Jewelry by Natsuko

Herkimer Diamond Ring

2012-01-23T13:07:00.000-05:00

~*Rough Stone Collection*~ Herkimer Diamond Ring

very unique & one-of-a-kind. The Herkimer diamond is double pointed Quartz Crystal that has already been faceted by nature. mined in Herkimer, New York. measures about 7 x 5mm, has smoky gray-ish tint. set in simple prong setting. oxidized sterling silver. size 7.

$120

January: Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000-05:00

~january: if you could live anywhere... where would it be, and why?

I think I'd have to say "Japan"! not only because that's where I came from, Japan is really nice to place to live. nice mix of nature & convinience. I originally came from just outside of Tokyo but I would like to live in little more country setting. after lived in Ohio for so long, I get little panic when I go back to Tokyo... just like my mom, she move to country side when we kids were all grown up. but where she live is just too country for me. so, I have place picked up! it's call "Karuizawa", it's a resort town. not too far from Tokyo and closer to my mom. really nice in summer (people stay there for summer) it gets cold and snowy in winter but I'm use to it! and if I don't have to drive, I love snow. so we are planning for our retirement years, we can have little house there and I'd open little shop on main street. I only have to open in summer. I guess we are going to hibernate like bears in winter:)

let's check out other members, where they want to live:

Andes Cruz http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/

Mary Spencer (WATTO) http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/

Happy Crafting:)

Ametrine Nest Ring

2012-01-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

~*Rough Stone Collection*~

gorgeous bi-color Ametine. it's Amethyst and Citrine in one! measures about 8,9mm. Nest-like setting is made from scrap sterling silver wire. nest measures about 12mm. ring size, 6.25.

$180

Apatite Necklace ~Rough Stone Collection~

2012-01-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

tiny rough Apatite stone set in cusrom sterling silver prong setting. stone measures about 7mm x 4mm. caribian blue with silver flash. Apatite is known for inspirational stone. It develops psychic abilities and spiritual attunement. Use it to aid communication and self-expression. has OM symbol stamped on the back. oxidized. chain is about 17".

$75

Poppy Field Necklace

2012-01-15T12:44:00.000-05:00

One-of-a-Kind. Hand painted with glass enamel "Poppy Field" set in eye shape brass with silver bezel. adorned with single moonstone briolette. inspiration is the eye looking at the poppy field, so beautiful that single tear coming down from the eye....

currentry display at Zodiac, $300.00

New Year, New Me!

2012-01-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

this new year, I change my shop name & my jewelry line "Jewelry by Natsuko" to "Natsuko Jewelry"! and I have new logo that I designed and Marina Design on Etsy made into "real" logo! I love it and she was awesome to work with so if anybody need graphic serves, be sure to check her out!

and I haven't post anything for long time because the holiday season has been really really busy but I do have lots of new stuff to show! I have few awesome custom work and lots of pieces with my new obsession "rough stones" so stay tune:)

Happy Crafting!

Introducing: Poppy Swing

2011-10-22T13:51:00.001-04:00

thank you so much for all the lovely, creative names! all the suggestion was so wonderful, I really had hard time picking just one. but after much thinking, I decided on "Poppy Swing" that Kaitie Au suggested! I think it's discribes earrings right on! so Kaitie Au, I'll gift you the prototype. please email: info@jewelrybynatsuko.com or contact me through my Etsy shop with your address.

and these earrings are avilable in two colors at my Etsy shop & Style Outside The Box store!

Happy Crafting:)

October Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2011-10-20T11:11:00.000-04:00

topic: october: favourite season? (and why?)

my favorite season is season 9! Ha ha… I’m talking about Project Runway. I thought about seasons as in spring, summer… but I don’t really have favorite. I used to love summer. I thought it’s perfect since my name is “summer child” in Japanese. But as I get older, heat became too hard on my body. (this is sound so old!! I’m not that old yet…) well, I guess it’s not that bad but bad enough to not be my favorite time of the year. But I do love having four seasons and I appreciate each season:)

Now, for those of you who watch Project Runway isn’t season 9 exciting!? Especially Anya. She is amazing! She is only sewing for four months before the show but it doesn’t matter when you can design! I’m very curious to see how her collection going to look with her limited sewing skill. And it comes on tonight @9pm!

And here is more from blog friends talking about same topic:

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/

Kathryn Cole: http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com/

Beth Cyr: http://www.bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Barbara Donovan: http://www.barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/

Diana Fazio http://www.metooiguana.blogspot.com/

Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/

WATTO: http://www.wattoonline.com/news

Happy Crafting:)

New Season: Giveaway & Coupon code

2011-10-17T16:53:00.000-04:00

it's been so long since I posted anything on my blog! fist off, we moved house over the summer and just now got Internet at home. (even this posting page looks different!) second, I took over jewelry/consignment at local shop Zodiac and helping at the store every weekend on top of making jewelry for them. and just start to selling at new site "Style Outside The Box". mean while, lots of custom orders and some wholesale orders... guess what I am trying to say is I been busy! and while I couldn't make whole collection for the season, I do have some new color/new design to share!

here is new poppy color "Tangerine Orange"

new design "Key Necklace"

new earrings prototype - doesn't have a name yet!

so, here is the give away! please come up the name for my new earrings and I'll gift this prototype. I been wearing them but I'll change the ear wire. please leave comment on here or on my facebook page!

one more news! because of the rising price of metal, new site and wholesale, I had to increase price on my Etsy shop. but I made coupon code for my lovely Etsy customer who been supporting me for years!

Coupon Code: HOLIDAYS2011

25% off on all items in my Etsy shop

good through this holiday season!

Happy Crafting:)

August Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2011-08-20T11:02:00.006-04:00

August's topic:
"Some Things on your Bucket list" (things you'd like to do/ accomplish before you die) (and maybe why?)

This is good one! Though, I never made “bucket list”… But if I were to live to be 80, I’m just a half way there so I’m not going to worry about it now and work on the list in next 20 years. However, there is one thing I deeply regret that I didn’t do before I got married… I never lived alone! I was living with my family in japan before I got marry and that is not that strange thing in Japan even though you are over 18 years old. But now I think about it I’d never under happy circumstances would be able to experience “live alone”… now, this might be totally “grass is greener…” kind of thing but when I look at like my sister or some of my friend that living alone I can’t help thinking “oh, it must be so nice to have place totally on your own…” don’t have to be live around somebody else schedule, don’t have to clean up after somebody else mess and you can decorate the place anyway you want! But I love my family so I just dream…:)

Ok, I don’t have my own place but here is little part of the house that is my own, my studio. Excuse my mess but it’s my place and I can make mess if I want to! Hehe…

and here is more Bucket List by lovely friends of Blog-o-sphere Think Tank! ~
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/

maybe I can get some idea... Happy Crafting!

sewing fun!

2011-05-24T09:59:00.003-04:00

I got the sewing bugs! I did trade and got some fabrics few weeks back and I set up sewing machine at my weekend studio, got some patterns from Jo-Ann Fabrics & got busy! it's been so long since I sew and I forgot how time consuming this was... just to make simple tunic took me few weeks! well, I was only sewing on Saturdays in between customers but still... it's safe to say, sewing is only going to be my hobby! but I love it! I still have the fabric left so I'm going to cut-off one jeans and make cuff at the bottom. and maybe some aprons...

Happy Crafting:)

May Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2011-05-19T23:09:00.007-04:00

topic: "favourite quote(s)?" (and why? if you want to share..)

for me this is it! "what goes around comes around" this is center of my believes. karma. I work hard on my jewelry, makes every piece with heart & soul. and in return, I get happy customers:) great karma!

another one is this Buddhist saying "袖振る仲も他生の縁" my mom wrote it for me in her letter after I left my country to get married and live with my husband in U.S. I'm not sure how to translate but it means something like "even if you are just passing by with the person, we are somehow related in one life or the other". this means everybody is related somehow. my mom wrote it for me to say, even I'm faraway from my family, I'm not alone.

I want to give special thanks to very talented jeweler & great friend Andes for bringing us together every month to write these fun topics! and everybody that participating:)xoxo

participants:

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Mary Spencer:http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Laura Flavin: http://www.modernbirdjewelry.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/
Kathryn Cole: http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/

Happy Crafting:)

Spring/Summer Collection Photo Collage

2011-05-01T23:07:00.005-04:00

for some reason I just couldn't take satisfying pictures in my usual set-up so I took it outside. Saturday was great day for taking pictures! not too sunny, not too gloomy. all new pictures! what do you think...?

more new items are going to be listed in my shop this week. stay tuned!

Happy Crafting:)

Spring/Summer Collection 2011 & Private Sale

2011-04-26T23:06:00.008-04:00

finally! I finally finished all my pieces that I can call "collection" and have some time to take pictures and list in my shop! I'll slowly adding to my shop one by one and here are today's listings.
Aqua to Sapphire Glamour Poppy on Tribal Brass Pendant with Long Bamboo Brass Chain

Three Feathers on Brass Ring Long Necklace

~*~*~*~*~*PRIVATE SALE*~*~*~*~*~
take 20% off on your total purchase at jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com until SAT 4/30!

enter coupon code "SPRING2011" at checkout.

Happy Crafting:)

the karma of inspirations...

2011-03-22T08:33:00.005-04:00

a while ago my good blog friend Aimee send me a link to my facebook page and say, look like somebody ripped off my design. well, I certainly see the similarity with my work but not really sure if they did ripped off my design. I'm sure I'm not the first person to use enamel discs in the design and call it "poppies". but say they got "inspired" from my poppies. and I got inspired from them and here is what I came up with. I like to call this is "the karma of inspirations"! hehe...:)

Happy Crafting & Hope for quick recovery in Japan!

March Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2011-03-19T22:06:00.006-04:00

March's topic: best childhood/ younger years memory?

.............................................................................................................mmm..............................

not that I had bad childhood or anything but nothing really stands out to be that good. my parents took us to beautiful places for mountain hiking, field trips but all I remember is how tire I was from walking and just wanted to go home to read and craft. so my good memories are books I read & things I made. and the best is this!

OMG, these books bring back so many memories! I used to make everyone of these felt dolls that was in these books. and my dad bought them from me. I don't know what he did with them (probably gave to his students?) but I guess you can say that he was my first customer:) and when I was searching for book's pictures just now, I found her (author, Terumi Ootaka) blog! amazing after 30years.... wow.

here are more fun childhood memories...

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Kathleen Krucoff http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Laura Flavin: http://modernbirdjewelry.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Stephanie Nocito Clark http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Andrea Bell: http://feathersfreesiasandfishingtackle.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young http://shaunyoung.ca/
Pal Gooz http://pmgart.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Happy Crafting & Hope for quick recovery in Japan!

~~~Spring/Summer Collection~~~ in the works

2011-03-17T11:34:00.006-04:00

Hi:) I was very heart broken over whats happening in Japan + my son got sick + I got sick... it was very bad few days. it's still too hard for me to talk about Japan but my family there are safe + my son got better and went to school = I'm back to work!

so I'm working on new spring/summer collection and looking like it's going to be lots of feathers, tribal chic shape mix with feminine details.

Happy Crafting:)

recycling fun!

2011-03-07T21:49:00.006-05:00

here is my "old jean skirt purse". I got the lining & scarf material at 50% off section at joann fabrics. looks so festive and vintage-y and I love it! and I actually found ton of old jeans that I can't fit it anymore (so sad...) but couldn't let go. and now that I found the way to still *wear* them I'm so happy!

when I was looking at YouTube video, I found tons of recycling idea and I made scarf out of my old t-shirt and necklace out of my old leggings! (this definitely no one but me wants to wear!)

Old T-shirt Scarf

Old Legging Necklace

if anybody like the totorial, I can send it to you but search on YouTube. there are ton of it!

Happy Crafting:)

Feathers, Feather Lady & Feather Jewelry

2011-03-06T23:03:00.006-05:00

recently, i just had sudden urge to use feathers in my jewelry design. so just like anything else, I started to search on Etsy. and I was lucky to stumble on this wonderful shop The Feather Lady. why do I say I was lucky? first off, her shop is gorgeous! and I'm totally feather newbie so I had lots of questions. she answer every question so nicely and say in most cases she collect feathers from ground herself and clean them, wash & dry and all that! I was sold!! and the feathers I received was absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous! every piece was very nicely packed. and every feathers are so beautiful. I feel so much care for feathers from the Feather Lady.

now I have lots of idea with theses "gems" but don't have enough time! I was going to work on them this past weekend but I got distracted by sewing... yes, sewing! I set-up sewing station in my studio at Zodiac and made purse from my old jean skirt. it was so much fun! I'll take pictures and post them tomorrow! oh, and here is my practice necklace with feather. this feather is not from feather lady but I needed to practice!

Happy Crafting:)

February Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

2011-02-20T01:14:00.004-05:00

~"Your favourite winter meal/ recipe?"

Ha ha… I don’t really have “recipe”… I cook daily but not because I like to cook. I cook so my family can eat decent fresh meal. My meal has to be simple & easy! But usually pretty tasty too:) in winter I cook soups a lot. What kind is depends on what else I’m having that day and what’s in my refrigerator.

Simple & Easy but Tasty Soup
1) Put sliced onion & shredded carrot in the water and boil
2) Vegetable bouillon
3) Little sea salt & pepper
4) Soy sauce
5) Drop or two sesame oil
6) Farm tofu (cut in cubes)
7) Spinach

I struggle what to cook daily… I cannot wait to see everyone’s recipe for inspiration! Here is other blog that talks about same topic

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Stephanie Nocito Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Kirsten Skiles: http://www.kaskiles.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Kathryn Cole: http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com/

Happy Cooking:)

Riveting the Poppies

2011-02-18T15:39:00.012-05:00

~how do you rivet those little balls without cracking the glass?

I got this question through my Flickr page. I’m no expert but I could be very cleaver & love questions like this! And I had locket order to do today so I decided to take pictures step by step. BTW, to me riveting is the single most valuable technique I learned at jewelry class. It’s opened up how I incorporate my enamel pieces into metalwork in so many ways!

You’ll need~
*one poppy disc
*brass locket
*1” - 18g fine silver round wire -And it’s important to use fine silver because fine silver doesn’t harden so you don’t have to put too much pressure hammering them.
*nail head punch –I got mine at “Harbor Freight Tools” for about $3. In jewelry class, we were using a fancy tool that has many sizes but this will do me just fine.
*stand for nail head
*riveting hammer
*small drill
*bead reamer

Let's start!

Drill a small hole on the middle of locket. Hole should be snag to wire so it’s better to start small and wider with reamer.

Make ball on one end of silver wire.

insert poppy, then locket on wire.

set ball end on the nail head punch. Punch end should be large enough to cover most of the ball but small enough to not touching the enameled surface.

Clip wire to leave about 1.5mm.

Tap on wire until they are almost flat.

file on sharp edges.

Yay, finished!

Happy Crafting:)

February 14th Talk About Blog

2011-02-13T23:34:00.012-05:00

~What’s the most romantic piece you’ve ever made and why?

Wow, this is tough one! I made so many pieces and I try to put little romance in every piece. But as I was thinking about this topic I remember the one custom piece I made a while back. A customer requested earrings inspired from this cute quote: 'A Bird and A Fish Can Fall in Love, But Where Will They Live?' isn’t this a cutest?! And she wanted bird and fish to be like but you can tell the differences of bird and fish and in different colors. I was delighted to design & made this piece!

And most recently, I made this cherry blossom ring that I think it’s so darn romantic! The ring is on sale on Handmade Division team shop. And I’m working on necklace & bracelets next!

Now, let’s go see more romantic pieces the other team mates made!
Rickson Jewellery: http://www.ricksonart.blogspot.com/
andes cruz http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/

Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Crafting!

finding the perfect texture...

2011-02-07T14:45:00.007-05:00

I love imprinting textures on the rolling mill. I particularly love organic textures. my friend at jewelry class gave me this webley thing to texture with and I just fell in love with it. I use it all the time but it's not going to last forever. I must find something else before it's runs out. but I can not find it anywhere...

one day, I found "web lace" that looks just like it (well on the picture anyway..) on Etsy. but even though it look similar, when I run though mill, it didn't look nothing like it!

my teacher recommended "cheese cloth". this is quite close and I love it! I have to get some more of those.

but best texture I found was "aluminum foil"! I just love the subtle organic texture and best of all, I can get it anytime in the store! I think I'll try combine cheese cloth & aluminum foil next time.

Happy Crafting:)

Romantic Pink Enamel Sakura Ring

2011-02-04T09:08:00.005-05:00

Every time I think about spring (and I think about it in icy winter weather like now…) I think about cherry blossoms in Japan. You can enjoy gorgeous blossoms all over the town, parks, everywhere! And the fact that they will only last about 10 days, add the beauty to the whole seen.

I created this ring thinking about beautiful Japanese cherry blossom. As usual, my main focus in the enamel piece but I think I did good with the metals too! I made ring with sterling silver made to look like branch and solder little copper leaf on the one end. Looks very delicate, feminine and organic. And it’s listed on new Handmade Division team shop!

Happy Crafting:)

Let’s make enamel stud earrings!

2011-01-29T21:16:00.012-05:00

I just try some new way to make my stud earrings so I thought I’d take pictures along the way!

Now, I always soldered or attached post at last but this time I soldered them first. I use hard solder so it should with stand in the kiln up to 1450° F.

Then, I counter enamel on the back.
And here is my big invention! I made stand for earrings by poke holes in the mica sheet. These little things that makes life so much easier!
Shift & fire, sift & fire…

this is the last firing with silver ball.
Yay, finished!

Baby pink enamel poppy stud earrings

and another color...

Sea foam enamel poppy stud earrings

Happy Crafting!

January Handmade Division Talk About Blog

2011-01-22T11:56:00.002-05:00

~In another life I was.... and I made.... for a living. (fill in the blanks)~

I wish I could know! I was definitely making something for living. Perhaps, I was a seamstress in one life, clothing designer in the other. Sewing and making dress just seem so natural to me. I bet I was doing that in one point or the other.

Ok, so ~in another life I was dress maker and I made dresses for a living.

And I guess you’ll never forget things that you made with your heart & soul. My sister told me that our grandmother who is almost 90years old, living in the nursing home and can’t recognize her own daughter anymore… was showing my sister thing that she made (the things she already showed us before) and explain how she made it, every step by step why she did that way this and that… then my sister said to me I’ll be that way one day. Well this feels little sad but my point was even though it was in another life and you cannot remember, your soul will remember! So I’d like to make every piece of jewelry with my heart & soul!

Happy crafting :)

Here is the link to other handmade division teammate talking about the same topic:
Andes Cruz : www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Rickson Jewellery: www.RicksonJewellery.blogspot.com

I must say I’m very sad that not much participation this month… I love “talk about blog”!

brass ribbon in the sky...

2011-01-21T20:38:00.004-05:00

my new collection "vintage inspired brass ribbon"... these first ones are stamped "xoxo" and forged as infinity symbol. so meaningful and feels full of sweet love & smiles. makes me want to sing my favorite song by my favorite singer...

Oh so long for this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbons in the sky for our love

If allowed may I touch your hand
And if pleased may I once again
So that you too will understand
Theres a ribbon in the sky for our love

Do...do...
Do do do do do...
Hmm hmm...

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what is that was always meant

We cant lose with God on our side
Well find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and i
And our ribbon in the sky
Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love

Do...do...
Do do do do do...
Hmm hmm...

Theres a ribbon in the sky for our love

~Stevie Wonder: Ribbon In The Sky

they are in my shop now! I'll be making more with this series and I'll be humming this song all the way!

happy crafting:)

Jewel Tone Poppies

2011-01-13T23:09:00.008-05:00

I had a lovely custom order to make poppies in all different colors around the bangle. I immediately thought about jewel-tone. as they call it enamels "seven gems" in Japanese, enamel colors are perfect for imitating the gemstone colors. but to developing the all different colors was more challenging than I thought. it took me so long and my customer was patiently waiting... but here it is at last! I love love love it! so my spring would be full of "Jewel Tone Poppies"!!

here is one ring I already made & list in my shop. blue topaz poppy and the pod sterling silver ring.

and this one with smoky quartz with brass ribbon (another something new I'm working on!)
I'm so excited about this new collection! happy crafting:)

Handmade Division December Talk about blog

2010-12-14T01:25:00.008-05:00

~December's topic: Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

it's been more than 2 years since I don't have a "day job". I stay home and make jewelry for living. this was really a dream of mine and I love it! but because I love so much, I work too much... sometime I feel bad if I couldn't pay more attention to my family. so! I came up with perfect solution! I'll open a little shop/studio in Japan with my sister for the summer. (so my sister can handle all the no-fun business end of stuff) location I'm thinking of is tourist town that only open for the summer. while I work in my shop, my husband and my son can go explore Japan. and we will talk about our day over the dinner. this way, I can work without feeling guilty!

as for rest of the year, I hope I'm continue to do what I'm doing now. still have my Etsy shop if Etsy still exists but I really want to establish my website. build local customer base. and focus more in one-of-a-kind work.

above all, I hope I'll still make every piece of jewelry with joy, still learning and trying new thing, and keep dreaming:)

now, let's go see what other wonderful artists of Handmade Division are aspire to be~

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/

Tess Norberg: http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/

Rebekah Timlin Meddles: http://www.lunasadesigns.blogspot.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery : http://www.bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/

JJ Papke: http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/

Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Tosca Teran: http://www.nanopod.wordpress.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/

happy crafting:)

jewelry making for fun

2010-12-13T22:06:00.011-05:00

I took enameling class over this summer. well, it was just because I forgot to sign-up for jewelry class and couldn't get in but... I do enameling daily at home so I wanted to try new things. preferably something I can incorporate into metal work afterward.

this first one, I made cabochon with raspberry pink enamel over copper and made rose from silver wire and fused onto the cabochon. and then, I made a setting at the jewelry class. I think it's very beautiful and proud to say it's 100% handmade from row material. and this piece was first piece to get purchased at my trunk show this past Saturday. I must say I was little sad to say good bye to the necklace... but fact that customer who purchased was very good customer of mine and he was purchasing for gift to his wife. now, his wife is really lovely lady so I'm very happy that she is going to have it!

ok, now to the second one. this piece is paint with enamel. I never really paint since I was kids. but boy, it was so much fun! I had a little taste of "painting". subject was of course "poppy field". my friend coincidentally had a picture of it and she let me use as inspiration. I just came up design for the setting so that's what I'm going to make next on my class!

happy crafting:)

brass locket with enamel poppy

2010-12-02T23:22:00.005-05:00

I had a custom request for brass lockets in little lager than what I had. so I got few of them and made one for the customer. and because it turned out so beautiful, I made one sample and listed on my Etsy shop. and then little bit that I had sold out in matter of a day or two! even more exciting thing was each request was different and each piece turned out oh so beautifully! here is few snap shots before shipping...

these must be an odd size, I couldn't find large supply for it. but I did order few more and it's on their way! the one in the first picture, customer requested with "petal look" poppy. so I made with just little larger than my half inch poppy. and each locket, I'll hand stamp secret message...

Happy Crafting:)

BLACK FRIDAY - CYBER MONDAY SALE

2010-11-25T23:26:00.003-05:00

I'm having a sale for Black Friday - Cyber Monday, 11/26 - 29th! Enter coupon code "holiday2010" at the checkout and get 15% off on all items in my shop! and check out all the other members of Handmade Division team that having sale in their shop... see in our blog.

Happy shopping!

personalized jewelry

2010-11-03T11:24:00.005-04:00

as I prepare to open my personalized jewelry station on upstairs Zodiac, I've been making lots of samples. I love making personalized jewelry and they do sell really well. but I was hesitant to list on my Etsy shop. because on Etsy, they have plenty of personalized jewelry listings already. but I dicide to list some that are still very much unique to my shop.

unique, handmade, meaninful gift for the holidays!

at Cultural Art Center...

2010-10-27T09:28:00.006-04:00

they are having student & faculty exhibit and I'm showing my brass cuff with poppies.

see the red dot? it's sold! yay!! everything is so awesome and I wanted to take more pictures but my battery was dieing... but show is open until November 13th so if you are in the area please stop by!

Happy crafting:)

winter is coming...

2010-10-22T09:13:00.006-04:00

...and I'm very much drawn to shades of gray. every season I have some color I just attracted to and this season, it's Gray. so you'll see lots of colorful grays from me in my shop this winter!

steel x pastel gray oyster gray studs, made for custom order
looks great with brass gold too!
oyster gray necklace
oyster gray earrings

Happy crafting:)

Handmade Division October talk about….

2010-10-15T12:00:00.003-04:00

“Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are now with your skills?”

My journey to jewelry making began about 15 years ago. My friend gave me a beaded pendant kit when I was burned out from sewing and looking for something new to try. After I completed that kit, I went get more beads along with few supplies and start to make jewelry. Although I learned a lot on my own, when I think about how I get to where I am now with my skills, I have to give credit to Columbus cultural art center for it. This place amazes me to no end. The variety of classes they offer, the level of teachers and how affordable they are… My friend/co-worker at the time was attending there and told me about it. I was looking for ways to make my own beads so I start to take polymer clay class in spring of 2007. Then, she didn’t have classes in summer so I took copper enameling instead. And when I acquainted with enameling I felt that I found my medium. So I am now enameling for about three years and I’m now taking jewelry class that focused on metal work.

When I thought about this topic, I went to my Flickr page and look from the beginning page. Wow, talk about walking down the memory lane! I have pictures up since august of 2007 and looking at those pieces makes me so emotional… a lot of pieces were gift and most are progression of learning and try new things.

this is few cloisonne piece I ever done. a gift to my friend. design much with his tattoo. one of my first enamel piece that I absolutely love. I gifted to my good friend for his birthday.
enamel piece set in polymer clay. the enamel piece was mistake but end it up something so unusual. my teacher has it. I trade her with one of her fabulous piece.
polymer clay brooch. my favorite autumn pin:)

made from polymer clay. my friend treasure it:)

now, let's go see what other talented artists are talking about...

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Tess Norberg/ Nova Designs: http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Bill Martin/ Purified Art: http://purifiedart.blogspot.com
Sand Fibers: http://sandfibers.blogspot.com
Emily Watson/ Metal Emily: http://nocoloratall.tumblr.com/
Susan Moloney: http://susarto.blogspot.com/
Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Tosca Teran/ Nanopod: http://nanopod.wordpress.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery: http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Metalriot/ Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
NEDbeads/ Nancy Dale: http://nedbeads.blogspot.com/
Tamra Gentry - http://www.jewelrydesignchronicles.com/
Rosy Revolver/ JJ Papke- http://rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/
Alisa Miller- http://alisamiller.blogspot.com
WATTO/ Mary Spencer- http://www.wattoonline.blogspot.com/

Happy crafting:)

season of love...

2010-10-03T11:59:00.005-04:00

I been quite busy lately. I got few wedding/bridesmaids orders and they usually comes in quantity. it is blessing to have orders and I'm so grateful to be able to work and best of all, I love thinking that my jewelries are in part of somebody's very special day! and bonus, I get to take pictures of all the jewelry. I'm working on bridesmaids gift brochure for local shops so I'm super excited to have these pictures!

happy crafting:)

Handmade Division Etsy Team September Talk about blog

2010-09-15T12:00:00.003-04:00

Septembers Topic: "Where do you draw your inspirations for creating from?" I get inspirations from just browsing on Etsy… haha, just kidding! Sorry if it wasn’t funny… but anyway, I thought about this and although inspirations are everywhere, I have to say I most get inspire from changes in the season. I love to think about up-coming season, think about colors and jewelry design. First, colors are most important to me. Every season feels different colors and I think about how to express the colors with enamels. I love to cook-up the colors in my mind, kind of like when you think about new recipe… (I often think about this but how I make jewelry is a lot like how I cook) and just try the recipe out! Sometime they comes out just as I imagine, sometime it’s blah… and sometimes they come out very different than I imagined but I love it anyway. It’s all fun & good times!!

Another things the give me inspirations is my customers. I love getting custom orders and I feel great joy to trying to make just what the customers wanting. They often let me try something I’d never thought on my own and from that, I inspire to make something else.
It’s always like snowballing. Make one thing and that would let to the next thing… keep growing… never ends… well, I hope it never ends!

Now let’s go see what other members else say about this topic!
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Susan Moloney: http://susarto.blogspot.com/
mAlice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Rebekah Meddles (Lunasa Designs Jewelry): http://lunasadesigns.blogspot.com/
nanotopia: http://nanopod.wordpress.com/

Bella-Bijou Jewellery http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs: http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/

happy crafting:)

Fall giveaway!

2010-09-13T00:51:00.005-04:00

Aimee from very stylish, fashionable blog "all things aimee" is hosting giveaway for my burnt sugar brass long stem brooch on her blog! entry will be running until 12am Monday September 20th. plus there is little bonus when you read her post:)

day by day more and more feels like fall... how is everyone doing? I'm just busy working on orders (thank you!) and still setting up shop for personalized jewelry station. I have too many ideas for this shop and little overwhelmed at this moment. but my son is back to pre-school so I have all morning to work or not work...

happy crafting!

Burnt Sugar and I think I need better name for this one...

2010-08-20T09:15:00.005-04:00

Hi all:) thank you so much for great suggestions on naming my new color! I decided on *Burnt Sugar*... well, I didn't really decide... it was all wonderful suggestions and I couldn't pick so I put all on random.org and let the computer decided! but I love the sounds of "bitter-sweet", I think it suite the color well. so, next I need help with this one. I kind of named it "autumn red/orange" but I think they need better name... any of you ladies got some suggestions?

happy crafting:)

fall color palette & help me name this color!

2010-08-18T14:03:00.007-04:00

I been working on very special custom orders and busy enameling. then I looked all the finished poppies together, there is wonderful fall colors! plum, autumn red/orange and... well, I need help with name this one. I was thinking "caramel" but I'm open for suggestion! happy crafting:)

Handmade Division ~August Take about blog

2010-08-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Talk about something you'd like to create, that you maybe don't have the skills or technology to do currently? "

Oh, isn’t it fun to just think about what you’d like to create? I have list of things I’d like to do one day. painting, photography, pottery… to just name a few. But anything I want to do, if I really want to do it it’s possible. I don’t do because I feel that I don’t have time. There are still so many techniques I’d like to and I need to learn about jewelry making and enameling. Since I’m trying to make a living with my jewelry, I feel I should do that first. But when my son grows up and I’d have all day long… I really want to sew for fun. Make clothes for myself! I used to sew all the time. I go to fabric store daily to see what I’m going to make next and take some fabric home, start to sew and wear that the next day or two! But when I try to sew for money, it took all the fun out of me and didn’t want to sew anymore…well, that’s why I start to make jewelry so maybe that was good thing… but someday I would love to sew again!

Now, let’s go see what other artists are dreaming to create. Maybe I get some more ideas too…:)

NEDbeads: http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs: http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers: http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/
Purified Art: http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/
Nova of Sweden http://nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery: http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Pink Crow Studio: http://www.pinkcrowstudio.typepad.com/
Sand Fibers: http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Moxie & Oliver: http://moxieandoliver.blogspot.com/
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/

Tosca Teran http://nanopod.wordpress.com/

happy crafting:)

Brass Love

2010-08-08T01:20:00.000-04:00

you must been noticing that I use a lot of brass lately. and I do! I'm absolutely in love with brass! I love the shade of gold. deep and rich but not flashy. and they go so well with glass enamel and silver. so it's going to be all about brass in my shop this season!

Happy crafting:)

so it begins...

2010-08-03T23:36:00.000-04:00

listing the new items! I have so many to list!! but my son is still home with me everyday so I have to find time to take pictures & write the descriptions... so it's going to have to be little bit at time. I manage to list one earrings today and I re-worked on my sections in my shop. I use to made section by collections but this time I did by what it is... I think it's easier to navigate shop. so if I can have feedback on that, I'd appreciate it!

Happy crafting:)

fall poppies sneak preview

2010-07-19T16:21:00.000-04:00

these are going to be part of my new fall collection. I put my heart & soul into these pieces! it's still work in progress but I just wanted to share:)

happy crafting!

magical lockets!

2010-07-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

I made few more lockets! it didn't come out as same as first one and in fact, non of them are the same! but now I know that something magical will happen so I'm going to get more of these lockets and add to my fall/winter collection to list in my shop. and since I can not control how they come out of kiln, every one of them are going to be one-of-a-kind. I'm thinking I will list them $65 - $75 depends on what kind of chain I'll put them with but for these four pieces(lockets only), I'll sell it for $38 plus shipping ($2.50). so if you are interest in these lockets, email to me at info@jewelrybynatsuko.com and I'll make custom listing in my shop. oh, and just FYI, I have nice clearance sale section going so check them out too!

here are the pieces... ocean poppy

innocent blue poppy

salmon pink poppy

berry pink poppy

lovely, happy surprise!

2010-07-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

I was working late last night with my kiln. and then, I remember that I had locket I riveted my enamel poppy on but got little cracked when I was hammering. so I though to put in the kiln to have glass melted again. but I have to admit, I was scare! the locket was something I purchased on Etsy. they say it's "brass" but if it was only "brass-look" I could have disaster in my kiln. so I put them on mica sheet and into the kiln... make sure the temperature would only reach to just enough for glass to melt. and couple minutes later I slowly open the kiln and take the locket out... I saw something beautiful was happening! enamel was all nice in smooth & the brass got patina from heat and shining with beautiful colors!! I could not believe my eyes.... green & blue & pink & yellow... so many colors was dancing on the locket! I not sure if this was just the one time thing & might never happen again... well, I just have to try and see. but I just wanted to share my happy surprise with everyone:)

this is the before...

sometimes it pays to be an experimental! happy crafting everyone:)

new things I've been working on...

2010-07-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

ok, so I haven't list anything new in my shop for quite while, I haven't post any new pictures on Flicker... so you'd think I'm just not working. but I do. not as much since I have my three year old out of preschool. I try to work on orders and new things as much as I can but I guess I have no time left for picture taking! but I finally took some picture to show!!

not sure why but I was making hearts like no tomorrow!

and these are samples for my up-coming local shop (and maybe Etsy) Personalized jewelry station!

and my fall line!!

HD Talk about blog ~JUNE

2010-06-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

"Do you consider yourself only a XXX artist, or do you work in multi media application, and/or draw techniques from other fields to use in the on you're working in? "

this is very good topic. I think about this sometime. specially when I making a business card. what I call myself? what is my title? then I get confuse and end up not putting any title on my card. I'm enamelist. enamel is my main medium. but I don't think I'm "enamel artist".... I use my enameled pieces for my jewelry design. and I make many other kind of jewelry. so am I "jewelry artist" then? not really. not all jewelry I make is about art. I'm definitely a "jeweler". but I don't do repairers & ring sizing stuff so I'm not sure about this either. so you see how confused I get? I'm very interesting to know how other artist decide what they call them self or how they decide.

enamel cabs in handmade bezel setting
handmade karma circle & gem stone
photo pendant

visit other awesome artists blog on this topic. ...maybe I'll find my answer!

Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Maureen BZ (Cosmo's Moon) http://cosmosmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Susan Moloney http://susarto.blogspot.com/
Tamra Gentry http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/
Bill Martin http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/

drawing day today!

2010-06-01T08:37:00.000-04:00

enter every body's names in...

Doris
katia
juleswalk
Beth
Elizabeth
Cassandra
Bunny B
SharonP
Carolyn
Ann Jenkins
Emily Wohlscheid
AllLove
aimee
Danette
Liz
m2z
CreativeFlutter
va
kbjackson
The Sheriff's Daughter
Emilycia
Emmy
non
Donna
erin

...then, randomize it!

kbjackson
Emily
Wohlscheid
Carolyn
Bunny B
va
Doris
Ann Jenkins
aimee
Cassandra
non
The Sheriff's Daughter
m2z
Donna katia
juleswalk
Danette
Liz
SharonP
Beth
CreativeFlutter
Emilycia
Elizabeth
Emmy
AllLove
erin

so the winner is....................

May 28, 2010 5:57 PM
kbjackson said...
I have a hard time choosing between the plum poppy hook earrings and the poppy on frame necklace (and I like that as pictured in bright red/orange or again the plum color!). I love that your jewelry is simple, a little rustic and with such gorgeous colors!

congratulations, kbjackson! you are the winner of this giveaway!! please e-mail me your mailing information & piece that you like to receive.

but really, I am so touched by every one's comments. made me so happy (& tears...a happy tears...:) to see how my jewelries are loved by so many of you. gave me a confident for what I'm doing and motivation for what I'm going to do. so! I like to gift little something to everyone of you:) please e-mail me your mailing information and make subject "blog giveaway".

my e-mail address is natth6869@yahoo.com

looking forward to receive e-mails:) it might take little bit of time to make & mail your gifts because my son is out of school and be home with me. plus, I'm working on few other project. I'll be blogging about my new jouney so stay tuned!

everyday jewels

2010-05-30T18:14:00.000-04:00

everyday.
jewels are everywhere.

everyday.

it's in my morning cup of coffee
it's on my workbench
it's in my son's smile & laughter
it's in my husband's love & care

holding hands
everywhere.

jewels are...

little flower on the side of your driveway
breathtaking sunset you see on the way to home
smell of much needed rain
raindrops on the leaf sparkling...

everyday jewels.

you'll miss it, when you are busy
you wouldn't see, if you are hurry

jewels are everywhere.

everyday.

things I been working on...

2010-05-24T02:09:00.000-04:00

I just like to share very quickly few pieces I was working on. First piece is over sized poppy ring that I made for custom order. When I get this request, I didn’t know how I’m going to do it since I’m not use to work in such a large piece. So I think and think… well make my not so long story super short, I just love it!!!! I love the composition of large flower and dainty wire shank. I love the colors. The colors are unbelievably beautiful! This is why I love custom orders. Let me make pieces that I’d not think to make other wise.

But order for me to successfully make, I need to have skills to do it. so I’m taking a jewelry making class learning basic metalsmithing. And this one is the one I made with riveting technique.

More & more coming soon!

Handmade Division ~We are talking about...

2010-05-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

~What item do you most treasure made by another artist? ( if there is one) If not, how about what would you *like* to have?~ fun topic this month! For me, I definitely have to say the Japanese doll my grandma made for me. Because she is not only a great artist but she is my roots. It’s little funny to call her “artist” because I bet she never though she is! She is retire teacher. She taught me how to saw when I was six. She do beautiful paper art and many many other crafts. And even though we work in different media, I can definitely see same quality in her work. So million thanks to grandma! I love you:) xoxo

please visit what other members of Handmade Division is talking about regard to this topic…

HandMade Division Blog http://handmadedivision.wordpress.com/Andes Cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Tosca - http://www.nanopod.wordpress.com/Susan Moloney - http://susarto.blogspot.com/WATTO- http://www.wattoonline.blogspot.com/Ceeb Wassermann - http://mettledesignstudio.blogspot.com/Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/Rickson- http://ricksonart.blogspot.com/Tamra Gentry http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/Purified Art - http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/SandFibers - http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/ArtJewel Designs - http://artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/kerin rose-http://kerinrose.blogspot.com/Abhaya Fibers - http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/

And I had to add my newest Etsy purchase that happened to be on my feet! Very cute very comfy crochet slippers from Broken Hallelujah!

Your favorite piece of jewelry GIVEAWAY!

2010-05-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for supporting my little Etsy shop! I now have almost 1000sales in my shop. Wow, what a milestone! When I open my shop in October 2007 I didn’t know what I was expecting. I open because I make jewelry. Even though, I was making jewelry for over 10years (just for fun) and I was working at fine jewelry store as “jewelry sales person” I really have NO clue what it takes to sell my handmade jewelry. But it was fun to list and I was very surprised by occasional sales. You know, the feeling, “wow, somebody bought my handmade!”

But then, I got let go from my job. I had to get serious because I really didn’t want to go get another “job”. It was about 2years ago. At this point I think I had about 20 – 30 sales total. So from then, I worked really really hard. Slowly start to seeing regular sales and my design grew with my shop. So, which piece is your most favorite in my shop? For me, I have to say “poppies hook earrings”. It’s so simple & fun to wear! But what color? I can’t decide…. Now, please tell me your favorite piece here by leaving a comment and I’ll draw the winner on June 1st. please check back here to see if you are the winner!

Thank you each and every one of you!
Natsuko xoxoxo

Shiny new toy & new purse!

2010-04-18T23:38:00.001-04:00

I got me a new toy! It is bracelet mandrel. I had request to make bracelet from local gift shop ZODIAC. So I’m having fun with my new toy. Making bangles & more bangles… I think I should’ve got one that’s tapered, not stepped but oh, well. Live & learn. Right now I’m just making samples still but new bangles collection will coming soon in my shop!

And very same day I got my mandrel, I received my new purse I purchased from lovely Etsy shop jennjhon in the mail. This purse is so beautiful! It’s beautifully made, perfect size & so nice to touch! I do not (…can not) treat myself that often but this purse was worth every penny and more!

Snow Leopard Network talk about ---

2010-04-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

How do you view the topic of "copying"? What does it mean to you? ---
Ok, “copying” for me have to be an exact duplicate of my work. I think we are all inspiring each other in some way and specially I make jewelry in simple design, it’s so easy to be look like. But if you design from within and put your own twists, it’s always your original & yours only. I love to look at all the beautiful things on Etsy but never to copy anyone. But maybe those beautiful things are store in my head and sometimes could appear in my jewelry designs. So, I will not say it’s copied just because the design elements and styles are like. And a lot of times, “copy” defines the “original”. “copy” makes the “original” shine. But I don’t know how I would feel if I see some jewelry that look exactly like mine. Like I say, I make simple jewelry so I see some that’s similar to mine. But what if I see exact same poppy earrings as mine? Wow, that would be creepy! Although, it's kind of heard to copy exact. As I have my own “recipe” for enamel colors. So, your own recipe & many repertory wold prevent from copy cat. But wait… “copy” is not always a bad thing. When you try to learn new things by copying, it’s a good thing! I remember I made every felted doll in the book when I was little. The book was awesome. Came with patterns and everything. I think it’s bad when you make something by copying others and call it your own. That’s bad, bad, bad!

now, please go see what other “original” artists are talking about regarding this topic ---

ArtJewel designs- http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/

Andes Cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/

Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Tosca Teran - http://nanopod.wordpress.com/

Tamra Gentry - http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/

alisa miller - http://alisamiller.blogspot.com/

Mary Spencer-http://wattoonline.blogspot.com/

Thomasin Durgin - http://www.metalriot.blogspot.com/

Susan Moloney - http://susarto.blogspot.com/

Snow Leopard Network Blog Carnival

2010-03-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

" What thing have you created that you most treasure? This is the topic of our new blog carnival! It was interesting to think about. I made many many things in my life. I was crafting girl ever since I was just a little girl. But I really don’t have anything I made except jewelry (I wear my handmade jewelry all the time but most of them I wear because it’s new design and I just want to see how it’s wear or something I keep because it’s not sellable), dress or scarves I occasionaly wear (I guess I like to make something I can wear:) but not neccesaly I treasure… so! Then I remember this piece. It was my first cloisonne piece that I made. It was about two years ago just few month after I start to taking enameling class once a week, my teacher at the time hold special cloisonne class one day. Cloisonne is enameling technique that use wire to separate area of enamel color. It could be very intricate and require many many firing. But maby because I was use to working with wire or perhaps she was brilliant teacher, my first cloisonne piece came out so beautiful! I couldn’t belive I made it!! And till this day, this is the best cloisonne piece I ever made. Or maybe I just not making much cloisonne piece…. It’s not my favorite thing to do…

please visit other blog carnival participants!

andes Cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/

ArttJewel designs – artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com

Alice Istanbul Designs http://istanbuldesigns.com/blog

Purified Art - http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/

Rosy Revolver: A Newfangled Rhetoric - http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/

And fabulous snow leopard network’s blog - http://snowleopardnetwork.wordpress.com/

MetalRiot - http://metalriot.blogspot.com/2010/03/treasured-item.html

Ps. I love Flickr! I was looking for this picture in my Flickr page and it was fun to see my earlier pieces!!

2010-01-15T12:35:00.000-05:00

I am taking a part of “ring a day” challenge! Make a ring each day & post in flickr group page. And you have to checkout this page! This page is so great!! Load of fabulous rings after rings… so much creativity, so great inspirations! As for me, more than likely I’m not going to be able to make a ring every single day. But at least I’m going to thinking about it! I’ll post in my flickr page & my facebook page what I made. And while not every piece is going to be in my shop, you can expect lots of new ring designs are coming into my shop!

Here are first two…

Rustic heart ring

Organic poppy ring

Yesterday, I made heart ring with enamel on it! It’s still a experiment but I’ll sure to post pictures!!

custom design finished!

2009-10-04T11:18:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it’s finished! And it’s so gorgeous!!

I’ve always enjoyed custom design but I really enjoyed this one in particular. I rally love this design but probably never came to life without custom order. She first contacted me with her vision and gave me freedom to design what I want based on her vision. I also enjoy communicating with her for every step of the way! It was great!!

I love this necklace so much, I’m thinking about making some for my Etsy shop…

custom design

2009-09-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

I’m working on very special design for custom order right now! I just finished drawing & it’s a go!! I’m so excited to start to make them. This is going to be a one gorgeous necklace!! I’ll post when I finish it so be sure to check back here:)

夢~Dream

2009-09-13T16:12:00.000-04:00

When I’m happy I create.
When I’m sad, I create.

I create in the morning, day and the night.

Spring, summer, fall, winter, I create.

I created when I was little.
I’ll be creating when I get old.

作る人。
それだけが子供のころからの夢だった。

I create in my dreams.
I dream to create.

夏子~Natsuko

here is little poem from me! I made this while I was worlikng. what a joy!!

August giveaway

2009-08-01T17:48:00.000-04:00

I’m hosting a giveaway in my facebook page! Became a fan of page http://www.facebook.com/natsuko3#/pages/Jewelry-by-Natsuko/135087897424 & go to “discussions” tab, click on “August giveaway” tread & enter your favorite color poppy! You can be winner of “poppies hook earrings” in your favorite color!!

Please visit my Etsy shop for all available colors!
http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/

Lily pads with enamel gem

2009-07-28T00:18:00.000-04:00

I post these pictures on my Flickr page and got many lovely feedbacks! And here, I would like to share some excitement of how I made these. It’s new pendant design of “lily pads with enamel gem” and pictures are taking to look like lily pads in the pond. I love these end result of it too but I must say, I love love love making these! I got “2001 Opal jewel effect” from Thompson Enamel out of curiosity. (hey, if I see something interesting I have to try it!) They look like rough rocks before firing. Then when you fire, it would look like real opal cabochons! I made bezel with fine silver wire and fused on to “pad” part. Kind of like when you do cloisonné. Cloisonné usually requires so many firing to build up enamel but because I put the “Opal gem” in the bezel doesn’t have to fire so many times! And you can see the beautiful milky opals glow through the color!
Maybe it wasn’t so much of brilliant new idea but it was so exciting to me! The enamels in the bezel look like “real gem” and that’s what I love most about enameling and reminds me why they are call “七宝” (seven gems) in Japan.

Copper enameling with torch-fire

2009-07-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

So you like to try your hands in enameling but don’t have a kiln? Lets start torch enameling!

Easy to setup, fairly inexpensive and so much fun!

Before I got my own kiln, my only access to kiln was when I go to my enameling class. It’s only once a week and as I start to get more orders, I start to needing to work more than once (three hours) a week. But kiln is large investment & very intimidating… so I start to enamel with torch.

But I must say, if you want to work with large pieces, torch enameling probably wouldn’t work. Maybe you can do special setup but in my experience 1’ and under works the best.
Setup
I put Cement backer board on kitchen counter. On the cement backer board, I put tripod, square mesh firing screen.

Torch
I use “MAP GASS”. I was told that “MAP GASS” gets hot and burn cleaner. Others would work too but I never tried before.

I’ll skip preparing metal and shift enamel, as they are already excellent tuto out there.

Firing
I always fire form underneath. Light the torch and open the nozzle all the way to get highest heat. Then move the flame underneath of the piece and heat metal’s edge in circular motion. You’ll see the metal slowly heats up. When they get red the enamel start to melt. Most nice thing about torch enameling is you can see the process of how enamel melts, flow and fuse. So you can stop when they get to your desire stage. How long to fire the piece is depending on the color.

Here is my tip for firing different colors
For opaque colors, never put direct heat! It will turn gray. There for you’ll always counter first with selecting dark color as your counter enamel. Reds are easy to burn. So don’t fire too long not less you want “burnt” look.

For transparent colors, I usually fire golden clear as base. Golden clear gets clearer as you fire longer. So when I see the enamel melts, I start counting 25 or so. About this time golden clear will become nice and clear. If you fire too long it gets greenish. Then fire counter enamel with golden clear side facing down. After golden clear and counter, you can fire any colors you wish on the golden clear.

Opaque colors on the golden clear would get you interesting result too. Play around and see what comes up!

*Fire in the open & well ventilated area*
*Wear protective eve glasses*
*Be careful handling the pieces & trivets, they are HOT!*

ok, I can’t think of anything else right now. If you have any question please leave a comment!

Happy enameling:)

EGA sale & weekend deal & new poppies!

2009-07-10T00:36:00.000-04:00

I’m having Christmas in July Sale with EGA team through July 15th! All items in my shop are going to be 20% off!! (including already sale items & custom orders) Plus free first-class shipping to anywhere in the world!! AND for this weekend of July 10-12th, I’m offering extra $10 off on order more than $100! (deal apply after CIJ discount) I think this is the biggest sale I ever had… well, I just want you to really feel like Christmas! Thank you so much for those of you that already shopped! If you haven’t, please take a look at all these fabulous shops with great sales!!

EGA participant members
MyCabinCreationshttp://www.mycabincreations.etsy.com/ - 20% off EverythingJewelry by Natsuko http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/ - 20% off everythingRWillisglassartisthttp://www.rwillisglassartist.etsy.com/ - 20% off glass items onlytekaandzoehttp://www.tekaandzoe.etsy.com/ - 20% offPaulasstressarthttp://www.paulasstressart.etsy.com/ - 20% off everythingSusan Sheehanhttp://www.susansheehan.etsy.com/ - at least 20% off as priced in designated store sectionGlass Circushttp://www.glasscircus.etsy.com/ - 20% off everythingFire n Sand Glasshttp://www.giapet.etsy.com/ 20% off all glass itemsColor Shoppe Studiohttp://www.colorshoppestudio.etsy.com/ - 10% off all Stained Glass JewelryGlasscathttp://www.glasscat.etsy.com/ - 20% off fused and dichroic jewelry; 15% off any stained glass items.41designhttp://www.41design.etsy.com/ - 20% off

And here are the new poppies! I made this for custom order. As I blog the last time she wanted “bright red”. After few trial & error, I got something I LOVE! When I mixed little orange in the middle, they add so much life to poppies!! Now they are looking like the “real” poppies!!

"cadmium red" & "free shipping"

2009-07-03T00:58:00.000-04:00

I recently received request to make “long stem poppy earrings” with bright poppy red. The red I usually use is “Victorian red” deep, almost maroon kind of red. So I looked on the shelves at enameling class. Then I found “cadmium red” I never seen before. I asked my teacher, and she said it is discontinue lead free Thompson enamel that some nice person donated to class. I was so sad that it’s discontinued color, because I just fell in love with the red when I fired! But she was so nice that let me buy off of her so I could take some home. Now I’m so looking forward to make some more poppies with it!!

BTW, I’m taking a part of Etsy’s July free shipping sale so every purchase in my shop is fee shipping from July 2nd through July 6th!

Enamel, Enameling, Enamelist

2009-06-02T00:11:00.000-04:00

Basic enameling is shift powder glass to clean metal and fire to fuse. End of story……….
Just kidding! But really, it’s that easy and finished piece would look fabulous!

I began making jewelry over 10years ago. From bead stringing to pearl knotting, wire wrapping… I tried many different techniques. But it was always with beads that I bought from somewhere. I wanted make beads and focal my self. I wanted my jewelry to be truly *ME*

So I took polymer clay class at local art center. While it was fun to make stuff with polymer clay, I felt it really wasn’t for me. It’s just so heard to make them look nice & professional. So I moved onto enameling class and I was hooked! That was about 2 years ago. I’m still taking the same class every week. (it’s just so fun & I love be in there…) And I was using torch to enamel at home for long time but I finally got my own kiln!

Ok, enough about me… what is enameling? Enameling is ancient art of fusing glass to metal. I love how they say in Japanese. In Japanese, 七宝焼 (shippouyaki), 七宝 (shippou) meaning “seven gems” because with enamel, you can achieve beauty of the seven gems.

Enamel usually comes in powder. You can shift or mix it with water and paint onto metal such as copper, silver (fine silver) or gold. Copper is more popular but I love it on silver too. Especially transparent colors are great on silver. After you apply enamel on metal, make sure it’s all dried, and then you fire them so they will melt and fuse to the metal when it’s cooled off. In kiln 2-3 minutes around 1500-degree. With torch you can only fire small pieces but takes about same amount of times.
Enamel comes in so many different colors. Just to try some color combination is exciting! If you are familiar with metal work, you can prepare your metal with your own shape and texture but if you are not, don’t worry! There are all kinds of pre-cut metal shape that you can get!! And even with just a circle and basic techniques, you can get the most amazing result!

Here is excellent online totorial by Copperheart http://copperheartdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-intro-to-enameling.html

If you are more like book preson, I recommend this awesome book
The art of enameling by Linda Darty

And some online resorce for enameling material
Thompson Enamel http://www.thompsonenamel.com/
METALLIFEROUS http://www.metalliferous.com/

Enjoy:)

Importance of Display

2009-05-18T15:46:00.001-04:00

I work very closely with local gift shop “ZODIAC” where I do wholesale on custom pieces & some consignment. On my consignment pieces I sale average about 5 items in one week. But when I re-do display on my consignment section, it sold 12 items in one week! I couldn’t believe it!! And then I realized how important to have fresh new look sometimes. Here are some pictures I took. I was going for “bright” & “classy”.

Etsy Glass Artists Spring Bling Sale

2009-04-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

I’m having a "Spring Bling" Sale with Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) from April 18th through the 24th. I’m offering BOGO 1/2off sale but for blog special, you’ll get 25% off even on one item! Please use “blog” along with “BLING” in “note to seller” section at checkout.

See each shop's Announcement and the list below for their particular offerings! Please use the code "BLING" in your notes to buyer upon checking out so you can get the sale price. This is a great time to purchase that perfect gift for Mother's Day or a little treasure for yourself.

And here is little something perfect for your mother’s day from my shop

KANJI pendant -MOTHER-HAHA

Etsy Glass Artists "Spring Bling" SaleApril 18th through April 24thParticipating Members:
http://jewelrybynatsuko.etsy.com/ - BOGO 1/2 off, BUT! You’ll get 25% off on just one item mentioning “blog” along with “BLING” at checkout!!
http://glasscat.etsy.com/ - Dichroic and Fused Glass BOGO 1/2 off, All stained glass 10% offhttp://groovyglassgirl.etsy.com/ - Free Shippinghttp://susansheehan.etsy.com/ - Glass 10 to 25% off as marked in sale section of storehttp://chickadeebeads.etsy.com/ - BOGO 1/2 Off http://mycabincreations.etsy.com/ - 20% off everythinghttp://rwillisglassartist.etsy.com/ - 20% off all glass itemshttp://paulasstressart.etsy.com/ - 20% off entire purchasehttp://colorshoppestudio.etsy.com/ - 20% off all stained glass jewelryhttp://giapet.etsy.com/ - BOGO 1/2 Offhttp://glasscircus.etsy.com/ - 20% off on all my glass*BOGO = Buy One Get One 1/2 offCome check out our new EGA website http://www.etsyglass.com/.Use the word egateam in the search box on the Etsy front page to find a listing of all of our members creations.Thanks so much for your past business and support of our shops!

fun shopping spree!

2009-04-03T09:33:00.000-04:00

I like to decorate my jewelry boxes with beautiful Chiyogami papers. And I love shopping for them! I buy from wonderful shop on Etsy (WashiPaper.etsy.com) and when I shop there, I feel like a kid in the candy store! So many pretty papers to choose from and just about $20, I can get so many beautiful things!! Here are the goods from my recent shopping spree!!

March 12th-SALE item of the day-Drop of ocean-color splash enamel pendant

2009-03-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

Today’s item is personal favorite of mine the drop of the ocean pendant! This little thing has gradation of colors, golden/yellow to dark teal green. Just like you’ll find in the real ocean! And you can shift pendant with light to enjoy texture on copper through the enamel. $20 plus free shipping at my Etsy store today!!

Tokyo Spring - Etsy Glass Challenge Entry

2009-03-11T00:47:00.000-04:00

Etsy Glass Artists team members decided to creatively challenge one another to come up with their interpretation of Spring and or Easter. Between now and Easter we will share some of these creations with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing to win some handmade glass goodness from several of our shops. We will have several winners too! (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on April 10th as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight April 9th.

As I grew up in Japan, I cannot think about spring time without blooming cherry blossom. Every year, when spring comes, the town in Japan is dyed to one cherry blossoms color. We have picnic and party under the cherry blossom tree! How cherry blossoms are blooming is on every news!! And this year, some reason I’m just drawn to yellow. So I picked yellow as base color. Then I stamped cherry blossom branch image and shift glass enamel & fired it. And I paint (in enamel term called “wet pack”) some white and pink for flower. Then I suspend it from fine silver circle. As spring will come every year. I embellished with single “sakura poppy” disk. Finally, this necklace has matching earrings that available in my Etsy shop!

Find it in the Etsy Finds

2009-03-10T00:34:00.000-04:00

I had exciting news today! My “Aqua feather earrings” were featured in Etsy Finds”!! Wow, how honor to be featured! That brought me few sales, many nice convo and lots & lots of hearts!! Then, I was thinking, if I had more of the earrings ready perhaps I would sold few more. But its really a lot goes into those pieces. Each piece is hands cut from copper sheet, then textured and go into tumbler for few hours. And enamel at least three firing. I hand make ear wires too. So, that said, I’m working on them right now! I would re-list in my Etsy shop in couple of days!!

SALE item of the day-Enamel-SeaHorse-Pendant

2009-03-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my sale item of the day is adorable seahorse! I have two colors for you to pick from. One is deep rich teal green that reminds me of Deep Ocean. And the other one is blush orange/pink that reminds me of coral reef. No matter witch ones you pick, I’m sure they will quickly become your favorite pendant! This weekend only, they are $30 plus free shipping in my Etsy shop!

SALE item of the day -Cute little heart color splash earrings -spring yellow

2009-03-05T09:13:00.000-05:00

Spring is right around a corner from us! Even though, it’s still little cold out (at lest here it is…) let’s wear sunny yellow to cerebrate upcoming spring! These earrings are so bright, cheery and stylish!! And for today (March 5th) only, it’s $5 off plus free shipping!! Check out my listing in my Etsy shop!!

Patina Fun!

2009-03-04T23:56:00.001-05:00

Oh my! What a fun this was!! I’ve always admire beautiful heat patina colors on copper. I’ve tried time to time, never get result that I wanted. BUT! I finally did it!! It was kind of accident and I still have to practice to get better control. But I don’t mind. Because I’m totally hooked!! How the colors turning is fascinating to watch. And colors I can make with using only torch is amazing! On the poppy stud earrings, it is intense blue with little pink & green. On tanzaku earrings I made color more pastel. It’s so light reflective too! I’m so excited about my success in these earrings, I already have so many designs I can make! And I’ll report my progress on here so stay tuned!!

Organic Sunday

2009-03-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

I love organic look in jewelry. I think that’s something you can only get it with handmade. Each piece might not look “perfect” but there is lots of character and warmth of “hand”.
Lately, these poppies are my choice of jewelry to wear. These organic poppies are so easy to coordinate with everything! No matter what you wearing, these would add just a right touch of modern style. To make these poppies, I begin from hammering a copper disk. Then solder handmade fine silver balls for stamens. And I’d finished in earrings or necklace, sometimes ring. After I finished into jewelry piece, they are going into my nosy tumbler for polishing. Then, depend on the piece, I’d oxidized. This is my latest piece listed in my Etsy shop. “organic poppy solitaire ring” and you can coordinate with any of my “organic poppy” collection but they are perfect with “organic poppy-on-the-circle necklace” and “organic poppies-on-the-circle earrings”!

SALE item of the day-OCEAN color splash tanzaku earrings

2009-03-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

Tanzaku is small piece of paper you write wishes on and hanging them on bamboo for Tanabata festival. And this is my wish, “ocean”. Where I live right now is so far away from ocean & I miss them so much! Here is little more about romantic Tanabata festival...It celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair). The Milky Way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. Since the stars come out at night, the celebration is held at night.These earrings are available at my Etsy shop!

Sale item of the day!

2009-02-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is my very-first blog post! And I'm going to offer "sale item of the day" every Thursdays & weekends. For today, I offer "Delightful poppy hook earrings" for $5 off plus free shipping! So today it's only $25!! These earrings were on the front page of Etsy yesterday & couple other times. Colors are so springish! And so easy & light weight to wear!! please check more detail (and maybe to purchase...:) here=== http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21040482

Jewelry by Natsuko

Herkimer Diamond Ring

January: Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

Ametrine Nest Ring

Apatite Necklace ~Rough Stone Collection~

Poppy Field Necklace

New Year, New Me!

Introducing: Poppy Swing

October Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

New Season: Giveaway & Coupon code

August Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

sewing fun!

May Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

Spring/Summer Collection Photo Collage

Spring/Summer Collection 2011 & Private Sale

the karma of inspirations...

March Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

*~*~*~Spring/Summer Collection~*~*~* in the works

recycling fun!

Feathers, Feather Lady & Feather Jewelry

February Blog-o-sphere Think Tank

Riveting the Poppies

February 14th Talk About Blog

finding the *perfect* texture...

Romantic Pink Enamel Sakura Ring

Let’s make enamel stud earrings!

January Handmade Division Talk About Blog

brass ribbon in the sky...

Jewel Tone Poppies

Handmade Division December Talk about blog

jewelry making for fun

brass locket with enamel poppy

BLACK FRIDAY - CYBER MONDAY SALE

personalized jewelry

at Cultural Art Center...

winter is coming...

Handmade Division October talk about….

season of love...

Handmade Division Etsy Team September Talk about blog

Fall giveaway!

*Burnt Sugar* and I think I need better name for this one...

fall color palette & help me name this color!

Handmade Division ~August Take about blog

Brass Love

so it begins...

fall poppies sneak preview

magical lockets!

lovely, happy surprise!

new things I've been working on...

HD Talk about blog ~JUNE

drawing day today!

everyday jewels

things I been working on...

Handmade Division ~We are talking about...

Your favorite piece of jewelry GIVEAWAY!

Shiny new toy & new purse!

Snow Leopard Network talk about ---

Snow Leopard Network Blog Carnival

custom design finished!

custom design

夢~Dream

August giveaway

Lily pads with enamel gem

Copper enameling with torch-fire

EGA sale & weekend deal & new poppies!

"cadmium red" & "free shipping"

Enamel, Enameling, Enamelist

Importance of Display

Etsy Glass Artists Spring Bling Sale

fun shopping spree!

March 12th-SALE item of the day-Drop of ocean-color splash enamel pendant

Tokyo Spring - Etsy Glass Challenge Entry

Find it in the Etsy Finds

SALE item of the day-Enamel-SeaHorse-Pendant

SALE item of the day -Cute little heart color splash earrings -spring yellow

Patina Fun!

Organic Sunday

SALE item of the day-OCEAN color splash tanzaku earrings

Sale item of the day!

~~~Spring/Summer Collection~~~ in the works

finding the perfect texture...

Burnt Sugar and I think I need better name for this one...