Simple Charm Necklaces Make Layering Easy

Wow...it's been a while. How have you been?

I know...the Summer is speeding right by. I can't believe school starts in three weeks!

We are in for a heat wave...triple digits for the next several days. How's the weather where you are?

We've got something new we wanted to share...Simple Charms. Part of our Simply Charming Collection, these little beauties are perfect to layer with other necklaces or wear alone. You can also add them to any Build Your Own creation.

And soon, we'll offer adjustable chains so the layering is even easier!

We are in the process of adding more charms this week, so keep checking back.

Be sure to let us know what you think, or if there are other charms you'd like to see.

It's been nice catching up!

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

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.

Picking the Perfect Chain Length

We are often asked, "What's the standard chain length?" The reality is, there's no easy way to answer that question.

We wanted to take this opportunity to share our Chain Length Guide. But remember, so much depends on body style and personal preference, it's not an exact science.

Why not measure another chain you love, or simply cut some yarn in various lengths to see where they fall?

And don't forget to consider the type of neckline you most often wear. A V-neck might call for a different length chain than a crew.

Can't decide? Order the length you think you'll wear the most. If you end up wanting another length, contact us. You can always order just a chain.

You can find this diagram, as well as many other Planning Tools on our site.

"How should I take care of my Punky Jane Jewelry?"

Here are a few guidelines to keep your Punky Jane made with sterling (.925) or fine silver (.999) looking its best.

• Don’t wear your jewelry in water, or allow it to be exposed to chemicals...they will damage the finish and oxidation. Even perfumes, lotions and sprays can damage the finish. 
• Don't hang your jewelry in or near the bathroom, or any other damp area. This will dramatically speed oxidation.
• Don’t use dip-style cleaners...they will remove the oxidation you want to keep (blackening of the letters). It’s best to use a soft cloth made especially for jewelry polishing (like a Sunshine Polishing Cloth), and polish very gently. 
• After your jewelry is clean, you can store it in a zip closure bag if you won't be wearing it for awhile. If you bag a dirty piece, the oxidation will move very quickly.
• If your piece has a brushed finish, the finish will lighten a bit with normal wear and the polishing cloth will speed that up.
• If the oxidation in the letters gets a little lighter, it will darken again over time through the natural oxidation process. 
• Remember, the best way to keep your jewelry from tarnishing is to wear it! Please note that it’s normal for silver jewelry to show gentle wear. Silver is a soft metal.

And remember, you can find this and other great info in our FAQs section.

      

I'm Just a Swirl

Made a quick treasury today featuring members of the Etsy Twitter Team...take a look and let me know what you think!

'I'm Just a Swirl...' by PunkyJane

I'm feeling a little swirly today, so I put together a little collection of all things swirl. Thanks to the EtsyTwitter Team for making it easy!

SALE - - - Whirlypo... acageybee $13.00	Paper Origami ORNAM... SalonDArte $3.75	Personalized Monogr... AngelEllie $18.00
Pastel Ruffle Scarf... FoxyGknits $45.00	Pink Black Silver S... WellspringCrea... $25.00	CAT AND THE HUMMING... prettywhimsica... $5.95
Jurrasic Park Avenu... KelliCraftStud... $10.00	Inspired RobinMariaPedr... $150.00	Copper Wire Wrapped... lindab142 $16.50
Rectangle Paisleys ... purplelemondes... $26.00	Swirls and Dots - H... DorsetHillBead... $18.00	Girly Girl Swirly S... beautifulbridg... $40.00
THE SQUEEZE -- Snap... dizzlePOP $7.00	25 Pink Flower Wedd... ArtWhims $62.50	Scrabble Tile Penda... inmyheadstudio... $10.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Just Breathe

I've been reminding myself to do that a lot lately. 

We're in one of those crazy phases in our lives right now with so much change it's hard to keep up. The light at the end is bright and we know we'll get there soon, but no routine and no consistency is tough on my "plan-everything-try-to-maintain-control" personality!

This ring is one of the first pieces I created when I started Punky Jane almost two years ago, and it's still one of my favs!

And I wear mine everyday...just in case I forget.

JUST BREATHE RING by Punky Jane

Taking Itty Bitty to a Whole New Level

When I look at the work of my buddy Vickie Porter of In My Head Studios, I always think to myself (after I take in the pure art and beauty), "I seriously could never do that!" The obvious patience and attention to detail she has astounds me. Just look at the detail in this piece....

Sophisticated Squares -
Altered Domino Jewelry Pendant - Upcycled Recycled

This gorgeous necklace is made from a colorful collage that "is a tiny print of a larger work of art that I made specifically for my domino pendant jewelry. The collage was done with a variety of papers, rubber stamps, acrylic paint, and ink. It is printed with high quality archival paper and ink."

Vickie says "I have a seriously good/bad relationship with perfectionism so my customers can rest assured they are getting top quality materials and artwork. It’s sometimes hard to tell in photos online, but the dominoes and microscope slide glass pendants have real tiny paper collages on them. I work with ridiculously small pieces of paper sometimes."

From her profile:

I HAVE to make art like I have to breathe! There were just never enough papers, markers, or bottles of glue in my house growing up… I used it all up so fast! Now I cannot stop! I am so grateful to be an artist and have a place to share my work.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: FREE shipping to anywhere from August 16-22! Discount applied through prompt PayPal refund. No need for coupons or codes! 

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/08/shop-of-week-inmyheadstudios.html

• On Etsy: http://inmyheadstudios.etsy.com
• Follow @inmyheadstudios on Twitter.
• Follow her blog http://inmyheadstudios.blogspot.com
• 'Like' her on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InMyHeadStudios
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• "Like" Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter

Featured Etsy Blogger :: Beaded Tail

How wonderful to see someone put their talent to work to make the world a better place. In this case, I'm talking about Beaded Tail. This mom and daughter shop make beaded jewelry and adorable collar covers, and donate ALL sales proceeds to animal awareness causes.

Check out their profile for more details on the causes they donate to.

I want to share one of my favorite pieces from their shop:

Nature's Beauty - Antiqued Brass Leaves and
Orange Swarovski Crystal Earrings

I love their slogan: "We're Making Tails Wag One Bead at a Time!"

What a perfect combination...you get beautiful jewelry AND help the dogs and cats of the world at the same time!

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadedTail
• Follow her blog http://beadedtail.blogspot.com
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• "Like" Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: LindaB142

I'm excited to share the work of one of my Etsy Twitter Team buds, Linda Blanchford, otherwise known as LindaB142.

Not only is she a wonderful person and teammate, but she also does beautiful work. Add to that an amazing sale and you'll have to go shopping! I just love these...and they are only $5!!

 

Peace Sign Hippie Lampwork Earrings

[you had me a Peace Sign Hippie!]

From her profile:

I'm passionate about using colors and gemstone characteristics in my unique beaded jewelry designs. I've been beading for about 4-5 years now. I work full-time and find beading to be relaxing and fun.

I love color and what the gemstones and colors symbolize and create one-of-a-kind, unusual designs of handbeaded gemstone and glass pendants, bracelets, earrings, beaded bookmarks, rings, beaded keychains and car mirror jewelry.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: Lindab142 is celebrating her 36th wedding anniversary this week. In celebration, all her shop items are marked down. Also, in June, a portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the Susan G Komen Cancer fund.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/06/shop-of-week-lindab142.html

• On Etsy: http://Lindab142.Etsy.com
• Follow @lindab142 on Twitter.
• Follow her blog http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com
• "Like" her on facebook 
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• "Like" Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: MindyG

I wanted to share one of my favorite pieces from the EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, Mindy G. This little Love Spring Copper and Sterling Necklace is feels like Spring, with that little dash of warmth to keep you cozy during the those chilly evenings.

Take a look around her shop. You'll see a huge variety of designs and materials...what an amazing collection! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MindyG

From her profile:

I offer a unique handcrafted jewelry line that has been created by blending beautiful gemstones, freshwater pearls and fabulous findings with vibrant colors and textures.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: MindyG is offering one free surprise gift with each purchase for the Week of June 14. Mention "etsytwitter" in the message to seller box upon checking out.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/06/shop-of-week-mindyg.html

• On Etsy: http://www.MindyG.etsy.com
• Follow @Mindy_G on Twitter. 
• "Like" her on facebook.
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• "Like" Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Bringing Jewelry to Life

Sharing a few of my favorite things from this week's Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week is not easy. How can I pick just a few? 

The work of Katy Mims of South Paw Studios is stunning. Her photography is gorgeous. Her prices are affordable. And I agree with Katy's own words: she "brings the jewelry to life." 

Now I'll let a couple of selections speak for themselves:

Salmon colored Venetian glass dangle bracelet 

 

Aquamarine blue crystal drop necklace

 

 

From her profile:

Growing up in a home with both artistic and creative parents, I felt that it was in my blood to become an artist.

Early on, I dabbled in almost every medium from ceramics, batiking, silk dying, watercolor, and sewing to photography, but it was in jewelry design that I found a good niche. When my father, a glass blower, gave me a book on jewelry design, I delved further into the art. 

Although I had been crafting treasures for my family and friends, a great opportunity came to me when I was 17. A friend of mine was wearing a piece of my jewelry when she was shopping in a boutique. The owner loved what she was wearing so much that he inquired as to where she got it. Soon, I placed my jewelry in that boutique and my pieces began to sell. It was then that I knew I was onto something.

Katy was right! She really was on to something...and we are all lucky she found it.

 

Be sure to check out her supplies shop as well for a great selection of Swarovski Glass Pearls and beading supplies:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/southpawbeads

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: This week, Katy is offering a special Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week Discount! 15% off all regularly priced items, now thru May 2nd. Enter code “Etsytwitter15” in message to seller during checkout. Discount will be refunded via Paypal.

ALSO: special promo item, these earrings will be on sale for only $7, regularly $16, no code necessary.

 

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/04/shop-of-week-southpawstudios.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/southpawstudios
• Check out her supplies shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/southpawbeads 
• Follow @SouthPawStudios on Twitter. 
• "Like" her on facebook.
• Follow her blog.
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Going Green with PMC

To celebrate the EtsyTwitter Team's Go Green event, I want to share a few items from my shop that are made from recycled silver. (To see them all, click here.)

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is actually 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.

I love working with PMC. I feel like I'm playing with Play-Doh! Expensive Play-Doh, but still fun. During firing, the binders burn away and what's left is a fine silver (99.9%) piece of art...hopefully!

Be sure to check out other items made by the EtsyTwitter Team that are green and stay up to date with out event, including giveaways at our team blog, http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com

Science Goes Sassy

I have to admit, this week's Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week had me hitting Wiki. While it's obvious the work of the mom and daughter team at My Sassy Glass is beautiful, I just had to find out what 'dichroic glass' is. What I discovered has me appreciating their gorgeous work even more! And as a bonus, I got a little science lesson:

 

From Wikipedia:

Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass dichroic optical properties. The invention of dichroic glass is often erroneously attributed to NASA and its contractors, who developed it for use in dichroic filters. Dichroic glass dates back to at least the 4th century AD as seen in the Lycurgus cup.

Multiple ultra-thin layers of different metals (gold, silver), metal oxides (titanium, chromium, aluminium, zirconium, magnesium) and silica are vaporised by an electron beam in a vacuum chamber. The vapour then condenses on the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure. This is sometimes followed by a protective layer of quartz crystal. The finished glass can have as many as 30 to 50 layers of these materials yet the thickness of the total coating is approximately 30 to 35 millionths of an inch (about 760 to 890 nm). The coating that is created is very similar to a gemstone and, by careful control of thickness, different colours are obtained.

 

Dichroic glass is now available to artists through dichroic coating manufacturers. Glass artists often refer to dichroic glass as "dichro". The main characteristic of dichroic glass is that it has a transmitted colour and a completely different reflected colour, as certain wavelengths of light either pass through or are reflected. This causes an array of colour to be displayed. The colors shift depending on the angle of view.

 

 

 

[okay, my eyes have glazed over...I'm going to share her amazing work now]

 

Butterfly Queen – Dichroic Fused Glass Slide Pendant :: $25

Twilight Lake – Dichroic Fused Glass Slide Pendant :: $25

 

From her profile:

I was a stay-at-home mom with 4 children that did crafts to stay mentally alert. Some of my crafts include, ceramics, hand-painted ornaments, cross stitch, quilting, knitting, crocheting, wheat-weaving, metal punching..... Do you get the idea that I always had a project going? I had always been interested in glass, but did not have an area where I could cut the glass and not worry about the children getting cut by the shards.

Many years later, my daughter finished her degree in design about this time I was downsized out of my fourth job. We decided to combine our talents...and you can only benefit!

We feel that our one-of-a-kind pendants offer a hint about the personality of the person that wears it. We make pendants in many shapes and sizes and love to see which one our customer picks out. Whether you are bold, elegant, edgy, trendy, strong, modern, classic, sporty, daring or sassy... we feel that you can find a pendant that is perfect for you!

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: FREE SHIPPING until April 30th on all purchases totaling $40 or more from either of our Etsy shops. Items will be shipped either USPS First Class OR First Class International. Please use code: SOTW in the comments at checkout to redeem this offer. Shipping charges will be refunded via Paypal after payment or you may convo me before payment for a revised invoice. Wisconsin residents - applicable purchase of $40 is calculated before sales tax. Also…..We invite you to check out our facebook pendant giveaway. http://www.facebook.com/MySassyGlass

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/04/shop-of-week-mysassyglass.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysassyglass
• Their Etsy Supply Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysassysupplies
• Follow @Mysassyglass on Twitter. 
• Follow her blog.
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Front Page! [and the tools that let me know]

I got the coveted email notification this morning from the Statsy Featurator that my Picture This personalized portrait necklace had been featured on the front page of Etsy in a collection of ideas for Mother's Day. Great way to start the weekend!

Once I was featured, the MyEtsy App automatically posted the news to my Punky Jane Facebook page. Wow...I got a lot done without doing a thing! Gotta love that.

I missed the actual front page, but thanks to CraftCult.com, I was able to grab a screen shot, as well as a widget to add to my website and blog. Whew!

That listing sold, but I can always make more: Picture This personalized sterling silver necklace.

Etsy sellers, if you aren't using these tools already, I highly recommend them all.

Statsy: http://statsy.org/featurator.php

MyEtsy App: http://apps.facebook.com/myetsy

CraftCult: http://CraftCult.com

Pretty Cheap (in name only!)

Nina, from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week proves that cool doesn't have to be expensive. Her shop, Pretty Cheap if filled with quality handmade jewelry and accessories at amazingly low prices. Check out a couple of my favs:

 

 

Apricot Oval Stone Slab Ring :: $10

Recycled Guitar String Bangle Bracelets, Teal & Plum :: $15

 

 

From her profile:

Why are my prices so low? A true bargain is something of good quality, right?

Rest assured. The quality and workmanship are all high here. I use good materials (stone, shell, pearl, Swarovski crystals), precious metals (sterling silver and 14K gold filled, and more).

Still, why are the prices so low? Pretty Cheap Jewelry is my creative outlet to to counter-act my technical day job. The joy and satisfaction of designing and selling my work is almost more than enough compensation (ok, ok so I have to earn something for new supplies, right?).

And I love the thrill of the bargain hunt myself! It doesn't need to cost alot to mean alot and be alot of fun.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: For this week only, Nina is offering Free Recycled Guitar String Bracelet with every order (no minimum purchase necessary). While supplies last. Lots of colors and styles, great environmental fashion statement. Just ask for it at checkout. See examples here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettycheap/4368649814/

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-prettycheap.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettycheap
• Follow @prettycheap on Twitter. 
• Become her fan on facebook
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.