What Do you Do When You See Someone Wearing An Amazing Piece of Jewelry?

July 2, 2013

I tend to ask if I may take a photo – but then I am never quite sure how to use those photos…I think I am going to incorporate them in this blog – but how?So this is the big intro to JEWELS…at Street Level – which will wrap up a months worth of pho…

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#FOG2013 – Culver City "Fiesta of Gems" July 13th & 14th!

July 2, 2013

 JEWELRY CLASSES – Go to: http://culvercityrocks.org/classes.htm to learn more and sign up in advance This year we will have a number of wonderful Jewelry Making Classes during our Fiesta of Gems.  They will…

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Brea Bead Works – The Best Kept Beady Secret In #theOC!

July 1, 2013

A fortuitous post on Facebook took me on a mission this afternoon. Wanaree Tanner, award winning Jewelry Artist and in demand Metal Clay Instructor is teaching at one of my favorite local supply stores, Brea Bead Works!!!



Years ago when I first discovered this store they were a small space in a local strip mall – they have since moved next door and occupy the equivalent of three store fronts – they boast weekly Trunk Shows by major Suppliers – they hold Workshops taught by the likes of Sharilyn Miller, Jack Berry and Wanaree Tanner – Brea Bead Works is here to stay!


Be sure to check out their Workshop Schedule here and while you are at it local folks will want to subscribe to their newsletter to keep up with all the really great events coming up!

The workshop that was taking place today was the following:


Silhouette Cut
Gallery Bezel Wire 

Sat-Sun, June 29-30 (10am-5pm)
$350 (2-DAYS)
Using PMC Paper and PMC+, build a metal clay setting for your favorite cabochon stone. Learn everything you need to know to get started with the Silhouette Cameo cutting machine and software! Additionally, design custom texture plates using Scratch-Foam and incorporate on backplate and bail. Other techniques covered include creating a “floating” bezel wire setting, stone setting, distortion issues, and so much more! Taught in silver clay, but also includes discussion on how to execute this technique in base metal and flex clays. Intermediate to advanced metal clay experience is required. Materials list.

Wanaree couldn’t believe that I showed up to cover her
workshop just a few minutes after she posted it on Facebook!









The Workshop was FULL a testament to the Instructor and the unique material being offered!  Say Hi to Wanaree’s Sunday Workshop at Brea Bead Works!


 

 

Next Big Event at Brea Bead Works is Shop Hop with their partner stores in the Southern California Local Bead Store Assoc.
Three Consecutive Weekends, Sept. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22!

Stay Tuned for more coverage of Bead Shop Hop 2013!



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Handbook of Gemmology – Digital Version Now Available!

June 30, 2013



The Handbook of Gemmology

Have you heard? 


…there is a new DIGITAL “Handbook of Gemmology”!

The Author Geoffrey Dominy has produced a couple of short videos explaining the various toolbars, the icons and how you can use them to enhance your reading experience. 

As well as a ‘Sneak Preview’ of the book, the content and the photographs. For more information, please go to http://www.handbookofgemmology.com

Featured Content: a stunning gallery of photos by internationally known Gem Photographer Tino Hammid

People are talking:

“It’s the sort of reference you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again in pursuit of answers to questions or clarification of terminology or science”…David Hughes, Pala International

People are talking:

“Your research on gemstones made in the laboratory was the most complete, in depth accounting, I have ever read; almost too in depth. I can see some new competitors growing out of your factual information”…Tom Chatham, Chatham Created Gemstones

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Comfort Zones ~ May’s Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank

May 20, 2013


May’s topic: ” How often do you step outside of your comfort zone? 

 If yes, how, when? If not, are you considering it?”

This couldn’t be more timely – I seem to be stepping outside my comfort zone more and more these days – one of the hazards of working for yourself – no one to delegate to!!!!




Pubic Speaking – this is a SOLID 5 on the YIKES! meter for me and it seems I am asked several times a year – so let me publicly post what I Do and what I Don’t Do!

  • I DO a great – really productive hands-on workshop from which you will emerge with an online presence – ANY platform you are interested in conquering!
  • I DON’T give lectures – I find that most people are really charged up following a “talk” but when they go to implement your info something stops them.
  • I WILL DO a Panel Discussion (as long as I am not the Moderator) – in fact this is a format that I really enjoy and, like the workshop, encourages interaction.

Timely indeed as the other thing that is scary for me but I have been able to Master it is the transition from Gem, Artisan and Craft Shows to Fine Jewelry Shows…while this was rough the first year – I actually embrace it now (seasoned – this is my third Jewelry Week Las Vegas).  
Things I have finally realized (YES – clarity DOES come with age) – there are some people in your life that just will not like you – but there are ten times as many that not only like you but care about your success.  Remember that often their success is tied to your success!

…and with that I welcome you to read my Daily Jewel blog for the next few weeks!  Right now I am previewing jewelry that will be seen at the shows that make up Jewelry Week in Las Vegas…hashtag #JWLV (each individual show has their own hashtag).  All of the hashtags can be followed at the Twitter Hub here:  http://twubs.com/JWLV
So whether your tastes run to Antique Jewelry…
Excalibur: Kurt Rothner – Booth 1701
c1950’s, double clips crafted in platinum,  featuring rubies and diamonds. 
Stunning Wedding Jewelry….
Innovative Watches…

OR the latest from “Red Carpet” Jewelry Designers….



Jewelry Week is a “Trade ONLY” event – but check in with your Local Jeweler to see the latest items on their shelves!

*So what is this new “blog-o-Sphere” thing?

Formed by our “fearless leader” Andes Cruz from a group of friends who blog, from all different areas of life, to do a ‘once a month’ ‘blog circle’, or ‘blog carnival’ type thing, if you will. Anyway, we get together once a month, and all write about the same topic, and hopefully we all post at approximately the same time , on the 20th of each month, with a new and different topic. Refreshing, and interesting – be sure to read several people’s take on an idea or topic it gets your mind going. Everyone has different thoughts; so you might learn something, or open your eyes to new ideas . In any case, it’s fun!!! I hope you’ll visit all the blogs and have a read!

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com

pencilfox. www.pencilfox.com

Kathleen Krucoff: http://kathleenkrucoff.wordpress.com

Christine: http://christineesovoloff.tumblr.com/

Robyn Hawk: http://flyviewsandreviews.blogspot.com > YOU ARE HERE!  😉

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Culver City, CA: "How Exotic Gems are Revolutionizing the Jewelry Market" With Renee Newman

May 10, 2013

“How Exotic Gems are Revolutionizing the Jewelry Market”Talk and Book Signing by Internationally renown Author and Speaker:   Renee NewmanDATE and TIME:  Monday, May 13, 2013, @ 7:30PM 7:30PMLOCATION: Culver City Veterans …

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Blog-o-sphere Think Tank March 2013 – "Do the seasons affect you?"

March 20, 2013

March Topic: “Do the seasons affect/inspire you? In what way?”

I would love to say that I work the same no matter what season it is…but it seems that as I get older I react to seasonal forces more – or maybe it is just that as I get older I am more aware of the causes of maladies that I always accepted as part of who I am.



Spring – Happy First Day of Spring by the way! Spring has always been my second favorite of the seasons…you will discover my favorite as you read on.  For me Spring means Tucson Gem Show – cool weather and the occasional rain front which for me means barometric headaches!
Summer – Probably my least favorite season – I don’t do well in the heat.  So instead of being completely unproductive – I switch to lapidary projects – nothing like having your hands in water to cool a sweltering day!  …and the shows I cover are inside!  I look forward to the many local Gem & Mineral Club Shows as well as my favorite Jewelry Week in Las Vegas – 12 Jewelry Shows all in one place – I get my bling fix here!


Fall – My favorite season because the weather is ideal – cool but sunny no dreary rain – no overpowering sun!   …and for us Fall means our annual Digging Trip – whether that is local in So Cal or the high Desert of Oregon…we spend two weeks in the field.



Winter – the great thing about being in SoCal is that winter is a wonderful time of year. Sun is brilliant and the occasional rainstorm is welcomed!  But seriously – where else can you go rock hounding on New Years Day!  …the photo above is of a New Years Day dig at the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine!  If you’re interested the photo below is our take home that day…

What is this “Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank” thing?  Andes and several friends formed a group of bloggers…named “Blog-O-Sphere Think Tank”…we come together from different areas of life, ‘once a month’, to do a blog circle on a new but specific topic.  So, check back in once a month, or join us as we all write about the same topic, and hopefully we all post at approximately the same time , on the 20th of each month.  

We get a new and different topic each month which keeps it refreshing, and it is always  interesting, to read everyone’s unique take on a new idea or topic. It’s fun, light, and gets your mind going. Everyone has  different thoughts; so you might learn something, or open your eyes to new ideas . In any case, I hope you’ll visit all the blogs and have a read!





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“Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank” – January’s topic: "What are you hoping to accomplish in 2013?"

January 20, 2013


January’s topic: “What are you hoping to accomplish in 2013?”
(resolutions, accomplish what, do what, go to see, or visit, etc)



I try to “live in the moment” and take each day as it comes – however, there are two things I am trying to remember to do daily…

1. Set my alarm daily!
I am trying to remember to set an alarm for every two hours. I work all day, sitting at a desk, when the alarm goes off it reminds me to get up and move around.


2. Get back on track!
I let myself got off track during the Holidays….I need to get my Content Calendar out and follow it step-by-step until it becomes habit again!



From Our Fearless Leader – Andes Cruz:


What is this “Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank” thing?  Andes and several friends formed a group of bloggers…named “Blog-O-Sphere Think Tank”…we come together from different areas of life, ‘once a month’, to do a blog circle on a new but specific topic.  So, check back in once a month, or join us as we all write about the same topic, and hopefully we all post at approximately the same time , on the 20th of each month.  

We get a new and different topic each month which keeps it refreshing, and it is always  interesting, to read everyone’s unique take on a new idea or topic. It’s fun, light, and gets your mind going. Everyone has  different thoughts; so you might learn something, or open your eyes to new ideas . In any case, I hope you’ll visit all the blogs and have a read!

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Bench Tips from Years of Experience

January 9, 2013

Bench Tips for Jewelry Making: 101 Useful Tips by Brad SmithBench Tips for Jewelry Making …..comes from years of experience.  Author Brad Smith has close to two decades as a Studio Jeweler, MetalSmithing Instructor and Rock Hounding Ex…

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December Topic: What is the best Gift you’ve ever gotten? …and why?

December 20, 2012


December Topic:  What is the best Gift you’ve ever gotten?   …and why?
So this can be from a couple points of view – there is the esoteric…I mean who isn’t thankful for the Sunrise every morning and the Sunset every night?  …the smell of a pine forest?  or the sound of crashing waves?



However since we are knee deep in the Christmas Holiday and this is after all the end of the world…those Mayans have us all sweatin tonight. 😉  Let’s look at more personal, real things.

If we are talking physical gifts…the best ones are the ones that show the person has taken the time to really “know” you and what is important to you, with any luck they come from the people who are closest to us.

BUT – BEST?  Well this one will take a little background… suffice it to say that Bobby and I had both lost our jobs and were pretty much at the end of our ropes when my Mom & Stepdad offered us the two bedrooms at the back of their home in the OC.  This was a lifesaver but not the BEST gift…we both got jobs to save up for getting our own place and negotiated a rental agreement with my folks.

Fast forward a couple years…Bobby was offered an amazing job – but – to take it we needed a trailer or RV, well you might as well have pulled the rug out from under us.  Oh – the GIFT part?  Fred, my Stepdad had been socking away all the money we had been paying as rent!  This upped our spendable income dramatically and well, here we are 10 years later still with the same company!!!























What did we buy?  a 40 ft, RV fully equipped (was a luxury model in its day) with washer & dryer…I can’t find any exterior photos I think they were on my old computer that died (why do they make those thumb drives so small I can never find them).

…and that arrangement gave me the opportunity to grow my business without the fear of failure because I could take the time to bring in the right clients at the right time.



From Our Fearless Leader – Andes Cruz:

What is this “Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank” thing?  Andes and several friends formed a group of bloggers…named “Blog-O-Sphere Think Tank”…we come together from different areas of life, ‘once a month’, to do a blog circle on a new but specific topic.  So, check back in once a month, or join us as we all write about the same topic, and hopefully we all post at approximately the same time , on the 20th of each month.  

We get a new and different topic each month which keeps it refreshing, and it is always  interesting, to read everyone’s unique take on a new idea or topic. It’s fun, light, and gets your mind going. Everyone has  different thoughts; so you might learn something, or open your eyes to new ideas . In any case, I hope you’ll visit all the blogs and have a read!

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com

pencilfox: www.pencilfox.com

Kathleen Krucoff http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com

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