Finished Product

So, I have finally finished the project for Danielle.  I had a specific look in mind for what I wanted this to end up as.  If you want to wear it as a long necklace...you can do that, or you can double it up with the s-hook clasp and turn it into a three strand necklace.  The beads in this necklace are from two separate necklaces that were not getting worn.  However, the chain, links and square link chain are new purchases.  The links are antiqued copper and hand made by an etsy.com artisan.  I am hoping that Danielle will like her new necklace...

Business Cards

It is a mad house around here!  I find myself daydreaming about all of the projects, crafts, jewelry and odds-and-ends that I would rather be working on than my actual job or housework.  Why is it that time goes by too fast and we never have enough energy or time to do what we REALLY want to do?  That is the eternal question...right? 

This evening I am attending a networking gathering here in Downtown Kalamazoo and I was busily working on making business cards to take.  I like to make my own cards out of recycled paper/cardboard boxes...It just makes sense that if I make my jewelry out off repurposed items that I would make my marketting materials out of recycled materials as well.

Romancing the Stone

I am in the process of making several beaded charm bracelet's for a friend as Christmas gifts for a close knit group of friends.  My customer has picked out a heart prism charm with a different hue for each individual.  From there, I have come up with a color scheme for each bracelet.  I will post progress as we move along...

Su's Necklace

Su handed me a little plastic baggie filled with old mismatched earrings, broken necklaces among other odds and ends that she had from her mother's and possible her grandmother's estates.  Mixed in with all of this was the most lovely gold plated women's belt buckle.  We both agreed that it was one of the neatest pieces in the bag and that little buckle and I had a long relationship.

I had that on my work bench for months.  I would sit and look at it...even attempt to create something to fit inside the buckle out of clay, but nothing clicked.  It was at that time that I discovered an old scarf that was a part of MY grandmother's estate and the connection was immediate.  I used a small portion of the scarf, backed it with muslin and quilting material and secured it to the middle of the buckle.  I knew that the focal part of the necklace was ornate enough that the chain couldn't out do the buckle.  I used a simple piece of leather with two small gold filigree beads to complete the look.  It was a hit. 

Fall Afternoon

I had a few moments to create a necklace for one of my good friends' upcoming Novmeber birthday.  Otherwise, raking leaves is a good way to do some manual labor.  Manual labor always makes me feel good and gives me a clear mind.  Making that necklace for Leila helped me work through the beading block I was experiencing recenlty.  I have attached a picture of a necklace that I have listed on Etsy.com called "Queen Mary".  This necklace's focal point is an repurposed gold tone earring with a pink stone set in the middle.  Enjoy the rest of your fall weekend!

Jewelry Block...Grrrr.

Okay.  So. I know writers get "writers block" and artists are always plagued by their need to perfect their art, but whatever it was that I was going through last evening has presented itself as "jewelers-block".  I am working on a piece that I have created in my mind to be this miraculous necklace and whenever I sit down to work on it...it just doesn't come together.  Aggravating!!!  I have already established a workable resolution to my frustration, but it will require some extra work and additional components.  I will keep the world posted.

Friends and Family

I work with my mother-in-law.  I know, I know...people are thinking how weird and uncomfortable that would be, but overall, it is good fun.  I introduced her to my new blog yesterday and she was as excited about it as I was.  But, she also has quite an incredible talent, she is a published author.  I remember that that was one of the first things I learned about Nancy Gideon and I remember being really impressed at such an amazing accomplishment.  Just recently she published the first three books in a series through Pocket Book Publishers.  Creativity comes in all shapes, forms and sizes and I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by those people everyday.

I wish that I could say that I made the necklace that she is wearing in this picture, but I did not...it is a great piece nonetheless!



Jewelry Therapy

This necklace was made for my boss for a holiday or a birthday celebration.  The focal piece was a broken brooch from an online auction and part of the necklace above the brooch are links from a broken bracelet.  Making this necklace made me realize how lovely a broken brooch or bracelet can make a newer work of jewelry. 

When I don't have time to sit down and work on something crafty or jewelry related, I tend to get a little cranky.  I find that I will have bursts of creative energy to really be productive on jewelry projects.  Those times are what my friend Mary calls "jewelry therapy".  For some reason working with my hands is cathartic and helps me cope.  I also just like to make pretty stuff!!  My goal is to have some jewelry therapy today, but we will see what the day holds.

The process

As I mentioned in my earlier blog, I am recreating a necklace for a friend.  I have attached a picture of the beads and some of the components that I am going to be using.  Although, the process changes a lot of the time.  I may start with one idea in mind and when I begin to put things together, it does not feel or look right.  I am actually going to use a website to see what others think of my start on the necklace.  The website is Lookville.com and can be helpful for fashion concious.  If you sign up, you can post questions about fashion or if an outfit would look good together or what others that are posting think of a particular shirt, skirt or necklace.  I am hoping to get some good feedback!