Monday, May 21, 2012

Going Green-Recycled Copper pipe and Electrical wire

        My latest love affair may get me into trouble with my husband. But that is only because I am running out of places to put my jewelry supplies and I have been confiscating some of his tools from the man cave.

     He did a plumbing and electrical home project recently and gave me the old pipe and the left over wire, so technically it is his fault I have a new addiction added to my current jewelry making obsession.
   
     I had to clean the pipes quite a bit, with believe it or not sea salt and lemon juice. Worked terrific and the copper shines like crazy. Then I removed all the wire from the electrical plastic coating, well worth the effort. I got some 12 and 14 gauge wire in all different lengths.

   After all the prep I began experimenting with all of it. After hand sawing the pipe into workable pieces, I hammered some completely flat and shaped it into a cuff bracelet and added some of the 12 gauge wire to it as an accent. I also wire wrapped a few pieces that I left round but shaped a bit into a pendant and necklace center piece. Then for the last couple of days I have been shaping and hammering the 12 and 14 gauge wire into earrings, rings and bracelets. It is so much fun and looks amazing!  
 
     I love the look of the shiny warm copper so I have been coating it with a product called Ever brite. It looks terrific and is easy to use. It keeps the color and I do it on the finished pieces to protect it. Of course if you like how copper gets a patina you can leave it alone.

      I am totally hooked and will continue to hammer and shape it into all kinds of new things. I am very much enjoying my new found recycle adventure. You never know what will inspire you, so keep your eyes and mind open and look at that pile of junk in a different way.

   May you find a new recycling obsession of your own.
Dawn


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Preschool Jitters

     So the last couple of weeks have been taken up with interviews and visits to some of the local preschools. So that is why I have not written in a while along with other things we call life.

    Back to the preschool thing. You know you have to do it because being three is hard on all the family. They want independence and so do you. There is a lot of arguing and some times resentment on both sides. Yeah I know what that sounds like, but lets be honest here, you have all been there. We love our children and they love us but we are by nature independent and need to have our space. It helps us appreciate each other better and it helps us grow and see our own strengths. Then we come together and celebrate what we are to each other.

       If you have ever tried to find a preschool you know how hard it can be. Sending your child to others to watch can be the hardest thing you do, well at least until the next big moment. You want them to be in a nurturing place, and it has to work into your schedule right. These two things do not always come in one school. So the search can take some time and lots of hard thinking.

     It has been a long journey trying to find just the right fit. All the schools were good, but only one was perfect.  When you find the right one you will be so glad you didn't give up and just settle. We found our school yesterday and I must say I feel completely at ease with our choice.  That is to say I am sure Jake will love it and I will too.  The staff was very caring and made me and Jake feel at home. The other kids were also excited and told Jake they couldn't wait to see him next week. Awww so sweet.

      I am very excited for us both for many reasons. He will get some time with other kids and learn to work things out without my help. He will be able to choose his own friends. He will be in a place he can grow and become an even more wonderful little person. I will get some time to be and be with adults. I will have time to regenerate and be productive. I will get to grow and become a more wonderful person too. All in all it will be great for us both.

     I am also at odds with him going because of all the mom worries. He is my baby and I am proud and sad at the same time that he is growing up to fast for my liking. I am also of course having the concerns of all moms, you know "What if he falls and needs a kiss on his boo boo?" "What if someone is mean to him" "What if he doesn't need me any more"   So I am certain that on his first day I will be that mom in her car smiling because she is happy and crying because she is sad.

Any way another change in life to celebrate and remember is at hand. When your time comes to do the same just remember that it will be okay and you are not alone. Come on over and have coffee with me. We will laugh and cry together as our children play at preschool , knowing nothing of our jitters.

Dawn

       

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Just for the Joy- A Dress for Jolie and baby Suzie

     This is the next set of dresses that I made for the cutie next door and her American Doll named baby Suzie. They are a very simple design called a pillow case dress. I had an awesome time making it.

     It took about a yard and a half of the main fabric plus about another half yard for the trim and bows. It has only one seam up the back. I lined the armhole with hand made bias tape. I also made each tie with a two inch hand made ribbon that is the full length of the fabric width (44 ").

     I would love to make this style again. It can be worn for many years. It can even used as a shirt. I can also see putting a ruffle on the bottom or even a small one on the top. You can also of course make a tie belt for a different look.

     I was requested to make this style by Jolie and her mom and I am so glad I was. I would not have thought such a simple design could have been so much fun. It was great because it took me so little time to prep - and I am all about instant gratification. Time to play is in short supply in my home - as it is with most people.

     One of the funnest parts was having a fitting with the doll. Jolie was so excited. I showed up with my bag of tools and a mock or muslin to do it and she was so helpful. I could see her getting so excited to see it done. I love my hobby; which is good because after the last dress was published online I got another request, lol. You know what they say, being busy keeps you out of trouble (mostly)

Hope you enjoy this little set for many years Jolie and Suzie! 

Dawn

     

Monday, March 12, 2012

Just for the Joy-A dress for Isabella

     Well when I said I would never run out of little girls to dress, boy was I right. After I posted the Just for the Joy Blog, I got a slew of requests. Ten dresses to be exact,lol. I guess I did it to myself, but really I don't mind. Spring is the perfect time to sew these fun dresses.

    So this is the first one that I made and it is for a sweet little lady named Isabella. I hope that she loves it as much as I loved making it. This dress is also the first one that I attempted to make an elastic smocking fabric insert. I am happy to say that it came out terrific and was quite simple to do. I will be using it again because it will make fitting these ladies much easier since most of them are not available often for fittings. It will also make the dresses fit for much longer than a fitted one would.

     I will be making a set of three dresses next for sisters. I can't wait! I will post pictures when finished with each project.

Dawn

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Argentium Silver First trials


  Well, I got a to finally do a project with my new silver I got a couple weeks ago. It has been a bit crazy at my house these last few weeks.

     Anyway it worked exactly like my sterling silver and I felt it was even better. Because it hardens a bit faster, I didn't have to manipulate it a lot to get the shape I wanted and I had fewer issues with marking. The few marks I had were easily buffed out and didn't hurt the shine at all.

     I also tried to use the oven to harden it. I put it in a pyrex small pot in a 400 degree oven for two hours and it worked quite well. The piece I made was dead soft and after hardening it was dead hard. It had no fire scale, just a bit of cloudiness to it. I used a little gentle metal polish and then buffed it and it shined like crazy. I hammered it slightly and it worked perfectly.

     I am loving this new medium and am looking forward to more trials as I have read it can be fused with just heat and of course can be soldered.

Monday, February 27, 2012

DIY website?

To DIY or not to DIY?
     While thinking about my next strategy for my business. And getting lots of new dress requests. I began to wonder if maybe I was going in the wrong direction all together. I love to make jewelry but I don't always enjoy the sales part of it because I am a bit shy when it comes to my own art. I also love to make clothing, and come up with ideas of how to make all sorts of stuff. I love to sing, take photos and write poetry and stories.
I draw and paint a little and I love to try new stuff when it comes to art.

     So I started to wonder if maybe my problem was that I like to do to many things and maybe that isn't a problem at all. Maybe I should start a DIY blog/website for my business. That way I can experiment and share the creative process, which is what I truly love, and continue to be able to do art in every form.  Maybe.  It is something I will definitely be looking into as a side business or as a compliment to what I am currently doing.

     Would love to hear what you think and what you would like to see in a DIY site. Keep in mind it would be mainly art/craft projects.

Dawn

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Argentium Silver order

          I just got my order in and I am so excited to give it a try and see how it handles. I did notice right away that it feels quite soft in the dead soft I ordered. I am hoping that will give me a little more time for manipulating it and that it will hardened well. I will be trying it out this week and will give you an update on it's performance. I am especially excited to try double hardening it in my oven, eeek. It should be very cool and exciting to see how it works out.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Just for the Joy


      I do not have a little girl I have a wonderful little boy that I love with all my heart. However I love to make frilly and fun clothing for little ladies. So I in my spare time have made a few for some friends and their precious girls. I used to make them for my friends little since I can remember at christmas when they were small but most of them have all grown up. I even got to make a skating dress for one of my friends daughters and it has been handed down to another friend. I can not tell you how much joy I get out of knowing that they enjoyed it and that it was handed down.
 
    Now that I have a three year old son, I have an entire new set of friends that have little girls, yeah! I also have been lucky to make new friends and reconnect with old ones that also have little girls. And so I am finding myself suddenly very excited and somewhat afraid. I could go a bit crazy if they let me.

     I hear, you should sell these quite often but really I have come to the conclusion that even though that may be perfectly true, I need to have atl least one real hobby that I do simply for the joy of it. I have enough to do trying to make a business out of my other work and this is my fun thing. I love to get the fabric and add the little frills and flowers here and there. I love the terrific patterns available and have a hard time containing myself in the fabric store. I have more fun with kids clothes because you don't have to be as concerned with, did I put to much sparkle or frill on it. They love it and so do I. I am also certain I will never run out of little ones to make them for since the first group will be old enough to have little girls of their own (yikes!) if they wish, and when it happens I will be ready with my thread and sewing machine giddy as can be.

     It is good to have other creative outlets simply for the joy of it and it is sometimes hard to remember that when you are an artist. So go find a totaly un-profitable hobby that makes you happy, you will be much more inspired in your other ventures if you do.

Dawn

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Colored Coated Wire Experiment

 
      I recently decided to make a few pieces in colored copper wire. I had never used the color coated wire for anything other than earrings and Christmas ornaments. My experiment with it didn't really turn out so well. But I must say that I like to really manipulate stuff to get the right look and I  may not be as patient as some, so I could party be at fault, plus I didn't try different brands to see if one is better than another.

      So what I found was that even with the silicone coating I had some marks on the wire or the coating came off so fast that I needed to re-coat my tools between projects. I also found that the wire was to soft to retain it's shape in a large piece that took any stress.  However I did find some very good things out. It works well for earrings and small rings. It also can be used for wrapping pendants.

      There are lot of wonderful wire artist who only use color coated wire and they come in different kinds of cores and qualities. But for my purposes I find that I prefer to work in Silver or pure copper for most of my pieces because I like to hammer it and I like that I can be a bit more rough with it without to much worry. I will however use the color coated wire for  some earrings and rings because it does help me keep a less expensive line available and it works great for those styles pieces.

   

Monday, February 20, 2012

Argentium-Silver

 
  I just ordered some of this silver wire the other day. I have heard many great things about it and am looking forward to giving it a try. From what I have read it handles very much like sterling silver although it hardens faster when being worked so you have less room for re-shaping. But it doesn't need polishing with anything but a cotton clothe and water simply to take off finger prints. That's right no black or gold tarnishing and all shine. It can be soldered but needs lower temperatures.  It can be double hardened in your oven at 450 degrees. It works for almost all people with sensitivity to metals and causes almost no allergies. It is a higher in silver content percentage wise than sterling silver. And now it costs almost the same price as Sterling. Sounds almost to good to be true. And so I of course had to give it a try for my own to see how it performs for my needs.

     I will send you an update after I get it and how it works for me.

Dawn

Friday, February 17, 2012

Moving Forward In my Business

 
  I have been doing a lot of thinking these last few days about my business and it's direction. I am trying to come up with new pieces for my line and looking for a better way to move forward.
   
     As much fun as craft shows can be they really are not money makers at this time because most are not run in a way that maximizes business for the artist/crafter. I understand they need to sell the spaces to make money, I just wish they would limit the type of artist categories better. I find that most shows I attend are so saturated with similar arts that it causes the customers to loose interest and they leave feeling that nothing was original even though it all is very original. Plus it makes the artists frustrated and go home with a much less profitable day. However if you can find a good show or group that runs them keep doing it.  I have found an alternative a craft mini shopping area that rents stand alone Shanties every summer for a very reasonable price and I will do it every year if they let me because it is very successful.

     I also find that selling to stores is very difficult because especially in this economy they want your awesome goods for a fraction of the cost you need to make in order to keep making the items. Or the boutiques have all ready got more jewelry than they can handle and yours gets lost. When you find one that does neither you are blessed, so hold on to them with all your might. (I have been lucky and have two that I can not be happier with and I intend to keep them).

     Then there is the home show. This is by far the hardest to get and the most profitable for me.  I love to do these, but man is it hard to get people to do them. I enjoy the one on one you get with the customers and they always enjoy them. However most customers have become afraid of how many in home shows try to get you to join their business and hassle you to book a show, and our friends try to come up with other plans to avoid them.  What ever happened to the days my mother and her girlfriends had home parties to get away from the family and have a good night drinking some wine and spending money on themselves because , damn it they deserved it.

     Trade shows are another good option. At the moment I personally don't have the money to be a vendor at the shows, but I am hoping to some day. The only one I attended a few years ago was a huge waste of money because it was not advertised  well and apparently to far from a big city that almost no one attended. But if you have the time and money you can do very well at these. The trick is knowing which ones are successful.

     The last thing I have considered and am using very extensively is the internet. But as with any tactic it takes time, lots of effort and research. Of course the internet is also very saturated with others trying to do the same thing as you, however the amount of customers out there are infinite. And so I am trying with all my might to go this route for a few reasons. It doesn't require travel, loads of money, or even a 9a-5p schedule.

     Anyway as I go forward and try to navigate the direction of my business I am learning and stretching out beyond my comfort zone often and that is good. It keeps me honest and it keeps me motivated most the time.  I am also learning that what works today doesn't always work tomorrow, so remember to be flexible and not stuck in your ways or it could be your undoing.

     So good luck with your ventures and may you find success. 

Dawn

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's day!


Just wanted to send out a wish for a Happy Valentine's Day to everyone out there in cyber land! Remember to unplug and share the love with those around you too. Enjoy the day!

Monday, February 13, 2012

New Cuff Bracelet

     Trying to come up wit a cuff bracelet design that will compliment the rings I made and let the stone show and be a classic but interesting piece. 

     It is now available on my etsy store. I plan to make a few other stones soon and will post them as I get them done.


Dawn

Sunday, February 12, 2012

New Earrings!

     Well here they are! six new pairs of earrings made with copper and silver plated copper wire and gemstones. Hope you like them!  They will be available on my Etsy store and are ready to ship.  They can of course be made in gold plated copper as well or with other stones or colors.


Dawn

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Inspiration and Design

     I love to look at my books and magazines to get inspired and often I say I would love to try that design. But inevitably I sit down and make my own thing. I just can't bring myself to actually use the all ready done designs. A fault or a gift I am not sure. I think that is why I have a hard time with repeat designs, and yet I wonder if sometimes this hurts me. Do I need fall back designs that always sell to make a living or can I continue to do a new design every time and allow myself to do and try many different styles.

      I always read you need to know who your customer and I am afraid that by not sticking to the same style of design I am totally ignoring this advice. But then I am my customer and I love to have lots of different styles, especially if no one else has it. Plus I feel a different personality depending on where I am going and what I am doing. Sometimes I am conservative, sometimes a little rock and roll, and sometimes all natural. Ugggh, I'm like a mini Sybil when it comes to style.

     Any way after I sat with my books and earmarked loads of pages, I sat down and came up with some cool earrings (of my own design of course) and will add them to my line. I hope that as I try to find a niche that you as my customers will feel free to help me figure out who you are and what you want to see more of  from my style. I of course want to keep it my style and that is why I feel it is good that I can't just copy, but I want you to be inspired by those designs as well. So keep the comments coming and feed me suggestions when you have them.

     Thank you for your support and your appreciation for my work.

Dawn

Friday, February 10, 2012

Toe Rings

These are three toe rings and one finger ring. All were requested by this weeks Fan of the week before she had won. 

So congratulations Sue and Cassie!  I hope you love them.


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Hyannis Harbor the Arts Shanty program

     Last year in 2011 I was lucky enough to get into the Hyannis Harbor the Arts Shanty program at the end of the season. It was quite a wonderful and successful experience even though it was after the bad storm and the end of the season. So of course I applied for the coming season as soon as I could.  It is never a sure thing even if you are a returning artist for many seasons So when I got the news that I was not only accepted but given not one week but two plus offered four weekends in the beginning of the season I was thrilled! I also got one of the best weeks of the summer as my first pick ( Fourth of July Week) wow!

     I am so honored to be included in this program because it is a fantastic chance to get noticed and help promote my business. It is also a great place to meet people and other artists. The view is also not so bad and I loved being able to leave my set up all week and have my own little store front. Not a bad way to spend two weeks this summer.

     So please come check it out all my new designs this summer and meet some other very talented artists this summer while walking along the harbor, or before you catch the Ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. It's a great way to enjoy the day and the perfect start or end to a Cape Cod vacation!


Dates I will be at the Shanties--- weekends of 5/18-5/20, 5/25-5/28, 6/1-6/3, 6/8-6/10  from 11am- 5pm , also the weeks of  6/30-7/06/2012  from 11am-8pm  and  9/8-9/14/2012  11am-5pm


Dawn

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Be My Valentine

     Valentine's day is right around the corner and I am sure we have all bought some chocolate and heart shaped stuffed animals for the occasion.

    I also know some people actually resent being told they have to show they love someone this with gift on this day. I know that I do. It isn't because we are unromantic or selfish. No, it is usually because we are the people who believe and strive to let those we love know it each and every day. So if you are one of those kind of people take heart. You can make Valentine's special without buying chocolate or ridiculous stuffed animals and resenting it.


      Now I realize as a jewelry designer and retail owner, I should be trying to get you to buy my things for your sweet heart and I am certainly not opposed to that, lol. I just want to give you some other options. Feel free include a One of a kind piece that can be enjoyed all year, and enjoy the holiday.

     You can for example make your sweet heart dinner and do the dishes if it is something you don't normally do. You can offer to do a project around the house that they don't want to do but has been on their list for a long time. You can get the kids together and make mosaic paper or macaroni heart cards. You can take a walk together and hold hands and tell them you love them. You can even give them a guilt free day to do anything they please, like spend time in there empty box ( a quite place to just be quiet, men especially like this one).

 
       Saying I love you can be done in many ways. It can be big and over the top, or it can be quiet and small. No matter how you do it the important thing is that both of you understand that you are appreciated and accepted exactly the way you are and that is what makes your love special.

   

                               Celebrate your Valentine daily and receive it back in spades!

                                    http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                                Dawn

Sunday, February 5, 2012

More Rings


A few more new styles made with my newly designed adjustable frame. I love this frame, so versatile!
Check out these new styles on my Etsy store.

Dawn

Saturday, February 4, 2012

New rings!

   
 I have created a few new rings with my new frame design and they are now available in my Etsy store! There will be four more designs coming soon too.

     Looking for a stone or combo you don't see? Have a stone or object you want turned into a ring or pendant?   Shoot me an email at Dawn@rosell.net or send a conservation on my Etsy store and I will work it up for you.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
Dawn

Friday, February 3, 2012

Rings and things sneak peak!

     Here is just one of the new rings I have created using my new adjustable frame design. I have made about ten rings so far and have a few more to go. They are made with silver tone copper wire and will come in a variety of stones and beads. They will be available very soon at my etsy store.
                   Dawn
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery


Work in progress- Rings and things


     I have been trying for a while to come up with a simple but versatile ring design that is also adjustable. Sounds easy right? Not so much. I went looking for ideas and most of what I found was not adjustable or it wouldn't work for my needs. So after much trial and error I came up with a design that can be worn just the way it is without any stones, or adorned as you like. I even think I might be able to work it into a frame for a cuff bracelet with some more work.

     Turns out the simpler the design is the better it looks and works. I am sure I new that all ready but I had get out of my own way to rediscover it.

     So as of now I have no pictures, but when I get it perfected I will share my new line of rings as well as a how to on the frame work.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Cape Cod Children's Museum



 I am donating 15% per sale to Cape  Cod Children's museum for all sales now until February 14th,2012.


So check it out and help support a great place for kids to grow!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery

Thursday, January 26, 2012

You are beautiful



      I am starting a new day I like to call "You are beautiful". It is not a nationally recognized day or official  in any calendar. It isn't meant to be a chain letter that can't be broken or you'll have bad luck. It is simply a chance to share with the men and women you love the fact that you think they are beautiful and are blessed to have them in your life. I figure we sometimes assume they know it and yet they do not. So share send to whom ever you want and share the love with someone beautiful to you.



  YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

For all your strength
For all your weakness
For all your success 
For all your failures
For all you generosity
For all your support
For all your sacrifice
For all your talents
For your sense of humor
For your wonderful smile
For your hearty laugh
For hugs that feel like home
For kisses that heal
For all you are to me
For all these thing and more 
your are beautiful 



You are all beautiful!
Dawn




    

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Faking is Believing, good advice for free.

     I remember when at my first job out of college I got thrown into a management position and I was petrified.

      It was for a fabulous, but somewhat unorganized woman who had a small business and three seasonal stores. The new job came with no such thing as a manual on how to manage the store or the people I was now in charge of, and I had no formal training in either.

     Panic set in . Then with some free advise from a friend and crossed finger, I began my job. She had said "your coworkers don't know that you don't know what you are doing." And so I faked it! Yup that's right I faked that I knew exactly what I was doing and gave the impression that they should follow instructions because I was in charge. And guess what? It actually worked! My employees worked hard and did what I said to do believing that I knew exactly what I was doing. I was flabbergasted and of course relieved.

     Then another thing began to happen the longer I faked it the more I believed it too. I even wrote the original manuals on how to do everything from the stock and computer to upkeep of the store and training for the jobs. I became the expert on how it worked and learned how to manage people by treating them how I wanted to be treated and demanding the same respect I gave out. I worked in a management position in many jobs successfully for a very long time and never went to school in the strict sense to do it.

     Then the other day while talking to another friend  and talking about how we don't see our own worth and talents, I thought, hey why not use this technique in every facet of my life? I want to be a succesful jewelry designer and business woman. I want to feel beautiful every day. I want to be a rock star! And why the heck not! Doesn't every person want to feel more confident?!

      So this morning I got up and I put makeup on for the first time in I don't know how long, I blew dried my hair big and beautiful, and I put on a lower cut shirt than I normally wear. Then I put on one of my more fancy necklaces and I went to toddler time! That's right toddler time. I decided to start with faking being a beautiful, confident mom who makes gorgeous jewelry. Low and behold it worked! I got so many compliments on my outfit and how nice I looked. I even some people asking where I got my necklace.  I couldn't stop laughing inside. And the best part was I believed it to. I did look great, but most importantly I felt great. I even think maybe, the best place to do my experiment was toddler time, because it made me see that feeling good should not be reserved for date night and special occasions only. It should be for you and it should be every day!

     Don't get me wrong, I love my comfy clothing and won't give them up, and some days you just can't find the energy to do it, but in reality those are the days you should. We are all worth the time and energy we easily dole out to others.

     So go ahead fake it, no one has to know but you. Use it for any number of situations where you want to believe you are a pro. Give it a try and see what happens, you may believe it after all! Everyone else believes it, so why not you?

                                           http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                                        Dawn

Monday, January 23, 2012

Custom work

    
 So my husband and I were talking yesterday about custom work and going more in this general direction. Truly that is the direction I would like to go. I am so inspired to do one of a kind work and find I get bored quickly with multiples.  

     I love when someone gives me an old piece to make modern and more their style, or when they have an object that has special meaning to them that they want worked into something they can wear and keep close to their hearts instead of in a box never to be seen again. I find it super inspiring to also work with someone for a special occasion or to make that one piece they see in their head but not on the shelf.

     Some of my favorite memories are of making a piece that spoke to me via a customer. One such story was when I did a home show and a wonderful women said she wanted me to just make a simple earring out of a pair of leaf shaped red glass beads. As I picked up the beads and wire I had a vision of them with a simple but fun wrap and swirl and I asked her if I could do my vision. Without hesitation she let me work and it was magic. Her wonderful personality just spoke to me to make them in a way that was not as she had originally envisioned.  Like most of us the vision she had of her personality was very different from the one I saw. She sees herself as a plain Jane(sound familiar) and I saw her as a fun individual that was hiding in her classic style. And so The earrings were classic with a fun twist.  When I finished I asked timidly what she thought and she was thrilled. She wears them all the time and she also has a great story to go with them. 

    I also made the piece pictured above last year for a wonderful man who wanted something for his girlfriend. He said she was classic and dressed mostly in dark colors, but after asking many questions about her likes and activities I found out she loved to dance and was very into the outdoors and was a fun loving woman very full of life and the celebration of it. When he asked me to suggest something I had in my stock I found that I couldn't do it. My head kept screaming her piece isn't made yet, and so I went to my box of goodies and found what I hoped would come together in a lively yet classy way for this man's beautiful lady. When I sent him the pictured he was thrilled and when she received it she loved it. Not only was it special because he gave it to her but he helped me design it for her by sharing with me all the things he loved about her.

     That is what really being a designer is all about. You have to design with your own aesthetic and style, but in the end when it comes together with what the customer loves, and may not see at first, it can be so magic! It is the sight of the real person behind each customer that makes a designer special. Anyone can learn to make earrings, god knows a lot of people have, but it is an artist that makes them memorable and One of a kind.

                                  Be creative and inspired by yourself and others!


                                   http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                                 Dawn

Saturday, January 21, 2012

I am now on twitter and looking forward to branching out and meeting new friends. Follow me at http://twitter.com/dawnrosell

Sunday, January 15, 2012

     Just working up a small piece to get ready for the season of  Love coming our way. Wanted to do something simple and fun.

     Hammered sterling silver with four swarovski crystals. Thought it would also appeal to the goth and sultry girl inside us all.

     I am sure it could be made into earrings as well.

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/90643039/heart-hoop-pendant
                            Dawn

Thursday, January 12, 2012

A Break


     Been feeling pretty inspired lately but today was a bit of an exception. I am feeling like the weather we have this fabulous rainy day. Just want to curl up and sleep. And so I did during Jake's nap, got a problem with that?! 
    
      Actually was thinking about how sometimes we forget to take care of our own needs or how we feel guilty when we actual have the nerve to attend to them. Isn't that silly?!  I would be the first person to tell a friend take a break, don't be so hard on yourself and yet I feel bad when the laundry machine buzzes""""Dawn"""""(I swear the buzz really sounds like that)" I'm done" and I ignore it.  I mean come on, there will always be another pile to do so why am I feeling bad about the last one in the dryer, jeesh.

     Anyway I am feeling tired today so I am not going to do anything in my studio and I am not going to blog. Oh shit, I did it anyway. I am hopeless, LOL.

                              Have a good night off everyone and rest when you need it.

                                     http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                             Dawn

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Work in Progress 2

        

     Still in the studio, when I can get there, working out some new pieces. This one is working off the bracelet idea. This is a blue agate that looks like a deep amethyst and it's hung on a sterling silver plated wire. It is super light weight and the simplicity of the design makes it elegant. I think the possibilities with this style are endless.

      What do you think? Let me know cause I love to hear from you what you want.


                               http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                              Dawn

Monday, January 9, 2012

Train tracks in the livingroom

  Like many boys my son is a huge fan of all things related to trains. Actually any vehicle will do. But he especially likes to play trains on the living room floor because of the space allowed and the flatness of the wood(his playroom is carpeted).

  At first I was kind of like ugh now there are toys in here too. But then I realized I actually love to see what kind of train track I can make. That was the most fun part for me. But today he didn't want my help at all, in fact he made an extremely complicated track that put mine to shame. I was so impressed. I didn't even insist on putting it away at nap time.  I am glad I left it because he has also added a pile of rocks and fake plants into the center for scenery.

     I am actually amazed and in awe because I am watching his brain grow right before my eyes. I know this may seem silly but I am actually a bit sad because he is becoming so very independent and yet I am so proud of the imaginative little person he has become.

     I try to see him and let him grow without me sometimes and it can be very hard, but it is also super inspiring and of course important for him to have space. He makes me look at things from a different angle in my own creating and that is fantastic.

  So anyway I am just bragging and reflecting a bit at the same time. Remember to look at the world through the eyes of a child once in a while because it becomes magic again!

                                              May you living room be filled with trains!

                                           http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                                       Dawn

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Contest for Work in progress

      Trying out some new stuff. Want to come up with a line of bracelet cuffs that can be adapted to different stones and possibilities. Also want to come up with styles that can be wore by men or women.

     Tell me what you think. Would love any suggestions or ideas you would like to see.

 Every comment or suggestions posted in comments section will be entered into a free raffle to win this bracelet.  One entrance per person. Winner will be pick randomly from those entered on January 22nd and announced that day by 5pm.

             Good luck and thank you for your input, it helps me be a better designer.

                           http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                           Dawn

Friday, January 6, 2012

Potty Trying....Training

 
   It's been a bit hectic this last couple of weeks and hard to concentrate on my craft/business and I am sure that from the title you can see where this is going. Yup we are in potty training and wow is it trying. We began with three days of nudity which was actually terrific and the easiest. I have mostly hard, easy to clean floors so any accidents are pretty easy to clean up. Of course most of the accidents occurred on the only carpeted room in the house. I just keep telling myself I really hate that rug anyway and move on.

     I am truly very proud of my little guy and I think this time is going much better than the last few attempts. But we are still in the if I forget, he forgets stage. Which is tough because I get mad at myself for forgetting, and then well I am ashamed to admit but I get mad at him. He also gets mad at me for forgetting to remind him, and I wonder who is actually getting trained here. Then I realize it is both of us and we have a hug and forgive each other and move forward.

   I have no idea what I am doing even though I have read more books and heard more advice than I can possibly remember, but Jake has no idea either, so I guess we are just finding the way that works for us both. My only hope is we will make it out with our undies intact, cause there ain't nothin worse than getting your panties in a bunch.

For anyone who is also going through potty trying, I mean training,  keep a good sense of humor, a lot of laundry soap and paper towels, and an extra set of hugs on hand and you will make it through just fine.

                                                                 Dawn
                                       http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                           

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Nude Artist


    So my son is three and when he wants to paint it gets messy, surprise?! No of course not. So we let him paint in the nude in the kitchen with a plastic tarp and he paints until the paint is gone or he is completely covered with it. We even sometimes let him paint the tub walls. Makes clean up easier.

     But then I started to think about, "I wonder if he will be a grown up artist that can only paint in the nude?" I also started to envision his first day in preschool when they say, "Ok class now we are going to finger paint."  and he proceeds to strip before he puts on his apron. Sorry Jake. Sorry Teacher.

     Oh well, I guess we will have a good laugh and cross that bridge when the time comes. For now nude painting is a blast and that's the way it should be.

                                                           Enjoy life with a sense of humor!

                                                     http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery
                                                                          Dawn Rosell

                                                                                   

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Work in Progress

      I am feeling inspired by the new year to go back to my roots of style and try to focus, or as it is refocus, more life into that style. I feel I have been trying so hard to please everyone else's idea of style that I have forgotten to please my own aesthetic.
      And so I am in the studio looking at these items saying,  "What are you going to be? Talk to me, talk to me."  Yeah it sounds a bit crazy but that's how it works with me.
      Come along and enjoy the ride on my journey of  2012.

                                 http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery

                                                                                                      Dawn Rosell
                                                     

Custom Made to order


The chandelier hoop earrings were requested by a very stylish woman and I made it work for her. I am loving the way they came out. My favorite thing is to work with the customer and make something truly unique for them. Hope you like them too.


Dawn
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DRDesignsGallery

Monday, January 2, 2012

2012 Inventory sale!

I am currently having a clear out the shelves with a clearance sale in my Etsy store. Everything in the sale is $24.99 and under. I have some big ideas for this New year and need to make room, so come take advantage of the great deals available.



Dawn :)