Finally- She's Done!

Finally, I decided how to string my fabulous mermaid gal:




I did a simple chain with tiny shell accents. I didn't want to do anything too complex, as I didn't want to take away from the mermaid herself. I think she came out great (even if the pictures aren't spectacular). I even made my lazy self list her on my Etsy site. Yeah!

Vacation Time

This week is February vacation for the kids and my parents have taken them to Vermont for the week, leaving me and my husband home alone. Yipee!

So, with some free time on my hands this week, I've vowed to do some serious crafting. Today I went to the craft store and got some new beads, clasp and findings to inspire me to get started. I'm hoping to have some pieces completed and listed on my Etsy site by the week. Here's to some good craftin'!

The Mermaid

I've been doing my best to keep busy lately, especially with my new animal forms. My most recent work is an enchanting mermaid:


She's taken a lot of work, especially the scales in the tail, as each one is studded with a tiny seed bead. In her heart lays a piece of the ocean, a small shell I collected this summer on the beach, and then hand drilled especially for this piece. I'm very happy with how she turned out.

Now the only thing that remains to do is to figure out the best way to string her as a pendant. Hopefully she'll be finished and listed on Etsy by the end of this week.

Ode to the Wire Artisans Guild

Oh you lovely wire queens,

All your works are simply dreams.

Each piece made with such skill

For your talents I would kill.



Oh Wire Artisans Guild,

I pray your ranks aren't filled

That among the chosen few,

You'll let me slide in too.



If my application you deny,

I fear I'll surely cry.

So don't shun me artists awsome,

When in your guild I'll surely blossom.




*The Wire Artisans Guild of Etsy is currently accepting applications for ten open spots. I've got my fingers crossed!*

Something New

As I said in my New Year's post, I've had a few new ideas brewing. This is the latest:



I just listed this guy on Etsy, and it's the first listing in a new series of animal items I'm working on. I did a few basic pieces as gifts for Christmas, and in the piece above, I took it a step further, incorporating weave and stones within the piece.

I'm very excited about these new animal pieces, and I hope they go over well.

Off and Running!

That's right, I'm already working on kicking my New Year's craft resolutions into high gear. Yesterday I spent HOURS taking photos, editing photos, working on my website, and putting up two new listings on Etsy. I hope to do some more today, but I feel like I'm finally on the right track.

If you have the time, please take a peek at my new website www.ravenworksstudio.com , and tell me what you think about the format, photos etc. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Crafty Resolutions

All right, it's that time- time to make some serious craft resolutions for 2009! My resolutions are all based on kicking my crafty butt into high gear and taking my jewelry business to the level. Here's what I have in mind:

1.) Back on the Etsy Train- I was actually starting to make some real progress with Etsy when I let it all fall apart. I haven't listed anything in ages, or promoted in a million years. This year, I'm determined to list often, and promote, promote, promote!

2.) Pimp My Blog- This means posting far more often, and once again, promoting, promoting, promoting.

3.) Line Up more Craft Shows for '09- Now that I've gotten to know some of the bigger and better craft shows in the area, I'm going to make sure I get out there more in '09. Craft shows may be a lot of work, but usually they're well worth the investment.

4.) Get the Website Going- My website is pretty much non-existent at the moment. I need to get it looking good and get it functional.

5.) Create, Create, Create!- Most importantly, it's time to get working. I need more items. if I'm going to achieve all of my goals. I need to create new things and develop new techniques. Time to get busy!

Happy New Years!