CaraSmiths studio is located in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. My passion is creating unique, handcrafted art jewelry and home goods from metal, glass, found items...anything and everything. My education includes art and metalsmith/jewelry design study at Barnstone Studios and The Baum School of Art. I've also studied metalcasting and glasswork at the Banana Factory Cultural Arts Center.

But let's talk about you! Thank YOU for shopping my store! Here are some details about things you might want to know about, the raw materials used in jewelry and home goods and how to take care of them.

GLASS by CaraSmiths that highlights some of my work starts off as either a cool glass rod or special sheet glass. My glass preferences are Moretti and System 96, but I'm always working with new things, like recycled glass. Glass is a liquid, and when it's carefully heated in the flame of a torch or in a kiln (think of those brick ovens the ceramic makers use?) the glass works up to a point where it gets very hot. Depending on the temperature, it flows like honey or fuses with other glass. So things get hot, up to 1600 degrees hot! Some pieces are then slumped, meaning after they are fused together and slowly returned to room temperature, they are heated once again, but this time at a lower temperature so that they can take the shape of a ceramic mold, like a plate or bowl. Might sound like many steps, it is, and time consuming, but I hope you agree, so worth the effort! Most important to you is durability of these treasures. Bringing the glass back to room temperature and making it strong requires the use of a kiln to anneal the glass. CaraSmiths glass is kiln slowly annealed at the appropriate temperature for long wear and enjoyment. I carefully inspect my work before it comes home to you, but of course, glass is glass: ~ Dropping it on the floor will most likely result in cracks, especially if done repeatedly. You'll be sad! ~ Wiping glass beads with a soft damp cloth will keep your beads shiny, no need for and please don't use harsh detergents or cleaners. ~ Hard wear of glass beads is not recommended. Wearing your beads while engaging in contact sports or intense activities doesn't work well for glass. ~ Dishware is totally safe to eat from, and usually dishwasher safe: If your piece is very ornate or is fused from recycled glass (example: wine bottle cheese trays) you will want to wash it by hand. If in doubt, hand wash.

METALS used in our designs are clearly stated on each piece featured. As a metalsmith, I prefer using .925 sterling silver for jewelry, as well as bronze and brass. Sterling Silver can last a lifetime if stored properly, with minimal cleaning required. The sterling standard refers to .925 grade of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Copper keeps your silver in shape and adds strength. (No worries, you don't see the copper in .925 sterling.) Even though silver wears really well, the do's and don'ts include: ~ Storing your sterling silver in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnish first appears as a gold/brown type hue and then turns dark...you might like it this way, I actually force many of my pieces to achieve this look with darkening agents. Oxidization is normal and comes from the moisture in the air, the sun, and multiplies like rabbits if you wear your silver at the beach. ~ To keep tarnish to a minimum, store your silver in a cloth pouch separate from other metals. Tip: Those little silica packets often found in shoe boxes are great to keep in your jewelry box or pouch to minimize tarnish, of course you know that these should not get into the paws of children or pets! ~ Placing your sterling silver directly on wood surfaces can mar the finish, I've learned this, so you don't have to. Also, know that other metals and even rubber can cause tarnish. I have a beautiful linked sterling and rubber chain that is always needing polishing. So if you like shiny silver, treat it kindly. ~ To remove light dirt or tarnish, use a small amount of mild liquid detergent added to a 1/2 cup of warm water and rinse thoroughly with water. Harsh cleaners could damage the polish on stones or glass beads, so stay away from these. Before storing, dry completely with a soft cloth. ~ Polishing cloths, inexpensive and available at drug stores and such, are great for quick shines. Never ever dunk, dip or lather your silver with silver cleaner. Doing so will remove any purposely placed oxidation (that cool black highlighting in your jewelry that was put there for you) and possibly ruin stones and/or beads. ~ Don't stretch your jewelry. Sterling is resilient, but if you yank your bracelets or earring out of shape or are consistently hard on your treasures, eventually they'll snap or break. Bracelet bangles should be twisted from side to side just a bit prior to placing them on the side of your wrist from the thinnest point (vs. just pulling the bracelet open over the top of your wrist) to ensure longest wear. ~ Bejewel yourself after the lotions, hairspray, make-up, and perfumes are dry. Remove your jewelry before undressing, swimming, and other activities where it doesn't belong. (I once ignored my advise and wore my bracelets camping near the ocean, not the best choice, and much busy work when I got home.)

Hopefully you've found this information helpful. And thanks again for stopping by. One of a kind items made in Pennsylvania by Self Representing Artist #S190.