Playing in Leaves with Silver Metal Clay

Summer Leaf Collection by York Avenue Studio

When the price of Silver shot up, it seemed like my chances to work with Silver Art Clay were shot, too.  I’d just begun building techniques and skills working with precious metal clay and enjoyed making jewelry with fine silver to the point that it was my focus for future designs.  The price hike certainly busted my big plans, but I have been fortunate enough to still have the chance to work with fine silver, just on a much smaller scale.

First thin layer on leaves

With only 10 grams of fresh clay, I decided to try a technique of painting leaves and for 10 days I have had the pleasure to work with metal clay, enjoy the process of creating fine silver pieces, stretch my design skills to include a pendant with a hinge and just truly enjoy the entire time.  I have some amazing new pieces of jewelry and I am writing this post to reveal the photos of the projects and the stories behind the scenes.

10 grams of silver metal clay is not much, about the same amount as one stick of gum.  I used half the package as slip by adding water and thinning the clay until I could paint with it.  I scouted around my yard for tiny leaves that had nice shape and texture, picturing what they would look like as silver.  I selected a Violet leaf, three tiny Maple leaves and an Elm leaf.  They were small and I figured each leaf would require about 1 gram of silver, give or take.

Thicker layers with some curling as they dried

The technique for using real leaves with metal clay is basic, just paint thin layers and let them dry.  Fire them and finish, voila!  But, along the way, chatting with other metal clay artists, I discovered so many different methods and variations to the process, each idea or tip added even more possible outcomes and results!  It is amazing how each artist interprets the layering and resolves little issues along the way.  My Etsy team, Metal Clay Heads, had so many helpful suggestions and photos of their own leaf projects!  It was like having them by my side along the way, super great members with tons of experience to share.

I started with thin layers, then progressed to thicker paste-like layers.  As the layers became thicker, the leaves began to curl as they dried.  For my projects, this was a good thing.  But I was given a few tips that would help for keeping the leaves flat, if that is what I was hoping for.  There are also many ways to keep the leaves from sliding around or blowing away, and more tips on how to manage the silver that leaked under to the front of the leaf.  Great ideas that I have tucked away for future use!

The first leaf that was thick enough to fire was the little Violet leaf.  I layered my logo cutout on the back, dry clay to dry clay, using slip.  Once dried, I torch fired it and was thrilled to see the result!
I already had a design in mind for this leaf and make a bail with fresh clay, added a genuine Peridot gemstone and carved some leaf, stick and berry accents.  I fired the second time, did some finishing, used some Liver of Sulphur patina gel and was thrilled with the final piece!

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot by York Avenue Studio

Fine Silver Leaf with Peridot - Back - York Avenue Studio

The next leaves ready were the tiny Maple leaves.  I had a design in mind for the upcoming Metal Clay Heads Team Challenge, which is to use the technique of a working hinge and the theme is Magical or Mysterious.  I put a lot of thought into this tiny pendant and with big expectations that I would have success, I carefully worked on the details and was thrilled that the planning worked out well!

Here is the big reveal with descriptions:

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Maple Leaf by York Avenue Studio

Along the way, the Elm leaf project went south, and I plopped the leaf back into the slip jar to reuse the clay.  But, I picked some fresh Bella Donna leaves and made them into gorgeous little earrings!

Fine Silver Bella Donna Leaf Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I would highly recommend trying some leaves with metal clay for anyone who is just starting out or for anyone who is stuck without any inspiration for a time.  Making leaves is so rewarding and without fussing over the detail or shape, just letting nature be the “mold”, the result will be beautiful detailed pieces of jewelry for charms, earrings, pendants, etc.  The added bonus is that just a little clay goes a long way!