Friday Finds - 09 Sep 25

Wow, can't believe fall is actually here. Just earlier this week marked the First Day of Autumn. Leaves are starting to turn colors. I can just smell the apple cider brewing. My friend Dianna's better half is already back from the wine grape harvests. The other day, I even saw a little kid with a black cap on his shoulders, test driving his costume.

Here are some treasures I found that just suits the occasion:

Clockwise from top left:
1. Autum Equinox by SusanClarkeOriginals
2. Autumn Neckwarmer by Ebruk
3. Cats Cats & More Cats Wallet by zaibboo
4. Handmade Journal with Wine Cork by BBesigns
5. Build A Flower Card by tigerlilyol
6. Pumpkin Inspired Earrings by BelladonnasJoy

Raised Bead Setting

This is my latest commission piece - a 14K gold pendant with a 4mm round faceted ruby. Due to the high cost of gold (eeek!!! $1,004 per oz as of this very moment), I sweat solder a piece of 14K with a piece of 10K, to achieve a .006 inch (1.5 mm) thickness of this pendant. Hey, you skimp where you can , right? The rest of the necklace is all 14K.

The ruby was set with bead prongs that were raised from adjacent materials. This technique is the basis of pave stone setting, which is one of the most challenging of all stone setting techniques.

After setting the stone, I put a sandblasted texture on the front and back. Edges are brought to a high polish. Finally touches are the quality stamps and then I signed on one of the edges. Ah yes, I still need to design and have a hallmark stamp made. Soon!

The group of photos below are my progress pictures.

Friday Finds - 09 18 09

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown today. This will conclude my series of features for this High Holiday. Each year, we get together with some friends and have lunch together after the morning service. Happy and sweet New Year to everyone! Shalom!

Clockwise from top left:

1. Sacred, watercolor print and verse by mishmishmarket

2. Kiddush Cup with Pierced Blessing by agru

3. Magic Bird Town Hamsa Print by doodlage

4. Fused Glass Menorah by toocraftyladies

5. Shalom Floral Wall Hanging by sieberdesigns

6. Ahava is Love (in Hebrew) by inbarbareket

7. (Sale) Rosh Hashanah Cards by tamarhammer

8. Petite Copper Star of David by oakgeorgia

9. Happy New Year Cards by karmabee

Friday Finds - 11 Sep 09

Our Etsy Chai team is growing by the leaps and bound. Today, I am continuing with the Rosh Hashanah theme featured by more members. It's amazing how much artwork are inspired by this one holiday. Follow the links to see more photos and related products.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Chai Wire Kippah by lindab142

2. Silver Menorah Earrings by beadsofparadiseshop

3. Handwoven Prayer Shawl, Tallit by poemweave

4. Kiddish Cup by ceramicsbymarcelle

5. Nisan Mezuzah Case by hautefelt

6. Pools on Mars Hair Barrette by claybeadsandmore

7. Judaic Greeting Card by anjalicreations

8. Days of Awe by downtoearthcreations

9. Recycled Ms Nivea Meets Mr Peroni Earrings by markaplan

Friday Finds - 04 Sep 09

Hard to believe that Rosh Hashanah is only two weeks away, and it is Year 5770 on the Jewish calendar. I am featuring many handmade items that will get you in the mood for the High Holidays. They are all created by my fellow team members of Team Etsy Chai.Clockwise from top left:

1. Blue Lace Agate Necklace by fleurdeirk

2. Forever Stripes Lampwork Beads by dorsethillbeads

3. Jewish Holiday Gift Bag & Tag by bbesigns

4. Rosh Hashanah Cards by handmadeinisrael

5. Bird on a Wire Tallis by kippahmitzvah

6. Israeli Flag Illusion Knit Tote Pattern by acacheofjewels

7. Blue Dove Cards by anothercreation

8. Knit Shabbat Challah Cover by blazingneedles

9. Yad and Scroll by lbolter

There are more goodies than what I can show here, so don't forget to peruse their stores.