Stone Treatments: Dying
Posted by Administrator on Oct 31, 2006
Stones (and pearls) are often dyed to enhance or change their natural color to one that is deemed more desirable.
Some dyes stones will retain the color permanently, but some won’t. If you suspect that your pearls or stones are dyed, and you want to check to see how permanent the dye is, soaking them overnight in water with a *mild* soap should remove excess dye, and the color that remains is likely fairly stable and shouldn’t come off on skin or clothes. This won’t prevent fading, however, as some dyes will fade when exposed to sunlight.
Another way to preserve the color of dyed stones and pearls semi-permanently is to spray them with a varnish or laquer. There are many products out there; one affordable and easy to find option is Krylon clear in matte or shiny. This can be found in the spray paint aisle at hardware stores. Use in a well ventilated area (or outside) and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. I wear a respirator when I use sprays to protect my lungs from the fumes.
Maven Fair November 11th
Posted by Administrator on Oct 25, 2006
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be selling my jewelry at the November 11th Maven: Urban Design + Craft Fair located at 1700 Dwight Way (at McGee) in Berkeley, CA, from 12:00-5:00 pm.
I’ve attended this event myself once, and really enjoyed it. It is set up like a small boutique of products made by skilled craftswomen from the Bay Area.
While I’m talking about shows…the holidays are just around the corner (you know all the stores will decorate for Christmas starting the day after Halloween…) and I have some great holiday events this year. In addition to my annual holiday open studios (dates still to-be-announced, but most likely Thanksgiving weekend) I’m particpating in the Pleasanton Craft Mafia’s first annual Open House and Trunk Sale on Saturday, December 2 from 11:00-4:00 at 1152 Crellin Road in Pleasanton, CA.
Ravenswood Marketplace
Posted by Administrator on Oct 11, 2006
I had a wonderful time at the Ravenswood Marketplace over the weekend. I saw lots of artwork and fine craft, and met some great people. Plus, the location (Ravenswood winery in Sonoma) was beautiful, and we could not possibly have asked for better weather - warm but not too hot, and I was set up in a partially shaded area.
I also had the opportunity to wear the beautiful collaborative charm necklace that I helped to make along with several other artists from all over the country. I got tons of compliments on the necklace, and a few people wanted to know when we will be auctioning it off so they can bid. (The necklace is currently traveling across the US to each participating artist, and at the end of its journey it will be auctioned off, with all proceeds donated to breast cancer research.)
