Sunday, February 10, 2013

Doggie for the Wrist

If you've been wondering how to fashion your furry friends into a bracelet project so you can carry them "with you", here's an option.

This bracelet was inspired by the two furry ones pictured below.

I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to structure the body and add limbs, etc.

I wanted to make something that wasn't too kid-like, but could still be worn in a professional setting. I enjoyed getting a few double takes. It usually went like this, oh your bracelet is pretty. (double take) Oh! Is that a dog? :)

I can see this done in lots of colors and variations based on ears, fur color, etc.

Aw, look at my sweet boys... :)

The one still with us is on the right.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Sparkly Apps?

Now that the novelty of adding interesting apps to my smart phone has worn off over the last year or two, we have a new Kindle Fire, so the excitement is back!

I'd love to hear your suggestions on any bead, beading, jewelry making or crafty apps!

First things first, I'm getting ready to download the Kindle Fire version of my book :) YAY!


I was so excited when it became available on the Kindle Fire, but didn't have one at the time.

It seems to me there is a swarovski app and a few others out there, but I haven't had a chance to research it yet.

Now, second things second (?)... has anyone beadazzled their Kindle?

I haven't had a chance to figure out if there is actually space available to set a few crystals.

As Popeye said, "I yam what I yam"...

Friday, February 8, 2013

Ready to Create?

Ahhh, the weekend has arrived and just in time!

Let the creativity flow!

Here are some inspirational tidbits to get you started!

If you have bits and pieces of trims and embellishments, Carmi's resin project might be for you!

She has discovered a creative way for using leftover craftiness.

Resin Crafts!
Do not miss this post showing you how to embed vintage trims in resin!

About.com Jewelry Making
Fernando Dasilva is this month's jewelry designer interviewee.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is so thrilled that Nina Designs is offering great new videos on how to make lovely and versatile jewelry. See her blog for an example she really liked! 

Art Bead Scene
Take a peek at some gorgeous eye candy - a beautiful and inspiring treasury curated by Erin for this month's challenge.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has new polymer clay projects to share, including resin and beads! 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Featured Designer: Olena Designs

How cool are these bracelets?! VERY cool!

I have a great story to share, yay! I ran into a co-worker last week who mentioned she bought a piece of jewelry on Etsy.

Considering her own creative talents, especially when it comes to jewelry or card making, I was intrigued! What would Mary be buying on Etsy that she couldn't just make for herself? She knows her own style and always makes fabulous crystal encrusted earrings and bracelets.

When we had a chance to get together, I had a jaw dropping moment. She showed me the bracelet above and, in true Mary form, it closely matched what she had on which ALSO seemed to match her iphone cover...some people just have that knack, while others of us are destined to float around in eclectia (new word?)

SO, I had to know more about the designer who grabbed this sparkly person's eye with this gorgeous piece of perfectionism. It was Olena from Toronto, Canada, who very kindly agreed to allow me to feature her here tonight.

Here's an excerpt from Olena's profile. By the way, the other bracelet shown here is one that Mary had a positive reaction to while we were scrolling through all of Olena's fabulous pieces on her Etsy site, Olena's Designs.

Very inspiring, thank you Olena!

"Growing up in Ukraine, my family did not have the means for supporting such a hobby so instead I spent my time knitting, sewing and crocheting. After all these years I am finally able to do something that I have a great passion for, challenging myself with new designs, materials and techniques. I spent several years researching and have always pushed myself to improve with every piece I make. I strive to use the highest quality materials and make accessories not only for every day wear, but also for those special occasions. I think every person should have that unique piece that gives them that WOW factor. ;) "

I agree with you 100% Olena, thanks again for allowing us to admire your talents!

Monday, February 4, 2013

How Much is Too Much?

Have you ever made a piece of jewelry and wondered, hmm, did I go one step too far?

How do you know for sure?

I recently had that experience with these earrings... They were sweet and simple without the sparkly disco ball.

But, WITH the sparkly disco ball, they just make me giggle.

Giggle = happy feeling, so there you go.

That's how I discovered the answer to the question...

Not too much, but just right. :) Thoughts?

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Sharing the Creativity!

Hopefully everyone had a fun and creative weekend!

My last hurrah before preparing for the coming work week is checking out what our blogger friends have been up to this week.

I hope you will join me!

We're starting off with these sweet valentine heart earrings by About.com's Tammy Powley. I love how she has stamped the metal heart blanks and combined them with a pastel. NICE!

Enjoy!

About.com Jewelry Making
It is about time to get some hearts going, the kind you incorporate into Valentine's Day jewelry.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew has been playing with polymer clay! He made a mountain of beads and samples to show how the polymer beads can be used in jewelry.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Just in time for Valentine's Day, or ANY day, Kim Miles, Vegan Ambassador, is reopening her Etsy shop with a lovely new name and perspective! See Jean's blog for the details.

Beading Arts
Cyndi's readers have been weighing in, sharing their best pieces of advice with each other!

Art Bead Scene
Take a tour through the gorgeous jewellery, inspired by our monthly challenge piece 'Black Peacocks with Japanese Persimmons'.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

WOW...Winter Inspires!

I'm so glad someone kindly pointed out to me that while we're in the middle of winter, there are some people who are not just wishing for sunshine, but are enjoying the season.

In fact, there are plenty of creative people out there who are greatly inspired by the elements during this time of year!

So far, here are a few of the designs posted by fellow jewelry makers.

I'll keep checking out the post from earlier in the week to continue sharing the pieces with you.

Kokopelli Designs

Kristin
Snow on branches
Snowflake enameled pendant

Nicole, the Beadwright

Fireweed Jewelry & Gifts

Yay, thank you all so much, I am truly inspired by YOU! :)