Silver Heart Works...Philippa Gelinas

For the musicians in the crowd......

2012-02-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you combine a bass and a treble clef? You get one of these beautiful clef hearts!
these have evolved slightly, so will add a new pic soon!

Forged Silver Hearts for Valentines Day

2012-02-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Love these hearts.....and it seems lots of other do too! They have been flying off the rack at the market since I introduced them at the Kingsland Farmers Market, just a couple of weeks ago. The price range is $30-40, depending on size, so if you want one, and cant get down the the market, drop me a line and I will get you sorted out.

I am working alongside Laurie Casat at Take 5 Studios. You will find us on the north side of the market, across for the Primal Soup Company

Ready for Christmas?

2011-11-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

upcycled silver plate spoons, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

I have been really busy pumping these little gems out.

Ornaments to hang on your Christmas Tree, or a fancy fob for you keys, these are sure to bring a smile these holidays.

Get yours at my booth in the Kingsland Farmers Market, here in Calgary.

Botswana agate heart cutout

2011-05-28T20:10:00.001-06:00

Botswana agate heart cutout, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Getting caught up here....
Love this piece! If has become my "go to" necklace!
Yes, I can make you one, but with a different stone!

Snowflakes

2010-11-19T22:37:00.001-07:00

celtic star/ snowflake, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Technically this is a Celtic Star, but it looks like a snowflake to me....and with the amount of snow here in Calgary, What can I say!

The Snowflake Pendent in the picture is pretty heavy duty. It is about 3/4oz, and 1 1/2" across. I have also made a smaller version that measures in at 1 1/4".

Retail $150 and $98 (at the Glenbow Museum Store)

Hammered Silver Ring

2010-10-31T23:56:00.001-06:00

Hammered Silver Ring, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Yesterday I got to hang out with a bunch of cool people in the silver studio, and I made this awesome ring!
Tomorrow, I am off to buy some more silver, and a few new tools so I can make some more!

Looking for Creative Gift This Holiday Season?

2010-10-31T21:18:00.002-06:00

GlenbowShop_Where_NOV-DEC D2.indd, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Visit the Glenbow Museum Shop for unique gift ideas like note cards and books, distinctive accessories for home décor and one-of-a-kind jewellery.
The Glenbow Museum Shop has been working with local Artisans to create a shopping destination.

I am thrilled to be part of this effort, and judging by my sales, and now this ad, I think they are equally thrilled to have me!

If you didn't notice, the Large Silver Orbit Necklace, and the 14 ga. Byzantine bracelet are mine!

Rainbow Orbit Necklaces.

2010-10-31T20:59:00.001-06:00

Niobium balls, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

These little guys are residing at the Glenbow Muesum for now, but are very quickly jumping of the gift store shelves, to head home with new owners!

Look for their big brother in the Calgary Where magazine during November and December!

Rainbow Niobium and Argentium Sterling Crosses

2010-10-31T20:52:00.001-06:00

Rainbow Niobium and Argentium Sterling Crosses, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Looking for a cross that is different from what everyone else has?
Show your love of color with this unique rainbow anodized Niobium, or choose Argentium silver, a classic with a twist.
Argentium is the "new" sterling sliver, as it is tarnish resistant.

1.5 inches tall.

Design copyright held by Candy Degel

The Westcoast Collection

2010-10-31T20:39:00.001-06:00

The Westcoast Collection, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

It seems that I might be on a roll with these. Made these up as a special order for some gals who sing with Westcoast Harmony Chorus.

I then continued on to made another half dozen pair, but not with these same gorgeous blue crystals. The others are either clear crystals, or just silver, and will probably be headed to the Glenbow Museum Store very soon!

Next up...amber crystals, both circles and squares!

The pathways are lined with....Blue Topaz!

2010-08-09T13:43:00.001-06:00

blue pathways, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

love Love LOVE this clasp! It is a box clasp, with a safety latch, and looks just stunning with it's brilliant Blue Topaz. What a perfect way to add a little bling to this already gorgeous bracelet! (OK...a lot of Bling!)

The weave is Japanese, and called Hodo, meaning sidewalk. It really does look like the interwoven cobbles of an old pathway.

Woven in Argentium Sterling Silver, this piece will resist tarnish. The jump rings were wound, cut and tumbled by myself, and are now part of a beautiful piece of jewelery ready to be enjoyed!

As is my tradition, swinging from this bracelet, you will also see a beautiful lost wax cast sterling heart.

$296 CDN SOLD

Water Drops....

2010-08-09T00:27:00.003-06:00

Water Drops...., originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Wow....the summer is just flying by!
Way back in June, the 18-20th to be exact, I worked the Calgary Bead Oasis for a fellow chainmaille colleague. After drooling most of the weekend at the booth for Unicorne Beads, I broke down and bought some teardrops to play with. I bought enough to make 3 of these shaggy Drops bracelets, and now I have to say, this is the only one left!

Unicorne Beads are individually handcrafted in the USA by highly skilled glassblowers. They are created from "hard" or borosilicate glass. "Boro" glass is worked at much higher temperatures than ordinary glass and then kiln annealed at over 1000 degrees which makes for a stronger more durable product.
I have combined these beads with Argentium Sterling Silver rings, which I have hand wound, cut and tumbled before weaving to form this beautiful bracelet. The beautiful sterling cast toggle is from a North American artisan, and is where you will find my customary heart.

$240 CAD SOLD

On a Lark - Antiquities & Uniquities

2010-06-27T00:35:00.001-06:00

mosaic on a lark, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

Silver Heart Works has been very busy!

My jewelery is now displayed at On a Lark, in Okotoks, Alberta. Carolann Johnston, the owner, is very enthusiastic, and helpful to all who enter her store. I am thrilled to be working with her!

She has a wide array of goods in her store, from cute handbags and clothing, to garden accessories, wall art, and an amazing selection of jewelery. In my opinion....well worth the drive to check out this very eclectic store!

Japanese ball....updated with more sizes!

2010-04-21T22:32:00.003-06:00

My creation, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

also known as... Dodecahedron, having 12 sides.

These adorable little (and not so little) pendents Come in 3 sizes, ranging from 1.75cm to 2.75cm. They are woven with Argentium Silver or Red Brass...or perhaps if you are lucky...both!
For some extra sparkle, the small and medium sizes have an iridescent Swarovski crystal in their centre. The large ball has a dreamy mother of pearl...to keep it looking light and bright!
Yummy!!!!

These little gems are getting rave reviews, and are selling like hotcakes!

To purchase one of these 12 sided beauties, shoot me an email, and I will have you sorted out in no time!

Mookaite

2010-04-02T19:23:00.001-06:00

Mookaite, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

These gorgeous Mookaite, briolettes are wrapped in Argentium silver wire, and hung from a 16 inch slinky chain.

Mookaite is named after the region in which is is found, Mooka Creek, 100 miles inland from Carnarvon, Western Australia.
It has been found in many bright colors including reds, purples, tan, snow white, ivory white, pinks and many other shades.

Take your pick. These are $28 each, including the chain. Email me for more information.

Crosses & A Lacy Sidewalk

2010-03-28T21:57:00.003-06:00

march creations, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

As luck would have it, I had an email for a fellow chainmailler last week, to tell me she has finally put her original design on paper. She was finally ready to share her Celtic Cross design with other chainmaille artists. Woo Hoo!!!

I wasted no time, and was cutting rings, and weaving in no time. I will say one thing though....she was not kidding when she described this project as "very advanced". Some of those little rings did not want to squeeze into the teeny tiny spaces available for them. But with much patience, and much "gentle" coercion, I had a piece to be proud of. ....so I jumped right in again and made a second one! $60CAD with chain as pictured (designer Carolyn Degel) Selling like hotcakes... Perfect for Grad gifts!

I have also been playing with some Japanese weaves. Just love the structural quality to these, and the many design possibilities. This lacy bracelet is reminiscent of a Japanese Hodo (sidewalk) $150 with toggle as pictured.

Hodo bracelet is SOLD, but I can make these to order.

Week Three. 2010

2010-01-26T11:34:00.001-07:00

Week Three. 2010, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

365 project, Week Two.

2010-01-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

Week Two, Twenty10, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

I've had a great week again with this challenge. I love the set up at 365project.org. I have had two photos featured on the recently popular page, which is a huge complement...THANK-YOU!!!
I'm starting to get some followers, and I am in turn following some pretty amazing photographers too. Lots to look forward too!

twenty10 -365

2010-01-08T00:38:00.002-07:00

My creation, originally uploaded by SilverHeartWorks.

My sister Rachael has challenged me to do this with her. The idea is to take a photo everyday...and post it.
Here goes!

You can check out Rachael's pictures here.

Hannah

2009-12-17T00:11:00.001-07:00

My creation, originally uploaded by PhotoRachael.

I have just figured out how I can blog, right from Flickr!!! Wow! So easy!
These are some pics of my niece Hannah, showing off some amazing knitting by my sister, Rachael!

BTW...Rach takes orders!

pictures only....

2009-12-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Silver Heart Works has an ArtFire Studio!

2009-10-26T18:29:00.000-06:00

What is ArtFire?
ArtFire was founded in 2008, is the fastest growing handmade, vintage, supplies, and design marketplace on the web, and SilverHeartWorks is part of it. SilverHeartWorks Studio is open, and I must admit I love the way it looks!

There are some things I love at ArtFire!.

Artfire Kiosk on Facebook. Don't forget to become a fan!
I can link to my Etsy store and my Blog!
Google likes ArtFire...so the search engines will find me!
Buyers don't need an account to buy
Of course I love that there are no fees to sell....so I can sell heaps!!!!!

So come on over and expolore.... start thinking about that special gift...for yourself, or someone special.

Philippa

more "just photos"...

2009-10-14T21:17:00.002-06:00

Just photos....

2009-10-14T21:10:00.002-06:00

One of my bracelets is headed to Switzerland!

2009-08-28T21:09:00.003-06:00

This gorgeous chunky bracelet is winging it's way to Switzerland next week! It is so exciting to see my creations going so far afield!

The weave is Beez to Butterflies, and although I have woven this before, I have never used such a heavy gauge of silver. Love it!
Again, I have used Argentium silver, for it's resistance to tarnish.

I want to win some cool stuff...

2009-08-28T20:41:00.003-06:00

so I've come here to spread the word!
Jannette Blix is having an awesome Blog (Block) party, and has a ton of cool stuff to give away! She has a Jumbo Butane Torch, Tronex cutters, a custom design metal stamp, Earrings that are famous...they have been on the front cover of a magazine!
A custom business card design...so far I want it all!!!
Anyways, the point is, they is lots of really good stuff, and you should go check it out.

Time for a little catch-up!

2009-08-17T22:17:00.006-06:00

This bracelet was extracted from my arm while I was down in Houston....Happy Birthday Lorinda!

This gorgeous Rondo Cuff...went south of the border...so quick I almost didn't get pictures!! I plan on making this one again...maybe I will get to keep one for myself!
It's like the shoemakers kids around here!

Now that I am stocked with silver wire again ( except for 18ga *(&^#&!!) I have been busy making rings, so wont be long and I will have new things to share!!!

A few hightlights of our trip out west.....

2009-07-04T01:10:00.003-06:00

I'm out west enjoying a little r&r.......so until I get home and can properly sort through photos...here are just a few. These are all from Weirs Beach, west of Victoria, on Vancouver Island.

Round and round we go...

2009-06-12T16:46:00.003-06:00

I love the simple and organic from of these circle necklaces, and there are so many possibilities. A favorite quote, kids names, special dates, affirmations...you name it.
Tell me what you would like, and I can make a circle, just for you.

SOLD!

2009-06-12T16:37:00.006-06:00

Tracey's singin' up in Edmonton...and her new bracelet will tell everyone just that! If you have something special to say, let me know, and I will make one for you too!

Pop of Pink

2009-05-28T13:07:00.004-06:00

So I happen to know there's a whole bunch of folks out there, who are on the look out for that perfect 'Pop of Pink" ...I also hear it is the "Hot" color this summer

This bracelet has the funkiest pink disks, that I have combined with large fine silver links that I have fused, shaped and hammered for texture. $40 for the bracelet, and it's yours. I have 2 of the smaller disks leftover, so can make them into earrings if anyone is interested.

I have now added Paypal to my blog, so you can purchase direct from here.
If you live really close and don't need postage, email me and I will set up a custom listing.
I could make this in other colors too...subject to availability. (citrus colors, red, white, blue)

Red Dragon....

2009-05-23T00:25:00.006-06:00

This Bracelet is woven in what is sometimes called Viking Knit or Viking Chain. It is constructed with Argentium silver wire, woven around a mandrel, then pulled through a draw plate. I have completed it with Sterling silver end caps, a gorgeous piece of carved red coral, and a sterling heart clasp.
About Argentium Sterling Silver:
Argentium® Sterling Silver is a patented and
trademarked alloy that is at least 92.5% pure silver,
just like traditional sterling silver.What makes it
different from traditional sterling silver is that a small
amount of germanium replaces some of the copper
that is usually the other 7.5% of sterling silver. It is the copper in sterling silver reacting with oxygen that causes it to tarnish.
$130.oo CAD

Lovin' Silver Clay!

2009-05-06T21:05:00.003-06:00

At the end of June, I'm heading out to Vancouver Island with My Hubby.
We are staying at a great little B&B called The Lodge at Weir's Beach while my Hubby takes a workshop on carving Haida Masks.
The plan was for me to be out on my own to exploring the area, which I am really looking forward to, but I also decieded to look around for a class of my own to take.
What I found was a gal by the name of Susan Ellenton, in Victoria. She is a singer, a painter and a jewelery artist ....and she teaches classes! So I'm bookin' some one on one with her, and we are going to explore the the world of PMC (Precious Metal Clay)

I decided to do a bit of homework this week.... so I bought some PMC and started playing at home. The result from my first experiment was a tag, which I quickly added to a chainmaille bracelet, along with a couple of heart charms and a heart toggle...which I wore to chorus that night....and SOLD! (well, it's spoken for, but by next week it will be sold)

I made a few other pieces this afternoon, and have just finished firing them...tomorrow, I will make then pretty :-)
...but now...it's time for bed.

Chainmaille goes West and South!

2009-04-12T00:11:00.007-06:00

These heavy 14 gauge Argentium Byzantine bracelets continue to be my best seller...one just like this went West to Vancouver, (Thanks Paulette), as did a smaller gauge bracelet, this time in gold and , argentium silver. (Happy Birthday Najat!)
For those of you that don't know, Argentium is similar to Sterling silver, but has a different alloy, which causes it to resist tarnish. Click for more information.
This beautiful Beez to Butterflies bracelet headed south to a lucky Etsy buyer in Texas. I love this weave, so will be making another soon!

Barbershop_Ink

2009-03-15T11:13:00.005-06:00

I have been really busy over the last week, re-branding my CafePress Shop for a totally new look. The shop is now called Barbershop Ink, and it has a funky Grunge feel to it.

I have just posted 2 new designs, but I am busy working on even more. I'm sure you guys have lots of suggestions, and requests, so please send them to me. I am always up for a challenge!

This Baroque design, I have made with several different wordings. Barbershop, I Harmonize, Director, Choreographer, & I Sing Tenor, Lead, Bari, or Bass...pick you fav!

The Grunge Design, I have designed in all four parts.

Lastly, got pitch? has been my best seller, so I've decided to share it here also .

Until next time,
Philippa

Chorus Hi-jinks!

2009-01-29T12:47:00.001-07:00

These are the crazy gals that I sing with every week, and together we are Rhythm of the Rockies!
We had Erin Howden come out form Toronto for a coaching session, that kicked us into contest mode, as we kicked up our choero a huge notch! Now to remember it all...right? No worries...mostly have it all in my sleep now....well the first half anyways, which we worked the crap out of this week.

It is also great to be seeing so many gals coming out to check things out....and quite a few of them are brand new to the world of Barbershop. Everyone is Welcome!

More from the Photo-a-day challenge

2009-01-01T11:09:00.001-07:00

It's not very often that I manage to get in front of the camera! Thanks Josh for taking this, and thanks for the hat too! (not the blue one, that got returned with the camo...LOL)

Photo-a-day, December 2008

2008-12-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Jessica Sprague has some amazing classes over at her website, dubbed the SpragueGround. For the month of December she has a contest running, which I would love to win it, because the prize is registration in one of her classes. I am going to try and register for one, next time they have some, but since they have been filling up in as little as 4 minutes, I figured I should try my chances at winning a spot.
So the deal is, Jessica will randomly choose one photo posted to her December Photo-a-day challenge, per week. I am trying to post daily, and have done pretty well so far, expect for the few days I was in Houston earlier this month. Here are some of my entries....

Byzantine Beauties for 2 friends.

2008-12-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

I'm really excited to see these 2 beauties go to 2 friends. Donna and Jackie. I'm sure you will enjoy these for years to come!

Must be time for me to buy more wire and start winding more rings! This pattern is turning out to be my most popular, especially when woven with these big and chunky rings.

Notice the hooks, also handmade by myself, and the artisan sourced silverhearts....(from etsy)

Philippa Gelinas
Silver Heart Works

Lorinda has a new Bracelet!

2008-12-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

One of my chainmaille bracelets is now in Houston, with my friend Lorinda.....she bought it right off my wrist, and wants more! This was one that I didn't think I was going to part with. It's a gorgeous , foxtail weave peice with a quartz focal, and dangles made of hill tribe silver, a huge crystal cut bead, and a hand cast heart. Need I say, a pretty special peice. Lorinda, I know you will love it!

check decorating the tree off my list...

2008-11-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

What a treat to have the tree decorated for me this year! J & J were begging for me to let them decorate, so i jumped at the opportunity. They did an amazing job, as we all munched on appetizers, Mike was cooking dinner...and I was roaming with the camera.

today I went to the art market....

2008-11-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the Telus Art Market, with my best friend...saw some really great stuff, helped her choose some great stuff for herself and her girls, and picked up a couple of small things in prep for Christmas.
I bought my Cranberry pudding....this will be my 4th year for getting this! YUMMY...esp with the hot butter sauce!!!!!! Thanks P for putting me onto these...

I got tons of ideas for Silver Heart Works, and kept being attracted to all the gals selling funky handbags. Of course I also kept thinking I could just make one... I may just be tempted to go back and get one. I did get my ticket stamped in case I decide make a repeat visit!

The snowmen have arrived....

2008-11-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

My snowman collection is out once again...really hard to resist when everything outside is covered in snow. My new addition this year is a Fitz & Floyd "Sullivan the Snowman" Cookie Jar, and 2 matching little guys, that Mike brought home from his Houston trip this spring. He didn't know it, but it's a perfect match for a plate I got in a gift basket last Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Givaway!

2008-11-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Tip Junkie for her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. Two winners will be picked each day to receive fabulous goodies~

Simple Elegance .....now in my Etsy Shop!

2008-11-17T17:10:00.001-07:00

These simple wire earrings are quickly becoming a crowd favorite! They are very comfortable to wear, and I ALWAYS get great comments when I wear them.

They hang about 2 inches, front and back, and I have shaped the end for comfort. I have used 19ga sterling silver wire, which has been shaped and hammered into these longer style ear wires. This particular pair have yummy Lampwork beads, in hues of gold and aqua, but if you are looking for something different, I would love to put something together for you.

I will be putting more of these in my etsy shop, Silver Heart Works, over the next few weeks, but if there is something special you are looking for now, let me know, and I will see what I can put together for you.

Let it snow.......

2008-11-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

Yes...winter is here for sure!

...and I am clearing out and making room for the Christmas stuff.
Just wish the boys were here to lug bins up from the crawl space!

I will update when I have something to show for it. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Phil.

Funcky Earring Display!

2008-11-14T14:10:00.002-07:00

Check out the photo frame I've adapted for displaying my earrings! It was really simple to make. I took out the glass, and attached some copper wires across the frame. I then glued some card stock to the back insert, and re-assembled the frame. I love how it came out. The card stock co-ordinates with the packing I have also created for these earrings.

BTW, this is just a drop in the bucket of what earrings I have available. I love the long ear wires that I made (from scratch) for the bottom row of earrings. There are really simple in design, and comfortable to wear. I have made them up with a selection of different beads. ($10)

The top 2 rows are Chainmaille, made with various combos of sterling silver and copper wire, which I have wound into rings, and then woven into earrings. ($15)
Want some? Email me!

Signs of Christmas are starting to show....

2008-11-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Apart from the fact I have been learning Christmas music since the summer, and singing in my van, all over Calgary, the signs of Christmas are starting to show them selves. Last week in Honolulu, I saw the big Santa go up on the roof of Macy's, and the decorations were going up in the malls too...some even had a little Aloha style!
I'm now back home in Calgary, and there is still some snow on the ground from the first snowfall of the season. It is definitely feeling like winter now.
I made a start on the Christmas shopping yesterday, and it wont be long till I am dragging out the Christmas tree. and setting up my North Pole Village.

I have tickets still available for our Christmas Show, "Holiday Notes" that my chorus Rhythm of the Rockies is putting on. It will be November 22nd, at Knox United, here in Calgary...tickets are going fast, so let me know how many you want, ASAP! ....this is one of 5 performance I have this Christnas season, and the reason I have been learning christmas songs since July!