Last Minute Gift Ideas!

It's not too late to give the gift of handmade.

We've put together a section of Punky Jane designs 

that ship within two business days.

Order now through December 17th, 

only at www.PunkyJane.com.

[quantities are limited]

Happy Holidays!

Mark Your Calendar® :: The Original Hand Stamped Calendar Jewelry

Baseball Inspired Gifts Ideas - Hand Stamped and Personalized for You!

"Baseball is 90 percent mental and the other half is physical."

~Yogi Berra

Baseball fever has taken over in many cities as teams fight it out post season. Thought is was the perfect time to share a few of our favorite baseball inspired designs.

There's No Place Like Home {Base} Keychain.
Personalized with the geographic coordinates of your choice.

Large Personalized Baseball Locket. 

Also available in a smaller size.

Baseball Sweet Stack.

Softball or Baseball Wife Sweet Stack.

Be sure to check out all of our Hobby and Sport inspired designs here.

Play Ball!!

Cinnamon Roll Cake...a new family favorite

I love a good cinnamon roll.

I'm not a huge fan of those ginormous rolls covered in frosting. I prefer the type that have globs of the brown sugar/cinnamon mix that you scrape off the pan and add to the top. We fight over those globs.

This recipe caught my eye a few days ago, and I knew I wanted to try it. It showed up in my facebook feed, and I headed right over to Chef In Training to check it out.

Today was the big day...and I'd call it a total success!

It's very easy to make. The cake is a wonderful, buttery, moist cake, and the topping is delish. I love how it sinks down into the cake after you take it out of the oven to create wonderful little puddles of goodness.

I made the glaze, but only drizzled half over the cake, then served the rest on the side for anyone who wanted a little more (aka my kids).

I'm definitely adding this Cinnamon Roll Cake to our recipe book. And, after a quick scan of several other recipes over at Chef In Training, I'll also be adding Nikki's site to my list of favorites.

Enjoy!

Hand Stamping in Action at Punky Jane

Are you curious about how your Punky Jane Jewelry is made? Have you ever wondered what the heck hand stamping means?

We put together a little video over on our shiny new YouTube channel that shows some hand stamping in action.

Check it out...

Tattle Tales Necklaces – Write On Wipe Off Jewelry by Punky Jane

Punky Jane Jargon :: Additional Services from Punky Jane

Family Tribute Necklace with Angel Wing Charm

Today we are focusing on some of the ADDITIONAL SERVICES we offer at Punky Jane. 

Build Your Own :: Several of our collections are highly customizable, so much so that we let you start from scratch and 'Build Your Own'! You can wear all your charms at once or just a few...it's like getting several necklaces in one. If you get stuck, we offer popular combinations to help with ideas. 


In our Build Your Itty Bitty section, you start with a chain and add small discs, charms, and crystals to create your own necklace or bracelet.

In our Build Your Own Simply Charming section, you start with a chain and add pieces to create the perfect family necklace. 

In our Build Your Own Simply Charming Glass Locket section, you start with a glass locket and add message discs, charms, and crystals to create a personalized piece with a vintage feel.

Ready to Ship :: Because of the personalized nature of our pieces, normal production time is 2-3 weeks plus shipping. We know that sometimes our customers need a last minute gift, so we've curated a selection of handmade items that ship within two business days. Check it out, here. Also consider a Punky Jane Gift Certificate! 

Jewelry Tune-up :: While it's normal for sterling silver jewelry to show gentle wear and oxidation, if your Punky Jane piece is overly dirty and tarnished, we are more than happy to tune-up your piece. 

We will: clean and remove tarnish on all silver components [stamped pieces, jump rings, chains]; re-oxidize/blacken stamped characters; and polish and/or refinish your piece. Be sure to visit the Cleaning & Polishing section on our website for polishing pads and cloths to keep your piece bright and shiny!

Gold Filled vs. Gold Plated (and other Punky Jane Jargon Explained)

At Punky Jane, we only use high-quality materials. We use supplies made in the good old USA whenever possible, and only buy from trusted sources.

In today's post about Punky Jane Jargon, we're exploring some of the MATERIALS we use.

Gold Filled vs. Gold Plated :: Our gold filled pieces are made from high quality 14k/20k double clad sheet with a gold layer on both sides, NOT gold plated sheet.

Also known as "rolled gold" or "rolled gold plate", gold filled is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass. Some high quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as 14 karat (58%) gold. In the USA the quality of gold filled is defined by the Federal Trade Commission. If the gold layer is 10 kt fineness the minimum layer of karat gold in an item stamped GF must equal at least 1/10 (10%) the weight of the total item. If the gold layer is 12 kt or higher the minimum layer of karat gold in an item stamped GF must equal at least 1/20 (5%) the weight of the total item.

Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver (to make silver-gilt), by chemical or electrochemical plating.


Sterling Silver :: An alloy of fine silver that contains 92.5% fine silver mixed with other metals, usually copper. Mixing the other metal with the soft fine silver makes it stronger. You'll see many pieces marked with a ".925" to designate that it's sterling. Because of the additional metal mixed in, sterling will oxidize more quickly. Most of our designs are created with U.S.-sourced, reclaimed (recycled) or third-party certified to be ethically mined.


Fine Silver :: 99.9% pure silver. A much softer metal, fine silver isn't used for practical objects like silverware. You will often see fine silver pieces marked with a ".999" symbol. We use fine silver wire to create our Infinity and Gratitude Symbols.  


PMC aka Precious Metal Clay :: PMC is a recycled product. During photo processing, silver is recovered. That silver is mixed in with a binder making a clay-like material that can be worked, rolled, formed, stamped, etc. and then fired to create beautiful, fine silver pieces. Our Rustic Dragonfly necklace is an example.


Swarovski Crystals :: We carry three different types of Swarovski crystals: flatbacks, dangles, and channel sets. Our flatback Swarovski crystals are used to highlight your special date on our Mark Your Calendar Necklaces and Charms & Pins, as well as accents on other pieces. Our Swarovski crystal dangles hang on a sterling silver head pin and are added to necklaces as charms.   Our Swarovski channel set crystals are available in both silver and gold plated and are added to necklaces as charms.


All of our chains, clasps, and other components are U.S.A. made, with the exception of a couple of small components that are not available from U.S. suppliers 


Interested in learning more about some of the Techniques we use? Check out our previous post.

Stayed tuned...more to come!


  

Hand Stamped vs. Engraved (and other Punky Jane Jargon explained)

 

Mark Your Calendar® Cuff Links

We thought it would be nice to explain some of the jargon we use, not only around the studio, but also in our product descriptions.

Today, we are focusing on TECHNIQUES:

Hand stamped vs. engraved :: Our pieces are hand stamped by striking individual steel stamps with a hammer. This creates pieces that are totally unique. Engraving can be done with a computer-aided machine.

Gauge ::  The gauge of metal is simply a measurement of its thickness. In the United States (and jewelry making world), sheet metal is measured using the Brown and Sharpe Gauge. Oddly enough, the larger the gauge, the thinner the metal. For more information on gauge, see our blog post, here.  

Soldering :: Soldering joins two or more metal items by melting and flowing a filler metal (with a lower melting point) into the joint. Because soldering does not melt the two items being joined it is different from welding. All of our cuff links feature a sterling silver cuff link soldered to a sterling silver hand stamped piece.
 
Oxidization :: Most of our pieces are oxidized (or blackened), meaning the letters, numbers, and other impressions are filled in. Sterling silver will continue to oxidize over time. For tips on keeping your piece clean, see our blog post, here.

Brushed vs. polished finish :: Customers are given a choice of a brushed or polished finish on many of our pieces. Our brushed finish is a less shiny, almost matte finish while our polished finish is quite shiny. 


Stay tuned...we'll be posting more soon!

Look What Punky Found: Lee Wolfe Pottery

We love finding new artisans to enjoy, support, and share. Lee Wolfe, behind One Clay Bead creates amazing ceramic dinnerware, serving bowls, mugs, housewares, and ornaments that combine function and art. As a studio potter for over 35 years, she says, 'I am committed to making pottery that is durable, and designed for lifetimes of function and pleasure. It is my intention that my pottery becomes a treasured part of your daily life, and an heirloom that is passed with wonderful memories through generations. '

'I am not the person who makes something you love. You are the person who loves something I make.' Although we work a little differently here at Punky Jane, we love her honesty about her work process.

We are amazed by her mixing and swirling of glazes that create one of a kind pieces. 

Ceramic Flower Bowl in Turquoise Sunrise by Lee Wolfe Pottery

You can order custom made dinnerware sets in a variety of colors, styles, and shapes, here.

Read about her Dinnerware FAQ's here. Really interesting look into her skill, process, and why she creates her pieces the way she does.

River Journey 3-Piece Dinnerware Set by Lee Wolfe Pottery

Arabesque Series Ceramic Nesting Bowls by OneClayBead

Poppy Jewelry Dish by OneClayBead

She has a Pinterest Board titled, 'Food Stylists with Lee Wolfe Pottery'. Cool to see Southern Living and Cooking Light supporting an artisan. 

Check out One Clay Bead on :: 
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Look What Punky Found: ABJglassworks

Sometimes we like to pick a random location and use the Shop Local feature on Etsy. Today I chose Philadelphia and found Ashley Bram-Johnson the artist behind ABJglassworks. You can read a bit more about Ashley and her shop, here and here.

We were initially taken by her planters and hanging terrariums for air plants or succulents, but a more thorough browse of her shop lead to a lot more favorites. 

The Zephyrus Terrarium is made from glass and eco-friendly lead-free solder. It arrives in a kit with pebbles, activated charcoal, and tips for starting a terrarium.

Zephyrus Terrarium from ABJglassworks

Ashley also creates little display boxes, perfect for a special piece of jewelry.

Pyramid Display Box from ABJglassworks

Polaris Pyramid Display Box from ABJglassworks

Some of the most unique pieces in her shop are the moon phase garlands

Dark Side Complete Moon Phase from ABJglassworks

She even collaborated with Free People to create a custom Moon Phase Chime!

Moon Phase Chime by ABJglassworks for Free People

However, the most fun is definitely the Bubble Lamp!

Colors of Nature Bubble Lamp from ABJglassworks

Colors of Nature Bubble Lamp from ABJglassworks

Ashley even takes custom orders to help you create the perfect piece! 

Be sure to check out ABJglassworks ::
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National Chocolate Day = My Kind of Holiday!

Today is Chocolate Day and later this month, July 28th to be exact, is National Milk Chocolate Day! Actually, it looks like there are quite a few National Chocolate Days throughout the year. That's okay, I can get behind a day (or a couple!) all about chocolate!

How about celebrating with a Punky Jane Chocolate Molecule Necklace?

Sterling Silver Chocolate Molecule Necklace

And 51 of the Best Chocolate Recipes from Real Simple. Yum!

Look What Punky Found: Unique Metal Work by The Salvaged Edge

We stumbled upon The Salvaged Edge by Marie Young and knew we had to share! Each piece is created from salvaged copper, aluminum, sterling silver, and/or vintage jewelry.

Read about how she got started and her inspiration, here.  

Our favorite pieces are the intricate and detailed copper bookmarks. Made from recycled copper electrical wire, they'd make a great gift for book lovers!

Copper Horned Owl Bookmark from TheSalvagedEdge

Copper Fairy Mushroom Bookmark from TheSalvagedEdge

Copper Fairy Wand Bookmark from TheSalvagedEdge

Copper Tulip Bookmark from TheSalvagedEdge

Check out TheSalvagedEdge on:

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Look What Punky Found: Fourth of July Fun

Where did June go?!?! The Fourth of July is this Friday. It's always fun to celebrate with some extra red, white, and blue. We found quite a few fun items!

Treats are an important part of any holiday BBQ and these red, white, and blue cupcake liners are festive!

Patriotic Cupcake Liner Mix from SugarFoxShop

Add some 4th of July cupcake toppers for super patriotic cupcakes!

Happy 4th of July Cupcake Topper from PinkPoppyPartyShoppe

If you're more of a cookie person, here's a cute decorating idea from Very Best Baking...

Stars and Stripes Cookies from Very Best Baking

 Don't forget the decorations. Star garlands would be a fun outside!

Star Garland from MailboxHappiness

Pop a red, white, and blue paper straw in a drink and enjoy the day!

4th of July Straws from MailboxHappiness

Just a note...the Punky Jane studio will be closed Friday, July 4th to honor our country and enjoy our families. We will return to normal studio hours on Monday, July 7th.

We hope you enjoy your Independence Day!

Look What Punky Found: Handcrafted Metal Kitchenware by beehivekitchenware

Digging around Etsy always leads to some fun discoveries. While not everything is our taste, there's something for everyone. We're in awe of the amazing things some artisans make. Beehive Handmade is a shop that does not disappoint!

They hand craft 'metal kitchenware by hand using traditional metalsmithing techniques, antique tools, and hand cast parts. Each product starts as a hand fabricated original model, made out of brass, in the traditional way. Then the model is molded and cast in pewter at a local factory in Massachusetts.'

Each item is an heirloom quality treasure. Like the measuring spoon sets. We'd love to have a special set of measuring spoons to make baking even the tiniest bit more fun.

Hand Cast Pewter Bird Measuring Spoons

Hand Cast Pewter Blossom Measuring Spoons

They recently collaborated with Food52 on a set of measuring spoons!  

Their lead-free pewter baby cups are adorable as well! There are even matching pewter baby spoons.

Heirloom Pewter Baby Cup - Pig

Importantly, all of their pewter items are 'food safe, lead free, and meet all CPSIA safety guidelines for children's feeding products.'

Find Beehive Handmade ::
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Q: Your Mark Your Calendar® Keychains are 18 gauge sterling silver. What does that mean??

Four different diameter discs, all the same thickness: 20 gauge.

Once in awhile, customers ask about what the "gauge" measurement in our listings means, so we thought we provide a little explanation. 

For example, this description identifying the gauge of sterling silver sheet used is included in our Mark Your Calendar® Keychain listing: 

This nice and thick 18 gauge, approximately 1" sterling silver rectangle can be hand stamped with ANY month from ANY year (past, present or future), and then one day will be highlighted with an oval or a heart AROUND the date.

So what does it mean?

The gauge of metal is simply a measurement of its thickness, but because it's not a measurement we typically use in our day-to-day lives, it has little meaning by itself. Plus there are various measurement systems and standards to make it even more confusing! 

In the United States (and jewelry making world), sheet metal is measured using the Brown and Sharpe Gauge.

Oddly enough, the larger the gauge, the thinner the metal. So our Mark Your Calendar Keychains are made from a nice and thick 18 gauge sterling silver, while our necklaces (no stamping on the back) are made from a thinner 22 gauge sterling silver. 

You can see from the chart below that the difference between those two gauges is only .015 of an inch!

The common gauges of sheet metal we use are listed below along with their respective thicknesses in inches and millimeters:

18 gauge     |     .040 inches     |     1.02mm     |  
20 gauge     |     .032 inches     |     .812mm     |  
22 gauge     |     .025 inches     |     .644mm     |  
24 gauge     |     .020 inches     |     .511mm     |  
26 gauge     |     .016 inches     |     .405mm     |  

We include the gauge used in our product descriptions to help you 'gauge' its thickness. Sorry...had to say it.

Celebrate a Golden Birthday!

Our hand stamped Gold Filled Mark Your Calendar® Necklace
makes a perfect gift for a Golden Birthday.

I have to admit that I didn't know what a Golden Birthday was until a few years ago. Golden Anniversary, sure. But Golden Birthday? That was a new one.

Just in case you haven't heard about it, your Golden Birthday is the birthday where you turn the same age as the day your were born. For example, turning 24 on the 24th.

I've since discovered that it can also be called your Grand Birthday, Champagne Birthday, Star Birthday or Lucky Birthday.

Since my birthday is on the 17th, and I'm long past that age, I think I'll just make every birthday my Champagne Birthday. Reasonable, don't you think?

Graduation Gift Ideas from Punky Jane Jewelry

It's graduation season! Every graduation from preschool to college and beyond is a reason to celebrate. Are there any special soon-to-be graduates in your life?

Here at Punky Jane, we've created a list of Graduation Gift Ideas. It even includes ideas for the guys! Use it as a starting point, but don't forget to check out the rest of the shop for more hand stamped and personalized gift ideas.

Some of our favorites (and most popular) items include...

Our Graduation Tag Necklace with Initial Charm, which will be personalized with the year of graduation, and initial, and a Swarovski crystal of your choice.

Our 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' Necklace with Compass Charm makes for a special and inspirational gift. It's available as a keychain as well!

Our Spiral Quote Ring can be stamped with a message or little reminder for the graduate. 

For the geeks, we have a Periodic Table Keychain which is personalized by combining elements to spell out names and/or words.

Check out all of our 'Geekery' pieces, here.

Our Mark your Calendar Keychain, is always a popular option! A short message can be stamped on the back.

The guys might enjoy a money clip personalized with their initials and there's even room for a message on the back.

Or our Monogram Cuff Links make a traditional and meaningful gift.

Check out our Graduation Gift Ideas guide as well as the full shop to find the perfect gift for all the graduates in your life.

Look What Punky Found: Spring Gardens

Seems that everyone has a weather story to share. Whether it's the crazy winter, late rains or unseasonable heat, the climate has been a hot topic.

No matter what you're experiencing right now, it's time to get the garden planned and planted! As always, there are plenty of fun, pretty, and useful garden goods on Etsy. Here are some of our favorites...

These simple and classic ceramic garden markers are stamped with your choice of herb or vegetable names. Plus, they are handmade by Lauren from Alluvial in Davis, California, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Punky Jane studio.

Custom Ceramic Herb Markers by Alluvial

This acorn birdhouse from CattailsWoodwork is hand carved from solid cherry and is sure to attract birds!

Acorn Birdhouse by CattailsWoodwork

This sailboat and 'spoonfish' wind chime from Nevastarr is the perfect combination of upcycling and whimsy! Just look at the cute smiling fish!

Seven Sailing Spoonfish Copper and Driftwood Wind Chime by Nevastarr

Made from copper wire and clear crackled glass orbs, this garden wand by DragonflyDreams1 is the perfect decoration for small spaces and container gardens.

Dragonfly Garden Wand by DragonflyDreams1

What are you planting this year?