Titanium Demo this Saturday

I will be demonstrating "Coloring Titanium" at the Grapevine Beadmaker's Society, Saturday July 17 2010 6:00 pm. The meeting are held at Wired Up Beads in Grapevine, TX. Below are some of my pieces that feature heat patina titanium. I will demonstrate heat patina with an acetylene torch.

Image 1 - Argentium Silver necklace with titanium accents and a titanium coated drusey quartz.

Image 2 - Single Bud
This set of earrings and pendant are sassy and fun. The single bud earrings will frame your face with a touch of color and a small white pearl. Made from textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium.

Image 3 - Blue Bird
In every garden there are song birds. This pendant will bring the lilting song of the blue bird close to you heart. Made of textured Argentium Silver and heat patina titanium. Clasp is in the front.

A great resource for titanium and anodizing supplies is Reactive Metals Studio.  Every one is very helpful and knowledgeable. So don't hesitate to contact them for supplies.

Father's Day is just a few weeks away.

Here are a few items in my Etsy shop that would be  a great Father's Day gift. The boxes are made for stowing treasures and are a beautiful accent in any room.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade ilenekay.etsy.com

Metal Inlay

Today while I was online to place an order for more metal, I clicked a link which lead to another click, and so on and so on until I found a video that demonstrated metal inlay technique (marriage of metals). Suzan Rezac has some wounderful designs and her video is very informative. I wanted to share what I found.

Suzan Rezac metal inlay jewelery

This video describes the inlay process. For a larger view, click Full-Screen or Google Video.

Dallas, Texas February 12, 2010

Wow, who would have thought 9 inches of snow here in Dallas!

This has been the challenge that has kept me from the BMAC in Philadelphia. Between the Blizzard in on the East Coast and the snow and ice here, I'm still at home. I thought you might like to see the unique site of show in Texas. Here are a few shots of our yard and of the studio.

I'm qualified as a Green Exhibitor at the BMAC

I have been making earth friendly changes within my business as well as my family’s daily life.  These changes have been happening gradually and each one will make a difference in the world my children and grandchildren live in. As a result of these changes in my business I will be exhibiting at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia as a Green Business. I've listed below the changes that I have done and will continue to look for ways to reduce my carbon foot print.

1. I use stock silver that is 100% recycled.
2. I use Biodegradable fluxes and Citric Acid pickle, which are not harmful to the environment.
3. Textures are either created via non-chemical ways with a rolling mill, stamping or electrical etching a non-toxic, eco friendly method.
4. Printed material is on 80-100% post consumer product.
5. I recycle of course.
6. My studio has skylights for great natural light in the daytime.
7. All processes are evaluated for effect on the environment.
One example is finding chains from recycled sources—their manufacturing process is harder and more elaborate, as a result some of my newer items are on waxed cotton cord, which is a renewable resource. Everything I make is 100 percent handmade from recycled or fair-trade materials.

Many small steps will result in the start of a new journey.

Ilene

Metal and Glass Pendants

One of the pendants I designed to feature a glass cabachon created by Laura Rosenstein. These pendants are for sale at

Artisan's Collective

410 North Bishop Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208

(214) 356-0818

www.artisanscollective.net

Another of the pendants.
I feel honored to be represented by such a fun and innovative venue in the Dallas area.

Artisan's Collective is a great gallery featuring fine Art, Craft and Jewelry by over 150 local Dallas area Artisans. It is owned and opperated by Artist, Dallas native and Oak Cliff resident, Ted Matthews, created Artisan’s Collective to provide local artists an inspiring environment in which to share their work, dreams and ideas with patrons and artists alike. Matthews seeks out unique artists working in all mediums to represent in the gallery, with emphasis on quality, originality and passion.

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"Your support of our local artists inspire
and motivate them to grow
as an artist and reach their dream,
thereby enriching our lives and our community"

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Fall ArtsGoogle

A FUN EVENING 
OF ART AND MUSIC

Saturday, October 3, 2009
3:00pm-10:00pm
A printable guide with a
map is available online at
http://www.fortworthsouth.org/
I'll be showing my jewelry at
Fifth Avenue Eyewear
1223 5th Ave Fort Worth, TX