#1 Fan

Become a fan of My Southern Charm on Facebook: My Southern Charm on Facebook

I am enormously grateful for all of the support! :-)
-Allison

Variety is the spice of my life.

Since all of this is so new for me, I've spread myself in all different directions.  Here are some more pieces I've done. (By the way, everything you see here is for sale-- except for the ones that say they were made for someone specific.  If you have a question about a piece, PLEASE email me or comment.  I aim to please.)

Here is a keychain I made for my Dad.  He is a member of the Southeast Woodies Club, and this is their logo.  The piece is a 2" square.  I'm pleased with the amount of detail I was able to do on such a small space.

This is a monogram piece I did for a friend.  The piece is 1.75" in diameter.  She plans to hang it on a beaded necklace, and I think it will look fabulous!

I really love this one.  Like REALLY.  For all of you Greenvillians (is that even a word?), I present you with the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park.  This piece is 2"x1.75".  The chain is approximately 24".  I'm really into the landmark theme, so we will see which one I do next.

Enjoy!
-Allison

A-wrist-ing Development

Clever, huh? Last night, I decided that it would be a great use of my time to make a bracelet.  And, as usual, I was right.  Or, at least I think so.  Here's the final product:

I've used 1mm leather cord (in copper, metallic green, and metallic purple) to create the look.  There is an antiqued copper "S" piece in the center. I have many color options available for leather cord, so the possibilities are seemingly endless.

This is the clasp in the back.  The leather ends are concealed by these beautiful copper cone bead caps and I have used a spring ring for the closure.  The stiffer nature of the leather makes the bracelet easy to fasten.

I'm hoping to explore more design options with the bracelets in the near future, so stay tuned!
-Allison

Monograms and Bridges: How very southern of me.

This is a custom bracelet that I made for my cousin.  The copper plate is about 2.5" wide and .75" tall.  This is another one of my Cooper River Bridge pieces.  To connect the bracelet in the back, I used black leather cord and copper findings.  However, this could be done using leather cord (of any color) or with copper chain.  I made it custom to his wrist size.  The possibilities are endless!

Here is a perfect example of a custom piece.  I created this pendant of the Hanson logo (que "Mmmbop" music in the background) for a friend.  The piece is approximately 1.5" in diameter.  Custom copper pendants are a unique and classy form of expression. (Did I sell you on it yet?) I drilled the hole at the top and hung it with a copper bell onto leather cord.

This is a custom monogram piece.  I love the symmetry in the letters.  This pendant is approximately 1.75" in diameter.  Wouldn't you love one of your own?! ;-)

Here are some images of work I have done so far (but this isn't everything).

This is the very first piece of copper I ever etched.  In true southern fashion, I opted for my monogram.  The piece measures about 2" in diameter.  I drilled a hole in the top and added a wire bell to it so that it could hang from a chain.  (Note: my circle-cutting ablilities have improved dramatically since then!)

This piece is of a hydrangea bloom.  I see them everywhere in Greenville, and I think they are beautiful.  This pendant is approximately 1.75" in diameter.  I have also made matching earrings for this pendant.  They are available as a set or separate.

Here are the earrings.  Right now, they are on kidney wires, but I can change them to different wires depending on your style.

Truly an image of southern charm.  This is a piece of the state of South Carolina, etched with its symbollic Palmetto tree and crescent moon (the same images that adorn the emblematic state flag).  I cut this piece by hand, which was significantly more time-consuming than a standard circle, but extremely rewarding when you consider the final product. It is approximately 1.5" across.  The hole is drilled on the balancing point, so it will hang nicely on a necklace!

Here is another southern icon: the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, SC.  This pendant is approximately 1.75" in diameter.  (This is one of my favorites.)










I will continue to post pictures as I get the chance, so stay tuned!
-Allison

And, thus, I begin my life as an entrepreneur.

Arts and crafts have always been my thing.  I've always loved to paint, draw, sculpt, bead, cut, photograph, stitch, create, build, form, and imagine.  I was a student at Greenville's Fine Arts Center for many years, and I even majored in Art History in college.  Go figure.  I have a family with strong creative tendencies, and many of them have also caught the entrepreneurial bug.  (It must be contagious.) Two of my aunts make beautiful jewelry, and I have always admired their work.  They have recently gotten into working with base metals, notably copper.  My aunt showed me how she had learned to etch copper with acid.  Consider my interests sparked!  I did a few test pieces at her house and I absolutely fell in love.  A light went off in my head that THIS is what I want to do. 

(Here is a little insight into what I do.)  I cut each piece from a sheet of copper.  I do this by hand, so everything isn't exactly perfect, but that's the beauty of something handcrafted.  I file and buff away the rough edges for a smooth finish.  Now comes the fun part; I get to draw my design!  (The first piece I did was my monogram.  After that, I've had endless ideas of designs and I'm struggling for my hand to keep up with my brain.  Such is the life of a creative genius. ;-) )  After the design is drawn, I etch the copper with acid so that the design stands out from the piece.  Once the piece is etched and cleaned, I apply the patina for an aged effect.  This really makes the design pop.  The piece is then coated with a thin layer of wax to seal it off from outside elements.  And, voila!

This blog will serve many functions:

1. Humor you with the adventures (and sometimes woes) of my learning experiences with copper.
2. Dazzle you with the amazing things I create.
3. Serve as a sounding board for my friends/family/customers.  If you have ideas or suggestions, send them my way!
4. A way to place orders.  Shoot me a comment, message, or email if you are interested in placing an order.  The possibilities are endless!
5. And lastly, to keep everyone updated on My Southern Charm.

Thanks for taking the time to check everything out!
-Allison