The net effect of all this is that I spend a lot of time, effort, and money on creatively exploring new materials and techniques and get stuck with jewelry items my clientele doesn't understand or want to pay for. It's heartbreaking.
It also turns my #silversmithing efforts into a repetitive exercise making the same old things that I know will sell. 
I'll spend the day in my studio today. (It's finally warm enough that I only need one space heater in there.) I'm experimenting with a new (to me) metal, Shibuichi. It's a blend of 15% silver and 85% copper that supposedly makes interesting patterns with certain patinas applied. I've got an idea for earrings and want to experiment with the patinas. I'm going to do a little more homework before I head down and get to work. A 3x6" sheet cost me $68 so I don't want to screw it up. 
#silversmithing
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Decided to be productive tonight. I'm making 10 pairs of my spiral hoop earrings in fine silver while I watch tv. My inventory is down to just one pair. I'll make copper ones tomorrow; I don't have any of those left.
I'll be doing art shows in Washington starting in May and I need a full stock of the basics.
Working on a new pendant design that's similar to my rollover pendants. I never did like the way the bail looked or worked on those rollovers.
I'll start by cutting out the shapes I need, which are basically the same shape I was using for the rollover. This is a piece of 24 gauge sterling silver that was left over from another project. I put this shapes as close together as possible to minimize waste. #silversmithing #jewelry
These are turquoise from Patagonia, AZ. A lot of folks don't realize it, but turquoise comes in many colors. I'm not a fan of turquoise blue, but my customers are. #Quartzsite #geology #cabochons #silversmithing
Ready for Maria's rock show? Lots of posts to come in this thread.
I'm starting off with Maligano Jasper from Buton Island in East Indonesia. This is a breciated material formed from different kinds of stones (in different colors) that naturally form into solid stone. Gorgeous stones. #Quartzsite #geology #cabochons #silversmithing
Please welcome our very good friend @Cariadclay to Mastodon! It's a brand new profile so they will be updating it soon. Follow especially if you share an interest in #ceramics, #pottery, #clay, #HandBuilding, #throwing, #glazes, #SilverSmithing, #jewelry, #SeaGlass, #books and #reading. 
Here are the custom #earrings I made at recent #JewelryMaking / #Silversmithing 2 day workshop.
Made a pair of #Teochew & #Gaginang text earrings I really love how they turned out.
I like the scalloped edges and the stamping, but now that I've laid all the stones in place, I'm not sure if I like the three smaller stones on top.
Keeping in mind that all stones will be set in simple sterling silver bezels, what do you think? Kill the little stones and cut off the extra metal on top? Or keep going with this design?
I'm taking a break for lunch and to finish yesterday's silver earrings. Sometimes a break helps me to decide. Your options can help. #silversmithing #jewelry
Here's an example of how a design evolves. I decided to stamp around where the stone will go. Now I'm going to cut out where she black lines are. I've done other pieces like that and they look nice. Here's an example. #silversmithing #jewelry
Here's the sketch for the piece I'm thinking of today, along with the #turquoise stones I plan to use. I'm a bit out of practice on my design work so I'm not sure I'll be able to pull it off. But I'll try. This will be a huge hit with my wholesale customer in Winthrop. #silversmithing #jewelry
This is the problem with (1) having to wait up to a week before something I ordered actually arrives and (2) being away so long. I have completely forgotten why I bought 150 14 ga copper jump rings. What did I need them for? What was I going to do with them? The only thing I can think of is making copper chain bracelets, but do I really want to do that?
What was I thinking when I ordered these?
Here are the glamour shots. I think it looks great with the Lapis Lazuli beaded necklace. #silversmithing
