In Memory of Mieko Takahashi Shull and Lucia Gulino

The Etsy MetalClay Team has created two different beautiful charm bracelets to honor the memories of two of our teammates who recently passed on—Mieko Takahashi Shull and Lucia Gulino. We are raffling these bracelets and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to charities in their memory. The proceeds will be split 50/50 between World Vision—Mieko's favorite charity, and an art scholarship in Lucia's name. 

We are sorrowful at the loss of these two beautiful and talented women who were taken from us too soon. The Etsy MetalClay Team is a close-knit, global group of metal clay artists with the common ground of having an Etsy shop. We support each other with advice, tips, friendship, laughter, and sometimes tears. Sadly, this time it is tears. 

We, as a group, felt that the best way to honor our friends was by doing what we do best—make things with metal clay. Team members individually created these charms in silver, copper and bronze. Each one was fabricated by hand and lovingly donated to this cause.

The bracelet chains are hand-fabricated of fused argentium sterling silver links with custom-made sterling silver toggles. The toggles are designed to pay tribute to Lucia and Mieko by echoing their unique signature design styles. The flower toggle is for Mieko, and the geometric toggle is for Lucia. Each bracelet is approximately 7 1/4 inches.

Raffle tickets are $5.00 USD each. Because we are raffling two bracelets, each ticket has two chances! To buy a ticket, please click the "Donate" button below. Please be sure to provide us with your e-mail address. Your raffle number or numbers will be sent to you via e-mail within 24 hours of your purchase. The raffle drawing will take place at 2:00 pm EST on Sunday, September 30. Two numbers will be chosen by Random.org - the two winners will be notified via e-mail.

First Prize: Sterling silver bracelet with 11 charms created by Etsy MetalClay Team members. 

Second Prize: Sterling silver bracelet with 10 charms created by Etsy MetalClay Team members. 

Each bracelet is different.

---> Please stand by as we revise the donation process - thank you for your kindness and consideration!

"What's on your workbench?"

Hello! In this post we have some members of the Etsymetal clay team showing us what they are currently working on.

Lori Magno- Moda di Magno

"I'm making 200 good luck charms for a friend's wedding in September. Hadar's bronze clay with a hand carved mold and each piece hand stamped with their initials (and all made with love and best wishes.)"

Evelyn Pelati Jewelry

"On my bench today is a test strip for Fast Fire BRONZClay. I'm going to try firing it in Magic Carbon. I'll take measurements of it before and after firing so I can start to get an idea of what happens with the shrinkage. After it's fired, I'll try bending it and hammering it. If it's o.k, I'm going to start making some pieces in bronze. All new for me!"

Anna Mazon- Drakonaria

Check out this amazing piece from Anna, it is a custom order. This is just before firing and we are all eagerly awaiting the final result, we can't wait! :)

Joy Funnell

Joy is busy enamelling at the moment - lots of tiny rainbow seashells for a sculpture piece!

Lorena Angulo- Pueblo folk art

"I am working with Sterling PMC in this piece. I hand sculpted and carved this folk bird and I want to make a brooch, maybe a brooch/pendant with it. I love working with Sterling PMC!"

Milica Bubanja

This ring is an custom order.

"It is a metal clay carved ring with two lampwork beads (made by me!). I drilled two holes and I'm trying to get right size. Next step is firing the metal clay ring."

Catherine Witherell - HappyDayArt!

Last but not least is a great studio pic from Catherine.

"I've been working in a bright corner of my living room for about 2 years and my family teases me about it all the time.  But it's cold downstairs and there is almost no empty surface down there so well, yeah, here I am.  I clean up a little when I quit working each day but I do a better cleaning of the space just before I begin working on a new project.  It helps clear my mind too."

That's all for this post, I hope you have enjoyed seeing what members have been working on.

Lou Hunter