tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243618032023-11-16T01:49:39.568-06:00Vickie HallmarkVickie Hallmark
treetop inspired jewelryVickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comBlogger766125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-34677949133960587182014-06-17T10:02:00.004-05:002014-06-17T10:02:51.452-05:00Blog Location Changed – Please Update Your Feeds!<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
You might have noticed a dearth of blog postings lately. Along with jewelry making and filling orders this spring, I’ve been working slowly on my website as well. As of today, my blog is moving from Blogger over to WordPress, so that it can live directly on my own website instead of relying on a redirect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cNfjyfmtSfwulOXvSPtTOrZLeqmcW80Wq1nnS0VIIjMxCyekFAm1-U8xfNQzzRQQa2lzcrcCCp98YlP_mNvIBCanCSsn5zLyfGW4zqYxDl-1zkOw2LXp7Q_dTDv5ZNkgyGQAvA/s1600/amethyst+cardinal+earrings+1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cNfjyfmtSfwulOXvSPtTOrZLeqmcW80Wq1nnS0VIIjMxCyekFAm1-U8xfNQzzRQQa2lzcrcCCp98YlP_mNvIBCanCSsn5zLyfGW4zqYxDl-1zkOw2LXp7Q_dTDv5ZNkgyGQAvA/s1600/amethyst+cardinal+earrings+1000x1000.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">©2014 Vickie Hallmark</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Argentium sterling silver and amethyst</span></td></tr>
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If you’re a regular (or even occasional) reader, please update your feeds while visiting <a href="http://vickiehallmark.com/blog" style="border: 0px; color: #9f9f9f; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Vickie Hallmark Jewelry Blog">Vickie Hallmark Jewelry Blog</a>.</div>
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This has been more work than expected, but I hope to make things easier in the future and have more time to show you what’s on the bench.</div>
Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-75970250164504416752014-05-03T08:21:00.000-05:002014-05-03T08:21:03.079-05:00The Birds … and the BeesPerhaps it was inevitable? A bee joined the tiny birds and flora headed for the kiln.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6Rp2TR7OUXSubytphmH4EA4Mpy0_zyY-Xv0LS9JD3GrNMGcdjo80sc_NyQiE1BRMVbT9Mt0itlBm-b9vSEuitQeGxRjmfwc80NqSL5LyBFgKGy4BJtaR6sQpPLo62DFFTW0zWw/s1600/10261996_10203767834065638_7025351994574398954_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6Rp2TR7OUXSubytphmH4EA4Mpy0_zyY-Xv0LS9JD3GrNMGcdjo80sc_NyQiE1BRMVbT9Mt0itlBm-b9vSEuitQeGxRjmfwc80NqSL5LyBFgKGy4BJtaR6sQpPLo62DFFTW0zWw/s1600/10261996_10203767834065638_7025351994574398954_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fine silver components headed to the kiln</td></tr>
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-22586828991933210802014-05-01T09:41:00.001-05:002014-05-01T09:41:22.930-05:00Experimenting with Art PrintsIt's been ages since I worked in my <a href="http://blog.vickiehallmark.com/2011/06/free-as-bird-book-now-available-on-etsy.html" target="_blank">bird journal</a>, which is still <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188161185/free-as-a-bird-an-art-journal-by-vickie?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">available in my Etsy shop</a>. I thought I'd revisit offering prints for the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuqeNO_SNiGVuz7wKhqYhHqyDqN28n3RM6ON9Vu4UloKPORt3G5Cw5pfcTgdJCLZMuNyqQpUKwNmR4AeaibqOOUTjj-S4oNJ6g0M3CVRhv2p_UGXKd76ssKuCe3NHLaaPXbxLAw/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuqeNO_SNiGVuz7wKhqYhHqyDqN28n3RM6ON9Vu4UloKPORt3G5Cw5pfcTgdJCLZMuNyqQpUKwNmR4AeaibqOOUTjj-S4oNJ6g0M3CVRhv2p_UGXKd76ssKuCe3NHLaaPXbxLAw/s1600/back.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sing<br />©2010 Vickie Hallmark<br />watercolor, acrylic, ink, collage on paper</td></tr>
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So today I uploaded the back cover, one of my favorite pages, to a print on demand site to make an <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/products/sing-vickie-hallmark-art-print.html" target="_blank">art print</a> available for only $22. Matted and <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/products/sing-vickie-hallmark-framed-print.html" target="_blank">framed</a> versions are also available, as well as smaller <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/products/sing-vickie-hallmark-greeting-card.html" target="_blank">greeting cards</a>.<br />
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You can read about my process for making the journal <a href="http://blog.vickiehallmark.com/2010/10/journal-page-sequence.html" target="_blank">here</a>. See the <a href="http://www.vickiehallmark.com/journal.html" target="_blank">full set of images</a> on my website.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-50163685048022739832014-04-15T15:08:00.002-05:002014-04-24T21:30:41.573-05:007 Leaf Cuff in ProgressThe most popular item on my display during both wholesale shows earlier this year was the 7 Leaf Cuff shown below. I thought it might be interesting to show how this bracelet is made.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy02p2_HYW_DwG-kfhescZxRynk7oxCuwtdSAMtWiXBZCydS54HlauRDkMtjnC-uznu-1f3gqd2rUejH3iQQDLN-Riv6ULU-vUFe7HYmOG-6JFlsFDnnWvpz4aVRhQdib5tK2cBw/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+1000x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy02p2_HYW_DwG-kfhescZxRynk7oxCuwtdSAMtWiXBZCydS54HlauRDkMtjnC-uznu-1f3gqd2rUejH3iQQDLN-Riv6ULU-vUFe7HYmOG-6JFlsFDnnWvpz4aVRhQdib5tK2cBw/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+1000x500.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 leaf cuff<br />
Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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The right and left curving leaf master models were made by hand in sterling silver metal clay, with my signature leaf vine texture. After firing in the kiln in two different stages as high as 1500ºF, the pieces are reduced to sterling silver. After polishing to provide the best surface, they are soldered to metal attachment rods called sprues and then molded with heat curing rubber. The rubber molds are cut open along the edges to remove the masters and then wax is injected into the molds repeatedly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBkY0F6BeDYCNs_2MxZpDmtBbjVL_ghKryPGQX-lpvtgMYbtpH1GcW_F4sskgWjyiLBoKjmm3i2N3AyT74tbhNDH6JawtP-mJm2CsrhKpjI96bg-6oL72V7C6CBabMCtMqs7uCQ/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+components.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBkY0F6BeDYCNs_2MxZpDmtBbjVL_ghKryPGQX-lpvtgMYbtpH1GcW_F4sskgWjyiLBoKjmm3i2N3AyT74tbhNDH6JawtP-mJm2CsrhKpjI96bg-6oL72V7C6CBabMCtMqs7uCQ/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+components.jpg" height="96" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 leaf cuff components</td></tr>
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These wax copies are attached to a center wax sprue to form a tree of waxes, which is then molded itself in silica based investment (like hard plaster). After burning out the wax in a hot kiln, Argentium silver is melted in a crucible at the center of a centrifugal casting machine, the mold is place at the end of a long arm, spring wound to spin freely. When the metal is melted, the crucible is pushed up against the opening to the mold and the spring is released to force the metal into the void in the mold. After cooling, removing the investment, cutting the pieces apart, and minor polishing, the pieces are ready to assemble, as shown above.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j-GnvL-YWUSb4NTZsL1xJKnRA4VYRqbJMDXWUAk-34LspQeEyjjoncXbQDajH9AskAwtZ027rZ4W4Dvk1iQYtmLJ8a0jhfuE2suxeTSiReXnvep2lOPvRqRb0ezcap9WbSKf9g/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+fused+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j-GnvL-YWUSb4NTZsL1xJKnRA4VYRqbJMDXWUAk-34LspQeEyjjoncXbQDajH9AskAwtZ027rZ4W4Dvk1iQYtmLJ8a0jhfuE2suxeTSiReXnvep2lOPvRqRb0ezcap9WbSKf9g/s1600/7+leaf+cuff+fused+flat.jpg" height="96" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 leaf cuff fused flat</td></tr>
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Each leaf is dipped into flux, carefully positioned with its neighbors in a long line, and then each joint is fused together without any solder. The bracelet is ready to form around a mandrel and heat harden (a specialty feature of Argentium) to maximize its strength before it is polished and patinated to bring out the texture.<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-50943126233694889662014-04-10T10:19:00.001-05:002014-04-10T10:19:14.559-05:00Studio Organization - the Order BoardAs I increase my production for galleries, I'm working on new systems in the studio to keep me organized. This is mostly a trial and error process. I tried compiling all the orders for a certain time period into a single list, at first handwritten and then input to a Word document with photos to make it visual. That at least gave me a total count when I was making a particular item. I tried printing it out and checking off items as I completed them. It was functional, but I decided that I craved some more tangible measure of progress.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd9-DGi8t26u-rGOwKUAkEQ_C8UXy_CM14O5aqM-61dk45ftQprZdlHI1eebRCbEwOXdQ7aR1G341ZCEOKkR-RhZxV2DWggn0XCJh3QiM_T9BTTpPhGssiJbcLD8azNpA8xyBNw/s1600/order+board+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd9-DGi8t26u-rGOwKUAkEQ_C8UXy_CM14O5aqM-61dk45ftQprZdlHI1eebRCbEwOXdQ7aR1G341ZCEOKkR-RhZxV2DWggn0XCJh3QiM_T9BTTpPhGssiJbcLD8azNpA8xyBNw/s320/order+board+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">order board first day</td></tr>
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One of the home design blogs the I read, <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>, had a recent post on a <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2014/03/some-overdue-office-organization/">magnetic dry erase board</a> for organizing their home projects and blog posts. I realized that a version of their board might work nicely for my purposes. I decided to forgo their fancy customized board and just pick up something that would work. This combination of black magnetic/chalk board with white dry erase magnet strips is the result.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAVpgJT1OYIzNbUfTjxZfz8EaY3FIEVwmXY5KcH0L8LWCZ5iAt5NlUNHmp7cB-RNwC3evAvE9obWmSujS5dRDzuwdeu4JhdqOj_in7Pl6NEQFnCTdq5vEs8yk2XG6yxzt1tjmhg/s1600/order+board+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAVpgJT1OYIzNbUfTjxZfz8EaY3FIEVwmXY5KcH0L8LWCZ5iAt5NlUNHmp7cB-RNwC3evAvE9obWmSujS5dRDzuwdeu4JhdqOj_in7Pl6NEQFnCTdq5vEs8yk2XG6yxzt1tjmhg/s320/order+board+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">order board second day</td></tr>
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My jewelry products names are written in permanent black marker, and then I use neon dry erase markers to indicate the number needed and stone color, if applicable (leaf studs in pink garnet or green peridot, for example).
For now, I'm moving items from the right side of the board (in process or yet to be started) to the left side as I complete them. The change above is from one day to the next in my progress on shipments for delivery before Mother's Day. I don't move the tags until the piece is bagged and ready to ship, so one day's progress on the board may just mean that a bunch of multi-day projects completed at once. Even so, it sure feels good to walk over and move the tags. It's a bit like getting that gold star on a paper back in grade school.
Now I'm thinking a few more boards for other projects might be in order. Shipments, purchases,...Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-80159270402323492272014-03-10T10:11:00.003-05:002014-03-10T10:11:50.368-05:00Gold and Blackened Silver JewelryAs I play more and more with black oxidized silver, I've found myself craving gold. For years I've collected images of jewelry from artists that I admire which features the pop of bright gold with black. It's one of my favorite color combos.<br />
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So I finally dove in. I ordered a single ounce of fine gold casting grain to combine with some unused 14k gold rings from the jewelry box to combine for 22k casting. From this investment I have a collection of birds, flowers and leaves to try out in some new jewelry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBaYvXyGsBOFhY7dTUSvflA4eRoWi01X46WLSh_5A2jqTKHfD9BGRr9I9ShD1kity9tzL2_4Zl39PpSO4bF9iQvh601qObmix_iS9fAh3vUTatSIsVvekm0DJVhP7YulwYzRQkQ/s1600/goldfinch+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBaYvXyGsBOFhY7dTUSvflA4eRoWi01X46WLSh_5A2jqTKHfD9BGRr9I9ShD1kity9tzL2_4Zl39PpSO4bF9iQvh601qObmix_iS9fAh3vUTatSIsVvekm0DJVhP7YulwYzRQkQ/s1600/goldfinch+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldfinch earrings<br />©2014 Vickie Hallmark<br />Argentium sterling silver, 22k gold</td></tr>
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Here are the first few things I tried. First, a simple pair of earrings with birds in the treetops, obviously goldfinches. I've learned that I need to redo my models and molds, as these gold birds are much thicker (and more expensive) than they need to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3S4-EaDKinHcN65xWOfuSRO_lrSVbCEblUdxGnF3-fDyos4HHtTJ2tLyfFBTp2PGs2-YzanuneJFRJTJkxlt1HySXHbf0iCEKoG22eYpc5zrl_9wLt9oIWZ7G7oHTEzu8OHNcTQ/s1600/gold+leaf+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3S4-EaDKinHcN65xWOfuSRO_lrSVbCEblUdxGnF3-fDyos4HHtTJ2tLyfFBTp2PGs2-YzanuneJFRJTJkxlt1HySXHbf0iCEKoG22eYpc5zrl_9wLt9oIWZ7G7oHTEzu8OHNcTQ/s1600/gold+leaf+earrings.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldleaf earrings<br />©2014 Vickie Hallmark<br />22k and 18k gold</td></tr>
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And I also made a pair of plain gold leaf studs, where I added 18k gold posts and nuts (my first time to solder gold, which went smoothly).Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-70789383136076603322014-03-07T11:53:00.001-06:002014-03-07T11:53:20.992-06:00Vickie Hallmark Jewelry Online Shop - Test RunI'm finally giving priority to getting the online shop up and running, rather than continuing to handle purchase inquiries one by one. The test shop is open, although not linked seamlessly yet, and not perfectly matched in appearance.<br />
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So far, only the affordable <a href="http://www.vickiehallmark.com/flock.html" target="_blank">flock collection</a> from my jewelry line appears there. I'll be adding more just as soon as I can. I have it set up so that clicking on any individual image takes you to the shop page for that item.<br />
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Please drop in to see the new shop and let me know what you think!Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-65036101663773340082014-02-27T14:09:00.002-06:002014-02-27T14:09:45.461-06:00Wholesale Show ExperiencesWhew! What an exciting, exhilarating and exhausting few months! I finally find myself on the far side of my first two wholesale show, so I'm taking a few moments to sit back and analyze where I've been and where I want to go next.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylZ3JGXlmpdPP1b9jF-dXq9IvSyxTfbh6_aYpxlUCRtNAlDMzOXKgjnVg6jiXnzB0pYzEFFZnJ5k5uZzjnJVSSVGNVFWSfuEZWAjDALuMXoaAzfuondi0jThVUOvlFhP3ZtvMog/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylZ3JGXlmpdPP1b9jF-dXq9IvSyxTfbh6_aYpxlUCRtNAlDMzOXKgjnVg6jiXnzB0pYzEFFZnJ5k5uZzjnJVSSVGNVFWSfuEZWAjDALuMXoaAzfuondi0jThVUOvlFhP3ZtvMog/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark booth<br />ACC Baltimore 2014 wholesale only</td></tr>
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In January, I attended the Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC) in Philadelphia (now renamed American Made Show). Last week, I participated in the expanded wholesale section at the American Craft Council (ACC) show in Baltimore. I was so much more relaxed with the first show under my belt!<br />
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I shipped most of my booth directly from one show to the next, so I was able to complete my set up with the addition of two checked pieces of luggage (one of which weighed 90 pounds!). Although there was some overlap in the attendees at the two shows, overall I felt I reached a different audience with the second show. The show layout was confusing and obviously a last minute addition which didn't work as well as being down on the regular show floor would have, but even so I wrote a few orders and made some good contacts.<br />
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One of the best parts of doing such shows is meeting other artists. I am truly grateful for the camaraderie shared amongst vendors at these shows. Over the course of a few days, we become good friends and share tons of helpful information. I feel blessed to have such fun neighbors, who watched my booth for restroom runs, brought me drinks, offered chocolate, and kept me amused during slow spells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawkaF-PILMzs8gEJeUW4uR4WvXHy2SJlAToAkntg5zhZthBTPkQdu__uYKfBEb_c7_ymYQax3QbMHoPOWUGUVxrvRiiQDWbiCDqdQrxmALEmwdRnATNsWdKYhlMz_wbe2uAqCBA/s1600/wren-earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawkaF-PILMzs8gEJeUW4uR4WvXHy2SJlAToAkntg5zhZthBTPkQdu__uYKfBEb_c7_ymYQax3QbMHoPOWUGUVxrvRiiQDWbiCDqdQrxmALEmwdRnATNsWdKYhlMz_wbe2uAqCBA/s1600/wren-earrings.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wren earrings<br />from the flock collection<br />©2014 Vickie Hallmark<br />sterling silver & pearl</td></tr>
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Now that I'm home, I'm compiling data on what sold and what didn't to use in refining my collections going forward. The bestsellers were from my flock collection, including the wren earrings shown above and a coordinating necklace. This collection is based on a series of my original drawings, converted into raised textures on sterling silver.<br />
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I have quite a collection of sketches, and the spring bird migrations are coming to inspire more, so I'm busily thinking of new designs to expand this collection.<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-43272984329617333622014-02-05T10:24:00.000-06:002014-02-05T10:24:01.941-06:00My First Forays into Mass MarketingMany readers have inquired about the results from my participation in the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/" target="_blank">BMAC show</a> last month. The answer is simple: it's too soon to tell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVbETYU7n5jAopcMpKcEI2RABoGr0wsNiEjaNzyrTawTBhjNkn_36iizRalf5wQLy48U4LJ4GdPNrx0oAwGyZNvj2X8pWoB3-AfUFpIw0cQ9gUrxiI3HSK-d1mm4_EOaWWbRbw/s1600/postcards+ready+to+mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVbETYU7n5jAopcMpKcEI2RABoGr0wsNiEjaNzyrTawTBhjNkn_36iizRalf5wQLy48U4LJ4GdPNrx0oAwGyZNvj2X8pWoB3-AfUFpIw0cQ9gUrxiI3HSK-d1mm4_EOaWWbRbw/s1600/postcards+ready+to+mail.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was warned repeatedly that breaking into the wholesale end of selling jewelry is a matter of persistence. Many repetitions of retailers seeing my work will be needed to generate a sense of familiarity and recognition that will lead to success. To increase my exposure, I have sent three separate rounds of postcards to an ever-expanding mailing list (generated laboriously by me, searching the internet for potential matches).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6Jc-8mluja9QL9hWO8yChfnzYGqHmkWcSZqPLFdgfGRoS1gRMxPgcXiLTnZjn_2G3s4Z4NTAfZta7GNGyePmQFMjM0dTPxZpyY9Xq_LjYQjD8rVc7t9HOY1M8BrIB6gdQh5TUw/s1600/Goldberry+Earrings+Ad+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6Jc-8mluja9QL9hWO8yChfnzYGqHmkWcSZqPLFdgfGRoS1gRMxPgcXiLTnZjn_2G3s4Z4NTAfZta7GNGyePmQFMjM0dTPxZpyY9Xq_LjYQjD8rVc7t9HOY1M8BrIB6gdQh5TUw/s1600/Goldberry+Earrings+Ad+small.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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I have placed my very first print advertisement into the <a href="http://shows.craftcouncil.org/baltimorewholesale" target="_blank">ACC Baltimore show</a> preview edition of <i><a href="http://craftcouncil.org/magazine" target="_blank">American Craft Magazine</a></i>.<br />
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I have printed that same image on the ad onto a notecard that I used to send handwritten thank you notes to buyers that I visited with at BMAC. I'm debating more advertising and more direct contacts to galleries, along with my upcoming trip to the American Craft Council Show (wholesale only) in Baltimore in a few weeks. So far, this is all a very expensive proposition, in terms of both money and time. And only time will tell what works and what does not.<br />
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Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-61912702453673428182014-01-26T15:55:00.001-06:002014-01-26T20:47:44.094-06:00Jewelry Trade Show Booth - from Design to RealityWay back last year (a month ago!) I posted my design ideas for my booth at the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/" target="_blank">Buyers Market of American Craft</a>, and then I went silent as the number of details to take care of, coupled with the holidays, just overwhelmed any capacity to blog on my part. Today I thought I'd catch my breath after attending the BMAC last week and show you what I actually implemented. Most buyers probably have no idea what the exhibitor goes through to be ready for that opening event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl37dtvpZDdD3ao-JOvBJ2o0Exuz9AY85mj_ryP0ueTenCSKlwme3sjb_-FFF18i4QAhtCsMgHBePf4zxRXKZJUDZHn9-A_DNms39uhyV7chn4Zpl9OzrilJYSklEnKjSFDpyLg/s1600/BMAC+2014+booth+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl37dtvpZDdD3ao-JOvBJ2o0Exuz9AY85mj_ryP0ueTenCSKlwme3sjb_-FFF18i4QAhtCsMgHBePf4zxRXKZJUDZHn9-A_DNms39uhyV7chn4Zpl9OzrilJYSklEnKjSFDpyLg/s1600/BMAC+2014+booth+beginning.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark BMAC 2014 Booth<br />
Arrival</td></tr>
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Here's how it all begins. I shipped four packages to the advance warehouse, which were transported over to my booth on the first day of set up. This is an expensive proposition, as not only must I pay shipping (Fed Ex Ground going in), but drayage is assessed. Drayage is the most expensive form of shipping your work the shortest distance. For example, drayage to move the boxes a few miles from the warehouse to the convention center cost half as much as moving it all the way from Texas to Philadelphia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ZuiConWGwaggllZQkAGsP__cOe0DVz-jmKxTBQxcK9iEvAH5WXgFlkowPJKuyrc_3I1Mawc-7Dm5hFBl62VtB3rTCqviUROPpFMuXG_FvUESfM2aWMFCJLaa0aKCxX0Dgq2Nw/s1600/BMAC+2014+walls+and+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94ZuiConWGwaggllZQkAGsP__cOe0DVz-jmKxTBQxcK9iEvAH5WXgFlkowPJKuyrc_3I1Mawc-7Dm5hFBl62VtB3rTCqviUROPpFMuXG_FvUESfM2aWMFCJLaa0aKCxX0Dgq2Nw/s1600/BMAC+2014+walls+and+floor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark BMAC 2014 Booth<br />
Walls, floor and stool in place</td></tr>
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The booth rental itself includes a plot of floor, in my case 5'x10' in size on a corner, and the standard issue "pipe and drape." Flooring is required, at my expense, and any furniture must either be provided by me or rented at essentially purchase price. I decided that since I was doing more than one trade show, purchasing my own fixtures would be ultimately cost effective considering the rental rates. I chose to have large 4'x8' foam core sheets delivered from a nearby art store, which were hung from the pipe with zip ties and taped together to give this seamless wall look. For flooring, I had a choice of pricy and ugly rental carpet or something I shipped. I chose gray wood-look foam puzzle pieces, which are lightweight to ship, quick to lay, and comfortable for standing for four days. The IKEA stool was purchased and shipped for less than the price of renting a tall stool at the show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTcpnN5A8-G_7mdxKJjgVpxiSxhOEapx8PDHjhMys2ofQMk1XspTQCV5M4tGQcQc5NzcxBaOJFq5z-SokqjaZg5rNgvqUcblgQoy8jywh-5i7y2q1Spi6oZ_-BrTPORRsbLtS0g/s1600/BMAC+2014+Abstracta+assembled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTcpnN5A8-G_7mdxKJjgVpxiSxhOEapx8PDHjhMys2ofQMk1XspTQCV5M4tGQcQc5NzcxBaOJFq5z-SokqjaZg5rNgvqUcblgQoy8jywh-5i7y2q1Spi6oZ_-BrTPORRsbLtS0g/s1600/BMAC+2014+Abstracta+assembled.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark BMAC 2014 Booth<br />
Abstracta tables assembled</td></tr>
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I selected <a href="http://abstracta.com/" target="_blank">Abstracta</a> tables because of their modular structure that allows me to adapt the furniture to various needs in the future. The tables are composed of a series of standard length 1/2" pipes and various connectors. With a tiny bit of familiarity, they take less than an hour to assemble and disassemble on site. All the pipes shipped in one long box, while the shelving for the top shipped in a separate box.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJBc9zPaxPioNrIAQWgy7g4fTu2F15P6V7Y-PCKFnoEZmRnhGwbfRy5rTT3m0-PYN42n6Gl3jgTFH7zR9qaxy7tEm2K-EgxYcS2M6MdD-UHLqfomWkiKcF3Kb8eRdEtB4um1IPA/s1600/BMAC+2014+ready+for+jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJBc9zPaxPioNrIAQWgy7g4fTu2F15P6V7Y-PCKFnoEZmRnhGwbfRy5rTT3m0-PYN42n6Gl3jgTFH7zR9qaxy7tEm2K-EgxYcS2M6MdD-UHLqfomWkiKcF3Kb8eRdEtB4um1IPA/s1600/BMAC+2014+ready+for+jewelry.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark BMAC 2014 Booth<br />
Ready for jewelry</td></tr>
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Finally, I cut the side panels from extra sheets of foam core and then attached plastic cut outs of my tree branding to the tables, which I think gives a beautiful customization. Many hours of work went into designing all of these aspects of the booth, and many dollars were required to purchase all the elements, including lights, signage and jewelry displays.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRSqgufNK32d53sfDCm5FGnIHXu76q6cIaSUPjsRKxHIU8BSWza7Y5-gCP6xqe4BZ4WlVY7omgm7r0ObSk1psTESPXupdevoktIQdx1FvYkLqu4cLTCZfGlC2t2C5ZZSVqBTsQQ/s1600/narrow+booth+shot+BMAC14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRSqgufNK32d53sfDCm5FGnIHXu76q6cIaSUPjsRKxHIU8BSWza7Y5-gCP6xqe4BZ4WlVY7omgm7r0ObSk1psTESPXupdevoktIQdx1FvYkLqu4cLTCZfGlC2t2C5ZZSVqBTsQQ/s1600/narrow+booth+shot+BMAC14.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickie Hallmark BMAC 2014 Booth<br />
finished</td></tr>
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The displays themselves are simple artist boards, primed and ready for painting. I personalized those with my robin's egg blue paint on the sides. A few extra touches - flowers and a bird dish for business cards - along with the jewelry itself, and the booth is ready for business.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7njMP5_dtcumCyBnd622MA-3UbFpyXSC8BoBdPyrW8C3hLT1NgqpOM5tzNxujL2EX3QkSU7guGRJIuRux08cw5Ayhv7Oftv2Lkvw6iD8_m5Z3b16Lmr5s5Dvo7DTyFMpeIUtOLQ/s1600/BMAC+2014+booth+image+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7njMP5_dtcumCyBnd622MA-3UbFpyXSC8BoBdPyrW8C3hLT1NgqpOM5tzNxujL2EX3QkSU7guGRJIuRux08cw5Ayhv7Oftv2Lkvw6iD8_m5Z3b16Lmr5s5Dvo7DTyFMpeIUtOLQ/s1600/BMAC+2014+booth+image+small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-58514605827729086322013-12-17T14:15:00.001-06:002013-12-17T15:30:20.213-06:00Going Wholesale - Designing a BoothIt's official! I'm doing my first ever wholesale trade shows in 2014. I'm ready to try to expose my jewelry to a much larger audience via the assistance of a wider network of retail galleries and shops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtTzlXS6DHfHR3qHtjMr0rqg82S4aLfTVKazfp5WBoiUQZrLJYzu-IJpwG1Nm1CJFVGNIO_o5tohqIit_3v2SW8a4Oz-xYObwqEwRWZ4qr-72f9wdYwTGAmdBWoZgVhXJGmlPTg/s1600/Hallmark-booth-design-v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtTzlXS6DHfHR3qHtjMr0rqg82S4aLfTVKazfp5WBoiUQZrLJYzu-IJpwG1Nm1CJFVGNIO_o5tohqIit_3v2SW8a4Oz-xYObwqEwRWZ4qr-72f9wdYwTGAmdBWoZgVhXJGmlPTg/s320/Hallmark-booth-design-v1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">booth design, version 1</td></tr>
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After my father's passing in August, I didn't really feel like I had enough time to prepare for the wholesale show season starting in January. However, the idea of postponing for an entire year seeming depressing, an excuse for me to wallow in grief and not work toward goals that I'd put on the back burner for the last several years. My father was so proud of my jewelry, and he knew that helping him took priority over that work (and he felt bad about it). I view committing to going wholesale as a way to honor his support and love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84IbhhB9etH5aRyVv4fcyI0TT9Bzf9Sj169ZVJdihvGpT03ukWF1PdE7KkilmhA0UbN8svJrL2oPdXRKXifqYjINYv30CL0ooZ_v8s-pVO809gneU10q96DHuHS4Q3wpPS6NmsA/s1600/Hallmark-booth-design-v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84IbhhB9etH5aRyVv4fcyI0TT9Bzf9Sj169ZVJdihvGpT03ukWF1PdE7KkilmhA0UbN8svJrL2oPdXRKXifqYjINYv30CL0ooZ_v8s-pVO809gneU10q96DHuHS4Q3wpPS6NmsA/s320/Hallmark-booth-design-v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">booth design, version 2</td></tr>
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So I applied to both the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/" target="_blank">Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC)</a> and the <a href="http://shows.craftcouncil.org/baltimorewholesale" target="_blank">American Craft Council (ACC) show in Baltimore</a>. BMAC moved earlier in the season for 2014, so it will be here in less than one month! It no longer is back to back with the ACC show, where I was accepted into a newly expanded wholesale only show (the retail section is one of the best craft shows in the country and super competitive for jewelry, so no surprise that I didn't jury into that section…yet!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A5c3Ao7qdmLZvosKedn4Jve4_BloQotFM4nA_qpl1fPppmu20qvQ1McPKTc9IpRi45jcxpuwBOiui25PnRiuqz9QuONsNV7xbK-fp1CzXvM6mdoaZs3BY6jtsobXaZj2lMbxvw/s1600/Hallmark-booth-design-v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A5c3Ao7qdmLZvosKedn4Jve4_BloQotFM4nA_qpl1fPppmu20qvQ1McPKTc9IpRi45jcxpuwBOiui25PnRiuqz9QuONsNV7xbK-fp1CzXvM6mdoaZs3BY6jtsobXaZj2lMbxvw/s320/Hallmark-booth-design-v3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">booth design, version 3</td></tr>
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One of the first things I started to work on for both shows was booth design. At BMAC, I took an emerging artist booth, which is half-size at ten feet wide by five feet deep. Available only to first time exhibitors, the booth costs half the usual price, a blessing with the myriad investments necessary to start down this path. In years past, the emerging artist booths were placed in a poor back location, but this year they are located along a central wide aisle to attract more attention. I did invest in a corner placement nearest to the Premier Jewelry section, hoping that would give me higher visibility. Several people recommended going ahead with this new exhibitor booth, as it's a one time opportunity and most buyers will at least make a pass through that aisle to see what is new, whereas taking a regular booth would mean less visibility as a new artist.<br />
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I've spent many hours reading about booth design and searching the internet for images to determine which direction I want to go with my own presentation. After the fact, that small booth has proven to be somewhat of a liability just because it is SO small. I've debated the merits of renting tables or purchasing displays, of renting carpet or purchasing foam tile flooring, of track lights vs. clip ons, of hard walls and foam core walls and curtains, of commercial or custom or homemade jewelry displays. I've never done the retail show circuit, so all of this is new to me. So many decisions! But I can say that it costs almost as much to rent as to buy, so multiple uses make it seem more reasonable to just do the upfront investment and get the look I want rather than taking the easy route.<br />
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First I used masking tape to lay out the booth on my garage floor, then I cut the gray "wood" foam tiles to size. Now I'm awaiting the delivery of the Abstracta components to actually set up the tables and get a feel for whether it's possible to walk through my space to look at work on the walls, or whether I should just line the edges of the booth with table top displays.<br />
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I've submitted photos for printing into large scale format for the walls, and I've bought large canvases to experiment with displaying work on the wall. I've learned to vectorize my artwork so that I could print it large enough to do that big banner I envisioned. I've ordered (and paid for) electricity for the still open lighting. I've booked hotel and air reservations. I've ordered postcards and stamps and printed mailing labels and booth number labels. I'm still making long, long lists of things that must get done before the last few weeks slip away. And, yes, I'm still making jewelry to include in a production line.<br />
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Meanwhile, the holidays intervene and I'm at a loss as to how to get it all done!<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-31870782725417992162013-12-09T17:00:00.001-06:002013-12-09T17:10:15.931-06:00Australian Moons Bracelet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7ddJznN5WTO0Y5wavh_WIx5C2XD7BLTmJuMbfJoXSpu63dS-FF3Ga_RPaCRdA52uFg_TKbgsMWa-NLfv79Nv_TXz084krENLALpntXmfKOo4hOC78n1d3LAPtJIWcmamMk1J4A/s1600/Australian+Moons+bracelet+2000x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7ddJznN5WTO0Y5wavh_WIx5C2XD7BLTmJuMbfJoXSpu63dS-FF3Ga_RPaCRdA52uFg_TKbgsMWa-NLfv79Nv_TXz084krENLALpntXmfKOo4hOC78n1d3LAPtJIWcmamMk1J4A/s400/Australian+Moons+bracelet+2000x500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Moons bracelet<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
Argentium sterling silver, fine silver, <br />
18k yellow gold, diamonds</td></tr>
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Completely handmade from Argentium sheet and wire, fine silver clay, commercial gold bezels and Mother Nature's diamonds.<br />
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Carrying on from the <a href="http://blog.vickiehallmark.com/2013/11/australian-moons-bracelet-fabrication.html" target="_blank">first part</a> of the construction, I cut out the fused panels and finished the edges and backs. Then I soldered the gold bezels into position and a little surprise on the back (I like to add a hidden treasure for only the owner to see).<br />
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Next, I fabricated the chain links and toggle clasp from Argentium wire. All the large links are fused, but the small jump rings were soldered closed for security. After patina and some polishing, I set the diamonds into their bezels before final touch ups.<br />
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Voila! It seems so easy to run through the steps in writing, but in the real world this is hours and hours of painstaking work. That's what's required to get the level of detail that I like and that my customers appreciate.<br />
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If you'd like a custom piece of your very own, use the contact form on the rights side of this blog page to contact me!<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-58375327686192936132013-11-29T11:52:00.002-06:002013-11-29T12:13:09.421-06:00Australian Moons Bracelet Fabrication Part 1I love my Five Moons Bracelet design, but I wouldn't ever want to reproduce it exactly. When I received a request to make a custom version, I thought it was a perfect idea. All the quirks of construction are already worked out, and the fun part of designing the one-of-a-kind vignettes on each panel are the excitement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJDLLCUmYuXbGek0w2XumrpvyS6ukfQEx-Zllptv5p7yhG6oh6pATxrraKVGPc9NgmlPyRs8IZr_7nGA9zA4v4jyTUH5uqpQ7t_P4Ig-6puE_Zvazd9Oh6H7F9Ng9Xt05XNiPjg/s1600/5+moon+panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJDLLCUmYuXbGek0w2XumrpvyS6ukfQEx-Zllptv5p7yhG6oh6pATxrraKVGPc9NgmlPyRs8IZr_7nGA9zA4v4jyTUH5uqpQ7t_P4Ig-6puE_Zvazd9Oh6H7F9Ng9Xt05XNiPjg/s320/5+moon+panels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After working on the birds in fine silver clay, and amassing a pile of tiny leaves for the branches, I started to work on the panels themselves. This time I used a ball peen hammer to texture the sheet for the moons, meditative work that needs to be undertaken with proper attention to prevent damage to the body from repetitively raising and dropping (not actively striking) a hammer thousands of times. I also formed the wire rims for moons and textured those with a fine linear hammer. Prep work like this takes longer than you think.<br />
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Then the fun began, as I bent tiny bits of wire to form branches, carefully dipping those and the silver leaves into flux (not too much, not too little), before placing them into position. Each bird is different, because I want each panel to have its own character. Some branches start from the top and others from the bottom. Some have the bird facing up and others down. Flowers and tiny berries appear amongst the leaves. The client requested some gold and to incorporate diamonds, so I added 18k yellow gold tube bezels strategically, one per panel.<br />
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After I was pleased with vignettes (I let them sit overnight and check the next morning to see if anything looks out of place), I formed a pile of tiny jump rings from wire to add the connectors on either side of each panel. These are carefully glued into place with more flux and tiny granules which add a decorative touch, but also reinforce the connections which do all the work. I also got carried away with tweaking things that bugged me, such as the owl, which was split to allow the branch to appear in front. Because the owl was thicker than the branch, it just looked wrong, so I had to remove some thickness from the pieces. Slightly burned fingers from holding the two bits against a belt sander did the trick. And then I couldn't resist adding bigger eyes for the owl and extra tiny claws to a couple of the birds as well. This is the part I love about the work - elevating the details to the next level.<br />
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Once the flux is dry, off to the torch goes each panel. This is the most nerve wracking part for me, as the flux expands as it heats up, often pushing these tiny bits out of position. So I sit with a torch in one hand and a pick in the other to carefully reposition everything that might have moved (and the flux only allows movement when it is hot). Then I take the temperature on up to the fusing point and carefully rotate the piece to check that every last free part actually attaches firmly together. Heat control is critical. Too little and something may pop off later. Too much and melting can cause me to remake the entire piece.<br />
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Whew! What a sense of relief when these are all fused! Now comes the required, but less fun, more tedious part of finishing the bracelet with connections and clasp.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-50034742232846500642013-11-21T14:16:00.001-06:002013-11-21T14:19:21.056-06:00Sculpting New BirdsAs I begin work on a new commission bracelet destined for down under, titled Australian Moons, I'm back to sculpting tiny birds directly into silver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhLeq4pKIuUSuNMC6vwAjKOcEVd0DxEnxvTT8W7df9Kh7lYb_eHC-EFcaQxjlDgwJi6-SVAWo8WPj3DO6HzdGjePgFtHQQ3wEQKuCa9cTlZPZw-EJ2fYxvoxO38vfNLKY5mp40w/s1600/fd357df7a86f4891aac416b512a7b6bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhLeq4pKIuUSuNMC6vwAjKOcEVd0DxEnxvTT8W7df9Kh7lYb_eHC-EFcaQxjlDgwJi6-SVAWo8WPj3DO6HzdGjePgFtHQQ3wEQKuCa9cTlZPZw-EJ2fYxvoxO38vfNLKY5mp40w/s320/fd357df7a86f4891aac416b512a7b6bb.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Saw Wet Owl from wmburkhardt.tubmlr.com</td></tr>
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After years of practice, I can make plenty of generic birds with no guidelines. But sometimes I want a bird of a particular type or in a specific pose, as I plan for how the pieces will be combined with branches and leaves on the surface of the jewelry. In that case I usually search online for an image that captures my vision. The adorable northern saw-whet owl shown above was taken from a Pinterest board provided by the client.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6RTa7ME5m8_u2utVj_pQsCMHnlAMreBmSFl1IYW_EbgNmDHfHVdRqz4c2OxTCtDb4j7J63PhYG6Y-o-cBCbWK-CrzGh3642Lahz8HlPjmVp-hBzOndcV2DIlO99RVNt1fzfCRA/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6RTa7ME5m8_u2utVj_pQsCMHnlAMreBmSFl1IYW_EbgNmDHfHVdRqz4c2OxTCtDb4j7J63PhYG6Y-o-cBCbWK-CrzGh3642Lahz8HlPjmVp-hBzOndcV2DIlO99RVNt1fzfCRA/s320/owl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">polymer and silver clay versions of the saw whet owl</td></tr>
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If I've been sculpting a fair bit recently, I can usually work directly from the photo into silver clay. If it's been some time since I worked on birds, or if it's a new bird I haven't done before, I may need to practice a bit. To find the best way to do the simplified model in clay, I may work in polymer in a larger scale before moving to silver. This lets me work without worrying about clay drying, which is the biggest working issue with silver clay. I can smooth and refine and work out the steps needed to get the look with maximum impact using minimum marks and available tools.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn4mjQpmXjyDUQP3lJG6i1CaUqVVv8WqDYcdbZFWqViHoTul3I0PIRzroZ2etnyV8nloBymoN4XVdgk6erF5ZRJNWh5qtc0eHWarhKmi85su-dpJ3D7QLDydNgi2e47u0aFTJzA/s1600/7d15dfbdc3ac3d5cfbae0f69bce34782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn4mjQpmXjyDUQP3lJG6i1CaUqVVv8WqDYcdbZFWqViHoTul3I0PIRzroZ2etnyV8nloBymoN4XVdgk6erF5ZRJNWh5qtc0eHWarhKmi85su-dpJ3D7QLDydNgi2e47u0aFTJzA/s320/7d15dfbdc3ac3d5cfbae0f69bce34782.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue fairy wren</td></tr>
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Another request for this bracelet was a blue fairy wren, which I remember being totally captivated by on my visits to Australia.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVVIrJC-yFZjyXtD-O7duvXhRLoMvAcYL4yS_PsZau1rPup3q4n3M4Aw7SmRlZVvRJK8NkF6dIPw5Zna9qj2DBsKI1g4mzLiws1vSs56Hn0htz2-5lEs3L8GyQHMwpwG1DPFmfA/s1600/fairy+wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVVIrJC-yFZjyXtD-O7duvXhRLoMvAcYL4yS_PsZau1rPup3q4n3M4Aw7SmRlZVvRJK8NkF6dIPw5Zna9qj2DBsKI1g4mzLiws1vSs56Hn0htz2-5lEs3L8GyQHMwpwG1DPFmfA/s320/fairy+wren.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silver clay fairy wren</td></tr>
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The first version of this wren wasn't fat enough, but this wren has been celebrating Thanksgiving far too much.
Also in today's collection headed for the kiln after some refinement: a rufous hummingbird and a green headed tanager. Hopefully I'll have enough birds to start working on the treetop scene layout tomorrow.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-33337374661008475002013-10-25T16:39:00.001-05:002013-10-25T16:39:49.431-05:00Citrine Leaf Studs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFqF25fKiaekyCTCCYuaq6R5YgRY7eHXuuNGkHCYuNkXgS8YR6ZJlK38GENKMZpci1HRMopO5p-9iPHv5I-_RJfrwb2skDFQJPG4KvtxJv-k5behMMDi3FCxdPU3kV7fltbIVYQ/s1600/citrine+leaf+studs+1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFqF25fKiaekyCTCCYuaq6R5YgRY7eHXuuNGkHCYuNkXgS8YR6ZJlK38GENKMZpci1HRMopO5p-9iPHv5I-_RJfrwb2skDFQJPG4KvtxJv-k5behMMDi3FCxdPU3kV7fltbIVYQ/s320/citrine+leaf+studs+1000x1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citrine Leaf Studs<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
oxidized Argentium sterling silver, golden citrine</td></tr>
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Perhaps fall is finally penetrating down to Texas. Or my getaway to Boston during peak fall color time made an impression. It seemed like an opportunity to add some small tube set citrines to a simple pair of leaf studs. More dark oxidized leaf jewelry is on the bench, and probably a few more citrines as well.<br />
<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-19784642685569583832013-10-21T14:57:00.000-05:002013-10-21T15:02:55.126-05:00Profile in Metal Clay Artist MagazineI was thrilled when Jeannette LeBlanc contacted me about using my first bronze Flock bracelet for the inaugural cover of her then new endeavor, <i><a href="http://www.metalclayartistmag.com/" target="_blank">Metal Clay Artist Magazine</a></i>. Four years (!) have flown by, with a stack of inspiring magazines to show for the efforts of the MCAM team.<br />
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In the latest fourth anniversary issue, <a href="http://www.juliarai.co.uk/" target="_blank">Julia Rai</a> interviewed me for the issue's artist profile in honor of my connection to the magazine's beginnings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKdQoh0Hgtl72MJYKX2ZXoIZWBWOJZKxBrVQrDqXmCl7izHdsWh5ao0ektzGQgfiCiAJPPgxpMkpmM8DV03zOK7OGWfYxVuWlX1PG8gNE0c6kSshyXdFsegB-qMZ1sLKZrncutw/s1600/bird+link+bracelet+S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKdQoh0Hgtl72MJYKX2ZXoIZWBWOJZKxBrVQrDqXmCl7izHdsWh5ao0ektzGQgfiCiAJPPgxpMkpmM8DV03zOK7OGWfYxVuWlX1PG8gNE0c6kSshyXdFsegB-qMZ1sLKZrncutw/s320/bird+link+bracelet+S.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flock bracelet<br />
©2009 Vickie Hallmark<br />
bronze</td></tr>
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Along with interesting tidbits about me and photos of many of my works, including the aforementioned cover piece and my latest experiments in combining metal clay with Argentium silver, this is an especially good issue, with an article on casting from metal clay models by <a href="http://www.hollygage.com/" target="_blank">Holly Gage</a> and the results of a bracelet challenge with eleven artists' different responses to the request to use 100 grams of sterling in one piece. My favorite bracelets were those of my friends <a href="http://lorahart.com/" target="_blank">Lora Hart</a> and <a href="http://lorenaangulo.com/" target="_blank">Lorena Angulo</a>.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-64072254350141136762013-09-09T11:00:00.000-05:002013-10-21T14:57:34.913-05:00Returning to the BenchLast week I finally had a day when I felt a need to actually get back out to the studio. I decided to start easy and "remake" something. I've been wearing my Full Moon earrings regularly and felt rather attached, so I felt a need to have a pair I could actually sell. It seemed like an easy project.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspFJ5Nc8raOo0QVhHnixgaRb7-d1dqHhrUCqPrYjLoRezShQA0FuZbRF4Enxh0DxOJWZXPaGySygBpO4Didwt6BVNsXK1XpAf2wWYi_hRHc7MSNVK33_dDc-whzZHSY3iFURsLw/s1600/Blue+Moon+1000x1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspFJ5Nc8raOo0QVhHnixgaRb7-d1dqHhrUCqPrYjLoRezShQA0FuZbRF4Enxh0DxOJWZXPaGySygBpO4Didwt6BVNsXK1XpAf2wWYi_hRHc7MSNVK33_dDc-whzZHSY3iFURsLw/s320/Blue+Moon+1000x1500.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Moon Earrings<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
argentium sterling silver, fine silver, Swiss blue topaz<br />
fabricated and fused with hand-sculpted details</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So I rounded up a few leaves and flowers and a pair of birdies that I had cast into Argentium and set forth. First I formed rings of Argentium wire, fused and hammer textured. These I fused onto sheet to form the moon rims for my night scenes. I wound and cut a new clutch of small jumprings for the connections. I fused some wire bits into branches. Finally, I carefully placed all the bits along with a pair of Argentium bezels and a bunch of granules into their mirrored scenes and fused everything into place. That's the hard part, when the flux starts to expand and all those tiny bits start moving. Once it gets warm enough that all settles down and every single piece gets painstakingly pushed back into its proper place with a pick, then I can heat up to fusing temp and make it all permanent. Finally, I have to cut out each earring from the back sheet which stayed attached all this time, drill holes, sand, polish, patina and make ear wires and set stones.<br />
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When I went to search my stone supply for 6 mm cabochons, the Swiss blue topazes jumped right out for me. The first earrings had moonstones, but I wanted these to be different. Somehow the name Blue Moon seemed totally appropriate -- it has been a very blue month.<br />
<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-29602961893659374762013-09-08T10:20:00.001-05:002013-09-08T16:21:18.200-05:00Studio Practice with GrievingFour weeks ago today, my father broached the idea of hospice. After six weeks of hospitalization (in the latest round), major neurosurgery, and rehabilitation therapy with poor pain control on top of three time per week dialysis, he just wanted to stop. I suddenly shifted from searching for a skilled nursing facility to trying to get him back to his home on short notice. Amongst the scramble to find a hospice agency, to get full time care set up at home with staff and equipment, to get him transferred safely amongst the many discharge blunders, my studio time evaporated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOBxbHfyY7bRaar5_YqmelH8XShjZgin_B10T0Q4ZDMxWhZo7gaggSaIePoBFQr89BZM59GiiUpZiND14bLzf_e6BAfv5R4NZatlSUTgfj9H8W5mnk_Bwo-YOPOtIhNcegABfNQ/s1600/bracelet+bits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOBxbHfyY7bRaar5_YqmelH8XShjZgin_B10T0Q4ZDMxWhZo7gaggSaIePoBFQr89BZM59GiiUpZiND14bLzf_e6BAfv5R4NZatlSUTgfj9H8W5mnk_Bwo-YOPOtIhNcegABfNQ/s320/bracelet+bits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hardly a week after he first persistently pursued the subject of being finished with this life, he was gone. Once the restraint on medication was lifted, the release of pain let the exhaustion overtake him and he mostly slept for those last four days, with only a couple of arousals to visit with his grandsons. After his quick passing, the overly full days were achingly empty. Understanding and supporting his decision didn't ease the grief. Dealing with the paperwork and property didn't sooth the pain. The solace of the studio beckoned, but I couldn't really get any energy to actually do anything more than wander around.<br />
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Deadlines loomed, so eventually I started small. I sat at my metal clay bench with an audiobook and methodically cut and rolled and flattened tiny leaves. Then I branched out for a few flowers. Finally I attempted something new: owls and a hummer and a fairy wren for a commission piece. Not my finest work, but a start. Last week was better. Less crying, more working. Pieces shipped out to a show. Work from a new caster tested. The article in process actually reread. And finally, I determined to actually make something start to finish...<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-52283119718846172022013-08-27T11:17:00.000-05:002013-08-27T11:17:11.219-05:00The Pro Photo Advantage for Jewelry Everybody says it - get professional photos! My own photos are decent, so I have a hard time convincing myself that the expense is warranted. But I must admit that the new photos of my work from the famed <a href="http://robertdiamante.com/" target="_blank">Robert Diamante</a> really do have that extra zing. So I thought I'd take the time to examine my photos vs. his to see what I might learn.<br />
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Here's the fancy new shot of my favorite bracelet, Five Moons, shot on a gradation background (but reduced in size).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexGyXy6sIgjhTE-AWpBp6jM1rdKL28h5zosj7ymwf52bRWnpjNAxppp0E3AdrAjnmOzDCAmvs5CuV319KuWK5MiVgUdkahiKFXenGn67c16p1ZYjZ0lUl4unNAxMWdFp3uA7agw/s1600/Hallmark-Five-Moons-Bracelet-gray-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexGyXy6sIgjhTE-AWpBp6jM1rdKL28h5zosj7ymwf52bRWnpjNAxppp0E3AdrAjnmOzDCAmvs5CuV319KuWK5MiVgUdkahiKFXenGn67c16p1ZYjZ0lUl4unNAxMWdFp3uA7agw/s320/Hallmark-Five-Moons-Bracelet-gray-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Moons Bracelet<br />
©2012 Vickie Hallmark<br />
photo by Robert Diamante</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's my original photo, cropped to 1000x200px.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM4Y4WOwU5Mgv5Bnn7lHH53roM4sA5gq_JMiB61ZBU9ZTiFGyF7dv0XzgzXR2xyhmw_o8XNJWksMZH9q5Vz0zk7T7sndtfGqq0yjCBcHgt_rKPp9yF6agAns7_TSSx_rpgN3kfw/s1600/Hallmark+Five+Moons+white+1000x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM4Y4WOwU5Mgv5Bnn7lHH53roM4sA5gq_JMiB61ZBU9ZTiFGyF7dv0XzgzXR2xyhmw_o8XNJWksMZH9q5Vz0zk7T7sndtfGqq0yjCBcHgt_rKPp9yF6agAns7_TSSx_rpgN3kfw/s320/Hallmark+Five+Moons+white+1000x200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Moons Bracelet<br />
©2012 Vickie Hallmark<br />
photo by artist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here it is again, shot by Robert and cropped to 1000x200px.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIXYluSdtP1fx5Qc22fa7tuLV502OdXnIF1scdkFLa6rn-5K0dl_2tZaN5bUsM5tgGbPWWNTR_NPhUZOMlSn7raEj1eUlCmcFor0lgTzZmdqdJ39iqvckwyoVaN99NsJb2sF9nw/s1600/Hallmark-Five-Moons-Bracelet-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIXYluSdtP1fx5Qc22fa7tuLV502OdXnIF1scdkFLa6rn-5K0dl_2tZaN5bUsM5tgGbPWWNTR_NPhUZOMlSn7raEj1eUlCmcFor0lgTzZmdqdJ39iqvckwyoVaN99NsJb2sF9nw/s320/Hallmark-Five-Moons-Bracelet-cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Moons Bracelet<br />
©2012 Vickie Hallmark<br />
photo by Robert Diamante</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let's examine the differences, shall we? First, Robert angled the bracelet in his shot to make the bracelet as large as possible. To be fair, I took images at an angle as well, but also straight on because it fits better everywhere I use it. So I rotated and cropped Robert's image. Unfortunately, it retains the feel of a bracelet shot at an angle. So I learned that if I want a straight on image, I better ask for one up front. His photo is thus reserved for jury and publication shots where the angle is appropriate.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJuNHR09Mn00gUeh-19UkxS8zhVI3Hj7Mudmyy0KVjO-rGXJH3cXc3DkXk3gpms6w0ZvrZUFXgG3GzzkHpv3vCkyYckEjHuJuH0R5mebrec1IjSild-VDT8gejyJrbgysT5SrBQ/s1600/Hallmark+Five+Moons+white+desat+1000x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJuNHR09Mn00gUeh-19UkxS8zhVI3Hj7Mudmyy0KVjO-rGXJH3cXc3DkXk3gpms6w0ZvrZUFXgG3GzzkHpv3vCkyYckEjHuJuH0R5mebrec1IjSild-VDT8gejyJrbgysT5SrBQ/s320/Hallmark+Five+Moons+white+desat+1000x200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Moons Bracelet<br />
©2012 Vickie Hallmark<br />
photo by artist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The second noticeable difference is the color. Robert's image is seriously black and white, not the sepia tone in my original version. That's something that I can address with better lighting and/or color correction in Photoshop. I spent a few minutes on the computer and got this improved quality. The saturation isn't quite as good, but at least I'm learning what to look for in my own photography.<br />
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Of course, there are details of Robert's photos that I can't reproduce as easily. For example, the higher resolution and optical quality of his camera and lenses. I have a nice Nikon digital SLR and an expensive macro lens, but no where near the investment that a professional would put into equipment. The lighting is also noticeably different. I have a very low investment system of daylight lights and tent, which is adequate but not outstanding. And most importantly, I don't have the eye and experience to always shoot every piece at the best angle or with the most exciting presentation. Those are the things that I pay for in a professional photo session. But... I can't afford that for every piece, so I try to improve my own photography for everyday use.<br />
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<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-51845328620148025432013-08-01T12:00:00.000-05:002013-08-01T14:29:34.311-05:00Silver Isn't Always Silver - Have a Little Black Patina with Your JewelryOne of the trends for silver jewelry I've noticed over the last year or two is silver that's not silver: the rise of deliberate black patina. Since silver tarnishes from exposure to sulfur (not oxygen!) in the environment, regular cleaning is a necessity to keep that bright silver color. So we buff with a cloth, or dip into chemicals, or, best of all, prevent the tarnishing by storing in protective covering. The overall black patina converts a drawback into a desirable trait, starting off with the black surface as a design element.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOSwy6zxcoj84UWMSDdyqmJ0Nrle-BOQqR1NCyREfBOm4RT2nzG0CK1_w5XipHNa4jIgK_GNRwoQjmVGrXiXu9ubNMRPoVCs8zzZNBmYO_F8URXAEbYStrn9pK_0f0NAVSZf4TA/s1600/flora+bracelet+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOSwy6zxcoj84UWMSDdyqmJ0Nrle-BOQqR1NCyREfBOm4RT2nzG0CK1_w5XipHNa4jIgK_GNRwoQjmVGrXiXu9ubNMRPoVCs8zzZNBmYO_F8URXAEbYStrn9pK_0f0NAVSZf4TA/s320/flora+bracelet+dark.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora bracelet<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
sterling silver, dark patina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course details can be harder to see if the silver is all uniformly black. Typically silver jewelry is given a black patina to fill the lower areas in any texture, then the patina is removed from the raised surface to highlight all the detail. The surfaces may be bright and shiny or brushed and matte, but still black is only an accent.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhba6T1EsTKhebhRy-zjibe9yyCobM2o7_DMHpfX0fKw_Bj13SispfB4OTd_Hrr18i3lfxcmuqePHd3DnFnOufRBYJJwoSJob__ZXQbg6djX83Xt8EEt-pS2lQZNelOBOpBG5G9FQ/s1600/fora+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhba6T1EsTKhebhRy-zjibe9yyCobM2o7_DMHpfX0fKw_Bj13SispfB4OTd_Hrr18i3lfxcmuqePHd3DnFnOufRBYJJwoSJob__ZXQbg6djX83Xt8EEt-pS2lQZNelOBOpBG5G9FQ/s320/fora+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora bracelet<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
sterling silver, light matte patina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I decided to experiment with my new Flora bracelet, just to see how it looked with various finishes. So you see it here in black, matte and shiny versions. I posted the first two on Facebook with a poll to see which was most popular, and the light version won by a landslide. Still, there were a number of friends who preferred the dark version.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJVAvTbMhhBXeMlZRTTeSCpZggbwrH-4yCSSj7r_UZ58NbQVTPrnayOqXt9gZBQgMQSR-6EG9IlBshJmOvK_D04OiXUnYqBaan8HQsS6xdmPXQsZ1AULeuB3S4yiYSE50XHHjPA/s1600/flora+bracelet+shiny+1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJVAvTbMhhBXeMlZRTTeSCpZggbwrH-4yCSSj7r_UZ58NbQVTPrnayOqXt9gZBQgMQSR-6EG9IlBshJmOvK_D04OiXUnYqBaan8HQsS6xdmPXQsZ1AULeuB3S4yiYSE50XHHjPA/s320/flora+bracelet+shiny+1000x1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora bracelet<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
sterling silver, light shiny patina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Which is your favorite?Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-23349666286905288792013-07-25T12:07:00.001-05:002013-07-25T12:07:22.219-05:00Variations on a Theme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I have three new variations on an earring theme. I've had a bad cold, so the most work in the studio that I could muster was fusing together components with some heavy wire to make these new dangles. Available now in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/vickiehallmark" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGXfUpHBh5Mf9mugUW-OAIb1Asioy8PG1VLsLyQP5JF2C3REhm0VUOoEoJxH910K3GdWDp7efnUC8VV0RxAMhz5tJoiWEd5HUAulTH6Y1g3IyBXNlApEgwx5t-L2M4vytEo0Z8Q/s1600/rock+rose+trapeze+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGXfUpHBh5Mf9mugUW-OAIb1Asioy8PG1VLsLyQP5JF2C3REhm0VUOoEoJxH910K3GdWDp7efnUC8VV0RxAMhz5tJoiWEd5HUAulTH6Y1g3IyBXNlApEgwx5t-L2M4vytEo0Z8Q/s320/rock+rose+trapeze+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Rose Trapeze earrings<br />©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />sterling silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first variation <span style="text-align: left;">uses medium rock roses with double small leaves on either side.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpmBd274znQkuLyzFb00Gf8JK8cOoNmDf0AsA6lHM_qQFePbuh1ah2naKwmoEo_dMmtmIZAug5oGhrRaDJLkpmL0uMfh3y_U4nYrXzZyXKttitl3MgKR7CnW4ZayyK8jpT-UsiA/s1600/rock+rose+long+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpmBd274znQkuLyzFb00Gf8JK8cOoNmDf0AsA6lHM_qQFePbuh1ah2naKwmoEo_dMmtmIZAug5oGhrRaDJLkpmL0uMfh3y_U4nYrXzZyXKttitl3MgKR7CnW4ZayyK8jpT-UsiA/s320/rock+rose+long+drop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Rose Long Drrop earrings<br />©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />sterling silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The second variation has single large rock roses with medium leaves below. The heavy wires in both cases are about the same length, but more curved in these.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ6HC8d437Qpqc1eyAq4a2GHVHRqpnIUjy2xu4Z0sJZ68-qgAV8fdh9kJietVlO4n1hT_t70MX4d_05ejGYhy054J7yb8vizjrIcBATYiikfYvaqw3IJqmWEyhseW1Nwux9AXkA/s1600/rock+rose+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ6HC8d437Qpqc1eyAq4a2GHVHRqpnIUjy2xu4Z0sJZ68-qgAV8fdh9kJietVlO4n1hT_t70MX4d_05ejGYhy054J7yb8vizjrIcBATYiikfYvaqw3IJqmWEyhseW1Nwux9AXkA/s320/rock+rose+swing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Rose Swing earrings<br />©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />sterling silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final version has double small rock roses with medium leaves below and a couple of berries. <div>
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All in all, a fun set that were easy to fuse together because of the properties of Argentium sterling silver.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-33443728942135393302013-07-20T12:14:00.000-05:002013-07-20T12:16:01.087-05:00Similar Earrings, Different PathsThis morning I finished the Periodot Leaf Bud earrings that have been sitting on my bench for literally months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJQSVpNHqghQl88t78hGxxOB7zhuD44iwbJn3yueNWKN6pDWvoGmxjhxv63gZm5O-e4SHSr8FtnlG6mBNDKm7X85YeiCSHSmAVwtE1aociitu5JClPA1Zk2H8VyWMupn8xlI3_w/s1600/Peridot+Leaf+Bud+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJQSVpNHqghQl88t78hGxxOB7zhuD44iwbJn3yueNWKN6pDWvoGmxjhxv63gZm5O-e4SHSr8FtnlG6mBNDKm7X85YeiCSHSmAVwtE1aociitu5JClPA1Zk2H8VyWMupn8xlI3_w/s320/Peridot+Leaf+Bud+Earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peridot Leaf Bud earrings<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
sterling silver & peridot</td></tr>
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These earrings started off as modifications of sketches I made on my iPad when I was exploring this new leaf series.</div>
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All these designs incorporate the leaf-on-leaf design from my early double leaf earrings, a favorite of mine. Early in the process I drew single leaf earrings with tube set stones, since I'm really drawn to more color in my work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr4_B9MCOcq0qcfEnOw2G_QOxcBw4sXeRii3JwuNyh1Bhyphenhypheng2WHiBqGm7bXw7J2-q1zHH9KOSq3KYLdLk0QXhftd-nobu-NTIi_sZh0dbySwoj5shEE9rNa__IgdcrwiiDTHZsPw/s1600/leaf+17:18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr4_B9MCOcq0qcfEnOw2G_QOxcBw4sXeRii3JwuNyh1Bhyphenhypheng2WHiBqGm7bXw7J2-q1zHH9KOSq3KYLdLk0QXhftd-nobu-NTIi_sZh0dbySwoj5shEE9rNa__IgdcrwiiDTHZsPw/s320/leaf+17:18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I drew double leaf earrings with stone "buds." The leaves are all small and similar sized.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1VoRJDKDCt-ka7SB1L8LJ3QIqOz7XdTcFuQUqcIigpiQ-PYSlitFX7jzbohWaFBotbuvRRLm2vtSO-AG-EH7ztiuiy7RM4r8XhHcsWqNtIgZFOpK5yb0RzxgmEakwbgTqKscQw/s1600/leaf+26:27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1VoRJDKDCt-ka7SB1L8LJ3QIqOz7XdTcFuQUqcIigpiQ-PYSlitFX7jzbohWaFBotbuvRRLm2vtSO-AG-EH7ztiuiy7RM4r8XhHcsWqNtIgZFOpK5yb0RzxgmEakwbgTqKscQw/s320/leaf+26:27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I got the idea to mix up the leaf sizes, which led to the Garnet Leaf Earrings, made at about the same time as the Peridot Leaf Bud earrings. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiprVxalKUwjsiii3yjBMbzX2XnPOXyb76ACESj9RHGuCpqZI4sscln5pH-uoNGt7GMbgL-DqvmgcSWJJrYl1BkxvDFjgf-zcf9zSnagg-XaLSkn9CvmEqCYg3J0yutiP7ntUCg/s1600/garnet-leaf-drop-earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiprVxalKUwjsiii3yjBMbzX2XnPOXyb76ACESj9RHGuCpqZI4sscln5pH-uoNGt7GMbgL-DqvmgcSWJJrYl1BkxvDFjgf-zcf9zSnagg-XaLSkn9CvmEqCYg3J0yutiP7ntUCg/s1600/garnet-leaf-drop-earrings.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garnet Leaf earrings<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark<br />
sterling silver & almandine garnet</td></tr>
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Those earrings went through the convoluted casting learning process, while the peridot version languished on my bench waiting for their own attention. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBAvjUa8uR_zELPQszihv-f-MLOrsevXGPHZ8DjOYzDmRpglGFRmguhwrPAQDoB54-TmHLqrJsBF6iTxDVsdJrYvKQ6X54Nb_55IKiuH-irItg1M0GdltZinQhOzJGzTY5mQi7A/s1600/Peridot+Leaf+Bud+Earrings+back+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBAvjUa8uR_zELPQszihv-f-MLOrsevXGPHZ8DjOYzDmRpglGFRmguhwrPAQDoB54-TmHLqrJsBF6iTxDVsdJrYvKQ6X54Nb_55IKiuH-irItg1M0GdltZinQhOzJGzTY5mQi7A/s320/Peridot+Leaf+Bud+Earrings+back+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since green is my favorite color and a staple in my wardrobe, these may become my new "go to" for regular wear.</div>
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Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-44509672465855216022013-07-10T11:28:00.003-05:002013-07-10T11:30:55.785-05:00From Drawing to MetalA few weeks ago, I wrote about my design process for a custom ring. <a href="http://blog.vickiehallmark.com/2013/06/designing-texture-plates-for-metal-clay.html" target="_blank">That post</a> detailed how I start with an idea, develop the drawings, and convert them to texture plates. Finally, I'm happy to report that the design has been reduced to metal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZBXautw-o7OSPNOPDOyea-RPJIwRHfsIpdoB8bwoDKpFUl98YGsT59d71wBEwEpjzpjc30w6D5eCw8CokMkN4HlGuD45oeQgztFIgbu56foloSumbisNxmJcPe33PRixFmGGCA/s1600/canary+ring+white+500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZBXautw-o7OSPNOPDOyea-RPJIwRHfsIpdoB8bwoDKpFUl98YGsT59d71wBEwEpjzpjc30w6D5eCw8CokMkN4HlGuD45oeQgztFIgbu56foloSumbisNxmJcPe33PRixFmGGCA/s320/canary+ring+white+500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Ring<br />
sterling silver<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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I used the original texture plate to impress the design into sterling silver clay, which was dried over a domed form to give the bowl shape. Then I hand-fabricated the ring shank from Argentium sterling silver. I felt it needed to be wide enough to support the one inch diameter top, but wanted it to be comfortable to wear, so I cut the band five millimeters wide, but filed a taper on both sides to reduce the edge against the palm to just over two millimeters. In the next photo, you can see that I also used my leaf vine texture to simultaneously pattern the back of the bowl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhD8gqTy3Xkjf4-TwYGzvTz6DnU4q9Y-E-9S7hDgcq5Pqy6-qCEpdgCwZWvzu2htyvVrfRiJ12Gpi-boWq9xLVfjdSlgg7AUu3wOKXGMUsn5ubYkdnYgpXhXyoKt9popyzGyMcA/s1600/canary+ring+white+back+500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhD8gqTy3Xkjf4-TwYGzvTz6DnU4q9Y-E-9S7hDgcq5Pqy6-qCEpdgCwZWvzu2htyvVrfRiJ12Gpi-boWq9xLVfjdSlgg7AUu3wOKXGMUsn5ubYkdnYgpXhXyoKt9popyzGyMcA/s320/canary+ring+white+back+500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Ring, back<br />
sterling silver<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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The Argentium band was secured to the unfired clay form via extra clay, including my usual small oval hallmark with my swallow, initial logo, and .925 quality mark. Then the entire ring underwent the two stage firing process required for sterling clay. First, the ring was supported in vermiculite while slowly heating to 1000ºF and holding for thirty minutes to burn out the organic binders that glue the tiny metal particles together in the raw clay. During this stage, the Argentium darkened somewhat, but didn't develop fire scale like regular sterling would. Then the ring was buried in carbon and refired at 1500ºF for two hours to allow the metal particles to move to compact and sinter the metal into a solid piece of sterling silver. After cooling, the entire ring had a very slight golden color to it, which was quickly polished away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeQYNv8ZPvc_K2cYTikd_u649cj7obBKldkEdKrn77yDECcSQVjrggkVwRWNH0epCtok4hqqUGj6f4QqrqhwfpZ7r8mGvvXfEcKpUbj3-bbR2DXb7g5UvBA8DTvhsYTGvt4iO0w/s1600/canary+ring+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeQYNv8ZPvc_K2cYTikd_u649cj7obBKldkEdKrn77yDECcSQVjrggkVwRWNH0epCtok4hqqUGj6f4QqrqhwfpZ7r8mGvvXfEcKpUbj3-bbR2DXb7g5UvBA8DTvhsYTGvt4iO0w/s320/canary+ring+hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Ring<br />
sterling silver<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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I think this is my new favorite ring!!<br />
<br />Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-51809685761707728922013-07-08T12:00:00.000-05:002013-07-08T12:00:02.989-05:00Beginnings of My FlockIt's interesting to sit and make bird after bird by hand from metal clay. Detailed observations are required. What poses look natural? How do I fit enough detail into a tiny half inch bird with just my fingers and a few simple tools? Which details are crucial; which can be omitted? Simplify, simplify, I repeat to myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzCTS2tUaGlMvZhim4QBF8z6jqSbYCzO57g2uBjG6-YFPciatPARp6B-77yqenV8u_nERPIFJ3qAAKOedBgIfrJNLKoDvjNH7iuxqqndNekNzAU8SiJLTwtbiSkKLbjT1dVc7FA/s1600/flock+clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzCTS2tUaGlMvZhim4QBF8z6jqSbYCzO57g2uBjG6-YFPciatPARp6B-77yqenV8u_nERPIFJ3qAAKOedBgIfrJNLKoDvjNH7iuxqqndNekNzAU8SiJLTwtbiSkKLbjT1dVc7FA/s320/flock+clay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first few birds often feel awkward (the four on the left above were the first made on two separate days). There are always a few birds that I like more than the others - they have better form or expression or detail. Now I have the beginnings of my flock, and I must decide whether to actually move all forward to the metal stage, or set aside the less than successful to reconstitute. I have a nagging feeling of a mother choosing amongst her children, but I guess that's the beauty of molding - I can keep only the best.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361803.post-62651636135274171992013-07-04T15:00:00.005-05:002013-07-04T15:10:54.279-05:00A Flock of Bird Components for My JewelryI'm known for my bird themed jewelry, where each bird is hand-formed individually just as nature would do it. Unfortunately, there's a lot of work involved in sculpting a half inch bird by hand from a pea sized lump of metal clay. That limits the amount of jewelry that I can produce. Many people over the years have suggested that I mold my birds and reproduce them. I've always resisted. Until now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZXlF48bQe8wDIHKLBHCGFpuEFC1F_NQRtbsRDbOD5RyotARb6vEzZRCFmohQwU_Fjh-1VEeZhejbtCmnh_IcPJKdm77LQfquJnQNHlvTcVXSXEufOX8w4uX2kzta7a89b82k2Q/s1000/bird+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZXlF48bQe8wDIHKLBHCGFpuEFC1F_NQRtbsRDbOD5RyotARb6vEzZRCFmohQwU_Fjh-1VEeZhejbtCmnh_IcPJKdm77LQfquJnQNHlvTcVXSXEufOX8w4uX2kzta7a89b82k2Q/s320/bird+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bird casting trees</td></tr>
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Finally, I've realized that I sometimes procrastinate on delicate, fussy work (who, me?!) such as birds. While it's lovely to make exactly the right birds for each piece of jewelry, it is frustrating to have to spend time getting in the flow to be able to easily get the expression that I want for a bird. I did mold a couple of birds and shoot multiple waxes of them in one of my casting classes, which I then assembled into bird trees to mold again later in class. That enables me to easily cast multiples of each of these two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94CB9z5kmxp77pobNFzg8jDGsvfwez2DCY2qjyank5o0qV0IxK9qQ7Tr8XwrmZNr3g1OAa-Srf5SAzFEAnSMoNffTmnROTGPu7lpMhmk7d_KoVm4GxoCoXxe9IswQ704UgTAdvA/s1000/bird+teardrop+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94CB9z5kmxp77pobNFzg8jDGsvfwez2DCY2qjyank5o0qV0IxK9qQ7Tr8XwrmZNr3g1OAa-Srf5SAzFEAnSMoNffTmnROTGPu7lpMhmk7d_KoVm4GxoCoXxe9IswQ704UgTAdvA/s320/bird+teardrop+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Teardrop earrings<br />
©2013 Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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But then I've gone to use them in jewelry and gotten frustrated that I only have a couple of different birds, two different sizes and facing the same direction. I like my earrings to be mirrored, with the birds facing both directions. I've come to a realization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPxpge3L2w_Zdq7N_PP5o7DwKS6IeJcvT-_axPk5cz8OL4CvlPd5cVZgUxcWSBvRpzT24XGPqTi5mrxx8mUNQwoU3meIl9c1EjQTj6byyHVL3z6gMekZ9fXXGMyX47TL1h1a0FQ/s800/Hallmark+Spring+Flock+Necklace+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPxpge3L2w_Zdq7N_PP5o7DwKS6IeJcvT-_axPk5cz8OL4CvlPd5cVZgUxcWSBvRpzT24XGPqTi5mrxx8mUNQwoU3meIl9c1EjQTj6byyHVL3z6gMekZ9fXXGMyX47TL1h1a0FQ/s640/Hallmark+Spring+Flock+Necklace+white.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Flock necklace<br />
©2012 Vickie Hallmark</td></tr>
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I need a flock! Big birds and little birds. Perching birds and flying birds. Recognizable wrens and cardinals and hummers, as well as generic birds. Birds from the back and front and side. Matched, mirrored pairs of birds and single birds. Upright birds and horizontal birds. Left wingers and right wingers. A variety, like I would use on my Flock necklaces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8272YYXCe5BtvxWCyLbkGhlUUXyXPSK_czLKIzrLrHHLnWDqfkyqOxKeux3C_J3oMHrVQbegvE_gtfxceqQlqgpOUoOdSwxkUAsFXyXRRwy-V1royJGjQclL-Mcm2-oyw0AhGw/s1000/bird+pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8272YYXCe5BtvxWCyLbkGhlUUXyXPSK_czLKIzrLrHHLnWDqfkyqOxKeux3C_J3oMHrVQbegvE_gtfxceqQlqgpOUoOdSwxkUAsFXyXRRwy-V1royJGjQclL-Mcm2-oyw0AhGw/s320/bird+pair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">component bird pair</td></tr>
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So I've committed time to sitting down with clay and working on just that - a flock of birds to mold and cast so that I always have exactly the <i>bird in the hand</i> that I need. It's time consuming prep, but of course repetitive work builds skill and the birds get better as I do more. And hopefully (right!), procrastination will recede.Vickie Hallmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633814450520474638noreply@blogger.com