I’m Rose, and I’m so happy to talk to you! As you heard in Brandon’s email, I’ve been working behind-the-scenes here at Wire-Sculpture (letting Brandon take all the credit!) and I love getting to serve all the amazing wire artists I’ve come to know over the last year.

I want to thank all of you who have sent me such nice, welcoming emails already – you are so kind! Brandon and I have been getting a whole lot of questions about me, and although I’m naturally shy, I’ll give it a go!

When I was younger, I was always either reading, or making something with my hands. I loved making elaborate decorations cut from paper, knitting dolls, sewing doll clothes, beading my own jewelry, and I loved creating stories. I even learned how to cross-stitch from my grandmother, who always sent us handmade cross-stitched cards at Christmas and birthdays.

I wanted to be an Editor when I grew up, although I wasn’t sure what field I would go into. I had no idea that I could be an Editor in such a creative, hands-on field! Since I found Wire-Sculpture, I’ve been living my dream: I get to read and watch amazing wire jewelry instructions and tips every day, and share them with all of you! And I’m so happy that I’ll get to help each of you reach your creative jewelry dreams, too.

I’m originally from Washington state, and I moved here to Utah a few years ago. I love the warm summers! I’ve been fortunate to take several classes from Dale "Cougar" Armstrong, and I’ve also watched most of her DVDs at least twice (including the Definitive Guide), because I got to write or edit the enclosed booklets that go with the DVDs! I love making wire jewelry, especially hairpieces, necklaces, and pendants. I have a tough time wearing earrings, so I love wearing the Ear Cuffs I’ve made!

In my spare time, when I’m not making wire jewelry, I love knitting and playing tennis. As a knitter, I’m especially looking forward to our upcoming DVD series, which is all about Coiling and Weaving Wire to make jewelry designs – look for that exciting announcement this spring!

Plus, I get to join Dale, Albina, and several of the Wire-Sculpture staff in Tucson the next couple weeks at the JOGS Show. I’m going to be sending you updates about the show, showing you pictures, and maybe even including some discounts for you from the show! I can’t wait!

Best Wishes,
Rose Marion
Editor, Wire-Sculpture.com

Hi Friends,

I mentioned back in December that I would be introducing you to a new person this month, and I’m very excited about it!

I know that you’ll love my good friend Rose Marion. She’s been helping me behind-the-scenes with emails, promotions, jewelry patterns, and our Facebook Fan Page, as well as coordinating our Blog and site content. She’s even completely running our exclusive Wire Artist of the Month program along with Dale "Cougar" Armstrong, selecting a featured wire artist every month!

Over the last year, I’ve loved watching all of you grow and develop into creative, amazing wire artists in your own right. I wanted so badly to help everyone I’ve met through Wire-Sculpture, and listen to all your stories and marvel over your pictures – but it finally grew to the point where I couldn’t balance serving you with doing my regular store duties. So I turned to my friend Rose for help, and for the last year she’s been here at my side, helping me do my job.

Our team here at Wire-Sculpture is growing, and although I’ll continue to be here for you, Rose is going to be sending you all the sale emails, promotions, Free Patterns, Tips, and all our other emails starting this week. You’ll still be able to reach me at brandonh@wire-sculpture.com, but Rose is just as committed to solving all your jewelry making problems as I am, so feel free to email her at RoseM@wire-sculpture.com, and I know she’ll get right back to you!

You know, Rose is really good about replying to email, and she’s excellent at getting things done around here. She might even be FASTER than me! And she’ll be able to spend much more time getting to know each of you personally.

I’m sure you won’t notice a difference – the biggest change is I hope you add RoseM@wire-sculpture.com to your address book, so all your Wire-Sculpture informational and promotional emails continue to fly straight to your inbox.

Look for some fun emails from Rose in the next week about the upcoming JOGS Show in Tucson – She’s going to have lots of pictures and information from the show for you!

All my Best,
Brandon Hutchins
Wire-Sculpture.com

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
December 18, 2010

Question:

Good morning Dale, I’m tumbling some Apache tears and they refuse to polish up to that fine glass finish we all love. Can you give me some pointers? Thanks for all your help and guidance.

-Sherry in Coulterville, California

Answer:

Ah yes, Apache tears, lovely little drops of obsidian. These are about the most difficult of all materials to tumble polish! I remember my first batch, it took me about 4 months of experimentation to get it right. The following is how I mastered tumble polishing Apache Tears:

First, be sure that you use LOTS of plastic pellets throughout every run, from coarse through fine, as you do not want a single conchoidal chip.

The secret is in the polish stage. Carefully place the tears in the polish barrel and before you add the water, saturate the water with white table sugar (and I mean saturate!!). This forms a really thick syrup that when added to the tears and pellets will further the “cushion” needed to protect these little glass pieces. Note: Be sure to add enough pellets for the barrel to be 4/5 full!

Then add cerium oxide, about half again the amount you would normally use, a dash of Ivory flakes, and run for about 10 hours before checking. Enjoy!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a Question? Click Here to Submit Your Question

Click to Receive Daily Tips by Email

Well, it’s the holidays, and whether that means a quiet celebration at home, or a huge party with relatives and children, you’ll have a ton of fun “Discovering Crystal” with these crystal geodes!

Three to a pack, these Geode Crystal rocks are guaranteed to have sparkling quartz inside. All you need is a chisel (or an old screwdriver), a hammer, eye protection, and a good floor, and you’re ready to go! Children will love discovering their own glittering rocks. Watch the video below to learn how!

Three Crystal Geodes

Click here to purchase your Crystal Geodes – only available for a limited time!

The holiday season is upon us! Everywhere you look, holiday signs are starting to appear. I watched my neighbor across the street hang Christmas lights with his son on the weekend, and the warehouse here at Wire-Sculpture is already listening to holiday tunes on the radio! And we’ve already had a few days of snow – not enough for snowmen, but enough to bring a shiver.

This time last year, we had a huge day after Thanksgiving sale. This year, we’re doing it again, and we’re calling it Wire-Sculpture’s Biggest Sale of the Year!

During the Biggest Sale of the Year, you’ll have opportunities to save money on wire,tools, DVDs, and more; earn up to $100 in Gift Certificates; and win prizes! (And when I say wire, I’m including Gold Filled, Argentium®, and Sterling Silver!)

Now, the big rule about the holidays is everything in its time: No peeking, no shaking the wrapped gifts, and no running through the house for hidden treats.

I’m not telling you all the details of the sale yet! But, if you really, really can’t wait to find out all the prizes, discounts, and ways to save, click here to be on my advance notification list. You’ll get to peek at the sale prices early, and you’ll also get a special little gift. But only if you click here !

The Biggest Sale of the Year starts at 9:00am Eastern Time on Friday, November 26, so mark your calendar – you don’t want to miss it!

Wishing you a warm holiday season filled with family, friends, and beautiful jewelry,

Brandon Hutchins
Wire-Sculpture.com