Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts

Introducing a New Line

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting, ocean, sky, sunglasses, mountain, outdoor, water and natureHappy June! I can't believe we're here already. The year has really flown by since January. I have been really busy with work and creating new things; it has really been fantastic.  The park is fantastic and we're really enjoying being outside more and celebrating a fantastic life together.

So many have asked me about my wire weaving.  They ask, how do you do that? Have you ever thought of teaching a class?? How about a tutorial?  Can you make a tutorial??
Well, I decided that I would do a quick intro series on what I call Wire Theory.  Basically I'm not going to sit down and write out exactly how to make one specific piece. I think we can safely say there are plenty of people out there who do that.

You will learn the skills to create something like this carnelian piece that sold literally ten minutes after I finished it.

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What I find most lacking in the tutorials available today is the theory behind the piece. What do you do when the wires are too short?  What do you do when you don't have the right bead?  How do you make something without a tutorial?? I'm going to fill that gap for you. My tutorials will be written in such a way to provide you with the gentle nudge you may be looking for to get started in become a Wire Jewelry Creator instead of a Wire Jewelry Replicator. My tutorials also come with support.  At any time you have a question, or just want to chat about wire weaving, share your work or ask a question you can pop into the  Facebook group and leave a message there or message my FB Page. I'll do my best to respond as quickly and as fully as possible.  I've uploaded 4 PDFs and one Introduction file to the website and you can find them here.

Also in celebration of 38 years of LGBT Pride Parades I've added a coupon code for the month of June, LGBT Pride month.  For all orders over $100 you can apply the PRIDE38 coupon code to get 38% off your total purchase.  I've excluded the tutorials but everything else is fair game. EVEN items on sale!

So that's what's going on right now.  Tons of stuff. Lots of pretties on the website, festivals coming up. So much to do.  I really hope you all have a wonderful month. Remember to share your pretties on the Facebook page.  I'd love to see what you're working on!

Hugz!
Sosanna


Recent Works - A Witch's View

Here are a few photos of some pieces I have been working on lately.  I've always wanted to learn a type of channel setting for stones using wire weave instead of soldering. These are my attempts at that process.

This first piece is a Labradorite with Goldstone Cabachons.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

This second piece is a Labradorite with Swavorski Crystals.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
I created a couple of videos so you can see the flash on the stones.  At the time of this writing all pieces are available for purchase.  My webhost is dragging their feet at updating my page so I can't post these for sale.  You can however message me directly on this blog or on my facebook page to purchase them.










Bracelets - A Witch's View

So it has been a while since I shared some of my jewelry.  Here are some images from my most recent creation.  Hope you enjoy.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

A Witch's View - SPACE

Lately hubby and I have been working on some new products. We have been playing with resin. Along with the cold casting, we have been creating pendants with images inside them. I found some really nice public domain images from the Hubble telescope. I wanted to share those with you.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


And here's a video.  








I am really pleased with how these turned out.  You can find them for sale on my website.  



Witchy Wednesday - Bringing the Magic Back to BaubleSmith

A little over 7 months ago a hurricane came thought and flooded a large portion of Eastern North Carolina.  My little corner of the world was included in the area.  We were luckier than most in that we only lost our vardo and our ability to vend for the next year.  Heartbreaking as it is so many people were in a much more harsh situation than we were/are in.  The water in the river is still very high and at this point we still have water on our property.  But at least we can stay on our property. Some cannot even return to their homes.

When our business sailed down the river, hubby and I discussed the best way to move forward and we thought about changing direction in our business and trying to become more mainstream vs. our direct Pagan/Witchy direction.  We revamped the website and I started marketing.  We have found that no matter how hard I try, I tend to sprinkle magic in here and there. Examples include - Hubby wants to make bath salts, I go off on a tangent about how wonderful that is and how we should do ritual bath soaks with ones for Samhain, Yule .... you get the picture.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith




Next he wants to make resin bracelets.  My eyes glaze over as I start recommending pentacles and ravens and you see where I'm going.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith



As we tried to make our more mainstream, the magic found its way in. As we rebuild from this devastation and it could be up to 3 years before the buyouts are completed by the state, We sit here trying to understand where we're going and what we're going to be doing while we wait for the uncertainty that is dealing with governmental agencies. All we can do is keep the magic flowing and direct our energies towards making life at this place better while we are here.

I'm beginning to pick up my clay again.  I may have some new items showing up in the shop soon. I've created some goddess pieces that I can't wait to share with you.  I have also added some candles back to the shop. These were always wonderful additions and I know that they will continue to help bring light to those who need it.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith

So today, I'm waiting.  I'm watching. I'm spelling. Directing the forces of nature and the powers of the elements to guide this process to an end. I hear three years but, I long for 3 weeks.

So mote it be.

Witchy Wednesday - Weaving Magic

It has been a while since I shared any of my wire work.  I'm extremely pleased how some of my new pieces are turning out.  So for this week I thought I would share some photos (and maybe a video or two) from the newest ones.

Photo and Wire Art by Renee Sosanna Olson














I'm really in love with these blue labs now.  Here's some info I found about Copper/Labradorite on the web.

This labradorite pendant is so impressive and amazing. It is modern and elegant. Blue flashy labradorite is eye-catching in a classy way. 

A stone of transformation, Labradorite is a useful companion through change, imparting strength and perseverance. It balances and protects the aura, raises consciousness and grounds spiritual energies. Excellent for strengthening intuition - promoting psychic abilities. Also just plain drop dead gorgeous of a stone!

Copper is said to promote love, sensuality, friendship, positive relationships of any kind, negotiations and peace. Healing work, fertility spells, prosperity spells, and spells to attract love.

Angel: Haniel
Gods/Goddesses: Shamash, Innana, Astarte, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus
Chakra: crown, heart, solar-plexus
Element: water
Astrological Sign: Taurus
Planet: Venus;
Sabbat: Midsummer or Litha;
Tree of Life: Netzach
Tarot: The Empress

Copper is 100% recyclable without loss of quality. There is anecdotal evidence that copper can be used in the treatment of wounds and skin diseases, as well as internal diseases, anemia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. It can also help improve the circulation of blood, increasing energy and detoxifying the body. It is primarily said to benefit the Root and Sacral Chakras, but may also benefit the Heart Chakra.



Photography and Wire Art by Renee Sosanna Olson
You can find my work on Etsy and Amazon Handmade.

A Witch's View - What Makes a Home?

Because of my ability to work from home, I have the benefit of being able to avoid certain stresses. I don't worry about traffic or car problems.  The weather is generally not a concern of mine when planning my work week.

I'm also pretty lucky that I have a fantastic partner who supports my need to be creative.  He allows me the freedom and the understanding to do all the crazy things that I do.  I tend to spend a lot of time making jewelry.  I do dabble a bit into soldering but my passion is weaving the wires. It is so relaxing to me.  Recently I made a few pieces that I really loved.  I have shared them on here before and one of them is actually sold already but I can't help but share it again.

Photography and Jewelry by Renee Sosanna Olson


This piece really spoke to me.  It spoke to me about protection. While I was weaving the wires together I thought about the wrapping of the copper around the glass eye. Copper is well know for the healing properties it possesses.  I leveraged that along with the knowledge that comes from seeing clearly what is around you. The friends that are behaving as enemies or the family that is behaving as a foe. Using the eye as a way to see what you really need to see, you can open up a channel of knowledge simply by allowing the eye to see what you have been blinded to.

Many people use the adage "Home is where the heart is" , to me I'm one that doesn't give much thought to the structure that surrounds my belongings. A house is just a vessel that I use to keep my stuff from getting wet. At least it always had been.  Last year Hurricane Matthew came through and wiped out many people here in Seven Springs.  We lost our vardo, which took away our ability to travel to our events.

Flood Oct 2016 - Renee Sosanna Olson

Now we're looking at the possibility of resettling.  It leads me to ask what exactly is a home? What do we need?  We're looking for a place with protection from the elements, but also a place where we can live with like minded people.  A place that we can afford but also a place that offers protections for people like us. We want to be around people who think like we think and care like we care about those around us.

Since moving back to NC, my childhood home, I have found that being close to blood relatives does not make a place home. As many of you know I ended up caring for my mother in my home a few years ago and I have just now gotten over the negativity she brought into my life.  At the time I placed her in a nursing home my younger sister got mad at me and pretty much disowned me. This past Christmas she came to my cousin's house and broke down in tears. I have to admit I didn't feel as connected to her but I thought I would give it a try.  My birthday is next week.  She has messaged me once on Facebook since then.  I really believe if I was that big a part of her life she would have reached out a bit more.  It is something I long for, but have come to understand that we just do not have that type of relationship.

Kallan & Renee



Ideally what makes a home is a place where you are safe and cared for.  A place where you can count on those around you. A place where someone remembers your birthday or calls you just because they want to talk to you. A home is where your family is. Not blood family necessarily but those who come to your defense when you're under attack.  They offer themselves up to help you when you are down and they want to know what your day is like. Just because they love you.

Renee, Kallan & Elijah


I will be going home soon.  Our walls will change.  Our address will be different.  Our lives will be happier.  I'll need one of those little signs that says "Home Sweet Home".  And don't you worry, on the back will be a nice little eye, just to help me keep my eyes open to the world around me.


Glass, Wire & Magic - A Witch's View

This week I wanted to spend some time showing what I have been working on with my jewelry.  I met a gentleman in a wire weave group on Facebook who makes these amazing glass eyes.  Marcel does really fantastic work and I am very lucky to have connected with him. If you are looking for great quality and super fast shipping I highly recommend working with him.  These pieces I wrapped in dead soft copper and then tarnished it for a rich look that brings out the detail of the weave.  These pieces are available for purchase on my Facebook page as well as my Etsy Shop.  I currently only have 3 available.  They are all one of a kind and will not be reproduced.

When everything lines up just perfectly on these pieces I like to attribute this to a little luck, a lot of skill and a dash of magic.  I hope you enjoy!

Photography & Jewelry by Renee Sosanna Olson

Photography & Jewelry by Renee Sosanna Olson

Photography & Jewelry by Renee Sosanna Olson

Fries and Filigree - A Witch's View

This week we spent sometime testing out different root vegetable fries.  There is a really good reason that you only get French Fries when you're out.  Well at least for the most part.  Hubby and I go to Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh from time to time to have their root vegetable fries.  They are amazing! You can find my review of Fiction Kitchen here.

Root Veggie Fries at Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


This was my attempt to replicate.  I failed miserably.  :P


I started out with a bunch of beets and a turnip.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Peel each and slice into "fries"

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Beets will stain your hands and any cutting boards and what have you.  You may want to wear gloves or wash up quickly.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
I then tossed them in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and some salt.  They were not crispy at all and they really didn't turn out well.  I honestly thing the best way to have "fries" is just to fry them.  I know not that healthy and all that but if you want fries.  Have some damn fries and be done with it.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

So that's the fries part of this blog, now for the filigree.  


This week I have started making my Valentine's Day Special pieces.  I will have two copper and two sterling silver for the holiday.  This is the first one.

This piece is tarnished copper and rose quartz wire weave heart pendant.  She turned out amazing. This one is available for purchase on my Facebook page.  If you think you'd like this one reach out fast. This is a one of a kind.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Copper Tarnish - Weaving Wednesday

I really enjoy working with copper.  The bright shine that starts out and the slow aging of the copper that turns it slightly black.  Many of my pendants are placed in Liver of Sulfur (LoS) solution to speed this darkening process.  However because I live in a pretty humid area sometimes the tarnish gets a little out of control.  For this weaving Wednesday I thought I would show you the difference a little bit of steel wool and a soft brush can make in your pieces.




Let's start with the Rainbow Moonstone.  This is how the piece looked after I applied my LoS to it. As you can see the weave shows up very nicely around the entire piece.


Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
 Fast forward about 3-4 months and you can see how significantly darker the piece is.  Same lighting, same stone.  Just heavy tarnish on the piece.

Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
Now here's that same piece after I took a piece of grade #0000 Steel Wool (found usually for working with stains and lacquered finishes).  Just brush lightly across the woven areas, trying to shield the stone with your finger.  Then follow up with a soft brush. (I use a nail brush) to remove any pieces of the steel wool that might be in there.  Some people disagree about using Steel Wool related to rust and so forth.  This is the way I do it, please use the method that you feel most comfortable with.


Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
I then repeated the process on two other pieces of Larimar.  Here's the results.

Before cleaning.


Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
After cleaning.
Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
Before Cleaning.
Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
 After cleaning.
Photographer & Jewelry - Renee Sosanna Olson
What ever process you use for cleaning the copper, remember to protect the stone from strong abrasives that could scratch the stone or from harmful chemicals that could damage your stone.


Weaving Wednesday - Weaving Photography

Many times getting a photo of your jewelry is hard.  I have spend a lot of time and money to figure out a way to get a good photo.  Recently a new light box I ordered finally arrived I wanted to share some photos of the differences.


First these are photos in my old light box.  It was big enough for a four foot mannequin to fit in.  It was hard to use for jewelry. (Link to my old light box)


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


As you can see the back ground was a bit washed out and the light from the top reflects in the stone.

I decided to just hold the pieces in my hand under my Ottlite instead. (link to my Ottlite)


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
I felt this was a good way to show it because with my hand in the photo, it gives and idea of size of the stone.  It was told to me however, that these were unprofessional.

So I ordered this new light box.  Here is a photo from this light box. (Link to my new light box)


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

I really like the way the new light box works.  It is a smaller size so I can put the box at eye level and try to take the photo from the front.  So far so good I think.


Here's that same moonstone from above now in the new light box.   To me I am feeling that it is a pretty good image.  Feel free to leave me your comments.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson








Weaving Wednesday - Tarnish

Over the last few weeks I shared two pendants without applying the liver of sulfur (LoS).  LoS is a tarnishing solution that gets into the weave of the pendants and really brings out the detail.  Here are those same two pendants.  I'll share a before and after.




Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson




Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson




Here is a video of each of the finished pieces.