Works in Progress

Work in progress

It was such a gorgeous day here yesterday I had to get out of the house. I've been itching to go thrifting but thrifting here is SOOOO dismal. But yesterday I used it as my excuse to go out and spend the afternoon at one and Pearl looking for stuff to use for some of the ideas floating about my brain. It was not fruitful and all I got at the thrift was a pressed glass vase for my brushes. Nice, but not STUFF for making other stuff like I wanted.

At Pearl I had the same luck. They were out of what I wanted=no suprise there. No paper clay, no resin measureing cups, no Golden Crackle paste and no color wheels..sigh... I did spend an enjoyable afternoon with Rob though thru all these errand misadventures and that was nice.

The photo above is what I am working on today. I had started the base 3 or 4 yrs ago and it sat. Today I got the image of thie dragon and devil and thought "this works together". I initally thought it would be about fighting evils. I started gathering some stuff for it, and it went a few different directions, but it has decided it wants to be of religious symbology-red for the apple in the garden of eden, the devil hiding in the rocks watching and manipulating, etc... It's always interesting to see a project change and mold before your eyes.

Yesterday I got together some class samples and this photo is for my Jewelry Alchemy class. Aren't they all so pretty together?

I'll let you know when it is scheduled.

Also, it's looking like I'll be coming out to Charlotte, NC area to teach at the end of May. More details when we get them nailed down! I'm so excited about it, I've only ever driven thru both of the Carolina's never visted either and I'll be doing both!

New Jewelry and A Book Review

Devotion Earrings Let Them Eat Cake

Golden Lux Necklace Blackbird Singing Bracelet

I love to create, but don't like the process of putting things on the website. Where's my website godmother to do the boring stuff for me? I know I need to do it every day or at least every couple of days, but still have a pile here waiting for me to get busy.


But on to something fun - a craft book review.

I recently got the book "Altered Art Circus" by Lisa Ketell. I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of the Circus due to a horrific event suffered as a 4 yr old - a sadistic clown scared the crap out of me and I peed my pants. Nice huh? Needless to say, that early experience tends to make one a bit biased against Circus stuff in general, and Clowns in particular.

And even though I'm more of a sideshow circus gal myself this book is totally cute and full of fun mixed media altered art projects. There are 30 projects in here and a gallery of inspirational images. While the title says circus, the book does also dwell into the land of make believe and magic with projects like captured fairies in a jar, a book of secrets and a fairytale pagent crown.

I love the circus cars pictured on the cover, the Carnival Theater project. Also I am in love with the Miss Spellbinder's Magic cook book, and the ADORABLE Carnival Animals. The gallery section has some great creations as well, and I see some friends like Izabella and Wanda Eash! Lisa has included a ton of clip art to use and create your own little circus.

I think a Circus Crafting day will be in order soon. "Shakes the Clown"will be on the DVD player and some microwave kettle corn will be popping!

Earrings and giveaways

I've been on an earring making kick the past few weeks. Earrings always sell well, I think not only because of the price point but also because they are an easier impulse buy for gift giving. I need to resize/edit all the photos of these and others I made last week and get them on the site and Etsy.

Today I was supposed to meet a friend for lunch but she had to cancel last minute. I need to switch gears from "social day" to "work day" now. I could go out and run around anyway, but think I should do the work I couldn't get done yesterday. It's supposed to get up to 65 today but I don't know if it will get that warm-certainly doesn't feel close to that now.

While doing a bit of blog reading this morning, I also come across some fun giveways. First at Paris Hotel Boutique blog, a "Spring Fling" giveaway of 3 great gifts. Check out her blog for the details. Another fun one is other is over at Lampe's Lumps blog, Tracie is giving away a Lump aka her handspun yarn. Check here and find out how to win it. Last but not least, Beadin by the Sea is giving away a really pretty silver necklace. Read her blog to find out how to win it!

Marketing Monday - Jewelry Selling Techniques

I haven't done a Marketing Monday post in a while, and its well overdue. Not because I haven't wanted too, but Mondays seem to just to be filled with stuff to do.

Today's post is about jewelry selling techniques. I recently had the pleasure to get the e-book "101 MORE Great Jewelry Selling Techniques" by Dr. David Weiman.

Dr. Weiman is the Marketing Director for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist (since 1986), marketing director of Step by Step Beads, and Step by Step Wire Jewelry. I've been reading his newsletter "Jewelry Selling Insights" for a while and knew this E-Book would be good. If are selling jewelry as a business and you haven’t signed up for this newsletter yet-do it now.

"101 More Great Jewelry Selling Techniques" book is a “best of” collection of tips from the newsletter and let me tell you, this man knows how to sell jewelry! In this great pdf, you’ll get tips and techniques that you can start using this very minute to start selling more jewelry. Most of the tips don’t take a lot of time, so you really have no excuse to give them a try.

The tips are categorized into sections such as “Selling face to face”, “Selling on the web”,”Advertising & Promotion” and “Customer Service”. You can hone in on a specific area you may be having problems with, or just open it up at random and try a tip on that page (let your intuition guide you!). Some of the ones I like best are: How to create and use referral cards -An excellent way to get your current jewelry customers to gladly help you build your client base. This is BRILLIANT and I am working on my own card. Another one is: Bring a show calender to every show and event you do. Let the customers know where you'll be next. Or you could make some print outs and pop them into every bag as well, it's another way to keep you in the customer’s mind. And one that really spoke to me: Visit the shops that show/sell your work. Not everyone cares about your jewelry display as much as you do! Thats so true, not matter how great they are.

Dr. Weiman is a font of jewelry marketing knowledge so if you are looking for more ways to increase your business in today’s tough economy you should look into his ebook. Be sure to sign up for his newsletters and check out his blog as well.

I love a lazy Sunday

I had another "do what I want" day! woo hoo! and it didn't involve jewelry. I wanted to do something different so I pulled out a small canvas and got to work with all the bits of scrapbook paper and stuff I've been sitting on. Its turquoise and a deep coral red=prettier then the camera pics up. And yes, the L is mostly cut off the word, thats the way the paper was so I just went with it, your brain fills in the missing part of the letter. This isn't finished yet but I think I like the way it's coming out.

I also spoke to Jessica about her weekend at the La Petite Maison Blanc workshop down in L.A. yesterday. It sounds LUSH!!! She told me about ALL the great stuff that came included in the price= a private reception with make & take and munchies at "Paris to the Moon", classes with 3 teachers, nibblies for the registration and vending hour before class, incredible & delicious catered lunch, a tea time, not to mention the amazing goody bag and other swag she got. She had a FANTASTIC time and I must go to one this year if I can! I forgot to blog about our trip to Crown and Crumpet Tea Shop last Sunday for her birthday, but check out her blog for the details and photos!

I also want to send a little late CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Jen Perkins and hubby for the arrival of their little bundle of love baby Tallulah a couple weeks ago. Sadly, I won't get to see Jen at the ZNE Convention but hopefully I can get to see her sometime soon.

Tonight, I've cranked up the space heater and am about to go hole up in the bedroom with Bettie and work on some wire jewelry=more of my take it easy weekend.

And here's whats happening in this weeks Bead Bloggers!
Art Bead Scene
We all need a little bit more organization. Here's a nifty organizer for your tools.
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe talks about her love of Egyptian Jewelry.
Bead & Button Magazine
Lesley shares tips on getting organized from her and the staff.
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi prints her favorite images onto cotton to create a new fiber necklace.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie ponders the beauty and symbolism of butterflies and lets herself fly free with a new pendant.
Jennifer Jangles Blog
Katie Hacker designed a fabulous necklace using some of Jennifer's pinwheel beads.
Jewelry & Beading
We've been concentrating on organic materials for jewelry making this month, and Cyndi has rounded up a few of her projects that fall into that category!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Come read Jean's review of this super new book by Kim Gover: Designing Jewelry with semiprecious beads!
Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses shopping opportunities for unusual stone-wrapped chain.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Finding inspiration in an unlikely place, Andrew creates a necklace based on a Jell-o dessert.

Plaid Spring Contest

My dear friend Candie, recently posted about this contest and I wanted to help spread the word about it. So "spring" into action and enter! (sorry couldn't resist!)


Plaid is celebrating the arrival of spring with a contest!
Here's your chance to show your stuff and win great prizes! You will get a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes: Grand Prize: $75 worth of products from Plaid; you and your work featured on Plaidonline.com Second Place Prize: $50 worth of products from Plaid Third Place Prize: (2) $25 worth of products from Plaid.

To Enter: Submit your favorite craft project. Projects should be inspired by spring, use a spring color palette or have a spring theme.
Projects must use Mod Podge
Projects must be created and owned by you.
Email a photo of your project to promotions@plaidonline.com along with the following information with Name, Email, Address, Project Description, Products Used, What are your crafting plans for the summer and the Original reason you created this project (specifically for this contest, gift-giving, home decor, etc.)
Entries will be judged by a panel of judges on originality, creativity and use of product.
Contest Dates: March 19 through April 2; Winner Selected : April 9

Saturday is Play Day

Pretty Poison Necklace

I am officially taking today off! I got my 1/2 caf latte and decided I needed to have a do nothing day.

No cleaning, no listing, no photographing, no photo resizing, no CraftGossip posting, no work of any sort today. I'm going to sit at my work table and just play or maybe read thru a bunch of books and get some inspiration. I may even work on some artwork if I feel like it or sew-who knows, but it won't be for 'work' that's for sure.

I recently submitted 3 classes to Gina at Tangerine and she liked them all! All jewelry of course, so stay tuned and I'll let you know when the schedule is up! Her store is absolutely adorable and I am so thrilled to be teaching there. I have a couple of other class ideas that I'm working on, but haven't gotten them perfected yet.

Time to go play, hope you all have a wonderful Saturday as well!

Rivet Rivet

Riveting is something that took me a bit to 'get' but now I love it. The thing I don't like is always having to search for what drill bit to use for what gauge wire. I tend to buy the mixed lots of drill bits from Rio Grande or other jewelrymaking sites to make sure I always have one on hand that will work. To be precise you should use a Brown & Sharp wire gauge to measure both the wire and bit. If you don't have a gauge, you should get one because it will make your life ALOT easier when doing this.

In the mean time, here's a general list of drill bit sizes to wire gauge equivalent. I have seen some variations in sizes, so measuring first is best.

Wire - Size - Drill bit Number
10 g - 2.588mm - #38 drill bit
12 g - 2.05 mm-#46 drill bit
14g - 1.63 mm -#52 drill bit
16g - 1.29 mm -# 54 drill bit
18g - 1.02 mm -#59 drill bit
20g - 0.813 mm -#65 drill bit (sometimes I use #67 too)
22g - 0.643mm -#71 drill bit
24g - 0.511 mm -#75 drill bit

Barry Island in the Stream Comic Relief 2009

Oh I Love it!!! Nessa, Bryn and Tom!

Happy Friday the 13th & Red Nose Day

Its a double day of fun! I love Friday the 13th, its a LUCKY day!

Also it's Red Nose Day! I really wanted one of the Stella McCartney Bunny t-shirts but they sold out so quick. Wish I still had the VPN to watch Comic Relief but will look for download this weekend.

Getting Crafty in Cardiff

As some of you may know, I love Cardiff. LOVE LOVE LOVE Cardiff. Apparently its the fastest growing city in Europe and it has a really hip vibe to it. I have been planning to go back this summer. Sadly the recession hit our household yesterday and my plan of taking the Welsh Language Immersion class is all but cancelled. I can't tell you how sad this whole job/money situation makes me feel for our household as well as my own plan of being able to visit Wales again. I am grateful that we will be ok for a few months at least and can focus on making sure the transition will be smooth and painless.

So, while I can't visit Cardiff at least I can read about it. I recently came across a new online craft magazine that is being published in my favorite city called MADE.

From their about us page: "MADE magazine is a response to the lack of fun, fashionable and funky craft and hobby magazines for young women in the UK." The editor told me its geared toward women under the age of 32. But as an old fogey of 43, there are lots in this magazine that I really like. I think they have really hit a key market that doesn't have good magazine geared just toward them. It will really fill a niche in the DIY/Indie market.

So check them out, there are 2 issues both online and free.The first issue is here, the second is here. Please pass the links around to all your crafty friends.

Egyptian Revival Jewelry

Tadema Gallery 1900's German Enamel Plique a jour brooch

I have a huge love of all things Egyptian, especially jewelry. There have been a number of periods in time where the fascination of all things Egyptian surged. The late 1700's, mid 1800's, 1920's, etc..

I especially love Deco era Egyptian Revival Jewelry in particular. But I also have alot of midcentury egyptian themed costume jewelry as well ethnic pieces. I always looking for more too. I found a few fab pieces online I'd love to own.

This Piel Freres Egyptian Revival Buckle is amazing! I'd love to have this for a belt for my 50's Egyptian print dresses I have.

These three examples of Czech poured/molded glass pieces are fun. I have a number of this type of jewelry and always happy to add more to my collection.

This isn't a jewelry piece, but it would be if I owned it. This little enameled souvenir spoon is so detailed and beautiful. Just add a chain and I'd be good to go.

Did you know the Liz Taylor has Egyptian Jewelry thru AVON?? Dang why wasn't I buying Avon in the 90's! I don't like the bracelet but LOVE the earrings!

I just finished writing up and tweaking my instructions. I dont' like that it takes me so long, but I supposed if it did it more often it would become easier and faster. Now that I got it done, I should make myself do one a week-just for practice.

I just got the postcard from my artshow. Tamara did them and they look GREAT!!!! I think I'm going to have to make some similiar for my own advertising.

I think I will spend the rest of my day OFF the computer if possible. I could put away more of the bead soup box which is more like a 50gallon drum of loose stuff. Maybe work on some class ideas, maybe research more supplies-oh wait, that involves the computer and I don't want that!

It's a pretty spring day here too, maybe Bettie and I will go out for a long walk and soak up some sun.

Sunday's Child is Is bonny and blithe

and good and gay. But she isn't feeling it today! The time change always messes with me. I love getting that 'extra hour' of sleep in the fall, but hate losing it in the spring. I wish they just adjust the time by 1/2 hour and leave it that way for good!

Yesterday I want to a local bead shop to find some jonquil AB crystals I needed for a necklace. I've been meaning to order some online but kept putting it it at the bottom of my to do list, and decided I just wanted get them TODAY. I prefer to not go to this particular store because they are REALLY overpriced but it's close to my apt so I went. Sadly, they only had really small crystals 5mm and 6mm but since I was there I got them. I prefer to buy that kind of thing online rather than pay 65c per crystal but I wanted to finish a necklace so I paid. I also got 2 way overpriced rhinestone beads. $1.65 PER rhinestone bead is highway robbery-and those weren't swarovksi rhinestones either.....sigh. Just a reminder to make a list and order ONLINE more often so I don't have to worrry about this sort of thing in the future.

Today was a busy day of recreating something I made recently. I didn't realize I was completely OUT of 20g sterling wire until I needed it. I have some on order but it probably won't be here until Weds or so and I got really bummed out. I started digging the the scrap wire box just in case a piece got thrown in there rather then the drawer with the silver. Luck was with me today, I found ONE piece in exactly the length I needed-thank you universe! So I'm able to complete my project tomorrow instead of having to wait another 2 days.

I need a break from that so I'm going to resize some photo's before I call it a night. Then I'll crawl into bed with the laptop and do my bead bloggers reading!

This weeks bead bloggers links:

1. Snap out of it , Jean! There’s beading to be done! Jean thinks Barb Switzer’s new book looks extremely cool!


2. Strands of Beads Melissa finds unusual beady shopping opportunities at museums


3. About.com Jewelry Making Resin Bead Experimentation! Tammy has been a mad jewelry scientist lately.


4. Barbe Saint John - New Treasures from Forgotten Artifacts Barbe reviews Amy Hanna’s Rejuvenated Jewels book and swoons!


5. Bead&Button magazine Anna offers some bead graphing information and some links to useful tools


6. Candie Cooper Candie’s back with some beading adventures…check out some earrings she made with her editor!


7. Carmi’s Art/Life World Carmi shows off her ceramic bezel!


8. Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shows how she made a quick and elegant Victorian inspired collar using a thrift store belt, some lace, and a hot glue gun.


9. Jennifer Jangles Blog Jennifer Shares some tips for photographing jewelry.

Sunday

Art Opening

For those of you in Portland this weekend, please stop into Redux Gallery and see my mixed media show "Inhabitants of the Ley Lines." The opening reception is tonight from 6-9:30 p.m and the show runs thru March 27th.

Redux: 811 E. Burnside St. (503-445-9924) Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

Friday's Musings

Vintage Jewelry Alchemy Class

I woke up with a whopper of a migraine, complete with auditory hallucinations (a first for me with migraines since childhood) so today was off to a rocky start.

Thankfully with a bit of Mz. Bella's Headache Balm, 3 excedrin migraine pills, some coffee, a hot shower and some massage I have it down to a managable pain. I've got Flower Drum Song on the TV right now, and am singing "I enjoy being a Girl"-that always helps.

Jean Harlow Earrings

Since there is no rest for the wicked, I am going to do a bit of work while I can. I took a ton of photos this week and resized a bunch of them, so I will be listing new jewelry to the website. I've been making alot of earrings, not that they take any less time than a necklace sometimes. However, they are a lower price point and people are buying more of them right now.

Five Things = 5 things I'm thankful for this Friday.

1. Brenda Schweder THANK YOU for thinking of me!


2. Style Substance Soul is full of good things that are good for you.


3. Found out I'll have jewelry in the Summer Edition of a Magazine-SQUEE!


4. Ashes to Ashes on BBC America tomorrow. We have it downloaded but happy others will be able to enjoy it!


5. I Can Has Cheezburger website. ALWAYS makes me laugh like a madwoman.

Book Review: Rejuvenated Jewels: New Designs for Vintage Treasures

I have one word for this book - LUSH. Maybe uber LUSH. Like one perfect decadent chocolate truffle in a little gold box, this book is delicious, rich, heavenly and make you want to savor every tiny bit!

Rejuvenated Jewels by Amy Hanna is a book you will be reaching for again and again; not only to drool over the creations but to get inspiration from them as well. In the into the author wrote "A friend asked me what did I want to share with my readers ? Did I want this book to teach people how to wire wrap? No. Did I want this book to teach people to use their creativity, to not be afraid to take chances and to believe in themselves? YES!" And that is what this book does. The instructions are written clearly to help beginners enough to get through the projects but also keep the experienced jewelrymakers inspired as well.

Because all of the projects use vintage pieces, you probably won't be able to do an exact replica of any project. Fear not, Amy offers places to search for treasures as well as alternative material suggestions if you can't find the exact item she uses in a project. Personally, I'd LOVE to tag along with Amy at some sales because I rarely see stuff as fabulous as she finds. Maybe some of her shopping luck would rub off on me LOL.

This is a gorgeous and inspiring book for jewelry makers who love vintage and using antique/vintage supplies.

Book Review and Giveaway - Pet Projects:Animal Knits

I recently got a copy of "Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible" by Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne.

Its a GORGEOUS book with 33 adorable patterns to knit for your pet. And some really unusual ones too that are fantastic!

There are some great doggie sweaters & accessories in here!! I love the Soccer Coat, Floral Jacket and Ruffle collar. My fave though is the Anti-firework Balaclava doggie hood -SQUEEE!!!!! I want a couple of these for Bettie SO BAD!!! Its so cute!!!!! Also included are Eco projects, recycling knit sweaters which is something I can make easily. LOVE these!

Cat projects are in here too - a pretty waterlily toy (I think could double as brooch for humans), lush cushions and beds for them to nap on. My fave-the Mouse Mat!! Other animals get the knit love too - a horse blanket, turtle tent and bird cage cover are some of the animal projects.

The skill ranges are for the beginner to the expert knitter,and if you can knit this is a KILLER book!!!!! Sadly, I can barely knit, so I usually just ask/beg others to knit for me. If you are a knitter who is passionate about your pets, this is definately a book for your library.

I'm going to be part of the creative team at A Place to Bark as the "Feline Fine Arts Fun-raiser" to help raise funds for the animal, so I'm giving this book away as part of that.

Leave a comment below and I'll pick a winner at random on March 31st to get this book and some yarn to get you started on your own "Pet Project"!

Bead Bloggers Linky Love

Another Sunday, another list of Beady goodness blog reading!

• About.com Jewelry Making Tammy has discovered a new product for creating resin jewelry - Ferido ! It's a two part epoxy you can mold and even insert sparklies into.
• Art Bead Scene A visit to Studio Saturday. Colorful sculptural beads take wing on a beadmaker's workbench!
• Art Jewelry MagazineArt Jewelry now offers free desktop wallpaper--don't miss it!
• Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Marketing Monday-Don't blame the economy.
• Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi finds a home for her big resin bead/bauble.
• Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesMelanie's finishes her Alchemical Glove costume project: an intricately articulated metal glove constructed of brass filigree and jump rings.
• Jewelry & Beading Combine wirework and embroidery with stringing to make a beautiful one-of-a-kind necklace.
• Strands of Beads Melissa shows off an unusual stash acquisition - mammoth bone beads.
• The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew shares six new earring designs, utilizing some of his favorite artisan made components.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!

That's, Happy St. David's Day in English. He is the patron saint of Wales, but Rob said he's the patron saint of being lazy on Sunday.

According to the BBC, everyone is celebrating today. So here's to Wales! I am a little miffed to read that SF's British Counsel is Welsh but hosted a reception in LA.