Rings and Things

No, not the shop silly, but I do love them and get most of my chain there!  (www.rings-things.com)

 

I have been making lots of rings for my shows.  I really slacked in the ring department last year, and thought it was time to make some rings as crazy and fun as the rest of my jewelry.

 

I made these before the Peddlers Village Show last weekend.

 

Turquoise discs, in the same style I made my sea glass rings last year.

And some antique brass ring shanks that are adjustable with stones and pearls riveted to them....as well as some crazy copper and pearl tribal looking rings.  People seemed to like these better.  So I thought I'd take my rings even a little further into the tribal, old, earthy theme, and add fossils.

 

So I drilled a bunch of my favorite ring sized fossils.......................................

 

I originally wanted to just wire wrap them into rings, but it wasn't working.  They were too raised, and I was afraid the pressure on the fossil alone would eventually make them crack or wear down (cause there was just a bit of wiggle to them).  So one day of ring making was kinda a bust.

 

But day two, I came up with a design, to make a copper backing with a thick sterling wire shank soldered to it, and a hole in it, so I could us a ball pin (and some E600) to secure the fossil to that and protect it more...  Here it is empty, and I kinda like the shape of it, it feels very nice on, I may have to make some sort of spin off this in just metal today !!!

 

Needless to say, it all worked out, and I love these rings.  Fossil rings anyone?????

I am making a few more today.  I just love using fossils in my jewelry.  I take lots of time, just pondering how ancient they are, how beautiful they are, living thing turned to stone. 

 

While I am not making stuff for my shows (another one this weekend in Bethlehem Pa if you are local, its a great Art Show) I have been running around with the kids.  They have had open house and a school play, and a class trip (2 of them)....keeping me busy.  Tomorrow is a party and the 5th grade gets to sleep over night as well.  Fun times!  I cannot believe I have a 5th grader going into the middle school next year. 

 

Here he is in the play they performed, WHAT A GREAT PRODUCTION!  They are so young, yet they did wonderful.  And Aiden is typically shy in front a big groups, so I am so proud of him for getting up there, and not only having a solo line, but singing (with two other kids).  Soooooo proud.  Aiden is in the red.

 

 

I love that kid.

 

I also changed my display up, just a little bit for my last show, and I really liked it.  ILO shelves up front, I brought an old crate, which I think goes well with my jewelry.  It also opens the front up more. 

 

 

Last show for a bit this weekend, wish me luck, send happy thoughts of sunny weather and no thundertorms (like they are calling for!!!!)  I know I am not the only one with shows this weekend and a sad looking forecast.  Sunny thoughts all around!

 

If you are a Mama, have a great Mothers Day weekend.  And if you are not a Mama, hug your Mama, or another Mama.....cause its the one day its all about us........hehe!  Happy Mothers Day!