Ok, maybe it isn't quite fair of me to allude to my piece being featured in Stringing. Yes, the most current issue of Stringing has a section on pearls that are 'not your grandmother's' style. And I did enter this necklace, but it was not selected.
I'm posting it anyway, and I'm doing so because I think there is an important message to those out there that do submit to magazines, but get frustrated by the process.
So few pieces are actually selected, and it always is a bit of a mystery as to why some are selected, and others are not. I feel like I can say this now with some confidence since I have had a piece selected and published. Although I would not say that I am a regular contributor by any stretch of the imagination. But, I did think that I had finally figured out what might be selected, only to have 2 others rejected. And even more frustrating is that it seems to always be the same designers showing up. One other tip I will tell you is that once you submit you end up with a bit of a dialogue with the editors and it does help to make your name known to them. Although it clearly made no difference for me!
The message I would give other designers out there is to keep designing. Design in exactly your style. There are so many amazing pieces out there that never end up in the few select pages of these magazines --- to match whatever theme happens to be on the drawing board for that issue.
What I would encourage you all to do is to check out Bead Chat Magazine. This is an eMagazine designed, written and edited by the bead community. And in our short 7 months of publishing we are up to 100 pages each month full of the designs from all of you (August issue). You can find more about us on the CBC Facebook page or on Artisan Whimsy for upcoming themes. Or you can email us at beadchatmagazine@gmail.com
Join us!
Ok, not exactly sure how I missed this one. Maybe because there were so many pieces I made with Melinda's leather pieces she sent for our 5 x 5 test group in this month's Bead Chat Magazine. There was one more that I did that featured some really cute wood buttons that Edi over at Memories for Life made especially for the team. She really does some amazing things with wood and I've had her cut some custom items for me in the past. The little wood feathers on my Native American necklace were also by Edi.
This bracelet is a simple design, and the buttons seem like they were made for this. looped to pull around on either side they create leather wraps. Fun, light and comfortable to wear. Do check out Edi's store! along with Melinda's at Orrtec.
I think Boho has got to be one of my favorite styles. It's comfortable to wear, and from a design standpoint there are very few rules. Leaving the artist to play. And boy did I have a lot of fun playing with the goodies Melinda Orr sent me! The leather is soft and easy to work with, and I used every last bit and piece of it!
This first piece was a stamped pattern flat leather. I punched holes in it and then beaded on top of the pattern. I also learned how to create a button hole closure with a rivet that Melinda sent me. You can see the tutorial in this month's Bead Chat Magazine glossi (page 81-82) ... I can't even believe how big our little magazine is getting! I'm like a proud moma.
The next piece I decided to leave the beautiful pattern alone and add a beaded band. I recently saw something like this in one of the beading magazines, completely escaping me which one. But a simple enough concept!
I moved on to the thin leather cord which Melinda sent in 3 colors: blue, off white and natural. Might sound a little strange, but it is beautiful stuff! I tell you that this first one with the cross pendant, the second I finished my teenage daughter (also my model here) put it on and never took it off!
She did the same with the next one I created with various wood beads. I had only just finished gluing all the cords into the end when she slipped it on! Popped out one side of the closure, so I had to reset everything. Guess who claimed this one as well?
Now this next one I tried a little something new. I'm calling it freeform chainmaille. I was pretty sure that there wasn't such a thing as chainmaille is a pretty organized sort of thing. But I decided to try. I used it to create a focal and pull the two leather bands together in the middle. Later I googled 'freeform chainmaille' and found that it is indeed a technique, who knew? There is even a book on it by Kalmbach.
Ok, so at this point I have only a couple of scraps left on my bead table. And not wanting any of this gorgeous leather to go to waste ... I decide to create little leather loop earrings. The final two pieces include a Native American inspired beaded pair, and then a wood disc pair that I added a little flair to. If you haven't already clicked over to August Bead Chat Magazine issue ... then click here and check out what everyone else did with their leather from Orrtec.
Artisan Whimsy, a community of jewelry artisans, has started a monthly group for testing products by using a grouping of components to design with. This month the component provider is ZnetShows and the packet I received is to your left.
My task was to use these elements to create designs and post them by the end of the month. Well, alrighty then. Let's get started!
I'm not one to use all the components in one piece, or even two. So I'm going to show you several different designs.
I thought I'd start with the ones on the top. ZnetShows calls them "fish bones." I did two pieces with these beads, starting with the pairing I did with New Zealand paua shells. These are shells that are collected along the shores of New Zealand that have been somewhat bashed about. So they end up as bits and pieces. But I just loved them. I bought them from a local bead store in Auckland where they drill holes for beaders. I created a fringe with the shells along the edges of a pretty ribbon. Then I bead embroidered the fish bones along the band. I finished the bracelet with adjustable buttons for alternating sizes. I really love how this one turned out. And as an added bonus, it makes the best sound when you're wearing it! The jingling sound of shells.
I used most of the smaller pieces for the bracelet, but with the larger ones I did beaded caps and nestled them into a netting to create a choker. I included a few of the Chinese crystals I had left from an earlier Znetshows stash, and then finished off the necklace with blue leather and a silver hammered closure.
With the individual pieces of sea glass in the middle, I made a series of earrings. I was again creating my own earwires. I'm kind of liking making my own these days! First up are the larger rectangular glass that I paired with a silver wave charm. This pair light weight and has a nice swing to them.
Next are the smaller rectangular glass in a fainter sea foam green. Boy I love this color of glass! I did a slightly 'mismated' pair with a hammered charm on just one of the earrings, and then a silver etched flower bead I picked up at a bead show.
Next are another pair of conch shell earrings. I've been loving these baby conch shell beads; they are so fun to create with! I did a few last week that you can see here. This pair I kept somewhat simple adding only a few Chinese crystals to them. They match up nicely to the netted choker above.
The last pair I made use a pretty little pair of antique silver connectors. These were part of the last set of sea glass along the bottom. I added a little MOP (mother of pearl) charm to the bottom to keep that beachy feel to them.
Ok, you all still with me? I know this is a long post. Longer than I normally do, but the rules are to post all my projects together in just one link so I can connect to the linky on the Artisan Whimsy site. Don't forget to check out everyone else's designs.
I've got just one last piece. It is a green velvet choker with a zig zag beaded trim to it. My friend Christine showed me this stitch the last time we met up. I think it just might be my 'summer fling' stitch! I asked my daughter to model it for you all in a dress I picked up at a Renaissance Faire many moons ago. I love how the choker looks with this dress.
Well I have apparently jump the gun! I posted too early to reveal some of my projects. So those of you who were here early and saw my reveal of the first 2 pieces ... you got the sneak peak! The rest of you will have to come back to see these and the others!
This is part of a new effort by Artisan Whimsy, a community of jewelry artisans. It was started as monthly group for testing products by using a grouping of components to design with. This month the component provider is ZnetShows and I got my packet about 2 weeks ago (you can see them off to the left). I will re-post at a later date ... when I'm supposed to (doh!)
Artisan Whimsy challenged us to try out a new technique called Soutache (pronouced SOO-tash) and is referred to as Russian Braid. It is a beautifully flowing stitching technique with layers of trims, braids and tassels; developed in the 16th century. The trims are stitched flat in a combination of sewing and bead embroidery with the trims 'stacked' to create a stronger visual with the beads in a series of curves.
I found inspiration on a few sites from Poland, Hungary and Romania. If you want to see some amazing eye candy check out this site by Aurus.
I have done quite a bit of sewing, embroidery and beading and when I saw the call to learn this technique I thought I'd be able to master it quickly. But that was not the case; I can't even bring myself to show you my first attempt. What I can tell you is that every little niggle with your stitch shows up.
I started the project weeks ago, and put it down as I was too frustrated to try again. I finally picked it back up again a day ago, and it went along much more easily this time. I decided to let the trim fall into its place naturally as I stitched along. This worked so much better - and faster - for me. I also decided that instead of trying to work in multiple colors, I wanted to focus to one color and let the central focal take center stage, which worked better with what I had in mind. I wanted to do something that was a little more Victorian and thought a cameo would be the perfect focal.
This piece is still on my bead table. I need to put the backing on and add a few more pearls. I also need to decide if this will be a choker or a necklace, and if I want to use ribbon, velvet or a beaded stitch. I'm going to let it sit for a few days, but I'm so glad I tried this again! I would recommend checking out the recommended site for materials and tutorials if you want to try Soutache; Amee Runs with Scissors.
Artisan Whimsy put out a challenge to create a piece that shows your passion and love for jewelry design. Anyone who follows my blog knows that my style (if you want to call it that) is eclectic; aka anything and everything. So for me to create something that represents my style is not so easy.
So instead, I decided to focus on the season. With Valentine's Day approaching, and the fact that I just got this seriously sweet artisan heart pendant in the mail from Tiffany Goff of Southern Gals Design; I decided that is what I'd use as inspiration.
Sometimes I like big bold, crazy design. But sometimes I like the simplicity of design. Sometimes the beads by themselves are a lush color and can stand on their own. I'm currently having a love affair with these pale yellow, micro seed beads. They set off the pale red-pink of the heart. I originally paired the heart with bright red beads, but it made it look washed out. I switched to the yellow beads and it brought this sweet pendant to life. I love how color can do that.
So for the question to show passion for design, my answer this week (as with most weeks) is you've got to listen to the beads, be willing to try new things and make adjustments when things just aren't working. Sometimes knowing what doesn't work is just as important as knowing what does. Both lead you forward.
I have had a lot of people ask me about this cuff. Truth is, it is a very easy project, as long as you don't mind doing a little stitching. I've made several in the last 6 months; honestly there are endless ways you might add your own twist to this pattern.
For those looking for the tutorial, you'll find it on a new site that all us beaders have been enjoying called Artisan Whimsy. The tutorial is on the front page today. If you bead, and haven't yet signed up, give it a look. There are lots of great ideas and patterns on the site.
If you don't bead, but would love to own this one ... try my Etsy. Hope everyone is enjoying family and holidays, and holding your loved ones close.
Last week a group of jewelry designers at Artisan Whimsy announced a holiday sale at our Etsy sites. You can check out all the other shops in the linky on my post. Also, each one of us are doing a give away of an item to our followers, today December 1.
So without further ado, I took everyone's name that wanted to enter the drawing and did a 'Random.org' spin of the wheel.
The winner is Jean Wells! Come on down!
I simply love this stone! These are African opals and have the most amazing colors ... from pale blues to sandy oranges. No two stones are the same, which is what makes them so fun to use in my designs. I hope you enjoy them Jean! Happy Holidays
I know a lot of people will be shopping this week, through the weekend and into next week. Both in store and online.
So a group of us jewelry designers have decided to hold our own Holiday Collection sale on Etsy, Artfire or other places the Artisan Whimsy team has their items for sale. There are some really gorgeous pieces by these artists, many of whom have published work.
The team is making it even more interesting by giving away items. I am going to be giving away these beautiful African Opal drop earrings worth $40 on my Etsy.
All you need to do is leave me a comment letting me know that you'd like to be included in the drawing and how to get a hold of you. Each artist has at least one giveaway, just click on the link here and you can browse through all the giveaways, or click on the links and see what else the artist has for sale in their shop. All of us will announce our winners on Dec 1, so stop back by to see if you've won.
The Sale starts this Friday, Nov 23rd through Friday Nov 30th. All participating jewelry designers will be offering a discount in their stores including me. Shop over at my Esty store and get 20% off all items through next Friday. Just enter the discount code: AWHOLIDAY
All giveaways will be chosen individually by the blog owner, so stop by the blog and leave a comment if you see something that you like. And there is more ... the Artisan Whimsy team will be hiding 3 more giveaways throughout participants blogs. When you find them, follow the directions to be entered! Don't forget to bookmark ArtisanWhimsy.com for future jewelry shopping and opportunities.
When I saw the call from the Brit Pack Beaders over at Artisan Whimsy to create a piece of jewelry inspired from one of the 5 cities (Dorset, Edinburgh, Bath, Liverpool, Southampton, or the Isle of Wight) the team is from I had to jump in! Any one of these places would be fantastic to use as inspiration given all the history. You guys all know what a history nerd I am.
I knew immediately I'd pick Bath from this list as I am such a HUGE Jane Austen fan. I've read every book many times; to the point that I can quote passages. Oops .. did I say that out loud?
While I love to see some of the characters come to life in the many movies made from her books, the books themselves do have a richness of story that is hard to get into cinema. But when it came to fashion inspiration, I admit I did turn to the movies to review the clothing, necklines, jewelry ... my favorite Jane Austen story is Persuasion, yes I own several versions of this movie. I hear you all laughing at me out there, but I'm not listening. This is her last novel, and I think her most mature character in Anne Elliot. I decided to take Anne Elliot as my inspiration, and her time spent in Bath attempting to be a part of the local social circle. Going to concerts, the pump house to drink the waters or a party at the home of one of the socialites. I just get lost in another time and place when I read Austen.
Ok, so for the research. Austen is always talking about ribbons. Who knew anyone could be so obsessed with them? They are tied around your waist, on a hat or used as a closure to a cape... just in case you have a spare cape lying around.
There are also plenty of pearls used for jewelry, or is that jewellry for you Brits out there! The look is simple but elegant. Most necklace lengths seemed to be right up at the collar bone, or as a choker.
Right. So, I created a velvet pearl choker. You didn't see that coming I'm sure. The closure itself is the focal. It is a marcasite box clasp (one of my most favorite materials to use). I used black velvet with pearls as it made it dressy for a night out in society.
I did make it reversible. In the back I used a much simpler pearl pattern so that it was more black than white. So depending on your mood you can go with a stack of pearls or a a more subtle focus with the black velvet. And if you wear your hair up; you get both!
For a compliment to the choker, I decided to create marcasite, pearl earrings. I've been playing around with beading vs wire wrapping lately. This pair is beaded with fireline. It made for a very delicate look to the earrings with micro Swarovski crystal dangles.
A quick shout out to one of the Brit Pack hosts: Pippa Chandler who is from the Bath area. The city of Bath was named by the Romans who built one of their famed spas in what was then called Britannia (or England). The one in England is the most reknown, but the Roman's loved their spas and there are others. I went looking, as you knew I would, and found them located in: Pompeii (Italy), Odesses (Bulgaria), Weißenburg (Germany), Manilva (Spain), St Paul's Bay (Malta), Caesarea (Israel). I've been to Bath (in England) several times and marveled at how they piped and heated the baths with natural thermal water. Yet another feat of engineering by the Romans. It is absolutely worth visiting. The central 'Great Bath' is stunning to see, and the museum is of course a favorite of mine. One thing I found so fascinating was the ancient graffiti that was translated. It made a piece of history feel so everyday.
