tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79205328410792830822024-03-12T23:25:22.235-04:00Mel's Jewelry ExpressionsMel's jewelry expressions offers information on jewelry designing including metal stamping, cold connection with metals, soldering, precious metal clay, lampwork, resin, photo transfer and photo charms onto precious metal, wire-wrapping, copper, brass, sterling silver, gold filled precious metals. Updates on changing jewelry and fashion trends.Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-21510827306784444762012-07-27T11:11:00.001-04:002012-07-27T11:11:24.011-04:00Friday Freebie Happening Now on Facebook!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ7Kxi5jCb0/UBKuotInG5I/AAAAAAAARc8/KgRVRBNfLmc/s1600/IMG_6740-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ7Kxi5jCb0/UBKuotInG5I/AAAAAAAARc8/KgRVRBNfLmc/s320/IMG_6740-001.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tw35e-O9VM/UBKuil8A9xI/AAAAAAAARc0/rBcq5dtzh2E/s1600/IMG_6763-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tw35e-O9VM/UBKuil8A9xI/AAAAAAAARc0/rBcq5dtzh2E/s320/IMG_6763-001.JPG" width="320" /></a>Who's ready for another giveaway?? Today for my Friday Freebie I'm going to let go of something very special to my heart. Since the Lord blessed me with a wonderful trip to the beach last week with my sister, I made a special spoon bracelet with a piece of sea glass that I've been holding on to for a long time. A beautiful piece of Seafoam green. I've wire wrapped it in sterling silver and added a cute little sterling sand dollar charm. I used one of my favorite patterns "Narcissus" flatware from the late 1800's. So share this with anyone and everyone, twitter, pinterest, or whatever you want to do. The rules are the same. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mels-Treasures/177623478961554" target="_blank">Like my page</a>, you're in. Increase your chances by sending others to my page with a comment that you sent them. They have to like my page and not just the post. The drawing will be at 8:00 pm tonight. Good luck!!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mels-Treasures/177623478961554" target="_blank">Mel's Treasures Facebook Page</a>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-4736624271067114852012-01-30T14:38:00.000-05:002012-01-30T14:38:11.629-05:00My Day Off - Pool Party Birthday Cake DIYI know this is normally my jewelry site but I'm on my day off and I want to step away from the jewelry fro a break. I hope you don't mind.<br />
I did this about 5 years ago but my newly addiction to Pinterest has inspired me to blog a DIY. I found the recipe for the cake in a Women's Day magazine that summer and we were having a pool party for my daughter so I thought this would be sooo cool! I used to make all kinds of cakes for my daughter because she just loved something unique and I loved being creative. I've made Barbie cakes and numerous shapes, etc. but this one was the biggest hit. Please remember that 5 years ago I was not as good with photography so the cake doesn't look as great in the pics. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B39C_N6C9FM/TyY0T19TdwI/AAAAAAAANDY/HHWQNHXCu6Y/s1600/Pic+Summer+06+1219resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B39C_N6C9FM/TyY0T19TdwI/AAAAAAAANDY/HHWQNHXCu6Y/s400/Pic+Summer+06+1219resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the pic of the completed cake. I'll start with what you will need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cake, any size and it's easier if it is already iced. I cheated due to time and went to Food Lion and bought one already decorated in the colors and edging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 boxes of blue jello</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Decorations of your choice. I found the beach party toys in the little girl's barbie section in Wal-Mart. Be creative! Make it your own with your cool ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chewing gum (I used fruit stripe)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rings (you can usually fing these in the candy section at just about any store but I found mine at the dollar store)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gummy Bears</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Twizzlers or licorice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">small paper plate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">knife and scoop or spatula</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBxJUGXxp5I/TyY0nK8DL_I/AAAAAAAANEo/qNMKItjRN6g/s1600/Pic+Summer+06+1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBxJUGXxp5I/TyY0nK8DL_I/AAAAAAAANEo/qNMKItjRN6g/s320/Pic+Summer+06+1212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Start with making your pool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two ways you can do it. With both ways you will need to make the jello the same. Use the jigglers recipe on the back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is how I made mine:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Decide what size you want your pool to be. It doesn't have to be deep in the cake because it's more visual anyway. About an inch deep is all you will need. I used a small paper plate and cut around the outside edge with a knife. Once I had my guideline, I started in the middle of my circle scooping out small portions of my cake. You can be real particular and make the bottom of your pool perfectly smooth but it really doesn't matter because if you get at least an inch down, you won't be able to see it. Once you get your hole cut out for the pool, put your cake in the freezer or fridge while you're mixing up your jello so it will get nice and chilled. (If it is too warm, the jello doesn't do as good.) Mix up your jello using the jigglers recipe on the back of the box. Put in fridge just long enough to chill it but not long enough to set up. About 10 mins. Just check it because that part is kind of foggy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take your cake and jello out of fridge and pour into your hole. You probably will have some jello left over if you made a small hole like this one but you can always put it in the fridge and eat. Better to have some left over than not have enough! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place back in fridge until it has completely set. Overnight would be great but when I did mine, I didn't have that much time. At least a few hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OR...#2 you could make the jello in a dish the shape you want your pool to be in, let it firm up and cut the hole and sit the jello down in it. I was afraid it would break up when I tried to transfer it so I didn't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JidKNOMC69s/TyY0bsAUT2I/AAAAAAAANEI/e2ax0xI2KKE/s1600/Pic+Summer+06+1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JidKNOMC69s/TyY0bsAUT2I/AAAAAAAANEI/e2ax0xI2KKE/s400/Pic+Summer+06+1208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it has set, take it out and decorate. I use chewing gum for the diving board, twizzlers as the edging, and the sand was made with yellow sprinkles. You could also use those little umbrellas that you put in drinks. I was out at the time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You could also use teddy grahams and made bathing suits on them with icing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFP88XsRTnc/TyY2Rg29EsI/AAAAAAAANLI/w6qgN5g7rgE/s1600/Pic+Summer+06+1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFP88XsRTnc/TyY2Rg29EsI/AAAAAAAANLI/w6qgN5g7rgE/s400/Pic+Summer+06+1268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Voila! You're done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: I do remember that it was a really hot day and we didn't have a cooler for the cake so we had to eat it pretty much as soon as we started the party. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Good luck and feel free to post me your pics or ideas when you make yours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-11183600848335969412011-12-27T11:57:00.000-05:002011-12-27T11:57:50.533-05:00Rings created from Decorative Baby Spoons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSu_tFtSOKQ/Tvn3uw5oZtI/AAAAAAAALv4/QPTu0Liu8oY/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSu_tFtSOKQ/Tvn3uw5oZtI/AAAAAAAALv4/QPTu0Liu8oY/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have had so much fun designing these rings. I use small baby spoons and hammer the ladel and then slightly heat them up to make them easy to bend. Then I carefully forge them around a ring mandrel and then polish with my foredom. I like these because they are bigger than the usual spoon rings and don't really look like silverware. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocxhICQru08/Tvn3-n1gUNI/AAAAAAAALwA/BUCkLc8yHGQ/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocxhICQru08/Tvn3-n1gUNI/AAAAAAAALwA/BUCkLc8yHGQ/s320/IMG_2896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-91519280003207988692011-12-02T08:58:00.000-05:002011-12-02T08:58:24.715-05:00New Silverware Designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JnTmSQFvMs/TtjUdq3vR7I/AAAAAAAALrc/E4r0WtqkiOA/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JnTmSQFvMs/TtjUdq3vR7I/AAAAAAAALrc/E4r0WtqkiOA/s320/IMG_3979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I've been working on some new jewelry designs using some new pieces of vintage silverplate silverware I found at various antique sales. I'm having so much fun! In the first picture I created a gorgeous bangle from vintage sugar tongs. I've been creating spoon jewelry for over 10 years and I have never run across this pattern. It is Nils-John silverplate. I curled the fork ends around and charms could be added for some extra bling. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to keep this one for myself since this is a one of a kind piece. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More to come, so stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP77vuOFHn0/TtjURo_PmXI/AAAAAAAALrU/a7Syt0ghTj0/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP77vuOFHn0/TtjURo_PmXI/AAAAAAAALrU/a7Syt0ghTj0/s320/IMG_3978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-4572656252736173322011-12-01T18:46:00.000-05:002011-12-01T18:46:16.852-05:00Love you to the moon and back..<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5lk9zQhZ_w/TtgQ_M_K4QI/AAAAAAAALq8/2Laq25X-e9I/s1600/IMG_3944.JPG" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5lk9zQhZ_w/TtgQ_M_K4QI/AAAAAAAALq8/2Laq25X-e9I/s320/IMG_3944.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>Back by popular demand! One of my favorites and a saying that I have told my children for years. I love you to the moon and back. This can be customized numerous ways but most customers prefer this one. I left out the "I" on this one because sometimes more than one person will be giving the gift or some people just prefer to leave it off. Of course, I can always add it. The stars are additional charms I add with the children's inital. You can add as many as you would like. Each one is $5.00. The total cost as you see it here is $42.00. If you are interested in ordering one, please feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">mel@melstreasures.com</a> or go to my website at <a href="http://www.melstreasures.com/">http://www.melstreasures.com/</a> and if this is for Christmas, all online orders have to be submitted by December 15th. <br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-70030188272505808612011-11-07T23:18:00.000-05:002011-11-07T23:18:50.991-05:00New Design Challenge~Bezel SettingI cannot believe the Holidays are already here again! I have 32 orders for custom jewelry designs and starting to panic just a little bit on how I will get them done. Take one day at a time..(I tell myself this daily)! I am so thankful for the orders and cannot believe that I have made it another year with my business. 11 years and counting now. Wow! <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yxtGKUDq7s/TrisHottcrI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/9ruiFzxMa-c/s1600/IMG_2918-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yxtGKUDq7s/TrisHottcrI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/9ruiFzxMa-c/s320/IMG_2918-1.JPG" width="320" /></a>One of my newest design challenges have been soldering mixed metals and silver bezels and rings. I have finally progressed to making family trees and charms with birthstones that will fair the worst wearer. If you're like me, you forget to take that necklace or bracelet off when swimming, sleeping or showering. These will definitely stand the test of time. It is a bit more of a process, though. I first purchase a tube of sterling silver. Then slice the pieces based on the thickness of the stone. Buff and smooth the edge, then solder to the silver. Clean, polish and tumble the piece, then set the stone and press the silver all around the stone to insure it will not come out. Then more polishing and another tumble. Here is a picture of one of the first ones I did. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD7Iq8tyRpo/TrisbZMiKfI/AAAAAAAAKIY/pfN-kBOatOk/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 279px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 365px;"><img border="0" height="283" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD7Iq8tyRpo/TrisbZMiKfI/AAAAAAAAKIY/pfN-kBOatOk/s400/IMG_3588.JPG" width="400" /></a>Also the family tree. I have ordered some extra polishing tools to attach to my foredom so that I can get in the nooks and crannies to get the smooth shine through out the piece. This was my first family tree. The prices are $6.00 per bezel (stone setting) plus the price of the silver charm with stamping or the family tree. If you would like one, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">mel@melstreasures.com</a> and I will quote you a price for the entire piece. I will stop taking Christmas orders around the first week of December. I ended up working all the way up to Christmas Eve at 9pm last year and missed my Christmas Eve dinner with my in-laws and was so tired I didn't even feel like socializing so I plan to be closed on Christmas Eve this year. </div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-26516489085141433922011-05-09T17:38:00.000-04:002011-05-09T17:38:51.618-04:00Mother's DayHappy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Mother's out there. I didn't get to post on or before Mother's Day due to trying to complete orders. I had prom, Mother's Day, weddings (still have more of those) and online orders to complete. Needless to say, I was burning the midnight oil. No complaints here. I'm very thankful for every one! Here is a follow up to some of the orders I completed. I really enjoyed the expressions from the local customers when they picked them up. It is such a treat to have people that appreciate the hard work that goes into each piece. Thank you again for all of your support. I have some new design ideas swirling around in my head so I hope to get those in play soon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI7MPv5vIhk/TchexTlhv5I/AAAAAAAAECI/tUaKwA7Xj6c/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI7MPv5vIhk/TchexTlhv5I/AAAAAAAAECI/tUaKwA7Xj6c/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhSbObBCHfA/TchdHc0N6lI/AAAAAAAAEBk/CRRJMT1vjL0/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhSbObBCHfA/TchdHc0N6lI/AAAAAAAAEBk/CRRJMT1vjL0/s320/IMG_1753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-91284561751903443592011-04-12T16:11:00.001-04:002011-04-12T16:39:50.805-04:00Spring Has Sprung! Bright New Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c88mU6OQ7-o/TaSuZ9NzCpI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/4Yp29kI_E4Q/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c88mU6OQ7-o/TaSuZ9NzCpI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/4Yp29kI_E4Q/s400/IMG_1477.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> I have finally got back into the swing of things and decorated the store. I have bright new "Color Fusion" pendants with silk necklaces, Lampwork Easter Egg charms, Purse charm~key chains, crystals and so much more to go with that new Easter dress. I'm currently working on Prom and Bridal jewelry and getting orders in for Mother's Day. If you haven't been by, you need to stop in and see all the beautiful new colors. The Color Fusion necklaces were a hit at the Farmer's Market this past weekend so I have been working very hard to get more made. Some of the popular colors are lime green and orange. The sunflowers with the yellow in the middle are so cute! Come by and check them out and if you're not local, just drop me an <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">email </a>and I'll get yours right out to you.<br />
I also have to mention my sister's pocket bags. She makes some of the most gorgeous bags with customized pockets and uses top quality fabric including real leather. She owns the fabric store which is where I'm located and you can come in and pick your own fabric and design and she'll make it up for you. They are the best!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2jizqB4lII/TaSudUGhBXI/AAAAAAAAD-c/H09M326CHnw/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2jizqB4lII/TaSudUGhBXI/AAAAAAAAD-c/H09M326CHnw/s640/IMG_1469.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kPmhbZiiZc/TaSuiyPyGyI/AAAAAAAAD-g/tcj32Wxk8JQ/s1600/IMG_1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kPmhbZiiZc/TaSuiyPyGyI/AAAAAAAAD-g/tcj32Wxk8JQ/s400/IMG_1476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0myP-qwMBmY/TaSuqvB6FQI/AAAAAAAAD-k/OKWrxgWNjVc/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0myP-qwMBmY/TaSuqvB6FQI/AAAAAAAAD-k/OKWrxgWNjVc/s400/IMG_1482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2ZT-tJjDuQ/TaSuyLHikAI/AAAAAAAAD-o/ahEkYGNDmgQ/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2ZT-tJjDuQ/TaSuyLHikAI/AAAAAAAAD-o/ahEkYGNDmgQ/s400/IMG_1473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-68325444835566702392011-04-01T00:57:00.001-04:002011-04-01T16:04:25.692-04:00To Market, To Market..... New Fused Glass Pendants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gqiLuwF1RQ/TZPbSPfNKsI/AAAAAAAAD8k/vwyqggzzsL4/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gqiLuwF1RQ/TZPbSPfNKsI/AAAAAAAAD8k/vwyqggzzsL4/s320/IMG_1347.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is just a few of my new fused glass pendants I've been working on for the "Farmer's Market" opening April 9th. I've been working on a complete new line of jewelry and this is my "Color Fusions" Collection. I have also created earrings to complete the sets and will upload those on my next post. I love the new fused glass I found and wish I could get more. There are a limited amount of these I can make with this glass. Gorgeous spring colors that remind me of bright Easter Eggs. They have an iridescent finish on them that really stands out. If you would like one, come by and see me at the market on April 9th from 8:00am to 1:00pm or if you are not local, feel free to <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">email me</a> with an order. The largest pendant (orange in picture) with a leather cord is $38.00, the medium size like the blue and yellow in pic are $32.00 and the smallest in green is $28.00. I do have lots of other colors and beautiful dochroic glass that can be substitued. I can also substitute the leather cord for a sterling chain, ribbon necklace or many other options. Hope to hear from you soon!! These won't last long.</div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-53265076118411394832011-03-14T12:18:00.001-04:002011-03-22T00:17:16.578-04:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1171725479" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ktd-B3Em0rM/TX46ppihKgI/AAAAAAAADyg/NRlKjpZOeoU/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1171725479" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mW-vtxyTpew/TX46tvQDE8I/AAAAAAAADyk/LTlY8P8uKdo/s200/IMG_1214.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://divapreneur.ning.com/photo/photo/listFeatured?xg_source=msg_feat_photo">Spring Bangle featured on Divapreneur Homepage</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you to Divapreneur for featuring my bangle on your homepage!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There is a little story behind these pieces...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was recently juried for the local "Farmer's Market" and this bangle and earrings were some of the items approved for me to sale at my table. I didn't realize how far the market had come with artists and how flooded the market is with jewelry designers until I decided to ask for a booth. I went through strict judging by other artists and was thrilled to be approved but sad that I cannot do any "beading" for my booth. Only silverwork, my stained glass pendants, spoon bracelets, hand stamped items, lampwork glass items and hand forged items can be sold there because of other jewelry designers that had been approved before with beadwork. At first I was a little down because beadwork really helps me fill my table and also allows me to price some items at lower cost for people that are there just looking for a simple trinket or small gift. After I thought about it a bit, I realized that this gives me an opportunity to expand my creative outlet and have fun with wire work and forging and create unique items that are really heirloom quality and keepers! So I'm having a lot of fun coming up with creations. The only problem is I can get my brain to quit designing when its time to sleep!! Our first day at the market is April 9th. So needless to say, I will be very busy creating lots of items for my booth! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This bangle is hand forged with sterling silver and I have included some gorgeous lampwork glass beads and a few whimsical Thai Hilltribe silver insects. I finished it off with a hand forged clasp in sterling silver. The earrings are made with the same set of lampwork glass and have been wire-wrapped in sterling silver. If you would like to purchase this bangle or earrings, just <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">email me.</a> The bangle is $62.00 and the earrings are $22.00. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-88316430130894763632011-03-13T13:49:00.002-04:002011-03-13T23:21:45.875-04:00New Stained Glass Jewelry<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JglsRwNR3vI/TX0DQn0OWVI/AAAAAAAADyM/ZDBvY1wgwq8/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JglsRwNR3vI/TX0DQn0OWVI/AAAAAAAADyM/ZDBvY1wgwq8/s400/IMG_1128.JPG" width="300" /></a>I've been working on this for a few years on and off and finally just sat down and forced myself to learn how to do this. After many trials and errors, I think I'm doing a lot better. A special friend sent me these dichroic cabs and they are just beautiful. Thanks Deb!! I know I have a long way to go, but I really like how these turned out. The pictures are in the order that I created them. The sunflower has been sold. I'm not sure if I will let the butterfly go. I am a collector of butterflies and this is the first one I made. The other pendants are hot off the bench. Just made them yesterday. I got a creative hair and worked till I was just to tired to continue. Hope you like them. </div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1djJqrr_wIY/TX0AKejh54I/AAAAAAAADx4/cVcQ2M3OThw/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1djJqrr_wIY/TX0AKejh54I/AAAAAAAADx4/cVcQ2M3OThw/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-86h9Z2RPP-k/TX0AQki_gUI/AAAAAAAADx8/cSXiBSn2PO4/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-86h9Z2RPP-k/TX0AQki_gUI/AAAAAAAADx8/cSXiBSn2PO4/s400/IMG_1226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-djEriVRnAKo/TX2JT77f_bI/AAAAAAAADyQ/GL9FNy4fRdk/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-djEriVRnAKo/TX2JT77f_bI/AAAAAAAADyQ/GL9FNy4fRdk/s400/IMG_1234.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCphVvDaY_M/TX0AtKyFtdI/AAAAAAAADyI/bUe_mIZ4P80/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yCphVvDaY_M/TX0AtKyFtdI/AAAAAAAADyI/bUe_mIZ4P80/s400/IMG_1238.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qqHDvIrEJ5g/TX0AiREc5iI/AAAAAAAADyE/4rIfTe6RfhE/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qqHDvIrEJ5g/TX0AiREc5iI/AAAAAAAADyE/4rIfTe6RfhE/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-14630494948419060512011-02-20T14:13:00.000-05:002011-02-20T14:13:38.688-05:00Dreamers Into Doers - Martha StewartI was thrilled to have my photo of a Mother's Necklace design featured on Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doer's website. Thank you!!<br />
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<a href="http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/photo/photo/listFeatured?xg_source=msg_feat_photo">Dreamers Into Doers</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/IyJ-yOIAP92RrH0LPYnHYxR9pbf0WB9S4YSOWnfuNdsxoZGi4O3e6omR7SsGK1QW2L2rkD3CYbNOUM8Gpf3TyKSUwGl0MB3L/IMG_00382.jpg?width=139&height=102" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://api.ning.com/files/IyJ-yOIAP92RrH0LPYnHYxR9pbf0WB9S4YSOWnfuNdsxoZGi4O3e6omR7SsGK1QW2L2rkD3CYbNOUM8Gpf3TyKSUwGl0MB3L/IMG_00382.jpg?width=139&height=102" /></a></div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-20367987187980056632011-01-21T14:31:00.000-05:002011-01-21T14:31:16.893-05:00A Beaded Affair - Lois A. Linquist is one amazing lady!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TTnVjjX-vnI/AAAAAAAADmQ/Ke2n1cLGhnA/s1600/SterlingandBlackpearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TTnVjjX-vnI/AAAAAAAADmQ/Ke2n1cLGhnA/s200/SterlingandBlackpearl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Almost a year ago Lois was kind enough to write about me on her blog. The title and link is <a href="http://abeadedaffair.blogspot.com/2010/05/have-you-met-melissa-n.html">Have you met Melissa?</a> I felt honored that she had taken the time in her busy life to do this. Especially seeing her beautiful designs! <br />
Now it's time to honor her! This past year I have followed Lois and her incredible drive from designing, running a store to publishing magazines. Let me just tell you a little bit about it all. This only touches the surface, I'm sure. She creates some of the most beautiful jewelry including flawless wire wrapping. I have included a picture of her design here of a beautiful pearl bracelet incorporating a very hard pattern of chain maille (I struggle with chain maille horribly). She runs a supply store that has pretty much everything you need including gorgeous gemstones, copper findings, pearls and so much more on her website at <a href="http://www.abeadedaffair.com/">A Beaded Affair</a> and at <a href="http://abeadedaffair.etsy.com/">her Etsy store</a> . You will love her products. In addition to this, she has created a group called <a href="http://copperwirejewelers.ning.com/">Copper Wire Jewelers</a> where designers meet, talk and discuss techniques, offer tutorials, showcase their designs and have the opportunity to submit their designs to an online publication of <a href="http://copperwirejewelers.ning.com/profiles/blogs/copper-wire-jewelers-magazine-3">Copper Wire Jewelers Magazine</a>. This is her 4th publication!<br />
<img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTU2MzQ3MjYyNTImcHQ9MTI5NTYzNDc2NTYzMCZwPTgwMzE4MSZkPTU4NjAwNzctYWQzMDB4MjUwLTImZz*yJm89/NjZjMWZkYTA3NzAxNDdiOGIyMGIwODEyYTEyYzk*Mjcmb2Y9MA==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="250" id="WFHost" width="300"><param name="FlashVars" value="theme=Classic&widgetW=300&widgetH=250&widgetX=0&widgetY=0&stickyType=&WFBtnX=5&WFBtnY=232&defaultPreviewURL=&useFacebookMystuff=false&buttonURL=http%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fetsy%2fads_share_link.gif&URL=http%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fetsy%2f300250-2%2fswf%2fetsy_300250.swf%3fsourcekey%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fesa5860077%2fdata.xml&CID=5860077-ad300x250-2&partner=803181"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.gigya.com/wildfire/swf/WildfireHost.swf" /><embed name="WFHost" id="WFHost" width="300" height="250" src="http://cdn.gigya.com/wildfire/swf/WildfireHost.swf" flashvars="theme=Classic&widgetW=300&widgetH=250&widgetX=0&widgetY=0&stickyType=&WFBtnX=5&WFBtnY=232&defaultPreviewURL=&useFacebookMystuff=false&buttonURL=http%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fetsy%2fads_share_link.gif&URL=http%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fetsy%2f300250-2%2fswf%2fetsy_300250.swf%3fsourcekey%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fserve.esellerads.com%2fesa5860077%2fdata.xml&CID=5860077-ad300x250-2&partner=803181" AllowScriptAccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object><br />
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Lois is doing all of these things while dealing with the pain of recovering from recent back surgery. I just can't imagine how she does it. I personally want to thank you, Lois! You're amazing and you deserve many rewards for all you do. Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-52076428856135975142011-01-06T22:08:00.000-05:002011-01-06T22:08:44.686-05:00Family Spiral Necklace<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TSZ7-6OZHNI/AAAAAAAADTo/9ii1V8PwC2k/s1600/IMG_0187+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 243px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 320px;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TSZ7-6OZHNI/AAAAAAAADTo/9ii1V8PwC2k/s320/IMG_0187+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My family spiral necklaces are one of my special designs. I love making these. It forces me out of my comfort zone and challenges me each time. Each one is carefully made by using a 20guage piece of sterling silver sheet metal. A spiral is drawn on the metal with a sharpee pen, then cut with a jeweler's saw. This is not an easy process because you still have to file and cut more out because when you go back to stamp the names, it spreads and overlaps where you have cut. There is a lot of filing and buffing with this project. This is when I'm very thankful<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TSZ7knt_TlI/AAAAAAAADTk/s8nhSaQzBHw/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 230px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 310px;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TSZ7knt_TlI/AAAAAAAADTk/s8nhSaQzBHw/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a> for my Foredom Flex Shaft. Each one is special to me. I add the birthstone before or after the name based on your specifications. Birthstones can also be left off and a design added in it's place. This necklace is $56.00 with the sterling necklace. Special bails with Swarovski crystals or cz's can be added for an additional cost. This is a great gift for that mother or grandmother for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. It can also be stamped with a special saying or verse instead of names. Feel free to <a href="mailto:mel@melstreasures.com">contact me</a> with your order. <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-7745436781021655772010-11-02T18:08:00.000-04:002010-11-02T18:08:20.689-04:00Spoon JewelryI went antique shopping for silver plate spoons and to my surprise I found 3 fabulous containers just waiting for me to swoop up. I can't wait to share my new designs with you. Here are a few pics from some I created with my last batch of finds. Hope you like them. If you're interested in ordering one, please let me know via email. They go pretty fast when I post them. Thanks for looking!!<br />
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</div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-74258118320850782392010-11-01T23:31:00.000-04:002010-11-01T23:31:57.731-04:00Publication! Copper Wire Jewelers MagazineI'm thrilled to expose that I have been published in another magazine. This is an honor to be included with so many other talented designers. Check out the link. I'm on page 17. I plan to create some more bangles similar to these to add to my website for great Christmas gifts. Check back often for new designs!! <a href="http://issuu.com/abeadedaffair/docs/copperwirejewelersissue2">Link to online magazine</a>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-18656816217340491292010-09-30T15:30:00.000-04:002010-09-30T15:30:59.870-04:00New Items at the Trading Post!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TKTkwKr5N9I/AAAAAAAAC34/2KtdBabHfP8/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TKTkwKr5N9I/AAAAAAAAC34/2KtdBabHfP8/s400/IMG_0607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've just filled up my booth at the Northwest Trading Post in Glendale Springs, NC. If you haven't had the chance to stop by yet, you should. They have so many things to choose from. Homemade fudge, sourdough bread, candies, Mel's jewelry (ha ha) and so many more items. Check them out!!Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-52270120987559713452010-09-15T14:05:00.000-04:002010-09-15T14:05:12.751-04:00Thief!!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEH48BPO_I/AAAAAAAAC3E/LHgqOMdvDrM/s1600/IMG_0586-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEH48BPO_I/AAAAAAAAC3E/LHgqOMdvDrM/s320/IMG_0586-1.JPG" width="320" /></a> We have a local thief on the loose. Our local Trading Post in Glendale Springs, NC is kind enough to allow hard working local artists display and sale their handcrafted items to the local and travelling tourists. We are just trying to make a living and we all work very hard. This year we have someone that we have narrowed down as being local because they come back often. The first time it happened, it hurt my feelings a bit, but the repeated times are causing me to get angry. Every time I go to refill my booth, something is missing. Today it was this. The person(s) is getting brave. Now they just cut the pendant right off. If you are local and you happen to visit a store that has this pendant, please contact me. The other jewelry artisan at the Trading Post has also lost some valuable pendants as well. This is just cruel. I want to catch them. If you're the one and you're reading this......I will catch you!!!!! If I don't, God will. <div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIAaTPquI/AAAAAAAAC3M/ZP_hn30G__w/s1600/IMG_0587-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIAaTPquI/AAAAAAAAC3M/ZP_hn30G__w/s320/IMG_0587-1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIWN071tI/AAAAAAAAC3c/6hChIjoamwY/s1600/IMG_0450-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIWN071tI/AAAAAAAAC3c/6hChIjoamwY/s320/IMG_0450-1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIOq653lI/AAAAAAAAC3U/r4hedgwGJvY/s1600/IMG_0451-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIOq653lI/AAAAAAAAC3U/r4hedgwGJvY/s320/IMG_0451-1.JPG" /></a></div><img height="72" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/TJEIAaTPquI/AAAAAAAAC3M/ZP_hn30G__w/s320/IMG_0587-1.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 33px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 312px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-67937755492079613082010-05-27T18:56:00.003-04:002010-05-27T19:02:58.056-04:00New Footprint Charms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S_74W_OH1wI/AAAAAAAACxY/mKY2MqeoUwk/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S_74W_OH1wI/AAAAAAAACxY/mKY2MqeoUwk/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" width="400" /></a>This one was created for a special friend for her birthday. Her daughter's feet were a little challenging (or should I say her baby feetprint) ha ha. When I shrunk them down, they were just too light and the left one didn't even show up but at the top so I had to fill in with black to make it work. I am so thankful for photoshop software. I was able to keep all of the lines, etc and only darken what was already there. I'm so careful to make sure that the charm is a perfect duplicate of the actual print. That's what makes it so special. I am so thrilled with how this one turned out! I polished it to a super high shine and it has the birthstone embedded down in the silver. The Polymer Plate turned out perfect and the clay fired great. I couldn't be more thrilled. I made this one nice and thick and took a lot of time buffing and polishing. I'm having so much fun with precious metal clay. I hope you like it and I hope my sweet and dear friend loves it!</div>Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-62142043422540896232010-05-26T22:47:00.000-04:002010-05-26T22:47:38.731-04:00UPS...Well, it's official...I have decided that UPS has some problem with me and does not want me to get my packages. Within the past 5 months I have experienced delayed delivery of 4 overnight packages that I paid dearly for. The 3 earlier in the year were due to weather. The crazy thing is that my store is directly on Main Street and through out the day I see numerous UPS trucks zipping by. On one of the occasions that I didn't get my overnight package, my sister that lives in Crumpler and has a driveway that is a nightmare in snow managed to get her regular ground package. Still I didn't. I ended up making arrangements to drive down to Wilkesboro and pick it up myself or risk losing customers. <br />
My question is...when you know that they are calling for 10 inches of snow and you probably won't be able to finish your route, do you not look though your packages and make sure that the people that paid for overnight or 2 day air get theirs first since they obviously need it or they would not have paid dearly for it??? I just don't understand.<br />
Today was no different. Except there was no snow....no explanation...just no package. Well, I'm sick of it. The 3 earlier in the year did not give me a refund because of the increment weather "clause". So I lost so much money on those. Especially when I had to use my gas and borrow a 4 wheel drive to get down the mountain to Wilkesboro. I wonder what the "clause" will be for this one and will I get my $52.00 back? Probably not. If I'm lucky it will come tomorrow or the next day and there will be no "I'm sorry" or anything. Just please sign here. <br />
So if there is anyone out there that has experienced the same problem...PLEASE speak up! Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-86295858682152282702010-05-12T18:58:00.001-04:002010-05-12T19:01:28.126-04:00Sweet Baby Feet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S-szNBYkMoI/AAAAAAAACro/QdZLDWFLY2s/s1600/IMG_0396-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S-szNBYkMoI/AAAAAAAACro/QdZLDWFLY2s/s320/IMG_0396-1.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div>This Mother's Day was so special for many reasons. I got the opportunity to create some really unique pieces for that perfect gift. The one that I really enjoyed the most was a new item for me that I have been working toward perfection for some time now. Baby footprint charms. I have always loved them and have been dying to learn how. So...I have been doing lots of research and alot of samples to get it right. I'm still trying and will continue to get better, or at least I hope I do. For now, this is my pride and joy. Well, someone else's pride and joy that I got to play with!! Here is a picture of a finished piece with two footprint charms that were taken from birth certificates, scanned, reworked, reduced, and with lots of time and effort, I created them into charms. <br />
Let me know what you think! If you would like one created, feel free to send me an email. I'd love to work one up for you.Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-26366752450708196352010-05-03T17:08:00.002-04:002010-05-03T17:14:11.139-04:00Mother's DayMother's Day is a special time of year for me. I am so fortunate to still have my mother here with me. She is so special and I want to thank her for everything that she has done for me and my family. So much I have learned from her and still do.<br />I hope you don't forget to give your mother a special hug, gift, card or just a phone call to tell her how much she means to you.<br />I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-69244339463739288422010-04-04T21:52:00.002-04:002010-04-04T21:57:05.934-04:00A beautiful Easter SundayI cannot remember the last time we had such a beautiful Easter Sunday. Over the years I have purchased a beautiful spring Easter dress to wear and ended up wearing something from my winter blah wardrobe because it ended up being below 40 degrees and even snowing at times. <br />This was so nice to have a change. After church we went to "Granny Albertine's" for an incredible meal and sat out in the sun on her country porch and drank ice tea. My soul craves sunshine so I was warmed to the tips of my toes. <br />I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did.<br />Beautiful Easter pictures to follow....Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-45009854570711314492010-03-20T20:52:00.007-04:002010-03-20T21:06:13.991-04:00My Tree of Life gets an upgrade...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S6Vwp3lXOgI/AAAAAAAAChs/DoWDo2RKtL0/s1600-h/IMG_0160-1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_a0DCKDB9KlI/S6Vwp3lXOgI/AAAAAAAAChs/DoWDo2RKtL0/s320/IMG_0160-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450886788599462402" /></a><br />I have had such a wonderful response to my family tree design that I decided to create an upgrade. A lady asked me if I could make a family tree with the same design so I had her give me her information and I did a sketch to see how it would look. When I got done, I was trying to decide how I would distinguish the people and it came to me. The birthstone ring that my mom has from years back that we all saved up to get her for mother's day one year. So, I decided to fill the holes with birthstones. It worked! They look great and I have came up with so many different versions and styles, no two could possibly be the same.<br />I will be running a Mother's Day special with them this year. Check <a href="http://www.melstreasures.com">my website</a> to see!Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920532841079283082.post-20283753620143894092010-03-15T22:56:00.006-04:002010-03-15T23:25:17.215-04:00Cell Phones....why do we have to have them...???Cell phones. I'm trying to remember exactly when I got one. How did I survive without it? I did just fine. I went all through school, moved away from home and lived in a large city (at least I thought it was when I moved there) Greensboro, had a child up to 4 years old and moved back to Jefferson...all of these transitions without a cell phone or even wanting one.<br />I was thinking about this today when I was standing in line at the local cell phone company after waiting "forever" to get the next representative so I could have them look at my daughter's constantly needing repair cell phone and fighting with another customer. (you can read more about this after the next paragraph)<br />Why have we become so dependent on them that we are suckers to pay this outrageous fee, buy the latest and greatest phones that have just hit the stores, sign a 2 year contract to get them cheaper, pay for insurance to hope they won't tear up, only to regret it before we even walk out the door and our phone is already out of date and not working properly?<br /><blockquote>We were next in line, had been standing there for over 30 mins and a woman weaseled her way in front of us and just started talking to the representative. Trying to be a good Christian went out the window and I immediately said in a strong tone, "Excuse me but I believe we were next". To get an idea of what I was talking to she had on 3 inch stilettos, skin tight jeans that I know she had to lay down in to get them on, a wig that was streaked black and white (yes, like a skunk), false eyelashes with rhinestones on them, and was insanely popping her gum with her mouth open. She was probably 5 inches taller than me and honestly acted like everyone else should have parted the red sea when she walked in. I had already had enough of listening to her constant sighing and gum popping and I was already on the verge of saying something even before she jumped in front of me.<br />Then she had the nerve with her sarcastic tone to tell me that she needed to see a supervisor and this lady was it. I told her we were next and she could see her when we were done. She started in about how she didn't mean to disrespect me and that I could "come on up here and do my thang". Well, I didn't get on up there and do my thang but I did tell my daughter that she could speak to the representative now. What makes people think that their time is more valuable than ours?? Anyway, she just kept telling my daughter that she didn't mean to disrespect and called her sweetie. </blockquote>To get back to my point...why do we go through this only to have yet another phone in addition to the one at our home and work so we can be more accessable to talk. Yes, I carry one and will continue to carry one but I just don't know how I got stuck in this have to have a stupid cell phone....<br />Oh and by the way...the problem that my daughter was having with her cell phone....didn't get fixed because it didn't do it while she was there so we walked out with the same problem we walked in with. Hmmmm....<br />That's my story and I'm done. Thanks to anyone out there who reads this and understands.Melissa Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04787246310921553158noreply@blogger.com0