American West Jewelry Collection

I fell in love with Southwest and Western designs at an early age so I couldn’t help but learn the skills in creating them.  Many of my designs are created using Navajo handmade metal stamps which preserve designs created 100 years ago.  

When creating pieces for my American West Jewelry Collection, I allow my energy to flow through the metal stamps I use.  Stamping into metal becomes a rhythm, a dance of the stamps, a flow and feeling, sometimes absolutely perfect, some not, which adds the handmade quality and individuality of the piece. 

    

              

Southwestern, Western, and Native American jewelry designs have been popular forever.  The styles are loved because generally, they haven’t changed much over time; the designs are here to stay. 

A pendant, bracelet or necklace pieces are being layered with bohemian jewelry such as ribbons, leathers, feathers, pearls and even crystals to create a special, comfortable, and free spirit looks.  Dress them up or down, with that perfect black dress, tee shirts or a white blouse and jeans.  Think about everything you have that would be enhanced with that perfect jewelry piece. 

Others wear these designs because they have a specific symbol or belief in them.  I’m hoping when you wear anything from my American West Collection it is your fashion accent be it classic, vintage, your statement piece or just for fun, you’ll feel wonderful wearing it. 

I created the American West collection of bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and earrings to include many cultural expressions of life which adds Native American, Southwest and Western inspired designs.  Each brings together the past with the present and invokes the remembrance of the American West.

Nothing I make is mass produced, each is individually created by hand in my studio by me. 

No two pieces will ever be the same.  Being 100% handmade they may have minor imperfections which add to the charm of being handcrafted. 

Please enjoy and like my The American West jewelry collection.  I’d love to create something especially for you.   If you’d like help in picking something out for yourself or as a gift I’ll be happy to help.  

What's Your Word - What's My Word - What's it all about?

I’m happy to introduce “What’s Your Word” as part of my jewelry collection. 

A special bracelet, necklace, keychain or even an anklet with a special word is powerful as a daily reminder of what you want to focus on or express in your life each day. The WORD you choose will evolve over time, it’s what you want to remind yourself for this chapter of your life, it may be for a few weeks or months.

What’s Your Word bracelets, necklaces keyrings, and even anklets are a powerful and versatile platform to spread positivity for anyone looking to create meaningful connections such as;  leaders, coaches, teachers, or counselors to name a few.  Each stamped bracelet or token can be used in a variety of creative ways from team building to fundraising - the possibilities are endless.  

Here are but a few examples of how What’s Your Word pieces are inspiring communities;

Team Building – Fundraising – School Activites – Church/Youth Groups – Reunions – Coaches/Life Coaches/Counselors – Hospitals – Clubs – Special Needs Groups – Support Groups – Pet Adoption/Name Tags

The My Intent project believes there is purpose inside each of us and they want their efforts 

to encourage people to share more truth and inspiration with each other. My Intent is not a

jewelry company – they are a service project.

I, Julie Teeples, am a Certified Maker for the "What's Your Word, My Intent Project"

Honor yourself, or anyone, with a WORD of encouragement or appreciation. Because anytime is a good time to be reminded of our strength through intention.

Visit my What's Your Word for help in picking the right word for you, or someone special in your life.  I'll be happy to make your request and have it out in a few days.  Say something with your "word". 

Sons of Anarchy Bullet Necklace

Sons of Anarchy Bullet Necklace

 SONS OF ANARCHY BULLET NECKLACE

Anarchy, a word which to many means different things to so many. 

For some, it means no enforced law or government and freedom without force.  To others, it means a society of individuals who enjoy and live in complete freedom without government.  With today being influenced by the TV series Sons of Anarchy a lot of people believe it means the absence of most cohesive principal; such as a common standard or purpose. 

SOA (Sons of Anarchy) aired originally in September of 2008.  The last season of Sons of Anarchy starts September 9, 2014, on the FX cable network station.  SAMCRO which is not a name but stands for Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original is on its last season.  

If you're a watcher of Son's, love Jax, Gemma, and all the characters of the Son's, then you need to own a Sons of Anarchy necklace originally designed by me, Julie Teeples.  I'm offering various caliber sizes of the Anarchy design.  Visit my site to pick your bullet necklace in the caliber you'd like, there are sizes for men and women.  You can even request a custom design for your Son's of Anarchy jewelry.  

Harley Davidson Collectibles - 1994 & 1996 Beer Bottle Crown Cap Collection

In 1994 Labatt Breweries of Canada teamed up with Harley Davidson Motorcycles in a promotion  to give away five Harley Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Motorcycles.  A collection of 10 Harley Davidson beer bottle crowns (also referred to as caps) were designed, each having a different Harley motorcycle on them.
These 10 became the 1994 Labatt Harley Davidson crown collection.  The Harleys included on the caps for 1994 were;  Dyan Low Rider - Dyna Low Rider Conv - Fat Boy - Heritage Softail Classic - Heritage Softail Special - Road King - Softail Custom - Springer Softail - Ultra Classic Electra Glide - XHL Sportster 883.

In 1996 Labatt and Harley did it again and  a new collection of crows was released.  The collection contained 6 of the original 10 designs of 1994 plus 6 newly designed caps making the 1996 collection a total of 12 caps.   The Labatt Harley Davidson 1996 crown collection consisted of the following designs; Road King - Fat Boy - Softail Custom - Springer Softail - Heritage Softail Classic - Ultra Classic Electra Glide - Dyna super Glide - Dyna Wide Glide - Sportster 883 - Sportster 1200 Custom - Sportster 1200 Sport and the Electra Glide Classic.

I was luck to find some rouge beer caps from both 1994 and 1996.  These caps are from broken sets of both years.

I've made unique, one-of-a-kind, upscale necklaces and accessories from these caps.   I'll be releasing my designs on April 5, 2014.  You may contact me for availability of particular Harley designs or to reserve your piece.   These jewelry pieces make wonderful gifts for anyone who loves HD.

Once they are sold, they are gone forever.   These are original jewelry designs offered exclusively at OakCityGallery.com .

2014 Color Palette

Pantone sets the color palette for artists and designers worldwide.  Many people shop for fashion, accessories, cars, and home décor based on the yearly color palette predictions and suggestions made by Pantone.

We must agree color is a part of our daily lives; it has the ability to engage the eye, create an atmosphere, and provide us with the feeling of joy, excitement, and energy.

As an artist and jewelry designer, I must be aware of color predictions each year along with any season color changes as well. Truthfully I admit I tend to stay with a safe or neutral color palette in most of my jewelry designs.  Why?  Because the neutral colors will always be there, everyone tends to love them, and they play well with most all the other colors out there. 

These are the Pantone 2014 colors



Both 2014 Spring and Fall color palettes use several neutral colors; Aluminum, Cognac, Cypress, and Sand.  You can see how well they look against most all other colors.

Using my jewelry as color is a great way to accent your wardrobe.  If you're a person who loves wearing beautiful, bright and bold color clothing, a jewelry piece accented with neutral color may provide just the right amount of balance or completion to your outfit.

If you're a person who tends to wear neutral or darker colors, a bit of color in a necklace or bracelet may do the trick to finish off your look without being "too" colorful.

Don't be afraid to mix several different pieces of jewelry together, a strand of old pearls with beautiful brass or copper chains and pendants.  Maybe a set of assorted beads accented with a simple chain and bullet necklace pendant.  A strand of pearls with a strand of crystals, and don't forget doing the same with your bracelets as well...I think you get the idea.  Have fun with the jewelry you wear.  Visit www.OakCityGallery.com for an assortment of beautiful jewelry pieces to add to your collection.  Enjoy and let the jewelry you wear bring a smile to your face.

9 11, September 11, 2001 Time to remember Bracelet

9-11 will live in our minds, hearts and soul forever.  On September 11, 2001 four airliners where hijacked, destine for suicide attacks against the United States.  Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York.  Another plane was sent crashing into the Pentagon outside of Washington.  The last plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

Over 3,000 people died during the attack in New York,  that number doesn't include the hundreds of firefighters, paramedics, police officers and first responders who also lost their lives.

Over 125 civilians and military personnel lost their lives at the Pentagon. To that number include the 64 people on Flight 77 which crashed into the building.

All 45 people on board Flight 93 lost their lives when the plane crashed into a rural area in Pennsylvania. We will never know what plans the terrorist had for that flight.

This leather cuff bracelet is in memory of everyone and everything which happened on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001.  Wear in memory; wear it as a proud American.

• 9-11-01 Hand stamped on brass, peace symbols stamped onto German silver 
• 1-1/4" wide saddle brown leather 
• Bracelet may be worn by a man or woman 
• Snap closure for adjustable size 
•  Will fit 7-1/4" to 8-1/2" 
•  Only one available at this time 

There is only ONE of these bracelets.  Be the first and proud owner of this one of a kind 9-11 bracelet by visiting My 9-11 Bracelet before its gone forever.  

This is an original concept design made artist Julie Teeples.  The images, idea and concept is intellectual property and is protected by copyright law.  

JT Logo, Hallmark, Makers Mark

JT is my branding logo.  JT are my initials; Julie Teeples.  When customers receive their order they will see JT on either the jewelry card or jewelry tag.  

JT is my logo and has been used since 2006, please don't confuse this logo with other JT logos you may have seen. 
Oak City Gallery or JulieTeeples.com are the websites where you've purchased jewelry made by me.  

2nd Amendment

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Bill of Rights 

The 2^nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is a part of the Bill of Rights. The 2^nd Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.  This amendment along with others contained in the Bill of Rights was adopted on December 15, 1791. 

The wording of the second amendment (Amendment II) is as follow;

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Supreme Court issued two landmark decisions in 2008 and 2010, officially establishing the interpretation of the Second Amendment.  The Court ruled the Second Amendment protects an individual’s rights to possess a firearm, unconnected to service in a militia and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home within many longstanding prohibitions and restrictions on firearms possession listed by the Court as being consistent with the Second Amendment; District of Columbia vs. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008).  In 2010, the Court ruled the Second Amendment limits state and local governments to the same extent that it limits the federal government; McDonald vs. Chicago, 561 U.S. 3025. 

In Time for Valentines Day



Nile Bullet Necklace 



Open Passion Bullet Necklace

 If you didn't have a chance to get yourself or someone the custom bullet jewelry you wanted now is the time to order and have it ready to give on Valentines Day.

I thank all my customers for the custom orders they placed,  it was a successful and very busy holiday season.  I love designing bullet jewelry exclusively for you. 

I have many new designs of bullet pendants and necklaces which have been  posted to the site.  You'll find something special for the one you love and yourself.  If you don't I may be able to design it for you. 

Have a wonderful New Year.



Angel Wings and Bullets

In September 2012 artist and designer Julie Teeples introduced another, never before seen original bullet jewelry line named the “Archangel”.

Archangel Collection

The angel wing jewelry design is unique, stylish, breathtaking to say the least, and beautifully done.  To start she uses 3 calibers of bullet sizes in the line; there are 3 main angels mentioned in the bible.  She has given each caliber its own name. 

The .9mm caliber named Michael, his name is a battle cry; both shield and weapon in the struggle, and an eternal trophy of victory.

The .38 SPL calibers named Gabriel “...who is the strength of God”.

And finally the .357 Magnum named Raphael; the divine healer who was sent to cure and comfort afflicted souls.

Each bullet necklace is individually hand made by Julie in her studio.  These bullet pendants are meant to be seen and noticed; they will without doubt start many conversations.  The impressive yet manageable 2-1/8” L x 1-2/4” W size pendants come with your choice of either a 4mm antique brass chain, a GP large link chain or for a casual look; a black leather adjustable cord. 

The Archangel line of bullet necklaces are stunning and make a wonderful and unique one-of-a- kind gift for anyone who may need a little protection from the angels amongst us. 

Come see Julie’s line of stylish bullet and other jewelry at OakCityGallery.com or TheSmokingBullet.com where you’re sure to find something you’ll fall in love with.  

 

50 Caliber Bullet Reinvented!

In June 2011 I introduced a new, original and never before seen .50 caliber bullet pendant necklaces.   Since then the design has been a sensation.  So what’s next? 

June 2012 is around the corner and I have something special to introduce again.  It’s a newly designed, never seen before; yes you’ve guessed it… .50 caliber bullet pendant.   The design is fresh, innovated, truly custom, one of a kind and the possibilities for you the customer are endless only left to your imagination.   

All designs are individually free hand drawn then hand carved onto the bullet.  I have several designs I’m introducing and have in mind but, I’m asking my customers for their ideas.  Military, sayings or logos, tribal, tattoos, initials, whatever you can think of or means something to you or someone special can become your personal one of a kind bullet pendant. 

The .50 caliber is known as the bad boy, the gun club special, the ma deuce.   It takes someone special to wear a 50.  Imagine having a .50 caliber bullet pendant which says “Semper Fi”, Navy, Army, or a fallen friends name, a place, a time, a memory….have I got your imagination working yet?  Let’s make your idea real, let me design it just for you.   

Each design is an original; priceless, no one else in the world will own one just like yours; how proud can you be to own something so special so personal, so you. 

Come back the 1^st week of June 2012 or email me so I can notify you when these original, never seen in the world before .50 caliber bullets become available.

Enjoy,

Is Your Bullet Jewelry Safe?

Live Bullet

The image to your left happens to be a live bullet left in someones mail box.  Not surprising to me is the fact the person who found it wanted to make a pendant out of it;  this reminded me of some recent disturbing news.

In April 2012 a high school student in Westford MA was arrested because he claimed a bullet pendant he had lost.  The police said it may be a "potential" live bullet. 

Oh please, a police officer should be able to tell if a bullet is live or has been recycled into a jewelry pendant.   Apparently they said the bullet pendant still had what the police referred to as a "firing pin" in it.  "Firing pin"; exactly what did they mean by a firing pin?  In modern terms a firing pin is considered part of the hammer; a part of a handgun or rifle, which is drawn back then striking forward onto the primer in the bullet.  The primer contains enough gun powder to ignite causing an internal explosion thrusting the bullet head into the barrel from the casing towards the intended object. 

Unfortunately the student who lost his bullet pendant and when it was found came forward to claim it,  was arrested and charged with alleged illegal possession of ammunition.  The student purchased the bullet pendant 2 years prior at a flea market thinking it was safe to wear.

It amazes me someone would consider making jewelry from bullets not knowing if they are holding a live bullet or not!  It amazes me that airport security would confiscate a pendant resembling a bullet casing, covered in crystals and bling, holes drilled through it to hold a chain, and a semi precious stone at the tip and say it may be a live bullet!  Most likely they wanted the pendant for themselves and that's why they took it...what other reason would there be?  Don't tell me air port security personnel are that stupid and untrained they cannot tell what an actual live bullet looks like, what it actually comprises of, and if it can actually be used as a bullet in a fire arm in its present condition?   All of this brings me to my point...

Don't buy bullet jewelry from someone you don't know or trust.  Ask questions, do some research, know what you're getting.  Don't have a friend or yourself think you can make safe bullet jewelry by watching a YouTube video.  If you don't shoot or own a fire arm and know nothing about bullets, then don't attempt making anything on your own.  Buy a piece of bullet jewelry from someone who knows what they are doing, be safe, don't take the chance...don't be stupid, its not worth it.

I'm a shooter, I'm trained, I own firearms, I recycle bullet casings and know what I'm doing with bullets and I've been making bullet jewelry before it became popular.  I won't hesitate answering any questions you have about my experience with bullets and safety issues.  Make sure you know what you're getting and from who...don't end up arrested like the studen at Westford MA because he didn't know. 

 

Latin Phrase Jewelry - The Newests Designs

Latin Phrase Jewelry – New Designs and Phrases

Oak City Gallery is proud to announce its release of several new designs of Latin Phrase Jewelry. Leather cuff bracelets, leather wrap bracelets and several new pendant designs which are now available just in time for holiday gift giving.

Custom Latin Phrase bracelets are available as well; pick your saying then pick your bracelet style, we’ll make it for you.

Browse the Leather Cuff and Leather Wrap bracelet gallery for several design ideas and leather strap colors or, take a look at some of the Inspirational Bracelets for ideas.

If there’s a design or style you like, chances are I can reproduce it for you.  Let me know what I can make especially for you or someone special.

Tarnishing Metals

WILL MY BRASS JEWELRY TARNISH? Of course it will, don't let anyone tell you it won't. We can coat it with archival wax, car wax, along with tons of other agents that say it will prevent tarnish; only for a while. Let's face it, copper, brass, nickel, German silver, and sterling silver will eventually tarnish and if you live in a humid climate, your metal will tarnish much faster than normal. When it happens will depend on how you care for your jewelry.

SHOULD I BUY BRASS JEWELRY?
Sure, or course, why not? Are you scared of a little tarnish? Regardless of what you do, certain metals are prone to tarnish. These metals will require a bit of maintenance on your part if you want them to retain their original shine and brightness. If not, let the metal age gracefully to the color you adore.

Maintenance? What kind of maintenance? To avoid tarnish you need to love your jewelry, you need to show it how much you care by giving it an occasional rub down, a massage with a clean soft cloth. A short quick cleaning with a rub-a-dub-dub. Keeping your metals dry, clean and occasionally buffed with a soft cloth will avoid tarnishing. If you're in a humid climate I highly recommend you maintain your jewelry by drying and cleaning often.

You can read and learn more about maintaining your metal jewelry at Oak City Gallery in the Copper and Metal Jewelry Facts section.

Custom Bullets

Thinking of a custom bullet jewelry piece?  Maybe a bullet pendant or bullet necklace for someone special or maybe yourself?  The holidays are approaching fast and will be here before we realize.

Place your order as soon as possible to avoid the holiday rush and insure your custom bullet arrives in time.  Be assured I’ll do everything possible to make your custom bullet jewelry what you asked for and arrives in plenty of time for gift giving. 

Custom bullet pendants make wonderful gifts.  They can include a favorite design or color crystal, or maybe a date or initials or even a memorial bullet for keepsake.  The possibilities are almost endless of what can be put onto a bullet casing necklace.  Or you might consider a small bullet charm, or a bullet bracelet. 

If you have an idea for a custom bullet don't hesititate contacting me with your idea; lets make it a reality.

How Safe is your Bullet Jewelry?

You may read statements such as, “…the bullet casing is tumbled for several hours to ensure that no gunpowder residue remains…” Truth be told,  the simply process of washing a dirty bullet casing after it’s been found will remove any gunpowder ‘residue’ as some call it.  Normally if a bullet casing has been fired and lying on the ground for any period of time, the sand, dirt, wind, air, rain and natural elements have removed any remaining minuscule ‘residue’ if any, which may have remained after firing.

After finding spent casings the first and foremost is to examine it to make sure it’s primer has been fired, and making sure the bullet is not live.  Obviously no experienced bullet jewelry designer is going to use a live or dangerous bullet provided they know the difference!  But do they know the difference?

The scary part is not knowing if the person attempting to make a bullet pendant from spent bullet casings is experienced to know the difference between a live or fired bullet; if the primer is live, if the bullet head is lead, copper, jacketed or dangerous, was the bullet a misfire or is the bullet live in any way? 

Searching the internet you’ll find several instructional or informational sites explaining ways to make a bullet necklace; some work, others are downright dangerous.  Some sites warn not to attempt working with a bullet unless you are familiar with live bullets, other instructions assume you are familiar with a live primer and bullet head where in fact you may know little if anything about a live bullet. 

I find myself writing numerous warnings to those attempting to create a bullet pendant.  Drilling a hole into a live bullet can kill you, striking a blow to a live primer can inflect major damage to your body parts.

When purchasing any bullet jewelry make sure you read everything possible about its creator; how long have they been making bullet jewelry, where does their experience come from?    Don’t be afraid to ask the designer questions.  Simply stating they rinse, wash or tumble bullet casings once, twice or several times doesn’t assure the casing is safe to wear.   

Finding bullet casings on the ground or buying spent casings doesn’t make you an expert on bullet jewelry.  Has the creator every held a handgun or shot a rifle?  Does the maker know the difference in calibers?  Do they know anything about shooting; can they carry on a conversation about bullet sizes, head markings, or bullets in general?  If a customer calls and asks if a memorial bullet casing can be designed will the jewelry maker know which size casing the customer is referring to or generally used at military, armed forces, or law enforcement funerals?  Maybe this doesn’t matter to you, but it should.

Anyone knowledgeable in the handling of firearms will know if a bullet, bullet casing/shell is safe.  Make sure the person you are purchasing bullet jewelry from knows what they are talking about.  Making a statement their bullet casings have been tumbled or washed several hours doesn’t mean squat if the casing has a live primer. 

Ask the maker about their personal experience with firearms and bullets, make sure they know what they are talking about and not someone who has jumped into making bullet jewelry for profit without knowledge or safety. 

Feel free to ask me whatever questions you have about bullet casings and the making of bullet jewelry.  I’ll use the experience I have in fire arms to answer your question.  If I don’t know the answer I will provide whatever resource information I have in order to help you feel confident and to answer your question.