Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bedroom Demos

MUSIC!  Yet another one of my many inspirations! I've been involved with music one way or another for the last 20 years, but when I started playing the guitar a few years ago, I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship!  Since then, I have grabbed for my guitar in every thinkable situation, from wallowing in complete confusion to basking in the epiphany of a lifetime!  Playing never fails to fill me with solace, inspiration, and intrigue. For me, it's the perfect medicine!

This is just one of many Bedroom Demos, I hope you enjoy!
Original Chords & Lyrics By Selena Martino 





And you can bet your BUTT I'm wearing Three Corners!  


Today I'm rocking my one of a kind Brass Cage with a hand tumbled river rock I gathered from the American this summer.
As well as my staple lately-The Spiral Chain Bracelet I made as a class project last year at California Institute of Jewelry Training.  What an amazing opportunity THAT was!!


I made the wire and the sheet metal completely from scratch! 

The sister clasp is actually a super simple design using two pieces of sheet metal riveted together.

I have to say, it was tedious making and filing all those little links, but the finished product is well worth the better part of a day it took to make it!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

AMETHYST TANGENT

Forgive me while a tangent about Amethyst for a bit! There seems to be a common thread in my life and I believe it deserves some illumination!


It all started this Christmas when I was asked to cage this beautiful chunk of amethyst as a surprise for my friend for his wife. It came off of a larger Geode and was a key element in his marriage proposal!

I think this was a super great gift idea, and I was so psyched to be able to do it for them!

Here is the beginning of the cage. For this one, I am using 3 lengths of hammered round wire.

Now the 13 base solder joints have been finished and its time to close it up!



Just after the first and second solder joint on the top of the pendant. I coat the stone in a mixture of denatured alcohol and boric acid to protect it from the intense heat of the torch.















Here's the finished product! =)







A stone of the mind, amethyst is said to bring calmness and clarity where there is confusion and anxiety. Amethyst crystals are said to bring serenity and calm, to enhance one's ability to assimilate new ideas, and to assist during meditation. This stone is also said to give strength and mental stability, and to provide balance between one's physical, emotional, intellectual states.







OTHER SWEET AMETHYST STUFF!


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Laccaria amethystina is a small brightly colored mushroom commonly known as the Amethyst Deceiver. And yes, as a mushroom fanatic, I had to find out... It's EDIBLE!








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South Lake Tahoe Jewelry Designer Mark Garbarini does some interesting things with Amethyst.
This amethyst pendant is illuminated by a small LED insert!


















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Kick-ass Amethyst Cuff links by ElseeTee on Etsy

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Humbling River

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny....
—Lao-Tze
We are surrounded by SO MUCH BEAUTY!
Just wanted to share a bit of what is inspiring me at the moment!






This tree was captured here in Auburn, CA by
my friend and bad-ass photographer Anthony Peterson

Friday, December 17, 2010

Quartz is Essential!








Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the world. Sand is mostly composed of Quartz. Even dust in the air is high in quartz!





Yes, CRYSTALS REALLY DO VIBRATE!! At the beginning of technology, natural quartz crystals were used, but they are now manufactured to achieve specific frequencies. Synthetic crystals are higher in purity, lower in cost, and more convenient to handle. Crystals have been used for a long time to stabilize frequencies in radio transmitters, receivers and watches!


















Metaphysically, clear Quartz Crystal is the symbol of elemental wholeness. It assists to amplify, focus, direct, transmit and store energy. It assists the wearer to think intuitively, and works on all levels - strengthening, cleansing and protecting.















Humility has buoyancy, and above us... only sky.





A few of my favorite pictures I took this year at Burning Man... Along with one of my favorite Poems by one of my favorite people.













Saturday, December 11, 2010

Swirl Love

Thought I would throw this up since I've been making so many of these lately!  This is the process that all my little swirls go though!  At this point, I make EVERY SINGLE ONE!  





From raw brass wire, I use my torch to bead up the ends. 










Then I bend each one up, solder them, and then hammer each a little. After polishing them, they are ready to be any number of my pieces!













I like having a bunch around so I can put something together right when I think of it!














Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Feather Jewelry Care Guide

It’s pretty simple… just keep your feathers safe from dust, bright light and moisture!


  • DUST & BRIGHT LIGHT- Just use common sense when you store them! Ie: Don’t hang them in the rear view mirror of your car for a month, and don’t store them in a dusty corner on your vanity!


  • MOISTURE- We all forget- I did it yesterday! When I got out of the shower I realized I still had one of my feather necklaces on! If they DO happen to get wet, grab a hair dryer and use low heat while you gently fluff them back to life! They WILL be beautiful again!

And one more thing!


  • THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS-Keep your feathers away from your pets! Cats and dogs seem to be magnetically attracted to delicate little tufts of feather! And I am unfortunately speaking from personal experience here! Grrrrrrr!



Just a few simple things and you will be able to enjoy your feathered adornment for decades!

Cheers!
-Three Corners



Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Nevada City Winter Bizarre Promo Video

December 19th-DON'T MISS OUT! This is going to be a ridiculously fun day! =)





Click Here for more info!

Mighty Storm

Now THIS is what I'm talkin' about! All around kick ass song! And Jessica Havey's vocals make my soul swoon!

'>Mighty Storm

Monday, December 6, 2010

Awww Yeah!





It's too bad you can't have feathers on the playa, 'cause I would ROCK this wig from bellaregalo at Burning Man! I'm gonna have to design something to go with it and wear it for a night on the town! I would still fit right in, I'm sure!

Thursday, December 2, 2010