Thursday, October 22, 2009

Team eSMArts Wants to Wish You a Merry Christmas!



We are making plans, and we're checking them twice. We want to make sure your Christmas is nice!

eSMArts members across the globe are coming together to make your Holiday Season special this year. We have a bag full of gifts all handmade and donated by eSMArts artists from Etsy and Artfire and it can be yours to use as Christmas gifts or to keep for your own - you decide.

The game starts November 14th so check back often for updates and maybe even a clue or two!


Friday, October 9, 2009

Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting


Can't wait to play with this, although in the clip he mentions 6000 degrees as the temperature of the flame, I found this great video that is a copper wire groupies dream. "Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting" is available through a number of different venues. I located it first on Total Vid and the reviews give it high marks for brazing but low marks for flame painting, something I really wanted to get ideas about. There is a short clip on the site to give you an idea of quality too.






This next site won't teach you how to smith but it is sure pretty to look at. Coppersmithing by Sian


And finally for today," Art of Coppersmithing:A Practical Treatise on Working Sheet Copper into All Forms" in paper back by John Fuller on Amazon.com.

Basic Copper Smithing can also be found on Amazon for purchase.


Now, my next goal is to find lessons on Flame Painting. I can just imagine wide copper cuffs that look like that first picture.



Visit A Beaded Affair for copper wire and beads, Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Pricing. Discounts start at $50.00.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Snooze Through Financial News

Turning on the financial news is akin to hitting the "snooze" button on my clock radio. I don't understand it, don't want to understand it and probably never will. A really short sighted and foolish reaction on my part, I know. I should care. I almost want to care but it's so complicated. Dow this and NASDAC that. What does it all mean?

I read and explain legal documents for a living for heavens sake. You would think I could get my head around the financial world. Not so. If it isn't mortgages and real estate I don't get it. Only one thing is sure though, I probably never will.

Today I ran across an article in The New York Times, Stocks and Gold Gain as Investors Shun the Dollar during a search for information on the copper market. Bad news "the dollar is weak", buy gold, silver and copper.

As I read through the article, all the while fighting the urge to hit the "snooze" button it struck me that investing in gold, silver and other metals right now with my "weakened" dollars is betting against the U.S. Basically, buying metals says I don't believe that the U.S. is going to come out of the recession and the dollar won't strengthen over time. Seems to me, this is a lose, lose situation. If the dollar strengthens the price of gold will come down and I lose gold value and if the dollar continues to weaken my gold might be worth more but it's worth more in a devalued dollar so how is that a benefit?

Not that I'm going to stop buying gold, silver and copper for creating jewelry but it seems to me, if I'm going to invest I want it to benefit my Country. Something tangible that I can see and touch. Think I'll stick with real estate. Something I understand, has an impact on where I live, supports the infrastructure of our American culture, keeps the tax rolls rolling and provides business or residential opportunities for Americans.

The banks need to loosen up the purse strings, work out all their kinks and start lending our money to us again to strengthen and stabilize the housing market in this country. Not that I'm in favor of foolish lending, quite the contrary. I was appalled by many of the loans I saw closed over the last 10 years and years ago predicted many of the problems we've had including the crash. If I could see it, how could the powers that be, be so blind. Greed probably, but that's another story for another day. Lending money creates jobs. Seems simple to me.

If you've read this far and not hit the "snooze" button, thank you. I now return you to our regularly scheduled program.

Shop A Beaded Affair for Copper Wire, Beads and Findings. Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Prices.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Making Lemonade out of Lemons - Phoenix Rising Glass Art





This is my second Lemonade Award post. The reason is simple. I found a great lady who makes the most delicious art you can wear. Her newest venture is these fluffy, fun crochet scarves. Who can resist fluffy when it's cold outside?







Find these and many more creative pieces of art you can wear at Phoenix Rising on 1000 Markets, Artfire and Etsy. Check out her blog for Phoenix Rising Glass Art to see what Jann is up to.

I love the designs created by Jann and here's the reason why in her own words.


"My shop designs and creations are for the Rubenesque Woman. I believe that whatever shape a woman is deserving of beautiful jewelry that looks great and fits properly, luscious and great fitting outer wear and dazzling accessories."



So, Jann, you've been awarded the Lemonade Award. Pass it on to those you admire most.






Dear Readers, Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Pricing.