Jul
18
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of being part of the Guelph Art on the Street show. As with every show there is much planning and prep work that goes into it. Not just the making of jewellery but the booth has to be weather proof, accessible and welcoming to the traffic. Early morning set up includes jockeying for parking near your booth, lugging heavy tables and wrestling with the wind as you raise your canopy. Yesterday was a hot day! At only 8 am it was a humid 22 degrees Celsius and it got hotter as the day wore on. The wind gusted playfully and unpredictably sending anything that wasn’t well secured flying to the pavement. Luckily jewellery isn’t very fragile and the wind is more of a nuisance than an adversary. However, nearby the sound of breaking glass could be heard periodically from booths with framed drawings and photos and beautiful glass objects. My heart broke for every piece that was shattered knowing the artist’s work and livelihood was lost with each broken piece.
You might wonder why artists and artisan’s go to such trouble with no guarantee of selling enough to even cover the cost of the booth space. Well for me, despite all the work and risk involved, the best thing about street shows is meeting the community. People come out to wander, to chat, to look at creative hand made things and be touched by what the makers offer. They buy with their hearts because these things are made by people that have lovingly made them with their hands. When you buy hand crafted you make a connection with a person who has a story to share. The art speaks to each person uniquely. It is my pleasure to meet each person. Each comment and question is welcome as it also sheds light on whether a design needs reworking or a price needs adjusting and keeps me talking about why I make jewellery, how it is made and what brought each item to be there. Street shows enrich my story as each piece made from my heart finds a home.

My booth at Guelph Art On The Street
If you attended the show. Thank you! I will be posting some of the work that you saw here. Some will make it’s way to the Cambridge Centre of the Arts Gift Shop others to Edissi Fine Arts in Kitchener and some may be posted on my Etsy or my icraft canada sites. Please contact me via email at heather@swaysilver.ca to find what you are looking for or have a special design made for you. If you’d like to keep in touch email me and I’ll add you to my email list so I can keep you informed of where you can find me teaching classes and where my jewellery is for sale once in a while. (I promise never to share your info.)

Rustic Dandelion Ring, .999 silver, sterling silver, SOLD

Leather Bangle with Turquoise SOLD

Turquoise & Blue Striped Agate Bracelet (Sold), Hammered Pebble Links Bracelet, Turquoise & Smoky Quartz Confetti Bracelet (Sold)

Twig & Nest Necklace (Sold)
no comments | tags: art shows, artists booth, craft show booth, craft show display, Guelph Art on the Street, handcrafted, jewellery, jewelry, jewelry at craft shows, silver, stories in craft | posted in jewelry
May
5
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!
Remember when she was born? That little bundle? All pink and squirmy? Precious and new? How fast they grow up. Now she’s a little twinkle toes twirling her dance steps across your kitchen floor. Practicing, practicing for the big recital. Tutus, ballet shoes, starlet in the making! What a proud moment for her as she’s made another leap to your Big Girl. 
no comments | tags: ballet, charms, dance, dancer, keepsake, pendants, silver | posted in jewelry
Apr
22
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!

It’s been a year since I added Precious Metal Clay to my roster of jewellery making skills. I’m happy to say it has broadened my design capabilities and has made my life easier. Replacing my previous acid etching technique with new metal clay methods is less harmful to the environment and to my health and because it is made of recycled silver my solid silver designs are actually GREEN! Happy Earth Day!
no comments | tags: green jewellery, leaf, necklace, pendant, PMC, recycled silver, silver | posted in Uncategorized, jewelry
Mar
23
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!

Fine Silver Cross on cord $15
This silver cross design is very special to me for two reasons. First it is the symbol of my faith in Jesus Christ. Second, it was created in support of my sister and her family who are taking a leap of faith and following their calling to serve as missionaries with Operation Mobilisation for 2 years.
Each cross is hand crafted of fine silver, stands about 2cm high and is strung on waxed cotton cord with a slip knot closure for adjustable fit for children or adults. The proceeds from the sale of these crosses goes to OM to support the mission of the Blue Family.
To follow their journey go to thebluesandbeyond.wordpress.com
To purchase this cross necklace go to:
www.swaysilver.etsy.com (US)
icraft.ca/swaysilver (Canadian)
To see what Operation Moblisation is all about go to www.om.org
no comments | tags: cross, etsy, fundraising, icraft, jewelry, operation mobilisation, religious, silver | posted in jewelry
Mar
4
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!
Display your collection of personalized leaves, special custom charms, photo pendants and birthstones on this twig shaped charm holder. The perfect spot for keeping your cherished memories close to your heart!

One of a kind twig charm catcher
Rustic oxidized finish.
no comments | tags: charm catcher, charms, jewellery, jewelry, mother, rustic, silver, twig
Feb
28
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!

Men's Rustic pendant
Personalized items created to celebrate and commemorate special people are extremely popular for Moms right now, but let’s not forget our Dad! Entering into fatherhood is just as big a moment for him. This pendant was designed for a special Father soon after the birth of his second baby girl. It includes each daughter’s initials and their zodiac symbols. The back is textured and stamped with “for our Daddy”.
1.5mm thick fine silver approximately an inch in diameter. Leather cord or sturdy silver chain available.
1 comment | tags: custom, daddy, father, masculine, personalized, rustic, silver
Feb
27
2010
Send this post to a friend who would love this!
March’s birthstone is lovely, clear and ethereal, aquamarine.

no comments | tags: aquamarine, dangle, earrings, silver