I recently came across an article on some of the metals used in making wire jewelry and today I will share some information on Copper.

"The main property of copper that associates it with healing, is that copper is 'biostatic'.  This means that bacteria will not grow on its surface.  
~The 'ancients' realized this feature and made drinking vessels of copper to drink water  from as a healing method. 
~Modern man uses copper in garden sprays to dispel mildew and other bacteria from      plants.  
~Copper tubing is used in air conditioning units to prevent the spread of bacteria.
~Copper impregnated fabrics have many uses as socks, uniforms and underwear for the  sports industry.
~In healthcare it is used in articles such as gowns, masks, towels, etc.
~It is used in household pillowcases, mattresses and carpeting and for military and  industrial clothing.
Did you know that some hospitals use copper doorknobs to prevent the spread of germs?  And what are normally thought of as gorgeous older elevators are actually made using copper and brass as disease resistant decor - genius!

I do so love working with copper.  It is softer, and warms to the touch so quickly it seems.

New pieces

Have I mentioned that the Argentium Sterling Silver and Sterling Silver pieces are all made using reclaimed metal?  How cool is that?  The business that I buy my Argentium from will buy back my scraps!

Actual Snakeskin with the head (can you see the face?) 

Pendant - $25.00 - SOLD

Hand Embossed Woven Aluminum Pendant

w Hand Formed Bail

$45.00

Hand Formed Black Steel Key Pendant

w Hand Formed Bail

$35.00 SOLD

Hand Formed Argentium St. Silver

$20.00 SOLD

Hand Formed Yoga Pose on a chain

 St. Silver

$30.00

Hand Formed Yoga Pose w Hand Formed Bail & Clasp 

Argentium St. Silver

Gifted

Hand Formed and Hammered Argentium St. Silver

w Black Crystals

$20.00 SOLD

Hand Formed and Hammered Copper Hoop & Squiggles

$20.00

Merry Christmas to you all!

A Christmas visit from one of our resident Hares wearing its winter coat...can you find the rabbit?

Yesterday was my turn to do a shift at the Durham Christmas Market and I had a good time minding the space with Sandy, selling three of my pieces (two pendants and a pair of earrings) AND a commission for  two pairs of earrings!  At my last shift at the Hanover store a woman who was looking at the earrings wanted a pair that were dangley but fairly short so they wouldn't get caught up in her winter coat while she was driving.  She had some beads she wanted used for them and so I offered to make her an 'example' pair to see yesterday.  She was quite pleased, picked out her beads from her stash and ordered two pair to be picked up at the Hanover store next Saturday!

Newest Projects

Last week my supplies of wire to re-stock my box finally arrived as well as two books, one on making findings and another filled with projects that caught my eye.  I finally have some books to follow instead of figuring measurements and making a practice piece or two or three.  I'm finding it quite a bit less stressful!

Here are two pieces, the antiqued copper piece is complete, but the silver (actually silver coated Aluminum which makes it lighter to wear) needs to have the bail and the clasp made for the chain.

Antiqued Copper on Aluminum with Hand Formed Bail and Clasp
SOLD

 Hand Embossed Silver on Aluminum  Pendant - still to be finished with a bail and chain

It's a good day to stay inside - a windy much cooler day than the balmy +10 degrees of yesterday!

New items taken to Hanover store

These are the new items taken to the Hanover store on Saturday:

Rose Brass Wrapped Green Agate Donut with Stone Beads and Hand Formed Findings

(the green is not so bright as the photo)

$35.00

Hand Rolled Japanese Paper Beads w Silver Filigree Bead on a Cord

$35.00

Hammered Argentium Cat on a Cord

$25.00

 SOLD

Hammered Argentium Cat on Chain w Silver Filigree Beads

 $25.00  

SOLD

 Hand Embossed Copper with Stone

$20.00