Kalaya Steede

The Gem and Bead show came and gone and I went and spent. There were so many beads I couldn't think.  I envy those people who get a whole basket and fill it up with all sorts of goodies.   I went with a friend on Friday and bought some beads and then I went back today (Sunday) and my mom bought me some beads!  She so tweet! Check out our loot.   From left to right you have, carnelian, hematite, coral, magnesite, pyrite, turquoise, ocean jasper, and a mystery stone.  I never know what that is but I like it!   So what did I do this weekend?  Did I accomplish any of my challenges?  I did finish some sexy hoop earrings but no picture.  They pretty much look like the others that I posted.  So I won't bore you with that but I did make a thumb ring, size 8 1/2.    TaDa! But guess what?  Yup, that's right.  It's the wrong size. It's a size 8 3/4.  Did I mention how frustrated I get with making rings...

No, I didn't forge this ring in Mt. Doom.  It was made at Studio Turquesa.  A much happier place. I enjoy making rings out of half round silver wire.  I find it easier than sawing a piece of silver.  But the one thing I have trouble with the most is SIZING!  Getting the size right is a difficult thing for me but I'm getting better at it.  This ring was commissioned and is exactly 10 1/2 (the second time around).  I'm glad she was patient.  Thanks Marlene!     While I was soldering I kept the torch at one place way too long and behold Reticulation (basically overheating to give the piece a textured surface).  So I went ahead and reticulated the entire piece.  Sometimes a piece directs you instead of you directing it.  A lesson to remind me that I'm not in control.  Gotta love it!   KO Thread I just received my order of KO Thread from Bello Mondo.  I don't know what those strips are in the pict...