Gems and Junk YouTube Channel

Just a quick post to introduce the new YouTube channel of Gems and Junk. I have already posted the first video which is a tutorial on how to create a simple wire wrapped loop. I'll be posting more simple techniques like this for people who are new to wire wrapping and to help me understand more as an amateur creator.

I also have plans to post other videos such as reviews for tools, craft and supplies websites, gemstones and to show how to create some jewellery pieces, such as the bracelets that can be seen here on my Facebook page.

Watch the new tutorial below and let me know what you think. I'm also open to suggestions on what to make a video for next.

Laser Engraved Wooden Business Cards

I'm a big fan of Kickstarter, which has led me to back a few projects both big (Pebble watch, OUYA) and small (handmade exotic wooden wands). One of these projects I backed was to create wooden business cards that had been laser engraved with your business details. Luckily I managed to get 1 of 10 personalised cards that could include my own design, so I thought what better to use than the Gems and Junk logo and details.

I finally received the cards and I'm very impressed with the final product:

The detail of the letters, especially when you get to the very small writing on the bottom, is perfect and does not stand up too much off the wood that may have caused them to chip away.

My favourite part however, has to be how the logo has turned out. It really contrasts with the wood and makes these business cards very unique to give away, and therefore will hopefully make more of an impact with whoever receives them.

Credit goes to the creator of the cards and the person who started the Kickstarter campaign, John Taikhyung Kim. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Industrial Design and has a variety of design experience in different cultures. Check out his website at johntkim.com/jtk/.

After now moving into the world of postgraduate study with my PhD, I'm finding it harder to get time to be creative. All is not lost though, as I have recently create a new YouTube channel that I will be posting jewellery making techniques such as wire wrapped loops, work with beads, choosing the right gemstones and any videos where I get suggestions on what to talk about. I look forward to posting some new content.