Be Happy

     OK, I realize that there are times when we can't always be happy, but during those times if we can just remember to be grateful for the things that we do have that alone can make us smile.  It can ease some of that everyday stress and remind just how great things are. Try it. Being grateful can do wonders!

A Secret Scrolls message from Rhonda Byrne Creator of The Secret and The Power  From The Secret Daily Teachings Begin your day by feeling grateful. Be grateful for the bed you just slept in, the roof over your head, the carpet or floor under your feet, the running water, the soap, your shower, your toothbrush, your clothes, your shoes, the refrigerator that keeps your food cold, the car that you drive, your job, your friends. Be grateful for the stores that make it so easy to buy the things you need, the restaurants, the utilities, services, and electrical appliances that make your life effortless. Be grateful for the magazines and the books that you read. Be grateful for the chair that you sit on, and the pavement that you walk on. Be grateful for the weather, the sun, the sky, the birds, the trees, the grass, the rain, and the flowers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!   May the joy be with you, Rhonda Byrne The Secret and The Power... bringing joy to billions

Get To The Point !

If you are a fan of making tile bracelets then I think you'll like this new design.

You will no longer have to make each tile one at a time. With this new CaBezel mold you can make five at a time, then lift up the mold place it back down and make 5 more. That's 10. Enough to make a bracelet to fit most wrists. It is so quick and easy now!
Each rounded triangle tile will be 1 3/4" long and 3/4" across at the widest part.
You can then choose to cut each triangle apart or leave them together.  For the bracelet on the left I kept all 5 triangles together. I made straight cuts across the top and bottom without cutting around all of the points.  For the bracelet on the right I chose to cut each triangle apart.
My method for both bracelets was  foil topped with alcohol inks. Both bracelets are strung together with clear elastic.
This new design should be available for purchase at Shades of Clay in about 2 weeks.

New manufacturer found for the CaBezel Jewellery Molds!

I am very pleased to announce that after more than 2 months of searching I have finally found a great little company to manufacture the CaBezels for me.
I have spoken to several different companies, tried out various types of photo polymer, (found out that not all of them are compatible with polymer clay) and in the end (with the help of Bev), learned a whole new language where photopolymer is concerned. So look for a few new designs soon at www.shadesofclay.com

                                                                        This is a peek into some of the research that I've been doing.

Here's a  sneak peek of just a few of the new bezel shapes.

This tile bracelet was made using "Get to the Point"

This necklace was made using "Lemon-Egg"

The examples below are also using the new "Lemon-Egg" CaBezel molds and some white acrylic paint.

Smelling the roses

 I have been taking a little  time to smell the roses this summer and also kick back and enjoy this beautiful weather before it disappears!  But don't worry,  I have also been working hard to find a manufacturer for the CaBezels.  I've looked high and low. Looked in Canada and in the United States. For a short period of time I even considered going with rubber instead of polymer but then I gave my head a shake and decided that the integrity of the molds would be compromised. I just couldn't settle for a lesser product in the end. The price of photopolymer has gone up substantially since my last bulk order but I am trying to negotiate a price with the manufacturer that will keep the cost  reasonable for you, my customers. I do have some new designs ready to launch as soon as I get this pesky little manufacturing thing settled!

I also want to  to thank all of you that took the time to answer my survey questions. I read every single email and took notes about what matters to you.
So "Thank You"  your efforts didn't go unnoticed.

I'm in a pickle and looking for your opinion about the CaBezel Jewellery Molds

A little while ago I finished some new designs for the CaBezel Jewellery Molds.  I'm really happy with them and I think that you polymer artists will be too. Here's where my problem lies. I need to   find a new manufacturer to produce them for me so I have been doing a lot of research.   As it turns out the labour costs, combined with the already expensive costs of photopolymer are sending the costs through the roof ! You see, Bev and I weren't really charging  for our own labour and now that we have to pay someone else to do it they aren't willing to be as kind (bummer). Shipping and cutting will also be an added cost but I am adament about keeping production in Canada so that means no added border fees.

Now here is where I'm hoping to get some feed back from those of you that have used the CaBezels.
I realize that they may have already seemed a bit pricey to some because you couldn't possibly know the cost of the materials but I would like to know the following if you are willing to share:

#1 Would you be willing to pay a bit more to keep the molds in the transparent photopolymer?  (at this point it looks like I may need to charge $25.00 - $30.00 max   to make any profit at all.
#2 If you would be willing to pay more how much is too much?

#3 How important is it to you that I keep the product transparent?  I could possibly keep the costs the same as they are now if I switch to a more common opaque material.

#4 Is keeping the price the same as it is now ($19.99) the most important thing to you?

Please email me privately.  It's easier than logging on and leaving a comment on my blog plus it will take uptoo much room that way. worlowski@sympatico.ca  If you can please put survey in as the subject line.

I hope everyone realizes that it is not my intention to gouge anyone here.  My intent is to provide a well made product with great customer service that isn't produced in China. I take a lot of pride in this product.

I really appreciate any feedback that you are willing to give.
If I get enough responses I will post the results on my blog and I will keep you posted on the progress of the CaBezels and the new designs.

Hey...If anyone is familiar with the photopolymer industry and you know of a manufacturer/supplier that I may have over-looked please share that with me as well. Email me worlowski@sympatico.ca

Thanks so much for your input.

My Grandfather the Shoemaker

My grandfather passed away many years ago when I was about 10 yrs old. He was born in 1899, something I didn't know until recently.  Wow! I actually knew someone that was born in the 1800's!  That strikes me as being a bit bizarre and phenomenal too! 

He immigrated from Vranovske Dlhe, Slovakia and set up shop as a shoemaker in Peterborough Ontario. The house along with the garage that housed his workshop have been passed down to my cousin now and even though  it has been 35 years since my grandfather died, only now is it being cleared out completely.  One of my  recent visits to Peterborough turned out to be a most serendipitous one.  I had just finished putting away my latest jewellery made from grommets after showing my mom and sister. That's when  my cousin walked in to announce that he would be soon  cleaning out the workshop to make some room for his own things.  He mentioned that amongst some old machinery there still lingered some supplies like thick shoe leather and grommets and rivets! Grommets? My ears perked up and before you could blink I was there going through dusty old drawers and  jars full of grommets.  There were hundreds of them.  What a find.  I haven't played with them yet but I can't wait to get my hands on them to make more Grommet Jewellery!!! 

This is a tool that is about 10 ft long in total so i couldn't get it all in the picture. It has many different stations along it's lentgh. Some parts are for buffing, other for sanding and it attached to a vacuum that took all of the dust away. I couldn't help but think that a much smaller version of this would be perfect for polymer clay artists.

This poor old Singer has seen better days.

Some great tips from 2goodclaymates

It looks like Carolyn has been busy with the CaBezels again.  She's getting some beautiful results and even sharing tips on what works for her.  It's great for me to get someone else's perspective !