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The Flapper Dress
2008-03-04 15:48:00
Fashion Trend: The Flapper Dress The flapper trend has developed slowly but surely, and the style made a strong showing on the Spring and Summer 2008 runway shows.Loose-fitting dresses with embellishments like fringing and beading, particularly in vintage styles, are kind to both slender and curvy figures. These frocks can be flattering for any age and body style, because of the variety of shapes and cuts that are available. Purple Fringe Flapper Dress 20s style flapper dress with wonderful silky fringe that sways when you walk. Versatile for day or night, the flapper dress can be casual or sophisticated. Drop-waists are no longer a requirement, though there are plenty of those. Ruffles and fringes are coming on strong. Flapper dresses are straight and loose, usually knee-length and sleeveless. Shimmery Beaded Grey Flapper DressThe term flapper is most associated with a set of attitudes, behavior, and fashion ascribed to some women of the 1920s. Though most think that the original fl...

Shimmer and Shine for Spring
2008-03-02 14:34:00
Everywhere I look I see lots of shine in Spring 2008 Fashions. Metallics, satins, silks, and taffetas – slick and shiny fashions that will definitely get you noticed this spring. As a rule of thumb, keep metallic fashions subtle for daytime and professional attire, but feel free to dive into the trend for evening wear and special occasions. Soft grays and pewter colored fabrics can read as muted metallics, making them perfect for day wear.Mark Jacobs Metallic Dot DressTwilight blue with gold lame dotsSpread collar; four-button frontBelted Empire waist; belt loopsInverted pleatsSilk/cotton voileFlashy Fabrics and FinishesSequins remain at the forefront of shiny style this season as designers continued to delight with the shimmer and shine of metallics. But in addition to the shiny sequin-covered dress, silver, gold, bronze, and copper joined the parade on spring runways.Theory Sequined-Hem DressTonal sequins at hemBateau necklineCap sleevesBelted waistThe dazzling appeal of sequins...
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Artworks Jewelry
2008-02-29 19:49:00
Handcrafted Jewelry and AccessoriesArtworks Jewelry is an online boutique that specializes in contemporary handcrafted jewelry and accessories created from natural and unique materials. At present, they carry the work of thirty-two jewelry and handbag designers.Jewelry becomes art in this online boutique that features contemporary handcrafted jewelry. The organic lines and natural elements reflect the unique personal styles of the artists who create them and the women who wear them.Water Lily Ring in Sterling SilverInspired by nature, jewelry artist Elise Moran handcrafted this dramatic, eye-catching water lily ring from sterling silver, giving it a bright, satin finish to ensure that it gets noticed. The water lily is 1" in diameter and close to 1/2" in high. The band is just under 1/4" in wide.Artworks carries work designed and handcrafted by some of today's most creative jewelry designers and artisans ? using a variety of natural and unique materials including sterling silver, g...

Leiber Handbags
2008-02-27 14:39:00
Know what a Minaudiere is? Don't feel bad, neither did I. It's a small ornamental case for a woman's cosmetics, jewelry, or personal items – in other words, a crystal beaded handbag. Judith Leiber is the queen of Minaudieres. The inspiration for Mrs. Leiber's crystal evening bags has become as legendary as the woman herself. Her crystal evening bag creations happened totally by chance. She had ordered a polished metal box as a gift for a friend via mail. When she received the box, it was terribly scratched. She decided to cover the flaws with crystals. Leiber Minaudieres:Small Curved MinaudiereFully beaded with Siam Red Austrian crystalsPush-lock closureSlender Curve MinaudiereFully beaded with gold honey Austrian crystals10 1/2" jeweled chain that can be tucked insideAncoa MinaudiereFully beaded with jet and Rhine Austrian crystalsNapa leather liningThe Leiber StoryJudith was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, where she studied the craft of handbag making during World War ...
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Millefiori Glass Jewelry
2008-02-25 15:23:00
Murano Glass , is made primarily on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy. The distinctive Millefiori glass-making technique was developed in Murano by the 13th Century. In Italian, Millefiori means a thousand flowers. It was called mosaic until 1849, when the term Millefiori gained usage. It was in its heyday from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, and is still a strong influence today. Multicolor Millefiori Heart BraceletNickel-free Sterling Silver bracelet featuring multicolor Millefiori glass hearts set in a sterling silver frame with plain sterling silver cut-out linked hearts. This Millefiori glass bracelet also includes a rhodium plate finish, which gives it its lustrous white gold appearance.Millefiori glass beads make beautiful bracelets, earrings, pendants, watches, and pins. They are particularly stunning when set in Sterling Silver, like this bracelet. Look closely, and you can see the Millefiori patterns in the heart-shaped glass beads:Curved Heart With Pastel Flowers...
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Deb Karash
2008-02-24 14:33:00
Jewelry DesignerIn the late 1990s, Deb began adding color to her jewelry with gemstones. The various hues within a single gemstone ? especially turquoise's mix of green, gold, and rust ? inspired her to try to reproduce those colors on metal. Now Deb applies color to copper using colored pencils. She saturates the metal by layering the color until the metal reaches a deep rich hue. Samples of Deb's Work:Deb explains:I simply wanted to do something different to metal surfaces. When I began using pencil, the biggest issue was how to adhere the color to the surface. I knew other people used colored pencil on metal, but I didn?t really have the courage to call them to ask how they did it.After a while, I enjoyed coloring so much that I didn?t need the stones anymore. I just wanted to color the metal. That's how it started. Now all the color in my work is colored pencil. The ProcessKeeping the color on the metal surface presented another problem. Deb experimented with layering color f...

Cocktail Rings
2008-02-21 23:43:00
Cocktail Rings are a top jewelry trend for 2008. Celebrities wear them as an instant boost of color that works with almost any outfit. Whether you opt for candy colors or the glitzy and glamorous, cocktail rings aren't for the faint of heart! Is it written in stone somewhere that cocktail rings have to be huge, encrusted in diamonds, and gaudy to the nth degree? I went straight for the dictionary, and here are the definitions I found:Large, oversized rings, set with precious or semiprecious stonesFancy lady's ring made of small diamonds and colored stonesA showy, large-sized ringSo, I guess the answer to my question is yes. Well, maybe it isn't written in stone, but those definitions are pretty convincing.I realize that cocktail rings are made to be worn for special occasions, not with your jeans, but can I find one that I would consider wearing? Well, let's see.Now these aren't so bad, and I actually love the colored stones:W.A. Studios Crystal Cocktail RingsGold-plated (the o...
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Toga Dresses and Goddess Gowns
2008-02-19 14:50:00
The Toga DressMany fashion designers previewed toga dresses on the spring 2008 runway. Last season's one-shoulder styles have evolved into lovely draped togas in tunics, mini-dresses, and maxi-gowns. Many of them have cinched waists and just below the knee hemlines that hearken back to the Hollywood's golden age of glamour. Some designers used this trend with metallic fabrics and bold colors. J. Mendel Toga DressThe toga dress is a fresh look for spring and summer that adds a touch of Mediterranean inspiration to your wardrobe. Styles vary enough to suit all body types, and the soft draping is ideal for concealing not-so-narrow hips, and gently skims the tummy. Most willowy, curvy women will look sensational in a one-shouldered, maxi length Grecian frock. Shorter women might have more of a problem.The Goddess GownLong, draped goddess gowns were seen on the runways in New York and Milan. Fashion designers put their own spin on this style by using soft, sheer fabrics and simple des...
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Statement Shoes
2008-02-16 19:29:00
If certain shoe styles for winter pushed the boundaries of taste, the shoe has reached new levels of extravagance with the spring/summer 2008 collections. For women, shoes are still about pretending and dressing up. You know what I mean. You've been wearing nothing but flats or athletic shoes for days, you put on that special dress, and slip your feet into a pair of high-heels?it perks you up. You feel taller, sexier, ready to take on the world. Shoes can make you feel special. Shoes can give you a different persona.Nine West J-Chardin Pink HeelsSexy high heel t-bar satin sandal with eyelet detailsStatement shoes should do just that?make a strong statement about your sense of style. From stilettos to exaggerated soles, from vintage to Lucite heels, shoe designers are mixing up styles, materials, and colors. Suede, silk, and studs ? the wilder and chunkier the better ? adorned with heavy buckles, bows, fringes, feathers, jewels, or petals are in style. Put away the ballet flats and ...

Valentino's Farewell
2008-02-14 19:09:00
Designer FashionsOn January 23, 2008, Italian designer Valentino unveiled his 90th collection, and it was also his last. One of the most influential designers of the late 20th century is retiring. This collection is a fitting conclusion to 45 years of celebrating femininity and old-school glamour. He was joined at this show by the actresses, European royalty, and New York socialites who have worn his chic cashmere day suits and flowing floor-sweeping gowns since his breakthrough show in 1962.Elegant Lace Evening DressValentino's final Haute Couture line included all of the design elements he's famous for: Satin bowsSoft fabricsLots of laceFloral printsCocktail sheathsBeaded chiffonsTailored luncheon suitsI love the sensible hemlines and the suits. They're so Audrey Hepburn. Classic Spring SuitValentino Garavani, always known by only his first name, is a man who knows what looks good on a woman's body. His rise to fame coincided with the beginning of Italy's film heyday, immorta...
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Designer Belt Buckles
2008-02-12 23:22:00
The Urge to Adorn line of designer belt buckles offers a wide selection of designs to choose from. All of their unique fashion belt buckles are handmade using found or created photography or images they have collected. And all of their buckle designs can be worn by women or men. Their buckles are 100% lead-free pewter, and they protect the images by adding up to 10 layers of non-toxic coatings. Flying Egrets Belt BuckleThey have buckles in the following categories:Animal KingdomBuddhas, Saints, & QueensFlowersInsectsOld WestPrints & Patterns RomanceLotus Blossom Belt BuckleAll buckle purchases come with your choice of designer belts: high-quality leather or environmentally-friendly recycled rubber. The leather belts are made locally in California. The rubber used in their recycled belts comes from agricultural tires, and has a flawless matte finish closely resembling fine quality leather. The option to swap out different buckles is easily done using the convenient snaps on all of t...
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Micro Inlay Jewelry
2008-02-10 18:54:00
Native American Jewelry TechniqueMosaic Inlay is a form of channel inlay, a jewelry technique that is used by Native American jewelry artists. In channel inlay, gemstones are set inside a sterling silver channel, and they are separated by narrow silver strips. In mosaic inlay, there are no silver separators. The stones butt up against each other. Micro inlay Yei Pendant and Earringsby Carl and Irene ClarkA Yei is a Navajo deity or spirit, often seen in weaving designs from the Shiprock area of New Mexico.Micro inlay is a form of mosaic inlay. The same procedure is followed, but the gemstones are cut into very tiny pieces ? very meticulous work. Imagine cutting each gem on a grinding stone, and then gluing each piece in place.Micro Inlay Cuff Braceletby Tsos Brown, Navajo Brown's signature micro-inlay mosaic technique, with hand-cut Sugulite, Onyx, and Spider-web Turquoise. Sterling silver triangles offset the diamond patterns of the inlaid stones.

Corn Row Inlay
2008-02-08 19:38:00
One of the most exquisite styles of silversmithing and lapidary work being done today is the mosaic inlay technique. The gemstones are mounted stone against stone inside a large beveled bezel on a sterling silver backing. The stones must be cut to perfection so that everything fits precisely.Corn Row Inlay Cuff Braceletby Thomas Francisco, NavajoEarth tones in tiger eye, black jet and jasper. Corn row inlay is a style of mosaic inlay. It is called corn row inlay, because the gemstones are higher than the setting and the edges of the gemstones are beveled. Each stone is cut and meticulously set in mosaic style, touching stone-to-stone, secured with a silver bezel.Rainbow Smile Necklaceby Calvin Begay, NavajoOne of a kind, handmade link necklace with multiple stones in a corn row linear design. Embellished with Turquoise, Lapis, Opal, Black Onyx, Spiny Oyster Shell, and Charoite.

Enamel on Metal
2008-02-06 15:06:00
Jewelry Technique: EnamelingEnamel powder is pigmented glass that is ground very finely, somewhat like powdered sugar. You apply enamel powder to a copper or silver base using small sifters, stencils, and scribes. Each enamel design is built up in layers, and undergoes several short firings, usually two to five minutes, in a kiln at 1500 degrees F. The firings must be closely monitored for the point when the powdered enamel granules reach their melting point and fuse to the metal to form a glossy surface. New applications of powdered enamel are added between each firing. Each design involves 5 to 8 firings.Enameled Copper Sunrise PendantCopper pendant enameled with golds, purples, and teals, hand-crafted in The Brown Dragonfly Studios. Mary Laskey, aka Marstinia, has some beautiful enamel jewelry at her Etsy Store. She creates her jewelry by sifting multiple layers of pigmented vitreous glass powders over copper or silver forms. An enameling kiln is much smaller than a ceramics kiln...
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Spring Floral Fashions
2008-02-04 19:37:00
Florals are everywhere this spring, and even more pattern and texture as designers create layered looks. They sometimes use an eclectic patchwork of mixed plain and printed fabrics, fabric flowers, cutwork, appliqué, see-through, satin contrast borders, and piped edges.Designers offer a virtual garden full of every flower imaginable ? graphic floral prints, oversized flowery patterns, and mid-sized botanicals. No granny prints here. Petal-inspired trim, flouncy ruffles, and flowing frills decorate this spring's fashions. These details add feminine flair when placed on necklines, around sleeve openings, at hemlines, or when draped loosely across the bias of a skirt or dress. Floral DressesFashion designers followed the season's lead with delightful displays of fabric flowers and hand-painted treatments, as well as edgier distorted and blurred flowering motifs.Ralph Lauren's FloralsAs part of Ralph Lauren's 40th anniversary collection, he included a gorgeous series of colorful flo...
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Abstract Art Fashions
2008-02-02 20:04:00
What is Abstract Art ?After World War II, a new style of painting, Abstract Expressionism, emerged that discarded everything but self-expression and raw emotion. The idea of art for art's sake - that art should be purely about the creation of beautiful effects. The idea that just as music is patterns of sound, art should be created by pure patterns of form, color, and line.Abstract Art Fashions These fashion designers have translated the Abstract Art style onto fabric, with gorgeous results. Narciso Rodriguez Circle DressWhite with purple circle detail. ? Hidden snap front. ? Faux bone detail on bodice. ? Gored skirt. Rachel Roy Jeweled Watercolor Dress? White with multicolor watercolor stripes.? Jewel neckline; clear/brown/green rhinestone detail.? Sleeveless.? Front welt pockets.About Rachel Roy:Rachel Roy's experience as a stylist for music videos?and as creative director for husband Damon Dash's Rocawear line?led to her own effortlessly chic collection. Her feminine combination...

Nancy Gonzalez Handbags
2008-01-31 14:23:00
Nancy Gonzalez is the queen of luxury handbags in bright, fun colors, and her Crocodile Clutches will make a stunning statement at your next evening function or black tie affair. Elegant, classy, and stylish—those three words perfectly describe her line of exotic handbags. In the past, these bags were reserved for dressier affairs, but nowadays women are wearing them everywhere. Nancy is a long-time favorite of celebrities—whether it’s a clutch on the red carpet or an oversized tote for everyday life—and the very fashion conscious. I love her bags and accessories made out of exotic skins like crocodile, python, and alligator.Fuchsia Small Croc ToteCaiman fuscus crocodile, top handles, open top, inside zip and cell phone pocketThe deep rich fuchsia shade of the Nancy Gonzalez Small Croc Tote is just right for the coming spring, and it's a perfect day bag—for work, lunch, and shopping. Its juicy pink color looks like a big piece of hard candy, and the glazed croc skin shine...
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J. Mendel: Fashion Designer
2008-01-29 21:46:00
Fashion Trends 2008When it comes to fashions this spring, the dress is the thing. And J. Mendel didn't miss the memo on that. His spring line includes luxurious flowing gowns, soft pleats, fine chiffon, shimmering silks, oh so feminine! Gilles Mendel began his career apprenticing under his father, Jacques, at the J. Mendel Paris fur salon. As a member of 5 generations of furriers, Gilles literally grew up with fashion. The company started during the 1800s, as a small family-owned business that made a name for itself by clothing Russian czars in lavish furs. Strapless Evening DressAlmost two hundred years later, the legendary fur company has been transformed into a full-pledged fashion house. The J. Mendel Spring and Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear line is a truly versatile collection. There are structured jackets with nipped-in waists paired with long tailored skirts, maxi-dresses, and a clean color palette that was largely white and neutral, and a few brights for added punch. Gorgeous, ...
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Blue Bus Studio
2008-01-28 00:06:00
Blue Bus Studio is a group of jewelry artisans led by Tim Garvin, an MFA trained artist with over 35 years of experience in ceramics. The artisans work in a woodland studio just outside Durham, North Carolina, and create all of their pieces entirely by hand.They create their jewelry using two ancient techniques known as Millefiori in Italy and Neriage in Japan, which they have adapted to make clay loaves, like this one:Loaf of ClayMillefioriMillefiori, Italian for thousand flowers, is a glass bead making technique of combining colored glass rods to make canes of color. Cross-sections are sliced to create beads. This technique was brought to high distinction on Murano, an island in the lagoon of Venice, in the Middle Ages.NeriageNeriage is the ancient Japanese technique of layering, cutting, and recombining different colors of clay, creating an intricately-patterned loaf that is sliced and applied to the clay body. Sound familiar? Polymer clay artists do it all the time.The technique...
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Arland Ben
2008-01-24 23:41:00
Native American Jewelry Artist, Navajo Arland Ben was born in 1962, and grew up on the Aneth Reservation in southeastern Utah. Art came naturally to Arland as a child, and he was inspired by the beautiful scenery around his home. His jewelry designs reflect his connection to the canyons and his Native American heritage. "When I was younger we didn?t have electricity or TV," Arland says. "It forced us to use our imaginations."This is a wonderful example of this prize-winning artist's mastery of the appliqué technique. Each tiny gold symbol is individually cut out with a jeweler's saw and soldered to the base. The sterling silver base is heavily textured, but not darkened. This technique provides a more delicate contrast with the highly polished silver that frames the center.Petroglyph Pendant Sterling Silver and 14-karat Gold Petroglyphs are a form of prehistoric rock art found in many cultures. They are made by carving, etching, incising, rubbing, and pounding the rock surface to ...

Wide-Leg Pants
2008-01-21 15:51:00
I'm so tired of skinny pants. Thank goodness, wide-legs are in style again. For those of us who don't run five miles every day?especially us sedentary writers?wide-leg pants are a very welcome fashion trend for spring. My saddlebags feel better already. The FitThe most important thing with wide-legs is the fit. The perfect wide-legs should be fitted through the hips, but roomy throughout the entire leg. A pair of pants that nips in at the thigh too much just won't look right. I've seen lots of pants like that?snug in the thigh, then fuller below the knee. Those, to me, are flared-leg pants. Oscar de la Renta Wide -Leg Pants Love the printed sweater too!There's something a little ladylike about the whole trend that appeals to me. The drapier the fabric, the better. Otherwise we short stacks can get swamped by wide legs. Since the pants are already baggy, it's good to wear them with a fitted top that emphasizes your upper body and waist. Wide-leg trousers and a structured blazer ...

Beautiful Bezels
2008-01-19 21:25:00
The oldest and most basic gemstone setting is the bezel. Used primarily to set cabochons, a vertical strip of metal is formed to encircle the stone, then soldered to a metal base. The stone is secured by pushing and bending the bezel over the edge of the stone using a burnishing tool.Charoite Sterling Silver Braceletby Lucy Cayatineto, Navajo. These beautiful stones are set in a saw-tooth bezel. Basic bezel settings consist of two parts: a flat wire that wraps around the stone and a plate onto which the bezel wire is soldered. The process is the same whether working in all silver, all gold, or a combination of metals. Filing, sanding, and polishing all of your components before you assemble them creates a clean, well-crafted look. Cracked Earth Pendantsby Elizabeth AgteEach jasper is bezel set in sterling silver. Bezel WireThe first step is choosing the depth of the bezel wire. Bezel wire can be purchased in various heights and gauges. Silver bezel wire is usually fine silver, becau...
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Fashion Trend 2008: Belts
2008-01-17 16:43:00
From wide and organic to dainty and feminine, belts are all the rage for Spring 2008 fashions. The cinched-waist look is most suitable for women who naturally have a long torso. Super-skinny belts worn high above the waist can also create a flattering silhouette. Skinny belts continue to be popular, especially in patent leather:The Proenza Schouler Spring Show featured darker hues than normal for spring?a refreshing twist from the pastels from other shows. Fabrics are rich in texture, and some with shimmer and shine, as well. Proenza Schouler Belted Sleeveless Coat DressWide belts are being worn with dresses, sweaters, and coats:Gwen Stefani's fashion label LAMB has definitely made its mark in the fashion world. I just love this jazzy little number.LAMB Belted Evening DressA belted coat completes the ensemble beautifully:You can't have the complete belted look without the old standby, the trenchcoat. Kenneth Cole Reaction TrenchcoatSingle-Breasted Melton Trenchcoat with Button Det...
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Special Occasion Shoes for 2008
2008-01-14 18:04:00
Dress shoes, special occasion shoes, evening shoes?whatever you want to call them, they offer another way to show your style and add a little pizzazz to your ensemble. Go for a little shine for a special look, including beads or glitter or metallic gold, bronze or silver leather. Sandals, slingbacks and open-toed pumps are perfect for special occasions because they jazz up your dress and look so feminine. You don't need stilettos, but women look best with at least an inch of heel.Darlene by Taryn RoseRegal in royal shades of purple and brushed silver suede, the Darlene is the darling of the Taryn Rose collection. This shoe is for special outfits and memory-making occasions. 2 inch block heel. Rubber-infused leather sole. Ankle StrapsWhether the shoes in question are sandals or pumps, or whether the straps are buckled or elasticized, one or more straps is all that is needed to make a shoe an ankle strap.Glitter Evening ShoeA special occasion sandal with double straps and rhinestone ...
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Polymer Clay Jewelry
2008-01-10 17:04:00
Polymer Clay is a pliable, blendable polymer compound for artists and crafters. It isn't real clay, which is fine particles of silicate suspended in water. Polymer Clay is fine particles of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspended in a plasticizer, but it can be used like clay. Polymer Clay Cuff BraceletColored and Translucent Polymer Clay collage layered over a metal armaturePolymer Clay comes in dozens of colors, and you can blend them together like paints to make your own colors. The clay's pliability and ductility allow you to use techniques from glasswork, textile arts, and sculpture. It doesn't dry out, so you can sculpt and form it without worrying about a time limit. The firing process that fuses the particles into a solid requires only low temperatures, low enough to use your own oven. No expensive kilns to buy. Polymer Clay Jewelry When fired, the clay gets hard enough to make it extremely durable, and it can be finished in various ways to obtain textures from glassy to stone...
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Mixed Metals Jewelry
2008-01-07 15:56:00
I think mixed metals is one of the best jewelry techniques being used today. The best thing about it is its uniqueness. Anybody can hang a gemstone on a chain or a wire. But in metalsmithing, you create the entire piece from beginning to end. Sterling Silver and Copper Ringby Cherry Creek DesignsCopper is a relatively inexpensive choice of metal when you're learning new skills. I love the look of copper jewelry, especially when it's combined with sterling silver and brass. The three metals complement each other. And these metals are very flattering to most skin tones.Gentle Rain Cuff Braceletby Roderick TenorioGentle Rain symbols in 14k gold, accentuated by textured sterling silver Sterling silver, copper, and bronze can be manipulated into various shapes, then arranged and soldered to each other to create an endless array of designs. A rolling mill can compress and stretch the combined metals. Copper and Sterling Pendant and EarringsWith a rolling mill, you can create an endless...
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Mokume Gane in Polymer Clay
2008-01-05 20:35:00
Mokume Gane is a Japanese metalsmithing technique in which thin layers of metal are fused together and manipulated to create beautiful patterns that resemble the grain of wood. It involves using extreme heat and pressure to mix and twist the metals to form swirl patterns?very intense, requiring heavy-duty equipment.Lindly Haunani's Polymer Clay Silver Leaf Technique Mokume Gane HeartsIn polymer clay terms, mokume gane is a method of stacking, layering, and laminating sheets of polymer clay together, and distorting them to create intricate patterns. This is the process:Sheets of clay and sometimes other materials, like metallic foils, are stacked.The stack is rolled through pasta machine, thinning the layers.This sheet is then cut and stacked to make a loaf.The loaf is stamped and manipulated with various tools and processes to distort the patterns in the layers.Thin slices are shaved off the loaf with a sharp blade.Mokume Gane Patterns in Polymer ClayMokume Gane PendantExcellent Po...

Michael Kors
2008-01-02 17:49:00
For all his name recognition and accessibility, Michael Kors has had a tough time making money in the 21st-century fashion business. This is in part because he started his empire at a time (1980) when big department stores, which had been so crucial to other designer businesses, were becoming less dominant in the retail universe, and in part because Kors' love of classics is at odds with a trend-driven industry.Scoop-Neck Top & Bell SkirtSweater Tunic & Cigarette JeansMichael Kors was born in 1959 to a well-off Long Island family, and he attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. While working at a now-defunct boutique on 57th Street, the 22-year-old designer showed his first collection to a Bergdorf Goodman buyer, who placed an order. Kors, not yet prepared for business, frantically assembled the clothes and then borrowed his aunt?s Mercedes to deliver it.Safari Jacket & Flared TrousersTie-Dye Top & Wide-Leg JeansCelebrities who have worn Kors? clothes include Jennifer Lopez, C...

Created Opal Jewelry
2007-12-31 18:14:00
Lab-Created Opal Laboratory-created opal was first introduced by the French company Gilson Created Opal in 1974. The growth process takes 14 to 18 months. It has no water content, which makes it significantly more durable. Opal is usually cut into a cabochon, which has been shaped and polished into an oval as opposed to faceted.Butterfly Slide PendantWith Mosaic Created Opal WingsOpal is composed of microscopic cubic silica spheres. Its color range is produced by light waves passing through these spheres. Light speeds up and slows down as the size of the spheres and the spaces between them change with the angle of view. Longer light waves produce red colors, and shorter waves produce blue hues. Sterling Silver Dragonfly PendantWith created Opal wingsPrecious Opal: The Real ThingOpal is a soft stone that is sometimes treated or impregnated with oil, plastic, or wax to make it more durable. It has a high water content and if allowed to dry out, it can crack or craze. Opal is also very ...
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Appliqué Jewelry
2007-12-29 23:19:00
Jewelry Technique: AppliquéIn jewelry terms, appliqué refers to an ornamental object that is produced separately, then applied to a piece of jewelry. Just as fabric decorations are applied to clothing and quilts. A shape is cut from one piece of metal and soldered to another. The cut piece or the background piece can also be engraved, textured, or oxidized.Silver and Gold Leaf RingSterling Silver with 18k Gold AppliquéJust as silver was an innovation in Native jewelry-making in the late 1800s, the use of gold, a combination of gold and silver, even platinum, is in the vanguard today. The somewhat higher cost is offset by the increased versatility of use. Besides, some people are allergic to silver, or just like the warm tones of gold better.Petroglyph Pendantby Arland Ben, NavajoAn example of this prize-winning artist's mastery of the appliqué technique. Each tiny gold symbol is individually sawed and soldered. The sterling background is heavily textured, but not oxidized. This pro...
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