Zosio

New on line Shop

2011-10-13T19:16:00.000-04:00

I am on "Needles Haystack" a new on line hand made jewelry store.
I only have 1 item so far, but plan on adding more as I get pictures taken.

Lafayette Apple Festival

2011-10-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

Had a good weekend at the festival. The weather couldn't have been better, although a little cool Saturday morning, but it warmed up quickly.
I'm going to try & concentrate on using the internet for selling. Doing shows on the weekends are starting to take their toll.....so I will be listing items again on my Etsy shop.

New Wearable art necklace

2011-09-23T17:37:00.004-04:00

This is a unique freeform art one of a kind sterling silver "plaque" necklace accented with an aqua chalcedony cabochon. The pendant is hung with a shiny sterling chain that compliments the pendant.

A one of a kind necklace that will add unqiueness and "wearable" art to your collection. The pendant measures over 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches.

$125.00 plus $5 shipping via Priority US Mail.

Please email for availability.

Where am I?

2011-09-23T17:14:00.000-04:00

I've been away so to speak for a while, family things occupy a large part of my time.
But....I will be at the Apple Festival in Lafayette October 9th & 10th, in Lafayette, NY, south of Syracuse.
I love the Apple Festival. I am going to try & keep my Facebook page updated with some of my designs, and also post some here. Its just making myself do it...8-)
My Son is getting married next week, so will be busy for that. I hope to make a few new items to take to the Apple Festival in the intervale.

Fine Silver hand formed & stamped necklace

2011-07-25T10:54:00.004-04:00

Fine Silver hand hammered & stamped link necklace. The hand formed clasp features a sterling silver bead for back of the neck interest. Fine Silver is hand hammered into links to form an unique and one of a kind necklace.

Benefits of Fine Silver are longer lasting shine and lighter weight.

Fine Silver has more silver in it than Sterling Silver, so it tends to not tarnish as quickly and hold its shine longer. Lighter weight means that one can wear a piece of jewelry that is larger but weights less & therefor is more confortable to wear.

$145.00 . 18 inches long.

Please click on photos to see details

Lapidary Journal came today, yeah!

2011-02-16T18:38:00.001-05:00

This issue of Lapidary Journal was particulary interesting. I wondered when I saw gemstones inside cabochons how they did that. Its all explained in this issue. If you don't subscribe, pick it up on the newstand, it is worth it!

Price of Sterling

2011-01-26T14:30:00.003-05:00

I'm almost stunned to see how much the price of Sterling & gold has increased.

I wanted to buy some wire and went to my favorite silver suppliers website, and the price has doubled in just over a year.

I wonder when the inflation will stop?

Feeling like a commercial...

2011-01-21T14:57:00.008-05:00

SOLD

Today I feel like the blue rainbow in the commercial, that didn't have a "Jimmy Dean" sausage breakfast...I should be taking pictures of all the jewelry I have finished, but can't seem to get going. My planet is not in orbit today! This is a turquoise necklace I made a few years ago, before I learned silversmithing. Its features citrine along with sterling birds, turtles and beads with fish designs. Sterling Toggle clasp.

Finding time

2011-01-19T19:02:00.002-05:00

Does anyone else have trouble finding time to spend on their craft?

I start out the day with plans to do some work, then they get pushed aside.

Of course, if I only had one hobby, that would make it easier. Or when the grandchildren come over and want you to spend time with them, how do you say no, when they come up to you and say...."I love you Nana"? jeesh

Etsy up & running

2011-01-17T20:56:00.001-05:00

I found time to get some things up on Etsy. Getting decent pictures is hard, finally manage to take a few that looked good.

I'm back!

2011-01-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

Its been quite a while since I've posted on this blog.

I'm hoping to make more of an effort to keep up this year.

I've started a new shop on Etsy, at http://www.etsy.com/shop/zosio

I will be putting new items there so feel free to take a look!

Winding down for the winter

2009-12-03T14:07:00.001-05:00

I've done a few shows this fall, and now with winter almost here things will be quiet.

I hope to put more items on my Etsy site in the near future.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and great new year!

Sue

2009-09-16T19:12:00.003-04:00

Turquois, Sterling & Carnelian combine to form this beautiful necklace!

Hand formed sterling with fine silver comprise the pendant, accented with 4 large turquois beads and fine silver links. Carnelian beads act as accents to this unusual necklace. Approx. 20 in. in length, the pendant measures 2 in. x 2.33 in. $149.00

Sterling & Fine Silver on Copper necklace

2009-09-16T18:59:00.003-04:00

This necklace is composed of sterling silver & fine silver, plus a chalcedny cab on Copper. The chain consists of sterling links interspersed with chaldedny faceted & round beads. $125.00

The pendant measures approx. 2.75 in x 3.5 in. and the cabochon is approx. 12 mm round. The necklace is approx. 20".

Some new designs

2009-09-16T18:36:00.004-04:00

New necklace, sterling & fine silver pendant with a Kyanite Cab. Light blue crackled quartz & fresh water pearls combine to form the rest of the necklace. Approx. 20 ins.

$149.00

Hey New Yorkers.....

2009-08-27T18:20:00.004-04:00

I will be at the Layafette Apple Festival in October!

Stop by & say hello!

This is the biggest Art & Craft show I have ever seen, I think they have 6 huge tents full of artisans & crafters. Plus, lots of apple food! Can you beat that? Nope!

Enjoy great weather, good food, and a good selection of artisans to purchase for yourself or that special person on your Christmas/Holiday list.

As usual, if you stop in & make a purchase, mention you read my blog, and receive 10% off your purchase price.

Clinton Art & Music Festival, Aug. 29, all day

2009-08-27T18:16:00.002-04:00

I will have a booth at the Clinton Art & Music Festival Aug. 29, saturday.

South Park Row, near STone Church.

Will be lots of fun, they have musicians all day & until 11pm at night. Stroll around the Village of Clinton, enjoy the music & see the different craft people!

Come say hello! Everyone that stops in & says they saw this blog post will get 10% off their purchase, now how can you resist that! LOl

Doing a Farmers Market

2009-06-03T19:08:00.001-04:00

I decided to do a local Farmers Market in Hamilton, NY on the village green.

I was amazed at the number of people attending.

Here's hoping its a good venture.

Not enough time!

2009-04-15T10:34:00.002-04:00

Where does the time go? I haven't been able to work for almost 2 weeks. I hope its just because it spring and so much to do!

I'm going to show at the Jamesville Dewitte High School on May 2. Its a one day show, so I'm trying it out!

1000 Markets? Like or not?

2009-03-18T13:08:00.001-04:00

I came across 1000 Markets the other day, and don't know if I have the energy to do another shop or not.

I wondered if anyone has any experience with it?

Add your blog & shop

2009-03-02T19:52:00.003-05:00

If you would like to add a link to your shop/blog to my blog, just email me the & I'll do it. The more the merrier!

Working for more time to work?

2009-02-28T16:50:00.002-05:00

So, I spent all day today cleaning, cooking and helping daughter find shelves.
I'm having my family over to dinner tonight, instead of Sunday, like I usually do, so I can have all day Sunday to work on my jewelry....somehow, working to be able to do more work just doesn't seem right! LOL

The only thing I didn't do is bake bread like I usually do, instead I made scones for myself from my Scottish cookbook....yummy, I already ate 4!

I ordered some sterling chains to put my pendants on. Here's hoping they help sell them!

I have some ideas for reticulated pendants that I want to try out tomorrow.

Cheaptweet, yes or no? also rant on Etsy

2009-02-26T17:37:00.003-05:00

I belong to Twitter, and this "cheaptweet" person is following me, and frankly, I don't like the premise of what he's doing.

Apparently, he searches Etsy, and other websites, for "cheap" buys. Frequently announcing a "find" for under $15 or less.

I, and I'm sure a lot of others, spend hours working a my jewelry, some more than others, and honestly, if I just paid myself $10 an hour, for my time, I would be charging a lot more than I am for all of my pieces.

I don't want my work to be touted as "cheap", and probably will never have it called that by this person, but for some reason it just bugs me.

Its the same reason, kinda, that Etsy isn't a favorite for me either, because most of the buyers, are other Etsy shop owners, and let's face it, if you are doing jewelry, how many other '"jewelry" people are going to buy yours? I don't see "big ticket" items being sold a lot on Etsy and I'm sure that is one reason why.

There is a shop that also sells beautiful jewelry on ebay. Most of her sales are for buying, not selling, and the items she has sold, with one or two exceptions are the least expensive items she has. I don't know why she bothers with Etsy, she sells 20 times over on ebay every week!

I came across a shop that had, so they said, and I don't know why it wouldn't be so, that the byzantine bracelet was sterling silver. The price was $25.00! I can't make a bracelet for that in just the materials, let alone my time. That person had to be working for nothing. 18 G sterling is over $2.00 a foot, it takes 10 feet in 18g to make a normal size bracelet. I can't spend that amount of time to do a bracelet like that for $5.00 plus factor in all the other costs that go into making a bracelet.

Ok, my rant is over...whew, that felt good! LOL
I was hoping that Etsy would do away with me having to do live shows at art & craft fairs, but it isn't looking like it will. I guess people just need to see my pieces in person to appreciate them.

If you have an opinion, jump right in! This blog is even boring me!

Excited!

2009-02-25T19:56:00.001-05:00

I am loving working with reticulated silver. Let the silver dictate where you go.
Besides, its great using up odds & ends!

Changing direction

2009-02-24T16:25:00.002-05:00

I am going to start experimenting more with reticulated silver.

I like the way the heat moves and forms the silver and leaves patterns.

Its easier for me, than hammering, and I don't have the aches & pains afterwards.

2009-02-21T17:37:00.002-05:00

Did a little work today, was babysitting again, take up a lot of time.

Hopefully will finish tomorrow, but have grandson's 3rd birthday party in the afternoon.
Cake & ice cream! Yeah....my sunday treat.

I need to do this like its a full time job, and take more seriously.

Looking for new inspiration

2009-02-19T19:12:00.002-05:00

I am looking for inspiration! I usually feel something new in the spring, but spring hasn't come around here yet!

I have a lot of Pietersite cabs, so I probably should use some of them and make necklaces or bracelets. Probably bracelets as necklases don't seem to be flying out of my shop! LOL

Ordered more silver today, hope to do some work this weekend.

My goal: Out of the Box!

2009-02-16T15:50:00.005-05:00

Some new items created in attempt to get out of my box. Trying to not be so concerned with equality and eveness.

I am hoping this will start up some new ways of thinking.

Brass, copper & sterling pendant with my last Laboradite cabochon! Sterling wired bail.

Reticulated silver & Chrysocalla cab. Cab moves freely. Hangs from the bail. I love the way the silver melted & fused! I guess I still have the need to fill the holes! LOL

Artfire shop open

2009-02-05T11:48:00.002-05:00

Decided to open an Artfire shop as well as Etsy.

Added similar pendants, in a race to see which one sells first, or at all.

Etsy is disappointing so far, maybe Artfire will be better, although I don't like the way Artfire showcases the products. To see Artfire go to: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=20058

Peruvian Opal Earrings

2009-02-03T23:56:00.002-05:00

Tempted to keep these!

New laboradite pendant, on a roll...

2009-02-03T18:27:00.003-05:00

Finished up sterling & laboradite pendant today.

Started earrings with Peruvian Opals, and other pendants with or withoug gemstones, and reticulated silver. Its fun to see what transpires with the silver. Maybe its luck, maybe its ability, who knows! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20578698

Jewelry

2009-02-01T12:13:00.003-05:00

Working on a necklace I started for myself with a huge Pietersite cab, but fritzed around with the bezel, and couldn't make up my mind about the necklace part.
Finally last night, just went for it, got some nice carnelian color , although they are not, red "african Jade", so they say, beads, and interspersed some Carnelian beads, and chained them together with 18g sterling. First time to do that. I like it better than stringing so much.

Waiting for the bezel piece to tumble & will put together with a picture later.
I love Pietersite, I must have a cache of at least 20 cabs....I guess I'd better get started, trouble is I don't want to part with them!

Results: Finished the necklace, wore it out, and the side ring that attached to the chain fell off!

So, I'm taking the stone out of the setting, doing it over, with a top bail instead. Just the old bezel will be scrap, or maybe I can fire it down & reticulate/fuse the silver...hmmm will have to try. Getting the stone out of the bezel is the hard part.

Rainbow Moonstone necklace with pearls

2009-01-31T22:01:00.008-05:00

14g sterling wire, hand hammered & formed into asymetrical loops, winding down and around hugging the neck, resting at base of throat.

Twisted 14k gold filled and sterling wire flow in and out of the necklace giving it an "etherial" feel.

Each loop is wired with 6 moonstone rondells and moonstone briolette positioned in the middle.

Adding luster are small white pearls with more rondells winding around the sterling wire.

The bottom loop features 3 briolettes with moonstone rondells surrounding them.

I can see this neckpiece on a bride or mother of the bride, or just for a special occasion. It has shimmer with the rainbow moonstones, but not overdone.

Jewelry update

2009-01-31T17:59:00.003-05:00

Made a beautiful, if I say so myself, sterling & gold filled hand forged necklace with my new rainbow moonstones and some pearls for interest. Camera batteries died, so haven't posted pic on etsy yet, but it is delicate, and perfect for a bride or mother of the bride, or just a romantic touch!
Spent all day on it. didn't plan on that.
Ahh, romance.....ok, back to the real world! LOL

Connecting with other metalsmithers

2009-01-27T17:38:00.002-05:00

I have enjoyed talking to others on Hands on Heaven about ways to solve different problems.

I ran out of pickle, and decided to try the home pickle of vinegar and salt. It worked so well, I am not going to use anything else. And, it is not toxic. I had both silver & copper in it together with no problem. Although, the salt that dried on the egges of the pot did turn a very pretty green!

Lucky Irish penny coin bracelet with Chalcedony

2009-01-19T19:07:00.008-05:00

This is the other Irish penny coin with a hen and chicks that I made.

It features the Irish penny coin, 30mm in diameter, set in a hand made, hammered sterling bezel, with 2 large faceted Chalcedony sea green stones.

The rest of the bracelet is made of 18 gauge sterling silver chain maille, the "Rose" pattern, with a chalcedony bead at the end.

This bracelet is adjustable from a size 6.5 to 8. The Irish thought that giving a penny would bring you luck. Here's your chance to give luck to someone!

It is offered on Etsy, http://marguisella.etsy.com/

I will be putting up photos of similar bracelets with the Irish coin, but distinct bracelet designs.

Brown Egg Earrings Photos revised

2009-01-19T18:56:00.003-05:00

Here are better photos with acutal colors. They can be purchased at my Etsy shop.

http://marquisella.etsy.com/

size is 1.5 inches from top of earwire to bottom of nest.

Nest diameter is 5/8 inch.

For those of you who want white or blue eggs instead of brown, just email me!

sterlingsue2000@yahoo.com

Off to the North East Poultry Convention

2009-01-16T17:06:00.002-05:00

Leaving tomorrow am early to go to the North East Poultry Convention in Springfield...

Thousands of birds to look at...

Going to meet other Marans breeders, and help out at the booth.

I need help to stop buying!

2009-01-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

I have to stop buying things...

I have a hoard of stuff, that I bought to use in jewelry, but find I make excuses not to use them when it comes time.....

For example, I bought at least 4 years ago, a strand of beautiful heart shaped mauve faceted chaldedney beads really big, about the size of a grape!. I haven't used them in anything for sale because I make excuses that I want to use them for something "really exciting". Well, if I keep waiting for the "something" to inspire me, I'll never use them...

I need a GHA .... gemstone hoarders anonymous!

Changing designs

2009-01-12T11:01:00.006-05:00

I made this necklace with a sterling back and a rainbow moonstone cabochon.

I've had it for sale on Etsy for a few weeks now, and I think I'm going to take it apart and make it into a brooch.

I never did like the pearl & Iolite strand, and I'm sure now I don't.

I can see it on a nice big scarf....or even as a kilt pin. What is a kilt pin you ask?

That can be the question of the week, (I just made that up), the first person to answer it correctly, I'll have a surprise for them!

Finished Bracelet

2009-01-10T17:41:00.004-05:00

Here it is, I hope she likes it!

Almost finished bracelet

2009-01-09T22:33:00.002-05:00

I have a bracelet in the tumbler now that I made for a friend in gratitude for her generosity.

I'll post a picture of it tomorrow, when I put it together.

Its copper & silver, first time I've put them together, soldering, etc. Taking me a while, but the holidays interferred also.

More snow...

2009-01-08T20:42:00.003-05:00

More snow today...I finally got out tonight and went shopping at Harbor Freight.

They didn't have the buffing wheels for my grinder/buffer, and they are not stocking a lot of things that they used to. Went to sears, didn't have the right size either, geez...

I bought a jewelers hammer kit, was too cheap to pass over. Has some nice hammer heads, hope it doens't fall apart the 1st time I use it, like a hammer I bought from Rio Grande. That really ticked me off.

Maybe tomorrow Ill take some pics of my new chicks & post them.

Got some beads I bought on ebay from china today. Why do they always look smaller in person?LOL

Ice, rain & cold....

2009-01-07T13:37:00.002-05:00

Terrible weather up here.

Horses had ice sheets on them this am, stayed out in the sleet instead of going into the shed.

Brought them in to de-ice!

Waiting for spring.......

Chicks hatched

2009-01-03T23:52:00.006-05:00

Happy New Years!

Marans chicks from Bev hatching today, 9 in all. Pretty yellow Wheatens.
Also 5 of mine, 1 blue Marans and 4 black coppers. Unfortunately the blue and 1 bc were squished in the brooder. First time that's happened. My hatching more of the black copper & blue Marans just seems to be taking so long.....

Have some Blue laced red Wyandottes incubating, should hatch next week. Picture of Pullet here to the right.

Getting used to blogging,not!

2009-01-02T17:16:00.001-05:00

This blogging thing is hard, thinking of things to say every day.

I've been sick so New Years was a bust for me!

On the bright side, I have chicks hatching so all is good there!

Started on some jewelry for a friend. I want to thank her for her help & generosity with the Marans chickens.

I will post a picture of it when its finished.

Repairing jewelry

2009-01-01T11:27:00.004-05:00

My son asked me to resize his girlfriends ring, so that is what my first task of the year will be.

I hope to get to creating something this afternoon. I have designs on paper, just have to start.

dead chickens

2009-01-01T11:20:00.003-05:00

Dead chickens, what a title.

Found one of my white Ameraucana hens dead in the pen today.

Chickens die, sometimes a lot, but its always sad to find them.

This particular one had been "squeaking" for about 3 months. I treated her for every type of respiratory condition I could think of, and then when nothing changed it, and all my other birds were ok, I figured it was just something she did.

I think now that she had a heart condition. Her comb and wattles never did get red, she was always pale, and hadn't laid an egg to my knowledge.

I'm sure she was deprived of oxygen, and it finally took its toll, or she had a heart attack. Great way to start off the new year.

I hope other chicken owners have better luck!

New Years

2009-01-01T11:05:00.005-05:00

I hope this is the year for better things to come for everyone!

I want to get more jewelry finished, and enjoy life more. Its sunny out here in Central New York, but only 5 degrees! Guess I'll be staying inside!

Had company, family for dinner. Lobster....yumm.

I made an "apple Koukan" for dessert. Not sure how to spell, but here is the recipe..very easy and good. I know, this blog is supposed to be about jewelry, but am going off on tangents!

Cake:
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbs. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg (farm fresh of course)
1/2 cup more or less milk, I like the batter on the liquidy side, not stiff.
1.5 cups flour
1.5 tsp. baking powder
sliced apples enough to fill pan (9 x 13)

Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
cinnamon to taste. I like a lot, so its nice & brown on top.

Mix butter, egg, sugar & vanilla till blended. Mix in flour, baking powder, milk.
Mixture should be like that of a thickish pancake batter.

Put in greased dish, I use pam. Arrange sliced apples close, actually touching, until pan is full.
It looks nice to make a pattern.

Mix cinnamon and other 1/2 cup sugar together and sprinkle on top. You can also put dabs of butter on top to make it richer!

Bake in 350 degree F oven, for about 40 minutes or until firm.

The dough will rise up between the slices of apple. This is great served warm with either vanilla ice cream on top or whipped cream.

It only takes about 10 minutes to make. Simple and delicious. Recipe from my Grandmother.
Its a takeoff on a german apple strudle, I think. Bon appetite!

Sick horse...

2008-12-27T13:26:00.003-05:00

Just when I was planning on working on jewelry all day today, found out one of my horses is sick.

Took one to a stable that has an indoor arena so we can still do lessons over the winter too 2 weeks ago.
Of course, 2 weeks is the incubation time for disease, and she is coughing and has nasal discharge.

Saturday, no vets unless emergency, but talked to her, and suggested sodium iodide and horse expectorant..got the iodide, but where do you get a horse expectorant!

Found suggestions on a homeopathic site, so am going to rub chest with oil of rosemary, cedar wood and ginger diluted in olive oil. Hmmm smells good. Iused to make soap so I have those already.

I'm off to rub a horse...

I need some followers, I feel like I'm talking to myself!

Have to also mention 6 mo. old grandaughter

2008-12-26T20:45:00.003-05:00

Now that I wrote about my grandson, I have to include my little 6 month old grandaugter as well. She doesn't say much, spits a lot, but is adorable, um, even when she puts everything in her mouth!

I hope she has an interest in Jewelry as well, of course she already has pierced ears, so I can make lots of earrings for her to wear!

Grandson interested in jewelry

2008-12-26T20:37:00.002-05:00

I think its unusual for an almost 3 year old, to comment on ones jewelry!

If I'm wearing something new, he almost always comes up to me and says, "I like that".

I'm happy he does, and even try to encourage his interest in rocks & stones, etc. Of course, he loves to "bang" on things with my tools, I try to keep that at a minimum, or give him my rawhide mallet to play with.

Maybe he'll pursue the jewelry field when he grows up!

More on Etsy

2008-12-24T20:54:00.001-05:00

I also have on Etsy some fine silver findings, rings (pietersite) A huge moonstone cabochon sterling cuff bracelet, lots of earrings with tourmaline, lemon quartz, lampwork boro beads and lost more. Stop in & take a look! Http://marquisella.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

About my chickens

2008-12-23T19:30:00.000-05:00

I have pared myself down to only 3 breeds of rare chickens.

Marans, a French very dark laying eggs breed.

Blue laced red Wyandottes, a variety of Wyandottes that has not been accepted into the APA yet, but many of us are working on it. They were my favorite breed until I found the Marans.

Ameraucanas, A blue egg laying breed. I have whites and am working on Blue Wheatens, but don't have any available at this time.

Zosio Designs

2008-12-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog!

I've done quite a few things in my lifetime, and now one of my main interests is designing and making jewelry. Color is important to me as an ex oil painter, and I can get my "color" fix with all the colors gemstones provide!

Designing pendants and bracelets with cabochons takes first place right now. I also like to add gemstones to my designs. My all time favorite stone is Prudent Man plume agate. They have a "landscape" design on most of them and are just beautiful.

I'm also an earring freak! I don't feel dressed with out my earrings, so I love creating unique earrings.

For now, that is about it. As I get use to this "blog" thing, I will post more.

To see some of my designs, go to: http://marquisella.etsy.com/where I have a few available for purchase.

I almost forgot! I also raise rare and dark egg laying chickens and no longer breed, but have Irish draught sport horses! My website is: http://www.sterlingcenterfarm.com/

Thanks for visiting, and come back soon!

M