Sherlock Holmes 2009 movie I can't wait

Expect to see me at the movie theater Christmas Day. I have loved the Sherlock Holmes stories since I picked up my first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle book at 10 years old. There is something magical about the time period that fills me with excitement and a little fear too. I'm sure that this along with my love for Vernian works has helped to steer me towards the steampunk side of my creations. How thrilling it would have been to have been alive in what I believe is the most important time for the inventors of the world. My great great grandfather was also an inventor and had a couple of pieces exhibited in London museums. His speciality was steam power. I may not be an inventor... yet, but I certainly let my creativity drive me.

Also if you are interested my pieces are for sale at www.lunetmuse.etsy.com

My favourite design so far

I was pondering for a long time over what to do with this beautiful piece of antique gold plated brass I had purchased. It was such a beautiful classic art nouveau design that I didn't want to detract from. The poppy looked so beautiful by itself but it needed a little something more. Finally I figured it out. See the result in the picture. If you wish to purchase it go to www.lunetmuse.etsy.com it is in my store right now.

A little humor is necessary

A little humor is necessary to get all of us through the day sometimes. I try to add a little magic or humor to all my pieces. Why does it always rain on me is a tribute to the days where nothing goes right and you know however hard you try you are not going to be able to fix whatever is going wrong.

I've been reading

So for me reading is a fun yet dangerous. I often get swept up in whatever I have read and then the creativity happens. My latest read was just an innocent magazine I picked up at Indigo. Then it happened. I found an article on glass etching. Any sane person would go to the craft store in a week or two to check out what was available, but being me I had to pick up my supplies immediately. I have now purchased a bottle of etching fluid, stickers and a practice pendant. I am so excited I am going into the kitchen after I finish writing this and I will let you know how it went. I found the idea in handcrafted jewelry but they got the idea from a book called Custom cool jewelry by Melinda Barta. She is the editor of beadwork magazine. I can't tell you the amount of times I have walked past the glass etching section but it never occured to me to use it on pendants. Thank-you Melinda especially if it turns out wonderfully.

I found what I was looking for - my inspiration

This is the room setting I was looking for. It is the inspiration for my new collection. I have this picture posted on my notice board above where I work on my jewelry. It reminds me of Marie Antoinette, perhaps it could be her salon filled with the finest silks and accessories from far away lands.

Writing Etsy descriptions and naming pieces - Moby Dick

I always try to research themes, stories or history around pieces I am selling. Today I spent a half hour trying to identify what type of whale was on one of my latest pieces (it turned out to be a sperm whale like Moby Dick). Wikipedia is one of my best friends for this type of thing. Often it triggers ideas and memories from childhood while I'm researching. The researching sometimes explains why I was attracted to a part I am using in my jewelry in the first place.

attention to detail

My latest piece had a lot of thought put into it. The sizes and colors of each crystal were carefully chosen, the metals matched to each other for tone, the length adjusted and adjusted until I was happy. Jewelry is a labor of love but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jules Verne

I love Jules Verne especially Mysterious Island. I love his books so much that I also own several games inspired by his books so I can feel as though as I was there. It was only a matter of time before his inspiration crept into my jewelry. I have created several Octopi but none as awe inspiring as shown in the picture here. I have made a few hot air balloons too as an homage to Around the World in 80 days.

Inspiration

I couldn't find the exact image I wanted but I need to put you in my frame of mind right now while I am creating my newest pieces. Think the Orient meets Paris. Turquoise, gold, silver, greens, pinks. Ornate patterns and luxury. I hope you love them as much as I do. Above is one picture that helps illustrate what I am trying to create.

bridal additions

I decided to add bridal jewelry to my Etsy site. Other than being really pretty I love pearls, silver etc. Perhaps I'm just a Chanel classic at heart. Here is a picture of my precious cargo piece it comes in silver sparrows with a pink freshwater pearl handpicked by myself, or vintage brass sparrows with a white freshwater pearl. I hope to work in sterling next.

Business cards. I have just scratched the surface with business cards but I can already see they are essential in advertising your etsy store. I have some homemade ones for now but used vista print to upload an image of one of my pieces to make professional looking cards too. Now all I need is a professional holder to whip them out with and to go drop them with people other than friends and work colleagues. I think my first stop will be the magazine pile at the hair salon I go to. I'll let you know if it works. Also don't forget to include a business card with any sold item. You want return customers and good word of mouth too.

So here I am and I'm not sure what this blog will be about. I think I should try and help other etsy stores and jewelry makers in general. The best way to learn is to teach right? I think I heard that from a teacher though...I wonder if it counts still.

Well I am lunetmuse or rather my shop is www.lunetmuse.etsy.com I specialize in vintage inspire jewelry. A lot is nouveau Victorian or nature inspired. I have spent a long time developing my store and its products I hope it shows. You can even see my pictures get better as time goes on ( the earlier ones being a little bright and not as sophisticated).

I think I will do seperate blogs showing what I have learned so far and if I learn something new I'll share that too. I may just add random banter too as that's just how I am.