To My Daughter

Found this quote and of all the things that I can do or give to my kids, this is the best one.

A Ballerina Winker

I'm not gonna lie, this one was a wild custom order request.   This is how it went down : A ballerina Winker stopped by the studio the other day for a custom order consultation. This ballerina needed some accessories made to complete her cat dance costume.   I quickly did some research on some ballets, specifically by Balanchine and the Puss in Boots ballet choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev.  I made my suggestions and we came up with three items:  a choker to resemble a cat collar, the cat ears with rhinestones and the gloves with mara boa for the cat paws.  Needless to say, the ballerina is a happy dancer!

Love is Bold!

Valentine's Day Winged Heart Statement Necklace

Yes, love is bold and it will make you do crazy things... and you love that!   It has been a while ride. I'm making bling left and right getting ideas out in metal before I forget them. Here are some gift ideas for Valentine's Day.  But in all reality, Wink bling is for everyday of the year.

Chiquita Pero Picosa Bracelet

While I would love for you to give and receive Wink bling as a gift this Valentine's Day, the best gift one can give is time.   Time to laugh, to meditate, to rest, to be silly, to be happy.

Flower Hoop Earrings

However, there's nothing wrong with giving a little extra. If you are ready to do so, keep Wink in mind. Have a phenomenal Valentine's Day!

Mixed Metal Earrings

Make Your Own Earrings

Winkers, here's another great opportunity to get Hands-On-Bling. Get ready to craft your own wire earrings. Yes, I'll be taking silver wire, pliers, hammers, and other metalsmith goodies to create some Wink bling. So whether you're guarding off cupid or welcoming him into your life, join me and let's have fun!

Below are the details.

VALENTINE’S DAY WIRE EARRINGS WORKSHOP by Sol of Wink Artisans
Sunday, February 9th, 2014, 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Back From Tomboctou Gallery & Imports
3564 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA 92116

Workshop Price: $20 + Materials
Materials                       
Spiral Earrings $10
Paddle  Earrings $15
Both $20
Get your tickets today!

DESCRIPTION
We will use basic wire working & forging techniques to create a pair of earrings. Option one spiral earrings with a dangling bead. Option two is paddle earrings with heart beads. Materials purchased from instructor or participants can bring their own. Workshop is limited to six participants. Early registration is highly suggested to reserve a spot & supplies.

MATERIALS
Spiral Earrings Option
2 qty. 5” of 20 gauge sterling silver wire (half soft).
2 qty. red sinox crystal beads (or any beads you like. Make sure the wire can go through the bead perforation. No pearls as the wire will not go through).
2 qty. 2.5” of 20 gauge sterling silver wire for beads wire wrapping.
4 qty. sterling silver twist crimp beads that can go through the wire (can be substituted with 24 gauge round wire or with 20 gauge half-round  wire).
Total wire needed: 15-18 inches

Paddle Earrings Option
2 qty 4” of 20 gauge sterling silver wire (half soft)
6 qty red heart beads (or other beads)
6 qty. Sterling silver twist crimp beads that can go through the wire. (can be substituted with 24 gauge round wire or with 20 gauge half-round  wire).
Total wire needed: 8 - 12 inches

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Round Nose Pliers (Some will be available. It’s best to bring your own)
Chain Nose Pliers (Some will be available. It;s best to bring your own)
Flat Note Pliers (Some will be available. It’s best to bring your own)
Cutters (Available)
Chasing Hammer (provided)
Block (provided)
Rock Tumbler & Shot (provided)
Sanding Paper (provided)
Liver of Sulfur (provided)
Hot Water (provided)
Copper or Wood Tongs (provided)
Plastic Containers (provided)
Liquid Soap (provided)
Paper Towels (provided)

Crafting Like A Monster

The Lost Earring Craft Hour with the SD Craft Monsters was a huge success.  As soon as people arrived to Sew Loka, they were ready with their orphan earrings in hand and ready to craft like a monster. That made me so happy!

Whenever I attend a Craft Hour, I  really get the feeling of sharing with one another our skills, our stories, our tricks, etc. Often times, crafters donate their treasures to the recycled bin, which by the way, has some awesome treasures such as bracelets, chains, watches, brooches, and beads. Tonight, the best part was when one of the crafters showed up with a bottle of wine... oh, that was just perfect to accompany the cheese and crackers we were having!

I'm usually snapping lots of pictures, but tonight, I was checking on each crafters seeing if they needed help.  Or maybe it was the glass of wine that make me forget to take the pics.  Either way, I only have these four pictures to show.

 So, due to popular demand, we will do The Lost Earring Project again in February, so if you missed this one, don't miss the next one. Details will be posted soon.

A huge thank you shout to our sponsors: El Camino Memorial, Back From Tomboctou and Sew Loka Handmade Artisan Collective who made this event possible.   Hasta la proxima!