Kites

Magpie Gemstones has been extremely busy since the last blog entry. We certainly hope that our efforts are helping you find the products you want as prices that work for your budget. We also hope the free information we are working so hard to get out to you is useful. It would be super if you could write to us and let us know what you have liked seeing us do in the past few weeks. Is is the newsletter information, the Super Sales, the tutorials, or . . . ?

Szarka has given us another great free wire wrapped ring tutorial. This one shows the neatest way to make wire rings with a long undrilled bead.  It's fun to make and although I was at first skeptical about how well the ring would hold a bead, I've found it works great. This tutorial was a combined effort in which 10-year-old Magpie, turned photographer, Tera, captured and edited all the photos for the tutorial. Then I wrote the directions using Szarka's idea. I think that little Magpie shows great promise in this arena. What do you think?

Kateri has been busy with shows and is already preparing for the one April 20-22 in Alpine, Texas. This will be the Big Bend Gem and Mineral Show. If you haven't previously been to that area of Texas, this might give you a good excuse. There are many artisans who make it their home. Did you know that you can get a 10% off coupon from the website for use at one of the shows? If you happen to need more gem show information.

Magpie's newest employee, Shannon, is running a little Spring event through Facebook. She's hoping to get us all excited about creating those Spring designs and offering us a reason to make them. You can find a posting of the guidelines in the Jewelry Makers and Bead Lovers Fan Page and more discussion in the Jewelry Makers and Bead Lovers Group. To read more about Shannon go to our About Us Page and scroll down to the bottom.

Watch the "Daily Newsletter" for information about Flash Sales and Super Sales. These are basically times when, for a limited time, Magpie slashes the prices on one or two selected items that you may want for your jewelry design. For example, there's a Super Sale right now on strands of a specific pearl. This expires at 3 PM on Monday, March 5.  If you want to stay up-to-date on happenings such as Flash Sales and Super Sales, subscribe to the "Daily Newsletter". When I went to this link I thought it was just for the weekly newsletter which I already receive, but if you put your email address in the "join" blank, the website will direct you to the page where you can change your profile to get both the "Weekly" and "Daily" Newsletter.

No blog is complete without pictures of some of the new beads that went into Magpie Gemstone's online store this week. How about these?

Szarka would probably call this Amazonite "sweet"! I tend to agree. These are great gemstones.

Are you wondering about the title of this entry? (I thought you'd never ask!) Isn't there something traditional about flying a kite in March? When I taught school we always made kites during this month.

There are at least three aspects in kite flying. One has to do with holding on to the kite string and paying attention to how you let that string out so the kite will rise higher and higher. Another has to do with watching the kite soar in the air and keeping it from running in to something. A third aspect has to do with looking up and enjoying the beauty that kites can create in the sky.

We, here at Magpie Gemstones, have been flying our kites just for you. As we plan more and more things to help you, we are carefully letting out the string on our kites. We're also being very careful that we monitor our kites (sales and events) so that they fly successfully (don't run in to any problems).

The last part of our flight depends on you. We need someone to look at our high flying efforts (providing new beads, sales, tutorials, etc.) and enjoy them. Will you do that for us?

. . . making better kites for you, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Copyrights, Patents and the Ethics of Jewelry Design

The title indicates an issue that I’ve danced around for a long time; yet it is one of great importance in the field of jewelry making. Is it OK to copy someone else’s design and sell it or teach how to make it? I thought I knew the answer to this question, but just in case, I’ve done some research on the topic.

Why should we even care about the copying of a design? First and foremost, it’s good to realize that this can be a legal matter and I certainly don’t want to end up in court – do you? Secondly, if we copy someone’s design for profit or do not acknowledge that the design is theirs we may be called out for the action. With Facebook and the many chat groups that can bring us instant fame, we must also realize the same venues can provide instant embarrassment. There have been a number of instances where I’ve read the admonishments of a designer who has been wronged by another. I don’t want to see my name in that kind of lights! I also think we should care about design copying since one of us could be next. I’ve actually had the experience of someone copying one of my designs and presenting it for sale as their own. It didn’t make me happy! Finally, copying and selling someone else’s design can just plain make us feel bad about our actions. I have a little voice in my head that warns me about such things and I need to pay attention. Would you call that my ..... to read more.

http://www.magpiegemstones.com

Tumbling

Do you tumble? I didn't tumble as a child being from the generation before it was the thing to do. Yet, I remember taking tumbling as a college sophomore and truly enjoying it. Now my tumbling is relegated to using a tumbler in jewelry design and since some of you inquired about how to do just that, Magpie Gemstones is giving you the free information I wrote about it. I hope this will help you get started with appropriate tumbling. http://www.magpiegemstones.com/tumbling_jewelry.html My young grandson likes to watch the tumbler go round and round and is fascinated by how it works. I like how it gently cleans and polishes the jewelry components.

Magpie had a few things take a tumble this week. An inadvertent click of the keypad accidentally removed the pictures from previous blog entries. Szarka has worked hard to restore some of these, but the rest are just gone. Another click removed many of the photos from the clients' blog and we certainly regret this loss. Why don't you help refill the gallery of client work by sending us your beauties made with Magpie Gemstones? We appologize if yours was a photo that tumbled away. Surely some good has come from this mishap. We now know that we shouldn't work on the computer while talking on the phone to our mothers. You just never know when the conversation might initiate an errant click, click, click.

I tumbled right into a beautiful group of pearls on the Magpie Gemstone site. Have you seen the new large hole pearls that are available? I don't recall every finding such large holes in pretty pearls. These are great for rings and wire bracelets as well as other things. I challenge you to see what YOU can make with them. Let's see do you want white, grey or gold???

There are some new saphires on the site now, also. If you want sparkle, tumble right over to those!

Magpie Gemstones is having a Facebook giveaway with a drawing that ends on the 25th of this month. Tell your friends to tumble on over to this link http://www.facebook.com/MagpieGemstones?sk=app_237202476309340 and sign up for a chance to win an amethyst stalactite.

Finally, while you're considering how you too can tumble, could you go out to Georgetown this weekend and say hello to Kateri in the booth at the show? She (and the beads) will be at the Williamson County Gemboree held the 18th and 19th at the Community Center in San Gabriel Park.

Tumbling for you, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Been There . . .

I started to write the title of this post as "been there . . . done that". It is an appropriate title, but doesn't quite give the right connotation. Yet, Magpie has "been there" (many different times) and "done that" (the Tuscon buy). The two chief Magpies just returned from a week long buying trip to Tuscon loaded with all manner of goodies for us. It will take a long time to get all the new beads into the store, but I can, at least, show you how things are coming along. Below are photos of the Wall of New that I snapped yesterday. I didn't capture the boxes of new, as you wouldn't see much from a photo; so you'll just have to trust me regarding the outstanding contents of each one. I was drooling over the plethora of cabachons.

Have you ever stayed up way too late because you were excitedly working on a design project? I've certainly "been there" and wished I hadn't "done that" by the next day. Thankfully, one Magpie has done that several nights in a row in order to get a nice sampling of the new beads in the store and ready for customers. I've selected just a few turquoise beauties to show in this entry. You'll have to decide whether you like the Nacozari or prefer the Hubei. I'm still trying to decide.

I know that Kateri will have some new things, purchased especially for the shows, when she arrives at the Williamson County Gemboree in Georgetown, TX. This event will be held on February 18-19 at the Community Center in San Gabriel Park. It's your first good chance to see the beads out and about in 2012 and even though you may have previously "done that", the inventory is ever changing. You wouldn't want to miss out, now would you?

We're busily working on new free tutorials and articles for you and should have those ready soon. Don't forget that if you have specific interests or questions, we'd like to hear from you.

Happily sorting new beads for you, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

The Clearing

I don't know about you, but I'm still trying to get my studio cleared after a nice holiday rush. Several of my beady friends have mentioned doing the same and although January is not Spring Cleaning time, I guess we could call it clearing time. My clearing also involves a good deal of desk work as I prepare information for taxes, start the new 2012 files and carefully store those from 2011.

Magpie Gemstones has done a good deal of clearing in the last couple of weeks. I hope you haven't missed out on the 20% off sale and have successfully completed your part of helping clear the beads. Usually when I go to a sale, I realize that things were put on sale because no one bought them. That's definitely NOT the case at Magpie. The beads are all on sale because the company must make room for those they will pick up soon in Tuscon. Now, there are two ways to look at this. Should I wait and get those beads they find in Tuscon or should I go ahead and get beads now. hmm . . . 20% off of everything now or wait for the regular, but good prices later. . . I say grab some of these goodies while we can!

During this clearing at Magpie, the company has found a few things they didn't realize were in hiding. Look at these beautiful drops and think what you could do with them. I'm considering whether to use them in pendant form or strung with others in a long strand. What do you think?

I appreciate being able to get the sunstone beads that are available at such a great price. I have previously used a good many of these mixed with other colors as well as by themselves. The schiller on these realy catches the eye. I also think they are a great transitional colors since they are not too dark even for Spring designs.

If you are doing any wire wrapping I think you would enjoy Szarka's new video, How to Wire Wrap an Arrowhead or Sharks Tooth  Even if you aren't planning to wrap either, this method can be used for some other shaped stones because she shows us how to make a type of sling for the stone to sit in. I think you would see many possible variations of this technique. Perhaps this method would get you going on clearing out a few of those stones that you have previously wondered what to do with. We would enjoy seeing a photo of what you make.

Clearing out to give you the best possible buys, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Easy Does It!

I think for me the New Year can be exciting. It feels like a clean slate. For those that create or want to create I have some easy does it tips.

First, I have to admit sometimes I have an "all or nothing" attitude. Where does this lead me? Experience tells me that when it is "all" I am doing too much, trying to go too fast, spinning my wheels and usually burn out quickly.

Now I am not saying that hard work does not pay off eventually. Rather I am just saying that when I have a little patience in my work, and rely on that inner voice that gently guides me, things go a lot smoother. If your a beginner in your craft, or have been doing it for years you may have noticed this already.

Now how about my "nothing" attitude. Sure everyone gets a case of the I don't wannas. Or perhaps your muse ran off? Maybe your trying hard on a project and it is just not cooperating. Sometimes cussing at your design works, sometimes not. There is the walk away and try again tomorrow technique. Whatever the case may be, it is a natural part of creating to get discouraged. Here are some helpful tips on that.

Do not compare yourself to others, nothing kills my creativity more than this. Everyone has their own style, talent and niche. Find what you love, and what works for you. When I compare myself to others it is an excuse for the old broken records to play in my head. Maybe you have the same record? It says I am not good enough, I can not do this because fill in the blank with a variety of fears.

When I allow that voice to take control, I get filled with self doubt and self pity. Most days I choose to ignore the broken record, and feed my soul with the positive thoughts of creating. What a wonderful gift to give yourself- a place to grow, freedom from perfectionism, putting love into your art, and honoring your life and your talent.

It is important for me to not judge my work harshly, but slowly improve (baby steps are great for that). As we go into the new year we look forward to seeing your creations.

Much love and Light, Shannon from Vixens Natural Jewelry
www.magpiegemstones.com

Spring in January

It is unseasonably warm in Central Texas right now and this invokes thoughts of Spring. I found Szarka out tending her garden last week and her plants most likely enjoyed her nurturing. Those of us who have lived here a good while know that this warmer weather will come and go until the true Spring arrives in a couple of months. But for now, we will take what we can get.

When I checked in at Magpie, I was greeted at the door by the loud barking of the company dog, Sandy. She is ever vigilant and I doubt that anyone could get to the beads without going through her first. She gets my attention!

Magpie Gemstones definitely sprung into action this week by offering an uncustomary 20% off the entire store. This sounded to me like Spring cleaning, but I'm anticipating that the company is just making room for even more beads yet to come. I'm sure that whatever the reason, the discount is enjoyed by Magpie customers. The company appreciates the numerous accolades from customers who posted on the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MagpieGemstones

If you're trying to think about and get a head start on Spring designing, take a peek at the beautiful peridot and carnelian below. The colors are luscious.

Once you get those jewelry pieces completed, you might want some help in pricing them. Szarka provides her thoughts on the matter at the following: http://www.magpiegemstones.com/pricingjewelry.html

Since Spring in January will probably be fleeting, I'm going outside now to contemplate the joy of designing with Magpie Gemstones. . . . or I might just take a nap in the sun!

Springing into action for you, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
http://www.dreamcatcherdesigns.net/

Resolve

Wow, it's hard to believe that 2011 is running away while 2012 helps push it on out. This is the time when so many people make resolutions for the new year; how about you? I seem to make similar resolutions year after year and these are seldom resolved!

If you were a gemstone company like Magpie Gemstones, what should be your resolution? . . . As I write this for Magpie, I realize that the word for the company is really RESOLVE and the questions is "what does Magpie Gemstones resolve to do for customers?"

One thing the company resolves is for continue providing gorgeous gemstones for customers. Take a peek at what just went into the online store. I picked up a couple of these Boulder Opals the last time they were available and wrapped them with sterling silver wire. I'm anxious to get some of these new ones.

If you need some ideas for wrapping these opals, you might take a peek at the stones Szarka has wrapped at http://www.szarkas.com/Szarka.html. I often pick up ideas there.

Magpie's resolve to bring us beautiful things shows in the selection of Mexican Fire Agates. Look at these and think what you might make with one or more of them.

Tenacity is a synonym for resolve and also a good term to describe Magpie Gemstones. The company holds tightly to the predominant idea of helping us as customers and values each of us. I think you would be surprised by the way the owners answer questions about this that and the other when customers query. Their "tip of the tongue" knowledge of the gemstone industry follows years and years of research and work in the industry allowing them to easily explain why a stone is cut in a particular manner, why we are having difficulty finding what we are searching for or something else.

So, whether you resolve or make resolutions, Magpie Gemstones hopes you are ready to begin a great new year.

Resolving to help our customers, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer

www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Wishing

When my mother hears a person wish for something, she usually says "if wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." Do you remember that nursery rhyme? I'm not sure of the country of its origin, but I think it can have meaning everywhere. My mom's recitation usually falls in her advice category of "wishing" doesn't make things happen; you have to get out there and go for it.

She's probably right, but a little "wishing" can't hurt once in a while. For many of you, it may be your time of giving to others and finding out their wishes certainly does help. For example, I'm wishing for some of these rustic rubies that went in the Magpie Gemstones store this week. Those colors fit quite nicely with what I'm wearing this time of the year.

OR . . . since I have a January birthday, some garnets are always something nice to wish about. When you wear your birthstone, no matter what it is, I find it interesting how many people notice and tell you its also their birthstone. Hmm . . perhaps that's a new way to meet people.

Shades of red also adorn the Magpie tree this year. We might have guessed that it would be decorated with gemstones. Garlands of turquoise and pearls set the background for lovely charms made with muscovite. I have to admit, I've never seen one like it.

If you've been wishing for more free information about making jewelry, you've come to the right place.We've been busy this week writing and videoing for you. I spent time examining various websites to find those that can offer you good information at zero cost. You can search my findings at ttp://www.magpiegemstones.com/jewelrytutorials.html If you have wishes for something free, this is a good start.

Szarka made a new video for you showing how she creates the tree of life pendants. I'm going to wish that mine would turn out as well as hers. Yet, following my mother's advise, I'm also going to practice making them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6408X5t23g These look like just the thing to work on when its cold outside and cozy indoors.

As December winds down, Magpie wishes you the best and we hope that all your wishes DO come true!

Wishing you happiness, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch/designs

In a Hurry

It seems that people spend a good deal of time rushing around in December. I made what should have been a quick trip to a discount store yesterday and was amazed at all the scurrying folks. At first I thought I might just turn around and go home, but finally I just jumped right in a hurried around with them.

Some other people have also been hurrying online. I returned home to find the Magpie Gemstones weekly newsletter on my computer and before I could order the gem I wanted, someone beat me to it. This used to bother me, but now I realize that the gemstones Magpie sells are truly exceptional and I'd better hurry up if I want to have them. I'm not going to find the same stones on every bead corner. This is the opposite of what worries me when I purchase a dress at a local boutique. With the dress, I worry about whether my friend will buy the same thing and we will end up wearing it at the same function. (Ok, you men reading this will not understand!) Obviously, this isn't going to happen with the beads from Magpie Gemstones. Even if a friend and I purchase the same strand, we each create our own unique design.

You might want to be in a hurry to pick out some of the beautiful new beads that went in to the store recently. I'm partial to the iolite briolettes shown below.

If you really like blue, hurry online and looks at the saphires too. They are quite yummy! You might also consider the tourmaline.

Any of these would be appreciated as a gift in a necklace for someone or simply as loose gemstones for your beady friend.

Szarka had to do a bit of hurrying when a cold snap hit central Texas this week. Have you ever tried to cover a garden in sheets with a strong wind pelting you in the face? She says it's not a pleasant experience. I sure hope that garden appreciated her efforts. I also hope no one gets depressed since the backyard now looks like a morgue.

You might enjoy watching the new online video that Szarka made with the help of the littlest Magpie. This short production even has music! From the video, we can observe how to hammer the ends of closed loop links. Hurry on over to this link and watch it.

http://www.magpiegemstones.com/hammering_closed_loops.html

If you find yourself hurrying around this week, we hope you will take time to breath and enjoy the season.

Hurrying to serve our customers, we are Magpie Gemstones
Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Cyber Every Day

Did you take part in Black Friday or Cyber Monday for shopping this year? Every year I think I should get busy and take advantage of these two events, but I usually wait until the last minute for my shopping. I'll have to admit that much of my shopping and wish list centers around beads and new tools that I've had my eye one. My friends know and expect something handmade and a girl has to shop for components. Right? What I've discovered about cyber "this and that" is I don't have to have an event to get the same great prices on my gemstones at Magpie. With just a few mouse clicks I can get the beads I want at the best prices. I don't have to wait for a sale. At Magpie Gemstones, I guess I could say it's "Cyber Every Day" all year.

Here's an example of what I mean. Did you see the Hubei turquoise oval cabachons available for just $4.99 each? Let's keep that quiet since I think Szarka must have made a mistake pricing them.

I also think that the gorgeous druzy freeform cabs make super gifts when wrapped in sterling wire. Actually, I've got a couple of friends who would be pleased just to receive the cab and then do their own things. Be sure to note the sparkle in the photos of these pieces.

The Pietersite cabs are perfect for someone who has everything. This stone is probably less familiar to most and don't we always want something different?

Cyber-wise, Magpie Gemstones continues to work on adding information to the website that will help all of us in our jewelry making. Be sure to check out the basic information about properties, treatment, hardness, etc. of gemstones. http://www.magpiegemstones.com/about_gemstones.html I refer to this page often when I'm trying to make a decision about a stone or want to describe it to someone.

Watch for new videos to be added to the website. I know that Szarka and her able young assistant, the little Magpie, worked on several things this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing what they created for us. (Isn't Cyber Every Day great?)

By the way, Cyber Every Day isn't just during the day. Customers from all around the world shop at various times during their day or night and all those orders get prompt service.

Hoping you Cyber with us, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Wrappings

'Tis the season to think about wrappings. I've noted people in stores picking out wrapping paper and ribbons for holiday packages and see that celophane tape is in big demand. I wish I could say I was close enough with my shopping to think about that kind of wrapping. Unfortunately, I'm still thinking about wrapping gemstones in preparation for their later wrapping as gifts.

I was pleased to find that Magpie Gemstones could save me some time if I purchased Moldavite stones. These come already wrapped in sterling silver - what could be simpler than to put these on a chain, leather or neckwire? The moldavite comes in an array of intriguing shapes that make these pendants even more interesting.

If you would prefer to wrap your own cabs, I suggest you step into the fire and try a Mexican Fire Agate. These beauties are a favorite of many and you'll want to grab them quickly for wrapping with copper or silver wire. I like to peruse the various online jewelry venues such as Etsy and Artfire to garner new ideas for wrapping cabs.

If you would rather try your hand with biolettes, Szarka shows us how to wrap one in a video at the following link:

http://www.magpiegemstones.com/how_to_wire_wrap_a_brio.html. When I grow up, I want my wrappings to look just like hers. Magpie Gemstones has even offered us some slightly scratched briolettes to try. They are at 50% off!

It seemed as though the phone company was trying to wrap up or perhaps hold up our business this week when our phones and thus our internet went down. I guess it was a black Friday special, but we really didn't want this time off. We're happily working again after several days without service and apologize if this caused any problems in our ability to serve you.

Let us know what you are wrapping up in holiday gifts by showing us your pretties made with stones from us. We definitely enjoy showing these off for you in our Client's Blog at http://www.turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com/

. . . wrapping and mailing gemstones to you, we are Magpie Gemstones

Karen Meador, writer

www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Thankful

Have you been to the grocery store in the past few days and tried to get down the turkey isle? I don't know when I've seen so many people digging in the frozen foods before. I'm really glad I purchased my turkey a couple of weeks ago. If you didn't, I suggest you eat ham on Thanksgiving Day.

My grocery trip made me very glad that I don't have to fight other jewelry designers to get my beads from Magpie Gemstones like you have to fight for a turkey at the grocery store. I like going online and picking the gemstones out at my leisure. I'm wondering if next year the company could offer turkeys that way.

As I did that leisurely online shoppping with Magpie this week, I became focused on greens.

I hope you, too, noticed the gorgeous and rare gaspeite cabs that are available. The colors are just right and I'm thankful they're not too bright. The mottled tones can be complemented by a number of other beads. Now the question remains as to whether the gaspeite cabs should be wire wrapped in sterling silver or copper. Hmmm . . .

The other green that I especially like in the online store is aventurine. Look at the carving of an owl and a leaf below and think about the various ways they can be used in designs. "Whooooo" wouldn't want an owl in such a great color? I'm thankful to have all these green choices.

Speaking of choices, if you have an online store or try to guide customers to your products through the internet, I'll bet you would enjoy the articles Magpie has available about this topic. The following link will get you started with the first part of an article written by Szarka. http://www.magpiegemstones.com/secretsintro.html I'm thankful that this type of great information is readily available at Magpie Gemstones in the "Just for You" section.

As we think back over the year since last Thanksgiving, we realize that it really IS a time to be thankful for a great business supported by customers like you.

. . . thankful for our many blessings, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, Magpie writer, www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Findings

Today, I wanted to mention one of the "findings" that I discovered when I first started shopping with Magpie Gemstones. One of my favorite things about the companies' available products are the copper findings that I can always order. A few of these are pictured here and the website shows you so many more. I don't know about you, but I find it really nice to have so many different choices in copper.

You could discover a finding of your own if you ventured out to visit with Kateri at the Dallas Gem and Mineral Show in Mesquite, Texas, November 19-10. You can find more information about this at the following: http://www.dallasgemandmineral.org/gem_and_mineral_show.dwt She will have plenty of beads and I'll bet it will be more fun at this show than shopping at the mall.

Another great finding on the website is the video owner Szarka created for us showing how to do border wraps on cabachons. She makes it look pretty easy and I find that her method works great. Why don't you give it a try. http://www.magpiegemstones.com/roundborder.html

By the way, did you find time last week to look at the information we posted regarding creating business policies for wholesale customers? http://www.magpiegemstones.com/contract__consignment.html I hope that it was helpful and provided you with food for thought. I find that I need to have some policies in place to be consistent with all my wholesale customers.

. . . hoping to "find" you enjoying your beads from us, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Coming Together

This is the time of the year when friends, family and groups we work with are planning how they will come together to rejoice in the season. It's a fairly peaceful time at Magpie Gemstones when the shows and visits to Canada are over for the year and everyone is at home. Coming together means time to reflect, drink lots of coffee and appreciate our companies' super customers.

It's also a great time to dig into the beads and see what beauties we've yet to offer you. Although we continually add beads each day, there are always more that immerge. Where do they all come from? Oh yes, I do remember those hundreds of pounds of beads in boxes that arrived a few months back. I'm particularly enamored with the three colors of Kiwi that went into the store this week. Look at the rich colors on all of these! I just ordered a number of new beads strands for myself on Friday, but (note to self) I must go back and order Kiwi.

I hope that your designs for the holiday are all coming together. Whether you string, work with wire or hammer metal, it's a great time to share your talents. Your talents and our beads should come together nicely in those designs.

Some of you have queried about soldering and we have a new article on that subject. It can be found at

http://www.magpiegemstones.com/soldering_jewelry_101.html. Soldering, of course, is a way to help sheet metal or wire "come together". This little article doesn't tell you how to solder, but rather suggests the materials and tools you need for doing so. I wrote Soldering 101 as an introduction to the technique and hope you find it useful.

. . . coming together to serve you, we are Magpie Gemstones.