Fun While It Lasted

I have come to the decision that I no longer possess the dexterity in my hands to create the jewelry I started to make almost 2 years ago. I picked up my pliers one day about a month ago and proceeded to try to fix a clasp on a necklace that I have had for years. I was able to get the jump ring open, but when I tried to hold the jump-ring with one pliers and close it with another, my hands just didn't want to cooperate. My fingers tightened up and my grip failed me. It was at this point I decided that it was time to destash my collection of jewelry making supplies.

I took out a few of the little containers that I keep everything sorted and labeled in. The beads were so pretty, sparkly, and cool to the touch. But when I thought about trying to string and twist and crimp, my hands started telling me to change my thoughts.

Over the next few weeks I hope to get all my supplies listed and photographed to sell. Not sure which avenue I will take. I may list some select items on Etsy, but most of the bulk supplies will probably go on Ebay as a lot. But I have so much, it is going to be hard to decide which to put where. I do have a lot of Swarovski crystals, Crystazzi crystals and pearls, and other very nice charms and other beads. Some of what I have were purchased with the intent of making gifts for friends and family, but I just never got to it.

I also have a lot of findings, key chain and phone fob elements, head pins and eye pins, spacers, ear wire, bracelet clasps, eyeglass lanyards, and everything in between.

Most (and this is a big portion) of my supplies were purchased from FireMountain Gems, and a good portion is from Michael's (Crystazzi specifically), and another online jewelry supply site that I can't recall the name for. Everything is excellent quality and in excellent condition.

So keep your eyes peeled, I may have something you need to finish a project or get one started. I will, of course, create a blog to show what is listed and where.

This isn't something I wanted to do but I know I can't create the same quality if I don't have the strength in my hands to ensure a solid piece that won't come apart. I just wish I would have put down on paper all the ideas I had when I bought everything!

A Very Accomplished Feeling!

Well this has been a very productive weekend for me. I got some new jewelry pieces made for my shop and just finished listing them. There are seven new listings as of today; five bracelets, one pair of earrings (that would go nicely with one of the bracelets that were just listed), and one bracelet/earring set.

This bracelet/earring set was created with beautiful sterling wrapped lampwork beads in a very warm and seductive amber glow. The druk beads are tortoise and complement the lampwork beads very nicely.

The earrings are on surgical steel earwires with silverplate accents, and dangle 2-1/4" from the top of the wire.

The bracelet is linked and closes with a silverplate toggle clasp. It fits to an 8" wrist.

This bracelet was created by linking art glass rectangles in red and blue with glass squares that are a deep rich red tone. The bracelet fastens with a silverplate toggle clasp, and fits to an 8" wrist.

The red squares, on first sight, reminded me of the anise hard candies that my grandfather always had on hand.

This bracelet is a bit chunky but sure to get attention!





The earrings that I just listed were created with fancy jasper and agate semi-precious beads. They are featured on silverplate hoops which are on surgical steel earwires with silverplate details. They dangle 1-1/2" from the top of the earwire.

They also include clear plastic earwire stops that help prevent the earwire from slipping out of the ear and getting lost.





This is a bracelet that is on silverplate memory wire and includes fancy jasper and fancy agate semi-precious beads, in round, faceted square, and disks.
This bracelet is one size fits all and would go with anything. Beautiful earthy tones in the beads, ranging from green to black to amethyst shades.
It would go wonderfully with the earrings above.




I have many other items that were just listed today, and they can all be seen in my shop, at Designs By RuKar

Please visit my Etsy shop, I'm sure you will find something that you just can't resist. If you see something you like and would like a different size, color, or other change, please let me know either by convo on Etsy or email me at rukar@karuss.com. We can work something out for a custom order. And don't forget - FREE SHIPPING on all items to U.S. addresses!! This is for regular First Class mail, but if you prefer Priority Mail, I can do that for an additional charge. Just contact me before sending payment.

Memory Wire Is Wonderful!!

I discovered memory wire a few weeks ago and finally got around to creating with it. I love it! No more worrying about how long the bracelet is; a few loops and it's one size fits all.

What I really like about it is the fact that there is no need for crimps or clasps. I started out with the intention of using the little silverplate balls that get glued to the end of the memory wire, but didn't feel confident that they would hold, so I opted for turning the wire at the end. This also gives the possibility of having a charm added to the loop for an added accent.

I just listed two bracelets made with the memory wire along with another bracelet made with 49 strand beading wire, toggle clasp, and crimps.

Check them out:

Cloissone and pearl bracelet made with silverplate memory wire - 3 full loops

Cobalt cloissone and druk bead bracelet made with beading wire and silverplate toggle clasp

Semi-precious fluorite bracelet and earrings made with silverplate memory wire - 2 loops

New Listing - Swarovski Crystal Earrings---GORGEOUS!

OH! I just love the way these earrings turned out! They are so pretty, I'm tempted to keep them for myself. I just listed them on my Etsy shop so go take a look.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16600298

These would go great with the Swarovski Crystal bracelet that is already there.

If you buy both, mention that you saw my blog, and I will give you a 10% discount!

As always, **FREE SHIPPING - FIRST CLASS MAIL TO U.S. ADDRESSES ONLY**

I'm Finally In A Treasury!!

I answered a post in Etsy forums for pink, and it got me a spot in a Treasury West Treasury!

The link is http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=29685

Here is a part of the listing (a screenshot):

New Jewelry Listings Today

The mistress has been busy. She made four new jewelry creations last night, but managed to find time to spend with me of course!

Her new items are necklace and earring sets, bracelet and earring sets, and a Swarovski crystal bracelet that I think would look "mahvelous" on ME for a collar! I suggested that, but she just chuckled. Oh well, can't fault me for trying!

Check them out:

This is the Swarovski crystal bracelet.

Don't you think it should be on my neck?

I do.

This is the amber and glass bead necklace and earring set.

Too big for me but I'll bet it would make a nice harness for the big dog that lives behind us. This beauty is 29" long!

Now this is a real beauty! What lady wouldn't like this for an special evening out, like Anniversary dinner, or New Years Eve.

This one is 18" long.

This is the ruby red and black bead bracelet/earring set.

If I lose weight, this bracelet would probably fit me.

naaaa, I like to eat too much!

You can see these and others at her Etsy shop. Just click the link on the side bar or go to http://designsbyrukar.etsy.com/