sherry cordova's blog http://sherrycordova.com/blog days in the life of an art jewelry creator Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:14:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Romance by the Sea: “Made with Love” Exhibition & Sale, Capitola, CA http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2012/01/31/romance-by-the-sea-made-with-love-exhibition-sale-capitola-ca/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2012/01/31/romance-by-the-sea-made-with-love-exhibition-sale-capitola-ca/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:41:05 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=837 Necklace of Recycled Silver by Sherry Cordova Jewelry: All Fished Out - The History of Cannery Row

"All Fished Out: The History of Cannery Row" Necklace in Recycled Sterling Silver

Two of Sherry Cordova Jewelry’s recycled sterling silver necklaces are available during the entire month of February at the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola, CA as part of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild Showcase  ”Made with Love”. Come meet the artists at the show’s opening reception Friday Feb 3rd, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm. The show is twice the size of last years show, with 60 artists participating.

The Many Hands Gallery at 510 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA is next door to Gayle’s Bakery & Deli. If you have been to Gayle’s Bakery & Deli, you know why it is mentioned!

“Made with Love”: A Valentines Jewelry show case with unique work by artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

February 1 – 29, 2012 at Many Hands Gallery, Capitola (Yes, it’s a Leap Year!)

"Made with Love" Exhibition & Sale at the Many Hands Gallery, Capitola CA featuring jewelry art from the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

"Made with Love" Exhibition & Sale at the Many Hands Gallery, Capitola CA

Still looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day gift?  Sixty talented artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts guild have passionately created a wide selection of high quality jewelry and metal objects. The pieces, in a wide range of styles, will be available for purchase at the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola during the month of February. The one-of-the kind pieces are handcrafted using a variety of techniques ranging from traditional gold- and silversmithing, forging, soldering, and casting to enameling. Items include necklaces, rings, pendants, earrings, cuffs and more. Show your love with jewelry and artwork “Made with Love”!

Exhibición y Vente Hecho con Amor              Hecho Con Amor a la galeria de Many Hands, Capitola, CA              Exhibition et Solde: Cree avec Amour

Many Hands Gallery, Capitola, CA
Many Hands Gallery, 510 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA

Many Hands Gallery, 510 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-2500
Business hours: daily from 10 to 6 pm
http://www.manyhands-capitola.com/

"Made with Love" jewelry by the artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

"Made with Love" art jewelry by sixty artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild. Feb 1 - 29, 2012

About the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild: The MBMAG is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging an environment of education, networking, and community interaction, as well as support and general camaraderie for artists working in metal. Its members include nationally and internationally recognized metal artists. Further information: visit www.mbmag.org

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2012/01/31/romance-by-the-sea-made-with-love-exhibition-sale-capitola-ca/feed/ 0 The Where & Why of Recycled Metal http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/07/07/the-where-why-of-recycled-metal/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/07/07/the-where-why-of-recycled-metal/#comments Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:31:37 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=817 An overview on recycled metal providers (see links below) and the reasons behind them can be found at:

The Responsible Jewelry Council http://www.responsiblejewellery.com

Christine Dein’s  “Green Jewelry News” email newsletter http://www.christinedhein.com/about.html

Ethical Metalsmiths http://www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org

No Dirty Gold   http://www.nodirtygold.org/

Earth Justice http://earthjustice.org

Hoover & Strong http://www.hooverandstrong.com/blog/archives/117/

 National Geographic Magazine The Real Price of Gold   http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/gold/larmer-text

more links about the real price of gold from National Geographic, CBS News, and other sources

new mines that have popped up, and are trying to pop up, because of the boon in gold sales. Plus some attempts to curb the impact

Recycled Precious & non-Precious Metal Suppliers

Indian Jewelers Supply Co, in Albequerque NM
http://www.ijsinc.com/
Indian Jewelers Supply takes its responsibility to the planet seriously, and that’s why we only offer silver manufactured by foundries certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. The silver is only made using recycled scrap that originated from a RJC foundry and ore from certified responsible American mines. We also recycle tons of copper, red and yellow brass, and nickel every year.

Hoover and Strong
A refiner and a caster that sells raw materials. They have a couple of comprehensive pages on their website stating why they sell recycled metal
http://www.hooverandstrong.com/category/Environmental+Responsibility/
?http://www.hooverandstrong.com/blog/archives/117/

United Precious Metal Refining, Inc.
Sells recycled fine silver and fine gold
http://www.unitedpmr.com/

David H. Fell & Co
http://www.dhfco.com/ourProcess.htm

Precious Metals West
http://www.preciousmetalswest.com/index.php

Hauser & Miller
http://www.hauserandmiller.com

 

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/07/07/the-where-why-of-recycled-metal/feed/ 1 Outta My Head, Into Metal http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/06/25/outta-my-head-into-metal/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/06/25/outta-my-head-into-metal/#comments Sun, 26 Jun 2011 04:41:25 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=788 The 2011 summer edition of San Francisco’s Metal Arts Guild newsletter will be showcasing Sherry Cordova as an artist member. Since the newsletter is printed in black and white, we thought you might like to see some color pictures of the inspirations and work described in the article.

On a SCUBA diving trip to the Sea of Cortez in 2009, a pod of dolphins played with the boat while we traveled to the dive site. Luckily I was taking a picture of a flying dolphin in the boat wake at the same time one of the larger dolphins did a belly flop, soaking my back.
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The flying dolphin that saved the camera
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The dolphin who soaked us with a belly flop near the bow

Once we were in the water, the dolphins apparently stayed close, although out of sight.

Under water we were treated to an amazing experience of being encircled by a large school of sardines during the entire dive. Usually a school will come across divers, or vice versa, and keep traveling. The three of us watched in amazement as the school changed shapes and directions and yet stayed close to us; we all knew this was a special treat.

When we surfaced from the dive, we noticed that the dolphins were nearby and asked the boat captain if he’d been watching them during our entire dive.

The captain told us that the dolphins were circling us throughout our dive, thus explaininig the mysterious behavior of the fish school. The wall of sardines had been so thick that we missed seeing the dolphins on the other side of the ‘wall’.

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The eye of the swirling school
image
“Swirling School” Pendant

 

Even while diving, I knew I had to recreate this experience somehow in jewelry. I wanted to elicit the sensation of the school swirling around us, and the individuals in the school, as well as the space in between the fish and us.

 

image
“Reflections” Earrings

I began by creating swirling filigree forms. And, I also designed and made some earrings that incorporated open space, togetherness, and yet non-uniformity.

Something was still missing that tied the whole experience together. I had a vague idea that I wanted the “Reflections” style earrings to be static yet kinetic. While I let the idea simmer in my head, I wore a pair of earrings that reminded me of my goal.

image
Prototype Earrings

Almost eighteen months after the dive, here are the earrings that were percolating in my head all that time

Sterling silver "Sea of Cortez 3D Kinetic Earrings"

"Sea of Cortez 3D Kinetic" Earring Extenders with Stud Earrings

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/06/25/outta-my-head-into-metal/feed/ 0 “Made with Love” this February in Capitola, CA http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/02/03/made-with-love-this-february-in-capitola-ca/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/02/03/made-with-love-this-february-in-capitola-ca/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:29:38 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=761 Bottleneck Necklace of Recycled Glass and Recycled Fine Silver by Sherry Cordova Jewelry

"Bottleneck" Necklace: Recycled Glass & Recycled Fine Silver

Two pieces of Sherry Cordova Jewelry ”Bottleneck” and “Green” recycled glass and recycled fine silver necklaces are available during the entire month of February at the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola, CA as part of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild Showcase  ”Made with Love”

"Made with Love" Valentines Showcase by the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

"Green" Necklace (2nd row, left) Recycled Glass & Recycled Fine Silver

The Many Hands Gallery at 510 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA is next door to Gayle’s Bakery & Deli. If you have been to Gayle’s Bakery & Deli, you know why it is mentioned!

“Made with Love”: A Valentines Jewelry show case with unique work by artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

February 1 – 28, 2011 at Many Hands Gallery, Capitola

Still looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day gift?  Talented artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts guild have passionately created a wide selection of high quality jewelry and metal objects. The pieces, in a wide range of styles, will be available for purchase at the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola during the month of February. The one-of-the kind pieces are handcrafted using a variety of techniques ranging from traditional gold- and silversmithing, forging, soldering, and casting to enameling. Items include necklaces, rings, pendants, earrings, cuffs and more. Show your love with jewelry and artwork “Made with Love”!

Many Hands Gallery, Capitola, CA

Many Hands Gallery, 510 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA

Many Hands Gallery, 510 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-2500
Business hours: daily from 10 to 5 pm
http://www.manyhands-capitola.com/

"Made with Love" jewelry by the artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

"Made with Love" jewelry by the artists of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild. Feb 1 - 28, 2011

About the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild: The MBMAG is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging an environment of education, networking, and community interaction, as well as support and general camaraderie for artists working in metal. Its members include nationally and internationally recognized metal artists. Further information: visit www.mbmag.org

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2011/02/03/made-with-love-this-february-in-capitola-ca/feed/ 0 Nimble Sea Lions Mimicking Divers http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/22/nimble-sea-lions-mimicking-divers/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/22/nimble-sea-lions-mimicking-divers/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:55:28 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=747 The sea lion mimicks the dive guide’s position in the water.

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/22/nimble-sea-lions-mimicking-divers/feed/ 0 All About Coral http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/19/all-about-coral/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/19/all-about-coral/#comments Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:56:49 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=741

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/12/19/all-about-coral/feed/ 0 Dolphins in Loreto National Marine Park http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/11/04/dolphins-in-loreto-national-marine-park/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/11/04/dolphins-in-loreto-national-marine-park/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:15:13 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=735 Look how much they love to race around!

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/11/04/dolphins-in-loreto-national-marine-park/feed/ 0 The First Press http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/29/the-first-press/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/29/the-first-press/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:38:58 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=728 Pat Accorinti came over to spend the afternoon making silhouette dies. She created a shield shape and cut it out of brass and masonite.

16 ga brass and 2 pieces of tempered masonite cut into shield silhouette die by Pat Accorinti thinnest red urethane sheet 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press

16 ga brass and 2 pieces of tempered masonite cut into shield silhouette die by Pat Accorinti, thinnest red urethane sheet, and 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press

While she filed the edges of the silhouette smooth, I annealed some 24 ga copper sheet. We placed the copper in the press with the stiffest urethane, per the guidance of Susan Kingsley’s Hydraulic Press book “Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths” We pressed the metal and there was hardly any deformation.

16 ga brass and 2 pieces of tempered masonite cut into shield silhouette die by Pat Accorinti Yellow urethane sheet 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press

Second attempt with thicker yellow urethane sheet. 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press.

We switched to a thicker softer urethane and pressed again. Voila! A nice first press result for the 20 ton hydraulic press.

16 ga brass and 2 pieces of tempered masonite cut into shield silhouette die by Pat Accorinti Yellow urethane sheet 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press

(left) 16 ga brass and 2 pieces of tempered masonite cut into shield silhouette die by Pat Accorinti, (center) yellow urethane sheet , (right) 24 ga copper sheet pressed in 20 ton hydraulic press

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/29/the-first-press/feed/ 0 Whitemouth Moray Eel Chasing a Manybar Goatfish http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/19/whitemouth-moray-eel-chasing-a-manybar-goatfish/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/19/whitemouth-moray-eel-chasing-a-manybar-goatfish/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:10:13 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=698 Luck

As I was taking video of the coral encrusted lava surfaces underwater, a fish swam very closely past my left shoulder chased by a moray eel. Luckily the camera was already recording video.

Slowing the video down and looking carefully, I see the white line on the tail of the moray and the bars on the side of the fish, leading me to surmise that these creatures are a Whitemouth Moray Eeel and a Manybar Goatfish.

The still picture in the beginning of the video is from the first part of the chase, and is there to give you an idea of what you are looking for once the action starts.

]]> http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/19/whitemouth-moray-eel-chasing-a-manybar-goatfish/feed/ 0 Starting a Silhouette Mold for the Hydraulic Press http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/03/starting-a-silhouette-mold-for-the-hydraulic-press/ http://sherrycordova.com/blog/2010/08/03/starting-a-silhouette-mold-for-the-hydraulic-press/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:13:00 +0000 blogger http://sherrycordova.com/blog/?p=695 Drilling starter holes in the brass sheet

Drilling starter holes in the brass sheet

The scrap metal yard was a great place to find 16 gauge brass sheet for the top of a silhouette mold. And, they cut it into squares for us with their massive digitally controlled brake.

Jigsaw ready to cut general shape in tempered masonite

Jigsaw ready to cut general shape in tempered masonite

The lumber store cut the tempered masonite into squares for us.

Now it’s up to us to cut negative space into all the pieces so we have molds to use with the hydraulic press.

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