all good things must come to an end

ring a day #54 #55 & #56
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

after participating in the ring a day challenge for two months (i still have a couple of rings to take pics of), i have decided to take a break.
i still think the challenge is a brilliant idea and it has really helped me focus and expand my skill set.
however, with such limited time at the bench, i often find myself stressed to create a ring and then have no time for any other projects.
i hope to get back into the challenge in a couple of months when my schedule allows.

the production piece

ring a day #32
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

for the project runway jewelry challenge #3.

i made several enameled pendant pieces for my necklace and this ring was based on one of the ones that cracked.
i do like how it turned out and i will add it and others to the shop.

i don't get to play with enamel too often.
i have to get my timing right in order to have time to be productive and also time to jump in the shower before grabbing miles.
sometimes i forget how fun playing with colors and shapes can be.
but once i get a reminder, i can't wait to get back into it and try new things.

january is over

ring a day #30
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

and i have decided to continue with the ring a day challenge.
i still haven't figured out how to complete one 'real' ring a day.
and i still find myself scrambling during the last minutes of the day to throw something together.
but i do expect that i will get it together (at least at some point this year.)
plus, it helps that miles is sleeping one good stretch at night.
the fact that it is from 2:30am-10am isn't ideal, but we are working on that too.

yep, it's that time again

time again for etsymetal's monthly blog carnival.

this month we were challenged to pick our favorite ring from the current ring a day pieces.

how unfair!!!!!

i have been so inspired, impressed, and amused.

i have been introduced to new and old talent.

i have been awed at some of the projects

and some of the alternative materials that have been made beautiful.

but, i did decide to narrow it down to two of my absolute favs:

shannon, of rubygirl, has been sandcasting lego pieces.

this is my favorite so far.

i am not sure whether i have legos on the brain because of my five year old

or because i am so impressed with these fun pieces.

danielle, of daniellejewelry, always does esquisite work.

i have been lusting over her rose cut diamond and leaf rings for a while now.

but this new ring has me absolutely amazed at her vision and talent.

the wonderfully organic piece is simply breathtaking.

to read what everyone else thinks about our ring a day challenge see:

alisa miller

beth cyr

caitlyn davey

catherine chandler

chris parry

colleen baran

danielle miller

kerin rose

maureen

nina dinoff

sara westermark
su trindle

thomasin durgin

victoria takahashi

happy new year

ring a day #1
Originally uploaded by wildflowerdesigns

for the new year, etsymetal (mostly nina d) has extended the challenge to create one ring every day for the month of january.
(or all year if you have that kind of stamina.)
the ring can take as long or short amount of time to complete as desired and can be made of any materials from paper to gold.
since i am at my parent's house for the next couple of days, i will be making rings out of found materials.
with these found materials, i plan on exploring color.
once i am back in the studio (aka corner of our storage room), i plan on expanding on the sterling silver rings i offer in my etsy shop.

find pics from all of the participants here.