Please Bring an Apple for the Teacher!

After a 5-year sabbatical, I'm looking forward to teaching jewelry making classes again. Actually, I take that back. I taught a 5-week jewelry making class to eager 5th and 6th grade girls at my sons' school last spring. But now I'm finally going to be teaching adults again.

I got my start teaching jewelry making at Michaels craft store by teaching customers how to use all of the products and tools. I also offered several beading classes, from beginner to advanced projects. The classes were popular and I loved teaching, but the arrival of my second son made me put all of my extra curricular activities on hold.

Now that my youngest is now five and in full-day kindergarten (yippie!!), I eagerly accepted the offer to teach at Creative Expressions Art Gallery in Mequon, WI. I've spent a lot of time writing the classes, shopping for materials and creating beautiful project samples.

On December 1, I will be teaching "Beautiful Beaded Basics". It is perfect for anyone interested in starting to bead or anyone looking for a beading refresher. Participants will work with me step-by-step to and create a beautiful bracelet and earring set.

On December 10, I will be leading a class in making the "Reversible Metal Clay Pendant". In this class, students will learn hands-on how to work with precious metal clay to create their own pendant made of pure silver.

I'd love to hear your comments about these two classes!!

Movin' On Up!!

Just like George and Weesie, I am very pleased to announce that my beloved Graphic Jewelry Collection "is movin on up". But instead of going from Harlem to the East Side... Graphic has gone from my basement studio to the brand new (and beautiful) Creative Expressions Art Gallery in Mequon, Wisconsin.



I must admit that I am very proud of my little collection... getting to hang out in a gallery with amazing works of art and talent.

And the best part of having my work accessible to the public is the increased amounts of feedback. Today, the gallery owner told me that "Graphic Triple Pendant" receives the most attention. This is great to know since I feel a burst of creative energy coming on and plan to create a similar design.

Once again, until the pieces of the Graphic Jewelry Collection take up residence with you (hint, hint) they can be found at the Creative Expressions Art Gallery.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Randi's Bracelet

Recently, I (finally) completed a custom order for a very dear friend of mine... Randi.

A few years ago, she went to Israel on a tour of the Holy Land and had a wonderful time. She was able to see for herself many sites that we discuss in our weekly Bible study classes. The trip was very inspirational to her and created a deep fondness for the land and its people.

Like most folks who take life changing trips... she brought something back to remind her of that faith adventure. And I am so glad she did!!

Her little reminders (a handful of coins from the national currency and ones for the planned temple) turned into a great opportunity for me to create something different for a change.

The coins were drilled, cleaned & polished and arranged with beads. Then colorful crystals were added and voila... a wonderful charm bracelet!!

Now she can wear a great reminder of her trip that has sparked numerous conversations. And the added bonus... you can now hear Randi "jingling" from about a mile away!!

Whew... It's Finally Over!!

Well, I pulled it off. The trunk show that I hosted at my home on March 19-21 is finally history. All of the planning and preparations have been completed, the house is (almost) back to normal and I can get on with real life.

Don't get me wrong... I love opening up my home to show friends and customers my latest designs and offering a fun, relaxed way to shop. However, there is a ton of work that goes on behind the scene. I spent a lot of time doing production, promotion, cleaning and cooking. Setting up an attractive display takes time and making arrangements for the kids is no joke either.

Just over 300 people were invited, and less than a dozen showed up. I had nine actual customers. Luckily, those nine made big purchases and the show was profitable. I was disappointed in the turn out and more so in the number of folks who said they were coming but didn't. I know that the biggest factor is the economy... but does that mean that I put everything on hold until the recession is over?? I'd love to hear feedback on what others think.

Planning My Next Home Show

For all of you who haven't heard, Mama Mayborne Designs has recently turned five years old!! I cannot believe that I am still making jewelry and how much my product line has grown during a half decade.

During the past five years I have made hundreds of items, shown at several places (including the Milwaukee Art Museum) and created an online presence. I'll never forget how it all began with the desire to make a few Christmas presents and my mama's relentless sales pitches.

Now I am planning to do one of my favorite things with my work... show it in my home to family, friends and 5-year's worth of customers! And to do that, I've been very busy with planning and preparations, making lots of new items and figuring out a way to display it all.

Also new for this show will be a giveaway. My first 30 customers will receive a free pair of pink Swarovski crystal and sterling earrings. Just my way to say thank you for helping me celebrate five wonderful years in business as Mama Mayborne Designs!

The Bold and the Beautiful

I was pretty productive this past weekend. Partly because it was too cold to go anywhere. Partly because I woke up from a dream about making a ring!! Well, I made the ring of my dreams and a few other pieces to go along with it. I'm calling the trio Bold and Beautiful because that is what they are. All the pieces are made of sterling silver and are guaranteed to make a statement of their own.

The ring I made is a size 8, has a domed shape and is slightly hammered on the surface to reflect a lot of light.

The pendant is made of a two inch disk of sterling silver with a shiny satin finish. It has a bail that is 3/8 inches wide, making it perfect for placing on almost any chain or strand of beads.

Finally, make a bold statement on your wrist with a bold cuff bracelet. It also has a shiny, satin finish and a slightly domed shape. A little charm from my Graphic Collection gives a little extra appeal.

Making My Own Hang Tags

Just a quick post today for those who have ever been puzzled with hang tags for jewelry or other small items.

I have tried everything from the fold-over sticky tags (aka shark tags), the cheepies from the office supply store (you know, the ones with that loooong flimsy string), ones that had been done by the local printer (only to have the ink run off) and business cards which look way too big on jewelry.

Well, last year before a show, I decided to pull my look together in a more professional manner and in a way that would be lasting. I created my own logo that is just my name spelled out in a simple, hot pink font. Now I use that branding on everything and it reminds me of how much I love the simple things. It is also a great reflection on my art, which will remain simply beautiful.

Anyway... the hang tags. Rather than going the same route, I decided to make my own. I designed a one inch square tag in Microsoft Publisher that had my logo and a matching border. Next, I printed several per page on the color printer and cut out each row of tags. Then comes the genius part. I covered each row of tags with clear packing tape on the front and the back. This keeps the ink from bleeding and makes the tag extra durable.

After that, I cut out each tag by hand and punched a small hole in the corner. Using silver elastic thread, I made a tie to loop on the piece of jewelry. Whew!! A little work, but basically free and well worth the effort!!

Facebooking and Loving It!!

Hello everyone, how's it going?? If you have a minute, I'd like to tell you about something that's been going on in my little corner of the world.

As some of you know, I'm on Facebook now and LOVE it. I've connected with so many old friends that I haven't seen in years... some even go back to grade school!! It's great seeing everyone all grown up and having the chance to catch up on life.

I've even had the chance to reunite with several of my Phi Sigma Sigma sorority sisters from Hofstra University (1989-1991). Reestablishing these relationships is utterly precious to me because I've been upset about the way I left them back in the day.

To make a long story short... I ran out of money for school, had to drop out and left without saying goodbye. I wasn't able to keep paying dues so I basically quit the sorority. I really regret that and was soooo happy when I finally got the chance to apologize, even if it was 17 years later.

Anyway, I'm in the process of appealing my membership status so that I can be put back on the rolls. In the meantime, as I anxiously await the decision, I created the Greek Mama Bracelet to add to my Mama Collection. Working on it helped me remember that sisterhood is very, very precious!!

Everyday is Show and Tell

After my last post about my messy studio, I felt that a change was needed. Just seeing the photos of my space and knowing that they were in cyberspace for all to see gave me the motivation that I've needed for so long. Changes have been taking place in the studio and I promise to report back when I'm finished.

I will tell you now that I put a display case in my studio. I've been wanting to do this for years, but have never found the right case for the right price. Yesterday, my mom and I went to IKEA and looked around. Right in the middle of the third floor, was the KLINGSBO glass-door cabinet. It was cute, perfectly sized and affordable at $129.

I picked it up (along with a hot-pink task chair) and headed for home. My husband assembled it the next night as we watched Terminator 2. Then, I loaded it with my favorite jewelry items. I think it makes the perfect addition to my space and creates more of a professional studio-store atmosphere. Now I just need to get the kids to stop leaving toys in there!

Have a "Graphic" New Year

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope that 2009 brings each one of you success, health and happiness! If you are one of those resolution people, I hope you make progress before your list becomes a bookmark.

What I really want to do this year is MOVE inventory and properly roll out my new jewelry collection. I call this line "Graphic" because all of the pieces contain at least one element with a texture that quite frankly reminds me of graph paper.

"Graphic" has been in the works for over a year now. I've been playing around with textures and decided on this one because I love the way it looks with simple shapes. I think it makes the finished piece look powerfully elegant and boldly simplistic. (make sense???)

After I had the texture process down, I began designing and fabricating pieces right after Christmas 2007. Next came testing "Graphic" at shows last spring and summer. Customers seemed to like the unique texture that lends very well to mixing and matching.

I am very pleased with this collection and can't wait to add more pieces. Keep an eye on my Etsy store and Facebook page to see the items that get added on a continual basis.

Holly's Crosses

Ok, now that holiday season is almost over I can take a deep breath and share a little of what I've been up to. Life hasn't been too hectic, but an awful case of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) almost sent me over the edge. Now that I'm hip to what the lack of sunlight does to me, I made some major adjustments in how I approached this year's festivities. Basically, I was a slacker. That's right... killing myself with stress was not on the agenda this year. So you can just stop checking the mail for my Christmas card... it ain't comin' !

With that out of the way, I feel so justified in confessing that I put the brakes on business during my peak sales period. Actually, Mama Mayborne Designs intentionally experienced it's slowest holiday season in the five years I've been doing this. I only participated in one small show and only accepted one custom order.

That order was for a friend of mine, Holly, who asked me if I could make her a cross pendant with her favorite verse. Of course I told her "YES" and made her a quick sketch. Next thing I knew she wanted six!!

Now I had to figure out how I was going to pull it off. Just so you know, I always get nervous in between the "sketch" and "do something" steps. Think it took me two weeks just to get my mind around it all. But I kicked out a better sketch, a template and something to practice on (in this case, hand-scribing the verse was freaking me out).

After I had one done, I showed it to Holly to see if it was what she wanted. ***Fellow artists take note: Just because there is agreement with the initial sketch doesn't mean that is what the client wants. What they really want lies somewhere between the sketch and SOMEthing else. You'll never guess it on your own so go back for feedback, preferably before you use up all of your time and raw materials.

In this case Holly didn't like the "plus sign" looking cross when it jumped off the page and into real life. She preferred to have the traditional-shaped cross. No problem. New sketch, new template and everyone is happy!

I'm on the Front Page of Etsy!

First of all... I am still alive and well. Just haven't been writing very much lately. I should have warned my few faithful readers that when spring finally hits Wisconsin, the last place I want to be is in my basement studio typing on the computer. Instead, I've been working on the garden, playing with my boys and heading to the gym to shed several winter pounds!

As the days have gone by without putting in any action on Blogger (or any of my websites for that matter), the non-blogging guilt has been building up. Add to that a complete lack of any interesting ideas to write about... until today!

At about 6:30 am this morning, a good friend of mine (and the talent behind KPCreations) called. She started the conversation with the appropriate apologies (not knowing that my day actually starts at 6 am). Then she made the long awaited announcement... that one of the rings in my online shop, The Wave, has made it to the front page on Etsy!

By 6:45 am, I was at the computer checking things out for myself and viola! There it was! My ring was selected for a treasury created by "rockstarwife" and showcased with other very lovely items.

What a great way to start the day!! Thanks!

First Sale on Etsy

Hello everyone! A lot of things have been going on in the Mama Mayborne Designs world since I have last written. Busy, busy, busy... just the way I like it.

Well, after four long, painful months of waiting, I finally received my first sale on Etsy! I had just about given up on ever selling anything online, when (much to my surprise) the long awaited message hit my inbox saying that someone placed an order for the "Pebbled Disk" earrings ($20) shown on the left.

I don't remember if I did the official "Happy Dance" but a lot of loud cries of joy did burst forth from my mouth. I felt so excited as I carefully wrapped, packed and even stood in line at the post office to send it off. Even better was reading the feedback that my new customer left for my shop and service.

Now that I know that selling on Etsy is possible, I plan to revamp my shop and add new products. Check it out over the next few weeks to see the exciting changes that are in store. If you like what you see, please let me know with a message or an order!!

I've Been Featured... Again!

Hello and Happy Easter!

After the kids found all the eggs and I was thoroughly gussied up for church, I snuck a few minutes to check the computer for messages. I was very surprised to find out that I am today's featured artist on Haute Innovations, a fresh & innovative independent artisan showcase.

For those of you who are not aware of Haute Innovations, rush on over to check it out. You'll find something for every style and plenty of inspiring info on indie artists. I am just amazed at the site's professionalism and ability to discover new talents.

And of course, I am very flattered and honored to have been chosen!
Thanks Haute!

Allow Me to Brooch a New Subject

Some of you may remember that I have been on a little ring thing lately. For those of you who are just tuning in, check out this and this.

Well anyway, I decided to break the trend (at least for the moment) by making a brooch. I started this project last Wednesday during my class at Terri McCarthy Studios. There, I fabricated the base by texturizing sterling silver, copper and brass. Then, I soldered the pieces together and added a 5mm bezel cup to the bottom.







I finished the piece this morning at home by soldering the pin findings onto the back. I was a little nervous because I've only made one pin before and that was a few years ago. I spent a lot of time lining up the catches and pallions of solder. Once everything was just right, I got out my handy dandy torch and voila! Perfect... if I must say so myself! After I finished patting myself on the back, I added a light patina, set a black onyx stone and polished the piece.

Thought for the day: If you think something is going to be too hard, try it anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised or find a new challenge. Either way, practice makes perfect!!

Mama is Back in Action

Hi all! Sorry I haven't written in a while, but my kids have been playing germ tag... seeing how many times they can pass the same cold back and forth. I really can't complain about their health because they are rarely sick, and even when they are they still want to go to school and church. It's just all of the nose blowing, doses of medicine and, of course, loads of special mama TLC that has kept me hoppin'.

Anyway, I'll give an update as quickly as I can while the little one takes a nap. Since my last post, I've been accepted into a wearable art show to be held on May 3rd in Shorewood, WI. There has still been no word on the other four shows that I applied to, but it's still pretty early. I'll let you know how it goes as I get the results, or you can check the "events" page on my website for more details.

I also had another metal smithing class last week at the Terri McCarthy Studios. During my second class, I met more people and got real friendly with the jump ring tool. Never again will I have to pay the high price for retail jump rings because I have figured out how to make my own. I made up several rings using 16 guage sterling silver wire and a #5 mandrel.


This gave me the opportunity to try a pattern in a book for a byzantine link chain. Here is a picture of my progress. Not too bad for the first time. In class, I also made a sterling silver disk pendant with a wide tube bail. It will look perfect on the chain when it is finished... if I must say so myself!

The Mama Bracelet

Alright, I confess! This seven-inch strand of silver and crystal is at least a small factor in my decision to have two kids. Like I mentioned before when I described my "Good Shepherd Bracelet", I love jewelry that has a purpose and a story behind it. For those of you who are interested, here's the story behind what I call the "Mama Bracelet".

After having my first child and deciding to stay home to raise him, I became totally immersed in the new mommy culture of play dates, mother's groups, stroller walks and story times at the library. It didn't take too long for me to realize that this society is full of its own unspoken norms and customs. Like when I went to my first MOPS meeting, I noticed all the moms pulled up in minivans, had perfectly applied makeup at 9am, brought elaborate dishes (with Pampered Chef utensils) to the potluck, and later took their tiny tikes to Gymboree.

But more importantly, (jewelry freak that I am) I noticed a bracelet sported by a few moms like a badge of honor. They called it a mother's bracelet and it had their kids' names on it. I fell in love with the concept of jewelry that could be worn as a reminder of what is really important... even on days when I showed up at MOPS without makeup and a bag of chips to be eaten directly from the bag!

I made my first bracelet a few weeks before delivering my second child and donned it in the hospital right after giving birth. I have made nearly a hundred since then for many more moms who want to celebrate the blessing of being a mama, even on days when they don't want to jump through all of the unnecessary hoops. The "Mama Bracelet" that I make has a distinctive look and is made to endure life with children.

You are invited to celebrate the blessing of being a mother everyday in a beautiful "Mama Bracelet". It is made to order with 4.5mm or 5.5mm sterling silver letter beads, toggle clasp and Swarovski crystals. A crystal dangle with your kids' birthstones is included. For more info, contact me or check out the "Mama Collection" on my website, www.maybornedesigns.com.

My Art Show Application Experience: Paperwork

Well, I think I finally figured out why the art show application process bugs me so much.

As I was preparing my final round of paperwork today, I kept being reminded of my former life as a human resource consultant. I spent a lot of time in those days recruiting, selecting and placing hundreds of folks in positions with companies. More importantly, for every person placed were dozens that were not. Why?? Well there's all sorts of reasons and I really don't want to rehash too much of the past... but one reason is not taking the application seriously.

Now I admit that I was a tough critic, especially when getting a ton of applications for one position that needed to be filled asap. I've permanently "filed" plenty of incomplete, sloppy and grammatically-challenged first impressions. Now I do NOT want that to happen to me, especially when a few shows make up most of my revenue for the year. So when I complete an art show application, I put myself in the position of the selection committee faced with hundreds of applications for one 10'x10' piece of pavement.

So my advice... take time and care when preparing your applications. Supply all information requested, print clearly, organize your paperwork and remember that you only have one shot at making the first impression! And if that doesn't motivate you, think about the non-refundable application fee... that always makes me want to give them my best!!

A few more tips:

• make a file for each show to house info supplied and received.
• have a ready-made, short blurb about yourself and your work.
• send materials directly from the post office to avoid exposure to weather.
• pay careful attention to requirements and deadlines.
• pray!

Good luck everyone and come back to hear my thoughts on jury images!

Announcing the Clearance Sale!!

Help!! I need to move some inventory in order to make room for many new items for spring. This sale features several fabulous beaded jewelry items. Shown is a small sample of what is being offered (top left to right: Hope, Chelsea, Claire; bottom left to right: Sami, Kate, Kayla).

Hurry on over to the Mama Mayborne Designs website to check items listed in the first annual winter clearance sale! Prices have been reduced by 50% and all items are top quality and ready to ship. Contact me to request additional information or to purchase.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Yesterday was one of the coldest days of the year... so far! The actual temperature was -8*F (-22*C) and the wind chill factor made it seem more like -35*F (-37*C). Brrrrr, baby that was cold!

After spending most of the day freezing... I decided to play with a little fire. So I went to my studio, dug up a few projects that were ready for some heat and fired up my torch.

First, I annealed a strip of sterling silver that I cut to become a cuff bracelet. Annealing is the process of softening metal by exposing it to a high heat source, thereby making it much easier to bend around a bracelet mandrel.

Then, I soldered sterling silver earring posts onto a few PMC disks that I made. Soldering is another fun thing to do with a torch of fire. By heating the two pieces that need to be joined (the disk and the post) along with tiny snippets of solder, a permanent bond can be made. The trick for me is always to figure out the right level of heat, because I'm notorious for melting my work. Actually, I did melt a ring that was going to look fantastic. Oh well, practice makes perfect and that's how I learn best.

So that's how I stayed a little warmer on a very cold day. Tomorrow if it's still freezing, I'm going to find something to do with my kiln. Firing metal at 1300*F just might do the trick!