Happy Holidays from York Avenue Studio 2014 Coupon

Every year just before Christmas, I like to say "Thank You" to the wonderful shoppers who have visited my Etsy shop!  Your orders have made it possible for me to continue working at what I love doing, metalsmithing and gemstone jewelry.

I offer the coupon code to returning shoppers as well as anyone referred to my shop.  Take $20.14 off your order, minimum order of $24.  One offer per shipping address.  Code to use at checkout is "2014YorkAvenueStudio" and expires Dec 10th.

I have not posted on my blog here in quite a long time, mostly due to the fact I found Instagram!  If you want to see daily photos of behind the scenes projects, and other little trivial pictures from my work and play, follow me on Instagram @kathysinbox and I would be thankful.

I also quit smoking in March of this year, which kept me from my computer which was a common "smoking zone" and I needed to avoid that area for any seated typing, etc. to reduce temptation!  9 months later, still smoke-free and very much better for it!

My latest jewelry interest and focus has been Boho style, Southwest and Gypsy style.  I have fallen in love with Turquoise!!!!  Please feel free to follow along and watch what this new direction brings about in designs and new items.

Also getting pretty excited about the 3D printing possibilities for my jewelry designs, working with Matter.IO and I have ideas brewing! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my family and friends out there! 
XOXO
Kathy

Magic Wand Kitty and Goddess Face by York Avenue Studio

I'm sharing some photos of my current works in progress.  Pictured below are the two metal clay pieces that I made while testing my Signature Stamp from the Charm Factory. ( See my previous post, in case you missed the test review and video.)

I've been enjoying scupting little tiny kittys in clay, working at getting them smaller, more personality in their ears, tail, plump little rumps, etc.  I designed a Magic Wand with a star and handle and added Tanzanite for purple sparkle, little bumps to make the star glint in the light which also mask the little bumps that are holding the gems in place like little prongs.  I fired the Tanzanite in place and had great results using a torch.  I used Liver of Sulphur patina gel and LOVE the colors!  I haven't touched it yet to finish and polish, but couldn't wait to post photos of the work in the stages of progress.  My mind is swirling with ideas for beaded necklaces to make for these charms.  Still not decided on the finish...

Magic Fairy Wand with Tiny Kitty by York Avenue Studio

Back shows off the logo stamp

Satin finished Magic Wand with Tanzanite

Back of Magic Wand

Patina on Magic Wand

Back of both Magic Wand and Goddess Face

Goddess Face with patina by York Avenue Studio

The goddess face is so tiny and the details from the mold are just what I was going for.  The patina turned out great and I am afraid to change it, but I haven't even polished yet and might just leave it.  I'm still amazed with the tiny detail of the logo stamp.  The letters are smaller than the letters on the penny.

Hope you enjoyed these photos!  Special THANKS to the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy!! I am so proud to be a member and each of you have inspired me to push harder at designing metal clay pieces that are better than I could have done without you!!
Kathy

Part 3 Charm Factory Metal Clay Stamp Test - Video! by York Avenue Studio

So now that I've received my new Signature Stamp from the Charm Factory, here is my very own Testing Demo Video!

In case you didn't catch my previous post on this product review, I've been selected as a tester for a new product by The Charm Factory.

 

After I was contacted, we exchanged ideas on my logo design for the stamp.  The stamp is about the size of a thumbnail, 1/2 inch circle.  My logo is a little too complex to be that tiny, so I suggested a simple street sign with "York Ave".  Here is my logo and a preview of this idea:

I was pleased, but not completely thrilled that the stamp for my jewelry would be so simple and plain.  It was a wonderful stamp and I would use it, but I wished there was more detail.  Well, I am thrilled with what happened next! 

Here is what the stamp would look like in metal clay:

Charm Factory Signature Stamp

I drew a smaller version of my logo and played with the words and the picture and came up with an idea with more detail, but not so much that it wouldn't be recognizable as a stamp.  I sent the sketch to the Charm Factory for their input.

The Charm Factory responded very quickly with the following version of my logo sketch, which is the final design for my new stamp!  I am so thrilled with how professional the design looks and how wonderful the Charm Factory is to work with.  They truly put such effort into making my stamp look like MY stamp!

My sketch for logo














Charm Factory Design from my sketch



Charm Factory Signature Stamp - York Avenue Studio

I've had a chance to use my new stamp with some silver metal clay and I made a little video to show you all! 

 

From the product testing that I conducted using the Signature Stamp from the Charm Factory, I’ve discovered three possible ways to use my new stamp. 

 

1.  This stamp, used with a light touch, will stamp my logo very clearly on the back of my designs.  The stamp is very easy to use and leaves a super clear imprint of my logo with tiny words.  Amazing!

 

2.  My design includes a circle around the logo.  I found, by happy accident, that if I press firmly, the stamp cuts the circle out of the clay around my logo.  This makes perfect little jewelry tags!  I can put a small hole in the cutout and include this tag in my beaded jewelry.

 

3.  The little cutout circles can also be used to gently layer my logo onto the back of a delicate piece that a stamp would otherwise crush the design on the opposite side.  The logo cutout can be set into place with slip or paste and results in a little raised logo circle.

 

Without further ado.........

 

 

 

I am so pleased with this new tool and I hope that my testing results will help anyone deciding whether they want to order one for themselves.  I also hope that when you design your logo, you will consider whether you want the circle outline or not.

 

Please leave a comment below.  I would be very interested in what you think about my logo design and the Signature Stamps from the Charm Factory.

 

Disclosure: I received a custom-made signature stamp from Charm Factory at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

 

Signature Stamps feature your logo or name and make it very easy to cleanly and precisely brand your jewelry and art. Simply gently press your Signature Stamp into the clay to cut a deep and lasting mark.

These custom made stamps are small (1/2" wide) and laser engraved to give you the precision impression you are looking for. You get a long lasting and clear product (unlike rubber stamps) and a great value over more expensive brass stamps. The handle is cast from lead free pewter, and your custom clay stamp is made to order from Delrin, a high temperature plastic also used for notary stamps and other demanding applications.

Order quickly online. There are no quotes, set up fees or additional costs. No matter what the content – text, your signature, or a logo – your Signature Stamps price is only $44.99. (Plus, free shipping is offered in the US.)

 http://www.charmfactory.com/signature-stamps.aspx

Tiny Kitty Cat on Brick Wall Fine Silver Charm Pendant

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall (and PB cookies!) by York Avenue Studio

Can you tell I was in a baking mood?  I made Peanut Butter Cookies using the classic recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.  My poor cookbook is all in pieces and taped at the binding!

Using Silver Art Clay, I hand sculpted this little kitten to sit on a brick wall, looking up into the night sky at the stars and moon. There is a crescent moon on top and a hidden heart in the stars!

I like the uneven edges of this piece, which are smooth, but not cookie-cutter because I like the impression that the scene continues beyond the pendant. I pictured this design in a nighttime setting with the moon glowing blue and the pendant shining in the moon‘s reflection, catching the highlights. The hidden heart is just under the kitten’s left ear, upside down in the starry sky background!

Moonlight Glow of Blue on Tiny Kitty Highlighting the Details

About silver metal clay:
Metal clay is made up of recycled silver grains mixed with binder ingredients which forms the consistency of clay. The wet clay can be molded and shaped, then dried, fired in a kiln or torched, and the end result is 99.9 pure silver in the exact shape of the design! Because this is pure silver, without any alloy metal , the jewelry may lack the full strength of sterling silver but is a wonderful alternative for those with metal allergies. With care, pure silver jewelry will be treasured for a lifetime. People collect silver dollars, and this pure silver jewelry also makes a wonderful investment or heirloom piece.

I'd love to hear your comments!

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall Gazing at the Crescent Moon by York Avenue Studio

Metal Clay Heads Team Featured in Feb Issue of Beads And Beyond Magazine!

Selected as the January Blog of the Month with Two Featured Artists!!

Congratulations, My Brown Wren (Tammi) for your featured pendant New Beginnings Cross

Congratulations, FacciaFelice (Betty) for your featured pendant I Heart My Country

 Beads and Beyond Magazine has chosen Metal Clay Heads team blog  for the Blog of the Month and has published an article about the Metal Clay Heads in their latest issue (p68).   Two gorgeous jewelry pieces are included in the feature with spectacular photos to give you an idea of just how talented the clay metal artists are on this team, which has members in the USA, Europe and Austrailia.

Each member is also a shop owner on Etsy.com and their shops are filled with beautiful, unique, creative  jewelry designs.

Visit the Etsy shops, which are listed/linked on the Metal Clay Heads blog’s right column.
http://.metalclayheads.blogspot.com

York Avenue Studio is a proud member of the Metal Clay Heads Team on Etsy!