Yammers of Hammers - Silversmithing and Metal Stamping

It's mid-afternoon and the entire house is reverberating with banging, deafening noises that keeps getting louder by the minute. "She's at it again!". My daughter announced. Screaming like a banshee so she can be heard amidst the racket.

The source is me. Hunched on my work desk, pounding and hammering silver like a mad woman. This is my altered ego pursuing a new-found passion. Silversmithing and Metal Stamping.

Oddly, I found that I LOVE the design hammering creates. More so, when oxidized, enhancing the design. So I hammer! Though my husband concluded that, this, is my ultimate outlet for stress. He can just be right!

On Twitter, someone told me how she remembered the good old days when I blogged daily. I remember those days too and I miss it... But "life is like a box of chocolate and you don't know what you're gonna get..."

As of late, the Creative Chocolate dominates. Whoever said "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" was a pessimist. I'm neither old nor young, but I find that there's always room to grow and learn. It's a mindset. So I learn.

After taking Silversmithing class with the "only game in town" : Dan Haga, I was hooked. I realized that making unique jewelry doesn't end in beading. You can up your skills by learning different options and techniques. 90% of handmade jewelry-makers I know are Beaders and only 10% of them took up a new trick to learn. You don't know know what you're gonna get... You might just like it!

Things you can create with Silver and Hammer

Men's Hammered and Oxidized Pendants on Leather cords
{Men needs jewelry too- first time in my collection}

Icthus Earrings /Domed disk Earrings

Modern Lily Earrings / Make a Wish-bone Earrings

My most treasured one...

The"new" Mommy Bracelet

{currently my bestselling customizable design}

Thinking of Silverworks now? Here are some websites that I personally use for my supply needs to help you get started:

a) Beaducation - Got good stuffs for metal stamping. Affordable prices.

b) NileCorp - Got the cheapest priced tools with online discounts.

c) Widget Supply - offers best variety for rouge polishing bars and more.

d) Artbeads - Free Shipping in the US. Great for bulk needs though limited collections.
e) Firegemmountain - Also great for bulk needs. Wide variety but a little on the expensive side.

f) CoolTools - Offers Eco-Friendly options. Best one so far!

Let me know if you have any questions. Now on with the Torch! - Nooo, I'm not going to torch the house!

Happy Creating! {don't forget the earplugs and safety glasses}



Note: Ear wires and Clasps used are also handmade. Oxidizing agents used on all the jewelries is an Eco-Friendly solution {not sharpie markers} that's good for the plants. Jewelries are created in a smoke-free environment. My pledge for a safer environment and safer you.

Le Internationale'

There's nothing else that brings pure pleasure than seeing your own creations go places. AND I mean not just places but around the globe!

Someone once told me that "when your creations go places, a part of you goes with it..."

This is true. A designer or crafter will agree that we do have moments when we get attached to our finished products that it becomes hard to let go to sell it.

Hand made industry had taught me not just the skill to create unique pieces but the Art of letting go!

Why is it so hard to let go sometimes? The thing about handmade creations is that it requires love, care and a whole lot of patience in making it. Thus, part of you is ingrained in each creation which translates to a unique and individualized item bearing your distinct style!

One month shy to being full year in the jewelry-making industry, I'm happy to say that my creations has been going International full blast right before my eyes! Though it's hard letting go of them, I must bid them Adieu and see them off to their new "home".

This pretty Hawaiian Touch Necklace went to Sweden
to a wonderful lady.

This Zen Mala bracelets went to UK.

{Some items went to Canada, South Africa and few other countries}

You own an online store. Is going international right for you? Actually, it is. It's good for your business as I, have discovered. It expands your horizon and reach. Also gives your business a world-class distinction.

Shipping international is not as bad or difficult as other small biz owners presume, moreso feared! If you're shipping small items like handmade jewelries, it is easy peasy! seriously.

They're not that expensive either. I usually ship my items first class and most of the countries it went to only cost me as much as $4 {my current international shipping fee}. The rate usually varies depending on the weight of the item.

So how do you know how much to charge? Best way to gauge your shipping fee is weighing your items at home {a handy kitchen scale can do the trick} then check the weight per rate value listed in the price group of the country you're shipping the item to {you can check it HERE}. Most cases, they'll have the same rates which will give you an idea to either use flat rate {works best if your shipping items with identical weight value} or itemized the fees accordingly.

**Beyond 3.5 oz is considered parcel and rates are higher.

Items you need when shipping : bubble mailers {big and small}, small jewelry box to house your item and the Customs Declaration Form PS Form 2976 which will be provided for you to fill-up at the post office.

Note: declare the item as a gift and describe the item as a handmade item: "Handmade Necklace" etc. {No more questions asked}

If there's any downside to shipping international, it is the trouble of having to go to the post office to mail it. My Paypal account that is supposed to handle my shipping needs just won't do it. Nonetheless, let not the myths attached to shipping international deter you from expanding your business. It is easy as 1,2,3! Seriously.



Golden Flower Creations

The Making of a Hairstylist

Either I was blind to the fact that Miss Sasserfrass' passionate dream is to become a Supermodel OR I was oblivious to my daughter's sinister plans. Evidence was screaming out loud in my face but... I. SHOULD. HAVE. KNOWN ... That the stunt she pulled cutting her own hair had taken some serious training ...

I discovered this...

Her Hairy Maltese Stuff toy dog

Sporting a New Mohawk Style!
Flat in the Center and spiky on the sides!

Courtesy of Miss Sasserfrass' dependable hairstyling abilities!

I'm delirious...
Someone please call Dr. House!