Make your own western vase on $5

I made these 8 vases for plant clippings and it only cost me $5! 

***You'll need:

     A glass hurricane or straight tall cup

     Some twine from the hardware store

     Hot glue 

     And some chocolate for your sanity after spinning these for 15 min!

A dab of hot glue at the base of the case will hold the twine in place. 

With the vase inverted, I put a drop of glue starting at the top and attached the twine.

Glue the first row completely around so it doesn't slip off.  

Continue spinning around and gluing periodically until you have the twine about halfway down the vase. You can stop at any point but it's nice looking if there's a substantial amount of twine on the glass. 

When you're ready to stop, make the final row glued down, so it doesn't slip. Then cut the twine off and glue the edge down to the glass. 

Holistic Properties of Jewelry

The Holistic Approach to Jewelry

What could be better than Mother Nature's very own elements?

Metals

Without doubt, we all want to be healthy.  I, myself, have found that over the years, I treasure the times I feel my best.  I can't count the number of days I've been ill and with that, I set out to determine the best sources of holistic remedies to my own, and some of the more common, ailments. "As a rule, a person does not pay attention to that. In ancient times it was known that metals and their alloys had not only the material value, but also healing and energetic properties. Metals were used to treat and prevent various diseases. Nowadays, the action of metals on the human body continues to be studied, and their beneficial properties find new applications in traditional and alternative medicine." 4 

Silver
The first known coins date back to 610 BC and were made from silver by the Lydians (circa 1200 BC – 1^st century BC). Although these people no longer exist today, at one time Lydia was quite a powerful empire that encompassed today’s Asia Minor, modern Turkey and western Anatolia.
Simply put, silver " minimizes zinc on the skin’s surface, which decreases an enzyme known as Metalloproteinase (MMP) and in turn stimulates healthy tissue. In decreasing MMP, the natural anti-inflammatory properties present in silver increase production of calcium, which is necessary for wounds and in particular burns to heal." 1   Not only does silver get rid of pathogens, it helps promote rapid healing of the tissues infected or destroyed. Most burn centers use various forms of silver and silver soaked bandaging for burn victims. 
In fact, silver leaf was used to combat infection in wounds sustained by troops during World War I and in the early 1800s, doctors used silver sutures in surgical wounds. Silver is a powerful germ fighter but this was not always used for such until well into the 1800's.  Colloidal Silver is used today for a variety of medicinal purposes and  Silver sulphadiazine is now used in a large number of burn centers.

Copper
Ancient Egyptians used copper pipes to transport water to destroy parasites and other water-borne pathogens. Shipbuilders have used copper for thousands of years to keep algae from encrusting on the hulls of ships. French vintners have used a copper sulfate compound to fight fungus on grapevines for hundreds of years.  More recent studies have shown that uncoated copper and copper alloys can inactivate the more virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with hospital-acquired infections (HAI), such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  As a healing metal copper is also used for problems with excess fat. It benefits the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system.  The use of copper bracelets centers on reducing the joint pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition to easing joint stiffness, adherents wear copper bracelets to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. While theories as to why copper bracelets are beneficial vary, the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" mentions that "some advocates claim the copper emits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." 2    Although no scientific evidence backs this up, some bracelet wearers report feeling better after using the copper bracelets.

Gold
Gold, a known element for it's ability to attract heat to the body.  "The earliest records of the use of gold for medicinal and healing purposes come from Alexandria, Egypt. Over 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians ingested gold for mental, bodily and spiritual purification. The ancients believed that gold in the body worked by stimulating the life force and raising the level of vibration on all levels."  Today we use gold in dental work for ease of malleability and its non-toxicity.  Early 1900's medical doctors put gold beneath the skin to ease pain of joints.   As far back as the late 1800's, gold was known for its healing properties and influence on the circulation of blood to the heart.   Today gold can be found in many consumable items such as chocolate, champagne, wine and more.

Worth Noting
Calcium, Zinc and Cobalt
These metals are necessary for optimal health.  These metals work with the body's natural enzymes to speed up chemical reactions. 
Iron
Aides in the normalization of blood in the body.
Steel
Thought to help "clean the spine" of contaminants.

With all these wonderful metals, one need only choose, the next time you come across a unique jewelry design.  Wear it proudly as it's one less ailment you need worry about.  Put your metals to work for yourself and your own well-being.   And the next time you pass on a piece of handmade or well designed piece of jewelry, think again!  It just may be just what you need!



1.  http://www.bottomlinepublications.com/content/article/health-a-healing/the-awesome-healing-power-of-silver
2. Scientia Press: Medicinal Effects of Copper Bracelets

"Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005

3. http://www.purestcolloids.com/history-gold.php

4. http://english.pravda.ru/health/01-02-2013/123653-metals_cure_diseases-0/

Thanks for visiting.  Please be sure to add your comments and check back.  I will be posting more tips shortly.  Thank you - Donna

For beautiful designs visit: DK Designs Jewelry 

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Finding Your Inspiration

Welcome to the world of jewelry!

by:  DK Designs Jewelry

 

Jewelry Artwork - Finding Inspiration

      Like writing a book, sitting down at my work station sometimes draws me a complete blank.  I need something to get the creative juices flowing.  With art, specifically, jewelry, we often forget that each design take inspiration to be beautiful.  

      Endless seas of websites, stacks of magazines and a desk full of parts, offer no help to be inspired.  I often scroll for hours on the Internet perusing sites, hoping to find that one design element to kick start my creative juices.

      It wasn't until recently, after almost a year of floundering around, that I realized my true inspiration doesn't come from other designs, books or web sites.   

Empire State building ~ INSPIRATION

 

 

 

 

 

Earrings made from my inspiration.

 

Below, are some ideas on how you, too, can find inspiration and get that spirit in your own jewelry, just as I do:

1) PICTURES ~

Do you have albums or boxes full of photos?  Maybe it's all stored on your computer or disc drive?  Of course you do.  We all do.  Your inspiration is at your very fingertips!  Grab one or two.  Look at them.  Maybe the image stirs an emotion or a thought of some incredible day.  Maybe a smell comes to mind like that of frosting on a birthday cake or flowers in a garden.  How does that picture make you feel?  Use this feeling and select a bead or bobble that reflects that same feeling for you.  Now pick an element , maybe wire, or a bail or a post that seems to accentuate that little item.  Now, you're on your way.

 

2) COLOR ~

I'm a very visual person so colors stand out to me and I truly feed off of a color that suits me in a given day.  I am guilty of buying a single bead or bag of crystals just because the color radiated and caught my eye.  I had no idea what I might make with them but I loved the color.  Sometimes, a single piece of colored material will spark my interest and my design will revolve solely around it.  I often check my color wheel for complimentary colors.  You don't have to have an earring in all blues because your perfect bead was blue.  I color cross with an accent color simply by checking my color wheel and seeing color compliments.  Across the wheel might be the yellow and together with your blue bead, you've created a wonderful montage. 

 Now you get it.  See, the juices are flowing already!  One begets the next, begets the next.

3) SEASON/HOLIDAYS ~

Now, this is an easy one.  When a holiday or event rolls around, I'm compelled by that event to create something complimentary.  The stores may be bursting at the seems with holiday items.  Be on the lookout for small items that can be incorporated into your jewelry.  One of my favorite places to go is the craft-fares.  If nothing else, I get greatly inspired by the creativeness of others. 

4) THEMES ~

One of my favorite things to do is create a collection based on a theme.  Sometimes it's inspired by  a particular color or maybe by a kind of metal texture.  Whatever the inspiration, use your first piece to inspire the next one and so on.  Before you know it. you've got a themed collection.

 

5) ENVIRONMENT ~

Every great artist sees the world thru different eyes.  You are just as great and your art is waiting to be born.  Take a stroll along a riverbank or oceanfront.  Take in the smells and sounds.  Let the environment inspire your creativity.  A recent trip to visit friends included a stop along the highway to eat.  While looking at the beautiful waterfall that barely escaped the rockslide, I noticed all the lush green foliage surrounding the puddle at the bottom.  Each piece of ivy glistened with moisture and sparkled like tiny diamonds.  I immediately took a picture with my camera phone and I was home again, ready to create, I looked again at my photo.  Before I know it, I'd created a glistening masterpiece that sold in 2 days.  Be aware of your surroundings and look for beauty in everyday life. 

 

LASTLY,

Don't be afraid to fail.  I have a desktop full of pieces I've started by stopped because I didn't like where they were going.  Never throw them away!  I can't tell you how many times I need that added element and what had once started as a pair of earrings was now my new necklace.  Sometimes I take the item apart and use the pieces on something else.  My once failed ring is now my work of art necklace.  Throw nothing away.  You may use it later.

Here are some great web sites to check out for more information:

http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/jewelrydesignhowtos/a/Tips-For-Finding-Jewelry-Design-Inspiration.htm

http://pinterest.com/kbophotography/jewelry-making-inspiration/

Thanks for visiting. Please be sure to add your comments and check back. I will be posting more tips shortly. Thank you - Donna

Jewelry Vocabulary

Welcome to the world of jewelry!

by:  DK Designs Jewelry

TERMS TO KNOW

Alloy - Base metal mixed with precious ore to make it workable, harden it, or change its color.

Anodize - An electro-chemical process that creates a hard surface to accept dying

Antique - Object 100 years or older.

Antiquing - Process of darkening recessed areas

Art Deco - bold geometric and abstract patterns

Art Nouveau -sinuous, organic forms and elaborately curving lines

Articulated - Jewelry constructed with hinges or pivots

Assay - Process of establishing purity of gold, silver and other alloys

Bail - Connector at the top of a pendant

Bail: An oval-, teardrop-, or D-shaped metal component used to connect pendants to a chain

Baker setting: a round setting similar to the Tiffany Setting, but always four prong

Bangle:  a non-flexible or barely flexible bracelet

Baroque - Bold, ornate, heavy looking

Barrel Nut: A barrel-shaped clutch with a rubber-type insert that grips a pin

Basket Setting: An open-sided setting

Basse-taille - (bass-tie) Technique of applying glass enamel to a metal surface

Bead Cap: A metal ornament placed on a glass or stone bead to cover any roughness or damage

Bead Clasp:clasp mechanism that is hidden in a bead or pearl.

Bead Cone:metal cone shape which is used to secure and cover the ends of multiple strands of beading

Bead Tip: A concave metal piece, attached to a metal loop, used to attach thread to a clasp

Bead: Any small or rounded component, made from a variety of materials, with a hole through it

Belcher Setting: A ring mounting in which the claws for the setting are formed from the shank of the ring.

Bezel - A collar style setting for a gemstone

Bezel Cup: A type of setting designed to hold flat-backed stones in which the top of the setting is burnished over the stone to secure it in place

Bezel:a type of setting into which a continuous groove has been cut to fit a faceted stone

Bolo Slide:device that has a flat surface and tabs rolled into a tube formation on the back of the flat surfac

Box Setting: A square or rectangular grooved setting  generally used for mounting a stone on a ring or pendant

Breloque: A small item, such as a charm, designed to be suspended from a chain

Bunch Rings: Inexpensive rings with small center mountings : stack rings or stackable rings

Buttercup Setting: Typically used for pendants and earrings, this deep, six-prong setting is shaped vaguely like the buttercup flower.

Butterfly Clutch: A clutch that grips a grooved post

Button Loop Tie Holder: A metal piece with an indent in the middle for slipping over the button that goes behind the tie

Cameo - A layered stone, often banded agate, or sea shell carved with either a woman's profile, a man's profile, natural scenes or themes

Cannetille - Wirework decor using coiled and twisted gold wire to achieve delicate scrolling effects.

Cap: Cover hinged to the center of a watch case.

Cartouche - Swirling or scrolling decoration, often symmetrical and engraved as an embellishment

Case screw: Small screw with full or three-quarters head, designed to fasten a watch movement to its case.

Case spring: Spring which causes a hunting case lid to snap open when the crown is pressed.

Casting - Method of shaping metal by melting and pouring into hollow molds

Catch: In brooches, a piece of hardware designed to accept and lock a top wire or a pin-stem

Chain Tag: A flat metal piece, usually a small square or rectangle, with a hole in each end. Its specific function is to  carry the quality stamp or trademark of the manufacturer

Champlev - Enameling technique that fills routed, etched or cut area of metal with enamel. Usually copper or bronze.

Chandelier Finding: A finding, most often used on an ear ring, with a decorative drop or drops that hang down from the ear lobe and dangles like a chandelier.

Channel Setting - Gemstone setting method that fits stones of uniform size into a channel

Charm Hanger:holder is a jewelry finding which can be attached to a neck chain or cord with a jump ring or bail

Charm: A miniature object designed to be attached to a chain bracelet

Chasing - Method of decorating the front of metal objects indenting with shaped punches and chasing hammer

Chaton: A foil-backed glass or manmade stone

Chevron: Ornament made of lines joining at an angle

Choker: Short (generally 14-inch) necklace, usually of beads or pearls or chain.

Cinch Mount: A mount which surrounds only the girdle of a faceted stone or the rim of a cabochon

Clamp: A metal prong or claw on a gemstone setting. Also called a cramp.

Clasp: A fastening device, such as a catch or hook, used to hold two or more objects or parts together

Clip: A two-part piece attached to the back of an earring. The two pieces closed around the earlobe, using mechanical pressure to hold the earring in place. Photo and additional information.

Cloisonn� cloi-zon-ay Enameling technique

Collar: Molding in the shape of a ring or band around a piece or stone.

Collet: Decorative band or collar with top and bottom edges parallel; flange in which any kind of stone is set.

Comfort Disc:  A plastic disc that fits over the post of a pierced earring for greater comfort

Craquelees: Rock crystal stones artificially cracked or crazed by heating.

Crest: Any symbol, figure or device placed above the shield in a coat-of-arms design.

Crimp Bead: A very small piece of cut tubing used to finish off a strand of beads

Crimp Tube: A crimp bead made into a tubular shape rather than a round.

Damascene - Type of jewelry inlaid or engraved with gold or silver metals and black enamel; originated in  the 14th century in Damascus.

Dapping: An operation that adds a third dimension to a normally flat ornament - e.g. doming a flat ornament.

Demi-Parure - Partial set of jewelry. A full set usually includes a necklace, earrings, bracelet and brooch, all matching.

Diadem: Regal emblem

Die setting: Forming a flat piece of metal with hardened steel forms called dies

Dome: Any convex decoration. It can be made manually with a dapping block and a dapping punch

Doublet: Any stone made of two component parts, frequently genuine stones combined with glass, plastics, or synthetic stones.

Drop: A small ornament suspended from a piece of jewelry

Ear Nut: A clutch with a hole through which an earring post is attached to secure the earring to the earlobe

Ear Screw: A U-shaped ear wire with a threaded back, which clamps earrings to un-pierced ears

Ear Threads: Earring component  made of very small chains and a thin pin that thread through holes in the ears

Earring: Any ornament - button, clip, pendant shape etc. - attached to the lobe of the ear by screw, clip or wire.

Enamel - Glass powder or paste applied to metal then fired in an oven to solifify and fuse the glass onto the metal.

Engraving - Process of decorating metal by gouging a design into its surface

Enhancer: A bail-like finding that may be opened to fit over a strand of pearls or beads

Eternity ring: Band set with full or half circlet of stones given by a husband or wife as a pledge of undying love. Similar styles include: guard, caliber and insert rings.

Eye: A loop, made of wire or other material

Filigree: Ornamental work formed of bent wire that is soldered into delicate and complex designs

Fishhook: A fishhook-shaped finding used to make earrings

Flambeau: Ornament shaped like flame or torch-end.

Flat stock: Metal passed through successively narrow rolling mills; generally used for stamping.

Fleur-de-lis: Iris-shaped ornament, famous as the insignia of French royalty. Photo and additional information.

Fob: A chain or ribbon attached to a pocket watch

Frame: A banded metal ornament designed to take a setting and stone-

French back: An earring in which one leg of a U-shaped wire is attached to the back of the ornament

French Clip: An alternative to a pierced earring, it incorporates a spring clip (tension on the ear is provided by a spring-loaded pad) and a pad-tipped screw

French Hook:  A non-closing ear wire shaped similar to a hook

Guard Chain: A small chain usually 2 to 3 inches

Guilloche - Enameling style of continuous decoration engraved by a lathe then covered with translucent enamel

Heishi Beads: Small shell or other disc beads, usually white, of American Indian origin.

High relief: Ornamental work in which designs are raised or stamped to stand out from the surface.

Hinge: Three-component assembly for joining; permits motion of a finding to complete its function as a piece of jewelry

Hoop: Metal wire or tubing that has been formed into individual rings

Illusion Setting: A type of prong setting containing a faceted metal plate that surrounds the girdle of a diamond,  thus making the diamond appear larger.

Incised: Engraved or cut

Intaglio - Carved gem where the design is created by incising into the stone making a negative pattern.

Invisible Setting - Setting style where rows of square cut gemstones rest flush edge to edge; all within a metal border or frame, with no metal separating individual gems.

Joint wire: Hollow wire or tubing formed by bending a strip of thick flat plate and drawing it through a drawplate until the desired diameter and opening are achieved

Joint, Catch, and Pin-Stem: An assembly used to affix jewelry items, such as brooches, to clothing

Jump Ring: A plain wire ring of any size, usually round or oval in shape, used for attaching jewelry parts

Kidney Wire: A wire, formed into a kidney shape, to which dangling earrings are attached

Knuckle: Tubular section that forms part of the hinge on the lid of a box, watch case or locket; the hinge pin fits into the knuckle.

La Loop Finding: An open ring or split ring with two swivels attached

Lapped Border: The polished edge of an item achieved by using a non-yielding surface, such as a stiff felt wheel or a wood wheel. It gives the appearance of a rounded edge.

Lavaliere: An ornament hanging from a chain, worn around the neck.

Lever Back: A hook-shaped ear wire that is hinged to a spring-loaded closure piece at the base of the hook

Lobster Claw: A clasp shaped somewhat like a lobster’s claw. The "pincer" arm is under tension by an internal spring mechanism that is opened and closed by a lever on its side

Locket Bail: An oval- or D-shaped metal component used to connect pendants, specifically lockets, to a chain.

Love knot: Generally three intertwined rings made from wire or tubing reformed or flattened as a group (after assembly) into regular or irregular shapes.

Low relief: Ornament in which designs are raised above a background surface, but raised only about half as high as in high relief

Low square setting: Usually the replacement for the upper half of a square prong setting; generally used for repairs.

Memory Wire: Flexible steel wire tempered to hold its coiled shape. Used for stringing beads.

Mesh: A finely woven metal fabric

Mounting - Device that holds a gem in place.

Mounting: A piece of jewelry onto which a stone or stones will be set. It can take several forms, such as a ring, a pendant, a bracelet, or a necklace.

Necklace Extender: A short length of chain, beaded chain or other necklace material with a connector on one end and a loop on the other

Necklet: A short necklace or chain - less than 18 inches in length.

Open setting: Stone setting with the sides open so that the lower portion of the stone is visible.

Opera Length - A necklace 48 to 90 inches long.

Ormolu - Gilded bronze or brass mounts.

Oval bead: Oval or teardrop-shaped metal bead, formed in a swaging process, and cut separately. See fancy bead.

Oval setting: A setting similar to the Tiffany setting, but made oval to accommodate oval-shaped stones.

Oxidation - Chemical process to blacken or tarnish. Slphur and oxygen is used on silver.

Pallions: Small pieces of solder.

Paste - Glass-based substance used to simulate gemstones and has become one slang term for all fake gemstones. Paste stones are lead crystals with high lead content and more brilliant than glass rhinestones.

Paternoster beads: Alternate term for Roster Beads.

Patina: Green film formed by oxidation on copper and bronze; can be formed naturally over a period of time through exposure to air

Pave - French for pavement or cobblestone; a field of small gems set so close together they create a continuous paved effect.

Pendant: An ornament designed to be suspended from a chain or necklace.  Photo and additional information.

Post: A pin-like finding attached to an earring. It passes through the pierced earlobe and is usually secured by a clutch

Press: Equipment used to stamp findings - can be a foot press, screw press, electric press, percussion press, hydraulic press etc.

Princess Cut - Highly faceted, square cut crystal similar to a brilliant cut, but adapted to a square shape to increase its brilliance and yield of the rough.

Prong setting - A gemstone held in place by small finger-like wires attached to a bezel and bent over the edges of the stone.

Regard - Acrostic jewelry, meaning   jewelry where the first letter of each type of stone spells out a word.

Rhinestone - A faceted stone made of glass.

Riviere - Single strand necklace of equally sized and cut gemstones.

Rope chain: Chain of fine wire in close spiral links, making it look like a rope.

Rosary: A chain of beads used by Roman Catholics to count devotional prayers.

Roundel: A doughnut-shaped or squatted disk shaped bead that is used as a spacer or an accent in stringing applications.

Safety Catch - One means of securing a brooch to a garment.

Sand Casting - Using molds to form cavities in casting sands that are then poured with molten gold.

Satin finish: A dull finish imparted by sandblasting, brushing with a stiff wire brush, or by chemical means; a soft luster rather than a high polish.

Scarf Clip: Hinged device that includes a flat surface to allow space to which an ornament is attached, and an open ring through which the scarf is pulled

Security post and nut: A push-on, screw-off post/nut unit for pierced earrings.

Semi-Mounting: A mounting that is only partially set. It usually has small side stones, but no main or center stone.

Setting - Method by which a stone is held into a mounting. - The part of jewelry into which stones are set.

Shank - Portion of a ring that encircles the finger.

Shepard Hook: A pierced earring wire shaped like a shepherd’s crook-similar to fishhook wire but with a longer shaft

S-hook Clasp: Two  flat stock findings with a matched appearance. One part is shaped like  the letter S, and the other part like the number 8

Shoulder - Portion of a ring between the shank and the center of the setting.

Signet - A personal seal once used to make wax impressions for signatures or authenticating a document.  The seal would usually be in reverse, so the impression in the wax could be viewed normally.

Sister Hook: Two overlapping metal hooks hinged to form a heart outline when open. Used as a clasp.   Photo and additional information.

Snake chain - A chain made up of round wavy metal rings joined side by side to form a flexible tube with a smooth, scaly texture like snake skin.

Soldering - Technique used in making and repairing jewelry whereby two pieces of metal are joined when a molten metal with a lower melting point than the two metals being joined is used.

Solitaire: Generally used to describe a ring with a single center stone, or the stone itself.

Spacer Bars: A flat metal component with holes which is used to keep strands of beads from crisscrossing in a multi-strand necklace

Split Ring: An oval or round ring inside of which the metal spirals and functions just like a split key ring

Stamping - Using a die set to cut or emboss metal with a mark

Swage:  To bend or shape cold metal using a tool or hammer.

Swivel: Used to attach watches or other finished jewelry items to a chain

Tallis Clip: Also known as an alligator clip or sweater clip. Usually embellished, then assembled with a chain in pairs.

Tap: A hard steel screw with fluted, hollow cutting edges to cut threads in a pre-formed hole.

Tempering: Reducing the hardness of hardened steel by gradual heating to stages less than annealing heat.

Torsade - Necklace fashioned from numerous stands of beads.

Total weight: Generally used for diamond jewelry but can be applied to any jewelry with small stones. It refers to the combined carat weight of all stones in the piece.

Vacuum coating: The deposition of an extremely thin metallic coating, generally on plastic or very inexpensive metals, by volatilization within a vacuum.

V-Bail: A two-loop bail that looks like a "V" from the front. Also known as a rabbit ear bail. Photo and additional information.   Thanks for visiting.  Please be sure to add your comments and check back.  I will be posting more tips shortly.  Thank you - Donna For beautiful designs visit: DK Designs Jewelry  Facebook: DKDesignsJewlery Twitter: @ DKDesignsJewel