"Shaping the Forms of Life" Magazine Feature by Cece Nunn

I was thrilled to have freelance writer Cece Nunn write an article about my life and work for the new Wilmington Magazine, "Edge of the Carolinas".  This photo was taken while I was trying to work during the photoshoot for the article!  Orange Slice, our sun conure, was trying to get a better look and used my hair as a ladder.  Although silly, this photo is my favorite image from the article! I've had a few years that have been full of difficulty and now I'm looking forward to making new work!

byzantium brooch by Sara Westermark, 2011

Click on the link below to read the full article:

http://edgeofthecarolinas.com/articles/shaping-the-forms-of-life/

 

Sara in the studio with Jasper (green cheek), Orange Slice (sun) and Lemon Head (jenday)

Shop anytime online for my work at my Etsy Store:

Medieval Rings and Moon Rings

Today I'll be listing some rings in my Etsy store!  The light was perfect in my studio this morning, so I took photos.  The medieval rings have the barbells through them while the moon rings have the wide bands with holes.

L-R: Tapered Moon Ring with London Blue Topaz, Big Bang Moon Ring with Citrine, Medieval Ring with pink tourmaline, Twin Moon Ring with London Blue and Blue Topaz, Medieval Ring with London Blue Topaz, Aquamarine and green Tourmaline, and Big Bang Moon Ring with Prasiolite.

Don't forget to use coupon code SAVE20 to get your 20% off a purchase of $50 or more!

Save 20% when you spend $50+ at my Etsy store!

Thank you all for being the best customers!  Here's a coupon code to thank you for your continued support of my work. Click here for my Etsy Store or go to http://www.sarawestermark.etsy.com.  Use coupon code SAVE20.

Inspiration comes in packages....

RAD 148 Inspiration packages
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Today I received a very special surprise from Experimetal (aka Victoria Takahashi). Inside the box were these little packages. Just as I was getting ready to rip them all open, I spied a note with the "rules".

"If you open a package you have to use it, OR use it for inspiration and make a piece within 24 hours.

NO PEEKING! (Fondling counts as peeking)"

So, I decided that I could handle one little challenge before my trip to Seattle tomorrow, so I selected one in the middle of the bag and opened it up. I found this gorgeous rock with the natural hole already in it. I loved the shape and wanted to play with it as a ring.

I've decided to call them my "inspiration packages".



It was an idea that Kathryn Riechert began when she sent a package to Victoria. Its very fun and playful. I feel like a kid again--caught up in my play.

Ring a Day nos. 1-9

Ring a Day nos. 1-9
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

I've really loved participating in this challenge. They say that a habit is not truly formed until you have been doing it 21 days. These self-imposed limitations help me to work. Everyday I'm inspired to see what my friends make. I'm the kind of person who won't go workout unless I have to meet my friend there too! This challenge makes it fun and I feel that all my friends are there plucking bits out of the collective consciousness. I really wanted something that would allow me to be creative a little bit every day. So far I'm not selling my collection yet, but I can remake most of these for anyone who just has to have one!!! If you want to see more rings from a lot of different artists, then check this link to the RING a DAY.

My Favorite Thing: January Ets Metal Blog Carnival

For this month's blog carnival we were asked to tell about our favorite object. I figured that I would relate my favorite object to my metalsmithing work. It is a student small ball peen hammer. Its a simple and inexpensive tool, but it is my favorite. It is the first hammer I go to for any job. It is balanced, useful and reliable.

check out these other blogs from EtsyMetal Members for other favorites objects:
1. victoria takahashi http://vtakahashi.blogspot.com/
2. Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
3. stacey hansen http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com
4. Rebekah Timlin Meddles http://lunasadesigns.blogspot.com
5. Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com

See you Saturday at Art for the Masses

labradorite ring 006
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Well today I'm busy getting ready for one of my favorite Wilmington shows, Art for the Masses by Creative Wilmington. All art work is between $25-$250 and there will be over 200 local and regional artists there. I hope that you will come out to see me on Saturday, November 21 in the brand new Bank of America building at 319 North Third Street in downtown Wilmington. I'll have my newest work with me at this show. If you want the first pick, come at 8:00 am and pay $10 to get in early! The show opens to the general public at 9am and ends at 4pm with a suggested donation of $3.

See you there!!!

forgotten. . . . .

forgotten-dumortierite tourmaline and peridot 016
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Ever been walking in a garden at the end of summer and spot a neglected corner? You see in the corner the leaf from the vine that bloomed so spectacularly in the summer. Upon closer inspection the leaf is mottled with the characteristic holes left by a caterpillar. Its still beautiful though. Its almost as if the process of feeding the caterpillar has enhanced its beauty. With its missing pieces it is still functioning, it is still breathing, it is still eating. It is a brave survivor who gives a part of itself to another and does not apologize for anything.

Visit my etsy store to see more....

My First Piece of Metalsmithed Jewelry

I made my first piece of metalsmithed jewelry in 2006 out of copper and kyanite. Being able to cut, form, solder, and set a stone was an incredibly freeing experience for me. I still did not understand all the possibilities or limitations of the metal, but was anxious to figure them out. I began to read Tim McCreight's "Complete Metalsmith" and try to absorb what I could.

I have always wanted to do something that would have the permanence of metal. At the time, I didn't even know how to purchase silver wire or sheet. Silver was going for $8 a troy ounce. So, I got some copper sheet from a local junkyard that was originally intended to be used for flashing around the gutters on roofs. I used a kyanite bead in lieu of a proper cabochon. I learned the old fashioned way with trial and error that kyanite is a soft stone! (Note the damage at one end of the stone.) At the time Gary Pack, a local bench jeweler who "refused to teach," would let me keep him company and would answer my questions as I watched him work. I can't even really remember what I used for solder; I think I may have borrowed some silver solder palates from Gary.

I know, the necklace was quite ambitious for a first piece, but I really wanted to set stones and solder from the beginning. I was also surprised to see the bezel on the turquoise ring, because it turned out so nice for my first time setting a stone in silver. I do remember that Gary suggested filing the bezel then sanding it to get it thinner. (He was not impressed with the thick bezel on the kyanite piece). I still like clean designs. I still like working with gemstones, and I still like to mix metals. I still like feeling that there is so much more to learn and get excited knowing that there is a lifetime to perfect this art.

For other blogs on first pieces of metalsmithed jewelry from amazing artists follow the links!
Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
duckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG
Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com
Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/
andes cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/
libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com
Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com
Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com
kerin rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com
Quercus SIlver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com
Delias Thompson http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com

CHARM SWAP 4 Work in Progress

Work in Progress by Charm Swap creator, Experimetal

This summer twenty of our members have been working diligently on the 4th generation of Etsy Metal's Charm Swap charms. Charm Swap 4 participants make 22 charms for the swap with 20 to trade with fellow members. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. All sale proceeds go towards a charity designated by members of the charm swap. The deadline is fast approaching (August 31) and everyone is keeping me updated with their own works in progress.

Box charm by Quercus Silver

Pierced Flower charm by Blazer Arts

Beginning of Flowers on Vines by Bijougirl Designs

Beginning of the Tree Charm by Kathryn Riechert

Silver Acorn Cap Whistles by Aubergine228

Soon to be stamped dandelion charms by Nina Gibson Designs

Riveted industrial skyscrapers by Maggiej's

Jigsaw Charms by Sara Westermark

Cast Organic charms with Rough Diamonds by Beth Cyr

Pinwheels by Nova Designs

To see charms from earlier swaps, please visit the Etsy Metal Store.
Thanks to all the participants for all your hard work on Charm Swap 4.

Happy Birthday Sale

flush 4 sapphires
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Today's my birthday and your lucky day! I'm having a sale in my store until midnight tonight. Every purchase over $30 qualifies for a 20% off discount and free shipping--domestic and international! Come and shop at my etsy store and get that piece that you have been saving up for!

500th Etsy Sale SALE!

In honor of reaching my 500th etsy sale and my birthday, I'm having a sale until Monday, March 30th at midnight. Every purchase over $30 in my shop will receive 20% off and free domestic and international shipping. Just pay with paypal and I'll refund you the sale price--or request a revised paypal invoice if you prefer.

Update on Etsymetal Charm Swap 3

I've been working very hard with Nina Gibson, the etsymetal shop manager, to get all 18 of the 20 charms listed for sale in the Etsy Metal shop. We have already sold two members charms! Congratulations to Kathryn Riechert for selling her seascape charm and to Laurie Brown from Aubergine228 for selling her one of a kind cast seahorse! If you have been following this progress, I just want to remind you that these are limited edition charms and only one is for sale in the etsymetal store--these are rare and true collectors charms. The last charms will be listed this weekend. I'm still waiting for 2 more members' charms to arrive and hopefully they will be here soon. Check out the Etsymetal Store Charm Section!

This photo shows all the charms currently for sale in the Etsy Metal shop. (Note: the doggie charm and the heart charm are being listed this weekend, so be on the look out for them!)

This weekend I'm going to begin to assemble the Etsymetal Charm Swap 3 charm bracelet. When completed it will be offered for sale in the etsymetal store. You can still purchase the charm bracelet from the very first charm swap by etsymetal. We owe all this fun of the charm swap to our member Vic from Experimetal, because this was her brilliant brainchild.

I've already begun to take names for the Etsymetal Charm Swap 4. The due date for that is August 31. Since we just juried in some new members this spring, we've managed to get some of them to sign up too!

Etsymetal Charm Swap 3 Finished Charms

Deadline for the Etsymetal Charm Swap 3 was this past Saturday. I've already received 9 sets of charms in the mail and I love it! Its a bit like Christmas being the curator. I have all these interesting small boxes and envelopes arriving and I am thrilled to get a first peek. Here is your first peek of the finished charms. Limited edition individual charms make great pendants and will be for sale in the Etsymetal store. There will only be two for sale in the store, one for sale as an individual charm and one in a complete charm bracelet. Be the first to get yours!


Experimetal sterling shielded rock charm.


TreAnelli sterling concentric circle charm.


nyhedy with her unique castings.


erosas 14k gold foil and sterling charms


deliasthompson's cobblestone collection


Tuizui's enameled copper and sterling charms


Maggiejs petal and gemstone charm.


NinaGibsonDesigns brass and sterling teacup


KathrynRiechert hand stamped sterling disks with brass rivets.



IstanbulDesigns etched bronze owls.


Ashleyjewelry's charms use copper and polymer clay


rubygirl has filigree and enamel charms


sarawestermark copper and sterling leaves

Charm Swap 3: works in progress continued

Here are the latest photos of our progress in the Etsymetal Charm Swap 3:

At the last minute, with only 4 days to spare, Experimetal had a "change of heart" and decided to do these shielded rock charms.


Maggiejs did a charm version of her petal series.



DeliasThompson made a cobblestone series charm!



Erosasjewelry jumped in with only two weeks left and did this incredible charm using keum bo--a technique that fuses gold leaf to sterling.


Ashleyjewelry has added polymer clay to the copper pierced disks for color and texture!



Treanelli joined at the last two weeks and has been working constantly to get her charms done. These concentric rings will get soldered onto a sterling disk.

Etsymetal Charm Swap 3 *in progress*

Nina Gibson's charm design from NinaGibsonDesigns. Her charm is going to be a teacup!

Etsymetal's Charm Swap is now in its third generation and I'm very excited to be the curator of this generation. I am very grateful to have the collected wisdom from experimetal and stamp (former currators) to guide me along the process. Here's how it works. Twenty of our team members sign-up to take part in this project. We all donate 22 charms and ship them to the curator. As the curator, I get to sort through all the lovelies and send them out to each participant. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. One set of charms will be put together as a charm bracelet and the other set will be for sale as individual charms. All sale proceeds go towards the cost of maintaining Etsymetal.

The deadline is fast approaching (Feb 28th) and everyone is keeping me updated with their own works in progress. As a member myself, I wanted to be sure that my charms were done before any of the packages arrived on my doorstep!

Here are some of the other team members and their "works in progress":

experimetal with hand-formed and enameled heart charms.



rubygirl experimenting with colors creating a filigree patterned charm.



IstanbulDesigns hand sketched this Klimt inspired owl to be etched onto brass charms.



aubergine228 has taken orders to make each member's charm from her nature castings. I've requested a fox claw and a seahorse for the EtsyMetal Store.



KathrynReichert is stamping intricate nature scenes on sterling hand cut disks.

tuizui is water casting sterling cups that will be enameled and riveted on to a textured copper square.

sarawestermark is using leaf textured copper ornamented with sterling barbells.

Sara Westermark, Etsymetal member and Etsymetal Charm Swap 3 curator.