I have spent weeks, trying to think of a way to use my butterflies in a resin ring design. I came up with a simple idea, and gave it a try. Seldom does the first attempt, work out. The first attempt, is usually, just a starting point in the design process. I was so pleased with the final results that I could hardly wait to take pictures. Here it is, my Butterfly Resin Ring prototype. It’s listed here in my Etsy store, if you want more details and pictures.

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After 3 tries, I finally have my Arctic Mermaid and Baby Orca resin bracelet design problem fixed.

The problem was that the many different resins I use, shrink at different rates. This shrinkage was not evident until the resins had fully cured, causing an air pocket to form around the black baby orca. The bangle looked perfect, when first released from the mold. But, after a week of further curing, the shrinkage started to show as a shimmery effect, evident over the darker black resin area. Here you can see the problem.

After more trial and error, I came up with a solution. I found that adding an additional layer of clear resin, before the final pour, “cured the problem.” Even though the two resins still shrink at different rates, they are both clear, and the resulting difference in shrinkage does not show.

You can find more pictures of my arctic mermaid resin bangle bracelet at my Etsy store: InArtStudio at Etsy

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From time to time, I write about my new life in Colorado. Most of these are short snippets, solely meant to amuse and relate some of the things I am learning about Colorado living. I understood, before leaving South Florida, that life in Colorado would be different. I just had no idea, how different. And, how much there was to learn. I hope someone enjoys reading these short tales, as much as I enjoy writing them.

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I have decided to give Etsy a try. Have bought many wonderful hand-made things on Etsy. So much more economical the eBay, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I still need to learn how everything works, but so far I have 5 items listed in my new store. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

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My house came with a cute little wood burning stove, called an Earth Stove.
Being the middle of summer I didn’t give it much thought. Coming from Florida, all I know about is air conditioning. But burning wood for heat? That means buying firewood, getting it home, cutting it up, and then stacking it. It means sweeping and cleaning ashes, and the figuring out what to do with the ashes. I needed to collect newspaper and kindling, and learn how to light a fire. Oh yes, and then there is the essential sweeping of the chimney.
My pioneer skills are poor at best. But, I am determined to make friends with my stove.

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The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral. An elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Embedded in the “coral polyps” are tiny, 1.7mm, Hyacinth Red Swarovski rhinestones. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Fire Opal Swarovski bicone “sponge”. The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger.

This cast resin ring is simple, elegant black. The Swarovski rhinestones and bicone are fiery combination of red, orange and yellow. Stunning!

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This week I have been lending a hand to get the new observatory build before winter sets in. It will house the big telescope and astro imaging equipment. Building this observatory has been Tom’s dream for many years. The dome will go up next. Tom will be able to control the dome, telescope and cameras, remotely, from within his “warm room”. All very high tech and interesting.

Building this observatory is much like creating jewelry. You start with an idea, and then refine that idea into a do-able design. You gather the materials, and working with your hands, you turn that idea into reality. Different tools, different materials, but the process is the same.
I love taking something from my imagination to finished product. I enjoy solving the problems that crop up along the way, making adjustments to the design or materials. I find the whole creative process exciting and rewarding. With each new jewelry design, comes a chance to learn something new.
Snow is predicted for today, so I am back to work in my studio. I have enjoyed working outside in the beautiful fall weather and getting to use the power tools. Building with wood has been fun and a nice break from the studio.

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I just finished this ring today, and an delighted with the way it turned out.

Neptune’s Moon Coral Ring

Elegant and Dramatic in Design.
Simple, Harmonious Forms
Mesmerizing Ocean colors,changing from Blues to Greens to Gold.
Pure Fun and Fantasy

The wide, cast resin, textured band simulates tiny Star Coral.  A elegantly simple, cast resin Table Coral sits anchored to the top of the ring. Nestled inside the coral sits a single Swarovski bicone “sponge”. The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger. Stunning!
This cast resin ring incorporates colors that change from blue to green to gold on a black base. The colors change depending on the viewing angle, lighting, and background.

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Rings. Can a girl have too many rings? Well, in my case -No. I am crazy for rings. They sit on my finger in front of my eyes all day, and just make me feel fabulous.

I have had some design ideas in mind for a while now, and finally made the time, to start creating the masters and molds. The only problem with rings are, there are so many sizes, and each size requires it’s own master and mold. So, it takes more time to produce a line of rings.

My first ring design is done, in sizes 7, 8 and 9. I call it the “Coral Reef Starfish Pearl Ring”, and it is gorgeous.

White Coral Reef Starfish Pearl Ring

Black Coral Reef Starfish Pearl Ring

The cast resin band simulates Star Coral, with tiny 1.2mm Swarovski rhinestones embedded in the coral polyps. A cast resin starfish embraces a large 12mm Swarovski pearl. Around the base is scattered iridescent Swarovski rhinestones, bicone beads, glass bubbles, and a cast resin seashell. The ring is very light weight for it’s size, weighing 6.6 grams, and does not rotate on my finger. I love this ring, and am working on two more new ring designs.

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