Gemma's Moving To Typepad!

After taking a look at the lovely Emily's blog over at typepad.com, and researching a bit, I've decided to make the move! The layouts are great, I'm able to customize, and it just generally fits my aesthetic and the needs I have for my blog. I am planning to start podcasting, and it has an integrated system for doing so, as well as really easy ways to add great content to my blog - books I'm reading, music I'm listening to, etc. Do join me there, won't you?



Love,
Brooke

Brownbird

It's amazing how much I get done when I have no internet! I'm still working at the shop until my move to the new studio next weekend. Thinking we were moving this weekend, I had the internet shut off, the phone forwarded. So, today I worked sans internet, and it was my most productive day in a long time. I made some Pebble Rings, filled some orders, and found myself with several hours of free time. Two necklaces and a pair of earrings later, I left for home, my head filled with ideas that I will turn into reality on Monday, when I return to the studio.

A sneak peak to go with yesterday's:



Expect these and the Heartline Bangles in the shop on Monday morning!

Love, Brooke

A Little Video For Your Saturday

A little Squirtle always makes one laugh. Ignore the shaking...and the snort. ;)

Look What I Made!

heartline bangle
Originally uploaded by gemmafactrix

I'm so excited about this new piece! This pic and post is a bit of a tease, as I'm on my way out to dinner, but I'll write more about it and have it up in the shop in the next few days. Have a great weekend!


Love,
Brooke

I've challenged myself to make a 'design a day' - one new piece every day for the next month. Often - too often - I get caught up in trying to simply make a living from making things that I forget why I do it - because I love creating. Can't imagine not making something. Before making jewelry was my career, it was a hobby. I did it because I loved it. That can get a bit lost between updating websites, packaging, shipping, advertising, running out to buy more gas for the torch, or tape for the packages. So - every day on this blog, watch for something new. It may no be groundbreaking, it may not be the most intricate piece of jewelry I've ever made, but it will be made out of love for the craft. Many of the pieces will be one of a kind, and most will be for sale in the shop, unless I use this month to create a 'design a day - for myself'. ;)
Hope you enjoy what the month holds.

Happy Wednesday,

Brooke

double petal ring

double petal ring
Originally uploaded by gemmafactrix

This ring was a design I first made last spring. I made a few, then stopped. Not sure why, really. I got a special order for one a few weeks ago, and realized what a pretty, organic piece it is.

The 'petals' are water cast, which means that they're made by my heating up a small piece of metal into a nugget, and, while it's red hot, dropping it into a container of cold water. The temperature difference and the force of the metal hitting the surface of the water causes this lovely blooming effect. I love it.

I attached the petals with a small, heat formed rivet, to a hammered sterling band, then tumbled the ring for strength. It's up in the shop in both the glossy, tumbled finish and an oxidized finish. I plan to offer it as part of my permanent collection.

Happy Tuesday,

Brooke

Polls, Polls, Polls - Jan. 28th

Polls, Polls, Polls - Jan. 28th Edition
Originally uploaded by gemmafactrix

Come take the new poll! Let me know what ring styles you like! Click here to take the poll. It's on the Gemma homepage - just scrolllllll down and look on your left.


Happy Monday,
Brooke