Cosmostwists

I just created these easy mirror image hand twisted single piece ear wires out of 18g square sterling half hard  wire. I got the inspiration for these from an embellished design I have seen on many staircase handrails lately and that I am just head over heels for. I started with two six inch pieces of wire and  gave them the opposing center twist holding both wires within the jaws of my round nose pliers and bending the ends in the opposite direction. Then after I formed the outer lengths giving both ends a twist for texture, formed the ear wires and filed the tips smooth. Finished they are 1-9/16 inches long from the top of the ear wire to the outer rim of the bottom swirl and 7/8 inches wide, light as a feather and the textural contrast of the twist adds a flash of light every time you turn your head. I love how they came out and will definitely be making more of these and adding them to my Etsy shop. www.simplykaties.etsy.com  
You can visit my shop by clicking on the link above, it will open in a new window for you and feel free to convo me if you would like to purchase more than one pair or would like to discuss a custom order.

Finding My Tree of Life

I have seen many renditions of the Tree of Life created by such talented artists. I contemplated its symbolism, did some research and found that there are seven stages of initiation to finding my inner “tree of life”. I am tackling the first stage and “getting grounded” in my true self – being present in my own body, setting my intentions, and committing myself to my own path.

I recently started on a path of self re-discovery an initiation as it were into my own self-empowerment and so far have found many blessings, the greatest of which was finding my true love. And although I have received these blessings, my journey is not an easy one for I am facing things about myself that I do not like. The most important of which is that for the last 35 years or so I have let others “rent space in my head” and influence my actions to the point of hurting and disappointing my loved ones. The result of which has made me an unhappy soul - I took a lot of what they said to heart, dwelled on the negatives, held a grudge, and became defensive. I know I am not blameless as I am the one who chose to stand and fight against harmless adversaries and jealous naysayers. Therefore I claim my own responsibility in my-self inflicted unhappiness and from here on out, I vow to ignore that which I have no control over.

To those of you who’ve been on the receiving end of my pain I offer my sincerest apologies and hope that we can rebuild relationships once treasured.

But to those who I’ve let hold me back from reaching my greatest potential in all areas of My Life, You have been evicted!  I AM TAKING BACK MY POWER!

Here is my rendition of the Tree of Life: I used 14g 1/2 hard solid copper wire for the frame and 24g 1/2 hard solid copper wire to wrap the 2pcs of frame together as well as for the tree itself. And for embellishment I used 3mm genuine peridot heishe and 3mm genuine amethyst round beads, I have always loved this pairing of gemstones but as it turns out they are also the birthstones of Chris who is the love of my life, and myself. Sorry Ladies, this one is not for sale, but I will be glad to create one Just For You.

Everything's coming up roses

My love sent me the most lucious gift, a dozen red roses to let me know how much he loves me. It is these thoughtful sentiments along with his understanding, his warm heart and giving spirit that make me love him more each day.

Chris, I hope you know just how much I love and appreciate you for everything you do and for the strength you give me. I would not be where I am today without you by my side.

Project Complete!

After my mother passed away last June and I inherited the sterling turquoise teardrop earrings I made for her which I call Mom’s Tears and have listed in my Etsy shop. I’ve always wanted to make another pair but in a different design for me and for a long time I thought about what I wanted them to look like. A couple of weeks ago I got down to it and drew up a preliminary design after finding another set of closely matching turquoise teardrops at Buttons, Beads & Bangles. As I thought more about my simple design and looked at what other artists like Szraka Carter are doing, I wanted to step up my work a little bit and elaborate my design but also stay true to my simplistic style. I decided on using 20g square German silver, floated the turquoise on 24g Copper wire and double wrapped the loop.

Mom's Tears

Floating Turquoise drops

I will be listing these as a set with a pendant in my Etsy shop Simply Katies soon so make sure you stop in and browse a while, and visit all your favorite Etsy shops to see what's new!