The Lost Earring Project Continues At The Craft Hour

The Lost Earring Project at the SD Craft Monster's Craft Hour

I'm so stoked! In January, I will be leading The Craft Hour for the SD Craft Monsters... and guess what they asked me to do?  The Lost Earring Project, YAY!

When my earring broke, I used it to embellish this copper cuff. 

It's always fun to see what kind of forgotten treasures people bring to the workshop and how we transform them into new decorative or wearable art.  I still remember some of the bracelets, necklaces, cards, brooches, and hairpieces, we created last summer.

Earring was used to decorate thiS OOAK gift bag.

So if you have an orphan earring, get it out and email me a picture - at least one week prior The Craft Hour - so we can get to brainstorm on how to bring it out to see the light again.   Oh, I almost forgot to mention that there are only ten spots so make sure to pre-register ASAP.   Make sure to check out the Facebook Event Page for all the chit chat.  Who's game?

Recycled Shipping Envelope

Recycled Shipping Envelope

I'm always recycling. Some of you may already have experienced my recycling.   I recycle paper, lots of it.  I do not buy wrapping paper at all. There's plenty of paper floating around: newspaper, brown bag paper, magazine paper, books, used gift wrapping or bags I receive. Paper its everywhere.  So I use it and reuse it every chance I get.

Here is an idea for you, if send Holiday gifts to your love ones. Not only do you save a pretty penny and be environmentally conscious, you also get to be creative and send a OOAK (one-of-a-kind) shipping envelope that serves as wrapping paper.

For the recycled shipping envelope.

1.  Look for your bubble shipping envelopes (yes, the ones you got with your Wink bling) and remove all of the old labels.
2. Look for potential paper to be used. You could use whatever paper you want, new or used.  As I said, I like to recycle so I use brown paper bags,  previously used wrapping paper, old maps, magazine pages, old books, etc.  
3. Cut paper to the size of the envelope. Don't forget the flap. You could cover the entire envelope, front and back or just the front.  It's up to you. I used to do both, but now I only do the front.
4. Sew the paper onto the envelope.  Pick a long stitch.  This could be done by hand or with a sewing machine.  Also, use contrasting color threads for fun. 
5. The envelope is done.

For shipping your newly recycled envelope.

1. Use a white background label for the address (after all, the mailman needs to be able to read it).
2. Use clear packing tape to seal the flap and all side of the envelope. This will prevent it from getting caught and ripped on the post office machines and potential paper cut on post office personnel.

That's it, let me know how yours turn up. Post them on pinterest with @winkartisans in the description so I can see them.   Gracias!

Give Some Wink

Check it out! 

Winkers, Give Some Wink For The Holidays!

Here's a little something to get you started on your Holiday shopping. But you gotta act fast as you know how Wink bling gets snatched.

For a limited time, enjoy an unprecedented 55% off on selected items. Make sure to check out the On Sale Section on the Wink Etsy Shop and save!

Offer not valid with any other discounts.  Excludes custom orders, applicable sales tax, and shipping. Not valid where prohibited. Sale ends 11/16/2013 @11PM.

Silver Working

Sterling Silver Day of the Dead Coqueta Earrings by Wink Artisans

Woo Hoo, I'm on a roll with silver here! Monday was one of those days for me to push forward.  I had to finished some of my pending projects. You know, the ones that stare and stare at you until you give them attention.  Well, these were the ones for me.  Especially, since one pair of earrings was a custom order and the deadline was fast approaching.
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Sterling Silver Day of the Dead Skull Long Earrings by Wink Artisans

Working on silver is always fun and time consuming to say the least. When I think a project is going to take me X amount of time, well, it just doubles or even triples the time needed to complete the project.   Sometimes, I keep breaking sawblades, one after another one, WTF!  Or the image on the metal keeps being cover by silver dust and I cannot see it, so I cannot  cut.  Wait, it gets better with soldering, oh like one stubborn little flower that kept moving and wanting to attach itself in a place I did not want it.  I had to remove and resoldered that baby three times.  Yes, three times... heck, I have no time for that.  Then again, between cutting, filing, and soldering,  I would find myself, inspired and new designs and that is just heaven for me.

Sterling Silver Flower Earrings with Pearls by Wink Artisans

Sometimes, I keep breaking sawblades, one after another one, WTF!  Or the image on the metal keeps being cover by silver dust and I cannot see it, so I cannot  cut.  Wait, it gets better with soldering, oh like one stubborn little flower that kept moving and wanting to attach itself in a place I did not want it.  I had to remove and resoldered that baby three times.  Yes, three times... heck, I have no time for that.

Sterling Silver El Santo Lucha Libre Earrings

When I cut or solder, I have to close my door and cover my phone.  I need to get into my zone, one little distraction and I can cut wrong or melt the silver...  or worst, injure myself.  Safety first all the time. Once the piece is finished, polished and packaged is when I step back and get a sense of accomplishment.  Ah, and then, the look of my clients when they see it and wear it.  That feeling my friends, is pure joy.  Both for my clients and for myself. Wink Wink!

November Birthstone

Topaz and Citrine November Birthstone Etsy Treasury by Wink Artisans

It's your Birthday, it's your Birthday... Happy Birthday November Babies!

You know me, I like to curate Etsy Treasuries.  I had to do one for Novembers Birthstone: Topaz (classical) Citrine (modern).  Although, I tend to go for rich, bright colors, this golden and smoky hues are casting a spell on my.  Enjoy!