Etsy Metal Charm Swap

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 team shop and the proceeds go to a non profit organization of the curator's choice. Not only is it a great way to raise money, but it also is very cool to receive charms from other metal artists from around the world. This time around charms are shipping from Israel, Spain, New Zealand and well as all over the USA!

The charms are due in by Sept 30. I finished my charms on Friday and have shipped them out as of yesterday and can't wait to get all the rest back from everyone else! You can see my charms below....

Some new cuffs for the Wheaton Arts show...

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.

Brandywine Festival of the Arts

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!

Cleaning your handcrafted jewelry

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 use anti-tarnish strips which can be purchased at most department stores or online. The anti- tarnish strips help to retard tarnish when placed in a jewelry box or other container with the jewelry. Using a pre-treated jewelry polishing cloth to buff away tarnish, oils and grime before and/or after wearing each item will help retard the oxidation process and keep your jewelry shining. If you notice an unusual amount of tarnish, a good quality commercial liquid polish and a soft, 100% cotton cloth or gloves will buff it away. DO NOT USE THE LIQUID POLISH ON ITEMS THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED ALREADY OXIDIZED! You will remove the the patina from the item and you will not be able to get it back. These pieces will not tarnish due to the fact that they are already blackened. Copper pieces that are oxidized will turn a more warmer darker brown color over the years which adds to the beauty of the copper.