J Menden Silver

Peg Set Desert Roses 10-24-2011

2011-10-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hello all you blog readers out there. Today's entry is some images of three custom pendants that I made for a lady from Brookings. These beautiful little desert roses were keepsake family treasures. Now they can be enjoyed, touched and admired by pendant wearing family members.
They were thick and lumpy all over. I needed to grind the backs somewhat smooth in order to seat them in their new shiny homes. They ground fairly well when I worked really slowly. You would think that this stone would be as hard as quartz- not so.
I could tell that they would crumble if I were too aggressive with the flex shaft. So I took my time and made then as flat as possible without damaging them. They were able to be seated in their settings snuggly with no wobbling. Next task was to construct the pegs and solder them into the holes I drilled in the back plates. I was generous with the lengths of the pegs because these roses were not flush on the tops. I knew some of the pegs needed to be longer than the others in order to clamp down nicely. Well, it all went just fine. I tumbled the settings for a long time in order to get the toughest shiniest back plate possible. The contrast between the sterling and the rough roses is very nice.
FYI
In order to keep these pendants pretty forever it will be crucial not to clean the silver with ordinary cleaner. PLEASE use only Sparkle Bright and scrub them first with the pink sudsy stuff. If they are still in need of cleaning use a teeny amount of the past Sparkl Bright and a small toothbrush. This will not damage the roses or the sterling.

Comments always appreciated.
Jean

Rantings on why people buy "Art" 10-7-11

2011-10-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

OK, this is something I have been thinking about forever. While I was vacuuming this morning I was pondering the deep question, why do people buy art.

A couple weeks ago we were in the Black Hills. Hill City has some wonderful art galleries that display ORIGINAL art pieces. Many of these are reasonably priced and just as economical as buying prints. Who cares if a Redlin is a numbered print anyway? Who would rather have an original that is every bit as beautiful? So, why do we have so many of those over priced, overly matted and framed, pieces of "art"? They are all over this house! Your house too?

I have some artist friends whose work is fairly priced and gorgeous. Why not buy those items and have something that is done by a local artist and actually support the arts rather than support a copy of the arts? Suzanne, Jerusha, Meander artists, all of them need support--let's start to replace our prints with something real.

Enough of that rant. Now let's talk about jewelry art. I can draw a parallel here also. I am not sure if I consider myself an artist or a skilled craftsman. After 7 years as a silversmith I am beginning to learn to manipulate metal in a pleasing manner. I am able to design an artistic and balanced piece of wearable art. So then, why are people purchasing copies? Yes, those mass produced imported items from the home jewelry showings are copies. I don't care how much you have spent on that Lea Sophia, or whatever, piece of jewelry----It is a copy. And people are actually adorning themselves with these expensive, overpriced copies. Just like we are all doing in our homes with prints.

Wearing your hand made item, hanging your original painting, photo, tapestry, has got to be more fulfilling than hanging or wearing your copy, doesn't it?

If I have ruffled feathers here, that was my purpose. I would love some comments --- even disagreements are fine.

Touble causing Jean

Here is a new way!!!

2011-08-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

As most of my friends and customers know, I have a love affair with sterling silver flatware. All of it. How many little girls in elementary collect spoons and polish them every Saturday?

Nothing has changed. I still search and gather. Sterling spoons that is. I cannot resist any sterling piece that falls within my budget. Creating with demitasse spoons and teaspoons has come quite easy for me. BUT those souvenir spoons, geez, they present a challenge. Most of the old ones 30-60 years old, are decorated on the handle, the stem, and also on the back. That makes it somewhat of a transgression to hide any of that beauty.

I do not see how anybody can melt these little lovlies for scrap either.

So, I came up with 2 new designs to show off the handles, the stems, and the backsides. Here they are.

I would love some feedback on this idea..

OK, the bracelet is a demi spoon with the handle curved sideways for a large hook to hold the chain. I soldered the hook closed of course. The pendant is from Yellowstone and has the stem "hooked" and soldered. near the join I laid a citrine 4mm stone. Thus echoing yellow stone! Clever or what?!

Jean

Some rantings about sterling silver spoon/fork jewelry 7-12-2011

2011-07-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

Usually I link my blog to my FB business page. This time I am copying the Fb entry to the blog- I have no idea if anybody reads my blog but just in case.....I figured I needed to copy this rant here also. So, here it is:

OK, I just read an article written by someone who makes spoon/fork jewelry. His prices per piece are in the neighborhood of 75-150$. In his article he states this "most spoon jewelry is made from silver plated flatware because it is less expensive and stronger." OK I beg to differ here. Yes it is less expensive- for the most part it is FREE! That is surely less expensive than sterling. But stronger? Hardly. Silver plate cannot be soldered with hard solder. Possibly with very easy solder which is a crock of crap for jewelry. Sterling spoon jewelry is the only way to go. When buying do not be tricked into thinking plate is stronger than sterling. People who write these things really irritate me because it is deceitful to the buying public. If you buy silver plated spoon jewelry make sure you are being charged silver plated prices. Sorry for this rant, but it is an irritant to me.

Jean
If you have any comments on this rant, good or not good --- go for it!

Wish List

2011-06-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

My friend Kim suggested that I incorporate a wish list feature either on my website or on FB. I think that anyone who has a wish list from my web site or from custom design inspiration should shoot me an email. I can then try to figure out how to let potential "gifters" in on that list. One possibility of course is a gift certificate which I have done for a few years. If anyone has ideas on how this could work I would appreciate suggestions.

Wish List

Brookings Children's Museum and lots of sterling.... 5-30-2011

2011-05-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

Last Tuesday Tony and I met Tina, Marty, and Tommy at the Brookings Children's Museum for a day of fun. It was super fun, but that's not what this blog entry is about. As you may or may not know Brookings has some pretty nice antique stores. So, Tony and I went a couple hours early so we could browse the stores. I am always on the look out for affordable sterling silver flatware for my business venture. The second store we went into had a nice sales lady who dug out a flatware chest loaded with sterling. Some were teaspoon sets and some were just mismatched pieces. I LOVE mismatched pieces. Well actually I love it all but mismatches are fun for me and add variety to my line of flatware jewelry.

As usual the prices were beyond what I can afford to pay and turn a profit for my work. I told her what I pay, and selected a bunch (38 pieces) that I would pay that price for. She said she would call the owner and present my offer. I left and we headed to another store- which had nothing. As we were walking back past the sidewalk, the lady flagged me down and let me know that the owner agreed to my offer. She was very pleased to have the beautiful items used rather than melted down. As everybody knows I make use of the pattern in my jewelry and 100 year old flatware has elaborate patterns usually.

I was so excited to start designing using the new items. Today was the first day I was able to spend the needed hours in my shop. The items in this blog picture are fresh from the tumbler and all are made from the Brookings antique store items.

The ring and the bracelet that are pictured together on the petrified wood are part of a matched set of 6 teaspoons. What a great little gift set!

The chain bracelet uses part of the pattern "Buttercup". It is a cherished pattern of many families and still in production today.

Enjoy this sneak peak and feel free to give comments.

Attempts at "Modernizing" my blog May 18

2011-05-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

Today Suzanne called and we discussed social marketing through FB. She thought I may want to change my background color on my blog from grey to white. Being the computer whiz that I am, I messed around with this just enough to mess it up.

Now I have a different background template and don't know how to get back to the one I did myself earlier this year. So now I have some blue sky and foo foo stuff on there that is not the classic look I wanted. Change is good, right? I will leave it this way for awhile.

It can't hurt anything since I have so few readers anyway.....

I also an going to try to link this to my FB page.......

Eagle's wings

2011-05-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is a set of eagle's wings that are a custom order. I figured they were worth blogging about because they turned out so cool, and the people who have seen them have very favorable comments. They are made from 3 layers of sterling that have been notched and engraved to resemble the feather structure of wings. There is a right and a left wing although they are not identical. Working on these was really time consuming although rewarding.

Coins make a great charm bracelet 5-10-11

2011-05-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone!

My blogging schedule is really intermittant isn't it? Seems the only time I blog it is when I have something I worked on that seems extra interesting.

This custom design uses a thick handmade sterling chain bracelet as it's backdrop. Big heavy coins are the charms.

I first drilled the correct sized holes in these coins with my drill press. The coin metal is harder than sterling so my little press had to work and and work in spurts. The metal coins needed to be cooled somewhat before a new drilling spurt could be started. After they were all drilled, I reamed the edges with a ball burr so the jump ring link would be really fluid in the hole.

I cut 16 gauge large jump rings, and soldered each coin to the bracelet. I cooled it between each step in water. Now none of these coins could go in the pickle because as you know the non sterling ones (which was all of them) would plate the chain bracelet either with a copper slime or a black base metal gook. So, hand polishing every single segment of the chain and the coins was necessary. I did give them the added luxury of a tumble in the vibratory tumbler. Hmmmm, that didn't sound so good did it!?

Anyway, Paula Soine of Granite Falls is the owner of this little lovely and it was her idea.

OH-- I will be in Milan Saturday the 14th of May at a beauty shop---come take a peek at the new thulite pieces I have made. 9-4PM

Beth's ring remodel 3-3-11

2011-03-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

I got a call recently from my friend Beth. Beth and I met at the business classes for artists that we both took in Marshall last summer/fall. She had purchased a ring on her trip to Hawaii recently. Now this ring is really tiny. It barely fit on my pinky finger- barely, I mean it did not clear the last knuckle. Beth wanted to wear it as a middle finger ring.
My first option (terrible idea) was to see if I could whack it bigger with a mallet on the ring mandrel. Nope that did not work. Why? Well this ring is a flat disk about a 1.5" diameter which was set in a silver bezel and epoxied in. The ring shank was soft soldered onto this frame before the ceramic disk was epoxied in. So no annealing in order to stretch this metal. Not possible to just make the ring bigger.
Plan B. Should we turn this ring into a pendant? She said "OK do whatever". So I sawed the ring shank off and turned it into a bail. This was a risk because I do not think anything here is sterling. I could be wrong but the metal did not behave itself like sterling. Bending base metal can result in a break. The end of Plan B was to epoxy this bail onto the back of the ring (ceramic disk)
It worked and we had a plain but pretty ceramic patterned pendant. Yadah Yadah...same old same old...
Here is where my dissatisfied thinking started it's usual pattern in my head. Don't much care for this pendant. This is a pretty little piece of ceramic- the colors are great. It should be a nicer pendant. So I contacted Beth. I asked her if she would like me to remodel it again. She said- "go for it". So I did.
Plan C- I was now getting pretty good at the peg setting technique. I reticulated a nice piece of sterling and set some pegs and secured them over the ceramic. I knew though that if I didn't like that setting I could always take the disk out because nothing is damaged during this process.

Happy days! I did like the setting. So, off in the mail it went to Beth.

Thanks Beth for letting me blog this story. Who ever thinks custom work is easy is nuts! When I work on my own designs if they take a turn for the worse, I just monitor and adjust. I can't really do that with other people's treasures.

As usual, any comments on this process would really be appreciated. Hmmm, I have those gorgeous old buttons, over 100 years old. Would this process work to use set a button? I have never considered myself a "found objects" artist. This winter is cold, hard, and long. I can tell by the goofy ideas I am getting.
Stay warm and stay shoveled out,
Jean

More on the peg set design 2-27-11

2011-02-27T12:54:00.000-06:00

A few posts ago I discussed the peg set slab of TP agate that I made. Now the person who inspired me to try this concept gave me a few more pointers. Thank you Janet Flecher. In my scrap jar I found a nice thick sterling sheet that was totally messed up with melted bezels. I used to melt bezels regularly when I was trying to set large stones on thick plate. Considering the price of silver now, and my frugal nature, I figured I had just the golden opportunity to remake this failed piece of plate. This was a perfect size and shape for me to try to set TP slab number 2. I did what I was advised to do and finished up with my desired shape. I decided this time to drill my peg set holes smaller and use a wire that fit tightly so I didn't need to ball the ends. I also didn't use balls for the prongs. I shaped them with the flex shaft and made them shorter than the trial setting last week.
Polishing reticulation isn't the same as polishing other flat items.
Now my buddy Don Norris had once written a little article on using the vibratory tumbler to tumble some items with hard stones already set. My newly set reticulated peg set agate needed this. So I emailed him and he said "go for it". So the piece you see was tumbled for about an hour in SS shot, cleaning solution (organic) and burnishing compound. I am pleased with the burnished raised areas. The low areas maintained their darkness thus highlighting the texture. This is really a heavy textured sterling piece. The TP Canypn agate slab is really flashy and has a rugged edge. The finished pendant excluding the bail measures 2 1/2 x 1 1/2"

I know there will be a jewelry/agate lover who will just love this item. Do you like it?

Hey, it's supposed to warm up pretty soon isn't it? When that finally happens I am going to relax on the jewelry making and return to the horseback riding part of my life.

I can do trendy-- ?-- Can't I? 2-22-11

2011-02-22T14:15:00.000-06:00

I found myself mentioning to people last weekend at my booth, that I am not so good a designing trendy jewelry. I see the mass produced stuff from the home jewelry parties and say to myself "how many years will that necklace/ring/earrings be worn?" Then I have to answer "one". I actually have pride in my designs and feel that they are timeless and classic. But I did begin to think.....I wonder what the trends are now in jewelry.

So, during the last 3 days of being snowed in, I googled lots of jewelry related terms and got a good feel for what the younger population might think is pretty cool.

What I discovered was that there are oodles of CUTE trendy designs. Some of the designs I looked at actually were similar to things I already make with just a little twist of modern flair.

OK enter the Jay King conversation I had with a friend. (She loves gems and watches Jay King on HSN.) I watched him the other night. Other than his irritating communication style, he was kind of interesting. If he has an idea of what gems are popular now this might benefit me. I noticed the chunkiness of the necklace stones. Nothing new there- I noticed the lack of sterling in his designs- good idea, that stuff is spendy!

I think- I could be wrong here- that the gems he is using are low grade. The large cuts, the irregular sizes, seem like the strands that were usually the cheapest at the gem show. Then again, I could be wrong.

So, am I going to do Jay King style trendy? Nope I am not. I think I will stick with my pendant styles and continue to choose high quality stones, set them in substantial sterling settings, and include a great chain. AND all for a price that is less expensive than the HSN items. AND guess what else! I will make one of each item. Not 8,000! Whew, glad I said that. That's a load off my mind.

Now for he other trendy stuff I googled. I am going to do some of it. I am going to make some items that will appeal to a broader range of buyers. And I will charge a reasonable price for it. And it will be sterling.

(And I know better than start sentences with conjunctions.) But, it is my blog and I can do it if I want to.

The rings below are my version of classy trendy. They won't swim around on your finger. They won't pop apart. They won't be scrapey , scratchy, or bulky. They are sterling, you won't break out.

I suppose this is enough snow storm blabbing from me. I am dug out now.

Jean

BTW my company is now called J Menden Silver.

The development of a "peg" set agate pendant 2-19-11

2011-02-19T17:06:00.004-06:00

Today was the day. I have been considering trying to peg set a few agates that I got in the Black Hills.
I have 4 of them that are cut polished slabs. They aren't cabbed and they don't want to be bezel set.
Now, bezel setting is my old established way of setting stones. Some stones don't lend themselves to that however.
Janet Flecher has set some stones with this type of a peg setting. She advised me to set the pegs from the back.
I chose my smallest little agate slab to be the guinea pig. I sketched my plan. I determined where the pegs should be placed. I drew around everything with a sharpie. Then I used my NEW handy dandy drill press and drilled holes where I wanted to put those pegs.
In order for the pegs to stay put I figured they needed to be balled on each end. I then soldered them from the back by propping the base plate up on some honeycomb kiln risers.
All worked pretty well after about 4 soldering steps.
The first picture shows the pegs from the front. The second picture shows the little agate slab.
the third picture shows the slab stuffed into the back plate and not fitting well.
OOPs it is upside down. Maybe I should have planned it that way. the back is prettier, it shows the
holly leaf banding of the TeePee agate better. Oh well to late now.

Off to the flex shaft for some rustic looking grinding with my wonderful Mizzy heatless wheels.

After lots of polishing with the buffer and the flex shaft the thing is done.

Do you like it? It is not my usual style but it is growing on me.

Have a good day, and let's hope this 12" misses us this time.

A Day In The LIfe......2-10-11

2011-02-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

OK. So I head to the shop with a plan! I seldom have a true blue plan when I get to the shop. Today I did. Earrings. Earrings. and that's it! So I made the circle ears you see in the first image. A nice thick hammered flat sterling twisted wire. I buffed them as shiny as possible and I decided I really liked them. So I made two more pairs that were using the same concept. Then I weighed them. Well they weighed to much to be included in my Everyday Wear line of earrings. The price would have to be a little higher. That's alright. The other two pairs are more of a teardrop shape with a larger upper ring.
I buffed them bright also. I truly had the intent to go back to my plan. Really I did.

I went in to eat lunch. I got the mail. I checked the darned FB page. Back to the shop I went with MY PLAN! The circles snagged me though. I made 9 more and all of a sudden they were no longer circles. As they lined themselves up on my bench they turned into links. Just a little half round wire would make the a bracelet. How long could that take me to do? Abandon plan. No more earrings were born. Instead a matching bracelet with a nifty hook clasp evolved. More buffing, clean up, scrubbing. I had a set. A gorgeous set! A set needs something for the neck doesn't it? A bigger circle. I made it. It seemed wimpy compared to the ears and the bracelet. So a little bit smaller circle jumped inside and soldered itself onto the big one. An interesting bail was born. More buffing. More clean up. NOW that is a set! It is so glimmery and pretty. They will be price individually but they would love to live together on someone all at the
same time I think.

So, a day in the life of a silversmith with a plan to make earrings all day. The plan
dissolved in a mere minute and the day was done. 3 pairs of earrings made. 3. How
pitiful is that? But look at the bracelet, pendant and....on yeah, the little copper
pendant. Isn't it cool? Texture and "feelability is so important in jewelry. If you can't rub it and enjoy its cool metal texture, what good is it?

Feel free to comment on my change of plan!

Jean

All of these items will be in my display tomorrow and Sunday at LQPV high school for the Great Western Minnesota Get Together!

I know they would love to have a home rather than a jewelry case.....

Infinite Love 2-8-11

2011-02-08T15:23:00.001-06:00

Have you ever though of using the infinity symbol in a hand made piece of jewelry for someone near and dear to your heart? I made some infinity items last week and I think they are just right for that special someone, or to honor and remember someone you love. Take a look and let me know what you think.

I am planning to make an infinity chain bracelet tomorrow in the shop. It will feature the symbol in the center with hand made chain for the remainder of the bracelet.

CURE creation

2011-02-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

Good morning readers,

Yesterday I had an inspiration for my annual donation to the CURE fundraiser. My past 2 donations have been pictured on this blog the last 2 years. Dixie told me that this year for CURE was a year of coming together of different MN river valley people. The upper MN river carries it's water as well as it's debris downstream to the lower MN river which goes through Lake Pepin depositing the silt and slowly filling the lake. In order for this process to slow and stop people will need a plan that will connect them in cooperation.

"All things are connected" reminds me of the speech of Chief Seattle (an Anglicization of Si'ahl) to the US government. Now I realize that Chief Seattle's speech is a white man's translation of famous words and not necessarily the full intent of the speaker. Regardless of this fact the words are timeless and important for all to hear.

I chose to make a pendant that reflects what I feel is the theme of some parts of Chief Seattle's message.

"The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.

The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother."

The thick sterling wire is formed into an endless crossing over loop which represents the water of the MN rivers and the Mississippi. Carried in this water is the soil and other entities that the water collects on it's way South. At the base of this pendant is a 10mm stone (Morrisonite Jasper from Oregon ) which represents my tribute to Chief Seattle and his words. The stone also represents Lake Pepin and it's slow fill with silt.

This sterling pendant will go on auction at the CURE benefit banquet on Feb. 12 in Montevideo MN. If you are interested please put in a healthy bid- for the good of the river.

Jean Menden

2011 Art Show Schedule

2011-01-24T18:04:00.001-06:00

I am working on art show apps this month. My goal is to be finished with applications by the end of January. Other than the two in September that are not advertised yet, I am going to make it!

February 12-13    Madison MN LQPV High School
The Great Minnesota Get together

April 3    Prairies Edge Casino, Granite Falls, MN
The Granite Falls Arts Council

June 3,4,5    Edina Art Fair    ****This is pending acceptance

July 1,2,3 Buffalo Ridge   Gary SD

July 9,10   Brookings Summer Arts Festival   Brookings SD

July 30,32 Art in the Park    Alexandria MN

I have some other "irons in the fire" for the remaining summer months, and into the fall. I hope to keep everybody posted.

I have been busy in the shop working on some interesting items. For some reason turquoise has had a grip on my design time this past month. Here are a couple items I have made recently that are interesting.

Winter is upon us finally 11-24-10

2010-11-24T17:03:00.000-06:00

It seems as though the last time I entered on this blog the weather was great. Well that's about finished I am afraid. I have been busy in the shop this week and worked on some interesting new items. I have also been thinking about how I should advertise and how to spend limited advertising $. Any of you bloggers out there have opinions on where to get the most out of the advertising dollar?
Our local newspaper doesn't reach very far from Dawson so I am thinking of other options. In the meantime I am going to show off a few new items.

These pendants are cute little one word messengers. I think the price is right and they make great gifts.

I loved this souvenir spoon the moment I saw it. The Chief was the focal point and he is soldered on the bowl of the spoon, then the stem is curled over to make a large bail. I added a Sleeping Beauty Turquoise stone to highlight the Native concept.
A black leather cord is just the right display for this pendant.

This is a customized "grandmother's" pendant set.
Polished sterling name plates are soldered to hammered brass back plates.

This is a custom order for a confirmation gift. It is a heavy sterling hammered cross laid on thick copper which has been "torn" on the edges.

This is a pendant set that is perfect for a mother or grandmother. Each charm has an initial. Since they are double layered they can have a date, or word on the backside also.

J Menden Silversmith aka BeAD Habit: Preview "Winter is upon us finally 11-24-10"

2010-11-24T17:02:00.000-06:00

J Menden Silversmith aka BeAD Habit: Preview "Winter is upon us finally 11-24-10"

Show schedule for November 10-20-10

2010-10-20T08:08:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone on this gorgeous Minnesota fall morning. I wanted to list the two art/craft shows I will be vending at in November.

Scandinavian Arts and Crafts --Madison MN VFW on November 13 from 9-4PM. This show will be part of Norsefest an annual Scandinavian celebration in Madison.

Taste & See Extravaganza & Craft Fair Prairies Edge Casino from 9-4PM.

Both of these venues are fun and very unique. The Norsefest is a small limited group of Scandinavian artisans and the Taste and See is a large snazzy ballroom with great variety. Think of buying hand made, AMERICAN made items for Christmas.

Wedding Rings 8-27-10

2010-08-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

Hi all
These are wedding rings that I made about a month or so ago for a couple who wanted something original, hand made, and sterling silver. The gold you see was rescued from the groom's grandmother's wedding rings. I was able to design rings that made use of some of the gold. The couple graciously gave me the right to use the picture of these rings any way I wished. I am using the picture here and also on my FaceBook page. Thanks to Jess the bride and photographer.

Sons of Norway

2010-08-08T08:44:00.000-05:00

I will be getting ready for a little presentation on the Norwegian influence of my style of silversmithing. The meeting is Monday night in Canby. I added a few new items to my Norwegian Inspired Jewelry line. As you can see I chose a varied group of items which I hope will appeal to everyone. the 2 pendants are good sized cabs of Norwegian Thulite, which is the national stone of Norway. They measure about 2" long and over 1" wide. Their thickness is just under 1/2".
As usual comments greatly appreciated.
The dangling earrings are twisted wire with Thulite beads added. I just love these and will make a similar pair for myself .

I also have tried my hand at reticulation. I am very pleased with the first 3 attempts.

Charoite Ring

2010-06-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

This is a really lovely charoite ring. I think it is about a 7.5. It is tall and heavy although very balanced and comfortable. It has some quartz running through it and the purple of more of a plum than a grape color.

It was a chain kind of a day...6-13-10

2010-06-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

In the shop yesterday I worked on this 22" hand made chain necklace. It combines circles with rectangles. The circles are planished on one side and the rectangles are made using sterling half domed wire. After the chain was sent to the tumbler I worked on a nice charoite ring. It will be added to the blog today or tomorrow after the stone is set. It seemed to grow a little larger as I worked but all in all I sure like the way it turned out.

Soon my show season will be underway and then I will not have time to work on time consuming items like this chain.
Please stop raining in western MN!

Larimar and Sterling Spoon Bowl Pendant

2010-06-08T19:23:00.001-05:00

Today was a larimar day. I decided summer was upon me and I needed to make sure I had some great summery items for the show season. July is my big month and it is soon upon us.

This is a nice thick slab of larimar with no inclusions. It is as blue as the summer sky in the Carribean. There would be just a wisp of white clouds slipping by.

This would be such a nice addition to the summer wardrobe.

Let me know if you like it.

Jean

Ocean Jasper- how perfect is it for summer!?

2010-06-07T19:07:00.000-05:00

Today's work in my shop consisted of making 30 pairs of sterling ear wires and a handful of head pins. I finished something much more fun when the wires were done. I selected this pretty little ocean jasper cab and set it with a hand made (Don Norris) sterling leaf and three little sterling balls. I love the wash of pink on the clear white. The right side is a greeny gold.

Believe it or not ear wires are time consuming! I just counted up 8 steps with each wire before it is ear ring wearable. I am not interested in buying ear wires or headpins due to the inconsistent quality. I also tumble my ear wires to make sure there is no little bur that can irritate the ear hole.

Salt Spoon Mania!! 6-3-10

2010-06-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Today I was motivated to work with the salt spoons I got this winter. I bid on ebay on a great big group of salt spoons. I was delighted when they came and knew that when the time was right I would have a good time designing jewelry using them. I still have 6 or so left to use!
This picture shows the fruits of my labor. They all look cool but the biggest surprise was the one on the black leather cord. It was a funny little spoon. the bowl was a half circle so you can imagine how deep it was. I slowly enlarged the bowl until it was as flat as I could get it then I just whacked it down on the anvil with the leather mallet. So, I soldered the large bezel cup on and set the cab. The back of it was the design on the inside of salt spoon bowl. I will send anyone a detailed picture of it if you want.

Ringa Dinga Day 6-2-10

2010-06-02T16:10:00.001-05:00

I finished up on some rings this morning. They vary in size and in style as you can see. The gecko is laid on a band which has been lightly hammered. I buffed him smooth so he doesn't "eat" the skin. The next ring is a size 12 and combines texture with shine. It is my favorite. The third one is quite heavy and a little organic looking. The last one is slightly dainty with a nice knot type swirl.

gecko size 7

textured band size 12

organic ball band size 8

dainty knots size 7.5

It's a lovely day today. I walked 6 miles and did not sweat. Unfortunately we shall have some storms from Friday-Sunday according to the weather gurus.

Jean

Lovely Opal 5-31-10

2010-05-31T14:33:00.001-05:00

Last week I was inspired to set the opal I bought this winter. I sketched out a substantial yet airy setting with some swirls and piercings at the top. This opal is huge! I have not added it to the web site so if you are interested please email me and I will discuss the price with you.

BeAD Habit: 2010 Summer Art Show Schedule

2010-05-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

BeAD Habit: 2010 Summer Art Show Schedule

2010 Summer Art Show Schedule

2010-05-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

My summer schedule is somewhat cemented in, finally. An * will indicate a pending Art Show.

May 15- Milan Minnesota Syttende Mai Celebration
(This is a small town show with a Norwegian focus.)
10AM-4PM

July 3-4 -Gary SD Celebration at the Buffalo Ridge Resort
(historic renovated former South Dakota School for the Blind)

July 10-11- Brookings SD Brookings Summer Arts Festival

July 24-25- Alexandria MN Art in the Park

Sept. 11-12 Goss Opera House Downtown Watertown SD
(This is an indoor show in the historic renovated Goss Opera House)

*Sept. 18-19 Carlos Creek Winery Alexandria MN

Oct. 1-2-3 Meander Upper Minnesota River Valley Arts Crawl
(This is a traveling art show and I will exibit at my home in my shop)
www.artsmeander.com

I have various one day shows all through November and December. I will add them as the info becomes available.

Please contact me at www.info@jmendensilver.com for details on show times or directions for travel. I hope to see some familiar faces at my shows this summer.

2 new pendants 5-4-2010

2010-05-04T11:14:00.005-05:00

I am going to discuss two new pendants that I made yesterday. The first copper calcite pendant is a free formed cab that I set on my usual sterling spoon bowl. I textured the edges because the spoon bowl had been engraved with the name of a town and the remains of that were showing after I set the stone. I love the green and copper vertical striations in this stone. I saw a cool idea in this month's Art Jewelry, aka Lapidary Journal magazine, that showed a copper heart soldered on the back of a pendant. So this is my first attempt at that idea and I do like it. What was a little of a glitch is that the heart was soldered on before I soldered the bezel on the other side. The high heat I use for bezel soldering did a little number on the smaller of the two hearts. The stamp is not as clear as I would like it to be.

The next pendant is a feather that I formed on the bowl of a small sterling spoon. I used twisted sterling wire to fabricate the spine of the feather, the "noose", the bail, and the dangling ropes. Lots of textures and a little color (small coral cab) on this one.

Have a nice spring week,
Jean

Long time a comin' 4-17-2010

2010-04-17T18:25:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon and I apologize for being so slow to update the blog. Not much is happening in the jewelry world for me right now, except that I am making new things for this summer's shows. I did order a new tent this week and can hardly wait to use it. I settled upon the Finale. It is a dome style tent with an air vent on the top. I have high hopes of selling the old, not so terribly old, Caravan. Need it? Nothing wrong with it. I will share a few things I have made lately. I love the cuffs and the Fire Opal is especially nice, although pretty small. (1 1/2")

Enjoy the lovely weather we have this week. Unseasonably warm in Minnesota- as usual.

Jean

Shell Collection 3-27-10

2010-03-27T14:35:00.002-05:00

HI All; Today I want to share the new pendant I made yesterday called "Shell Collection" I bought this souvenir spoon in Florida this past month and laid it on a slab of copper. I liked the look so I sweat soldered it down added a nifty bail and brushed the heck out of it. I think it looks sandblasted and ready for spring/summer wear. The other little pendant is an oval rhodochrosite which I set on the handle of a sterling baby fork. I used the invisible bail technique on the back to hide the chain. The business end of this fork is pictured in my previous post! Like it? Dislike it? I would love to hear from you. Jean

I will be showing jewelry tomorrow at the Prairie's Edge Casino which is south of Granite Falls. The show is from 2-5PM in the ballroom

BeAD Habit: Baby fork- so cute!! 3-19-2010

2010-03-19T08:05:00.000-05:00

BeAD Habit: Baby fork- so cute!! 3-19-2010

Baby fork- so cute!! 3-19-2010

2010-03-19T07:56:00.003-05:00

Good morning readers

Today I decided to showcase a little fork pendant that I made yesterday. I bought the spoon on our trip to Florida. In downtown Mt. Dora there is an antique store that had a little tray of sterling baby utensils. I bought a few of them and this is the cutest one. The others are spoons. I set it with a nice oval cab of really dark Lapis. FYO- the darker the Lapis the higher the quality.

The application to art show season is in full swing. I send my last app in the mail yesterday. Now the schedule setting will begin when those approvals come in the mail. The way it is now I will probably have 7 weekenders. It will be a busy busy summer again.

I also will be walking the Susan B Komen for the cure 3 Day walk. This is 60 miles in 3 days! Preparation is key. I will need to raise $2300 towards the cause. If you think this is a good cause for your donation dollar please donate to me at :

www.the3day.org

The fancy Jade pendant

2010-02-18T13:54:00.002-06:00

I hope this picture is clear for my friend Kellie. Here is the design for the jade that you love.
Let me know.....

2-18-2010 CURE silent auction items

2010-02-18T13:44:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone
This is a great sunny winter day and I have had a good time in the shop!
The other day I made a little sterling boat for the silent auction for CURE. (Check their website for great environmental info) www.curemnriver.org
Anyway...I thought that the boat was to small, to plain, to.....who knows what.

I wanted to design something --that was like the something-- I designed last year-- and I did!

It is pictured below.

This copper and sterling pendant symbolizes:

Falling colorful leaves
Cat tails in the marsh
Respect for those whose
Land we now hold dear.

This is a nice companion to the 2009 CURE creation.

But the little boat......

This little sterling boat
Reminds me
Of childhood days
Of rowing along the shore
Of Stump Lake.

Let me know if you enjoy the creations- better yet make a generous bid at the CURE silent auction Saturday night.

New items and upcoming show 2-11-10

2010-02-11T09:01:00.005-06:00

Good morning and it is a nice morning. It is not snowing, and not blowing very much. I do not like the south wind in the winter. The items I am going to show today are pretty different I think. The ring is a coil of half round wire totally soldred at each seam. I put it on the mandrel and used various items to texture the domed part of the ring. I needed a little more of "something" so I added 3 sterling balls. The bracelet is a hand made chain which is attached to the coolest sterling spoon ever. My Norwegian friend informed me on FB that the flowers on the handle are bluebells. I believe the initial monogram is an S. I am no expert on script but that's what I think. The backside of this has a date 2-10-15. So, as of yesterday that spoon is 95 years old!

Feb 13-14
I will be showing jewelry this weekend at The Great Western Minnesota Get Together. That is at the LQPV High School on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 12-4. I have not show jewelry since December so I have lots of new things that I worked on in the last month.

Jean

Tee Pee Canyon Agate 2-3-2010

2010-02-03T09:32:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I found myself in the mood to use one of my spendy stones so I chose a lovely, perfect Tee Pee Canyon agate. I found what I decided was just the right spoon bowl and proceeded to set the stone. I determined it needed a clean fuss free presentation. The stone is so lovely. I bought it a couple years ago at a rock shop on the edge of Custer South Dakota. Not cheap either mind you! But the guy I got it from had fond it, cut it, and loved it also.

I am going to offer this pendant for sale and I really am hoping it goes somewhere with someone who truly loves the Black Hills.

No one ever comments on this blog, but if you like this pendant I sure would appreciate your input. Even if you don't like it let me know that also!

Have a nice day and I hope your day isn't filled with fence fixing and snow shoveling like mine has been!

Jean

Silver Black 1-26-2010

2010-01-26T11:16:00.006-06:00

Good morning everybody. Yesterday in the shop I got a little carried away with the silver black. I use it instead of liver of sulfer. The little pendant and earrings pictured are sleeping beauty turquoise set in spirals of pounded sterling. They are pretty small for my work but I think it is good to try to appeal to a larger group of customers. The other two creations are dingles of mixed metals. The larger set is sterling with just two dingles of brass for contrast. I hope you like the pictures. have a nice day.

Oh, the wind has died down today finally and we are left with frigid cold, drifted snow, and a Vikings hangover.

Good morning and Go Vikes! 1/24/20010

2010-01-24T12:45:00.003-06:00

Today and yesterday I have been very busy adding items to my web site. Check the mixed metals category for some new pieces, the spoon category, and the pendant category. Also there are two pairs of much awaited Norwegian Style Filigree earrings that I added. I know that category is really anemic but I do have some new items finished this month.
The first item above is custom order name necklace with a leather cord. the second pendant is Rosetta Stone Jasper and is listed in the pendants section.

Have a good day all!

Jean

3 new pendants added today 12-22-09

2009-12-22T12:07:00.004-06:00

It must be pretty goofy to add new pendants right before Christmas, but I was motivated to do it and heaven knows that doesn't happen often. As everyone knows I enjoy designing and creating fine sterling jewelry but I do not enjoy photographing, and adding them to the web site. but how am I going to see them if I don't advertise them, right?
They are in the pendant section. I will add little pics of them here also.
This third design is a
cool custom Mother's necklace. Kids initials are stamped on double layered sterling disks which have been pounded for texture. I bored the holes of the hill tribe sterling beads so they would be big enough to string on the necklace. Cool design isn't it!?
Thanks go to Heidi for this one.
Have a safe Holiday season and do not drive in the storm!
Jean

Cool green crysoprase 12-16-09

2009-12-16T15:11:00.000-06:00

This pendant I made using a crysoprase oval cab and decorative bezel. I added a nice sized
leaf on the top and set the stone horizontally. It is a medium sized pendant with a great
cool green shade of chrysoprase.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to all

Jean

Jewelry Party- Snowstorm

2009-12-09T10:38:00.002-06:00

I am off to Benson for jewelry party in a snowstorm! It should simmer down pretty soon I hear.
Remember this weekend is my open house!! Come one come all!

Jean

Picture Jasper set 12-4-09

2009-12-03T15:37:00.002-06:00

Today in the shop I made a set that has such a lovely stone that I had to share it immediately! It is a really large picture jasper cab set on a sterling serving spoon bowl. The matching ears are good sized in themselves. The image in this stone really looks like a mountain to me. Soldering the bezel on this large a piece is an exercise in torch control! As always comments are welcome. Jean

Holiday Open House Scheduled

2009-12-02T08:22:00.003-06:00

Good morning-
I have determined a time and a place for my Holiday Open House

I will again turn my fireplace room into a jewelry store for everyone to enjoy!
Please come and bring friends also.

December 12-13th
9-5

3220 150th st
Boyd, MN 56218

I live 3 miles south of Dawson and 2 3/4 miles east

Give me a call of you have questions: 320-769-4691
Can't wait to have a good turnout!!
Jean

Big work week for me!

2009-11-20T18:44:00.006-06:00

I spent most of the week working in my shop making all kinds of goodies. Copper seemed to be the metal of choice. I Mixed it with sterling of course! The pictures I chose to add this week just happen to be ones that I took to send to others who were interested. I have not set a day aside to do a photo shoot for my web site. The last little pendant is a really midnight colored cab of lapis. It is a little smaller than my usual designs.

I think they are self explanatory, so enjoy.

Oh- tomorrow I will be in Granite Falls at the Prairies Edge Casino Ballroom for a show. It is from 9-4.

Have a really nice weekend everybody.

Jean

Filigree Day today!

2009-11-09T19:25:00.001-06:00

This morning I knew I needed to make some Norwegian Style filigree for the show on Saturday.
I decided to make a day of it in the shop. Here are a few of the items I worked on. The pendants and earrings are finished and there are a few more things waiting for the final polish and then tumbling.

It was such a great day that I decided since I had to work and couldn't ride I would at least make
some horse pendants. These are really cool. They are triple layer mixed metal pendants.

I love them.

Anyone else love them?!

Jean

Show Updates

2009-11-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

Good Morning all

Next Saturday Nov 14, I will be at a little show in Madison MN called Norsk Fest. I will be showing my Norwegian Style jewelry, and other things also, at the Madison VFW from 9-5. I have made a nice selection of new filigree pieces and Thulite items. Thulite is the national stone of Norway and is a lovely dusty pink.

www.jmendensilver.com/pendants.htm

Saturday Nov 21 I will be showing at the Prairie's Edge Casino which is south of Granite Falls. That is a beautiful setting in a lovely ballroom.

Hope to see a nice crowd at each event.

Enjoy this weekend I hear it is supposed to be beautiful weather.

Good Morning! New items added again. 10-28-09

2009-10-28T11:54:00.009-05:00

Hi Everybody-
This morning I took pictures of new items to get them ready for the website. I am going to add a few here for your comments. I made myself a new photo layout that was pretty fun. I placed each item on 3 different props. First I used a traditional grey bust, then I used a pretty agate slab propped up on an easel. Last I used a little petrified wood chunk. Let me know which views you like the best.
My Rio order came today and I have more copper sheet now. I bought some 16g which will be super thick. I plan to lay some pendants on the copper sheet if I can crank the torch up hot enough to solder 16ga with two layers of sterling on top! I will comment on here sometime next week to let you know how it goes.
Jean

Great new items added today! 10-22-09

2009-10-22T11:12:00.002-05:00

This morning I kept my pledge to keep updating my web site. In the gem section I added 3 new necklaces one of which is my favorite creation of the fall. I enjoy making handmade sterling leaves and decided to beef up the design scale with a new creation using these leaves. Check it out in the pictures here and then refer to the gem section of my web site for specifics.
Turquoise and jasper are also favorites of mine and there are new items using those gems.
For the fall confirmation kids there is a simple yet elegant cross in the pendant section. I feel it is suitable for a boy or girl.

I always enjoy the rare comments I receive!!

Jean

I worked on the site again! 10-11-09

2009-10-11T12:06:00.002-05:00

My web site is beginning to be respectable again. This morning I added some new items to the spoon section. There are two special handle pendants that are set with labradorite, and pietersite.
Check out the fire in the labradorite. It is spectacular. I am pleased with my photo shoot on that item. Sometimes it is tough to get labradorite to appear in a picture as great as it is in person.
I will add the image here to entice you to take a look in the spoon rebirth section.

JM
(More to follow!! I am on a roll)

Again!! I worked on the website yet again!

2009-10-08T13:51:00.001-05:00

Working on web site updating for two days in a row is a record for me. I have blogged a smattering of pictures of items I added today. The Norwegian Thulite items are really very lovely. Check them out on the site.

PEACE items are always really popular. this is a heavy duty bracelet that I really love.
It says it all doesn't it?

Adios until tomorrow. I will finish the updating. Jean

I am keeping my pledge 10-7-09

2009-10-07T14:40:00.003-05:00

I had decided that after The Meander I would whittle away at updating my web site. So, today I added 2 new hand made chain bracelets and 3 spoon handle pendants.
If I add 5 new items every day I might get caught up within a couple years!!.
Please be patient with me. Technology is not my thing.

You may have noticed on the side of this blog there is an image of my horse. That is because I am now kind of a Face Book member. I say kind of because I decided to become involved in order to keep in touch with some riding buddies who have a discussion group there. I used the image of my horse as my symbol.

I may as well keep a few images of my jewelry on Face Book also don't you think?

Anyone reading this blog needs to let me know by some kind of response!!

Oh another notice- This coming Saturday October 10 I will show a couple tables of jewely in Dawson at Women of Exceptional Worth. Displays will be in the Elementary gym between 8AM and 1:30PM.

Jean

Successful Meander yet again 10-4-09

2009-10-04T20:58:00.002-05:00

This season's Meander was a successful event at BeAD HABIT Silversmithing. Although the weather was rainy and cold people were out and about on the spongy gravel roads. I had planned of having Lucy my little Paint mare as the official greeter but the pen in the front yard was to muddy for her to stand in all day. The 3 cats had to do the greeting job on their own.
I hope next year she will be able to greet.

My pledge for the rest of this fall is to keep my anemic web site more current. I did not say totally current though.

Thanks to my helpers:
Kris, Lisa, and Kathy

I hope you enjoy those great T's I got ya!

Jean

It IS Meander Weekend!!!

2009-09-30T20:12:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder to anyone who is near western Minnesota-
The Meander begins Friday afternoon and continues all day Saturday and Sunday.
Check it out. There are 40 some talented artists exhibiting in their studios. Surely there is something for everyone.

Check out my hand crafted chains, and fantastic if I do say so myself, pendants!

I hope to see lots of people.

JM

Finally I am blogging again, or Norwegian style filigree updated!!

2009-09-09T10:04:00.004-05:00

This piece is a triple layer with the base being a thick copper plate. Next comes sterling sheet with a "road" of half round sterling wire which added that wiggles it's way to the top to curve into the bail. Crawling up the curve is a little sterling gecko. He will meet up with the 4mm coral cab if he ever gets to the end of the road! Love this piece. It is a sizable and heavy pendant with a thick snake chain. Kinda southwest looking I think.

Here's my newest twist on Norwegian Style Filigree. As usual I made a sterling square wire frame. Inside I added the traditional filigree shapes. But the unexpected excitement is the lovely sterling butterfly perched towards the base of the pendant. This is a detailed little lovely that adds a 3 dimensional look to the filigree. I hope the traditional Norwegian silversmiths aren't offended by how I manipulate their designs!

Here is a traditional piece with a small onyx cab.

This oval laying on it's side is really lovely. My Norwegian Style Filigree is highlighted by a 6mm garnet cab. Offset is a 3 dimensional sterling hummingbird trying to decide if she is going to feed on that garnet or not.!. My day in the shop messing with filigree work was fun and rewarding!

To see these new designs head to:
The Goss Opera House in downtown Watertown SD.
There is a little art show there this weekend. The show runs on Saturday Sept. 12 from 11-8PM and on Sunday Sept. 13 from 11-5PM (I think those are the Sunday hours, I forget)

Please don't forget The Meander!! It is without a doubt the nicest fall art crawl in Minnesota. The dates are October 2-3-4.

Aug. 10 2009 Just a couple more.....

2009-08-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

.

This is a Norwegian Thulite bracelet that would look good with the pendants I have made.
There are some little ears to go with it.

I call this one Angel wing. I used a layer of brass and a layer of copper. I sweat soldered them together and then chose a little angel casting to lay over the top. I did oxidize it a little to try to highlight the feathers on the wing. It is a pretty good sized pendant.

I love this double spoon sterling cuff with onyx stone. I am not sure of this pattern but it reminds me of a Greek Key design. I buffed it with steel wool before polishing so it has a satin finish. it is a medium sized cuff.

These 3 spoon pendants are pretty interesting. One is rhodochrosite, one is a double garnet fork creation, and the other is carnelian.

As always comments appreciated.
Jean

I am working again after a busy July 8-9-09

2009-08-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

I have been busy the last week working in my shop to boost the inventory for the next two shows. I had 3 weekend art shows in July so my stock is pretty limited. I have been working mostly with spoons, rings, bracelets and pendants.

This first spoon ring is featuring a 4mm lapis stone on a size 10 ring. I was able to lay the stone next to the D monogram so as not to hide any of the initial.

This ring is a size 7 made from a demitasse spoon. It is really comfy and has the pattern all the way around the entire band. There are some initials which appear faintly inside of this spoon. I think this looks like a fan.

This is a pic of the entire lot of rings that I made this week. They are various sizes and designs. One has a small blue sapphire and is about a size 4.5. It is a perfect pinky ring.

This is a gorgeous red crazy lace agate cab set on the entire spoon bowl. I put the fancy part at the bottom and adorned the top with a leaf, flower and a sterling ball. The design of this agate is really outstanding.

I have made many other items which may or may not appear on my web site. I wish I enjoyed keeping my web site updated as much as I enjoy the jewelry making end of this business.

I plan to do some work this week with Thulite so I have a nice selection for the Meander. I have splurged and ordered some beads so I can make matching earrings for the pendants I have made. I also have made a beaded bracelet using Thulite and sterling tube beads.

As always comments would be appreciated.

Have a nice week- summer is finally here and the weather is sultry.
JM

Brookings Art Show designs

2009-07-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone who reads this. After a super busy week I worked in my shop today making some new designs for the Brookings Art in the Park which is this weekend. This first pendant is a Sleeping Beauty Turquoise cab which I presented "upside down" I added a nice thick leaf which was made by my buddy Don Norris to balance the slimmer bottom of the pendant. I used a decorative bezel and laid it all on a sleek sterling spoon bowl.

This is a little cluster of sterling stuff and a turquoise little oval cab. I laid it on the back side of a smooth spoon handle because I wanted to make use of that ridge that was on the back. I used a couple sterling balls and some twisted wire for texture.

The ever popular larimar pendant! This is such a pretty stone. Nothing rivals the blue of Larimar.

Here is another one of my hand made chains. This is a hefty circled link chain bracelet which is made from half round wire. It has a nifty clasp that I made to go with the chain design.

Just a quick note- The people at the Buffalo Ridge Resort in Gary SD are some really nice people. They run a beautiful hotel and give great service. The art show was a success for me and I hope for the other artists that were there.
Thanks Suzanne Fairchild for a great 2 days of fun.

My display box is featured on a web site!

2009-06-17T11:32:00.001-05:00

I made a display for my spoon jewelry and submitted it to a web site that features display designs and other stuff. Here is a link to that site. (I got the original idea at that site and expanded upon it to fit my needs)
Jean

http://www.jewelry-display-ideas.com/silverware-box-display-for-sterling-spoon-jewelry.html

Sure wish I knew how to make this a clickable link.

Rocky Butte Jasper Set 6-17-09

2009-06-17T08:42:00.000-05:00

Good morning readers! This is a set I decided to show on my blog. It is for display in an art show in a hotel lobby. I am so pleased with how it turned out. the pictures were taken with natural light and with flash. It sure looks different with flash doesn't it? I would of course enjoy some feedback on my items. The cabs were set on my favorite medium- sterling silver spoon bowls!
I bought the cabs from a man who cuts his own and he is from Montana.
JM

NEW items on web site 6-7-09

2009-06-07T15:56:00.012-05:00

Hi all
Today is sure a chilly windy day in Minnesota. A perfect day for me to add some items to my website. I do not like the technology aspect of jewelry sales. I have made so many new items for the summer art shows that I decided I should put a few on the web site.
Since I don't know how to make a link to each item, I thought I would just describe them here and maybe add a picture of each one.
I added 3 new cabochon pendants, two new mixed metals items, some earrings and two hand made chain bracelets.
I sure would love some comments so please take a little peek.

Summer Art Show Schedule 6-2-09

2009-06-02T08:18:00.005-05:00

Good morning everybody- I decided it was high time to post my summer art show schedule. These shows are already booked and cemented into my calendar. I am considering a few shorter day shows at this time also but I haven't decided yet if I will participate or not.

June 13-14 Art on the Lake, Excelsior Minnesota
Sat- 10-6 Sun 10-4 Booth # 132
www.excelsiorartonthelake.com

July 3-4 Gateway to the West, Gary South Dakota
Fri- 10-8 Sat 9-5
(This show is part of the Gary Celebration Days and is going to be held at the new Buffalo Ridge Resort)

July 11-12 Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings South Dakota
Sat- 10-7 Sun 10-5 Booth 142
www.bsaf.com

July 25-26 Art in the Park, Alexandria Mn
Sat 9-5 Sun 9:30-4

Sept 12-13 Watertown Art Festival at the Goss Opera House downtown Watertown SD
Sat 11-7 Sun 10-4

Oct 2-4 The Meander, this will be held in my home studio
Fri 3-dark Sat 9-dark Sun 9-dark
(since this is at my home I am available at all times)

This schedule includes 6 weekend shows, which is one more than I did last year. I look forward to a busy summer on the road and hope for good weather at each event. I listed the web sites on two of these shows.

New work- Finally! 5-20-09

2009-05-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got out to the shop and worked on a few new items. After making a pretty cool Lapis double rope twisted cab pendant I decided to add another handmade chain bracelet to my inventory. As those of you who are silversmiths know, a handmade chain bracelet is at least a half day job in the shop. So this one took a little longer than half the day but I do love it. It is made from half round thick sterling wire and designed something like a rolo chain. I made a nice sized hook clasp so the owner can choose the length of the bracelet by selecting which chain link to hook it into.

The earring design came to me while I was looking in a magazine at something similar. I decided to make a textured copper disk and solder the rings onto some twisted flat sterling wire. These are pretty long but amazingly light. I tumbled the heck out of them so they are super hard and will not easily bend.

Next month I will be in Excelsior at the Art on The Lake show and I would love to have oodles of chains available there. No easy task!
Comments on these two items would really be appreciated. If anyone is interested, the chain bracelet will be priced at $100 and the earrings priced at $35.

Spring Open House Announcement

2009-05-05T11:54:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody- Just in case you are in the neighborhood!!

BeAD HABIT Silversmith

Spring Open House

Friday May 8 12-8PM

Saturday May 9 10-6PM

You are cordially invited to my annual spring open house.

This year I have a new line called

“Build a Necklace”

You be the designer!

This weekend all pearl jewelry is 10% off

As usual you will find an excellent selection of high quality one of a kind handmade sterling silver and gemstone jewelry.

I just made a dozen new rings that are super interesting

My address:

Jean Menden

3220 150^th st

Boyd, MN 56218

320-769-4691

www.jmendensilver.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$5 off COUPON

Good on any purchase during

The Open House

Name: ______________________

Creative juices flowing today! 4-27-09

2009-04-27T19:38:00.002-05:00

Today in the shop was a good day. As we all know some days aren't so hot! But the fire was kind to me today, nothing melted, wiggled, or got wonky on me. The first picture is a lovely agate that I purchased last summer in a rock shop in Custer SD. It is a banded agate with quartz inclusions. I set it in a simple sterling setting and I put a brushed finish on it with steel wool. I will offer it for sale on a brushed sterling chain. It will be really classy.

This little spoon bowl pendant is a puffy pietersite cab. The inner glow is great and it has a small chunky appearance. How do you like the way I laid the bezel? I made use of the floral design on the spoon bowl and laid it sideways for an unexpected style.

This is a demitasse spoon handle ring with a 6mm garnet stone set on it. I soldered this ring closed. I think it is about a 6 or a little bigger maybe.

These little babies are so darling. They are all about an inch long or a little more. I tumbled them for a high shine and set stones on them. The stones are citrine, onyx, moonstone, and amethyst. They will all be priced in a reasonable range. They are great Mother's Day gifts don't you think?

Speaking of Mother's Day, I am going to have an open house at my place on Friday and Saturday prior to Mother's Day. It will be good for me to lay all of my "goodies" out so I can determine what needs to be made before the Excelsior show.

Designer Cab Day today 4-22-09

2009-04-22T18:59:00.002-05:00

Hi Everybody-
Today I decided to work with a few of the many gorgeous designer quality cabs I have bought over the last couple years. The diamond shaped one pictured is an absolutely gorgeous Carey Moss agate. I set it on a sterling spoon bowl using a plain bezel. I fancied up the edges with a little stamping and trim work with my flex shaft. It is really a lovely item. I like to use the spoon bowls for two reasons. the first reason is that they are thick and make a piece that has some "heft" to it. The second reason is that they have the stump of the stem of the spoon that can be formed into a decorative bail big enough to accommodate even the thickest collar.
The oblong one is a Stone Canyon Jasper from California. I used a fancy bezel for this one and three sterling balls at the top. It is a thick heavy pendant.
The ring is a square Tiffany Stone from Utah. I have two other pendants made from this stone. I love it. Purple with black smeared into it.
All in all a good day!
Jean

Hey! I finally added a few new rings today!

2009-04-21T16:46:00.004-05:00

Hi Everybody
It has been ages since I have added new items to my web site or posted on this blog. It has been a busy spring for me I guess.
I added some rings I made a couple weeks ago. There are two large spoon rings that I think are outstanding. One is called a Pansey ring. It is a large ring suitable for a large finger or the thumb.
It is so ornate and decorative that it would be a real noticed piece. I enjoy making rings but I don't enjoy guessing on sizes. One thing I have learned over time though is that lots of us are willing to wear a great ring on whatever finger it fits. So of course that would include thumbs.
The other cool ring is one which incorporates the entire demitasse spoon. The stem of the spoon made a wonderful ring band and the flattened bowl made a great backdrop for the spoon handle.
Please take a look. I will include the link to the web site ring section.

http://www.jmendensilver.com/rings.htm

Jean
Oh, I bought 38 new sterling spoons on my trip to Florida! Check out the Florida oranges ring.

Thanks to the Granite Arts Council

2009-03-30T08:07:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the convention center at the Prairie's Edge Casino made a beautiful setting for the art show. The organizers and the casino staff did a great job of making it a pleasant day.
Thanks so much for inviting me to show my work. I hope to participate in more art shows sponsored by the Granite Arts Council and Tamara Isfeld President.

Today I plan to spend some shop time and design new pendants for the summer show circuit. Right now I am exhibiting at Excelsior, Brookings, Alexandria, The Meander, and Watertown. These are all weekend shows. My plan is to find one more weekend event. 6 will be good for me!
I will do smaller one day shows in between the weekend schedule. As soon as all of these shows are "in cement" I will post a schedule here.

We await yet another blizzard today. We may get up to 12" of snow and high winds. I thought it was April tomorrow.

FYI the picture I used today is my daughter's charm bracelet with little squares to represent each family member. Their names are on the front and their BDs on the back. I used two pieces of sterling, stamped them and sweat soldered the backs together. Then I made a hand made chain bracelet and soldered the charms onto the links. The whole bracelet has a soft brushed finish. It is pictured on the miscellaneous section of my web site.
J

On the road today Sunday 3-29-09

2009-03-29T08:24:00.004-05:00

Hi readers
I thought I should make a real quick post this morning about my afternoon showing.
I will be at the Prairie's Edge Casino south of Granite Falls. The show is just a little area art display and it runs from 3-5.
J

"Ringy Week" 3-16-09

2009-03-16T09:11:00.007-05:00

Last week I decided to work on rings off and on. I need more rings for the summer show season and I think I had a really creative few days. The rings pictured are the new ones. I did not use my tripod for the pictures so they aren't as clear as usual but when I add them to the web site I will retake them with the tripod. The carnelian ring and earrings turned out really lovely. The cabs are so translucent that they reflect light and seem almost opal looking. The ring that is a snarl of wires was fun and turned out great. I used tiny snippets of solder at each intersection of wire so it took a long time to finish. It is sturdy and open and airy. The sizes of these rings range from 6-8+. I find that most women wear somewhere in between those sizes on one of their fingers. Good thing we aren't picky about which fingers we wear rings on! The large ring in the center is super cool and unusual. I used an entire demitasse spoon, it was super tiny, and I soldered the handle over the flattened bowl. The back part of the ring is the spoon stem so it is slender and comfy. I loved the feel of it on my pointer finger. I hope you like these rings!
Have a great week. Minnesota is supposed to be in the 50's and I can't wait for the snow and mud to go.

Good morning

2009-03-07T09:26:00.006-06:00

I decided to finally get the pictures taken of my new work. I did blog last week about the TeePee Canyon agate that I set so I thought I should show it's image. It is so pretty and I am pleased with the setting. I was concerned that it is a flat slab cab rather than a domed shouldered cab. But I hope you can see on the picture that it turned out beautifully. I am undecided about rather it will be for sale or find it's home around my neck. I have special feelings for Custer Sd since it is a yearly vacation destination for me and my family.
also I decided to show two chains I made that I also am happy with. They are both versions of a pattern called the bow tie twist. The bracelet is a triple twist and the necklacre is double.
the other pic is a leaf. Remember I spend an entire day making leaves?This is one of them. I set it with a little 4mm peridot cab.
thanks for looking and hopefully commenting.
Jean

I am back from my "NOT Florida trip"

2009-02-27T16:23:00.004-06:00

Well the storm was raging here yesterday and today we have the dig out issues to deal with. I think we got somewhere in the 8-10" of snow along with the complimentary winds. Today it is sunny and cold.
Nuff about the weather. We were headed to Florida for a week or so, and my husband had a little medical issue which found us in the ER in the Shakopee hospital. We were there for 3 days instead of flying to Florida.
I worked in the shop for long hours both Wednesday and Thursday. My accomplishments include a great new chain. It is called a double twist bow tie chain and I learned the pattern in a new chain book I bought before Christmas. It is made from 14 ga. sterling and is 23" long. I love it and I am sure it will find a new owner soon. I will add it to the web site the next time I have my archaic photo system out. I also made a great pendant out of TeePee Canyon Agate that I bought last summer in Custer SD. (That's where the canyon is!) The cab was quite irregular and had a flat surface rather than the shouldered dome I usually work with. But it did turn out very nicely. I have a few more of these agates so I hope to get the made before the summer ART Show season starts.
Yesterday I focused my attentions on leaves. I made sterling leaf pendants all day. They are so time consuming that I worked all day and finished 5. I will get the pictured soon. Monday- for sure. As you can tell taking pictures is one of my least favorite things to do in the jewelry business.
I would love to hear from anybody out there that follows this blog.
Jean

Good Grief!

2009-02-11T09:53:00.003-06:00

I am having web site glitches again. I don't know how I mess things up this bad but I did it again. While loading a few new pieces yesterday I managed to mess up the link to the Sparkle Bright. So if you click on Sparkle Bright you will see my new Lapis Pendant. While the pendant is nice it isn't jewelry cleaner!
So, if you wish to order the Sparkle Bright please send me an email through the contact me page.
My web guru will fix it soon I am sure.

Another little note- While watching Treasure Hunters on TV last night I saw Kristin looking in Texas for Plume Agates. I have some nice Plume Agates that I am excited about now that I know how scarce they are!

If anyone is interested in pictures I could take them and show them here on the blog.

Have a nice day, it is gloomy here but warm.
J

Thanks Bidders

2009-02-08T13:45:00.003-06:00

The CURE banquet was a success. My pendant brought more than it's suggested sale price so I am happy to be able to have helped a good cause.
Thanks to all of the bidders.
Jean

For the first time in years I have put a jewelry creation on Ebay. It is a pendant with the letters LLL stamped over sterling and then soldered on copper. It is a dog tag design. I will privide the link to take a look. If you wonder what LLL stands for you will just have to look at the item page!

Item number: 290294994297

Good Morning All

2009-02-07T08:40:00.003-06:00

We finally have had some nice weather here in Western Minnesota. 3 days in a row now the temps will reach above freezing. The wind will not leave us alone however.

Tonight is the CURE banquet in Montevideo. My Minnesota River Valley Tribute Pendant will be on the silent auction. If a pendant could have a life of it's own it would be nervous. There it is waiting for a new owner willing to spend some hard earned cash for a good cause. I think it feels vulnerable. (Or possibly it is me who feels that way)

Next weekend I decided to be a vendor in Madison Minnesota at the Great Minnesota Get Together. It will be held at the LQPV High School gym and commons area. Hours are Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-4. It has been a couple years since I was there but I do remember the good food. If you are a local stop in and say "Hi".

Today's picture will be something to remind me of spring and of one of my passions. Enjoy.

Sparkle Bright Finally added!

2009-01-31T13:18:00.003-06:00

I have finally gotten around to adding the jewelry cleaner Sparkle Bright to my web site. It is under the miscellaneous category. I have been asked so many times at art shows what to use to clean jewelry. I decided it would be good to carry a nice safe product so I could make a recommendation.
I highly recommend using the product Sparkle Bright. The description is one which was provided to me by the company. You can feel confidant cleaning all of your precious jewelry with this natural plant based product.
I will be sending it by usps at no charge- for now. It depends on how much is costs me in the long run whether I can keep sending items out with no postage charge added.
Jean

CURE Pendant

2009-01-21T10:22:00.008-06:00

Just a quick little picture here of a pendant I designed and made yesterday to donate to a silent auction for CURE (Clean Up Our River Environment)
It depicts the winding river, leaves of foliage, rocks from the rivers edge, turquoise for the sky, and carnelian for the earth. I laid the whole thing on a copper sheet which is the shape and texture of an arrowhead in honor of those who once called the Minnesota River area their home.

It was fun to make this pendant during the inauguration yesterday- I watched TV and soldered like a crazy woman!
Jean

A New Story

2009-01-20T16:14:00.006-06:00

I have an interesting story to tell, it might take awhile though. Last fall after I had been featured in an area newspaper, a gentleman from about an hour south of here gave me a call. His voice was weak and I thought he might be an old man. He said he had a rock collection that he would like to sell. Now I don't do anything with rough rocks, I buy cabs already finished. I told him this. But...since I do love rocks, I said after Christmas I would take a look. After Christmas came and went and I could kick myself for not calling him back. Last Friday he called me and asked again if I could come and take a look. Well, you know by my posts here that we are having a hell of a winter. We made an appointment for the next day. The next day the weather just stunk. It was cold and windy and icy. I called and canceled that appointment. I rescheduled for Monday. (yesterday).
The weather was OK yesterday but highway 75 south was glare ice. We had an hour to travel on this glare ice. Following his directions we arrived at the county road to turn west. We had 3 1/4 miles to travel on this county road which was gravel. It was really snowy and foggy so we couldn't see much. We turned into his driveway and were greeted by a lovely farm site. At least we thought it was lovely; it is under 5 feet of show drifts. The shop was darned nice. I am jealous. We were greeted by a gentleman, a little dog, and a cat. He was not an old man. He was just a nice guy who is sick and going to sell lots of the things he no longer needs. His shop was full of his work. He had woodworking equipment, matting and framing equipment, basket weaving equipment and of course the rocks. To wind this story up....we agreed upon a price for the rocks. We packed then up, visited a spell, and headed to town to have a sandwich before the trek home. As we left his driveway the fog had lifted some and we were amazed to see that we were amidst the wind generators of southwestern Minnesota. I love that Buffalo Ridge area and the turbines. We couldn't even see them on our way. They will never cease to amaze me.

So, I have a few little boxes of rocks that are totally a mystery to me. I have a long--- really long--- yellowish rock that could be a crystal but maybe not. Now when I say this rock is long, it is 30" long and about 5" wide. It has 5 sides and appears layered. I also have a bunch of geodes, amethyst geodes, quartz geodes, slabs of agate, and a little baggy of opals. I am going to put some pictures of the opals here for your comments. Now I need to figure out what to do with these rocks.

I have to say the day was interesting and fun.
I wish this gentleman happiness and serenity.

New additions and warm balmy weather!

2009-01-18T09:21:00.004-06:00

Good morning all
WE have sun and warm temps today in western Minnesota. I just did my horse chores and put a little polish on a ragged edge of a new pendant I made yesterday.
I wanted to announce that this morning I added several pieces to my website. Check the chain in my chain category- it is great.

Does anyone out there know how to deal with the kompozer program? I use it for my web site and I am having trouble aligning the cells on the category pages. They seem to have gotten to wide and the item on the right side of the page gets cut in half. I fiddled with the program a little but am not confident enough to actually save my changes.

Anybody out there love horses? If so let me know.

Thulite Norwegian

2009-01-17T09:38:00.007-06:00

Good morning all-
I for some crazy reason woke up today at 5AM. That is not like me. So as not to waste this extra time I decided to work on my website. I loaded some images that I took yesterday. I thought I would discuss one that I really am happy with. A year ago I bought a huge beautiful Norwegian Thulite cabochon. I set it this winter after much consideration of how to best show it off. You should see my sketches in my pad- quite a few erasures. I thought I would show an image here and hope for some comments. Check my website under pendants for a great close up shot of the stone.
http://home.online.no/~runness/thulite.htm
This is a nice website that tells all about this stone. It is really gorgeous.
The process for making this piece was to use hard solder, of course, and heat the back plate super hot so that the trim which is half round wire, becomes one with the back plate. Does that make any sense? Then I added the little bit of trim and did my grinding, filing, and polishing work. Check the link for the low down on Norwegian Thulite.
http://home.online.no/~runness/thulite.htm
Adios for today,
Jean

Blogging questions

2009-01-15T09:53:00.003-06:00

Good morning all
My cousin called this morning and told me it was difficult to respond to my blog via my website.
If anyone out there has ideas on how to make the blog response issue more clear for people using the web site---let me know.
Also, before Christmas I changed my email address because I changed internet providers. My PayPal account change did not go through for the buy it now part of the web site. If there is anyone out there who made a web site order before Christmas and did not get their purchase please let me know.
If you are a reader of my blog and have the time to respond I sure would appreciate it.
Jean

Good Morning BRRRRR...

2009-01-13T08:26:00.005-06:00

This morning in western Minnesota it is -13. But mercifully the wind has died down and we can see the neighbors farm place.
I wanted to announce that I added an interesting item to the miscellaneous section on the web site.
This year for Christmas I decided to give handmade items for all of my Christmas gifts. Of course I gave special jewelry pieces to my daughters. My oldest daughter wanted a commemorative charm bracelet with their family names and birthdates on the charms. We are really pleased with how the design evolved so decided to put it in the orderable section. Take a look and offer me some feedback.
I am so happy with the decision to only give handmade goods! The granddaughters got the jewelry of their choice, plus a nice jewelry box that I ordered from Jane Martinson of Dawson. They are rosemaled boxes. I ordered the World's Greatest Bathboats for my grandsons. Check their website- it is just great. The boats were personalized for the boys.
There is a website called www.mn2020.org that has a shop Minnesota section that has a nice selection of local artists' wares. That is where I found the bathboat site.
Bye for now on this snowy frigid morning.
Jean

Copper additions, Earrings additions Finally

2009-01-12T09:26:00.000-06:00

This snowy morning I have struggled with gaining access to the blog. I changed my email address before Christmas and being the non technology person that I am, I did not think about this blog until now. So now it is finally able to be updated, I hope. I also made myself a profile.

I went on an earring design tangent last week. I have added a few pairs to the site. I also made a few copper sterling mixed metal pieces which are also added. I know people loved the mixed metal designs and I sure do enjoy making them. It may not seem like it, but they are time consuming to make due to the extensive clean up of solder which spills over onto the copper. Since I use all hard solder I need to get my metal heated really hot. This causes the solder to squeeze out from between the layers of metal. I actually look for the squeeze to happen because I want the top layer's edge to slump a little to create that rounded edge look. Then I do a lot of solder clean up and polishing.

We are expecting a blizzard today so I cranked the heat up outside in the shop so I can work this afternoon. If anything comes out of the shop that is really exciting I sill update the blog.

Bye for now
Jean

Norsk Fest

2008-11-10T09:16:00.001-06:00

I had an interesting Saturday in Madison Minnesota at Norsk Fest. Since I do have a nice little line of Norwegian Style filigree jewelry I decided to head to the "Fest". It was in the VFW and the Sons of Norway served up delicious Norwegian goodies. You know how much cream and butter they use in their baking? Well, I ate way more than I should have and my newly lowered cholesterol probably took a big hit Saturday. My sales were better than I expected and I saw some of my old customers from other art shows. I did have a nice time and enjoyed meeting new fellow Norwegians.

At this time I am planning to have my annual holiday open house on Nov 22-23. I have 3 home parties this month and next month so I will be a busy woman.

I am starting a new line this holiday season called Build a necklace. I have a few trays of choices of dingles and pendants to put on either sterling snake chains or leather cords. The customer could choose a nice quality set of dingles for a reasonable price. This line will debut at my daughter Lisa's home party on Nov. 19. It will take it's own table so I doubt I will be taking it along for next year's art shows.

Time to clean this pig sty house. As usual PLEEZZZZ add a comment.
Jean

New Layout

2008-11-03T07:45:00.000-06:00

I am trying to figure out how to get this blog viewed by others, and how to get others to comment. I changed the color scheme to reflect my jewelry layout and my web site colors. (Not that that will encourage comments though).
Ideas on how to get more traffic will be helpful.
Thanks,
Jean

GRR.......................I fixed it!

2008-10-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

Good morning readers. Earlier this week I spend a day updating my web site with new pictures and descriptions of items for sale. All went well except for the earring section. I added 7 new pairs of earrings and when I looked at how they were supposed to have appeared my whole earring section was wiped out on the net. Now, I am a very poor web updater and even worse at troubleshooting problems. This morning I went back into the numbering system of all of my stuff and reloaded 7 of the pairs of earrings. It did work- hallelujah! I will have to seek out the numbers for the other pairs that were there later today and reload them as well. I wish I had the benefit of being educated in computer technology in my earlier years. When I graduated from college, computers did mpt exist! Well, at least not the PC versions we all have now.
If the spirit moves you please check out the earrings that will now appear. I particularly love the PEACE HOPE pair.
Have a nice fall dy.
Jean

David's Women

2008-10-29T09:04:00.001-05:00

I know that title is a catchy one. At the Meander a few weeks ago, a friend of mine ordered pendants for his "women". His women being his daughters, daughters in law, and step daughter.

So, I took on the task of making 13 different pendants. I got David's permission to photograph him with the pendants. He is draped in a blue table cloth adorned with the pendants. It is a great picture, don't you agree? As always feedback appreciated.

Finally some new stuff!

2008-10-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

I am excited to write that I spent the day today and added about a dozen new items to my site.
They are in the mixed metals category, the gem category, bracelets, and pendants. I have been working to update my stock but have not taken the necessary time to photograph and add to the web site. All of you with web sites know how long this process takes. I am particularly pleased with the new handmade chain the the chains category. The clasp is close to the coolest one I have ever made.
I just came in from the shop where I made a trendy bulkycopper and sterling link bracelet. It appears in the Jewelry Artist magazine that I just got today. Of course I didn't have the 6ga. copper wire that it called for, but I did have 6 ga. half round copper wire. So...I adapted the design and made the changes necessary to make it work with the half round wire. If anyone gets that mag, you can see it on pg 17- Copper Spiral. I will take a picture when it is finished. I hope I have some turquoise nuggets for the dingles.
Off to get ready for supper.
If ANYBODY cares to comment on the new designs I added today I sure would love to hear from you

Post Meander report

2008-10-06T09:55:00.000-05:00

This morning is the aftermath of the Meander. I would have to say that I probably had a few less visitors this year but the sales were pretty similar to last year. I loved seeing some repeat customers from shows I have done in the past. Thanks for coming!
Sunday the weather just was terrible. It rained and blew all day. I am sure many people just hunkered down and watched baseball and football.
I thought if anyone is reading my blog they may enjoy seeing pictures of my shop. I cleaned it really well for the Meander and it will not look this clean or organized again for awhile!
Please comment if you see the pictures. I would like some interaction on this blog!
Jean

Good Morning America!

2008-09-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I have written but I have been totally tied up with traveling and events. First off, my 2 daughters and I walked The 3 Day. We walked 60 miles for Susan G Komen for the cure in the Twin Cities. I loved every step of the walk and finally I feel like I have some control in helping fight this dreaded disease. I will post a picture here.

Then, a family health concern kept me out of town for 3 days. I came back and headed to Huron SD for the Women's Expo. That was yesterday. The Expo was a nicely organized indoor venue. Yeah! No tent to put up. Sales were good and I hope I was able to interest some new customers in that area.

Today is a shop work day for me. I need to make a new selection of rings, and get a good start on some Norwegian style filigree. Fancy earrings seem to be really popular this year so I will make a new selection of those also.

This week is a scurry for me to be ready for The Meander. That is the traveling art crawl with over 40 artists exhibiting at their studios along the Minnesota River. The Meander runs this coming Friday through Sunday. We will transform my shop, and my husbands side of the shop, into a lovely jewelry store/display room. That is not an easy task, but I have the blue sheets to drape the walls and the work benches and it will look good when I am finished.

I have lots of new designs this year and am preparing for another good turn out.

Any readers who are interested should check out the Meander web site.

http://www.artsmeander.com/

Also, unfortunately my filezilla program went belly up this morning when I was attempting to update my website from yesterday's sales. I do not know anything about resurrecting it so......my web creator will need to advise me on that problem. I plan to add oddles of new creations after the Meander.

Also any local readers who may want to host a home jewelry showing please get in touch because I have some fresh ideas that will be sure to interest you and your friends.

Off to the shop to work, after I feed the horses that is!

We're off again

2008-09-12T08:03:00.000-05:00

I just love how this labradorite pendant turned out. It was a quick sell in Slayton!

Today Tony and I are leaving for Alexandria. Tomorrow and Sunday I will show at the Carlos Winery "stomp". I have never been there before as a vendor or a stomper. Looking at the vendor list, it seems to me that there will be a real nice assortment of vendors- mostly really yummy sounding food vendors. My booth is #220 and it seems to be on a corner so I hope to be able to have two sides open.

The hours are Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-6. The winery is on CR 34 north of Alexandria a few miles.

I have made some great new things this week and if they are still available I will put them on the web site next week. My first real stab at using the tines of a fork yielded a pretty cool "jellyfish" pendant. It is really heavy and funky looking.

Another thing to discuss today is the choosing of a new booth decor. I do not like the look of my current booth set up and I want to change it's disorganized chaotic appearance. My thought now are using polyester knit dark blue fitted table covers with a greyish silver top drape. I have been told that jewelry shows better on light colors and I believe it. Please feel free to give me some input on this.

Off to do chores, pack, and load the canopy gear into the truck.

Jean

Oh, there is a nice little feature article on me in the Marshall Independent. I think it was in last Monday's paper. It is nicely done except that it leads the reader to believe I tumble my cabs which I don't. I tumble sterling settings I have made. And how in the world did I get so OLD LOOKING? The picture makes me look absolutly ancient.

Good Morning this lovely hot Labor Day

2008-09-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, if there is an "everyone" out there! I still don't know if anyone reads these blogs. Again, if you do, please comment!

It is a hot windy day today and I am glad we got the last crop of alf -alfa baled last night. It is even in the hay loft now.

I have spent quite a few days in the shop making some new creations for my upcoming shows. I decided to make some pendants and rings since they seem to be the best sellers. I have many new items on the web site! Check them out and comment. Tonight I might get motivated to make a new selection of crystal earrings.

We leave on Thursday for the Slayton art show put on by Women of Today. It runs Friday and Saturday. I hope to see some of my loyal customers there. It is at the county fairgrounds.

Also of interest is the article in the Marshall Independent. A reporter did a little interview of me at the Marshall Art Show last week. She did a nice little piece which appeared in yesterday's paper. It is called Rock Hound.

We have been taking care of the boys (Martin and Thomas) quite a bit this summer. I think for a change I will add a little pic of each of them.

Martin helped his cousin Danielle make a pendant for Tina. It is a 3 layer pounded circle pendant with their initials on the back. She adores it.

I am going to actually observe Labor Day today by not working on jewelry at all.....at least until this evening!

Hello again

2008-08-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

Good morning to anybody who might read this (I am not sure if anybody even does). Today is another busy day which may not involve jewelry making. The boys just left with Tony to meet up with their Dad in Watertown. We took care of our two little grandsons since Tuesday. They were really quite good but they keep us busy. I did get all of my walks in and will do a 10 mile walk today.
As far as this web site goes I have added a few really nice items. I made a great leaf pendant which appears in the "mixed metals" section. Also if you are not aware of Tiffany Stone from Utah take a look at the two new pendants in the "pendants" section. The purple, black, and white mix is so gorgeous. There are now 3 Tiffany Stone items on the pendants page 1.
There is also a new ring in the rings section which is Lily-Of-The-Valley I think. It is so much prettier than the picture.

My next show is Thursday in Marshall at the band shell park which is near the downtown.

One more thing- I am now going to offer Sparkle Bright jewelry cleaner for sale on my web site and at Art Shows. Many times people ask me how to clean the sterling jewelry. I hesitate to say much because so many products actually ruin the jewelry. This product does not, and can be used on all stones including pearls. Since so much of my jewelry has those gorgeous cabs I decided I needed to offer a safe cleaner for sale. I will get it added in the miscellaneous section this next week.

Sparkle Bright is made in the USA. I am proud to offer an American made product.

Please remember- do not soak sterling in those soaking cleaners. It will ruin the surface.

If there is anyone out there who reads this blog PLEEZ respond so I know this isn't just heading to thin air.
Til tomorrow...or next week some time- enjoy your jewelry, horses, and grandchildren if you are luck enough to have them.
Jean

Back to work in the shop

2008-08-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day in two weeks I have gotten myself out to the shop to work. I had a ring to resize and an idea stewing for a pendant. As usual the pendant idea turned out differently that the idea looked in my head. I finished a few items and will work all day tomorrow. The weather has been heavenly. I spent time in the arena with my horses this evening and the flies did not carry us away.
I did work some more on the web site but did not add new pictures....yet. I moved lots of sold items out of their categories and into the sold category.
Just for the record- My next show is in Marshall at the band shell part on August 21. I have been told it is in a big tent. Good news for me, I won't need to drag that canopy along. Hope to see lots of jewelry lovers there.

Jean

Whew..this is a humid morning!

2008-08-04T08:30:00.001-05:00

We just got back from a week in the Black Hills. It was hot there as usual but not this humidity. Minnesota humidity is horrid after spending time in dry heat. I do love the area. It is so spiritual and relaxing for me. I bought some nice cabs to work with but was unable to afford the beautiful Fairburn agate cabs that I love so dearly. I do have 3 nice TeePee canyon cabs I got last year. I will eventually make them when a special design comes to mind.

The Alexandria Art fair was very successful for me. I had repeat customers which I really felt good about. Now it is time to work and replenish my stock. I have a week that I can spend in the shop. The ideas were popping into my head like crazy while we were in the Hills.

Tomorrow I have some kids coming for a horse camp where I do some introduction work with PNH skills. (Parelli Natural Horsemanship) My 3 beasts enjoy the kids and usually act like big puppies. I hope the bugs and humidity don't interfere with that.

Off to do some organizing and cleaning.
Jean

Sorry about not updating

2008-07-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning anyone who reads my blog. I have not updated the web site with my new jewelry items since the Brookings show. I am not happy with myself about this, but I decided to spend my time making new jewelry for Alexandria this weekend. I did manage to get the items I sold marked sold or moved to the sold section however. I have so many more items in my inventory that are not on the web site that if anyone is interested in a description, please just email me or call me.
Today is also a super busy day for me. I should walk 15 miles in preparation for my 60 mile walk for breast cancer. I hope to get that done, but it will take me 5 hours and it is 5 hours that I am not so crazy about spending alone. But, I am highly motivated for this cause.
I need to also finish getting organized for this weekend's show.
I did spend some time this week in a circle making mood and will include a lousy picture of the group of circle jewelry I made. I do like all of it and circles are really popular this summer.
I will report back after the Brookings show.
If anyone is reading the blogs I sure would love to hear some comments.
Jean

Sparse site will be updated

2008-07-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning all. After the Brookings show I need to do some item updating on the site. I will get at it the end of this week and hopefully add a few new items as they finish. With the Art Show season in full swing items are selling and new items are in the thought process. Please check back periodically if you are wondering what I am up to.
Since I have AC in the shop this summer I can work whenever I have the time. Today will be mid 90's and we are heading to Watertown to the zoo with Tina and the boys. She will be here for two days. After that I will work steady up until the Alex show.
Stay cool.
JM