Shoe Tags

I was very lucky to work with an amazing and inspiring woman last week. Unfortunately, it was probably the last time I'll get to work along with her because she and her family are moving out of state. It's tough to have much more than 30 seconds of conversation when you're on the playground with twelve 3 year olds, but I did learn that she's a runner. She said she's always in need of inspiration (aren't we all?) and asked if I ever made the little shoe tags that have inpiring messages on them. I do now, Merrilee! And you get first pick! Thank you for inspiring me to get out my hammer and stamps!

You are my sunshine

I love when and how inspiration strikes me sometimes.  I was looking for a little baby gift for my husband's cousin.  I thought if I had time, I might make her some sort of 'mother's necklace'.  I went on to the Facebook to see what day her sweet little boy was born, thinking I would stamp his name and date on a tag or something.  When I remembered that his middle name was Schein (her maiden name), it hit me! That great little song that everyone sings to their baby...You are my sunshine, my only son schein, get it?

It would work for any mama, but it seems especially fitting for this mama in particular, don't you think?

The piece is mixed metal, all hand cut and filed.  I've stamped on the aluminum and copper pieces.  The bronze piece has a hand drawn sunshine that has been chemically etched.  I hope it makes her sing every time she wears it!

For Those Who Inspire Us

Our local high school has a fabulous program called PEPI.  I don't know what it stands for, or if each group does the same activities, but the 4 PEPI girls that come into my daughter's kindergarten class each week are pretty special.  These girls play games with the kids and are wonderful role models.  I know my daughter's favorite day of the week is Tuesday, because that's when PEPI comes in!  I wanted to make them a little thank you for always inspiring their little friends to do their best.

Wooden it be nice

My sister is getting married this spring and her wedding is going to have a natural, rustic style to it.  I have this  great woodgrain stamp that I used on a piece of copper, so that when it was etched, it had the look of a tree.  

I thought initials carved in a heart would make a cute gift for a bride to be.  I added the tag with her wedding date to give it another special touch.

I liked it so much, I made one for my daughter's WONDERFUL kindergarten teacher who is also getting married this year.

Olive you

Vintage style initials

I made these simple little initial necklaces for my girls' teachers this Christmas.  I love the simple vintage look of the hammered edges and the hint of color the bead brings.

Initial here, please!

This is a simple necklace with an antique look to it.  I started with a bronze oval and carefully hammered the edges.  I used a standard capital font to give this piece a classic style.  I applied a little patina to take away the shine of the bronze and bring it all together.  A small turquoise stone gave it a little pop of color to finish it off.