Rambles

I am at a loss for words. Or, I have so many words that I can not seem to put together what I am trying to say! So, I am just going to ramble on and on, until my fingers get tired of typing. I feel so blessed. I have a loving family and great friends. I have two little miracles that remind me of my blessings every day.

Sometimes, I feel like I am being selfish... following my dreams instead of being a great housewife who cooks three balanced meals a day and does all of the laundry and cleans the house and makes sure the beds are made every morning and vacuums and dusts with a great big smile on my face. But, if you know me... my house is very rarely picked up, toys are scattered throughout the house, I have clean laundry to fold on the couch, dirty laundry that piles up overnight, my bed is disheveled, not to mention the cobwebs in places I only notice when the sunlight hits them just right and then I am distracted by something else and my husband does most of the cooking. I am really bad at being a housewife.

But, I am really good at making jewelry (and talking to people, but that is hard when most of my sales are through the internet... I do know all of the postal workers at our local post office by name and they know my name and my children's names and the last four digits of my credit card). I am good at wrapping up pretty little gifts and shipping them off to strangers, some of whom I will never meet. I write little thank you notes on pretty papers and I treat each customer like they are special. Because, I am honored out of all of the little on-line shops out there that something about my item spoke to them. It brings me joy and I hope it brings them joy unwrapping each little gift. I hope it feels like Christmas because I feel like a little elf in my little work shop with my two little helpers. And, when people ask my son, "What does your mommy do?" He replies, "She works at the post office." {sigh}

At times, I feel overwhelmed. I look at all of the "stuff" around me and wonder... how did it get there? I want everything that is out of place to find it's place and live there and only become present when I need it for something useful. So, I am decluttering. All of the extra stuff that doesn't have a place to be put. Because, I am tired of looking at it on the floor or on a counter or on the dining room table. All of the boxes piling up in the garage and the magazines that have not been read and the mail that needs to be sorted. I am decluttering my life (starting tomorrow) because I am too tired tonight! Yawn.



p.s. ~ Only 101 more sales to go to reach 1,000 sales on etsy: ahunterrn.etsy.com

Model Shoot

I have been thinking for a while now that I wanted to do a photo shoot with some of my girl friends to "model" my jewelry (to give my on-line customers a better idea of what the jewelry will look like)... And, today is the day! I'm really excited for what is in store. Heather Warren is taking the photos in today's session. We are going for a Vintage Look and taking pictures downtown. A few behind the scene sneak peeks...

Heather and Sara

Lisa

Carissa

Lydia

THIS and THAT

I have always been fascinated by shiny things. I remember sitting with my grandmother as a young girl and admiring all of the gold rings she would wear (sometimes one on every finger). I specifically remember her gold snake ring with red ruby eyes that seemed to slither up her finger. She wore it on her index finger and I thought it was AMAZING! And, when she passed away, I became the owner of this ring. It brings such fond memories... of digging through her jewelry boxes and picking one piece of jewelry to take home (sometimes two) on our visits to Florida every summer. I miss the ocean. I miss my grandma. But, I feel like she is near me and I can hear her voice from far away in the distance. She was always full of advice... Of what we should do... "You should do this." and "You should do that." So, I am going to do a little bit of this AND that!

I am going to do a little bit of THIS... I have so many things that interest me: Upcycling / Repurposing Vintage jewelry, Hand-Stamping Sterling Silver, Wire-wrapping, Gemstones, Bead Stringing, Silk knotting, Silver-Smithing... (hammering, soldering, stone setting, ring making, forging, oxidizing). I love it ALL!

AND, I am going to do a little bit of THAT... I am going to work with GOLD!!! I am fascinated by gold... much like my grandmother's ring. And, I can't wait to LEARN!!! My GOALS are: To learn how to fabricate a piece of jewelry using gold (much like what I do when working with silver), To learn the Lost-Wax Technique (making a wax mold and casting jewelry), and To set faceted stones!!!

I feel like all of my jewelry interests have been a stepping stone to what lies ahead. And, ultimately, I hope to incorporate a little bit of my vintage eclectic jewelry into gold-smithing as well. I am excited to begin this journey and to share it with you along the way!

MORE RINGS...

I have been a busy girl lately! I signed up for an extra show this year and it is coming up the end of this month... Plaza District Festival in Oklahoma City!!! I just finished my summer show in Norman {MidSummer Night's Fair} and I did really well! I brought my silver rings and a few new designs that I am REALLY excited about!!! Also, this month I start my jewelry class with Larry Tallent! I have really missed my classes this Spring and Summer... and I have A LOT of new and exciting pieces to make! I will give you a hint... druzies, micro mosaics, and tourmalines... a FEW of my FAVORITE THINGS!!!

Here are a few pictures of the Silver Rings I SOLD at the MidSummer Night's Fair...

Vintage Upcycled Turquoise Flower Ring

Sweetheart Ring

Blue Sodalite Egyptian Scarab Ring

Oxidized Labradorite Ring

Rose Cut Aqua Chalcedony Ring ~ Christie's New Ring!

I have had a WONDERFUL response to my silver jewelry at the last two shows and on etsy: AmyFosterJewelry.etsy.com

I have even sold a few special Wedding Bands and an Engagement Ring (on etsy)!!!

Oxidized Sterling Silver Mustard Seed Set in Resin ENGAGEMENT RING!!!

TWO Men's Brushed Oxidized Sterling Silver Comfort Fit Wedding Bands

P.S. ~ Only 130 more Sales to go to reach my Etsy Goal of 1,000 Sales!!!

Latest Obsessions

Things I am currently obsessed with... Italian Micro Mosaics, Egyptian Scarabs, Vintage Cameos, Mustard Seeds, and Zodiac Signs...

Micro Mosaics...

Upcycled Rings Using Micro Mosaic Single Earrings

Upcycled Earrings from Broken Bracelets

Future Rings and Things...

Scarabs...

Sterling Silver Blue Sodalite Scarab Ring

Cameos...

Vintage Cameo Sterling Silver Ring

Mustard Seeds...

Oxidized Sterling Silver Mustard Seed Necklace

Zodiac Signs...

Vintage Zodiac Charms

Sterling Silver Zodiac Signs for Rings

What's your latest obsession?







p.s. ~ Only 157 more sales to go for 2013 to reach my goal of 1,000 SALES on etsy!!!

Finding My Balance

I look around at my accomplishments in the past 5 years and I feel SO BLESSED! I look at my baby-fussing, 3-year-old-screaming, hot-dog-breathing LIFE and I miss it when I'm not here. Now, I am not saying that I don't feel overwhelmed and get frustrated at times with this life, but I have these two little accomplishments running around that keep me on my toes (and a faithful dog enduring constant tugging, climbing, and poking). Now, I need to find a balance between making jewelry and being a loving, nurturing mommy! 

While planning our family, my husband and I thought it would be best if I stayed home... to raise our children. It is something that I have always wanted to do... since fifth grade. I wrote a journal entry... "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer: a nurse, an artist, and a stay-at-home-mom (and a dentist, but I think that had something to do with knocking my two front teeth out in the fifth grade). 

Looking at the cost of childcare and raising a family on one income was scary for me. After the birth of our first son, I wasn't ready to quit my job altogether. I transitioned from a full-time nurse to part-time after returning from my maternity leave. I felt financially secure... but, I also felt like I was missing out on so much with my son. I wanted to be there for all of his "firsts." So, after working part-time for 6 months (and moving back to our hometown of Edmond to be closer to family), I decided to go "PRN" which is basically as needed and when I was available. 

I have always worked (since I turned 16 years old anyway)... and since I left my job as a nurse LAST October... it doesn't feel like it has been almost a YEAR! When people would ask me what I do for a living... I always answered, "I am a nurse." I feel like my nursing career is not over, but I am taking a break from it for the time being... to raise my family.

In the past, when I was working full-time, I was ALWAYS exhausted. On my days off (and after I got home from work), I would stay up late working on jewelry. It was my stress relief from a hard day. Every Fall, I participated in the hospital's "Home-Based Business Craft Fair." And, I participated in two local craft fairs in the Spring (May Fair) and Summer (Mid-Summer Night's Fair) in Norman, OK. 

I opened up my etsy shop: ahunterrn.etsy.com in January of 2009. My shop has steadily grown over the past few years. Etsy allows me to stay at home AND do what I love... make jewelry! It has been such a positive experience for me. While I still feel like I am contributing financially, I am finding my balance between motherhood and my passion. So... What do I DO? "I am a stay-at-home-momma-jewelry-designer!" 

This past year, I have had a lot of soul searching going on... and in my soul, I have found this peaceful little place of content. I put my heart and my soul into my jewelry. Each piece I create is a special part of me. And, it has grown with me throughout my life. My jewelry has endured high school, college, nursing school, a full-time job, heart aches, marriage, and now children! It is something that has always been constant in my life and it is ever-changing, a bit like me. 


p.s. ~ I'm a Libra and the scales are my sign... always trying to find balance!!!

EDMOND OUTLOOK MAGAZINE ~ August 2013 edition

Very Exciting NEWS!!! I was featured in the Edmond Outlook Magazine ~ August 2013 edition!!! How AWESOME is that? 

http://www.outlookoklahoma.com/archives/m.blog/27/more-than-a-string-of-pearls

More than a String of Pearls

Written by Mari Farthing in the August 2013 Issue

When Amy Foster talks about jewelry, her eyes get as sparkly as the rhinestones that she adores. She’ll show you the pieces she’s made, pointing out the details: a silver heart from a broken clasp, a single earring, a bit of ancient Roman glass. Primarily self-taught, she recently fulfilled a life ambition and learned the art of silver-smithing.

Foster works with many antique items, reclaiming vintage pieces and giving them new life. Where does her inspiration come from? “It kind of talks to me,” Foster admits with a smile, referring to the jewelry she creates. And when she listens, the results are beautiful. Foster doesn’t sweat the perfection. “If the flower wants to be tilted, it can be tilted,” she says with a shrug.

Following a Sparkling Path

Foster’s love for jewelry is a long and cultivated affair. “I’ve always been fascinated by rocks. My dad gave me a book of gemstones, a little leather bound volume, given to him by his dad,” explains Foster. Her parents also bought her a Craftsman tool kit. “I still use some of the original tools!” Around the same time, she received a jewelry kit from her grandmother. “I started going to Red Earth, thrift stores and bead stores, developing my style at a young age,” remembers Foster. “I started bead looming jewelry, taking apart vintage necklaces and creating new pieces of jewelry for myself, family and friends.”

Summers spent with her grandmothers gave her an opportunity to cultivate her love for vintage jewelry. “My grandmothers would let me go through their jewelry boxes. I’ve always been fascinated by things that sparkle—I love rhinestones!” Her grandmother also gave her a mustard seed pendant, popular in the 1940s and 50s, based on the Bible verse Matthew 17:20. “Since then, I have been obsessed with the mustard seeds,” Foster sheepishly admits, and indeed, the seeds are featured in many of her finished pieces.

Eventually, curiosity and creativity led Foster to explore many materials, including polymer clay, leather, wire, crystal, bone, feathers and seed beads. “I’ve always made things with my hands, and I started selling jewelry in high school, in the mid-90s,” recalls Foster. It began with handmade clay beads, strung on leather. “I’d make jewelry for my friends.” Then in college, Foster began selling pieces at craft shows.

While in nursing school, Foster’s materials expanded to include precious metals and stones and her local sales expanded through word of mouth among co-workers and friends. She started to place items at boutiques, the home-based craft sales at the hospital where she worked, and took part in festivals. Recently she also began selling items at the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival.

Repurposed Treasures

Foster has that unique ability to see what an item can become, where others miss it. “With a creative mind, you see something and you can see its potential,” she explains. “So where someone might see a ‘onesie’ earring and discard it, I look at the piece and repurpose it into whatever I feel it should be.”

Foster tries not to cut up vintage items that aren’t already broken; rather, she’ll integrate the pieces into other projects—such as collage pieces (necklaces that feature a variety of repurposed chains, beads, findings and charms) or hair jewelry (combs and clips featuring rhinestones and single earrings). The results are stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.

A Tilted Sort of Balance

Foster began working on her jewelry full-time after having children. A nurse since 2001, she knew that she would be a stay-at-home mom when she and her husband had children. While pregnant with her first son in 2009, she took her first class in jewelry making. “I have truly found my passion in jewelry making and have now taken six classes,” says Foster. “I am incorporating my own style into the pieces I make.”

A Play-at-Home Mom

Being at home made it easy for her to spend more time working on her jewelry. “If I hadn’t had kids I would probably still be working full-time and wouldn’t have been pushed to work on jewelry full-time,” she muses. “I asked my three-year-old son, ‘What does mommy do?’ and he says ‘You play with jewelry!’” Foster laughs. “I don’t feel like making jewelry is work; it’s just fun and I’ve always done it. So, I’m a play-at-home mom.”

Foster is passionate about what she does, and it shows in her jewelry, which is currently for sale at the Firehouse Arts Center in Norman and through her Etsy shops (ahunterrn.etsy.com and amyfosterjewelry.etsy.com), where she currently has about 500 items up for sale, including reworked vintage pieces, original silver pieces and original vintage items. “My style is not so perfect,” says Foster, referring to a collage piece with a flower that’s set not quite on center.

But as with most things in life, it’s that little imperfection that makes it so beautiful.

Thank you, Edmond Outlook for featuring me! It has been such a blessing and an honor to be included in your Magazine! A special thank you to Mari Farthing for writing the article and to Marshall Hawkins for photographing. And, of course ALL of the staff at Edmond Outlook... THANK YOU!!!

AND... If you have made it THIS far and actually READ my blog... Please use Coupon Code "EDMONDOUTLOOK" at checkout in the Coupon Code Section to receive 25% off of your purchase! Shop Here: ahunterrn.etsy.com

ETCHING ON BRASS

I am really excited about Etching! My friend Tara from ElegantEarthJewelry.etsy.com showed me the basics and I documented my very first ever "How To" for the Blog!

 First, Using "Staz On" Ink (or any permanent ink), stamp  ink onto the brass metal with desired stamp. 


















After the ink dries, place brass metal (ink face up) on duct tape, making sure to seal the edges. 

Mix Two Parts Hydrogen Peroxide with 1 Part Muriatic Acid. We used an old plastic disposable container. CAUTION: You are working with ACID. Mix Hydrogen Peroxide FIRST, then add the Acid to the Peroxide (not the other way around). You should also wear safety goggles, gloves and an old t-shirt (the acid will eat through your clothes if splattered). 

Place Duct Tape Face Down in Acid Mixture. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes or until acid has etched through the surface of the metal. The mixture will turn a pretty aqua blue while it is etching.

After the metal is etched, to neutralize the acid, place tape in Baking Soda Mixture (Water in a Glass Bowl with 2 tablespoons of Baking Soda). Rinse with Water and Remove the Brass Metal from the Duct Tape.

After Brushing with a Steel Brush, the etching really stands out! (Acorns, Butterflies, and Doves)


I can't wait to use some of these pieces in some of my jewelry designs! 




P.S. ~ Only 173 more SALES to go to Reach my 1,000 Sales Goal on Etsy! ahunterrn.etsy.com

Praying for Oklahoma

You could tell something was in the air... Oklahoma weather. Something was brewing. And, while I love Springtime flowers and pretty rainbows after a rainy day, I could do without the hail the size of golf balls and the whirling winds that knock over trees and... Tornadoes.

Sunday afternoon, our family huddled in our safe room, underneath the stairs as the sirens went off ~ warning us of a potential tornado. Several text messages from people watching the news, "It's right over you!" and "I hope you are taking cover!" did not help the stressful situation. And, in this tiny room we prayed. We prayed that God would keep our families safe. Inside this tiny room crowded with the love of our family. Taking a break from a lazy day, waking our children from their naps to sit in a tiny crowded room. Thankfully, the storm went past us, but only a few miles away. Too close for comfort!

A view of the tornado from the hospital down the street from our house

Hail from our backyard

Monday, the stillness in the air... not again! And, then the storms came in and seemed to cause more damage than ever before. The F-5 tornado tore through South Oklahoma City and Moore. Flipping cars and leaving homes destroyed. Families changed forever. I could not tear myself away from the news. 

The outpouring of support for victims of the recent tornadoes has been so overwhelming. Local schools have collected water, food, and clothing. And then I question myself... What can I do to help? Part of my healing process is to create new ideas that are sometimes inspired by tragedy... to bring comfort to those that are suffering. 

Here is my most recent creation... proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross for those affected by the tornado. 

Cut out Oklahoma with Saw

Soldered Heart to Oklahoma

Heart of Gold Oklahoma State Angel Wing

Heart of Gold Oklahoma Charm ~ Red Dirt

My first Ring Sale: AmyFosterJewelry.etsy.com

I made my first SALE in my SilverSmith Shop: AmyFosterJewelry.etsy.com!!! WooHoo! It is a tiny mustard seed ring set in resin. I hand forged the comfort fit band {{{ It curves to the inside (against the finger), so it is very comfortable }}} The ring is oxidized to give it a blackened finish and then I gave it a brushed finish to give it a more Vintage Feel. I love the simplicity and the meaning behind the mustard seed. 

Matthew 17:20 "So Jesus said to them, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.'"



I have ONE ring available in a US size 6.25 available for purchase: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/151538015/faith-oxidized-sterling-silver-mustard?ref=shop_home_active


p.s. ~ Only 242 more sales to go to reach 1,000 SALES: ahunterrn.etsy.com

Downtown Edmond Arts Festival

HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Larry Tallent is my jewelry instructor and we just happened to be next to each other in the show! Larry had four items that I fell in love with instantly! A blue boulder opal ring and a black druzy pendant (I have a ring that matches that I made for myself) ~ both sold to the same lady (I think it may have helped that I told her if she wasn't going to buy them that I was)! ;) The Mexican Fire Opal Ring (I was sure it was going to sell... it looks like a dinosaur egg and almost 3-Dimensional), and a pink tourmaline ring that had gold accents (my favorite of the four and it just so happened to fit my finger perfectly). J.B. was talking to Larry about SOMETHING... and I asked him, "Whatcha talkin' bout?" Oh, Nothing (was his response)... but, I knew something was brewing! He kept asking me for $50 (and I thought to myself... the ring I want was MORE than $50...)! On Saturday, I looked in the ring section where MY ring was, and it wasn't there! I asked Larry where it went? I was going to buy that! And, he told me that SOMEONE BOUGHT IT! How could he have sold the ring he knew I wanted? I was so SAD... Until I got home on Saturday Night... J.B. was being VERY sweet! And, after he offered to rub my feet ~ as he was drawing a hot bath for my tired self, he came in the bathroom with a BIG smile on his face and handed me a box. And, inside the box was this beautiful ring...

My Mother's Day Ring

Larry Tallent ~ Jewelry Designer

•  Evan helped me design the rainbow skull bracelets (he picked out the beads at a bead show), so I told him I would give him money for his help.
  

ME: I am going to give you $10 for helping me.
Evan: How about 4?
ME: Do you want 10 (holding up 10 fingers) or 4 (holding up 4 fingers)? 
Evan: TEN!

The next day, we brought another rainbow skull bracelet and the first customer that walked in... Evan (wearing my gloves) holds up the skull bracelet and asks the couple, "You wanna buy a bracelet?" This boy melts my heart! We ended up selling it later in the day, but seriously... How could you resist that sweet face? ;)

• I sold my first silver ring (that I made in jewelry class with Larry Tallent at Firehouse Art Center in Norman). I ended up selling 5 RINGS Total!!! A simple comfort fit silver band, a pink rose cut tourmaline with a floral band, a wide hammered textured oval jade ring, a copper square druzy ring with a wide hammered band, and a rainbow druzy ring with a simple comfort fit band. The ring sales will be put towards my FALL jewelry Class!!! :) And, Because my rings are SO special (to me), I made sure all of them went to good homes (No, Seriously... I actually interviewed the customers before I would sell them the ring)! Every Ring that I make is made with such love and care, I want to make sure they will be treasured and treated with the same care that I put into making them! :) AmyFosterJewelry.etsy.com

Titanium Copper Druzy Wide Hammered Textured Ring

My FIRST Ring That SOLD ------------>

Rainbow Druzy Simple Comfort Fit Band

Simple Comfort Fit Band

Pink Tourmaline Rose Cut Floral Band Ring

Oval Olive Jade Hammered Wide Band Ring

• One of my customers told me that I was her favorite artist at the show and that she saves up her money ALL year to purchase items at art festivals... How cool is that? She bought 6 items from me! 

• I sold over 60 items from my etsy shop!!! Including TWO of my designer One of a Kind Collage Necklaces!

Amber Gold Flower

Orange Butterfly ~ SOLD

Blue Hummingbird ~ SOLD

• I am now accepting credit cards! 
• I met some great people at the show and got to visit with other artists!
• I had a PRIMO spot right in front of Citizen's Bank on BROADWAY
• One of my customers brought me a hot coffee when the weather was cold and windy on Saturday! So sweet!  
• I had my LUCKY ~ November 2011 issue with the page my hair jewelry is featured on display AND... a woman that came in my booth said, "Oh! I have that magazine." Puzzled, I asked her a LUCKY magazine from two years ago? And, she said, no... it was a different one (more recent), but it had the same advertisement in it! The one with the hair pins? Yes!!! SO... Pantene may be using the special advertisements in other MAGAZINES??? Awesome! If you happen to be checking out any fashion magazines lately and notice this page... PLEASE let me KNOW!!! 

• The first day, Bonnie brought her daughter and we thought she ATE one of the cross charms! The next day, J.B. and I prayed right before the show and the cross was gleaming up at me (right where I had looked so many times the day before)! I know it was a sign from up above!!
• J.B. is my ROCK! He helped me so much... getting ready for the show, running errands for me, and watching the boys!
• My family came out to support me at the show! Thank you for the hot dog and the funnel cake, Dad! Rob, thank you for coming by to see me (and for bringing Mom a funnel cake on Sunday)! And, Sally ~ Thank you for bringing me warm soup and for watching the boys on Thursday Night, Lane on Friday afternoon and the boys on Sunday night so we could pack up the tent! Best GiGi EVER! And, Forrest... for watching the boys on Saturday morning and for bringing breakfast! And, Uncle Nate... thank you for watching the boys on Friday morning!  

Yes... I must confess... I am a CARNIE! I love fair food, drunken crowds, and people watching! Great weekend entertainment! All in all I had a successful show... I am feeling SO Blessed that I can share my PASSION with others!  

LOWLIGHTS: 

• One of my sterling silver rings was stolen by some teenage boys. Katie's daughter (who is FOUR) witnessed the event. She came to me and said, "Those boys just took a ring." And, I wasn't even paying attention! I didn't notice it was missing until I got home. So, if you see anyone wearing a wide hammered textured ring with an Egyptian Scarab Beetle royal blue sodalite stone... Please let me know! Scarabs are supposed to be GOOD luck, but I have a feeling the person that stole this ring will have an ancient curse put upon them until it is returned to the rightful owner! 

Egyptian Blue Sodalite Scarab Hammered Textured Ring 

• The weather was not the best... WINDY, COLD, and CLOUDY!!! But, it did NOT RAIN, SLEET, or SNOW... and there were NO TORNADOES!!! My tent did NOT blow away and my displays (for the most part) did not blow away either! 

P.S. ~ Only 257 More Sales on Etsy to REACH my GOAL (1,000) by the end of the YEAR!!!

I am getting SO Excited!!! The Edmond show is coming up and I am finally putting pieces together and finishing lots of projects in preparation for the show. This year I am doing things a little different... I ordered a banner for my booth, I am now accepting credit cards, and I am revamping my displays! Now, I am praying for good weather and an AWESOME show!!!

I am a procrastinator! So, I ordered the banner at the very last minute (it is supposed to arrive the day BEFORE the show)! Fingers crossed! Thank you to my friend, Stephanie for designing my banner at such short notice!!! :) And, I also ordered the credit card reader at the last minute... but, it is already here! I did practice using the swiper, but I am a little nervous!!! Now for the displays... I will probably wait until the last minute to get them ready and I still need to make the table covers!!!

I thought I would post a few pictures of some of my favorite items for the show...

Vintage Upcycled Hair Comb

Vintage Micro Mosaic Earrings

Sterling Silver Resin Mustard Seed Name Charm Necklace

Vintage Upcycled Hair Comb

Hand Stamped Open Heart MOM Necklace