Shannon Schow~Jewelry Designer~Crafty Girl

Mandala Post -Move later to Mandala Blog

2025-06-25T23:20:00.000-05:00

Leave here for now Finding Peace in Every Dot: My Journey with Mandala Art There’s something deeply meditative about holding a stylus in one hand, a palette of colors in the other, and letting patterns unfold one dot at a time. I never planned to become obsessed with dot mandalas—but they found me, in a moment when I needed stillness more than anything. Each mandala I paint is a reflection of balance, symmetry, and intention. No two are ever the same, and I love that. The process teaches me patience, presence, and trust. It’s not just painting—it’s a practice. I start with a blank canvas (or a stone or a piece of wood), and I let the center guide me outward. Layer by layer, color by color, the design takes shape. I often choose color palettes based on how I’m feeling that day—calm blues, energizing golds, grounding earth tones. Sometimes I sketch an idea; other times I freehand and follow the rhythm. I hope to share more about my techniques, tools, and inspiration here in this blog. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who just needs a moment of visual peace, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s create something beautiful together.

Rose Poem

2016-09-21T04:30:00.001-05:00

"Lover"

He left me a rose
He brightened my day
He left me a rose\in the sunlight
with sweet words to say
He left me a rose today
So luscious and beautiful like his heart
I smell the sweet aroma and think of his sobriquet

Shannon Schow 2016

Earring Tutorial - Jewelry Making

2014-05-05T19:06:00.001-05:00

Source

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2014/04/tutorial-tuesday-wrapped-column-earrings.html

I found this awesome tutorial on Art Bead Scene :) Link above..
Here is the beginning of the post.:

So, today, I thought I'd share how to make these wrapped column earrings. Mine are wrapped with sari silk ribbon and feature a pair of ceramic droplets from Scorched Earth. However, you could wrap different types of ribbon or fabric offcuts, and you could also use different beads at the bottom. Maybe you have an earring pair - whether beads or charms - and you've been wondering what to do with them? This might be the answer.

Chain Making tips from Jewelry Making Daily

2014-02-11T02:00:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share this information I received by email from Jewelry Making Daily
See links below for their site
http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/default.aspx
This was written by : Tammy Jones

Great Tips to Maintain your Chain!

Here are seven great tips to help you care for your chain jewelry, from fellow Interweave jewelry editor Jane Dickerson.

1. Daily CareWhen you remove your jewelry, wipe off the chain with a lint-free polishing cloth that has no abrasives. If you have been wearing perfume, rinse the chain with water, pat it dry, then follow with the polishing cloth. This is great for day-to-day maintenance: cleaning off fingerprints, skin oils, scents, and surface dirt.

2. StorageYvonne Padilla of Rio Grande recommends that you place your jewelry in an air-tight, ziploc bag along with an anti-tarnish strip. These strips are fantastic–completely safe and non-toxic. They absorb moisture and neutralize tarnish-producing gases in the air. They will last up to 6 months or longer if placed in a sealed environment. They work for silver, brass, copper, nickel, bronze, tin, and gold. Copper is the villain when it comes to tarnishing, so any metal that contains copper will tarnish. Clean your chains thoroughly, then store them with anti-tarnish strips and they'll be ready to wear for months.

3. Weekly MaintenanceUse an ultrasonic cleaner and a cleaning solution that is PH-balanced and ammonia-free. This will eliminate surface dirt, oil, lotion, and perfume. If you are cleaning a rope chain or snake chain where dirt might get into the crevices, use a soft toothbrush to get into those hard to reach areas.

4. Let It Soak
Soak your chains in a pH-balanced, ammonia free jewelry solution for stubborn tarnish. If you have chain with stones, make sure that the cleaning solution you are using is gentle enough to use on the particular gemstones or pearls. Don't use the ultrasonic cleaner as the vibration may harm the stones.

5. Tarnish Be GoneThere are some wonderful polishing pads and cloths that are embedded with microabrasives that get rid of tarnish and dirt in a jiffy. Just rub the cloth over the piece and watch it polish to a clean, brilliant shine.


	Top: Brass chain cleaned with vinegar and salt solution. Bottom: Tarnished chain.

6. Go EcoTo clean silver, try Jean Campbell’s At-Home Tarnish Busting Remedy. For stubborn spots, use plain toothpaste (no gels or whitening) and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. And I learned this trick from Kate Richbourg: For brass and copper pieces, use hot vinegar mixed with a few tablespoons of salt. Let soak, then rinse and dry.

7. When in Doubt
If your jewelry has become really tarnished or you have concerns about any of the gemstones used in your design, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler and ask them to clean your pieces for you. --Jane

Learn to make your own unique chains with Janice Berkebile in her video workshop, Easy Jewelry Chain Making. Janice demonstrates jewelry-making techniques crucial to chain-making, such as fusing, texturing, and cold connections, and once you've mastered those basics, the sky's the limit to all the kinds of chain you can make. And for a limited time, you can download Easy Jewelry Chain Making with Janice Berkebile for only $5--along with the other favorite jewelry-making video workshops below!

2013-08-12T11:39:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone. I wanted to say hello. I have had such a writer's block lately. I would love to sit here and write a long article on how I am doing with my life goals but I am so busy and not really motivated to write. lol I have been just enjoying the summer and now I am starting to get busy with jewelry orders. It makes me so happy to make jewelry.
I am also helping my sister with her wedding which is super cool. I am so happy for her.
I am currently working on 3 pairs of special ordered barefoot sandals. That makes a total sale of 10 pair I have sold!!! I love them. I even made a pair for myself. :) If you are reading this post and would like to have a custom pair made for you just message me at dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net :)
I still want to write an article on photographing your jewelry. I have had a lot of issues with taking photos and I am hoping the article will help others. I only have a basic camera so there are many challenges when you don't have a professional set up.

Here are some pictures I made with my sandals. :)
I hope everyone has a great week. I am off to the bead shop to find some little cat charms :P
I am making 3 sets of sandals , 2 with crosses and one with cats. :)

www.shannonschow.artfire.com

Facebook Jewelry-by Shannon Schow
http://www.care.com/petcare/shannons2768
https://twitter.com/#!/ShannonSchow

FEATURED ARTISANS

2013-08-02T01:15:00.002-05:00

Hello and Good Day!

FEATURED ARTISANS

Hello and good day :)

I wanted to post a blog and feature a few artisans

Below are a few artisans I admire. Hopefully these artisans won't mind the free advertising.

I love buying handmade items and love exploring the many mediums of craft artisans.

I am interested in organic supplies to make products.

Below I will feature some bath and body products , handmade jewelry, wedding jewelry, and accessories and much more.

Please enjoy all the links below and hopefully you will support the artisan community.

Magpie Gemstones. This website is the best site for fine gemstones and unique beads and pendants. This site also feature tips and tricks of the trade. Magpie Gemstones Online Store

www.magpiegemstones.com

GREAT molds for jewelry, clay, or sweets. They are soooo cool! http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoxysMolds

Handmade Soaps

I stumbled upon this seller on Etsy. Etsy is a good site to list your hand made items for sale. I really love making resin pieces with vintage backgrounds. I recently starting playing with resin. Below is the link to the site store I found with many image sheets to choose from. I just love vintage images and the nostalgia seems to comfort me. I think I find comfort in the simpler times of the past. :)

Here is the link below:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73238819/216-squares-super-jumbo-scrabble-bundle

Land of Enchantment Images

This artisan below makes awesome little boxes, keepsakes and pictures made with many mediums.

I love her style and below is a link to her blog and etsy shop.

Diane's Blog Diane's Etsy Shop Handmade Soaps and other beauty products

I stumbled upon this seller on Etsy. Etsy is a good site to list your hand made items for sale.

I really love making resin pieces with vintage backgrounds. Recently I starting playing with resin. Below is the link to the site store I found with many image sheets to choose from. I just love vintage images and the nostalgia seems to comfort me. I think I find comfort in the simpler times of the past. :) Here is the link below:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73238819/216-squares-super-jumbo-scrabble-bundle

Land of Enchantment Images

Beads and More - Jewelry Supplie

Gemalicious!

http://www.artfire.com/users/GemaliciousBeads

This artisan makes wonderful wedding jewelry and accessories.

DeLoop is the artisan's name on the site. Link below to her etsy shop.

Really wonderful items on her store front.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73804603/peacock-diamant-peacock-headband-tiara

http://4oneaday.blogspot.com/

This company has great soaps. My favorite is the avacado soap.
www.dallassoapcompany.com

2012-10-23T22:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post in my blog. I am busy with the holiday season. I am enjoying making all the jewelry. I wanted to share with you some recent creations.
Leave comments below and tell me what you think about the jewelry. :) I love feedback on my designs.
I hope everyone is having a great week.

Hey do any of my readers make jewelry or art or anything crafty from scratch? I am a member of a website called Artisan/Jewelry Designers
http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge
They have a monthly challenge and it is really fun to come up with a piece of art or jewelry with a theme in mind. It inspires me to make many things. I have even sold many of the items I have made for these challenges. So hop on over to the site and join in the fun.
Link Below. You have to join the site but it is free and you can store 20 photos of your jewelry on the site and get some exposure. We all love free exposure right!?
http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge

I also want to mention that I am working on an article about taking pictures of jewelry. I have come along way in photographing my jewelry. I have been researching this topic for a while now. I have found a lot of tips and tricks. I also continue researching so I can fine tune my backgrounds and improve my editing skills. I still don't have it all perfect yet. I really need to get a photo tent. I need to join the lottery so I can win and buy a fancy camera hee hee. So stay tuned for my article. I am also open to additions from other writers. If you would like to add to my upcoming article please email me at dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net

Ok peeps thanks for reading.
Custom Orders available.
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
My Facebook Fan Page
Profile at Artisan Jewelry Designers Ning Site
My Twitter
My Pinterest

Soldering Basics

2012-08-23T18:22:00.003-05:00

Hello, everyone today I would like to talk about soldering. Recently I was contacted by a customer who wanted to learn how to solder and make a lovely necklace. She had seen one while shopping online one day and wanted to recreate her own version of a copper necklace.

I learned how to solder in 1989. I was in the US Army and went to school and learned all of the basics of electronics and and how to repair electronic boards. My job in the US Army was to repair radios so we had to know how to fix a radio in the field. I am glad that I went through that class, but back in 1989 I would never have thought I would be using my skills for jewelry!

I wanted to write an article about soldering because I found lot of information in several different places. I thought it would be nice if I put all of the supplies you will need for soldering jewelry on one page :) I am also listing tips for buying and using the supplies. I am sure someone has struggled to find all the information on one web site page.

I will say there are many videos on www.youtube.com for learning things about soldering.
You can teach yourself but it might be better to learn from someone in a class. I will be teaching my client how to solder and all the little things you need to know while soldering. I think soldering is fairly easy to do it just takes practice to be precise in jewelry making. Soldering a copper pipe is very different from soldering tiny pieces of stained glass. I am really excited about the project we will be making. I have sketched out my design. See below the necklace we will make. My client's design is a different from my design. I am sure both of our necklaces will evolve as jewelry designs often turn out different than the original sketch. :) Sorry for the bad pic lol it's from my cell phone. Hey why don't some of you make one and send me a picture of it and I will feature you here on this blog. That would be fun if my blog inspired many of you to make something beautiful.

Please see all resources and links down below just in case you want to order these supplies online or just for browsing to get an idea of prices. Please note that all products online might not be available at the stores. You must call the store to find out if special products are in stock. Most of these supplies are kept in stock at the stores. The more specialty items are more likely to be online only. I like to go to the store so I won't have to pay for shipping.

Basic Supplies

Lead Free Solder : most solder you find is lead free. Lead free is necessary when making jewelry.
I found it fairly cheap and all of your local hardware stores have this product.

Soldering Iron: This iron is usually under $10 dollars at your local craft store or hardware store. It usually comes with a roll of solder also. You will need a sponge to clean your tip. You have to keep the tip clean and shiny or it will not solder correctly. Be sure you are using the right tip for the job.
There are many sizes and shapes of tips. When soldering stained glass it is suggested to use the screwdriver tip.

Micro Torch: This is a butane torch. I bought this at Lowe's and it also came with bottle of butane and soldering tip.This is not a mandatory tool for soldering stained glass jewelry. I think these torches are a lot hotter than the soldering iron. You can use this torch for other designs in soldering jewelry. The soldering tip is needed for more precise soldering. Some pieces of jewelry will require the soldering tip and other designs can handle the torch. The torch is good for fusing metal. I think it is cool because it came with the soldering tip. It was under $20 dollars for the kit. If you don't have a Lowe's then I am sure you have a Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Store or any other Hardware store
Link below features a micro torch in an online store.
http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H203047TL

Regular Torch: There are many sizes and types of torches. I suggest you google jewelry torch or mini torch and see what results you find. I have heard people call it a plumbers torch. Here are some links I found for buying small torches used for jewelry making. You can also find a lot of info on using a torch on http://www.youtube.com When using youtube just go to the search bar at the top and type in "using a torch" or "using a torch for jewelry making" You will find informative videos about using a torch.
Link Below features a torch
http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H203441TLh

Flux: this can be any many forms. Some types are more expensive than others. I use the paste type.
You can find this at the hardware store. I just bought a small jar and it will last a long time. I bought one of those packages of cheap small brushes to apply the flux. You can usually get a set of 5 brushes for under 3 dollars at the craft store. The brand of flux I bought is Lennox
Here is a link for the type of paste I use. I bought the 1.7oz Make sure the flux is : Water Soluble and for use with any lead free solder. Most flux is water soluble.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_98948-1411-WS78091_?PL=1&productId=3136979

Pickle Solution: This is needed for cleaning the flux and or oxidation from your piece after soldering. You want to be careful when using the pickle. Quench your piece in water before dropping into the pickle solution so you don't have splatters. Pickle solution can be used hot or cold. Hot solution works faster than cold solution.You can use a mini crock pot , coffee pot or a glass casserole dish with a lid. A lid will slow down the evaporation of the solution. Do not let the pickle solution boil if you are using it as a hot solution. You can buy the solution or make it yourself at home. Sparex and ProCraft Pickle are a couple of brands you can buy. I have also listed below a link to buy it online. I just went to the dollar store and found a glass bowl with a lid for my pickle. I have had friends tell me they found mini crock pots at thrift stores. After I am finished for the day I can just put this away under the sink. The solution is reusable. Please don't use this dish for food. You will need to make new solution from time to time.

Keep in mind that you are working with chemicals and need to be careful in how you use them and dispose of them. Please note you might want to use protective gear like gloves and eye goggles. To discard old pickling solution, add baking soda to it and let it bubble. When the bubbling slows down, it is okay to flush it down most drains.
You can use home products for your pickling solution. There are other things available if you don't want to use home recipe. I find that you can brush a bit of flux on after quenching the metal then drop into the solution. Warm solution takes about 15 minutes and cold solution takes longer. I haven't pinned down a time but I just leave it in cold solution for about an hour then clean off my piece.
With some pieces I use steel wool to polish the metal. It polishes the piece and I think it looks good. I am using a patina solution on this project so this will aid in an antiqued type look on the piece. It is just your preference and some trial and error will be useful to find what kind of look you want for the jewelry piece. It also depends on the type of wire you are using.
Here is a link for solution you can buy from the internet. You can also "google" pickling solution for metal.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Rio-Pickle-for-Non-Ferrous-Metals/5010233?pos=1
If buying a pickle solution make note of the different types of solutions available. There are more than one type of solution depending on the type of metal your are using.

Recipe for Pickle Solution: Vinegar and Salt. 1 cup of Vinegar and tablespoon of Salt
You can use this solution with copper and other metals such as sterling silver.

Copper Tongs: use these for grabbing pieces out of the pickle solution. The copper tongs do not contaminate the solution.You can find these in your hard ware store or some craft stores.
http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/p/ETTWZ92001.html

Copper Foil : This is needed if you are using stained glass or regular glass in your project. You can find this at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Store. Wrap the foil around the piece then brush flux on the foil. Then use the soldering iron with solder to seal the glass. Move the soldering iron across the foil to get a nice layer of solder. You want to be sure and keep adding flux each time you add solder. This helps the solder flow. It takes a bit of practice to make clean solder lines on the piece you are working with.

Stained Glass scraps: I found a local stained glass supply store and they only charged 1.75 per pound. You can also find glass at craft stores. Sometimes glass can be very expensive if purchased in large squares. I think buying the scraps is a better idea. I am sure most cities have a stained glass store. I was lucky and found one about 2 miles from my house.
http://www.merry-go-roundstainedglass.com/

Glass Cutter: you can find this at a stained glass store, online or craft stores. There are inexpensive and expensive cutters. I am not sure if all craft stores carry the cutter. You might even find them at the hardware store. I bought the $5 dollar cutter and it works just fine, however I like the more expensive cutter because it scores the glass easier and better. Use this tool to score the glass before breaking. You can use the cutter for any shape you choose. Score and then break.
Here is a link to the glass cutter that I bought. This is the same type I bought from the stained glass store. Well mine is green lol.
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/steel-wheel-glass-cutter-158006/

Grozier Pliers: This tool is needed for breaking the glass after you have scored it. I found these at the stained glass store and they were blue and hard plastic and cost $5 dollars. I am not sure if craft stores have the plastic pliers. I did find the metal pliers at Hobby Lobby. I think I feel safer with the plastic. The plastic pliers work very well. I found some metal ones on the internet and using a gentle upward rolling scrapes the glass edge (grozz) against the serrated teeth removes unwanted glass flares. This removal of grozz is known as grozing. I have tried to break the glass by hand and it is not as affective as the pliers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker-grozier_pliers

Please see all resources and links above and below just in case you want to order these supplies online or just for browsing
Resources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4999815_make-pickle.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker-grozier_pliers
http://www.merry-go-roundstainedglass.com/
http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/09/eco-friendly-jewellery-pickle-solution.html

Ok folks this is all I have for now on information for making jewelry with a soldering iron.
Thanks for reading and hopefully this will inspire some of you to make something new.
Hop over to my jewelry page on Facebook and like my page. You can also join my blog.
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How to take care of Oil Paintings

2012-03-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

I found this great article on how to take care of oil paintings. I actually knew most of it but I thought the article was nicely written. Below is the link to the source article
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http://www.tfaoi.com/articles/apprais4.htm

Spinel is a lovely gemstone

2012-03-23T22:43:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone. I just wanted to blog about this wonderful gemstone. I have been making jewelry for about 5 years and along the way I find new gemstones that I have never seen before. I have learned a lot about gemstones, minerals, and other precious rocks in the years I have been making jewelry.

I wanted to feature Spinel. It is a marvelous gemstone and I just love it. Please read below what information I have found on Spinel. I have also included some links of where to purchase Spinel.
I have only purchased a few of these in my history of buying gems as they are a little expensive but when I do make jewelry with Spinel it is soooo beautiful and very special to me.

The history and origin of Spinel

One of the most beautiful and rarest gemstones available today is the Spinel. While you might be able to find a gemstone called Spinel at your local jewelry stone, it is probably synthetic and only loosely based on the beautiful qualities of true Spinel. Spinel was usually associated with Rubies, due to the fact that large red Spinel were found in the same mines that Rubies were mined at. Since they had the same characteristics and practically looked the same to the naked eye, they were often believed to be Rubies. Many Spinels were worn by kings and queens throughout history and even are included on many priceless royal artifacts such as the Black Prince’s Ruby, the 170 carat red Spinel that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England and a Spinel is also part of some of the British Crown Jewels. Henry V even wore Spinel as part of a battle helmet. Besides red, Spinel comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors including green, blues, purples, orange, pink and a very prized hot pink. Spinel is associated with many other gemstones including tourmaline and garnets. They are all made from the elements iron, chromium, zinc and magnesium, however they have differing amounts. Some of these minerals can even include nickel and aluminum. Usually these differences will create specific colors and attributes. Today, you can find Spinel that is synthetic and usually created from synthetic Corundum. However, natural Spinel is definitely worth the price due to its natural beauty, rarity and wonderful attributes.

	What is Spinel used for?

	Spinel is a wonderful gemstone that is much rarer than many consumers think. Unfortunately, the moniker of Spinel that is used at most jewelry stores refers to synthetic Spinel that is usually created from synthetic or real Corundum. However, true Spinel is available, but much harder to find. Spinel comes in a large variety of colors including beautiful cobalt blue, greens, purples, violets, oranges, a very hot pink and beautiful reds. Up until a few hundred years ago, Spinel was mistaken for the Ruby. Spinel was mined from the same areas and red Spinel does take on many of the beautiful characteristics of Rubies. In fact, you can find Spinels on some of the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. Today, Spinel is extremely rare and in most cases rarer than Rubies which it used to imposter for. Since it is such a rare mineral, it is only used for ornamental jewelry. However it should be noted that the qualities of Spinel are so attractive, many of today’s ornamental jewelry are made to simulate Spinel as is the case of synthetic Spinel. Most of the time synthetic Spinel will be sold as birthstones with varying colors such as the above colors mentioned, as well as other colors that do not occur naturally, specifically yellow. True Spinel, can be purchased, however you will need to look hard for it. One of the most interesting colors found in true Spinel is a hot pink with an orange tinge. Another color that is pursued is a gorgeous cobalt blue. Usually these stones make beautiful rings, earrings or can be worn as charms. This link will tell you a little more about Spinel. It is quite interesting to read about many gemstones and how they are made by nature. http://www.gemtradenet.com/Education/red_spinel.aspx Here in this link is more information on buying the gemstone for jewelry making. http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/spinel-ring.html The Imperial Russian Crown (source of info > http://www.squidoo.com/Spinelgems Contains the largest know Spinel at 398.72-carats. The Great Imperial Crown was made by a skilled court jeweler Jeremia Posier for the Empress Catherine II the Great's Coronation in 1762

Now here are some more links to purchase Spinel
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774532/multi-color_spinel_faceted_rondelles/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774668/high_quality_mystic_blue_green_spinel_faceted_teardrops/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone

Gemalicious Beads

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93172701/sparkling-black-spinel-faceted-rondelles?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=gemalicious+beads&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Jewelry Classes Via Internet or Local

2012-01-31T11:47:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! So I know most of my followers are jewelry makers but I would still like to offer my skills in teaching jewelry. I am not sure if I have any beginners or just crafty people who would like to learn basic jewelry techniques and beyond. I can do one on one and group classes via the internet or if you are local we can have a class of about 10 people. I think the internet class is so cool since I could teach to people all over the world :) I can also co-host people so we can interact with one another during the class.

I have some wonderful projects for the classes so just email me or comment here in this blog if you are interested.

Intermediate

Beginner

email: dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net

By Custom Jewlery - by Shannon Schow

Beginner Jewelry Classes at reasonable price.

P.S. I know offer repair of your genuine pearl necklace. Most jewelers call it restringing. Most genuine pearl necklaces are knotted and tend to stretch with time. It depends on the wearing habits. Silk Cord is used for restringing genuine pearls. I do offer repairs of clasps and also offer restringing with out the knots. I usually have a about 4 day turn around or less in special occasions. Please email me or message me here on facebook for details. Restringing is priced by inch and per knot.
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net I can also redesign a necklace if you so desire.

Have a wonderful day everyone and please read my blogs below and give me some good stories of your nostalgia!!!! pretty please lol ; see previous post

Nostalgia - Finding Vintage items right in your home.

2012-01-27T16:39:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone! Ok so today I wanted to talk about found objects. Last week I did a thorough cleaning. I found 2 little canisters in my cupboard. They contained some goodies that I just had to share. Don't ask me why these two little canisters were not packed away in a closet. :) . I had fun looking over them. I found my mom's button collection and her charm bracelet! I have always loved her button collection and now I suspect I had that canister handy for a future project. Now that I think of it I should make a mixed media piece with all the buttons and paints and stuff on a canvas lol.

The charm bracelet is adorable. She has many charms. I told my sister about the charm bracelet and I am now passing it to her for a keepsake. My sister has a wonderful charm bracelet with many charms. Maybe I can get her to send me a picture of it to post to this blog.

The button collections speaks for itself. My mom used to wear a satin jacket (70's style) and she changed her buttons every few days.

Ok so I am hoping I will get some stories of your charm bracelet and maybe describe some of your favorite charms. Share your story of any found objects in your home while cleaning and especially if they are vintage or passed down from your family.

Comment below share your story about a charm bracelet or some other little treasure you have found while cleaning, packing or unpacking.

Mom's bracelet

this is my bracelet. I didn't really colllect many charms :)

Shopping Spree woohoo!

2011-08-16T04:42:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone. I wanted to post about my newest trip to the bead market. Oh how I love visiting the bead market! I find such pretties! I usually stock up on my non tarnish wire at the bead market. It saves me money on shipping and on the cost by quantity. Beadstuff is my favorite vendor for non tarnish silver plated wire. This trip I focused more on pendants so I could wrap some beautiful Labradorite and other rare finds. I bought a few cabochons and found some wonderful glass beads plus many other little extras :). I bought some rather inexpensive glass beads because they were on sale and very pretty. I normally don't buy the cheap items at the bead markets because in my past experience I have found the quality to be bad. I like the quality of these glass beads and really love the deal I was able to receive.
Below are some watch parts I recently ordered. I love making resin pendants with watch parts. I took the picture on my sketch book. You can obviously see a necklace I designed. (more on that later)

Below are some of the wonderful beads I bought at the bead market. The wonderful pink and black coin beads are really beautiful and we a little expensive but they will make a dazzling bracelet.

I love skulls so I couldn't pass up these little guys. I also found a little Buddha head. I recently dropped my favorite skull bracelet down the drain of my sink so I will make a new one with the little round skull beads. I haven't sketched out anything for the flat skull head beads below in the picture. .

These are some charms bought from a booth. This is the third time I have shopped at this particular vendor
Her name is Acharmedcollection. It is better to look for her at the bead shows rather than on the net. I love all the charms she has available. You can decorate a lot of things with her items. She has lovely metal pieces that can be glued to books. They look so cool and make the books look vintage. You can also make many rings with her items but I choose to make more dainty earrings with most of the charms I buy from her. I have also thought about making some cool clay pendants that will include the little masks in the picture below.

Oh I really love music so I thought I would buy these guitars and make a really cool necklaces with them.

Ohhhhh ahhhh Labradorite is soooo beautiful. I bought these two cabochons immediately after I saw them. I also grabbed two small triangle pendants that have lovely shards of Tourmaline inside.

Here are some crosses and such I bought on a trip to the little local bead shop in my city. The Artful Bead Store. I thought the crosses are so cute. You really can't see the wonderful purple color of the jasper crosses in this picture. Hopefully when I make some jewelry I will take better pictures of the crosses. Sometimes I get a bit lazy and just take pictures with my phone camera lol .. Well only for pictures of beads I have purchased

Ok so here is a picture below of the necklace on the sketch pad from earlier in this post. I really love this necklace and I think I will keep it for myself. :) Hee hee

Well that is all I have for now. If you have any questions just let me know. I am working on many tips for shopping at the bead market. Hopefully I will post these by the end of the week.

Follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/#!/DymndDesigns

OH and don't mind the name. I am in process of changing my name soon. Hopefully twitter has a function to change into my new name. InspireMeJewelry is the new name I have thought about using. Let me know what you think. Just comment on this blog below.

Follow me on my facebook page also http://www.facebook.com/pages/InspireMe-Jewlery-by-Shannon-Schow/136397669766434

Some New Stuff :)

2011-02-25T21:17:00.012-06:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post some new pieces. I finally have had some time to sit down and make some fun jewelry. I have been busy on ebay looking for some new beads too! Woot.
I found some really nice Tibetan beads that are fun. I will post a new blog with jewelry made from the beads. They are "Day of the Dead" beads. So cute lol

Bead market is coming up soon and I love to stock up on my wire. I really suggest to all my fellow jewelers to take advantage of the bead markets. You can really find some good buys.
If you don't have bead markets in your town the internet is the way to save money buying supplies. : )

OH and if anyone is reading my blog :) I would like to see if I can get everyone to describe my jewelry in a few words. You can put these in the comment box. Thank you :)))

P.S. if anyone would like to be featured on my blog site ( any handmade craft) send me a message and let me know. You will be featured for 2 months on my blog.

How to Clean Copper and Brass

2011-01-14T22:57:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone. I have been looking online about cleaning certain metals. I wanted to post what I found so that everyone can see what I found.
I love the internet just for this reason. The internet has so much information for you.

Anyway click on the links below to read more... enjoy

http://www.ehow.com/how_4473390_clean-copper-jewelry.html

Things You'll Need:

Water
Lemon or lime juice
Salt
Ketchup
Soft bristled toothbrush
Jewelry polishing cloth
Make a solution out of warm water, a few drops of lemon or lime juice, and a teaspoon of salt. Mix it thoroughly

How To Make Natural, Home-made Copper and Brass Cleaners from your Pantry.

http://www.everbritecoatings.com/copper_cleaner.htm?gclid=CInYysu2u6YCFSVa7AodCyatGw

Cleaning a copper bracelet requires the use of Tarn-X and Connoisseurs Jewelry Wipes. Find out how to properly clean a copper bracelet with the advice of a professional bench jeweler and gemologist in this free video on cleaning jewelry.

Greeen Baby Greeeeeeeeeen

2010-08-26T20:33:00.009-05:00

OH oh oh oh Green! Green! Green!!!! Here are some more earrings I made from that shopping spree at the Bead Market! whoo hooo ! lOl For some reason I got on a green kick. This is also a product of many other trips to the craft stores.

email: dymnddesigns@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

Erin's Bracelet

2010-08-26T19:09:00.010-05:00

I made this for a friend a few weeks ago. It is made with Amethyst beads and copper wire. She saw a picture of the bracelet and insisted she have one right away :) I had to custom make this one for her since she loved the copper look. :)
I also used Purple Swarovski Crystals and small glass seed beads.
This design I learned from a magazine I subscribe to. I can not find the design anywhere in my stash of jewelry magazines. I subscribe to Step by Step Wire and Beadwork. I also bought this wonderful book by Linda Jones. I keep thinking this design is from her book but when I go through the pages I can't find it. I think I have misplaced the magazine of Step by Step Wire and the design is hiding in that one issue. Who knows what I have done with it. I have all the other ones except this one. I am just glad I had pictures of the first bracelet I did and could copy the design :)

Down below is the version in silver artistic wire. This is the original first bracelet in this design that I have made.

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

Lacy's Project

2010-08-10T20:53:00.019-05:00

OH I am so excited to post this blog about a custom piece I made for a friend of mine.
Lacy had this out fit and she wanted me to make her some jewelry. I think the set is so beautiful.
I used Amethyst beads , howlite chips, purple seed beads and crystals.

This is my favorite way to make jewelry. The customer calls me up and says hey can you design this for me? OF course I take on the challenge. I really like how pieces come together with two people designing. The dress is a lovely canvas for my designs! The colors to die for! Can you tell I am such a nerd! Ok so anyway enough chatter. Here is the pictures of the dress and the jewelry.

I am hoping soon I can get Lacy to take pictures of her in the dress with the jewelry. I will post them as soon as I get them. :)
I WILL APOLOGIZE FOR THE PICTURE QUALITY.
Sometimes i get in a rush before shipping out and manage to get pictures of the jewelry but not in natural light. The natural light catches the real colors so much better than artificial light.
I am just amatuer photographer so I am still working on my editing skills LOL

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Affordable Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me: dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net

Champagne Taste of Pearls

2010-08-05T19:10:00.008-05:00

A Champagne Taste of Pearls! One day my sister Jessica posted some cute fancy flip flop shoes that a friend bought her. I was so inspired by the cute little silky ribboned design that I wanted to make her some jewelry to match the shoes. Sometimes I just love making stuff for friends and family.

I made her a necklace and earrings. These pearls are dyed fresh water pearls in Champagne color.
I used Swarovski Crystals as accents. They do sparkle up your attitude :) :)

Well Jessica I hope you enjoy the set and it looks divine on my diva sister! Well this blog is short and sweet because I need to get to work. I just wanted to share this beautiful pearl set.
I think I might just make one in purple for myself!

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

Copper Heart Tutorial Part 1.wmv

2010-08-02T20:49:00.004-05:00

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHgdcB0t6Ic
Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL76KrgOf7o

Local Bead Market!

2010-07-26T23:43:00.012-05:00

Well it is that time again for the wonderful Bead Market. I stock up on wire and shop around for things you can't find in the local craft and bead shops. I buy the silver non tarnish copper core wire. This wire stands up to wear if it is taken good care.

I have noticed that the coating will come off if you get the wire wet repeatedly. I always suggest to always take of wire rings when washing hands or applying lotions and such.

So anyway enough about wire loooook at the pretties we bought! My friend Karen and I met at the bead market and shopped til we dropped or rather die of thirst LOL
So this time a lot of the normal vendors did not come this time. I was surprised how many empty booths all around, none the less I found plenty to buy.
I purchased some beads from a huge mound of grade b beads. They are just the right price and if you look long enough you will find really pretty beads.

I think I am getting my friend Karen hooked on buying beads and then i make her something. Its so funny...
Well I have many projects now to work on so that is all for now.

I am sure I will blog soon when I have finished a piece.

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

New Beads

2010-07-04T19:16:00.013-05:00

Hello and good day to everyone. I am so excited about my new beads I had to write a blog about it. I recently purchased these beads. They are so lovely!!!! The green beads are glass and the skulls are turquoise. The red beads are garnet. The little green beads are garnet as well. The skull is Quartz Crystal! I love skulls :)
Links at the bottom. I love going to my little shop across town for some cool beads. The picture of green beads and skulls are from this little shop. The Artful Bead.
This nice bead shop always has beads you can't find most places. She has good prices and quality items.

I had fun shopping this day because it was my friend who called me up on the phone and said let's get out and do something. I then suggested bead shopping. :) I have also included in this post, the pictures of the earrings I made from this wonderful excursion. LOL My friend picked out some fabulous beads and then the next day I started working away on the designs.

I am stuck today on the design for the turquoise skulls. I have some ideas but I am not sure if I want to make earrings or just pendant. I think they will be to heavy for earrings. The designing continues... :)

Well anyway I will post a new blog when I have used these beads in my jewelry.

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

New Items for 2010

2010-05-23T22:55:00.007-05:00

Well hello fellow bloggers today I just wanted to share some pieces I have made in the last six months. I have had fun making some beautiful pieces with wonderful gem stones.

I have been lucky this year at the Arts Goggle. Arts Goggle is a small event that I participate in twice a year. It is a small event filled with great food , drink and music. It supports local artists and the local restaurants and business in the area.
Click on the link below for the site that sponsors the event.
The event is free for set up for all artists. You must sign up with the web site to get registered for the event. It is located in south Fort Worth, Texas
www.fortworthsouth.org

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

Fairmount Home Tour of Fort Worth Texas- Donation to the Silent Auction

2010-05-23T22:25:00.007-05:00

Fairmount Home Tour Event. This year I participated in a home tour event and set up near the ticket sales booth. We had a few other vendors set up and it was a profitable event.

I also donated a an anklet and pair of earrings for the silent auction for the community.
I don't live in South Fort Worth but it was nice to help out another nice community.
I helped raise 1700.00 for the community. I enjoy helping communities even if it is not my own

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com

:)

Red Hot Copper

2010-02-02T21:41:00.006-06:00

I am posting another new pendant inspired by a comment on my Turquoise colored copper heart pendant. I started making a tutorial and ended up with this heart pendant. I really love red and especially crystals. There is never a set design. I usually just design as I go with these pendants. Sometimes I do draw out my design first if I have something really special in mind. I also like to make custom pendants that my customer has helped design. I get a lot of customers asking me for custom design and it is so fun to make these pieces.

Shannon Schow
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
Custom Handmade Jewelry
Plenty of beads in stock to make what your heart desires.
Online Classes available. In house Classes available
Contact me for details
dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com