Can You Help??

Jess and I have been brainstorming back and forth for 2 days now about why my pieces come out of the pickle with a white, somewhat crusty coating that can be difficult to remove from very tiny areas between embellishments and so on. Her pieces come out of the pickle pot dull, but not coated in white. Mine come out like this.....

We both use the same pickling acid (RIO pickle), I mixed a new batch with the same water to acid ratio, but I am still getting the above result. Anyone have any ideas???

Ello.... I say, Ello

I am thinking in an English accent. Does that ever happen to you? You talk to yourself in your head in a different manner than your "normal" speak? I may just be strange.

Any way, I think I am on my way to fixing a few of those pesky problems I was having with my LOS and soldering thanks so you wonderfully patient and generous silversmiths.

***RANDOM***

Do you know what my husband called me last night? An expression I hate worse than the worst expression you can imagine in your mind. I despise it. Hate it hate it hate it hate it. I don't think I am old enough to qualify, first off. Secondly, I am not single. Thirdly, I am not interested in younger men. Fourthly (is that a word), just........ YUCK!

He called me a cougar. Why you wonder? There is this insipid new show called "The Cougar" . We were flipping channels last night when it was starting. I saw the title and went on and on about how much I hated that expression. Then Chris looked at me and said, "well, your a cougar". I don't think he really knew what it meant. I certainly hope not. I think he may be mixing "cougar" up with "MILF" . If you don't know what "MILF" means, don't ask me because I will not tell you.

Here is a googled definition of the term "cougar"

Question: What is a cougar?

Answer: The most commonly-accepted definition of a cougar is a woman 40 years of age or older who exclusively pursues very young men. The onset of the cougar years is hotly debated. Some feel that a cougar can be as young as 35, but women of this age would not be viewed as cougars unless their sexual conquests were no older than 25; the ten-year age difference seems to be an unspoken but accepted minimum between partners.
Typically, cougars prey upon men almost young enough to be their sons. Thus fortysomething cougars would be attracted to men in their 20s, and fiftysomething cougars would pursue men in their 30s and so on. Some cougars are less interested in a relationship than a sexual conquest, perhaps enjoying the fact that they are physically appealing to men who are considered to be in the prime of their virility.
A cougar may be married or unmarried, and some even go after their daughters' boyfriends.
Although the term 'cougar' comes from the big-game predatory cat of the same name, the cougar connection also may allude to the wearing of animal print clothing by older and more sexually aggressive women.

Hmmm, I guess you can be married and be a cougar. Maybe in a couple of years when I am of qualifying age I'll give it some thought .........

A little emergency.

Suddenly we are in a bit of a financial bind. I thought I would host a

buy 2 get 1 free sale

in my Etsy shop from this afternoon through the 22nd. I am hoping that will help matters a bit. I think this will be great for Christmas shoppers. I love getting something for free, it does not happen often, but when it does it is glorious. So please, take advantage of it!

I am currently in the middle of "the list". I had to run to the high school to sign a form for a "hydration test" Danny needs to perform for wrestling. I need to finish my cuppa coffee and get back to work. Swordfish, quinoa, and zucchini for supper. Meeting tonight. I WANNA SEW ANOTHER TOP! I don't think that will happen until the weekend.

Oh, just one other thing. I was reading a blog post today, I was amazed by how this person thinks. She seems to think and feel so deeply about things I don't even contemplate on my own. I think it is fantastic that we as humans are so different. I think that is why I refuse to call my jewelry art. I don't have deep feelings about what I create, I usually just think it's really cool. It does not get any deeper than that. I must say I do admire this persons passion. It is special.

besides, my nostrils flare when I think too hard.

*******EDIT*********

I was just thinking (haha) that I actually do feel passionate about the Christian pieces I have created. But still, it's not about the physical pieces, they are simply inanimate objects, my passion is for Jesus.

I played with an old friend on Sunday!

I had fun making this top. I purchased more corduroy fabric for 2 more. I really like tunic style tops that I can throw on with my yoga pants and be dressed and comfortable for the day. I may not be a fashion plate, but I certainly know how to dress for comfort! I can't wait to make the others!!

I have a full, full Monday. Super is already in the crock pot (Mexican chicken). I have Alpha this evening. Next Monday is the last night for Alpha this course. I will be sad, but I will sign up to help again nest course. I think it begins in late winter. I think Chris wants to attend the next course as well, that would be really cool. I need to put a dent in Friday's orders, do the bills, find out where I send our x-box in to be repaired, fill out paperwork, oh... I need sour cream as well. I also need to leave early for Alpha so I can stop at the shop and exchange Danny's pj bottoms for a larger size. Danny has his first wrestling practice of the season today. He will have practice everyday throughout the winter, so between wrestling, skiing, school, and his girlfriend, he will be a busy boy. That is a very good thing. Danny is one of those kids who thrives when in motion.

Tomorrow I have a couple of designs planned and I am going to use all of the incredible and valuable tips you all gave me last week! I can't wait!

Later Taters!

How is it FRIDAY already???

The week flew by. Actually come to think of it, the last 10 years flew by. I think once you turn a certain age, time "feels" different. Okay, back down to earth Lisa, you don't have time to get all deep and meaningful today.

I will say I am SOOO grateful for the comments on yesterdays post. I can't wait to try the new techniques suggested. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me!

This ring is exactly what I am talking about when I was referring to both the oxidation and not having a nice "untouched" back plate around the pebbles.

oh good, now that I have said that, no one will want it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34418605

I have been having fun with the bar dangle style. It has shown to be quite popular :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34416241

Whoa cowgirls, these are really amazing stones. I held them for a long time.....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34417353

Here are a couple of custom orders that will be in the mail this afternoon!

TTFN!

Just a really good day....

Today was good. Yesterday was as well. I do have a couple of jewelry making questions. I use liver of sulfur for oxidizing. I do not get the beautiful uniform color I see so many others achieve when I buff it with steel wool. Instead of uniform wisps, I get chunks of black left on the piece and I then must rub with all my heart to get most of it off. The end result is still very pretty and my customers love it, but it's not what I am trying to achieve. ALSO, when soldering small pieces to decorate around a bezel how do I not trash the background with my solder. I don't "trash it" per-say, but it is not nice and pristine like I see with other folks pieces. I feel like I am missing the boat being self taught much of the time. If you can help me, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!!! If you can't help me, please leave a comment anyhow :)

I will have a new ring and 2 pairs of really cool earrings to post in the shop tomorrow. I heard Etsy is no longer hosting "Weekend Deals". It had a nice run, I bet they will host it in the future. I will be holding my own little weekend specials in my shop as usual. I'm not sure if I will this weekend. Perhaps. Actually, yes.... yes I will. Maybe. Alrighty, I'm going.

3 new rings

I did not do much, the stones get all the credit.......


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34193461



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34193801

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34210157

First half of the day has been pretty good. Hmmm, note to self.... do not allow Will to use my computer while snacking my fingers are quite literally (well, no not LITERALLY) sticking to the keys.
My workout has been pushed to the end of the day today. I had to catch up on a lot of bible study before our women's bible study this morning, so I had to forgo my morning workout. I do need to ship a couple of packages and put a dent in my orders list as well.

toodaloo