I think the best thing about designing jewelry is when I get an idea and it really works.

This happened recently when I realized a fusing technique I use might make possible some earring designs that had been floating around in my head, and when I tried it, it worked beautifully.

Whenever I can adapt a new technique to a new design, I get really inspired to come up with new work. My new line of argentium silver earrings is growing rapidly, and I’m enjoying every minute that I work on it. I’m doing real metalwork – torching, filing, hammering, polishing – and I’ve gotten good enough that I can reliably recreate my results, which is important for selling jewelry through stores and galleries.

I think metalwork is really special, because it is so literally handmade – every mark, every shape, even whether the finish is matte or shiny, is done by my hand. It’s more labor intensive than the work I do with beads and wire, but I think it’s worth it to have pieces that have so much of my hand in every single aspect of how the finished product looks. (And getting to use lots of tools doesn’t hurt either – I LOOOVE tools. The more dremel attachments I can use, the better. Hammering? Great way to destress, and a killer arm workout too.)

If I can get some good photos, I’ll post the latest batch of earrings later this week (and very soon into my etsy shop). I think they are pretty awesome, but I suppose I’m biased.

Check out Monday’s Muse to read about what inspires other moms.