Hints of Spring

These three oval beads, with double loops to make as connectors, or part of a link in a chain, are made to look similar, but they're not identical.

Since I hand tint all of them, making them look rustic and ancient and applying the color to each one, they can never be just exactly alike.

But I like that about them. They have small differences, but they are similar enough to use in a related design.


I wanted them to have that patina of age, with the dark blue barnwood color, like they've been out in the weather for a long time, in sun and rain, a natural darkened surface that tells a story.

Studio A Safety

Getting A Shine On - Safely

Since the hot studio rules were mentioned, it's good to also discuss the other area. Jewelry tools do require care.

Buffer Safety Rules

• No sleeves longer than elbow
• No jewelry, rings, bracelets or dangly items on hands or wrists
• No necklaces around neck - choking danger
• No long tailed shirts or strings on clothing necklines or pants waistbands
• Safety glasses required
• Empty box located behind the buffer to catch flying objects
• Good lighting in buffing area
• Turn buffer wheel off when turning away or bending down to pick up dropped items
• Hold onto items with both hands very tightly to prevent flyaways and flingings
• Get up every hour and stretch and walk around the studio for five minutes
• Never walk away from a running buffer wheel, always turn off
• When fatigued, do something else for a while
• Take time, don't rush
• ENJOY the process, seeing the results is the payoff of all the work that went before

The buffer used on front, back and sides gives a beautiful flawless finish. Very graphic and striking.

Ribbons and Pins

Working out the Ruts

Good light and a firm hand is required on the buffer. This side is the stitched muslin wheel. The trick is not to be in a hurry, and to pay close attention. The wheel turns quickly and can take a quick bite out of a piece.

Focusing on the pressure is key. Usually use both hands, but one hand has the camera.


The buffer is both the best friend and sometimes the worst enemy of getting a good finish on a piece. If too much pressure is applied it causes deep ruts that send the piece back to the sanding bowl to smooth them out.

Not fun to start over.

This piece has been sanded with 400, 600, 1500 and 2000 grit wet-dry paper. Then polished on the stitched wheel and finished on the unstitched muslin wheel.

The oval is 2 inches wide at the widest point and 1 3/4 inches tall across the mid-point.

These shiny pieces are very difficult to photograph, they reflect the light. The image is exceptionally clear.

The lettering says 'Fine French Grograin Ribbon' - could hang from a fine satin cord. Or have a pin back put on, to wear on a silk scarf.

Looks remarkably like an enameled glass surface.