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Happy 4th of July
Published on 2011-07-04 14:34:25
It’s been a nice 4th of July weekend. We grilled out last night – beef burgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs, shrimp, corn on the cob, pineapple and cold beer. It was relaxed and just plain nice. We cooked a lot so everyone could have a bag o > read more
Lemon Drop Earrings and Beady Links
Published on 2011-07-03 15:52:53
Sticky Lemon Drop Earrings – I cut copper circles, domed and enameled them for these earrings. The enamel color is really a green-yellow but used sparingly it looks lemony. I like how they look with these darkened brass hoops. The enamel pieces > read more
Long Days of Summer Jewelry Challenge
Published on 2011-07-02 10:46:27
Source: timetogetpaid.tumblr.com via Charlene on Pinterest Source: dwellings.tumblr.com via Charlene on Pinterest Source: ffffound.com via Charlene on Pinterest Join me in a jewelry challenge in celebration of summer. Find or take a photo that > read more
Blue Banded Agate Earrings
Published on 2011-06-29 18:54:59
As soon as I saw the earring posts that I used for these blue banded agate earrings, I had to have them. I loved how they had two segments and loved the design on them. It wasn’t until they arrived that I realized how very close together the ho > read more
Chunky Gemstone Beads
Published on 2011-06-27 18:15:46
I love them. Especially when they aren’t faceted evenly and have rough edges and look, really look like they came from the earth and not the gem store. Like these. A strand of garnets and a strand of aquamarine. Big and bold and chunky and I ca > read more
Gilders Paste on Jewelry
Published on 2011-06-25 09:50:08
Getting color onto metal is one of those things that many people, including me, want to do. I remember years ago when these metal paint pens hit the market. Everyone was using them with brass stampings. They weren’t cheap and there were problem > read more
Kat Cole Metalworks
Published on 2011-06-24 19:09:40
I mean. Hello. Just plain hello. These are stupid sweet. Kat Cole was the studio assistant in my class at Penland. She was awesome and helpful in the class. I think it was the first or second day when we were all gathered and talking and I noticed he > read more
Andrew Thorton’s Virtual Yard Sale
Published on 2011-06-23 15:42:54
My friend, blogger, jewelry designer, artist, and all around great guy Andrew is having a virtual yard sale and I wanted to help get the word out. Plus he’s having a super giveaway in conjunction with the yard sale. You can read all about it he > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 6-22-11
Published on 2011-06-22 17:08:45
Here’s some of the madness that is currently on my work table. Starting in the upper left: Four strands of beads pulled to go with an enamel pendant I made. I am loving the color combination even though the orange is a tad bright. I’m ho > read more
Pink Geode and Tourmaline Necklace
Published on 2011-06-20 18:32:48
The focal point for this necklace is a pink geode from Uruguay. Geodes are wonderful surprises, crystals found inside rocks. Who knows how many rocks someone had to open to find one geode? I hadn’t used geodes before and found that they weren&# > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-06-19 19:54:49
I love being part of such a creative, sharing community. Beads rock. Click. Read. Bead. Beading Arts Cyndi’s favorite wire guru, Paul Bishop, shares a wonderful tutorial with Cyndi’s readers! A Bead A Day Earrings make great gifts in a hu > read more
The Hotness List
Published on 2011-06-18 19:54:08
I’ve never been anywhere close to hot on Etsy. It’s where I have my jewelry supplies shop and I enjoy participating in the community of people on Etsy. But never any hotness. Until today. This is how it started. A crafter from the Netherl > read more
Full Metal Accordion
Published on 2011-06-18 12:35:23
At the end of each session, Penland hosts an auction to support their work study program. It’s an excellent program that allows students to attend who otherwise could not afford it. They pay a greatly reduced fee for the class, room and board a > read more
Enamel Pendant No. 2
Published on 2011-06-15 18:33:47
I am making progress with my goal to create 24 enamel pendants in 2011. This is the second pendant. I know it’s mid-June and maybe I should have 12 done by now. I don’t. I’m happy to have two posted so far. Recently I’ve been > read more
Grapevine Pendant
Published on 2011-06-14 18:31:59
This is the pendant I made in Janice Berkebile’s Grapevine Pendant class. It’s taken me a while to get it photographed and as I look at it I’m a little amazed that I actually made it. I really took the class to learn how to do the t > read more
Is the Red Jeweler’s Saw Frame Better?
Published on 2011-06-13 17:04:44
I owe this to Deryn Mentock who posted a while back about the importance of buying good quality tools. One of the tools she mentioned was the Knew Concepts red saw frame. I left a comment on the post stating that I hadn’t tried the red saw fram > read more
Tribal Gypsy
Published on 2011-06-11 11:59:50
Sea Turtle and Sari Ribbon Necklace + Tribal Gypsy Earrings Pink Geode and Tourmaline Necklace + Pink Sea Glass Earrings Jewelry by Charlene Sevier. Clothing by Anthropologie. > read more
Expanding. Contracting. Expanding Again.
Published on 2011-06-09 21:11:29
I have been in a period of artistic and technical growth. It is an uneasy place at times. But that is where I’ve been. Am. I feel the work moving and shifting and I don’t know where I’m headed exactly. I make things and I question t > read more
Aqua and Wheat
Published on 2011-06-09 06:24:48
I was thrilled to see my amber brown and aqua puffed heart in this lovely collection from xoxopapergems. Kelly, the shop owner makes lovely coiled beads by hand from various papers she collects. She also makes fiber wrapped bangle bracelets. Thank yo > read more
Etched Snake Earrings
Published on 2011-06-07 08:01:12
I am loving etching and this is my first attempt at an actual piece of jewelry. In fact, I’m wearing them as I type this. I love the fact that I can etch any image that is very strong black and white. Gray scale does not work as well. It can be > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-06-05 19:28:58
Enjoy June. Enjoy summer. Click. Read. Bead. Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio Summer is just days away. Come on over to check out the latest installtion from the Earthenwood Design Team. Beading Arts Wire tutorials and resources galore on Bead > read more
A Gentle Hand
Published on 2011-06-04 16:17:39
I’ve had these coral borosilicate glass circles on my work table for a while and kept dreaming up all of these elaborate earring designs. When I went to work on them, they weren’t having any of it. None whatsoever. So I kept it simple. Fr > read more
Woman to Woman
Published on 2011-06-03 20:42:37
Entrepreneur to entrepreneur. Or really, just plain person to person. I just made my 11th Kiva loan, something I am very proud of. I love the idea of doing something to help other people develop their businesses. People who don’t want a hand ou > read more
Train Car and Brass Earrings
Published on 2011-06-02 20:06:05
I saw an old metal toy train car at a yard sale a couple of years ago and bought it. Had no idea what I would do with it, but liked the aged, scuffed look of it. Who knows how many hands it’s passed through prior to that day at the yard sale. I > read more
My Cheating Ways…
Published on 2011-06-01 19:37:03
No photo, but this one’s not hard to get the gist of. I am a cheater when it comes to rivets. When I first saw someone do them with a snippet of wire, it just looked hard. I got up the nerve to try, and of course, had plenty of issues. I gave u > read more
Book + Alphabet
Published on 2011-05-31 21:05:46
My first book. Creamy paper with an enameled front and back cover. This morning, my thoughts were on the work for the day. I knew I wanted to integrate writing into the enameled pieces I did. The presence of writing, text, words, adds an element that > read more
Day 1 – Black and White Sgraffito
Published on 2011-05-30 19:42:02
I’ve had some difficult first days in the studio at Penland, but today was not one of them. I like the group of people I’m with – upon meeting everyone last evening, I felt the whole class had a nice vibe. Classmates are like that b > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-05-29 21:08:03
Loving the creative life. Click. Bead. Read. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew hosts one of the biggest Thursday Giveaways EVER! You could win TWELVE coin pendants from his Shop! Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Jea > read more
Brass Rings
Published on 2011-05-28 14:33:55
I’m still loving and using a lot of brass. Here’s a new batch of brass rings. They are perfect for loops, links, and earrings. It’s pretty amazing to see them go from their rather gaudy original yellow color to this nice dark patina > read more
Book Review: Simply Charms
Published on 2011-05-27 16:27:59
Who doesn’t love charms? They are pre-made bits of prettiness that can be used to make almost instant earrings or a pendant. Charm bracelets just never seem to go out of style. But once you’ve explored those basics, it can be nice to fin > read more
Oregon Sunstone Briolette Beads
Published on 2011-05-26 17:29:46
This strand is my splurge of the year. I saw it and wanted it. Saw the price and walked away. Came back. Tried my absolute hardest to like the other less costly strands. Looked at these again. Tried even harder to like the other beads. Failed miserab > read more
Sticks and Stones
Published on 2011-05-25 19:31:31
Who doesn’t love discovering an interesting bead or jewelry component? I know I’m always on the lookout. I saw these stick beads at Beadaholique and was intrigued by them. They looked like little twigs, regular old sticks, that someone ha > read more
Enamel Pendant No. 1
Published on 2011-05-23 17:12:59
This post has been a long time coming. In January I decided to challenge myself to make 24 enamel pendants in 2011. I had no idea it would take me until May to get the first one done. I’m glad it’s not just done, but made up into an actua > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-05-22 19:34:44
Spread a little love, beads, and creativity. Click. Read. Bead. Beads & Books If you’re in a creative rut, you might want to read what Michelle learned from interviewing bead artist Betsy Youngquist. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton A > read more
Bead Tribal Council
Published on 2011-05-21 19:05:06
Someone is going home tonight. I guess you can tell I watch Survivor and they always have a lot of skulls in the tribal council area. So why not a bead one? The black skull on the podium is Jeff. The mean looking one just won immunity and has the imm > read more
Book Review: Simply Bead & Wire
Published on 2011-05-21 11:11:12
I love working with wire but can remember when it just plain intimidated me. I didn’t understand gauges, didn’t have the right hand tools and would get kinks and run into all sorts of problems. What helped me was good old fashioned practi > read more
Paper Jewelry
Published on 2011-05-20 18:48:04
Lark Crafts recently posted a stunning collection of gorgeous paper jewelry. I am so inspired by the shear creativity that so many people have. Paper can be thought of as a humble material and too fragile for jewelry. Humble materials can take far mo > read more
BTW and a Different Approach
Published on 2011-05-18 18:20:06
It’s Bead Table Wednesday and I’m trying something a little different. I was reading Sparrow Salvage’s blog about how she normally works and a change she made in her approach. I was interested because making a change in your process > read more
Softness
Published on 2011-05-17 18:06:37
Thank you RedSnake for including my pale green oval beads in this beautiful collection. This was created as part of the Alpaca Team’s 1,000 Things Alpaca challenge. It’s a fun challenge and you don’t have to be a member of the Alpac > read more
Hello Mr. Moon
Published on 2011-05-16 19:12:06
The moon is such a universal presence. There are times when I’m standing at my kitchen sink looking out of the window and I see the moon in its luminosity. And however I am feeling – joyful, sad, tired, alone, content – I think that > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-05-15 17:24:06
I enjoy reading these blogs and love being part of such a talented group. There’s always something to learn or be inspired by. Click. Bead. Read. Earthenwood Studio Chronicles The Earthenwood Design Team has been hatching up some beautiful jewe > read more
Book Review: Beading – The Weekend Crafter
Published on 2011-05-14 12:13:20
Lark recently reprinted this book with a new cover and at a reduced price. It’s been one of their best sellers and it’s easy to see why. I do challenge myself with learning new techniques, working with unusual components and trying to str > read more
Gray All Day
Published on 2011-05-13 19:10:21
Cloudy. Gray. Gloomy. Chilly. Drizzly. All day. So why not just go with it. Cloudy by Adam Gudeon. It’s Pouring by Jess Contreras Purple Rain by Bead Abundant Crochet Beads by Three Blue Bee > read more
Earring Findings
Published on 2011-05-11 16:52:00
I like using a variety of earring findings in my designs. The only place I fall down on is clip ons. I don’t have any and there are still women that look for them. But when it comes to pierced, I try to have a variety of styles, sizes and lengt > read more
Jewelry Tools: Bracelet Gauge
Published on 2011-05-09 18:21:57
This is one of those tools that I wished I’d bought a long time ago. Measuring the size of a bracelet with a straight ruler is pretty easy when the bracelet is made with small beads or chain. But a bracelet made with large beads is a completely > read more
Book Review: Simply Necklaces and Simply Earrings
Published on 2011-05-07 11:12:40
Smart businesses know what their core strength is but also have a pulse on the times and are adaptable. I think Lark Books is doing just that. They recognize that there may be jewelry makers who want to learn new skills and techniques but may not hav > read more
Angel Skull Necklace
Published on 2011-05-06 18:17:36
This is a first – me working with a skull jewelry component! I call it angel skull because of the wings. It is from Green Girl Studios and its proper name is winged skull pendant. I tried working with it at the suggestion of Andrew Thornton who > read more
First Solo Metal Etching Attempt
Published on 2011-05-04 19:39:18
There are classes and then there’s after the class. There have been times when I’ve taken the class, bought the kit, gotten the supplies and for whatever varied reasons, I kept working the way I always worked and the kit sat, the new know > read more
Spiral Waves Ring
Published on 2011-05-02 19:48:09
I have been wanting to learn how to do more with wire and I’ve wanted to learn basket weave for a long time. So when I saw the spiral waves ring class taught by Janice Berkebile, I signed up. Even though it was 6:30 – 9:30 pm after a full > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-05-01 16:37:33
It’s been a busy week, lots of learning, creating, reflecting and growing going on. Click. Bead. Read. Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie uses an unusual find of vintage leather postcards to craft a leather cuff bracelet A Bead A Day Do you > read more
Torch Song Trilogy
Published on 2011-04-30 18:34:07
I am so tired. Classes do this to me. I am normally able to work a full day and still have plenty of energy for a busy evening. Put me in a creative or artistic class and I come out wiped. Today’s class was enamels and these are the pieces I ma > read more
Etching Copper
Published on 2011-04-29 15:20:35
I am just thrilled to have taken a class in etching metal. Here’s the piece I made. My first etched piece ever. Sherri Haab taught the class and not only was everyone successful with their etching, Sherri’s process does not require chemic > read more
It’s a Jungle Out There
Published on 2011-04-28 05:48:06
I was just delighted to see my elephant charms included in this jungle theme collection created by Catch Some Raes. She makes lovely cards, many of them with buttons, flowers and other elements that add dimension and detail. > read more
Jewelry Tools: Bench Shear
Published on 2011-04-27 15:24:53
This was a serious splurge and I don’t regret it for one minute. I cut a lot of metal and working with a new sheet of metal is like breaking in new shoes. At first it’s too large for my bench pin and too wide for my saw frame. I have to c > read more
Vintage and Vintage Inspired Jewelry Components
Published on 2011-04-26 17:40:21
Artbeads asked bloggers to create jewelry using either antique or vintage jewelry components or modern components with a vintage feel. My necklace has both. The six components above the pendant are from Artbeads new Kabela Design jewelry components. > read more
Book Review: 500 Silver Jewelry Designs
Published on 2011-04-25 17:18:04
This book is not an instructional guide and it has no projects. It is like walking into a beautifully curated museum show and looking at piece after piece after piece or amazing silver jewelry. You read the artist’s name, the name of the piece, > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-04-24 19:02:14
It’s a beautiful day to create something. Get inspired. Click. Read. Bead. Art Bead Scene Here’s a fresh idea for spring – a garden gate clasp. Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Cindy’s made some new blush pink drops, come see > read more
Rabbit Necklace
Published on 2011-04-24 14:46:45
Happy Easter! It’s been a beautiful holiday, a simple meal of home cooked food from raw ingredients (no packaged food) and time with my family. I work pretty hard most of the time and feel refreshed by time spent talking, laughing, and enjoying > read more
Birch Bark Beads
Published on 2011-04-23 11:45:47
When I came across these birch bark beads from BirchBarkBeads on Etsy, I just had to share them. I love their organic roughness, their varied colorations, their just plain natural prettiness. They are all handmade by Mary Ewell in Alpena, Michigan. S > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 4-20-11
Published on 2011-04-20 17:21:22
Here’s the run down: Brass beads being used for the partially completed necklace in the center Ear wires I am in the process of making 26 gauge brass headpins – they need to be straightened, snipped and put away The partial necklace I re > read more
Lightness Loveliness
Published on 2011-04-19 18:08:53
Beadaholique has a new line of some of the prettiest findings ever. And I’ve seen a lot of findings in my day. This gorgeous branch in a soft matte gold finish is one of them. I love that it has multiple connection points to attach beads or oth > read more
Breastival 2011
Published on 2011-04-18 17:28:35
Here’s my table at the Breastival fundraiser for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. This was my first time participating and I’m glad I did. I don’t do a lot of shows so I don’t have a big display pulled together just yet. I > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-04-17 17:45:41
There’s always something to learn from these fine bloggers. Click. Read. Bead. A Bead A Day Are you a crafter AND a beader? Do you ever give in to mixing craft supplies into jewelry pieces? Stop by A Bead A Day to see Lisa’s latest arts a > read more
Hope and 7000 Bracelets
Published on 2011-04-16 07:33:20
I know that in the darkest days of my life having hope was infinitely harder that giving up, than resigning. Having hope meant that there was something within me that could still be crushed. It meant holding that piece of me out there raw, naked and > read more
Put the Big Rocks in First
Published on 2011-04-13 17:36:20
I have a tendency to try and accomplish more than I realistically can at times. It comes partly from just being excited about what I am doing and just wanting to do so many things. Another part is a flow of ideas and inspiration that all wants to b > read more
We Roar
Published on 2011-04-11 17:19:34
The lions head pendant was a belt buckle I found at vintage shop in Tucson. I sawed off the belt buckle parts and fortunately was able to use two open areas at the top to attach the necklace. I knew I had to select beads that could stand up to the > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-04-10 18:32:17
There’s a lot going on this week. In fact as I was putting this post together, I ended up reading and commenting on posts. So, enjoy. Click. Bead. Read. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew shares his new signature tags and announces h > read more
LNK Art Beads
Published on 2011-04-10 10:35:51
These gorgeous beads were made by glass bead artist Ellen Kay. Aren’t they lovely? I can’t wait to use them in a jewelry design. I plan to keep the design simple because the beads should be the star of the show. I love the fact that not o > read more
Book Review: Sensational Bead Embroidery
Published on 2011-04-09 17:41:46
Sherry Serafini’s bead work is just gorgeous, so I was excited to see that she’d published a book on bead embroidery. Sherry starts by showing the tools and beads needed for bead embroidery. One of the wonderful things about this type of > read more
7000 Bracelets for Hope
Published on 2011-04-08 16:54:15
The Global Genes Project is an organization committed to raising support, awareness, and funds for families living with rare disease. With their campaign called 7,000 Bracelets for Hope, they are collecting blue jean colored or inspired bracelets > read more
Those Tassels
Published on 2011-04-07 19:28:33
Do they really make anyone feel better about how much the strand cost or how few beads there are? I mean, really? > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 4-6-11
Published on 2011-04-06 18:32:07
Working on jewelry is so much better than doing taxes. I’ve almost gotten the taxes done but it took a good chunk of Sunday to do so. Anyway, here’s today’s run down: Maiden beads – these are in the supply shop Giant chunk of > read more
5 Ways to Give a Smaller Pendant More Pizazz
Published on 2011-04-04 17:36:27
Way #1 – Hang it. I created the large loop the same way you would create any wrapped loop. I just used an object the size I wanted, slipped the horizontally drilled pendant on, and completed the wrapping. A much better necklace than my first at > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-04-03 19:16:19
There’s a lot going on – spring inspiration, new blogs, updated studios, and tax time. Click. Read. Bead. A Bead A Day Ready to think SPRING?! Lisa looks back at spring designs from years past as she prepares to create new designs as soon > read more
Spring Green
Published on 2011-04-03 13:48:04
Nangijala Jewelry created this beautiful spring green collection on Etsy. The name means a refreshing type of drink or punch. I’ve never had any, but I guess this is the color. I’m happy to see my vibrant green vintage beads included. N > read more
Book Review: 30-Minute Rings
Published on 2011-04-02 10:26:45
When I received a copy of 30-Minute Rings to review, I was skeptical. Thirty minutes isn’t a lot of time. Do the projects in the book live up to the 30-minute name? The answer is – it depends. I think it is important to understand what th > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 3-30-11
Published on 2011-03-30 18:43:11
Photos of my actual bead table were just coming out too dark and terrible, so I moved some of the stuff to my light box. I do want my blog to be a pleasant place to visit and dark, horrible photos don’t lend themselves to that. So, why is it ph > read more
Personal Color Wheel
Published on 2011-03-29 19:14:12
Many artists and artisans use a color wheel when making design choices. I don’t have a physical color wheel. I have one in my head that I use at times. Other times, color decisions are just based on gut. I’ve found the colors on the color > read more
Frog Necklace
Published on 2011-03-28 17:58:29
The initial draft version of this necklace started out very differently. Years ago I used to design necklaces on a beading board, but stopped once beading wire like Soft Flex and Beadalon came on the scene. Now I use a piece of beading wire and desig > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-03-27 14:14:23
Lots of beady goodness and spring is in the air. Click. Read. Bead. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton To celebrate National Craft Month, Andrew guest blogs for Beaducation. Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Jean writes abou > read more
skill + balance
Published on 2011-03-26 17:59:26
Kate pulled out a deck of cards and asked us each to select one. I’m not sure what kind of cards these were, but the card I selected said “Skill and Balance.” I’ve been working hard on my jewelry skills for a long time now. On > read more
Book Review: Vintage Jewelry Design
Published on 2011-03-24 18:55:47
Vintage Jewelry Design is a thoughtful and informative book that covers jewelry from the 1890’s to the present time. The major trends of each decade are presented along with information on cultural events that influenced those trends. It is int > read more
Springtime
Published on 2011-03-22 18:32:11
Spring is here and I am so glad. It is wonderful to see the world awakening and to see the flowers bloom. The birds seem happy and I’m not even going to tell you what two squirrels were doing on the porch yesterday. Here are my violets. They do > read more
Mixed Metal Necklace
Published on 2011-03-21 18:01:27
It has been very gratifying seeing my mixed metals line come together. Not just because it’s the first time I’ve actually created a little line, but also because of how much time it’s taken to complete it. To date, I’ve comple > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-03-20 15:43:20
It’s bead blogger time and there’s so much to learn and be inspired by. Click. Read. Bead. A Bead A Day Lisa shares the steps to making super simple gnome earrings just in time for spring! About.com Jewelry Making Tammy explains the strat > read more
Lisa Kan Flower Beads
Published on 2011-03-19 15:21:59
These are three flower beads I bought from Lisa Kan in Tucson. They are just precious and I’ve already got an idea of how I want to use them. It was hard to resist buying more of them. The colors of each were just so pretty and Lisa had them di > read more
Torn Edges and Stone
Published on 2011-03-17 19:06:49
I love new and I love shiny, but there are times where the place I want to go is ordinary, torn, weathered, and dark. Where the materials are simple and those thought to be lesser, not precious, things considered plain. These earrings are part of a c > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 3-16-11
Published on 2011-03-16 17:42:47
I’ve been a bead table Wednesday drop-out the past two weeks, but I’m back today. And here’s what’s going on. Lots of handmade long ear wires – copper and silver A copper and brass bracelet that is almost done. I realiz > read more
Book Review: The Penland Book of Jewelry
Published on 2011-03-15 17:09:14
The Penland Book of Jewelry is an extraordinary exploration of jewelry making, the creative process, and reflections on life itself. The book is a collaboration between Lark Books and the Penland School of Craft. The book showcases ten amazing contem > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-03-13 17:42:54
What better way to usher in longer days that with beads and jewelry. Click. Read. Bead. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Inspired by Calder and Medieval crowns, Andrew sets out to create his own crown out of wire and Roman Glass. Earthenwood St > read more
Black and White
Published on 2011-03-13 10:54:05
I was so pleased to see my black and white skunk beads featured in this list curated by 2RavenChicks. Thank you ladies so much. They are a mom and daughter team who create jewelry inspired by their love of literature. They also make birdhouses from r > read more
Strappy Shoe Earrings
Published on 2011-03-12 11:14:33
Who doesn’t love a sexy shoe? Notice I said love, not wear because I cannot wear shoes like this. There are no six-inch bondage looking shoes in my closet. That doesn’t mean that I can’t play with them in my jewelry. And you can too > read more
Rock the Red Pump
Published on 2011-03-10 17:29:44
Today March 10, 2011 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and over 1,200 blogs, including mine, are taking the time today to spread the message. HIV/AIDS may not be in the news so much anymore. But that doesn’t mean that lives are > read more
Olive Green and Navy Blue
Published on 2011-03-10 10:50:28
What a sweetheart Angela Design is for including my olive and navy beads in her curated collection. She’s a polymer clay artist and she even knits the stuff. Fab. Check her out. > read more
Lush Leaf and Flower Jewelry
Published on 2011-03-09 18:17:40
I love the look of really full, really lush charm style bracelets. But it can be a lot of work adding enough charms and beads to make the bracelet really full. That’s why I loved starting this bracelet out with chain from Beadaholique that alre > read more
Kazuri Beads
Published on 2011-03-07 16:54:44
I bought these Kazuri beads from Antelope Beads and I just love them. The colors are wonderful. And they have a texture that makes you want to keep running your fingers over them again and again. I also love that there’s a story behind them. Ka > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-03-06 19:21:54
Lots going on in the bead world. Click. Read. Bead. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew sits down with the fine folks of Beadaholique to answer a few questions. Check out his interview! A Bead A Day Love buttons? Michelle Mach is hosting a > read more
Book Review: The Penland Book of Glass
Published on 2011-03-06 12:59:59
The Penland Book of Glass – Master Classes in Flamework Technique. This stunning book is a collaboration between Lark Books and Penland School of Craft near Asheville, North Carolina. I am fortunate to have studied at Penland twice. I’ve > read more
Quotes Along the Trail
Published on 2011-03-05 12:16:42
These quotes were placed along the trails at Tohono Chul Park in Tucson. I didn’t walk all of the trails, so I don’t have them all. But I found them to be beautiful and thoughtful and hope you do too. The photo above is my favorite. Persp > read more
Mixed Metal Earrings
Published on 2011-03-04 16:58:53
There were moments when I wondered if I would ever be able to show you any finished mixed metal jewelry. I sketched the line out last fall and pretty much worked it assembly line style – all the sawing, then all the filing, you get the idea. Th > read more
Doing it, to do it…
Published on 2011-03-02 19:44:00
And I didn’t. I have earring findings sitting on my work table right now. I pulled them out because I thought I could add some beads and create earrings that people might want to buy. Beside them are earrings I just made that came from my soul. > read more
Book Review: Creating Glass Beads
Published on 2011-03-01 17:42:40
Creating Glass Beads by Jeri L. Warhaftig is a beautiful and thoughtful book. The book is geared towards ambitious beginner and intermediate level glass bead makers using the lamp work process. There is an introductory section that covers tools, equi > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-02-27 18:26:10
It’s been a tasty week full of beady goodness. Here are links from awesome bead bloggers. Click. Read. Bead. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Want to win some FREE ImpressArt metal stamps from PJ Tool & Supply? Andrew hosts another Th > read more
Road Trip
Published on 2011-02-27 13:07:38
Thank you Shannon Dzikas for including my Road Trip bead in your curated list. We all need to hit the road from time to time. Love vintage? Check out Shannon Dzikas’ fabulous vintage finds in her Etsy shop. > read more
Bead Soup – It’s Party Time!
Published on 2011-02-26 06:15:18
I really love participating in Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup. I get to meet and exchange goodies with another jewelry designer. My partner is the lovely Cory Celaya and chances are we never would have connected without Bead Soup. And I get to play > read more
Beads, Leather and Chain
Published on 2011-02-25 16:55:35
Those all sound like good things, right? I’m almost suffering from too many choices I brought back so much loot from Tucson. And I have ideas for everything. I heard someone recently describe it as a log jam – when there are so many ideas > read more
Making Head Pins
Published on 2011-02-23 19:18:20
Head pins are one of those staples in jewelry making that you just have to have. I remember when I first started making jewelry and heard that people made jump rings or head pins – I wondered why. I mean, you can buy them, already made. Why go > read more
Fabulous Find
Published on 2011-02-22 17:45:55
I snagged this belt buckle at Preen in Tucson and can’t want to turn it into jewelry. Yes, it would be awesome on a belt. But I don’t make belts so that’s not what’s going to happen here. I will cut off its belt parts and use > read more
The Beauty of What You Love
Published on 2011-02-21 17:10:10
I set out to make this necklace to honor and accent this beautiful bird pendant from Green Girl Studios. I felt the pendant wanted me to use a light hand in making the necklace. I decided to make a necklace that combined beads and fiber. In particula > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-02-20 17:43:22
It’s been a busy week, beading, blogging, and just living life. Click. Read. Bead. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew gets in touch with his inner “Calder” and hammers some wire with Kate McKinnon and Dustin Wedekind. Ear > read more
Signs of Awakening
Published on 2011-02-20 10:18:54
Even though it’s cold and a little gray today, there are tiny signs of spring’s arrival. You have to look for them because they are small, but they are there. The picture on the left shows the tiniest buds on one of my Japanese Maples. On > read more
Soft Subtleties
Published on 2011-02-19 08:15:54
This necklace has a quiet, soft color palette. Jewelry with a lot of contrast and colors is beautiful. But so is working with a smaller color palette or even a single shade and using shape and texture and finish to create visual interest. This neck > read more
Montana Blue Beads
Published on 2011-02-18 17:42:44
While I was in Tucson, at dinner one night Andrew and I started talking about crystals. He said one of his favorite colors was Montana. I told him I loved that color too. We then went on to talk about the finish – to AB or not to AB? The next d > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 2-16-11
Published on 2011-02-16 17:36:28
Here’s what’s going on right now. Notice in the upper left corner – actual finished pieces of mixed metal jewelry! The first to come off the presses after a very long process and what feels like a long time. They will be off to pho > read more
Enamel Solutions and the Factor of X
Published on 2011-02-15 17:46:28
Let me start by saying that I am no enamel expert. I am a student at the beginning of my journey in learning enamels who seeks to share what I’ve learned so far. Experiencing problem after problem with enameling, I went after more education. I& > read more
Book Review: Steel Wire Jewelry
Published on 2011-02-14 16:38:53
When Lark Books asked me to review Steel Wire Jewelry by Brenda Schweder, I was excited. I like working with different types of wire, and use sterling silver, gold-filled, copper, and brass. I’ll now be adding steel. I know some jewelry designe > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-02-13 15:27:27
These are some of my favorite blogs. Click. Read. Bead. Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Finding the perfect findings can be difficult. Here are some suggestions. A Bead A Day Lisa shares a great new beading resource that has just hit the shelves!! > read more
Honored to be Included
Published on 2011-02-12 10:24:42
My blog has been included in the list of fabulous bead bloggers and I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled. Most of these blogs are ones I’ve been reading for a while, like Andrew’s, A Bead a Day, Katie’s Beading Blog, and Pr > read more
Earring-athon
Published on 2011-02-11 19:41:03
One of the things I’ve been doing this year is setting goals. I want my jewelry business to grow and I’ve been thinking about how to do that. For each of the avenues I use to sell my work, I’ve been thinking about what specific acti > read more
Slideshow on Indie Business
Published on 2011-02-10 21:40:29
A slide show of my jewelry on Indie Business Network! I didn’t ask for it or even know about it until it was up. My gratefulness is immense. > read more
Guitar Hero
Published on 2011-02-10 17:15:42
I was just delighted to have my little guitar charm included in this collection from orengutman. I was even more thrilled when I clicked on his shop and saw absolutely amazing photography. Wow. > read more
Bead Table Wednesday 2-9-11
Published on 2011-02-09 17:14:15
I’ve decided to join the bead bloggers who show what’s on their work tables every Wednesday. For good or for bad, you’ll see it all. Here’s a run down of what’s going on: Bead and cord necklace underway – I want t > read more
Bead Soup Starts to Simmer
Published on 2011-02-08 17:23:19
When I returned from Tucson, a wonderful surprise was waiting for me – goodies from my Bead Soup partner, Cory Celaya. She sent these awesome items for me to work with. I gasped with delight when I opened the package. I love the colors, I love > read more
Tucson, Blogging, Love
Published on 2011-02-07 17:37:45
When I signed up for the blogging workshop with Kate and Andrew, I truly did not know what to expect. I really surprised myself by even signing up for it since I’m not the impulsive type, not the kind to up and run off with strangers in the des > read more
Bead Blogger Links
Published on 2011-02-06 12:51:08
These are some of my favorite blogs. Click. Read. Bead. A Bead A Day Are you wishing for spring sunshine and bright new flowers? Lisa found some swarovski crystals to help her dream in sparkle-vision! Beads & Books Michelle shares some color idea > read more
The Things I Sent
Published on 2011-02-04 17:24:58
I am interested in the idea of collaboration, of trying new things, stretching, expanding. So when I saw Chandler Pritchett’s blog Link and her desire to participate in 52 collaborations this year, well, how could I resist? Now, I don’t k > read more
Enamel Problems – Part 2
Published on 2011-02-04 11:22:05
Here’s part two of my enamel problem saga. Read part 1 if you need to catch up. I started reading Linda Darty’s book. Thompson’s emailed back with a cryptic response – “Too much enamel, no counter enamel.” Various > read more
Enamel Problems – Part 1
Published on 2011-02-03 16:13:57
It’s wonderful being a jewelry designer. We work with pretty things. We make pretty things. It’s lovely. Birds sing. Butterfly’s float by. All is well. Except when things go horribly wrong. And at times they do. My first enamel clas > read more
Keys and Brass Chain
Published on 2011-02-02 21:54:27
One of my very loyal customers loves keys. And so when she emailed me and said please make another key necklace for me. Please baby baby please. I knew I had to. Plus I’m a key lover from way back. She has one I made similar to this one. It tak > read more
Ammonite
Published on 2011-02-02 13:13:29
My friend Jonathan gave me this piece of ammonite. He knows I make jewelry and was such a sweetheart to bring it to me from a trip he went on. I can’t wait to set it and think it absolutely deserves sterling silver. I want to see the silver co > read more
A Lady and Her Tools
Published on 2011-02-01 15:51:43
We met at Kate’s every morning at 9:00. The first day I was timid, but that didn’t last long. The welcome was just too warm, too genuine for that to last. So every day after that, when I arrived I said good morning to everyone and went to > read more
Winter
Published on 2011-01-31 17:54:20
Where I live, winter can show a quiet color palette – gray, black, brown, white, clear. The leaves have fallen and except for the evergreens who proudly show their color, the trees who have lost their leaves offer graceful bones up to the sky. > read more
Bead Soup – My Partner
Published on 2011-01-31 09:09:25
My bead soup partner is Cory of Art with Moxie. As soon as I knew who I was paired with, I went to find out as much about her as I could. I saw her Flickr photostream first and just fell in love with her abandon in using color and form. I thought, th > read more
Leafy Bead Caps
Published on 2011-01-30 13:39:22
There was a time when I barely used bead caps. For those of you that might not make jewelry, they are components, usually metal, that cover part of a bead, adding a decorative touch. I think the reason I didn’t bother much was when I first bega > read more
My Classmates
Published on 2011-01-30 09:22:10
It’s been wonderful meeting Kate and Andrew. It has also been a treat to meet my classmates. Here are pictures of three of them. They’ve all been playful, kind, creative, and just sweet souls. And excellent company. Some are new at bloggi > read more
Ornamentea Loot
Published on 2011-01-29 11:48:35
I realized I never posted the things I got at Ornamentea. And since more beads and goodies are on the way, these deserve a little bit of blog runway. So, here they are. I had to get some of the Elaine Ray ceramic pieces. They had a small wall loaded > read more
Today I received splendor
Published on 2011-01-28 20:18:56
and gave freedom. Andrew had two creative tasks for us today. For this one we each had a slip of paper and he asked us to write a single word on it. We did as instructed. He then asked us to pass the paper to the person on the right. And we d > read more
A Discussion on Splitting Threads
Published on 2011-01-28 09:42:09
During dinner last night, talk turned to bead weaving. And what kind of thread people used. There were those that used Fireline. Those using C-Lon and Nymo. Then we started talking about whether or not we dealt with loose ends as we went along or lef > read more
Seeing
Published on 2011-01-27 21:48:13
So I am here in Tucson with Kate McKinnon and Andrew Thornton participating in an experience of growth and learning. Today was the first day of our journey together. It started with breakfast at Kate’s house and a warm, warm welcome. All the > read more
Jewelry Technique: Stamping Metal
Published on 2011-01-26 21:04:24
Taking a metal stamp, setting it on metal, and hitting it with a hammer – sounds easy, right? Until you lift the stamp up and see a partial impression like the one on the left. Then you either give up disgusted or try to align the stamp in the > read more
Fire Agate Necklace
Published on 2011-01-24 18:26:48
This is one of those necklaces that I loved making. And then when I finished it, I asked myself – is it too different? And I really don’t know why I questioned it. Because isn’t that the point – to create something that > read more
Tucson 2012 anyone?
Published on 2011-01-22 08:06:12
Artbeads is having a fabulous giveaway. Too sweet! And we have a whole year to save up bead money. > read more
Lorelei’s Blog Hop
Published on 2011-01-21 05:43:38
Today’s the big day for the blog hop organized by Lorelei Eurto. I like Lorelei’s blog and she’s done a few other blog hops and activities to bring jewelry makers together. So, when I saw this one, I decided to participate. H > read more
Metal + Patina
Published on 2011-01-19 20:27:08
= me happy. > read more
Brass Hoops
Published on 2011-01-17 14:51:57
Maybe is because of spending so much time on my mixed metals line. Or maybe just because. What ever the reason, I have been using a lot of brass lately. I like it dark, and aged-looking, and weathered-looking, like these brass hoops. I starte > read more
Texture. Check.
Published on 2011-01-15 13:57:46
My mixed metals jewelry line is moving along. Maybe not fast, but moving. All of the pieces have been drilled, cut out, and filed. And they’ve been textured too. My vision for the line is for each piece of jewelry to consist of two diff > read more
Red & Yellow
Published on 2011-01-13 19:15:53
by rubyred14 How nice to see my little pencil charm in this curated collection. What a wonderful surprise! > read more
Paper Mockette
Published on 2011-01-12 17:29:02
When I studied at Penland under Bob Ebendorf, part of the focus of the class was on cold joins and tab settings. I remember the first tab setting I attempted was a disaster. The piece I was setting fell right through. I tried a different type o > read more
Softly Blue
Published on 2011-01-10 19:43:02
My inspiration for this bracelet was the ceramic donut by JJ Pottery Beads. I mean – how could you not love it. The soft blues accented by hints of coppery tones. The overall handmade feelingness of it. That’s what drew me in and > read more
How to Darken Silver
Published on 2011-01-08 15:14:11
Sterling silver is beautiful with a bright finish, but when there are textures, patterns or even lettering pressed into the silver, accenting these markings by darkening the silver and then removing the darkness from the high points creates a beautif > read more
Handmade Earwires
Published on 2011-01-05 20:33:37
I completely love handmade earwires. I just think they add an element of specialness that commercial earwires cannot touch. Don’t get me wrong, I use plenty of commercial earwires and thank whoever makes them. But still, handmade componen > read more
My Cup Runneth Over
Published on 2011-01-03 17:37:47
Well, make that my bead box. Two friends gave me beads for Christmas. Above are the beads from one friend and below are the beads from the second friend. How lucky am I? I can’t wait to use them. And if anybody out there is wondering wh > read more
Handmade from Toronto
Published on 2011-01-02 15:27:20
I blogged about the wonderful Woolly Fabulous a while back and purchased some of her jewelry for Christmas gifts. I was thrilled when I received them. First of all, they were wrapped in the little custom packaging you see on the left. Then when > read more
24 Enamel Pendants
Published on 2011-01-01 18:08:54
I’ve been following Thomasin Durgin’s Ring a Day for 2010 and have just loved seeing what she came up with. She recently announced a Ring a Week for 2011 and I have to say I was pretty tempted. I liked the idea of a challenge but afte > read more
Lorelei’s Fusion Beads Challenge
Published on 2010-12-31 18:33:58
I enjoy reading the blogs of other jewelry designers and artisans and Lorelei Eurto’s is one that I read regularly. So, when she announced a jewelry challenge using beads from Fusion Beads, I decided to participate. Here’s her post th > read more