Misadventures in hand stamping #2

My most recent misadventure in hand stamping was oxidizing sterling silver stamped tags and pendants.  I quickly learned that while oxidized silver looks fabulous, it also highlights any "flaws".  I was upset that my creations weren't coming out perfectly.  In my frustration, I realized that I needed to look at this from a customer's perspective.  After all, I love wearing hand stamped jewelry and that's what inspired me start learning it myself.  One of the things I love the most is the uniqueness of every letter and symbol.  

So keeping this in mind I had to let go of the idea of making something perfect.  I eventually learned that what I was originally looking at as a flaw is actually the lovely uniqueness of hand stamping.  Now I choose to have fun and make beautiful things.  

This is one of the first pieces I oxidized.

Are you making a long drive this year?

I drive down to VA around the holidays every year to visit family.  Because I travel with our pup, Rockford, and a few of our special needs guinea pigs, I make an extensive kit (in addition to the car kit), just in case.  I include everything from food and water to heated blankets and a list of pet friendly hotels along the route.

I hope the weather will be more cooperative this year.  We ended up in a nasty snowstorm last year.  Once I made it to my family's home, it was beautiful to watch the snow fall.  However, it was not so enjoyable on the roads.  I've been making this trip 3 times a year, for 9 years and every drive is different.

If any of you are making a long drive this year, be careful out there.  And if you see a crazy lady in a teeny car, loaded with a dog, a few guinea pigs, and jewelry supplies, wave and say "hi"!

Here's Fiona to wish you a happy holiday season.

Great deals to be found on ArtFire!

So you're gearing up for the holidays and starting your shopping or maybe just you just love a good deal.  Everyone wants to find great gifts at great prices, right?  Well, RockBug is having a studio wide sale and everything is 10% off!  If you have a beloved pet, animal lover or even someone who just enjoys unique and fun items, check us out.  RockBug on ArtFire

Now if RockBug just isn't your style, I'm certain that you can find the perfect gift with one of the other fantastic artisans on ArtFire.  Just click on the "Holiday Shopping Deals" banner to start browsing all the wonderful sale items available.   Or you can click on this link and jump right in!  Holiday Shopping Deals

Gift Ideas

If you're like me, you're already gearing up for the holidays.  Here's a collection I put together to help you get started.  I love red and this collection has gifts in all price ranges.  These wonderful items are made by the members of the You Can Sell It guild.  

Gifts in red

   Curated By: RockBug

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts