I Finally Got Some Metalsmithing Tools!

I have taken a few metalsmithing  classes over the past few years (3 classes to be exact)  and I found them very challenging. I took my classes at Lillstreet Art Center here in Chicago which is a little farther from my house than some other art centers but I heard it was the best place to go. So, I took two 10 week classes there and I still felt a little lost and I think it's because I didn't have much time to practice. And though the center did offer plenty of open lab hours, they always conflicted with my schedule. So, I decided that maybe I should give up on metalsmithing.

Then, this year,  I started communicating with Tamara Gentry (who makes beyond awesome jewelry) on twitter (@TGenDS) who happens to be one of the metals instructors at Lill and she assured me that I would learn in her class. So I thought maybe I would give it another go and signed up for her 5 week course. And lo and behold I did feel like I had a better handle of the techniques after the class ) though my cutting skills were still in need of help.)  I then decided that the best way for me to really learn was to buy some of the basic tools and practice at home. So I got online and started looking for kits and some were a little costly so I decided to look for individual items and see if I would come out cheaper that way. And I did! I found a saw frame, v-slot bench pin & clamp, and bur life lubricant all on riogrande.com for a grand total of $29.10 (most kits were going for $40+) And  I already had saw blades so I didn't need to buy any more right then. Next I'll need soldering equipment and maybe a tumbler but I won't worry about that now. I'm going to just focus on cutting out shapes and making little earrings and pendants and I can use the Dremel rotary tool to polish.
 

Wishlist: Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing System

I've known about the Clarisonic cleansing system for a while now and I never really gave it much attention because it's kind of pricey. Plus, I've spent a lot of money, in my more frivolous product junkie years, on products that were more hype than anything - so I've become more skeptical.  However, lately I have been seeing more and more rave reviews on this product. Some users say it totally changed the texture of their skin and they can't live without it. This makes me a little more curious and I really would love to try it but the price (approx. $120+) is just too much for me these day. So on the wishlist it goes. And I have thought about trying some of the knock off sonic cleansers but they didn't have as many good reviews.

Upcoming Events for Jasmin Mitchell Jewelry!

Here are a few events I have coming up for the holidays. If you're in Chicago or the Chicago land area,  please stop by. And if you're not here but know someone who is please let them know about these events. There's gonna be plenty of handmade goodies for everyone!


















It Takes A Village 1st annual Christmas Bazaar
Memorial Park Banquet Hall
Saturday, November 27, 2010
12:30 to 6pm
12804 S. Highland Ave
Blue Island, IL 60406
Fee: $1 donation which includes a raffle ticket
 

It's A Local Holiday Celebration
Whole Foods Market
Saturday, December 11, 2010
1pm to 4pm
1101 S. Canal St
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Free Admission
                                                    

Urban Folk Circuit

Elbo Room
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2871 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657-4201
Free Admission

Wishlist: Huetiful Hair Steamer

I have been seeing and hearing a lot of buzz about the Huetiful Hair Steamer especially amongst women with kinky, curly and coil-y hair. I've seen YouTube reviews and have heard people that I've met at natural hair meet ups  rave about it.

The Huetiful website states that steamer will improve the condition of hair by doing the following:

• Restores moisture to your dry hair 5x better than deep conditioners or hair treatments alone
• Opens up your hair cuticle to allow your conditioners and hair treatments to work more effectively
• Bathes your hair follicle with warm, ionized mist to replenish moisture lost from chemical or heat treatments
• Reduces future breakage and split ends caused by dry hair
• In colder months, keeps weather-dried hair moisturized and strong

The steamer retails for $114.95 ( but is out of stock right now) which is a bit much for me these days so it will remain on the wishlist for a while. However, there is a giveaway going on now that I entered. Hopefully I win!

More Additions To My Etsy Shop!!!

I am trying to get in to the habit of adding more items to my shop more frequently which isn't always easy. Especially since I am trying to do so many things in so little time. For instance, I am looking for work (as so many people are), I'm always working on new items, taking photos and editing them, and I have several craft shows ahead. Plus, I have a sometime-y camera and computer so something that should take 10 minutes ends up taking 30. Anyway, enough about that. Here are my newest items with more to come in a few days.

Wood and Brass Chain Earrings 

Wood, Brass, and Turquoise Earrings