tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22518755178686133682012-01-25T12:16:00.619-05:00Sterling Silver Jewelry With a Twist!Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.comBlogger1221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-44620763963037002312012-01-25T12:16:00.001-05:002012-01-25T12:16:00.652-05:00

I found these photos of my studio from back in January of 2011. This is the cleanest my studio has EVER been so I thought I would share these photos again. You can see the first post with these photos here when I did a tour of my studio. I have to confess that the only reason it was so clean was so I could teach a class that night :) And this is what my studio looks like right now. It

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-29683534255086168622012-01-23T13:18:00.001-05:002012-01-23T13:18:00.754-05:00

Well it seems that Pinterest has worked its way into my life and now I can't get enough! There are such great things to find on that site such as recipes, images of beautiful architecture, craft ideas, clothing, shoes and of course some really amazing jewelry! I recommend poking around if you get the chance. Are you on Pinterest? If you are you can follow me by clicking the "follow me on

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-13919846825025430082012-01-20T10:00:00.001-05:002012-01-20T10:00:09.878-05:00

I have taught quite a few people how to make jewelry over the past 13 years. Actually there has been more than I can even count! But only recently (since 2008) have I been taking photos of their finished pieces ...when I remember to bring the camera to class. Below are some of the pieces my students have finished in my jewelry classes. La' Lanya's earrings - 2008 Mirabel's cuff - 2008 Kate's

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-43337663015926653372012-01-19T14:04:00.000-05:002012-01-19T14:04:23.483-05:00

I am teaming up with gallery owner Julie Basello-Holt and together we have come up with a new workshop that we will be teaching together called "Fine Crafts 101". This workshop is geared towards the creative person who would like to turn their creativity into a business of selling what they make, whether is it pottery, jewelry, photography, wood, etc. With my 13 years of experience selling my

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-48169426485972027752012-01-16T20:36:00.000-05:002012-01-16T20:36:49.623-05:00

I have been so inspired lately to make belt buckles that I finished up a few more today! It also doesn't hurt that when I listed my first batch of buckles in My Etsy Shop I sold one the next day! So here are today's buckles: "Sugar Skull" Buckle - remember my first attempt at photo etching? I finally used the skull I spent so much time sketching! "Scribbles" Buckle - etched copper and hammered

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-52934509354210332282012-01-05T22:51:00.000-05:002012-01-05T22:51:06.021-05:00

I have been wanting to make belt buckles for quite a few years now. I even went as far as to take a casting class many years ago where I carved a belt buckle in wax but then never sent it out to be cast. Since then I haven't had the time or the creative spark needed to design and create the buckles so needless to say the buckles had to wait....until today! I also had purchased all the materials

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-15854990094094245412012-01-03T14:34:00.002-05:002012-01-09T12:52:19.043-05:00

A few years ago I did a Christmas swap with artist Alana Bills. I traded her one of my rose necklaces for one of her hand painted scarves. I gave the scarf to my mother and Alana gave the necklace to her sister who is an author. Her sister loved it so much that she plans to incorporate it into a book for one of the characters to wear. I do not know if she has done so as of yet but I just heard

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-82778788834392668732011-12-19T12:19:00.001-05:002011-12-19T12:27:30.661-05:00

Every year Etsy Metal (a group of very talented metal artists from all over the world) does a "Secret Santa". Members who want to participate sign up and give their jewelry preferences (ring size, bracelet length, i don't like this or that, etc). Names are "pulled from a hat" and each member is given another member to send a gift to. You do not know where your gift is coming from and you are only

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-7059173959327901652011-11-07T10:00:00.002-05:002011-11-07T12:45:03.571-05:00

Etsy Metal is a talented group of metal smiths from all around the world. Every month we hold a blog carnival where we all blog about the same thing and attach links to each others blogs so everyone who reads one can read and find everyone elses too.This month's Etsy Metal Blog Carnival is "Holiday Previews". The Holidays are fast approaching! Give us a preview of what you are working on for this

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-31222338160977826982011-11-01T14:02:00.000-04:002011-11-01T14:02:43.091-04:00

The postcards are printed and soon to be stamped and sent on their way. There are 12 artists participating so far and the planning for the show has long been underway for at least a month now. We have food, drink and lots of handcrafted holiday shopping! You can see more info on this event here. I can't believe this is the 10th year of doing this show! I remember the first show like it was

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-67444341457344861382011-10-15T16:30:00.003-04:002011-10-16T20:06:34.690-04:00

Etsy Metal is having a birthday! And to celebrate each of the following shops will be having a sale the week of Oct 16 thru Oct 22, 2011. Check out the shops below, including mine, and use the code "ETSYMETAL" or check the shop announcements for other codes when checking out to claim your discount! I am offering 20% off! Michele Grady Designs discomedusa metalriot Inbar Bareket markaplan

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-64715236472567653632011-09-27T10:51:00.001-04:002011-09-27T10:52:54.932-04:00

As you may already know I am helping curate the Etsy Metal Charm Swap this time around. The way it works is there is a sign up list for the Etsy Metal members who want to participate (limited to 20). We each make 22 charms, 20 to swap with the other members on the list, 1 to sell in the team shop, and 1 will go on a charm bracelet along with 19 other charms and the bracelet is then listed in the

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-50617613106731788502011-09-27T10:41:00.000-04:002011-09-27T10:41:11.792-04:00

A new batch of cuffs right off the bench just in time for the Wheaton Arts Festival of Fine Craft this weekend! The show runs Saturday and Sunday, October 1 & 2. For more info and coupon for $2.00 off admission check out their website.

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-68676342423397894202011-09-06T16:35:00.000-04:002011-09-06T16:35:02.084-04:00

I will be exhibiting at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts this coming weekend, Sept 9 & 10, in Wilmington, DE. This is the 51st year for this show and it is packed with talented artists and their creations! For more info and directions check out their website. Hope to see you this weekend!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-37263534637836313602011-09-06T16:30:00.000-04:002011-09-06T16:30:37.815-04:00

Sterling silver, copper and brass do darken when exposed to the air over a long period of time. If you would like to keep your Michele Grady Designs jewelry pieces looking like they did when you first purchased them there a few simple things you can do to keep them looking as good as new! Keeping your jewelry in a sealed, zip lock plastic bag when not in use will minimize tarnishing. You can also

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-74671262641237987482011-08-25T14:30:00.001-04:002011-08-29T15:18:31.088-04:00

This is the fourth week in the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge. Here are this week's details: Project Runway Season 9: Episode 4 Design a piece for Nina Garcia The Project Runway Challenge: The designers were asked to design a day to night outfit for Nina Garcia For our EtsyMetal Translation: Make a piece of jewelry for Nina. There was a scene where she was going through jewelry at

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-32542450166141013902011-08-19T10:07:00.003-04:002011-08-21T09:57:20.788-04:00

This is the third week in the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge. Here are the details: Episode 3: "Go Big or Go Home" Air: 8.11.11 My Lifetime, Thursdays, 9pm PST. 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,

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-40174386501258956362011-08-15T22:06:00.000-04:002011-08-15T22:06:06.412-04:00

I just realized I never posted my RAW #16 ring so here it is....better late than never! I made a sterling silver band that I then textured and then added brass spikes to. It actually is a very comfortable thumb ring. I wouldn't really recommend wearing it any other finger tho...it's a bit too dangerous to be so close to another finger!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-5467523300907303522011-08-15T16:31:00.000-04:002011-08-15T16:31:25.691-04:00

As you may already know by following my blog, or following me on facebook and/or twitter, I am helping to run the Etsy Metal Charm Swap this time around. Check out all my blog posts on the Etsy Metal Blog about this fun and exciting challenge! There are only 6 weeks left until all the charms are due and since I still have not come up with an idea for my charms that I am happy with I am kind of

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-73329371227507148842011-08-12T10:00:00.003-04:002011-08-15T22:28:26.396-04:00

This is the second week in the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge. Here are the details: Episode 2: "My Pet Project"In this episode, the challenge was to create an outfit using pet store supplies. They were allowed to use muslin as well, but were encouraged not to. For our Etsy Metal Translation: To make a piece of jewelry using pet store supplies! We were told to try to limit our time in

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-47899013430307978022011-08-05T10:00:00.005-04:002011-08-15T22:32:00.435-04:00

As if the RAW (ring a week) challenge wasn't enough for me to handle.... which by the way every day life has made me fall slightly behind in that challenge.... I have decided to participate in the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge as well. How it works is we watch Project Runway, which airs every Thursday night, and then their challenge is translated into a jewelry challenge which is due the

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-11503776755152315102011-06-29T15:31:00.000-04:002011-06-29T15:31:39.469-04:00

Mark your calendars....The Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival is around the corner! It will be held on July 9 & 10 on Kings Highway in Haddonfield, NJ. The show opens on Saturday at 11am and will go until 7pm. Sunday's hours are 12 noon to 5 pm. You can find my booth on the smaller side of the street (for those of you who have been in the past you know what I mean) down by the PATCO speed

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-41419068667360217552011-06-07T09:03:00.000-04:002011-06-07T09:03:38.694-04:00

People are always asking me how I do what I do and what my studio space looks like so when the Etsy Metal team decided to do a blog carnival about our studio spaces I thought it would be the perfect way to show everyone! Below are some photos of my studio. The photos were taken after I clean up a LOT. It usually does not look anywhere near as neat and clean as this when I am working but I had to

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-34509110750706628032011-05-16T09:45:00.002-04:002011-06-07T08:36:42.967-04:00

This month's topic for the Etsy Metal Blog Carnival is "pages from your sketchbook". Although I don't really have a sketchbook and I don't draw out each piece before I create it, I do jot down some ideas here and there on random sheets of paper that eventually end up all over my studio.  Here a few of my doodles that I have already made into jewelry. The first doodle is of one of my rings for

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-44695180254738189362011-05-05T10:47:00.000-04:002011-05-05T10:47:24.271-04:00

I have decided that for my Etsy Metal Charm Swap 8 charms I am going to try some photo etching which I haven't done in quite a few years. (You can see a "how to" article on photo etching here with more info on the process.) I have wanted to make a piece of jewelry that was in the form of a sugar skull for quite a while. But due to all of the detail on these skulls I have put it off because it

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-63300884567115720772011-04-28T10:25:00.000-04:002011-04-28T10:25:46.658-04:00

As you may know, at the last minute I was invited to join the Etsy Metal Charm Swap 7 .  I made a bunch charms that were the mini version of my "Constricted Heart" Necklace. I sent my charms in and received back a box full of new charms, one from each of the participants in the swap. I was so excited to open my package! This awesome photo is of all the charms from all the participants from all

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-81736118421300956132011-04-20T09:18:00.000-04:002011-04-20T09:18:05.625-04:00

Today I am multitasking and actually working on two blog posts...one for is for this blog (you are reading it now) and one for the Etsy Metal blog, which I will post tomorrow. As you may know I have become the curator for the next Etsy Metal charm swap (CS8). Well, part of my job as curator is to keep the world updated on the progress of the participants. I post every Thursday on the Etsy Metal

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-90747290845044331452011-04-15T13:37:00.002-04:002011-04-15T13:53:17.727-04:00

I do not seem to have a problem making my RAW rings, it's posting the photos/info of them is where I start slacking off! So here’s one post with my last 2 weeks of rings…..and don't forget to check out the rest of groups RAW rings too! My RAW 14 ring was a custom order from a woman for her boyfriend. She wanted me to make a ring exactly like he had only in silver so it wouldn't turn his finger

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-64634540662646428392011-04-12T17:16:00.000-04:002011-04-12T17:16:13.893-04:00

I was cleaning up today and came across the very first ring I ever made in the very first jewelry class I ever took so I thought I'd share it with you..... It was a beginners class and the instructor was a horrible teacher. I couldn't even tell you how I made the thing. When I told her I wanted to make a silver ring with a stone on top she wrote out the steps in these exact words: 1. bend2.

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-47519977890548674262011-04-06T13:32:00.000-04:002011-04-06T13:32:53.547-04:00

Well, not only did I find out last Thursday that I was the next curator/host for the EtsyMetal Charm Swap 8 (CS8) but I also found out that that they were short a "charm swapper" for Charm Swap 7 (CS7) due to unforeseen circumstances. Although Thursday was technically the last day for CS7, I was the next one on the alternates list, so I was told I could still participate if I wanted to. And of

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-85046108731305308352011-03-31T14:49:00.004-04:002011-04-06T13:01:36.188-04:00

Well it's official! Myself, along with Victoria Takahashi, are the next curators of the upcoming EtsyMetal Charm Swap! For those of you who do not know what I am talking about here's a little more info....EtsyMetal is a group of over 100 jewelry artists from all over the world that work in metal. There is a sign up list for members who would like to participate. The number of participants is

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-46988819717478897032011-03-30T13:42:00.000-04:002011-03-30T13:42:41.549-04:00

EtsyMetal Monthly Challenge & RAW #13 (ring a week) I am finally caught up on my postings of my RAW rings so this post is right on time! This week's RAW ring actually had a theme "kinetics". It just so happened that the EtsyMetal monthly challenge that is due March 31 is also the same theme so this ring does double duty! The "Rattle Ring" is made from sterling silver and filled with little stones

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-25329353636275943582011-03-29T13:38:00.000-04:002011-03-29T13:38:00.779-04:00

My week 12 ring for the RAW challenge had some issues....it is made from sterling silver and "brass" and is set with 3 garnets. The "brass" was a scrap piece that my dad gave me from his stock pile of metals he has had in his basement for years. I don't know what kind of "brass" it is but it did something I have never seen happen before when I soldered the 2 metals together. If you look closely

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-76842810920045248752011-03-28T10:59:00.001-04:002011-03-28T11:12:38.633-04:00

I am a little behind in my RAW postings so I hope to get all caught up by the end of this week. My RAW 11 ring was inspired by some mixed metal cuffs that I made a few weeks ago. I am really enjoying working more and more with adding texture to mixed metals. This ring band was made with brass, copper and sterling silver. Each metal was given a different texture and the combination of all three

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-67977348632740323462011-03-18T13:00:00.000-04:002011-03-18T13:00:00.461-04:00

I still want to have affordable jewelry for my customers but with the price of silver changing daily and going up and up I have had to rethink some of my pieces. Over the past year or so I have been slowly adding more color to my pieces by using different metals with the silver and semi precious stones that I have used for years. Mixing the metals along with adding texture and dimension to the

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-26221905903882998772011-03-17T08:36:00.000-04:002011-03-17T09:27:19.951-04:00

I am a little behind in posting due to the fact that I was out of town last week so I am hoping to get caught up soon! My week 10 ring was inspired by something I saw at the Philadelphia Flower Show last weekend. I now wish I had taken a photo of it but of course I did not...It was a table set for dinner. The table and chairs were draped in a lush dark gray fabric and and all the color came from

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-88890228604138094502011-03-07T13:00:00.000-05:002011-03-07T13:00:02.150-05:00

EtsyMetal is an international collective of artisans who create jewelry and works of art in metal, which I belong to. Each month a question is asked of the members and those who choose to participate write about it in a Blog Carnival. This month the focus is on "What do you wear?" What is your favorite piece (or pieces) from your private collection? My favorite necklace is one that I made from a

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-25732747174540024302011-03-06T12:18:00.000-05:002011-03-06T12:42:05.583-05:00

I didn't really have much time this week to make anything totally fabulous for my week 9 RAW ring. Last week (week 8) I made the Ravioli Ring and I also made a set of mixed metal stackable rings. I listed them on etsy and got a lot of attention from Facebook friends and then decided I really liked them for myself. So this week I make another set to keep for myself and even though they are not

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-76026027354485548112011-02-28T12:01:00.000-05:002011-02-28T12:16:33.342-05:00

Here are a few photos from the workshop I taught over this past weekend. You can see all of the photos on my Facebook page. The workshop is called "Memories of Summer" and it teaches basic wire wrapping of found objects. Some students brought their own items to wrap and some used items from my supply box. Either way all the finished pieces came out great! I teach this workshop at Creative Genius

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-950908049139410042011-02-26T09:16:00.000-05:002011-02-26T10:35:33.895-05:00

Plan A for this week's ring didn't actually work out so well as a ring so I had to go with Plan B.Plan A was to make something like this:While I can totally understand this drawing, you probably have no clue what it means so let me explain....The center teardrop is a stone. It has four little wires or "legs" coming off of it with little circles at the end (more stones). The "legs" are attached to

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-62532223600833956902011-02-21T12:00:00.000-05:002011-02-21T12:00:05.125-05:00

Some of the artists participating in the "RAW (ring a week) challenge" (including me) have decided to do a blog carnival. A blog carnival is where a group of people pick a subject, blog about it then post it with links to all the other blogs that are participating.The subject of this blog carnival is "What was your inspiration for participating in RAW?"My inspiration for participating in the RAW

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-64821974727297033612011-02-17T16:13:00.000-05:002011-02-17T16:21:27.385-05:00

Better late than never is what I always say! This week's ring isn't as involved as my last one but I am running out of time in the week and wanted to get a ring in today so I can keep on schedule. I didn't really have an idea for my ring ( I've been really busy with other stuff and haven't had time to think about it) so I looked through my stash of stones and found this Plume Agate that I have

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-52509302635579517262011-02-17T08:50:00.000-05:002011-02-17T08:54:01.753-05:00

Here is another piece that one of my students finished this session. It's a sterling silver and Mohave Turquoise cuff bracelet. Way to go Rachel!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-53074488144630842392011-02-09T11:41:00.000-05:002011-02-09T15:29:39.711-05:00

I recently became a member of the EtsyMetal Team . It is a group of silversmiths, goldsmiths and metalsmiths from all over the world. You have to be juried into the group and members of the team work together to promote each other, their shops and the team. Once you are a member of the team you are paired up with a mentor. Your mentor is there to answer any questions you might have and to help

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-39265048319985909462011-02-08T15:31:00.001-05:002011-02-08T15:47:00.550-05:00

Well, I finally did it! I finally made a ring that opens. I have always wanted to make a container type ring but never really had the time or should I say I never really gave myself the time to do so. By committing to participate in RAW the year I have had to force myself to set aside time each week to work on my projects. So here we are 6 weeks into RAW and I finally had a plan as to how I was

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-79416663510403509442011-02-02T14:02:00.001-05:002011-02-03T11:05:05.065-05:00

A few of my students finished some new projects this week and they turned out really great! Can you believe they have only been taking classes for a few months?Roxanne's sterling silver and citrine ring Rachel's sterling & black onyx pendant and her sterling silver wire pendant

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-55752321643888651102011-02-02T12:57:00.000-05:002011-02-02T13:13:49.206-05:00

This week for my RAW challenge ring I wanted to make a container ring (also called a poison ring). I knew I wanted to make a ring that opened but due to my busy schedule and lack of ideas for what the ring should look like, I decided that I would keep it simple this week. I ended up messing around in the studio and came up with these "saucer rings" instead. Each one has been textured via the

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-26836607063436961632011-02-02T12:48:00.001-05:002011-02-02T12:56:43.868-05:00

And I totally forgot to post about it! My interview was posted on the Jewelry Observer website on Jan 28 so I am only about 5 days behind :) .....Check out my interview and interviews with other talented jewelry artists on their site!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-49014240816193434712011-01-25T13:57:00.000-05:002011-01-25T14:04:05.860-05:00

My "Sunburst Ring" , which was my 3rd RAW is featured on Thomasin Durgin's blog. She is the one who came up with the idea for this years Ring a Week Challenge. Thank you Tomi for featuring my ring! And don't forget to check out the challenge to see some of the other amazing rings made by artists from all around the world!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-947547016268439002011-01-25T11:41:00.001-05:002011-01-25T13:56:11.816-05:00

For my 4th ring in the Ring a Week (RAW) Challenge I decided to try something I haven't done before. I wanted to carve a ring out of a piece of ebony (wood) and then add some silver detail to it some how. It has been quite a while since I worked with ebony and even back when I did I never made a ring before. I wasn't sure what the piece was going to look like when I started the project but I

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-69658727672252908102011-01-24T10:27:00.000-05:002011-01-24T10:39:36.188-05:00

YAY! I am so excited! I just found out this morning that I have been invited to join the EtsyMetal team! EtsyMetal is a group of wonderfully talented silversmiths, goldsmiths and metalsmiths from all around the world. It will be great to meet new people and connect with others all around the globe that have the same passion for metals as I do! If you get a chance, check out the EtsyMetal website.

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-71899266661867382952011-01-17T11:25:00.001-05:002011-01-17T11:42:34.286-05:00

Although this technically is only the start of week 3 of the ring a week challenge, my ring # 3 is already finished. It has been so cold, snowy and cloudy here in NJ that the weather has inspired me to think of sunny summer days. Between the color/sparkle of the stone and the color/shape of brass, they were perfect for what I had in mind! I call this ring the "Sunburst Ring". It is hollow formed

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-34394478345235348122011-01-13T10:49:00.001-05:002011-01-13T11:03:16.614-05:00

Well after seeing all the great rings submitted to the RAW52 Challenge I have finished my second ring. I was inspired by the texture and shape of my reversible puffed heart necklaces and wanted to make a ring using the same techniques. This is what I came up with and I am pretty happy with the outcome :)The copper has been run through the rolling mill to give it texture. Then it has been

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-5986326791200851862011-01-07T19:11:00.000-05:002011-01-07T19:40:51.785-05:00

In 2010 I came across the ring a day challenge while messing around on Flickr. The challenge was to make one ring a day every day for the entire year. By the end of the challenge you would have 365 different rings. Being such a ring person, I thought it was the COOLEST idea ever and wanted to join in but I didn't come across it until day 115 which put me VERY behind :(On Jan 5, 2011 I decided to

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-51932521109745890112010-12-06T13:24:00.000-05:002010-12-06T13:39:47.752-05:00

My students come up with some of the greatest ideas for their projects! Here are some photos of a handful of the pieces my jewelry students have created so far this session. The session is not over yet (it ends Dec 21) so I will post more photos as their projects are completed. There should be plenty more photos to come since most of the women in my class are making Christmas gifts for family

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-25100518082576926982010-11-29T16:01:00.000-05:002010-11-29T16:23:18.954-05:00

The 9th Annual Holiday Artist Trunk Show went off without a hitch! It took place yesterday and I am TOTALLY worn out from such a busy weekend! Not only did I host Thanksgiving for 17 people at my house I also hosted the trunk show 3 days later! I think I spent more time cleaning my house in the past week than I have done all of last month. So needless to say I am spending today in my pj's. It was

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-56978460515167899042010-11-29T15:46:00.001-05:002010-11-29T16:01:24.789-05:00

Saturday night I hosted a girls night out event at Creative Genius Art Gallery and Studio. You can bring food and wine and it's a great way to get together with your friends, or this case mother and sisters, and learn something new while spending time together. Below are pictures from their girls night out. This is the project they were working on.And they all did a great job!I also come to you

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-27674777359692648892010-11-18T17:37:00.000-05:002010-11-19T08:53:27.141-05:00

I went to the Phila Art Museum with my friend Anita, who also makes jewelry, to check out the "Desert Jewels" exhibit...It was pretty cool to see that some of jewelry made way back in the late 19th century could still be in style today! If you get a chance you should check it out. The exhibit only runs thru Dec 5th.....

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-50727884162300912332010-10-30T13:44:00.001-04:002010-10-30T14:05:15.781-04:00

Since we are going to a Halloween party tonight and a lot of people are bringing food I figured the best bet was to go for a dessert. I love brownies and I do make pretty tasty ones too but I wanted to spice them up a bit for Halloween. Since we are going dressed as pirates I figured why not put the jolly roger (if you don't know what that is it's the skull and cross bones from a pirate flag) on

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-69364687714108773182010-10-28T13:42:00.001-04:002010-10-28T13:51:19.105-04:00

It's the most creative holiday, if you ask me, and I love to be creative and to see what others do with their creativity!We went to the PA Renaissance Faire last weekend and they had the BIGGEST scarecrows I have seen this year! They were taller than the 2 story buildings next to them. I love how they made the "guts" out of dried gourds. I want one for my front yard!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-19899607971032093792010-10-22T12:40:00.000-04:002010-10-22T12:44:44.237-04:00

Just finished the postcards for the 9th Annual Holiday Artist Trunk Show I hold every year at my studio.I can't beleive this is the 9th year!...So mark your calendars! Nov 28, 2010 from 1-5pm....more info to follow!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-84476989761470965042010-10-17T09:23:00.000-04:002010-10-17T12:18:18.610-04:00

I went to my cousin Lois' 40th birthday party last night. My cousin lives in CA but her parents (my aunt & uncle) live in PA and since she was coming for a visit they decided to throw a party for her. My sister Jennifer, a graphic designer, made the invitations. They had sunflowers on them since is Lois' favorite flower. I had no idea what to get for her birthday. I kept coming up with ideas but

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-21897315192589259712010-09-29T15:32:00.000-04:002010-09-29T15:38:30.965-04:00

I have created some new pieces inspired by the colors and shapes of the fall ....what do you think?

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-37311219733637108962010-09-28T22:48:00.000-04:002010-09-28T22:54:05.358-04:00

I came across this great article today which someone had shared via facebook and I had to share it too. I just wanted to say thank you to Jamie Pickering of Bella- Bijou Jewellery for writing it. Check it out.......Bella-Bijou Jewellery: The Price is Right... or is it ?

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-47567192192792444282010-09-27T11:50:00.000-04:002010-09-27T12:05:22.994-04:00

I will be participating in the Wheaton Arts Festival Of Fine Craft again this year. The show is this weekend Oct 2 & 3, 2010, rain or shine. Wheaton Arts is located on 1501 Glasstown Rd in Millville, NJ. For more info on this great event click here. For a coupon good for discounted admission click here

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-35747981314718134992010-09-27T11:26:00.001-04:002010-09-27T11:47:14.807-04:00

I have added a new section to my Etsy shop since reopening it 2 weeks ago. I am offering some of my enormous inventory of jewelry making supplies as well as my beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Here is a sample of a few of the items that are and will be for sale.lot of 10 rubber cord necklacesbutterscotch amber cabsring sizerfreeform hand cut jasper cab

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-75604461452060772972010-09-24T13:37:00.000-04:002010-09-24T13:59:24.727-04:00

Just bought this t shirt at Target today. It has the image below on it and it's from their "artist series" which made it even more appealing to me being an artist myself and all...So when I got home I googled the artist name, Aline Yamada which was right inside the shirt. I wanted to find out a little more about her...was she famous and I just haven't heard of her? is she alive or dead? where

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-24131942046222458512010-09-14T18:30:00.000-04:002010-09-14T15:57:36.428-04:00

The next session of jewelry making classes starts today. I am excited to see what my students will come up with! Here are some photos of a few of the students working diligently in the last class I taught....For more info on classes and workshops check out my website http://www.michelegrady.com/

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-80133213411925570972010-09-13T23:47:00.000-04:002010-09-13T20:47:34.109-04:00

Would you not just love to go away somewhere warm and tropical to learn how to make jewelry? I wish I had a place like this where I could teach my classes!It's called Hacienda Mosaico and its in Mexico. They offer many different jewelry workshops and also give you a place to stay! It's an artist retreat and I love this idea!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-4691920184896294642010-06-22T09:36:00.000-04:002010-06-22T09:42:54.080-04:00

Another one of my rings is featured in an Etsy treasury. This time its the Oxidized Jasper Ring. You can see it here in the "Peaches and Cream" Treasury. Check it out! Thanks Alchimiste!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-80583442054738648002010-06-02T15:26:00.000-04:002010-06-16T13:37:32.242-04:00

I love to do custom pieces. There is nothing like letting your creativity run free while creating something one of a kind. It's always a challenge to try to make the customer happy while actually making the piece work. Here are just a few of the many custom pieces I have done for customers in the past.customers amber prong set in a ring to her specificationsprong set smoky topaz cuff bracelet to

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-43273763272110504832010-06-01T16:58:00.001-04:002010-06-02T15:12:55.352-04:00

As some of you know I am a certified PMC instructor. Last weekend I taught a PMC (Precious Metal Clay) workshop. The women in the workshop had no prior experience in working with PMC. They learned the basics of how the material works and they each got to use a package of PMC to make whatever they wanted. Below are images of their pieces. What a great job they did!in the kilnall polished and

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-2611419687339546002010-05-18T14:10:00.000-04:002010-05-18T14:18:55.241-04:00

I just read that according Pantone, the worlds color authority for the past 45 years, the color turquoise is the color of 2010. Good thing to know after making all my new turquoise jewelry! Little did I know but I picked the right stone color for some of my new work!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-79748017450743131812010-05-06T10:45:00.000-04:002010-05-06T11:05:18.068-04:00

I just found out my oxidized wire wrapped amber ring is featured in the Creations with Heart blog in the top handmade creations of the week! All the items are chosen from Etsy shops so check it out!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-36188741275332306352010-04-28T09:49:00.000-04:002010-04-28T10:08:59.307-04:00

I thought it would be fun every once in a while to post some images of some of the amazing jewelery that I happen across while surfing the web. Today I came across this necklace. It is made from steel and 18kt gold and is by jewelry artist Donna D Aquino. I love the mixing of non traditional materials with precious metal. Check out some of her other work on her website too. Its amazing!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-13616070309768660092010-04-26T08:49:00.000-04:002010-04-26T09:32:19.834-04:00

I spent the past Thursday in NYC with some friends. We went to see the Tim Burton Exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC , and If I hadn't been so busy since then I would have posted about it sooner, because today is the last day to see it and it was DEFINITELY worth going to see. "A Nightmare Before Christmas" is my all time favorite animated movie. There were sketches and props from that

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-79461435123327260282010-04-16T11:46:00.000-04:002010-04-16T11:51:51.224-04:00

Packing up the car for the Wearable Art & Craft Show that takes place tomorrow. Not only is show 5 mins away from my house it also supports a great cause. Come check it out!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-11735450331747402752010-04-15T17:33:00.000-04:002010-04-15T17:41:50.666-04:00

So yesterday I came across a marketing blog that talked about different ways to find your target market and to find out what your customers want. One of the ideas was to come up with a survey of questions which you could ask people to fill out so you can learn more about your work, what customers liked and didn't like, etc. So I did just that. I came up with a few questions that would help me

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-77482789881989356292010-04-11T09:53:00.000-04:002010-04-11T09:59:35.095-04:00

Just wanted to share one of my most recent creations with you that once again was created from some pieces headed for the scrap pile and turned out to be one of my new favorite designs!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-65138279672708303492010-03-31T19:29:00.000-04:002010-03-31T19:33:36.324-04:00

I just found my jewelry listed as a fabulous find! (Although I am a day late) Thanks Ollie McKay's Chic Boutique! ...check it out here: Ollie McKay's Chic Boutique Blog: Fabulous Finds on Tuesday!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-74099306670951682932010-03-31T08:58:00.000-04:002010-03-31T09:38:40.099-04:00

Not too long ago I sat down at my bench and spent time working on some pieces for my Heart Collection. When using the hydraulic press to "puff" the sterling sheet I "pressed" too hard and put a nice big tear the silver. "OK that sucks. This better not be one of those days where everything I make turns to crap" I thought to myself because I have had days like that in the past. So I looked at the

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-22859330979750780262010-03-27T13:20:00.000-04:002010-03-27T13:44:47.624-04:00

Well, since my first "What to do" post I've decided that I should take some of those pieces apart and make something else with them which turned out to be a great idea! 3 one of a kind necklaces became 3 new one of a kind rings and I am VERY happy with the way they turned out! Let me know what you think of these new pieces....

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-59247022938550176942010-03-16T18:47:00.000-04:002010-03-16T18:47:29.772-04:00

Just added "share/save" buttons to all the items on my website so anyone can do just that if they find the need to :) I figured I would post about my favorite bracelet to test out the new buttons and see if they really work so here goes! michele grady designs

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-23347410635338403232010-03-15T12:25:00.000-04:002010-03-15T12:30:35.387-04:00

Have you ever made something you totally loved and then after a while decided you didn't quite like it as much as you thought? I have a few of these pieces sitting around and I have been trying to figure out what to do with them for a while now. Do I take them apart and start over? Do I sell them at a discount? Do I add more detail to them to make them better? hummm..what to do, what to do...any

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-26756254802747429222010-03-10T20:36:00.000-05:002010-03-10T21:12:21.561-05:00

This past week was the annual Philadelphia Flower Show but since my camera and computer were not getting along at the time I couldn't post any pictures. Now they both seem to be back to being friends and are allowing me to download my pictures again...My uncle is a member of one of the groups exhibiting there and got us exhibitors passes so me and my sister went to check it out. This was one of

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-58886934313034460792010-03-05T09:26:00.000-05:002010-03-05T09:37:10.952-05:00

I just reopened my etsy store again after not being able to keep up with it for awhile during the construction at my house since we are doing a lot of the work ourselves. So check it out! I will update daily with one of a kind items not found anywhere else as well as some of my favorite pieces...And as soon as I figure out why my camera can no longer upload pictures to my computer I'll post some

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-52613203252942170042010-03-04T13:45:00.001-05:002010-03-04T13:49:01.389-05:00

I just came across the coolest idea today while surfing the web...you can check it out here. A group of jewelry artists have come up with the idea to make one ring a day starting Jan 1, 2010for a total of 365 rings from each person! I wish I knew about it earlier because I am SUCH a ring person and would have joined in although it would be really tough with my studio still torn apart!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-57231740380607759752010-01-04T14:54:00.000-05:002010-01-04T15:03:26.489-05:00

I just got some great new beads right before Christmas. They came from Auntie's Beads. Now I just have to figure out what to make with them! my studio is torn apart right now due to the construction and moving it from one room to another so as soon as i get back to work I'll post some photos of my new studio and new work!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-45183346056918959692009-09-16T08:53:00.000-04:002009-09-16T09:26:12.459-04:00

A lot has happened since my last post....sorry it has taken so long! We are doing MAJOR renovations to our house which we started in June. We have added an addition to the back of house which right now, 3 months into the project, is only a shell but when complete it will house our kitchen, dining room, pool table and living room (complete with a new fireplace!). So needless to say, right now my

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-61920689133864858742009-08-05T13:37:00.000-04:002009-08-05T13:58:36.517-04:00

With all that has been going on at my house with the construction and trying to work around it all I did manage to get enough things together for the Buyers Market of American Craft Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center this past weekend. I had to use half of my outdoor booth mixed with my indoor booth because I couldn't get to some of my stuff but it still looked great and I received many

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-37171359549472930162009-07-01T09:41:00.000-04:002009-07-01T09:58:43.022-04:00

So after 16 years of living and working in the same house and slowly growing out of the space we have decided it's finally time to add on. By doing so we are turning our kitchen into a "great room" which will house not only our kitchen but also a dining area, a pool table and our living room furniture. The good thing about all this is that my jewelry studio will then be moved from it's current

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-6317470901589833512009-06-08T17:03:00.000-04:002009-06-08T17:15:25.829-04:00

Since I'm finally trying to update my website I figured I should update my blog as well.....Besides enameling, I also made a bunch of new pieces with all my yummy beads and stones I bought back in March. Here's a few of the many pieces I made. Check out my website in the next few days to see more!Smoky Topaz Twig NecklaceAmethyst Petal & Twig NecklaceCarnelian Petal Earrings

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-52924517520812127762009-06-08T16:58:00.000-04:002009-06-08T17:03:34.865-04:00

The babies are all grown! And all four of them actually flew out of the nest a few days ago and are now living in my back yard. They are still learning to fly but should be pros very soon!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-52581141547392341712009-05-19T12:44:00.000-04:002009-05-19T12:55:22.308-04:00

OK... I just had to share this with you.... I was given a hanging basket of flowers for Easter which I hung on my front porch. About a week later a Robin made a nest in the center of the basket and a not long after that there were 4 eggs! Not only does this make it extremely hard to water the plant but we now have to be careful not to scare the bird when we walk out our front door! And since this

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-62370660854643438322009-05-14T10:48:00.000-04:002009-05-14T11:05:38.311-04:00

As I stated in an earlier post I've been working with enamels. Well I now have some brand new enameled jewelry and I thought I'd share a sampling of it with you....I'm really LOVING the color I can add to my work and the enamel is a lot easier to work with than I had thought!Turquoise enameled double chain necklaceEnameled triple circle necklaceEnameled "Leaves" necklaceI don"t have a ton of

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-81796943690616931202009-04-22T12:30:00.000-04:002009-04-22T12:49:07.603-04:00

I really do have to post more often on my blog! I've been so busy that the time just gets away from me and before I know it, it's been over a month since my last posting! So to catch you up to speed here are some things that have happened in my life....Sunday, March 29th, I had to rush my significant other of almost 13 yrs, Tim, to the emergency room twice in the same day...He had severe stomach

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-13099999586695698142009-03-08T08:30:00.000-04:002009-03-08T09:31:19.523-04:00

I have fallen behind with my postings.....I have been teaching classes & workshops that I have been photographing on a regular basis because my students have made some really wonderful things. The only problem is that I haven't posted any of the pictures like I had promised them I would do! So to all of you that I have photographed I apologize and finally here are some pictures from my last

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-65939267848842172212009-03-04T08:49:00.000-05:002009-03-04T08:54:12.518-05:00

I went to a gem show over the weekend and bought some great new faceted stones and beads! They remind me of candy the way they are all laying out on my bench right now. I can't wait to start making something with them....maybe later today!

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-88233239736501928462009-02-17T15:48:00.000-05:002009-02-17T16:24:02.193-05:00

What a grueling week it's been! I haven't posted in a while because I've been getting ready for a show. I just got back from the BMAC show (Buyers Market of American Craft) at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Phila., PA. It's a wholesale show that happens twice a year where buyers from all over the US and Canada come to shop for their galleries, gift shops, boutiques, etc. The show runs my

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2251875517868613368.post-91314649720833012792009-01-10T08:42:00.002-05:002009-01-10T09:07:43.665-05:00

It's been a while since my last post and a lot has happened. Christmas and New Years have both come and gone and now I am finding myself redecorating my house. We just bought a new kitchen and bedroom set after about 25 years of using craptacular Ikea furniture. Now mind you, I love Ikea just as much as the next person and they have some very cool things in that store but none of it is built to

Michele Gradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04525426707514472266noreply@blogger.com0