Love at the Hardware Store

I'm a girl that loves her tools... so by default I love trips to the hardware store. I'm not talking about the big-box-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink kind of store. I like the little guys that have been there since we were kids. The neighborhood hardware store that has all the bits and bobs the other guys can't be bothered to stock. I love these little stores because they don't look at me like I've grown a third eye like the people at Casa De Pot do when I ask for copper washers or steel baling wire. To me these are not plumbing or farming implements.... they're jewelry supplies!! So today I thought I'd give you a little peek at some fittings that are fit to wear.

They start off like this.... plain washers in different sizes. Sorted and ready to go!


Then I get my hands on them at work them over a couple of times with my hammer, anvil and doming block.

.... after they've been pounded into submission... they get a little TLC.... they're polished and wrapped with sterling silver wire and suspended from a handmade earwire.

Then they get photographed and made ready to find a home with someone who will love them and their story...... hopefully that's you. ;)