the Silver Strumpet™

Survival Whistles

2011-12-30T00:25:00.003-05:00

I got a bee in my bonnet about making a whistle! This is the prototype, I've several ideas how to do things differently on the next one. This one is not polished yet either...It does give quite a blast however! Near gave the old man a heart attack! LOL Apparently length of the barrel determines the pitch.

Tuxedo Heart Pin

2011-12-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

Forged, Folded, Hammered and Chased 1 3/4 by 2 inch copper brooch

Email for Detail!

Fold Formed Copper Cuff

2011-12-20T15:16:00.000-05:00

I scribed designs on the metal prior to crunching then chased the folds!
Be certain to click on the photo to enlarge! Contact me by email [upper right corner of blog] if interested in purchase of this fab cuff suitable for both men and women! It is large, though not all that heavy it still demands attention!

Email for Detail!

Poppy Pod

2011-12-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

Poppy Pod neck piece in bronze and copper - a work in progress! I'm wearing it today to see how it sits and if anything catches. I plan on adding a leaf or a gemstone on the neck wire. Thinking Patina as well! Awesome fun!

Email for Detail!

Byzantine Weave with Leaves

2011-12-14T10:30:00.002-05:00

This is a very fine weave about the thickness of a piece of yarn - in sterling with one copper leaf and one sterling! Very elegant.

Email for Detail!

Copper Crumple Cuff

2011-12-11T15:14:00.001-05:00

Crumpled copper... warm and comfortable to wear!

Email for Detail!

Silent Auction

2011-10-11T14:09:00.001-04:00

We raised $736 for the Humane Society & Food bank with our silent auction!

Art & Soul Silent Auction

2011-10-06T00:25:00.002-04:00

10 TIA artists have donated 'steampunk' themed original artwork to benefit the Gananoque Humane Society and the Gananoque Food Bank. Bids will be accepted until closing day on Sunday.

This piece is a steampunk ring made with brass and copper adjustable size 6.5 - 7.5

www.silverstrumpet.com

Email for Detail!

Sweet Pea

2011-09-23T01:14:00.002-04:00

Email for Detail!

Copper Pendant with Baroque Pearls
Sorry! Its been sold! Watch for the one in sterling silver!

Art & Soul Thanksgiving Weekend Art Show and Sale

2011-09-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.tiarts.org/tour_al/index.php

THOUSAND ISLANDS ARTS SILENT AUCTION

2011-09-07T08:20:00.001-04:00

“A R T AND SOUL”

THOUSAND ISLANDS ARTS

SILENT AUCTION AT

“the socialist pig”

BID ON SILENT AUCTION ART DONATED BY 11 TIA PARTICIPATING ARTISTS DURING SEPTEMBER AND UP TO THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE GANANOQUE FOOD BANK AND THE GANANOQUE HUMANE SOCIETY

BIDS ANNOUNCED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

TIA ARTISTS SHOW AND SALE

STEEL

21 KING STREET EAST, GANANOQUE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 6 PM TO 9 PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 10 AM TO 5 PM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 12 NOON TO 5 PM

Email for Detail!

Dockside Art Festival - Kingston ON

2011-07-10T11:02:00.001-04:00

See you there! Click images to EnLarge! Please DO! Link To and Twitter this event!

http://www.marmuseum.ca/Dockside.html

Clematis Ring

2011-07-04T12:56:00.001-04:00

Textured silver plated brass with copper center and adjustable band - Email Me For Details

Agate Pendant

2011-07-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

Copper and Brass set with a nice piece of agate
and hand made rivets

Email for Detail!

Cercle d' Amis

2011-06-28T13:01:00.003-04:00

Bronze pierced cuff with brass, sterling and copper embellishments... the little guy is supposed to have a dirty face :-)  hence the messy looking mouth!

Photo just doesn't do it justice! Email for Detail!

Marnie Astley

http://silverstrumpet.com

http://tiarts.org

Lansdowne ON

Emailing: Soleil pendant (3)

2011-06-28T12:24:00.001-04:00

Copper, Sterling Silver and Brass with nickel jump rings on a copper torque

Email for Detail!

Square Wire Continued

2011-05-06T00:29:00.000-04:00

This be one of the reasons we covet square wire - it makes such elegant bangles! These are made in copper wire I drew down about 6 sizes, with one round bronze bangle for contrast.

Woo HOO! Square Wire!

2011-05-05T16:36:00.002-04:00

Just got my square drawplate from Metalliferous in NY and have been busy drawing down some copper wire for twisting into sexy little bangles!
Bronze wire is next to be pulled! Too many tools, too little money! :-)

Mothers Day Heart Workshop

2011-04-26T15:10:00.000-04:00

Mixed Metals & Cold Connections can it get better than this?
A gift from the heart -
Make a heart of mixed metals with hand stamped design and rivets to hang as a pendant and a small version as a charm for her cell phone case, purse, jacket zipper or key ring.

Work in Sterling Silver, Copper and Brass with hand stamped designs - see examples below
No previous experience necessary
Thurs April 28 and Friday April 29 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

at R and B Expressions 183 King Street East Gananoque 613-382-4111
or email randbexpressions@bell.net

Copper Ruffle Ring

2011-04-26T14:49:00.002-04:00

Hammered sterling shank, burnished copper ruffle set with turquoise coloured stone.
Size 8 to 8.5 please

Email for Detail!

Meditation Spin Ring

2011-04-26T14:31:00.003-04:00

Lovely chunky hammered and burnished copper Meditation ring with
sterling spinners Size 9 and 3/4 inch wide!

Please

Email for Detail!

regarding purchase information

Come see me at the 19th annual Up The Garden Path studio tour Victoria Day Weekend and the Following weekend http://www.tiarts.org/tour_gp/index.php
Then click on a studio, then on the photo's! Download the brochure and map!

Metalsmith Workshop

2011-03-15T22:49:00.003-04:00

Who wants to wear a cheap knockoff of Di's engagement ring? Make your very own creation - totally unique!

15 hours Instruction and hands on learning working in silver, copper and brass.
Learn Basic Metal and Stone Setting Techniques then go home with a pendant and a couple of rings you will be proud to wear!
All supplies included in course fee - $250

Saturday March 19 and Sunday March 20 from 9 - 5pm
at R and B Expressions 183 King Street East Gananoque 613-382-4111
or email randbexpressions@bell.net
Hurry, only a couple of spots left!

Currently Available at....

2011-02-09T00:51:00.003-05:00

Either online from me or in Gananoque at R & B Expressions - main street right beside the Art of Tea, Scotts and the LCBO!
Silversmithing Workshops in the planning stages to be held at R & B in March - watch for the announcement!

Hammered Heart Ring

2011-02-09T00:25:00.002-05:00

Heavy hammered sterling band with hammered copper heart fastened with a brass rivet for contrast!
Oops! I see a tuft of my polishing buff caught on the rivet! Amazing what shows when you look at an enlarged photo!

Email for Detail!

More Hearts!

2011-02-09T00:05:00.003-05:00

What can I say; Valentines Day coming! The first is a sterling heart with hammered copper and brass rivet.

This second piece was so shiny I didn't get a good photo at all... it turned out even better than the first of which its a smaller version of. Brass, copper and sterling.

Rivet Heart finished Bale

2011-02-01T13:49:00.001-05:00

Email for Detail!

Riveting Heart

2011-01-20T11:27:00.001-05:00

Just in time for valentines day! Copper, Sterling and Brass - stamped and riveted pendant!

Earrings or Dainty Pendant

2011-01-17T17:58:00.002-05:00

Lovely little set of blossoms... one patina'ed in blue the other fire stained. They can be worn as a set of earrings [when the finish is matched] or as a pendant.

Email for Detail!

Marnie

Monkee Shynes

2010-12-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

Email for Detail!

Busted Heart - Mended Heart

2010-12-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Or burstin with love; you choose! Copper and Brass
Sorry, this one's sold. If you'd like a similar one

Email for Detail!

Triskel

2010-12-25T00:40:00.001-05:00

Protection charm Celtic Triskel in copper & brass

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Leaf Pin

2010-12-23T20:21:00.000-05:00

Forged Copper Leaf Pin with bronze dew drop

... and a partridge in a pear tree

2010-12-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

Copper Repousse Partridge pin with patina

Almost Christmas!

2010-12-23T00:25:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone happy holidays full of family and love - health, happiness and prosperity during the coming year!

Chi Chi has Stones!

2010-10-31T15:29:00.003-04:00

Naturally formed stones collected on a Florida beach by my friend Chi Chi! The first has a copper tube rivet on a USB drive, the second a neck torque setting and the third a copper loop link bracelet.

Puffy Heart - Repousse'

2010-10-31T15:08:00.003-04:00

Copper Puffy heart with sterling borders and hand made brass hooks and bail. [sold]

Silver Glass Heart

2010-10-31T15:06:00.002-04:00

Glass heart embedded with 'fine' silver riveted to copper leaves. The trick is to hammer the rivet without breaking your heart!

Autumn Leaves Wind Chimes

2010-10-31T14:54:00.004-04:00

Soft melodic tones of hardened copper leaves tinkle in the breeze - Copper and Honey Suckle wood; leaves about 4 inches each

Rockport Colours of Autumn Art Show & Sale

2010-10-09T23:37:00.003-04:00

Ribbon Bangle

2010-09-18T19:06:00.001-04:00

Hammered and Burnished Copper and Brass

blue agate repousse pendant

2010-08-10T13:35:00.000-04:00

Still on the soldering pad before polishing and we have a way to go before finishing yet!
Copper was fold formed and then Repousse to add dimension!

the Silver Strumpet

Sterling Spin Ring

2010-08-10T13:28:00.000-04:00

Sterling Spin Ring; the design process:- recycled silver melted cast in an ingot and rolled out in the rolling mill. Annealed and roller printed with cardboard box then more annealing and formed into ring! Textured Copper Spinner applied then flare the ends to hold it on.

the Silver Strumpet

Copper Fish

2010-08-10T11:51:00.001-04:00

Copper Fish set with Lace Agate and bubbles on his caudal fin! I broke the bezel on the final bit of forming so had to take it all apart again *sigh*... Some days in the shop are like that!
Hung on a Copper Torque it is indeed a wonderful piece! Try it on at the Barn House Gallery 54 Front St. Rockport ON Thurs - Sunday 10 - 5pm
the Silver Strumpet

Repousse Heart

2010-08-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

Another view of the Repousse Heart

Fold Formed & Repousse Earring

2010-08-10T11:18:00.001-04:00

Fold-Formed Copper Earring with brass stamens. A finishing touch of
Repousse to add depth... lovely on its own worn with a diamond stud or
simple hoop.

Puffy Copper Heart

2010-08-10T11:13:00.001-04:00

Repousse! Lovely little puffy copper heart outlined with brass
edging on a bead necklace.

the Silver Strumpet

TIA’s Spring Tour

2010-04-30T11:29:00.001-04:00

http://www.tiarts.org/tour_gp/index.php

Unique Gifts and Treasures for those important people in your life – including YOU!

A Country Home Christmas - TIA

2009-12-09T10:52:00.002-05:00

Thousand Islands Artists completed a very successful studio tour show and sale these past two weekends, the only thing missing was a wee bit of snow!

Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and customers your help was much appreciated!

Raised Sterling and Copper Pearl

2009-09-01T00:26:00.002-04:00

Sterling Raised Ring patterned in the rolling mill

Forged Copper Spiral Hammered and Set with a Pearl

Copper, copper, copper

2009-07-22T16:03:00.003-04:00

Bracelet sections, Hammered Ring, Thumb Ring, Agate Pendant and Cuff Bracelet

TIA Summer Exhibition - Mallorytown Coach House Museum

2009-06-29T11:14:00.005-04:00

Open Weekends from 10am till 4pm until August 30th

Artists on Display include -

Marnie Astley - Metalsmith Artist

Mehry Kajvary - Glass Artist

Penny Gorman - salvage artist

Jean Marr - potter

Claudia Deskin - painter

Yoshiko Ikuta-Dickins - potter

Siobhan Browdowski - jewelry

Anna Krak-Kepka - painter

Eric Deskin - wood turner

as well as others I'd be happy to include when I find out who they are:-)

#1523 County Road 2

Corner of County Roads 2 and 5 - 401 exit 657

www.tiarts.org

Copper Free Form Settings

2009-06-17T22:42:00.005-04:00

Monkey Fever

2009-06-10T17:44:00.003-04:00

Louise's monkeys are infectious! I don't even particularly care for monkey's, its never been my 'thing' - however even I have to admit these are pretty cute!
My friend was down for the afternoon and begged me to make a monkey for a zipper pull.
Voila'

Rose Quartz Pendant

2009-04-24T10:13:00.001-04:00

Rose Quartz
Originally uploaded by Lazemaple

Rose quartz cabochon framed in a radiant setting - oops! I see a bit of the polishing rouge remains in the corners :-)
On the back of the cabochon, a heart cut out.

KLMC Silversmiths 2009 SPRING SHOW AND SALE

2009-04-14T09:56:00.003-04:00

Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club Silversmiths 2009 SPRING SHOW AND SALE
April 30, May 1, 2, 3
J.K. Tett Creativity Centre

Download our brochure for more information
http://www.mineralclub.ca/downloads/KMLCbrochurefinal.pdf

Jewelry Photo's

2009-04-12T17:45:00.011-04:00

I had great results using Jennifer Kahn's tutorial http://jenkahnjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/11/photographing-jewelry.html
The downside is over 400 shots to crop and resize to 1000 pixels for my Flickr pages! I can really get hung up on the little things - instead of just taking the photo so I *DON'T* have to crop it! LOL

I do have a suggestion or two to add to this tutorial.

Wear something white or light grey! The natural light will reflect from your shirt and give your jewelry a - in my case a Burgundy [long sleeved T] cast! I had to retake a bunch of photo's then.

I use an Olympic SP-320, and simply set it to macro. Perhaps I'll try setting it manually another day that is less bright. Plenty of light for the photo's this time.
Regarding Light Sensitivity known as ISO - a setting of 100 is normal. The higher the ISO setting, the less light you need. Caution: Higher ISO will increase noise in pictures similar to graininess.

I love this photo of the ring made with fused round rod... so moody. It reminds me of depression era, the barren fields, the stark existence.
Lol, perhaps I should post a photo that does my camera justice. :-)

Lacking a wonderful African wood box I used my faux leather bound Organizer which has a very nice grain and is deep brown black. It worked very well.

I used some Tac - a plasticine type stuff made for the Office to elevate some of the pieces for a better angle. I also used another ring as a prop.

So to summarize:

- Wear Light colour clothing, neutral colours
- Natural Light - South Window, either early morning or late day.
- Simple Background, same one to tie photos together
- Camera set to Macro, No Flash
- Use the highest resolution [pixels]you can for the best quality and detail
- Use props to catch the play of light on the angles
- Large apertures (small f-stop) blur the foreground and background, creating narrow focus range. Distracting backgrounds are minimized.
- take several shots of each item so you can wade thru 400 of the :-P
- The most fabulous photo editing program for free! www.irfanview.com I've been using Irfanview for 9 years or more; it is a very small program that won't overload your system and has an astonishing number of utilities and plugins. It loads fast and has the job done before I can load Photoshop! Seriously :-) You can even carry it on a USB flash/thumb drive. I do have Photoshop for really serious photo editing, its a resourse hog and most of the time I don't need to load it with Irfanview on board! Oh, did I mention Irfanview plays mp3's, movie files, and does just about anything else you have on your PC including RAW files? Ha!

The stone in this setting leaves much to be desired as its received a knock or two so one day we'll change it! I love it though :-)

Here's to better photo's!

Care Tips for Sterling Jewelry

2008-12-01T00:08:00.001-05:00

Here are some silver care tips:

• Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place.
Leaving jewelry out in the open even if in a jewelry box will be a sure way for your jewelry to tarnish.

• Remove when cleaning, swimming and taking a shower.
The chemicals used during these activities are hard on all jewelry components. Chlorine will blacken silver nicely as will sulphur and rubber will destroy your sterling!

• Remove when sleeping. Movement during sleep can also cause stress on chains, ear wires and clasps.

• 92.5% Sterling Silver has base metals in it - usually copper and a smidgen of zinc. So it WILL tarnish if left out and not properly cared for.

Oxygen and Light, and Oils from skin are the prime reason for tarnish.
Tarnish aka Patina or Patinizing when desired! can be easily cleaned.

• 99.9% Fine Silver is pure. Fine silver will still tarnish some, but not to the degree sterling does.
Fine Silver will yellow a bit in time, but can be cleaned easily.

• A great way to clean your jewelry is with this home made silver dip.
Get an aluminum pan, like the disposable pie pans.
Add really hot water, not boiling, but very hot.
Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 tsp. of salt.
Stir a bit.
Add jewelry and let soak for 10 min.
Rinse and dry thoroughly. Viola’ just like new.
This will remove tarnish, and also is safe for all jewelry components including Swarovski crystals and pearls.

Buy a Jewelers Cloth from any good jewelry store that has been impregnated with rouge for every day polishing of your silver :-)

Marnie

Online Ring Sizer

2008-11-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

"In order to print the ring sizer above, be sure that your printer is set to 100%. Make sure that you have not reduced the print size in your printer 'page setup' area. You can verify that the sizer printed correctly by measuring it with a ruler; it should measure from A to B: 3 1/2 inches long.

Once you have printed the sizer, follow these directions to find your ring size:

1. Cut out the ring sizer
2. Cut a slit for Slot 'A'
3. With the numbers facing out, wrap the sizer around the finger where the ring will be worn.
4. Pull the pointed end Tab 'B' through Slot 'A' until the sizer is snug, making sure to allow size for the knuckle.
5. The number aligned with Slot 'B' is your ring size.
6. If the measure lands between two numbers your size is a half size Ex: Between 5 and 6 ring size: 5.5. If half sizes are not available, order the next largest size.

Click here to start shopping for rings!"