tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37769421345228151442024-03-11T07:39:19.761-07:00Shaktipaj DesignsStyle is in the DetailsPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-32039567199369560892010-11-06T15:36:00.000-07:002010-11-06T16:36:34.487-07:00The Post -Dia de los Muertos / Adeline's pre-Bday 30% OFF Sale!!!!Yep, you read it right!<br /><br />I have been dealing with personal stuff for a while - and I unfortunately missed my best and most wonderful excuse for a sale - Halloween!!!!<br /><br />I only have one sale every year, so a good excuse had to be manufactured - this is it:<br /><br />The Post Dia de los Muertos / Adeline's pre-Bday 30% OFF Sale!!!!<br /><br />Two great excuses add up to ONE Great Sale!!!<br /><br />From 8AM PST Nov.7, 2010 until 8AM PST Nov. 8,<br />All of the listed tutorials in the store will be 30% OFF!!!!<br /><br />24 hrs. to get tutorials for great projects and some of the best in-depth instruction to be found in a PDF!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Dia de los Muertos </span>: a time to reflect on what is loved and treasured, yet gone, lost or changed irrevocably - and move forward thinking of the sweet things in life!<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Perri/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Seems to fit, right?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Adeline's B-Day</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31926529@N08/3099257804/" title="Adeline_at-_two_portrait750 by ShaktipajDesigns, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3099257804_0f22bff1e1.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Adeline_at-_two_portrait750" /></a><br /><br />Adeline is my red-headed wonder of a grandchild. Her b-day is on the way!<br /><br />I take lots of pictures, give lots of tips, and document the boo-boos too - so you can learn to fix the mistakes that ALL of us make at one time or another.<br /><br />So come on over and check it out:<br />www.ShaktipajDesigns.Etsy.com<br /><br />Remember:<br />Two great excuses add up to ONE Great Sale!!!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >From 8AM PST Nov.7, 2010 until 8AM PST Nov. 8,<br />All of the listed tutorials in the store will be 30% OFF!!!!</span><br /><br />24 hrs. to get tutorials for great projects and some of the best in-depth instruction to be found in a PDF!<br /><br />When the clock chimes 8 on Monday morning here, it is gone....so don't be sorry you missed it if you can help it!<br /><br />Thanks!!!!Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-41208325274099484352010-08-21T10:22:00.000-07:002010-08-21T10:39:56.259-07:00Beautiful work & an Artist in NeedIn July, an electrical fire tore through the studio of artist Kimberley Willcox. You can visit her website <a href="http://www.kimberlywillcox.com/artist.asp?ArtistID=7709&AKey=F4WAFK79">here.</a> <br /><br />Susan Lomuto of the <a href="http://dailyartmuse.com/2010/08/17/kimberly-willcoxs-transformation-and-a-damuse-giveaway/">Daily Art Muse</a> was kind enough to spread the word about this tragedy. She is also sponsoring a $150 book collection give away to help raise money for Kimberley to re-establish her studio. You can see some of Kimberley's incredibly moving work, get the details (including a heart wrenching post-fire photo ) and find a link to donate <a href="http://dailyartmuse.com/2010/08/17/kimberly-willcoxs-transformation-and-a-damuse-giveaway/">here</a>. <br /><br />All I can say is there but for Grace......<br /><br />Any amount of donation is appreciated - and you might just get some seriously cool books! Hurry - the giveaway ends tomorrow, Aug. 22 at 11:59 EST - but of course, the wonderful feeling of helping someone in need lasts a whole lot longer. :^D<br /><br />The details of one person's journey are important to us all.<br /><br />Care for yourselves so that you can care for others.<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-86431562893197735132010-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:002010-07-17T18:05:31.816-07:00Copper Wire Jewelers - Issue 3If this isn't covered in Awesome sauce, I don't know what is! I made the cover AND got to write an article!!! Check it out - lots of great articles by some really talented folks, not matter what metal you like to work in! And don't forget the pictures!<br /><div><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=100716001704-4c61261299b741ab8510a0f099dcd0bb&docName=copper_wire_jewelers_issue_3&username=ABeadedAffair&loadingInfoText=Copper%20Wire%20Jewelers%20-%20Issue%203&et=1279415035090&er=56" style="width:420px;height:272px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:420px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://issuu.com/ABeadedAffair/docs/copper_wire_jewelers_issue_3?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=artisan" target="_blank">More artisan</a></div></div><br /><br />Lots of details to read about!<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-4815376624056455872010-06-07T13:48:00.000-07:002010-06-07T14:57:21.435-07:00I'm tired.......Apparently, I'm an old crone with outmoded values. I sure as hell feel like my words and values don't seem to matter too much lately. And just as apparently, many people like to close their eyes and stick their fingers in their ears and sing la-la-la-la when they encounter inconvenient truths.<br /> <br />So maybe I can borrow from three very great thinkers, and you can be inspired by them to just freakin' do the right thing when it comes to your work and where it comes from. <br /><br />Here goes nothing:<br /><br /> "The dwarf sees farther than the giant, when he has the giant's shoulder to mount on." <br /><br />Samuel Taylor Coleridge<br /><br /><<<<<<<<<I truly believe that there *are* new things under the sun - but if we are to find them, we need to acknowledge and make ourselves aware of the old things - not continually rejoice that we have just reinvented the wheel. This is appropriate from a three year old with a refrigerator drawing of a cat - but not from adults asking money from other people.<br />Do your research, acknowledge your sources, recognize that those sources may be subconscious, graciously accept the truth from others that somebody else has done it before you got there - if they did. Don't mis-characterize your work as 'New and Improved' - that only works for toilet bowl cleaners and Sham Wow.<br /><br /><br />“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.<br /><br /><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<This one is just really special to me. This man defined my existence for many years. His words and thoughts have actually stopped me from ending my life when it seemed I would have to bear the shame and vilification of having been sexually abused really openly for the rest of my life. There - is that real enough for you? Now do you have a conception of why I believe all of these little abuses of each others' creative souls need to stop???<br />If you take one single piece of another person's creative work without asking or acknowledging, you wound them - you make them live with a loss that they may not recover from. How selfish is that? But it gets worse: you wound yourself, you wound the craft that you love. How completely foolish is that?????? <br /><br /><br />"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."<br /><br />Arthur Schopenhauer<br /><br /><<<<<<<<Nuff said, don't you think?<br /><br /><br /> <br />I'm tired, I'm disheartened. <br />I need to care for myself for a change.<br /><br />Take care of yourselves, too!Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-50039889262150319842010-01-19T14:53:00.000-08:002010-01-19T15:59:11.550-08:002010 - Standing up for my ValuesSo it is 2010. Time for introspection, re-evaluation. Time for a re-statement of my personal values.<br /><br />Time, for once in my life - to say what I give a crap about without being afraid. <br /><br />All my life, I've felt out of place, struggled to say the thing that will make people like me enough to listen to what I think is important. I'm done with that. Hell or high water, I'm saying it anyway. Because at at 51, it is time to be done with fear, or embrace it as a sign you are going in the right direction.<br /><br />I'm really afraid I'm too old - that too much time has gone by, that no one will accept that I'm transforming myself from a persnickety, perfectionist, complaining, bitch into a person who simply tells it as she sees it, then acts accordingly.<br /><br />What good is having worked to be an expert in your field if you can't share the pragmatics of that in a REAL way?<br /><br />It is time to talk about the things I really believe without sugar coating. It is time to make myself proud.<br /><br />To that end, here is something I'm proud of: I've always given credit for my personal inspirations in my jewelry making. It doesn't take any skin off my nose or devalue my work if I do. Yes, it goes beyond the legal requirements. It is the ethical and courteous thing to do. But it seems that courtesy and ethical practice are difficult for some people.<br /><br />This is a dead horse for many people. I really don't care. Whether they are just tired of the subject or are 'protesting too much' like the lady in the play doesn't matter. What matters to me that my work and name are associated with people who do the ethical and courteous thing.<br /><br />Don't get all bent and tell me we can't give credit because we would have to go back to the beginning of time. BS!!! This doesn't require a separate book of the bible - all it takes is a little painless "I was looking at so-and-so's work and got the idea for this."<br /><br />That's it. That's all it takes to not be branded a thief and a liar. That's all it takes to move forward cleanly with our art and craft.<br /><br />But if we fail to mention this, or worse, claim that we have not ever seen rather popular work that ours resembles, then we are at the very least, liars. <br /><br />So with that in mind,I'm going to ask a question with a few links:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How can someone who made these:</span><br />http://www.lbjewelrydesigns.com/shop/indian-weave-ear-rings-p-173.html<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">admittedly from this tutorial:</span><br />http://www.izamalczyk.com/en/tutorial-4-21.html<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Later claim that she had not seen this piece by the same tutorial writer:</span><br />http://www.izamalczyk.com/en/gallery-2-276-1825.html<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />While she writes a tutorial for this:</span><br />http://www.lbjewelrydesigns.com/shop/woven-bezel-turquoise-pendant-p-240.html<br /><br />Unfortunately, she deleted all commentary that included her denial, but there are those who remember, those who actually held a conversation about it - including a digital source- the way back machine.<br /><br />I really want to know how this is anywhere near ethical or courteous. Really I do. Heck, I even gladly participated in her effort to refine the double sided version of this. <br />I would not bother with this if she had not denied knowledge of her inspiration at the time she made the piece on a very well known site. All it would have taken is simple acknowledgment. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Somebody answer and help me see this in a better light - PLEASE! </span><br /><br />So that is my re-evaluation. I'm not sitting back and letting things like this go any more. I'm standing up for details of ethics and courtesy. And I'm going to do it when it happens.<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-46287663633756804872009-11-02T17:40:00.000-08:002009-11-02T21:31:05.213-08:00Rose of Sharon Tutorial in my Etsy!<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEGTx8G_hyphenhypheneSCv8GR9ZiKIiSJehATvnht7y71DpR2BTiIdwrVIg19meTJnT2kbsGaAgLI_ZmvGBcg-MJMtTVktVO4HdCteVFJ1u5Cynp06Kpu7g8dcoGG-AlpeunCNYP4Ek20tAv95a4/s1600-h/Rose_of_SharonGroupSQ600.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEGTx8G_hyphenhypheneSCv8GR9ZiKIiSJehATvnht7y71DpR2BTiIdwrVIg19meTJnT2kbsGaAgLI_ZmvGBcg-MJMtTVktVO4HdCteVFJ1u5Cynp06Kpu7g8dcoGG-AlpeunCNYP4Ek20tAv95a4/s320/Rose_of_SharonGroupSQ600.jpg' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;' /></a> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Now in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShaktipajDesigns">Shaktipaj Designs Etsy shop</a>: Rose of Sharon Pendant Tutorial!</span><br />I've been working on a secure, attractive, neat setting for a faceted stone in wire for a long time, and finally got the bugs out with this wire tutorial! This design is incredibly versatile - possibly the most useful and beautiful wire wrapped design I've ever come up with!<br /><br />The stones here are 8mm faceted cubic zirconias - but it can be adapted to smaller stones -I've done 4mm faceted amethysts and am working on 3mm and 4mm flatback Swarovski crystals.<br /><br />With a tweak or two, it holds rounded cabochons very securely, and Swarovski rivolis - you betcha!!!!! Here is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1348730275">Rita Garcia's</a> stone cabochon piece:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ4NhMta9NUttFYhQT63_KA3fqf3p9-I3qdPdcJ86Jmhu0H0oBvzUC4trzAy-riVKotd6x1fGbht-qVKnbWvmHjIW2u6GO1-k3qCkPlXhxeijqU2QR6BD1-Um87HydjUJsy9D-B_Rr1Q/s1600-h/Rita+Cab.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ4NhMta9NUttFYhQT63_KA3fqf3p9-I3qdPdcJ86Jmhu0H0oBvzUC4trzAy-riVKotd6x1fGbht-qVKnbWvmHjIW2u6GO1-k3qCkPlXhxeijqU2QR6BD1-Um87HydjUJsy9D-B_Rr1Q/s200/Rita+Cab.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399695538920098258" /></a> (the link takes you to her Facebook profile)<br /><br />You can stop during the technique process in a few places and get an attractive result. It can be plopped into almost any design at will - think of the possibilities it opens up for those of us who work in wire!!!!!!! Here's an example from Bobbi Maw at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyWiredImagination">MyWiredImagination</a> on Etsy: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mR4BloPbn1kZbevw_iwWBsYXmZuJ6u6kPDSoxERVC6Kw6s7JEqQLh1goc5yPXNzIhhsMuaz6oGWelVLI9DNA9lXeLYvoIZmrSJN-gCl3Zne6cDeehITR2FUZlCLZ4klk0ZrjmSLQzeY/s1600-h/Bobbi_ROS.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mR4BloPbn1kZbevw_iwWBsYXmZuJ6u6kPDSoxERVC6Kw6s7JEqQLh1goc5yPXNzIhhsMuaz6oGWelVLI9DNA9lXeLYvoIZmrSJN-gCl3Zne6cDeehITR2FUZlCLZ4klk0ZrjmSLQzeY/s200/Bobbi_ROS.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399696265622286034" /></a><br /><br />I'll keep posting pics of new pieces in this technique as folks send me pics and I make them - I hope they inspire you to make beautiful wire creations!<br /><br />Need more details? Keep watching the blog!<br /><br />Care for yourselves gently, so that you can care for others<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-37510641191313888102009-09-19T09:44:00.000-07:002012-07-27T12:13:45.525-07:00Gordon Uyehara Interview!<br />
I'm so excited!!!!<br />
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Mona Hair is interviewing metal clay artist Gordon Uyehara live on her live show 'The Jewelry Connection' tomorrow Sept. 20. <br />
This man's work is nothing short of phenomenal, and I love the way he ties his personal philosophies in with his art. <br />
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If you wish to see more of his work, it is at <a href="http://www.geocities.com/gtrsolo/index.html" target="_blank">HonuDream</a><br />
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Here is Mona's link:<br />
<a href="http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection" target="_blank">www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection</a><br />
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Time: 12pm PST 2pm CST or 3pm EST depending on where you are in the USA; if you're in Europe show time is 9pm except in the UK where it is 8pm<br />
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If you create a user ID at the LiveVideo site you may real time text to the show and even join us with your own web cam if you so desire! Nothing at all is required to simply join the broadcast room and watch the show!<br />
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I hope to see some of you there, I've been drooling over this since she announced it - We'll all find out the details together on this one!<br />
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Care for yourselves gently so that you can care for others....<br />
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PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-18491741719642176242009-06-05T13:15:00.000-07:002009-06-05T13:28:19.036-07:00I Got Interviewed!!!!How cool is that!!!!!! I have never had anyone ask me to be interviewed, so when Angela Neal over at <a href="http://jewelryreport.com">The Jewelry Report</a> asked me, I was just tickled pink, and purple, and then blue, and then back to purple! <br /><br />She asked me some questions that made me think very hard, but I'm fairly sure my answers make sense for today, LOL. For everything you've ever wanted to know about me,(well, maybe not....) Just head on over <a href="http://jewelryreport.com/news/interview-perri-jackson-part-one">HERE</a>. <br /><br />A little bird told me that she has interviewed another truly outstanding artist, so I would check back with her often. (wink, wink, nod, nod, Say No More..... But she IS in my blogroll favorites)<br /><br />Hey, more details can't be a bad thing, right?????<br /><br />Take care of yourselves,<br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-65833444527417762012009-05-17T13:48:00.000-07:002009-05-17T16:52:14.941-07:00Finishing Neatly - My #1 TIP!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">Oooh, I'll bet I got your attention with that one!</span> Since details are what makes a piece (IMHO!!) I'm ALL ABOUT a neat finish on handmade items. I've seen people ask for critiques and complain that their wire jewelry isn't selling. Most of the time when I look at it,the major critique that I could offer is that they need practice in finishing. <br />Neat and intentional finishes are absolutely imperative! It is a bonus if it only takes seconds. So in the interest of creating those neat finishes in wirework, I'm going to offer <span style="font-weight:bold;"> my number one tip for creating a neat finish.</span> This is an excerpt taken from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25179978">Winter Wreath Earring and Variations Tutorial</a>. I actually love this tutorial, and teach it often - it features a simple earring style with lots of punch. But the real value is in the basic tips and technique, which make it infinitely versatile!<br /><br />Here we go:<br />These next few steps are the method I use to get my wrap ends neat, and practically invisible. <span style="font-weight:bold;">It virtually eliminates the issue of ends showing OR snagging - meaning that finding a 'no-show' place to tuck them in is a thing of the past!!!!!!!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/3540366232_915bd09a47.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/3540366232_915bd09a47.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="WinterWreathEarrings12" /></a><br />Using chain nose pliers, flatten the end of the wire as shown. Use just enough force to flatten without too much spreading. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/3539552689_72c6b0d60e.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/3539552689_72c6b0d60e.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="WinterWreathEarrings12" /></a><br />Create a long point on the tail by cutting a small diagonal with your flush cutters - on ONLY one side. Try to make the cut from one end of the flattened area to the other.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TIP:</span> For this process, a short, almost horizontal cut is <span style="font-weight:bold;">not</span> useful. That's what leaves those gaps between wraps and beads!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/3539552653_7ca118e8a6.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/3539552653_7ca118e8a6.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="WinterWreathEarrings12" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IMPORTANT:</span> If the pointed side is away from to the existing wraps, then the end result is almost like a flush cut, once everything is pressed down. If the point is reversed, or next to the wraps, as shown here - then it creates a more flush, but slightly conical ending that will 'disappear' into bead holes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3540366296_c1749f3e59.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3540366296_c1749f3e59.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="WinterWreathEarrings12" /></a><br />Lightly secure or 'tuck' the tail down onto the core wire with the chain nose pliers. Make sure the point is pressed down. Using a light pressure, rotate the pliers a few times around the wrap. I call this the <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Twist 'n Crimp'</span> move. It doesn't take much force - just lightly skim the metal with the pliers as you rotate them. Repeat as necessary. The wrap should still be able to rotate on the core. This process is called 'burnishing'.<br />Because the tail was flattened, it will lie very close to the core. Because it was cut diagonally, there will not be a noticeable gap between the wrap and the subsequent work.<br /><br />There you have it! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/3539552593_592dc9a3d5.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/3539552593_592dc9a3d5.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="WinterWreathEarrings12" /></a>Sometimes it can be difficult to tuck in that final end. Use the help of an extra set of pliers. I like bent chain nose pliers for this, because they hold the work securely, but offer more room to maneuver.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TIP:</span>Try to stay away from your round nose pliers for this job, or any job that requires holding the wire firmly. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Using them is the reason that most loops have divots and tool marks.</span><br /><br />Hope this has been helpful, or at least enlightening. I know it seems like me being nit-picky to some folks - I hope it isn't the same ones who ask me how I get my work so neat and precise. <br /><br />Be careful what you wish for, it might be far more detailed than than you thought!<br /><br />Be gentle with yourselves,<br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-69839235079595596962009-05-09T11:08:00.000-07:002009-05-09T13:16:05.526-07:00Thriving in Chaos, and A NEW Tutorial<span style="font-style:italic;">UPDATE!!!I've been working the bugs out of the ring designs, slowly but surely! I don't release half-done poor quality tutorials that can't be repeated. That isn't worth anybody's time - I want everybody to be as successful as possible!!</span><br /><br />"Sensitive dependance upon initial conditions."<br /><br />This is one of the central premises of what scientists call "Chaos Theory." You may recognize it from a different thought process: <br /><br />"The flutter of a butterfly's wings over the Sahara can cause a hurricane in Florida."<br /><br />Either way, one of the things it means for us plain folks is that the smallest action can affect everything that follows, and become something grand!<br /><br />Lately, I've been turning to my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31926529@N08/">wired beads</a> and remembering what got me started on my tutorial path. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3515527217_1a250b687c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3515527217_1a250b687c.jpg" width="232" height="500" alt="Shiva&quot;s Gift focal" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3516338052_f9a26ed4c2.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3516338052_f9a26ed4c2.jpg" width="250" height="200" alt="Elven_Mist" /></a><br />Everyone asks me how I make them, and the answer is complex. Too complex for a single tutorial, by far! <br /><br />So waaaay back in early 2008, I decided to start making tutorials that explained the individual elements in them. Enter the <a href="http://www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Periwinkle Bead Cap</span></a>!!! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3515593437_129a8459ff.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="Periwinkle-Pretties" /></a> It outlines the basic form of the ends of my beads, is highly decorative AND provides highly functional stability to my pieces. Many of you responded so positively to that tutorial, and I thank you so much! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After that, many people requested tutorials for different projects! As sometimes happens, the best laid plans of mice and tutorial writers oft go astray, and I left behind a 3/4 finished tutorial on the next element of my beaded wire beads. <br /><br />Well, I've returned to my roots, and have finished it! I call this the <a href="http://www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Doric Column Bead</span></a>, as it is the foundation and core stabilizing element for all of the spiraled beads. It also just happens to look like a set of columns in a Greek Temple! Imagine that they would have similarities! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3516485830_2abd713c69.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="Doric_Column_Tut_announce" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This little hollow form is a powerhouse of versatility, and in the tutorial, I have outlined not only the instructions for the basic bead form, but several <a href="http://www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">variations </span></a>that should whet your wire appetite. You can see them, and all my tutorials at <a href="http://ww.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com">ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com</a> or visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31926529@N08/">my photostream</a> on Flickr!<br /><br />I think perfect balance and stability start with rapt attention to the starting tiny details of any project. Chaos Theory in action!<br /><br />Till the next time, care for yourselves gently!<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-68371169077526625302009-04-11T16:40:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:09:44.609-07:00On Writing Tutorials and the Tale of Four RingsIt is not the most intuitive process to decide if a project makes a good tutorial. People can give you compliments and request these things, but the projects aren't always things that can be taught successfully! At least, not in that form. But I do try to at least to put in the work necessary to determine if I am able to do it!<br />I've been wrestling with a couple of ring designs for tutorials. One of the issues is whether two projects can be combined without needless repetition, or without making the tutorials <span style="font-weight:bold;">humongous</span>! <br />These are the two rings in question: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3383596268_ea14692b25.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3383596268_ea14692b25.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <br />The first one has a relatively simple band, with an ornate setting for the undrilled stone. The issue with this is not showing others how to do it, it is making the process adaptable to other stone shapes and sizes. Do people really want to be left to their own devices when adapting things like this? I've kind of built a reputation for outlining possible pitfalls and how to get around them - I'd like to continue that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3382780747_35e7f976b0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3382780747_35e7f976b0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The second ring has the same setting (and the same issues there!) but a much more ornate and somewhat complex band. The issue on this is the stability of the band for extended wear. This work has a natural tendency to flex, and in wire, that could be disastrous, so I have to develop a repeatable method for stabilizing the band. <br /><br />Pretty much, that means making the rings about 5-6 times apiece and writing <span style="font-weight:bold;">everything</span> down! I'm working on it.....<br /><br /><br />Then, comes the 'problem' of the variations that arise during the course of this development! Whoa!! Did I hear you say <span style="font-weight:bold;">"We should all have such 'problems'!!???!!"</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">Yes, I'm whining!</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Loudly!</span> But now, I think that the first variation is actually a great ring for a tutorial! I'm gonna work on this too, but I'll let you see the progression from the first ring of this type to the latest - <span style="font-weight:bold;">Here is the Tale of Four Rings:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Click on any photo for a larger view :^))</span><br /><br />This is the Terrapin Twist with 2.5mm garnet in the band. I loved it from the first,but there is a teensy little issue: the top doesn't mirror on both sides, and looks slightly off-kilter. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3401468189_53f03c7348.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 182px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3401468189_53f03c7348.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3401468237_7caca54c0a.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 182px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3401468237_7caca54c0a.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />So I tried it in 3-3.5mm faceted amethysts all around (<span style="font-weight:bold;">mmmmmm, purple</span>!) and attempted to fix the symmetry in front. You know - kill two birds with one stone.... With stones this size, it isn't as comfortable to wear if they are all around the band, and the fix I applied looks kluged. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3432355445_ff1c12a414.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3432355445_ff1c12a414.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3432355495_01cdefe6cd.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3432355495_01cdefe6cd.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Back to the drawing board!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is the next version: Keep the flanking stones, make the band more plain for wearability, and figure out the symmetry on the top. I think this works!!!!! But let's see if the center motif is easily repeatable and while I'm at it, pare down the band even more. <span style="font-weight:bold;">You know me - can't get enough of a good thing!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3432355555_dbf59f3427.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3432355555_dbf59f3427.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3433166838_05b51f1474.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3433166838_05b51f1474.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">The answer????? You tell me......</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3432355709_ac2ef73e35.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3432355709_ac2ef73e35.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3432355763_a7084a4c59.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3432355763_a7084a4c59.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope this gives you some insight - it did for me!!!! <span style="font-weight:bold;">Remember: Details allow your creative spark to ignite, and make your heart glow!!!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">With Gratitude, Perri</span>Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-28703098281173206882009-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:002009-03-31T11:41:57.531-07:00Tangled Love HeartA while back, <span style="font-weight:bold;">JewelryLessons.com</span> did a <a href="http://www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/7391">Valentine's Day challenge</a>. I wasn't going to submit anything - I'm not ordinarily a heart person - especially not a frilly heart person! I don't even like pink! (my son says I'm not a <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> girl - does that mean I am Pinochiette? Where the heck is the Blue Fairy when you need her???)<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3402273070_0d4b380016.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3402273070_0d4b380016.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>So anywho, I thought about things for a bit, and decided to apply my twisted sensibilities to the challenge. Here is what I came up with!<br />Surprisingly, it was very well received, and I had many requests for a tutorial. So of course, I created one!!! Available in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5730737"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Shaktipaj Designs</span></a> Etsy shop, and <a href="http://www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/18867"><span style="font-weight:bold;">JewelryLessons.com</span> </a><br />BTW - <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bobbi Maw of <a href="http://mywiredimagination.blogspot.com/">My Wired Imagination</a></span> won that challenge! No surprise - her work is impeccable. She and her honey bunny Spike collaborated beautifully, as is fitting for two real life lovers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3402273148_4f9ee2e3ca.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3402273148_4f9ee2e3ca.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The coolest thing is the endless ideas for variations that opened up as I made the tutorial. I think this is the cutest one: Don't those eyes just melt you!<br />There are pics of more variations at my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31926529@N08/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Flickr</span></a> - hop on over, I'm always doing new things!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Time for the philosophical musing of the day!</span> Any time anybody talks about hearts as jewelry, my head goes to Bob Dylan first,(<a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/tangled-up-in-blue-lyrics-bob-dylan.html">Tangled up in Blue</a>) Bonnie Raitt second.(<a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/tangled-and-dark-lyrics-bonnie-raitt.html">Tangled and Dark</a>) Don't ask me why - it just does. Dylan recognizes that love is not all hearts and flowers, but acknowledges that the veneer we swaddle the tangled complexities of emotion into is important, even if it is superficial.<br />Bonnie acknowledges Dylan's point and then says to heck with it - when you work out the philosophical stuff and move on, it is all about hot emotional sex.<br /><br />I like both views - a lot - that is the kind of girl I am!<br /><br />Think about the details in your life for a moment today - you'll find that even the smallest have a place in your heart. :^)<br /><br />With Gratitude,<br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-7002879090044279702009-03-22T21:34:00.000-07:002009-03-23T13:41:06.169-07:00A Lemonade Award!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe7YJZS_kTsibBNskSbDVQmk2wD-uMbj3SZsyBnwHD1cxy7EeCHy2YDV5BUyxOFq8-cCkYx0_y2noFkhb7uTk_TEo9IYYBeD74kNO2m7s3pP6_AZ8J6B7vbl0eIwzqNhbABMIt1r4YuU/s1600-h/lemonade_thumbnail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe7YJZS_kTsibBNskSbDVQmk2wD-uMbj3SZsyBnwHD1cxy7EeCHy2YDV5BUyxOFq8-cCkYx0_y2noFkhb7uTk_TEo9IYYBeD74kNO2m7s3pP6_AZ8J6B7vbl0eIwzqNhbABMIt1r4YuU/s200/lemonade_thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316485992703005250" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I got a Lemonade Award!</span> I'm soooooooo late in posting my thanks for this - doesn't seem very grateful, but I truly am! <span style="font-weight:bold;">Joani</span> over at <a href="http://inspirationsinclay.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Inspirations in Clay</span></a> is the sweet and creative lady who nominated me for this award. I'm proud that she thought my blog was helpful and showed the necessary attributes for The Lemonade Award: it is awarded to sites that show a positive attitude and gratitude. <br /><br />Here are the rules for the award:<br />1.Put the logo on your blog or post<br />2.Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.<br />3.Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.<br />4.Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.<br />5.Nominate your favorites and link to your post.<br />My Choices for the Award:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://karmawired.blogspot.com">My Wired Imagination</a> <br /><a href="http://wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog/">A Wrapturous Blog</a><br /><a href="http://decorshandmades.blogspot.com">Decor's Handmades</a><br /><a href="http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com/">A Metalsmith's Journey</a><br /><a href="http://gammiebrat.blogspot.com/ ">Gammiebrat</a><br /><a href="http://dailyjewel.blogspot.com">The Daily Jewel</a><br /><a href="http://sherrysjewels.blogspot.com">Sherry's Jewels</a><br /><a href="http://www.turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com">Turquoise Magpie</a><br /><a href="http://ksjewellerydesigns.blogspot.com/">KS Jewellery Designs</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogdoctor.me">The Blog Doctor</a></span><br /><br />I chose these folks for their absolute willingness to help anyone they can! They regularly post on topics that they think *might* help others. That is the best attitude that I can think of, and I think it stems from gratitude for their success. Thanks to all of them!Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-44622012535474240702009-01-12T20:49:00.000-08:002011-09-29T10:31:20.843-07:00More Changes, More Free Tutorials!I'm so excited! I get to do two things at once here! I know you read the word <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">'FREE',</span> (and we'll get to that) but as we all know, nothing really good is ever really free - so here is your payment: You have to look at eye candy, and you have to read about my new Celtic Braid Tutorial available at <a href="http://www.shaktipajdesigns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com</a>.<br /><br />So here is the eye candy part.This is the tutorial intro pic -the details for the project are in the Etsy shop. ;^)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3193593566_4ee62357f3.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3193593566_4ee62357f3.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here are some interesting things I've made with the weave!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3193593696_659444d5f8.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 166px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3193593696_659444d5f8.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3193615920_7a48d95399.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 168px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3193615920_7a48d95399.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3193615806_0896637afa.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 166px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3193615806_0896637afa.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3193615868_3b3f5f3415.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 166px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3193615868_3b3f5f3415.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />OK! You have paid your dues, now here is the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">'FREE',</span> part!<br /><br />I want give you the opportunity to get my free tutorials, AND I started a new blog. The links below will re-direct you there to download them!!! You don't have to buy anything, or sign up for anything. Just enjoy them and let me know if you like them. Heck, I won't even go that far - drop me a line, if you feel like it! But I really want you to be successful in working with wire. It is the most fun I've ever had while I worked, so I'll just pass it on.<br /><br />All of these tutorials will help you create those little details that make wirewrapping so satisfying. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The best tools you can acquire are imagination and knowledge!</span><br /><br />Thanks for reading! With gratitude, Perri<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Just click on any of the following pics for a link to the corresponding PDF download.</span> Download sizes from top: (297KB), (603KB), (852KB), (251KB)<br /><br /><br /><a title="DOWNLOAD Fixing Crooked Bead Caps!!!"href="http://shaktipajdesigns.com/downloads/fixing-crooked-bead-caps-tutorial/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3193593508_c03b1b72e0.jpg?v=0" alt="DOWNLOAD Fixing Crooked Bead Caps" /></a><a title="DOWNLOAD Coiling With a Drill!!!" href="http://shaktipajdesigns.com/downloads/coiling-with-a-drill-tutorial/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;"src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3165870658_4a930960c9.jpg?v=0" alt="DOWNLOAD Coiling With a Drill" /></a><a title="DOWNLOAD Hand Wrapping Coils!!!" href="http://shaktipajdesigns.com/downloads/hand-wrapping-coils-tutorial/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;"src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3193593452_fa7243db50.jpg?v=0" alt="DOWNLOAD Hand Wrapping Coils" /></a><a title="DOWNLOAD How to Use a Wire Gauge!!!" href="http://shaktipajdesigns.com/downloads/how-to-use-a-wire-gauge/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;"src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3192748133_4f1fa67d46.jpg?v=0" alt="DOWNLOAD How to Use a Wire Gauge" /></a>Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-48472695523952290112009-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:002009-01-12T13:20:14.967-08:00Making Changes!I'm definitely making some changes, here - moving the furniture, cleaning up - Sorry if it has been disconcerting!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>Just so you know, I'm changing the blog so that everyone can download all of my FREE tutorials.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> So give me a few hours - I'm learning! And all will be well!<br />I'm getting help from friends and a great online reference - <a href="http://www.blogdoctor.me/">The Blog Doctor</a> - This site has explanations for boosting the appearance of your blog that even a newbie like me can understand. I strongly urge to take advantage of his expertise!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">If you heard about the Tutorial download, look for it in this post: <a href="http://shaktipajdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-free-wire-tutorials-back-to-basics.html">New Free Wire Tutorials - Back to Basics </a></span><br /><br />Meanwhile, I've just posted my newest tutorial in my Etsy shop - another inclusion!<br /><br />You can find that here: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19582239">www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com - Celtic Braid Pendant Tutorial</a> Check it out - I hope you get inspired!<br /><br />Thanks for your patience!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>I'm creating those all-important details! I KNOW you understand!!!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span><br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-84383960373609802582009-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:002011-09-29T10:42:52.420-07:00New Free Wire Tutorials - Back to Basics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3165870520_71cd9e3845.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3165870520_71cd9e3845.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As some folks know, I write jewelry tutorials. I currently sell them through my Etsy site: <a href="http://www.shaktipajdesigns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.com</a>.<br /><br />I promised some changes for 2009 and here is the first installment: my new free tutorial series, <span style="font-weight: bold;">BACK TO BASICS and MORE!</span><br /><br />The first lesson: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wire Weaving Basics</span>. This lesson will show you two different methods for weaving wire in a pattern, and some solid guidelines for weaving any pattern. It focuses on weaving in tight closed spaces. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Just click the sophisticated lady for a link to the PDF download!</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />NOTE: This link takes you to my new blog, where you can download ALL of my Free Tutorials. :^D</span><br /><br /><a title="DOWNLOAD WIRE WEAVING BASICS!!!" href="http://shaktipajdesigns.com/downloads/wire-weaving-basics/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3165042413_0f6359c7e6.jpg?v=0" alt="DOWNLOAD WIRE WEAVING BASICS" /></a><br /><br />I started because I was asked to share some techniques, and because many of the tutorials I had seen left a lot to be desired. It seems many people are putting out tutorials without giving real value. Many of the tutorials have out of focus pictures, repetitive photos, and big holes in the explanations. Worse, the people putting them out are not experienced enough actually be qualified to teach others - but you don't find out that they really don't know any more than you do until you've paid the money.<br /><br />My personal problem with many tutorials is their insistence on a 'Dragnet' delivery - remember the old TV show?<span style="font-style: italic;"> "Just the facts, Ma'am."</span> Yes, we're here to learn a technique, but that doesn't mean it should read like an accounting book. Come to think of it, I've read accounting books that were more interesting...............<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I got into wire working because it was exciting to me!</span> Because it NEVER fails to pique my interest, because it is a puzzle with a prize at the end! To my mind, a tutorial should communicate that kind of intense interest in the author.<br /><br />But I think the greatest failure of many of the tutorials I've seen - free or paid - is their lack of instruction. Now, that may seem like a funny thing to say, but here is what I mean: They provide a sort of recipe for making the project at hand, but they don't give you the benefit of their expertise and experience by letting you know the challenges you may face. More importantly, how to avoid and fix mistakes! In a word: Troubleshooting!<br /><br />There are so many of these, that beginners and some more advanced students seem to accept certain problems in their wirework, because it is not easy to find understandable, complete, comprehensive instructions for quite simply, doing the work correctly!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I've decided to try to remedy some of that!</span> I know there is no one way of understanding or teaching that reaches everybody, but I'm going to try to add to the knowledge base in a way that actually lets people know what they may be missing.<br />If you don't like a bit of humor, <span style="font-style: italic;">don't download them, please</span>. I really try not to write dry tutorials, so I crack a joke once in a while. If you like your instructors to be demigods, sinless, blameless, and nearly perfect in every way - <span style="font-style: italic;">don't download them</span> - PLEASE! In most of them, I freely admit to quite a few failings - otherwise, I wouldn't have much to share with you in the way of troubleshooting.<br /><br />If you like understandable, complete, comprehensive, and of course, DETAILED instructions, with a dash of humor and LOTS of troubleshooting - <span style="font-weight: bold;">WELCOME to BACK TO BASICS and MORE!<br /><br /><br /></span>Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-10244515468833565522009-01-03T22:20:00.000-08:002009-01-04T08:23:28.609-08:00A New Year, A New Outlook...The year has started and I've been thinking about what I really want to do with this blog. I know that I want to talk about some of my online friends and finds that are truly exceptional. There are so many folks who have helped me, the least I can do is thank them in some way. So you'll see that from time to time.<br /><br />The thing that I've decided is dearest to my heart is my personal philosophy about art and craft, and how I keep my creative juices flowing.<br /><br />See, I love the many forums that I frequent - I've made many friends. But very few of them want or allow the type of critique that I believe makes my work stronger, better, or more artful. That isn't necessarily a bad thing - we have all heard the horror stories of flame wars and such. But I'm looking for conversations about what wire art really is - what holds wire work back as art. Moving beyond mere salability. And I'm probably gonna get in trouble doing it.<br /><br />Because I'm here to tell you folks, the fact that one's work sells DOES NOT make it art. The fact of calling oneself an 'artisan' don't make it so, either.<br />This may be a moot discussion, because Lord knows I can't define the subject in exacting terms. But I know what I feel it isn't. So here we go, join in if you feel inclined......<br /><br />An artist never sits on their laurels. Try new things, don't get comfortable. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Art ain't comfortable for the artist.</span> It is a stretch, it involves doubt, it involves courage to move beyond doubt. It means admitting that you don't know something, or need to learn a new way of accomplishing your work.It means looking at your work with fresh eyes and seeing the flaws that can be corrected without making excuses for not doing so. There is art in the admission, even if the work doesn't seem to reflect it yet.<br /><br />Make an art of being honest with yourself. Compare your work with others - if it looks like everybody elses, it probably isn't art. If you and six of your friends have pieces that you could trade to each other's Etsy shops and nobody would know, it probably isn't art. I'm not talking about individual photo styles here - I'm talking about the actual pieces when you analyze them.<br /><br />If there is someone who you think is head and shoulders better than you - do what you can to learn why you think that way! It will make your work that much closer to being art. If you really can't think of anything new - try refining a technique or method for performing your work - that is more artful than doing the same things over and over again badly.<br /><br />Oh yeah, before I forget - don't give me the hackneyed line that you don't care if your work is 'art' or not. That is just purest baloney (yes, I wanted to say bulls**t), because the archives on every forum I have ever seeen are so full of the discussions about people aspiring to the title, that I gag when I see them. We all aspire - just admit it, and you'll be that much closer.<br /><br />'Artist' is not a title, for no one can bestow it upon you. You have to earn it through work. Art will flow through you, you will not be able to stop it, even if you throw up every roadblock known to man. One might just as well call an artist a conduit, because their work speaks of yearning for life and hope and possibilities that we have all dreamed of in our deepest hearts. Art resonates, because it is an expression of the force that made us.<br /><br />OK, down off the soapbox.<br /><br />Watch here in the next few days - I'm going to start posting some free tutorials for basic wire skills.<br /><br />'Til then, God and Art are in the details.........<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-81502461033393815522008-12-17T19:37:00.000-08:002008-12-17T19:39:59.805-08:00Ornaminty Fresh!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2T_P0EeKh0Luouu2k9mZst2oRykgoPQ2S_cW74oBwcTGru9SlRUrbpaluGeYIBtxujd3ZxoaPGbjQwJVcjua0lpeDTR4TKCCeNBqF0Xw_MGM58ruavZoSgiE-3RiQuJQE0Ugsul1s8/s1600-h/AdventCalendar_2008RSZD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 87px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2T_P0EeKh0Luouu2k9mZst2oRykgoPQ2S_cW74oBwcTGru9SlRUrbpaluGeYIBtxujd3ZxoaPGbjQwJVcjua0lpeDTR4TKCCeNBqF0Xw_MGM58ruavZoSgiE-3RiQuJQE0Ugsul1s8/s200/AdventCalendar_2008RSZD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280969633007893122" border="0" /></a><br />Well, the year has come full circle. 2008 is almost over - just enough time left for giving! This ornament was given to my local CASA chapter to raise money. It is displayed along with 24 other artists' works in a giant Advent Calendar in our local Historic district. My day was the 13th, so I can let everyone peek now! A Swarovski jewelled hollow bauble with a curliqued hook. Think it will catch the light much????Perri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-48543240132749211252008-12-14T18:45:00.000-08:002008-12-14T19:33:28.269-08:00Elegant in Pearls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMyxnyYAs0ww0nHVHT_5yKqdMh2D_Xc0PM_2otfHuq38FNCsojPvwA436NbJlmUungX1H5DpMPis3oScL2Z2hesTxKJiH8xjV4pXnOXEpz7XVkOKR2mGi-wUURYeop5YIgtPqdv8KT3U/s1600-h/Pearl-Studs_2CloseFIXED.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMyxnyYAs0ww0nHVHT_5yKqdMh2D_Xc0PM_2otfHuq38FNCsojPvwA436NbJlmUungX1H5DpMPis3oScL2Z2hesTxKJiH8xjV4pXnOXEpz7XVkOKR2mGi-wUURYeop5YIgtPqdv8KT3U/s200/Pearl-Studs_2CloseFIXED.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279853748348171554" border="0" /></a><br />I was feeling like trying my hand at studs. Haven't done that yet. I have kind of sensitive ears, so little pokes from stray wires and uneven backs bug me.<br />Most wire wrapped studs are made with soft wire so that the rest of the earring can be made. The majority of studs that I've seen in wire don't have a hardened post. They are prone to sagging when (not if) they get bent. And bending happens easily in soft wire.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5gn3bM_K1TeU5BfmwqKEy0LDFy1iuSKVPSYzGsIyUB1hUlQEUscujHu39VMAxhp6-5eYnN0PkSQIIJoCBtH0DDPYAU9UIX04FO9mkiEC7dNHgThvFPbBBHNbcj6GVCGhPdSibAp1acA/s1600-h/Pearl-Studs_4closeFIXED.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5gn3bM_K1TeU5BfmwqKEy0LDFy1iuSKVPSYzGsIyUB1hUlQEUscujHu39VMAxhp6-5eYnN0PkSQIIJoCBtH0DDPYAU9UIX04FO9mkiEC7dNHgThvFPbBBHNbcj6GVCGhPdSibAp1acA/s200/Pearl-Studs_4closeFIXED.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279853135772683762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So those were my goals - to make studs that had a nice hard post, and a clean, even finish next to the ear. Good enough! Let's gather materials.......Not so fast my girl! I love button-type pearls, the beautiful creamy faces....mmmmmm!!! But these added another challenge - how to keep the pearl as close to the ear as possible, keep everything secure, and make the wires as un-noticeable as possible. I DO know how to craft a challenge for my self.<br /><br />By George, I think I got it! These are truly fit for Henry Higgins' Eliza! I thought of Audrey Hepburn when I was done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicecoi20zxmVBo7ajUN0fOkIyGS1jtUoBchoLboTOXZSTbNHMcZbzoER1tk0NfbKqZQXYxmKmVkwHNdDqFZakIN2oOfIulh3JxMKsJb3Lkw79yUs_OJ9BKk57OSQd0Q5Hkip0yJpnY3OQ/s1600-h/Pearl-Studs_3CLOSEFIXED.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicecoi20zxmVBo7ajUN0fOkIyGS1jtUoBchoLboTOXZSTbNHMcZbzoER1tk0NfbKqZQXYxmKmVkwHNdDqFZakIN2oOfIulh3JxMKsJb3Lkw79yUs_OJ9BKk57OSQd0Q5Hkip0yJpnY3OQ/s200/Pearl-Studs_3CLOSEFIXED.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279853746093979186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wanna know the BEST part? The photo process is quite a bit different from most of my work - and I really like the look. You know how some people have 'signature' photography for their work? I mean, every time I see a photo like <a href="http://www.alibaubles.com/index.cgi/2008/07/13#Flower_Pod_Earrings">this</a> on Etsy, I know it belongs to Allison of <a href="http://www.alibaubles.com/index.cgi/index.html">AliBaubles</a>! By the way, Alison's work is so modern, clean, and <span style="font-style: italic;">flawless</span>, you'd swear she wasn't human! (<span style="font-style: italic;">Did you hear the choir sing and bells ring just then? And the rustle of wings unfurling?</span>)<br /><br />Another artist/angel whose photos have a special flavor is Bobbi of <a href="http://www.mywiredimagination.blogspot.com/">My Wired Imagination</a>. Tropical color and bold images - love it! Corra of <a href="http://decorshandmades.blogspot.com/">DeCors Handmades</a> also has a distinctive photography style - filled with light, and fresh femininity.<br /><br />The best part for me is that all of the artists above pay strict attention to detail! I guess none of the details are too small......<br /><br />Perri<br />www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3776942134522815144.post-90323895805630711102008-12-10T16:35:00.000-08:002008-12-14T19:34:58.887-08:00The start of something NEW!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVk0PjTIt5b9PIcH7XC0so2U6ubcBPlStcNC7NKIQ7Vpnk3H39cQgpW6cTxcm98JxpFLYt8En8JpPKiatUsYaeP5UHdg7q85Faom9B1Hm1qyWCtHut4ct-o6CRIbrq_vuVoC7HGPwD0/s1600-h/uglyRing_05.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVk0PjTIt5b9PIcH7XC0so2U6ubcBPlStcNC7NKIQ7Vpnk3H39cQgpW6cTxcm98JxpFLYt8En8JpPKiatUsYaeP5UHdg7q85Faom9B1Hm1qyWCtHut4ct-o6CRIbrq_vuVoC7HGPwD0/s200/uglyRing_05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335626256300338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp_DORhPRerzGg1uD-OHauTUqGsAUPNicg9yqbZjFAy_4ZR1gqxqROtHrlYwmLjfE0ljjtQUoM6lcn2xlNiM27xMv-Rz1a0mCF9CPtrtdn8nnvLWY99wwe_F6K1qAClRjnF6EOG5kIPs/s1600-h/uglyRing_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp_DORhPRerzGg1uD-OHauTUqGsAUPNicg9yqbZjFAy_4ZR1gqxqROtHrlYwmLjfE0ljjtQUoM6lcn2xlNiM27xMv-Rz1a0mCF9CPtrtdn8nnvLWY99wwe_F6K1qAClRjnF6EOG5kIPs/s200/uglyRing_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335623406147522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPw4vLJhxvVZ4eAcDUF6pxyhZclWwZvvTeQrbbE5oAUR0bcIchQ5v0-n8_oTOq9wHvGVCt4rCS00OYiKLC1gsLoqSDoIAA-edW6hp1v2pVbwDPx3J0BFZd6euRXUquMqBQdfqHO0hJ_Y/s1600-h/uglyRing_02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPw4vLJhxvVZ4eAcDUF6pxyhZclWwZvvTeQrbbE5oAUR0bcIchQ5v0-n8_oTOq9wHvGVCt4rCS00OYiKLC1gsLoqSDoIAA-edW6hp1v2pVbwDPx3J0BFZd6euRXUquMqBQdfqHO0hJ_Y/s200/uglyRing_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335625022777666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMStaO8IyiFVOMqOH0qVTVA9sSdropUMTElFSCIPtP0Mf-93Mp4fgHbxNI1umL_JBWR37lR1dqgM6E9m5W_UnXesIQ8JnhjXhUKK8LTWAcLicnc8uux1F9lnIzC3aHeL01qJaq5ETLA/s1600-h/uglyRing_04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMStaO8IyiFVOMqOH0qVTVA9sSdropUMTElFSCIPtP0Mf-93Mp4fgHbxNI1umL_JBWR37lR1dqgM6E9m5W_UnXesIQ8JnhjXhUKK8LTWAcLicnc8uux1F9lnIzC3aHeL01qJaq5ETLA/s200/uglyRing_04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335620118636850" border="0" /></a><br />I'm starting a new blog here because the old one just didn't offer what I needed. For those of you who never visited, it is<a href="http://blogs.delphiforums.com/shaktipaj/start"> here</a>. Photos and thought from earlier. I wanted to keep it in place to direct folks who are used to the old venue.<br /><br />So here is some insight into how my mind works - this ring was just a project to get my juices flowing, nothing more to the intent. But GAG! It definitely got something flowing! Several views, there's a lot going on!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxahviuWsPubdl91yuiAMh0TS8mafgtOrMQw2UT9kT3Ne-4PHgx2E8Gxs7FxuGs3Sjb6JUZ1GefhmRNstoHNLxM2jCvRvOnlNRFcpJi9GXwquW17SEq2L1u1hjp7ifbn7td4qRcrP9o/s1600-h/uglyRing_03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxahviuWsPubdl91yuiAMh0TS8mafgtOrMQw2UT9kT3Ne-4PHgx2E8Gxs7FxuGs3Sjb6JUZ1GefhmRNstoHNLxM2jCvRvOnlNRFcpJi9GXwquW17SEq2L1u1hjp7ifbn7td4qRcrP9o/s200/uglyRing_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335655559076322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVk0PjTIt5b9PIcH7XC0so2U6ubcBPlStcNC7NKIQ7Vpnk3H39cQgpW6cTxcm98JxpFLYt8En8JpPKiatUsYaeP5UHdg7q85Faom9B1Hm1qyWCtHut4ct-o6CRIbrq_vuVoC7HGPwD0/s1600-h/uglyRing_05.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcVk0PjTIt5b9PIcH7XC0so2U6ubcBPlStcNC7NKIQ7Vpnk3H39cQgpW6cTxcm98JxpFLYt8En8JpPKiatUsYaeP5UHdg7q85Faom9B1Hm1qyWCtHut4ct-o6CRIbrq_vuVoC7HGPwD0/s200/uglyRing_05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278335626256300338" border="0" /></a><br />OK, for those of you who like it, I apologize for not liking it, to each his own, thank you!<br />To those who think it is over-done, over worked, and too full of too many details - well, you read the name of the blog!<br /><br />I'll try to do better in the future..........Hey! there SOME good things about it! You'd have to tear it apart to find them individually, but they ARE there! I like the weave on the band - It's a size 7 - do I hear any offers?<br /><br />On another note, I've started to write some things on<a href="http://www.jewelrylessons.com/"> JewelryLessons.com</a> Feel free to hop on over. Just because they sell tutorials doesn't mean the articles aren't good. Lots of fun stuff and eye candy to peruse. Just don't let your Mom catch you.....<br /><br />Pay attention to the details,<br /><br />PerriPerri www.ShaktipajDesigns.etsy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07142497366790866555noreply@blogger.com0