Weekend Fun!

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This weekend is Carmageddon here in LA, which means the 405 is closed for a long stretch all weekend. The great thing about this is it gets everyone out to explore and hangout in their own neighborhoods. Lots of small businesses are even offering sales if you shop with them over the weekend too. So I'm looking forward to weekend spent riding my bike around Culver City, Venice, Santa Monica, Brentwood and more!

What are you doing this weekend?

A fun little video of how I make a ring!

   I've been thinking about making short little videos to show my process to the world but I never got around to it until now! I love how this first video turned out and I can't wait to shoot more. 
   Last month I decided I wanted to enter the American Made Awards so I put together my entry with lots of help from my friends. I didn't make it into the finalists, but I can't wait to see who did win. The contest did help me take the time to spruce up my bio, get some amazing new photos of my work, and make my first video. I'm planning to enter more contests in the near future just to keep me on my toes! I have been so wrapped up in the production side of my jewelry collection that I haven't taken much time to experiment and really push my designs and skills to the next level. I'm sure lots of you fall in to this same pattern. I know in college I never had to think about pricing and marketability of my designs so the sky was the limits. I want to dive in again without limits and see what I come up with! I am also thinking about teaching some classes this winter, I am going to talk to a studio next week so wish me luck!
   Let me know what you think about my video or just what you have been working on lately I would love to see.

xoxo
Amanda

A little family history

I recently found out that one of my ancestors was the great sword maker Masamune. I always heard my grandmother talk about our ancestors on her side but never really paid too much attention to it. My Dad was out here for work recently and we met for dinner down in San Diego. He told me about a sword he recently bought from a friend. He touched this sword and instantly felt a connection. He had no idea why at the time, but after talking to my grandmother he found out the sword was made by one of our ancestors. Masamune's swords are considered deeply spiritual, pure and benevolent. In Japanese sword folklore his swords are contrasted with those of Muramasa's whose were regarded as evil, brutish and violent.

The reason I wanted to share this little piece of my family history with you is because of the instant passion I felt for metalsmithing and welding. I always had a creative side growing up. I dabbled with drawing, painting and ceramics but nothing really stuck. I enjoyed it but never experienced the same connection that I do working in metal. I took my first sculpture class my freshman year of college and I have never looked back since.

I am definitely excited to find out that my passion, skill, and high value for craftsmanship goes so far back in my family line.

There was a video on Etsy a few days ago about another Japanese sword maker and I wanted to share it with you. I hope that traditions like this don't die out with their masters but are passed on.

Handmade Portraits: The Sword Maker from Etsy on Vimeo.

Pinterest Inspiration for this Wednesday

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Brand new necklace collection available online

Just in time for the holidays I'm rolling out some new button necklaces in brass. I've already delivered a selection to Co-op 28, Handmade Galleries and Flock Shop. Also Twig and Willow in Long Beach, a brand new account for my jewelry has their selection in the mail.


The price of silver has more than doubled in the last year so I came up with this design for a more budget friendly option. I am loving the glitter, sparkle and texture on the buttons I selected. The first 9 styles are already up in my Etsy shop and they are priced at $40.00!


These necklaces all measure right around 1 inch and hang on a 20 inch chain. They have a sparkly little jewel back by the clasp, because who doesn't love a little sparkle.


Here's a tip if you have an allergy to brass like I do, paint a little clear nail polish on the back. I only get the lovely green line when I wear brass rings but just in case that's my trick.

Oh by the way if you want to get a little extra deal good through the end of the month, sign up for my mailing list on the right or head over to my Facebook fan page.

Which one is your favorite? I have 2 so far.

That's all for now.
Have a lovely day.
xo Amanda

Enjoy the long weekend!

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words of encouragement for Monday

quote by Elizabeth Kubler Ros I found this on Pinterest this morning.

I was working on my to do lists and calendar for the week this morning and I came across this quote and wanted to share it.

I always like to remember this when I am going through something really tough and challenging. When I get the wind knocked out of my sails or when I feel like I've been beaten up, I always say that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger. As I get older I see more and more truth in those words.

This week I am focusing on my new marketing plan and at the end of the week I get to see my baby sister and that always recharges me. My little sister is an amazing woman and I am so proud of the person she has become.

What do you have planned for the week?
Are you challenging yourself in any new and scary ways?

That's all for now.
Have a lovely day.
xo Amanda