Adobe Sol Designs ~ the BLOG ~

Project Runway Challenge:
For this episode, the designers must look to the past and create a modern look inspired by 70′s fashion.

Our EtsyMetal Challenge Translation:
Dig your feet into that green shag carpet and make a piece inspired by 1970′s trends, style, and fashion.

My Interpretation:
The 70s was a very important and memorable time for me. For this challenge I put “Time In A Bottle“.

Have a look at all of the entries for EtsyMetal Project Runway!

Each month  EtsyMetal Team  members write a blog article on a certain topic. Have a look at participating Team Member’s articles below!

TOPIC:   Lets Talk About Food!

It is that time of year here in New Mexico where everywhere you go the wonderful scent of fresh homegrown chile roasting on the open fire is in the air! In these parts that is the smell of the beginning of the Fall season. The farmers bring in their crops, from places like Hatch, of both red and green,  mild, medium and hot chile. It  can be purchased anywhere from the farmer’s markets to the parking lot of the grocery store. Most people buy a big sack of the stuff, watch it being roasted then take it home. Once home you peel and remove the seeds, pack in zip-lock bags and put it in the freezer to use all year (of course keep some in the fridge to eat that day). It is also the time to get chile ristras.  These days they are maily used for decoration, but, many families do still use the dried red chile from the ristra in their food.

 My favorite place to get this delicacy is Wagner Farms, located half a mile down the road from where I live. They are sure to have a tasty variety of  just-picked chile (along with a variety of their homegrown veggies)!  Before I go to purchase my chile I always stop at the local tortilla factory for some warm fresh tortillas. As I sit peeling and de-seeding I wrap some of the fresh green chile in a fresh tortilla and eat, eat ,eat… (usually the only meal of my day). My family loves green chile and we put it in nearly everything we eat (seriously).  A family favorite is definately be green chile cheeseburgers!

Other member’s articles:

    Inbar Bareket – http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog 
    Cynthia Del Giudice – http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com 
    kate jones – http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com 
    nova of sweden – http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/ 
    Beth Cyr – http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com 
    Nodeform – http://nodeform.blogspot.com/ 
    Panicmama Jewelry – http://panicmama.blogspot.com 
    Evelyn Markasky http://markasky.blogspot.com/
    2Roses: http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com 
    Jenny Baughman (Gecko J): http://ridgeschool.blogspot.com/

One of my absolute favorite stones is Larimar. The natural blue is amazing. I recently made a few rings featuring Larimar and I will be making more pieces with it in the very near future.

The Project Runway Challenge:
The designers were divided into two groups of five. They were given the opportunity to create their own unique textiles and asked to create a cohesive collection.

For Our Etsy Metal Translation:
Since this challenge was about pattern and textile, our challenge is to incorporate those into a piece. Do it however you like, etching, roller printing, drawing, or just fabricate a piece that forms a pattern or texture. Make it work!

My interpretation:
Made of copper, sterling silver, peridot and faceted quartz.  I have patterned the dress using techniques of stamping, hammering, riveting and etching.  Oxidized and tumble polished for shine and durability.

My piece is currently available for purchase.

See all entries in our EtsyMetal PR Challenge!  This one is open to all designers (not just team members)!!

I am SO excited! I won a new absolute favorite ring on Teresa’s Blog give away!

Teresa, of Made In The shade, is an extremely talented lady. She makes fabulous Lampwork beads, buttons, jewelry and cabochons.

This beautiful and fun ring is handmade featuring brilliantly colored glass rods that have been polished and etched for a lovely smooth matte finish. Teresa has used her metalsmithing skills to create a mixed metal bezel setting that absolutely makes this brightly colored ring PoP!

Each month  EtsyMetal Team  members write a blog article on a certain topic.

TOPIC:   A Few Tips on Buying Handmade Jewelry

The obvious…

Aesthetically pleasing, meets your (or the recipient’s) style requirements, fits well, comfortable and within your budget.

The not so obvious…

Well made~ Be relatively sure that the piece is not going to fall apart. If you are a very active person and plan to wear your jewelry most of the time, you may need to shop for more sturdy or heavy pieces. If you plan to wear the piece only on special occasions it may be a bit more on the delicate side.  Look closely for flaws in the materials and craftsmanship. Ask questions before you purchase!  Reputable sellers are eager to answer your questions and want you to be completely happy with your purchase.

If you are shopping online, believe it or not, with close digital photography, you can often times see more detail than you can when seeing the work in person. Get to know the artist.  You can tell something about them by reading their Profile/Bio/Statement and looking at what other customers have to say in the form of Feedback.   Often times there are interesting stories and inspirations that go with handmade jewelry, especially if it is a one of a kind or limited edition piece.  Read the item descriptions carefully.

Often times if you don’t see what you are looking for, the artist can make something specifically for you. Be prepared to give the artist specific details on what type of  jewelry will fit your needs. Generally you will pay a bit more for a customized piece.

And finally…

Be sure you get care instructions  for your jewelry. Owning or gifting a piece that is artisan made, one-of-a-kind or custom made just for your needs can be a special and rewarding experience for yourself and your gift recipients. Have fun shopping and enjoy your handmade jewelry!

Here is my finished piece for episode-4 of Project Runway EtsyMetal Challenge.

“All About Nina”

The Project Runway Challenge:
The designers were asked to design a day to night outfit for Nina Garcia.

EtsyMetal Translation:
Make a piece of jewelry for Nina Garcia. There was a scene where she was going through jewelry at Marie Claire. Also she notes that she likes streamlined, modern looks. Whatever you do, don’t bore Nina!

My interpretation:
I have designed a classic pearl necklace with simple, clean lines for Nina Garcia. It features a large 8.5mm AAA quality white pearl. Nina could wear this versatile necklace to the office as well as an evening event.

Here is my finished piece for episode-3 of Project Runway EtsyMetal Challenge.

“Go Big or Go Home”

The Project Runway Challenge:
The designers were asked to design a piece for a model on stilts for the first ever outdoor runway show.

For our EtsyMetal Translation:
Since this challenge was all about going over the top, this week make it BIG, over the top, larger and crazier than you would normally do, but still trying to keep it wearable and fashionable. Should be a fun one!

My Interpretation:
A BIG Ring! Featuring a huge Swarovski crystal bezel set in sterling silver and copper.