Coming Soon: Handmade Silver Filled Jewelry Supplies!

If you're a fan of Sterling Silver, but do not like the continued rising costs - I'm right there with you and am doing something about that in my jewelry supply shops.

In the next few weeks I will be creating 1/10 Silver Filled wire findings, handmade to order by me of course. Consisting of precious metal (sterling or fine silver) it is electroplated (bonded) onto a base metal (my supplier uses red brass). So that is a 10% silver thickness - a very nice comparison to 1/20, which is only 5%. This metal is bright and shiny and will not chip off like Silver Plated.

After researching and speaking with my supplier, I decided to move forward and add this respected metal to my shop. No, I'm not doing away with my precious metals. I just wanted to be able to offer most of my handmade metalwork in more of an affordable price point.

Feel free to hop on over to my shop now to see my handmade work and/or return in a couple weeks to see the Silver Filled findings.

Happy Friday! Peace, Rocki

http://www.RockisSupplies.etsy.com
http://www.RockisArtisanFindings.artfire.com

"Music to your ears, body and heart" Treasury is Featured!

Received some awesome news this weekend and want to share! My "Music to your ears, body and heart" treasury is one of five featured on the On Fire For Handmade website!

Easy as pie...mmm... pie!

Click on the awesome dude above above (by one of the featured artists in my treasury: Zed's Zombie Ranch) to see the five treasuries, click to view them, vote for your favorite and pass it on.

Enjoy and thanks!
Rocki

p.s. this one runs for 1 full week and ends 2/26/11

Beautiful Blue Treasures

For the life of me I just can't figure out how to post the entire treasury picture, so please forgive me.

The beautiful pic above is part of my Beautiful Blue Treasures treasury. Please check out the talented artists and feel free to leave a comment :)

Peace and happiness,
Rocki

(the picture & very cool necklace is from the talented noemiah)

Gift Certificates

I'm now offering Gift Certificates in both of my Etsy Shops:

Handmade Jewelry
www.RockisArtisanMetal.etsy.com

Handmade Jewelry Supply Findings
www.RockisSupplies.etsy.com

No matter what the holiday, event or occasion, purchase one of my Gift Certificates for that special someone. A little easier on you and a fun shopping experience for the recipient!

Happy Holidays!
Rocki

Artisan Ship Ready Gifts

Are you looking for a unique, special or even a classic gift for your loved one or friend?

Don't stress and run around in circles. I have several artisan pieces in my shop that are gift ready.

Make your gift giving a peaceful experience.

In a nutshell, feel free to visit my artisan metalwork jewelry shop to see more of my work.

Happy Holidays!

Rocki

Awareness Support Ribbon Jewelry

I have a new line of jewelry that I'm adding to my shop. Awareness Support Ribbons.

Grant it, the ribbons are not an original design, but I simply felt a deep heartfelt need to create these. Just a little way for me to deal with a friends loosing battle.

I will be creating these Awareness Support Ribbons, a slip on hoop style earring, in 14k Gold Filled, Sterling Silver and Copper, as well as in different sizes and finishes.

You can wear these symbolic earrings for awareness and support for all in need or for any cause close to heart.

Live your life like you mean it - each and every day.

Rocki

Aquatic Swirls vs Fish Hoops

I designed a pair of new hoop earring the other day and just love how they turned out!

True short story:

I always show Mark, who lovingly refers to my metalwork as "car parts", my new creations. Even though he claims to have no idea about jewelry, I enjoy hearing his perspective. Plus he likes to help name them.

Anyway, when Mark arrived home from work and got settled in (sort of), I showed him my new earrings. He said, and I quote: "hey, they look like fish!"

Okay. So I took another look at them and sure enough, yes, they do. However, we were NOT going to name them "Fish Hoops" - sick and wrong dude!

I took photos to post in my Rocki's Artisan Metal shop and, as always, showed Mark. He said, and I quote: "Looks like a fish on a hook."

Okay. You got me. So it does. But I'm still not naming them Fish Hoops.

Aquatic Swirls - I do not recommend putting them in water.

Peace & Luv,

Rocki

So who is Rocki anyway?

Good question! H'm, where to begin... I'm a lot of things actually, but I'll try to stay on point.

- I will never ever grow up. I'll be 50 (on paper) in December, but still feel 20 something. Okay, so maybe my body doesn't sometimes - LOL!

- Simple, casual, warped sense of humor, determined, committed, loves people, quiet, talkative, clumsy, never wear make-up of any kind, and about once a year (or so) the "other woman" comes out. "Other woman" you ask? You know, that bitch in all of us that just lets everything out all at once.

- Faithful. I resonate with the 60's/70's and a peaceful life. My kids still call me their "hippie mom". The the path that I follow in life represents peace and compassion. I'm not perfect, but I believe in my practice with all my heart.

I'm a very proud mom to my sons Jeremy & Jason. When I gave them life, they gave me mine. Our relationships are based on love, respect, trust, honesty and open communication. Although I'm their mom first, but they are my buddies who I have no problem confiding in. I love them more than life itself.

There wasn't a "how to be a mom" handbook when I had my boys. So I did my best and to be perfectly honest, I never had any problems raising them and have no complaints - they were and are awesome guys! Of course, I made mistakes along the way and wish I could have done some things differently, but we all learn from our mistakes. We grow stronger from them. I love you both, with all my heart!

I'm a wife, soul mate, life partner and friend to the most loving & caring guy: Mark. Wow, how to sum up our relationship...

- he is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't imagine life without him. We enjoy each others company and are still joined at the hip. We love quiet evenings instead of night life. He's always been there for me and always will, as I for him. That saying "in sickness and in health" he took literally, and I thank him for that.

- We've been on many trips so far in our 16+ years together and look forward to many many more. The pic above we were heading out for the Laughlin Run (before I got my OWN bike). We no longer ride, but we still take many trips.

I'm a daughter, sister, friend and then some. Our family is not the Walton's by any means, but that's what makes like fun and, well, interesting. We're more like a zoo family - a big variety of people, lifestyles, opinions, emotions, etc. Despite our irregularities, we are a loving crazy bunch.

Last but not least, I'm an artist that did not know existed until the worst of times. Good things come from bad situations.

Without going into all the boring details, I worked the crazy hectic corporate life for years until one day the rug was pulled out beneath me and ended up sick (not life threatening, but life altering). It took years, but I fought my way back to normalcy (whatever "normal" is anyway) and in doing so, discovered that I had a hidden talent. I'm self-taught and am currently teaching myself another metalwork that I'm really excited about!

There's a lot more about me, but I'll end this now. I'm not perfect by any means and don't claim to be, but I put my full heart and soul into everything I do, both personally and professionally. I love my life and everyone in it. I enjoy the fact that I own and operate my metalworking business by myself in which I have 2 online shops and sell locally as well.

My main motto is: Never give up! Hence my name "Rocki" that was given to me years ago by another.

Peace & Love,

Rocki

www.RockisArtisanMetalwork.ArtFire.com

www.RockisSupplies.Etsy.com

Wonder Woman?

I'm not Wonder Woman, I don't have a magic tiera, special bracelets or golden lasso of truth. Nor have I found that "extra time" that we all look for, but I'm going to get back on the blog wagon once again darn it all. It's not that I don't have anything to say, because I most certainly do. It's that elusive time thing.

Oh and my handmade heart pendant necklace above can be found in my ArtFire Studio.

Anyway, this post will be short and sweet as Mark is on his way home from night school and we'll be watching the last disc of Rome. So exciting! Love love love this show! We don't watch T.V. so if there is something good out there that we find out about, we'll watch it on Netflix or rent it. Or of course like with Dexter we buy the DVD's - LOVE the Dexter!

Speaking of short and sweet... the teensie weensie micro hoop above can also be found in my ArtFire Studio.

I, Rocki, hereby solemnly swear that I will blog at least once per week. Oh and my posts are not always about my metalwork. I love variety, so you will see anything and everything. I don't follow any rules about what to or not to blog about. I'm me and that is what you shall see.

Lastly, my earrings above... yes, you know what's coming, say it with me now: can be found in my ArtFire Studio. Very good, well done!

Okay, the timer is going off for me to take another batch out of the tumbler and then soon it will be time to watch Rome!

"No one can resist the golden lasso. It binds all who are encircled and compels them to tell... the truth!" - Wonder Woman

Rocki

Gorgeous Gold Kites and more

Besides being crazy busy, I've been on a creating streak lately... all inspired by my original Signature Kites as in this blog posting long ago: Awe, Go Fly A Kite.

Above are my new and original Diamond Kite earrings in 14k Gold Filled. I'll also be making them in other metals. I must admit that I was pretty excited while creating these - just love'em!

My Kurly Kites are not new as I've been making them for a while in other metals, but they are now available in 14k Gold Filled as well. They look awesome in gold!

Awe yes, another Kurly Kite! But alas, these are made in a heavier 18 gauge wire for those who have larger piercings.

Another new member to the Signature Kite series: Geometric Kites! The design in this pair allows you to wear them as artistic earrings or use as a base wire and create to your hearts content!

No, these are not Kites, but there is a pair in it :) I wanted to offer a sampling of just a taste of my metalwork, so I call this package my Studio Sampler. This package has a variety of findings for you to create with and includes a little discount, but the major discount is in the shipping costs.

Well, this is what I've been up to lately - and then some! Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!

Go fly a kite... or at least wear one!

Rocki

Creative Streak

I've been on a bit of a creative streak lately and here is just a sampling to share.

I really and truly love how my Rustic duo above turned out! I already had my Rustic Bud Studs selling in my shop, but a customer wanted my Simply Sweet Copper Hoops in my Rustic finish as well. Wow! Love them!

My Small Swirly Hoops have become a bit popular in my shop. These can be worn alone or they make a great interchangeable earring wire.

Okay, yes it's a hoop. But not ANY hoop - these secure little cuties are my Hippie Hoops. You have to read the description to understand why :)

Sophisticated Squovals. They are from uptown and like bright lights to reflect the sparkle that bounces off of them. Sun glasses may be required.

Well, that's all for now. There are more new goodies in my shop, but don't want to seem like a glutton here - just sharing :)

Happy Creative day to you!

Rocki

The Key to...

The Key to...
my heart
life
happiness
peace
success
my dangle

My dangle? Yes. As in an earring beaded dangle.

True story: While sitting at my bench working the other day I was listening to the sound of silence. Thoughts were dancing in and out of my head - a variety of key thoughts.

Maybe it's just my good old imagination working, but the next thing I knew I had created an interchangeable earring wire that resembled an old key. I examined it as if it was from outer space or something. The more I looked at it, the more I fell in love with my new Key design!

And that's the honest truth.

Happy Valentines Day ♥
♥Rocki

p.s. the Key pair above is Oxidized Copper, but these are also available in Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Filled & Brass

Long time no blog ;)

Received this text pic from my brother Chris of my little Nephew Ian saying "HELLO FROM FLORIDA!" First time on the Florida beach and he loves it. Yep, he and Tina left Tuesday morning - this was Ian's first plane ride and he had a blast! Chris has been in Tampa for about 2 weeks now and is very happy to have them home - their new home that is. We go to visit them in December and I can hardly wait!

So what has been up? Gosh... where to even start. Obviously I'm not blogging much. Okay, haven't blogged in about a month to be exact. I'll probably only post once per week for the next few months as I'm super busy in all areas of life. Have had some ups and downs, but such is life and life is good.

Went on our 1st 3 day cruise. This is us - well, part of us - as we're leaving port. I'll leave this one alone for the most part as I ended up horrifically sick more than half the cruise due to being served the wrong meal in the dining room. I'm allergic to wheat & dairy and my meals were preplanned (Carnival offers this for food allergies). However they messed up on one of them and I ended up in the Infirmary and spent the rest of the cruise in bed. Now I understand cabin fever.

Mark was really sick for a while and ended up with bronchitis. Luckily he got over it in time for the U2 concert we went to Tuesday night. He still has the nagging cough though. I've been fighting from getting sick, but mine is from lack of sleep and my crud trying to kick in.

My shop has been keeping me real busy and I've been making more finished pieces as well. Like my new Curly Q earrings above. I made me a pair to wear at the concert and decided to make another for my shop. I have other styles coming soon.

Oh and my new Simply Sweet Hoop earrings. Made with Fine Silver and am offering these in an oxidized & bright finish, as well as in Copper.

Well, that's about it for now. Need to get into the studio as I have another busy day. Hope everyone is well and healthy.

Happiness,

Rocki

What's new with you?

Where on earth does time go? Last week flew by so fast I didn't have time to blink! I have several more vacation blogs yet to post with some fun and interesting pictures, but since my schedule is kind of wonky this week with appointments and studio time, I'll have to post one later in the week.

In the meantime, thought I would share a few of my new creations that are now in my shop. Above are my Kurly Kites. I really love how they turned out and just like my Go Fly A Kite ear wires, they wear great! Oh and they'll be available in all metals that I offer, as are most of my handmade findings.

My new Swirly Squovals are not only fun to wear, but they are quite lovely as well - if I don't say so myself :) These are interchangeable so you can add your own charms, beaded creations, etc., or wear as is. Also coming soon in all metals.

Okay, yes. These are jump rings - nothing new of course. However, they ARE new to my shop! I've been wanting to make them for months and have FINally done so. More sizes/gauges will be added soon. Currently available in Copper & Sterling - soon to be added in 14k Gold Filled.

Well, that is it for now. I have my ortho appointment in about an hour, so I need to bust'a move here. Tomorrow morning I have my dermo appointment. Fun times I tell ya! ;)

So what's new with you?

Rocki

Wiggles!

Go ahead and giggle

over my new fun & funky Wiggles!

Looks a bit like a wave,

or maybe even a squiggle,

add a little fun to your day

and wear a Wiggle!

My new Wiggle Series Earrings! These came to mind one day while working and I just had to roll with it. The day after I listed my first Wiggle, it sold. I must admit that I was rather excited about that!

I have a few in my shop, but there will be more Wiggles on the way as I create them. There will be a variety of Wiggles in Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Filled and Copper: long, short, interchangeable, funky, fun and well, basically a variety of designs.

You can find more of my Wiggles and other handcrafted metalwork earrings, supplies and findings in my shop.

Have wiggle good day!

Rocki

This studs for you!

Yippie, yahoo and all that jazz - it's FRIDAY!!! That makes me a little giddy because it's been a long hard week for me - a good one mind you, but a very busy one and I'm looking forward to the weekend. Plus it's Jason's birthday, my youngest son, and we're celebrating at Mimi's Cafe.

Anyway, back to the studs. Helloooooo, I'm down here. HELLLooooooo? Eyes down here please...

I truly have SO much that I want to blog about, fun stuff, cute stuff and just chit-chat stuff, but as I mentioned, I've been quite happily busy. So, thought I would share another item that.... hello? (clears throat) HELLOOOOO?! I'm down HERE everyone... eyes down here now.

Sheesh.

Sweet Studs is what came to mind when... excuuuuuuuse me? Can you reach over to the scroll button and hop on down here for a minute? The stud above isn't even real - I mean, come on, look at him! Errrr, never mind, just follow me.

Now this stud is rather cute and adorable, but not exactly something I could add to my shop. I did have a Buckskin Mare and a Shetland pony growing up though.

Studs? Car parts, boy toys, found in drawers all over the house, "can't have too many tools", etc. Nope. These are not the studs I'm referring to either.

Um, ladies? You're drooling all over your keyboards. That's not pretty.

Awe. Here we are! My new Sweet Studs. Yes, I know, these are nothing new. A stud is a stud is a stud. EYES DOWN HERE PEOPLE!

I love studs and wear them in at least one of my ear holes, usually the top. Sometimes in all of them. These studs have a cute round shiny ball and.... the earring studs people, come on now, grow up!

I better end it here because this post is going south. Now STOP it you guys!

Happy Sweet Friday,

Rocki

Chemical Element Cu

Bueller. Bueller... (work with me here. Have you seen the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off?)

Yes class, Cu is the symbol for Copper. Okay, school has been out a long time for me and I admit it - I had to look it up. But I honestly loved when we studied about Chemicals and their symbols in class.

Soooo, as you can see I've added a new metal to my shop. And what is is pray tell?

Put your hand down Petunia. Yes, I know you ALWAYS know the answer.

Class? Class? ClaaaaAAAAAssss!
(think Cheech and Chong here folks)

You guessed it. Copper! Pure natural copper.

I'll be creating several of my handcrafted findings that I already make (and then some) with Copper as well. It is so very pretty and can be as organic, rustic, southwestern or elegant as you want it to be. I did not realize how enjoyable it is to work with. Nice on my wrists and...

Johnny sit down and quit pulling Susie's pony tail!

Oh and yes, I'm playing around with different oxidizing techniques as well. Above is my Antiqued Finish and...

Barnaby! That is NOT where a test tube goes! Take that out of your nose right now young man!

Anyway, I have more oxidizing to play with and look forward to playing around with it.

Well, class is just about over and I'm turning gray here, so I'm going to dismiss class early and ....

Whoa!, watch out! Let me.... da du thump thump thump (being run over by students)

Happy Monday!
Rocki