Challenging myself to create more art beads

I want to be an art bead maker. I mean, I already am- but I'm looking at what I've been creating lately, and feeling like I could be doing better, making more, and providing more of a service to the community by selling my beads.

So I've decided step one is to participate regularly in the largest online monthly challenge for art beads, which is held by the ArtBeadScene blog.  One of the things I can gain for myself by participating in the challenge is a schedule, a discipline, a way for me to challenge my own inspiration on a monthly basis to look at things in a new way.

I created a palette for myself from this month's artwork. The challenge is usually based on a particular piece of art- you are to get inspired by the theme and the colors. This month features a very textural gesso art nouveau piece, and those are two of my VERY favorite things in the world!

Here's where I created the palette, pretty neat! Click here.

I'm an Author!

When our book hit Amazon's "shelves" this week, it became official! It's so awesome to see your name in print. But what has been even more incredible is to see the comps of what the design team at F&W Media has done with our art and jewelry. The inside of this book is GORGEOUS! I'm upset I can't share it with you. You will just have to buy one for yourself and see.

Right now, it's a good time to get it- because it is on a deep discount for pre-ordering, since it won't be available until September. The list price is $24.95, but I think I saw it for $15 yesterday.

Here's a Link!

Using Graphix Rubons in interesting ways

So today in my Live show at CraftyLink.com, I decided to pull out some classic fun products- Graphix Rubon film, Grungeboard, and Gold leaf- the three G's! lol.

I made a set of drops destined to become earrings. If you want to join in on the fun, you can join our community where you can chat with me during the show, ask questions, and win prizes!

A stash from Aves clay!

Today my supplies came from Aves! They graciously agreed to give us some Apoxie sculpt for the book. So of course, I immediately decided to make some earrings for tonight! I'm going to the Big Sing with the Tapestry singers tonight- hoping to join this all-women's chorus starting next Monday. One of my favorite things to do is make new earrings before going out- it's so easy and fun to have something new!

Another Day in Paradise

Well, the school year is over...to my chagrin, every art teacher below me in seniority was laid off. I'm next, say lots of prayers that those below me somehow get their jobs back.

I am now enjoying my days, preparing for a summer of making and creating, after a quick trip up to NY to see my sisters- one turned 30 and the other is 6 months preggers, so a visit is in order :)

Getting ready to list a whole bunch of wing jewelry that I made for shows this spring...what didn't sell is going onto Etsy for my online clientele.

Jewelry design- it's an art

I enjoy creating leaf beads out of clay. My leaves are cane creations, meaning that the color and form go through the whole piece of clay, creating marvelous color and resistance to the breakdown you get with plating or painted surfaces.

This bracelet features my own leaf beads. When I blended the colors, I wasn't sure where they would lead me. I always lay out a pile of leaves and then I start sifting through my bead collection. I allow the beads to call to me, suggesting their own story and coming together. My favorite concept and Principle of Design is Unity- the perfect blend of harmonious shapes, colors, and sizes of beads.

Spent the weekend making birds and wings...

This weekend was lovely. I started by grading papers on Thanksgiving morning, went to a wonderful relaxing dinner at a friend's home (just 2 couples!!!) spent Friday and Saturday creating, frantically, jewelry due to the fact that I am the featured artist at a holiday party this coming weekend and I was greatly behind. Today I went for a walk on the beach and will soon be planning for my classes this week.

Here's a preview of some of the things I made this weekend. I will be listing them in my etsy shop, and attempting to sell them this weekend.

Birds- it's funny, but I don't relish the idea of birds as pets. But I love to watch them. Especially Ravens and other corvids, which are few and far between in South Florida. But I have seen a few. So a few years ago, I began to make bird beads. Actually, in 2001 I was creating bird ornaments for the Portland Saturday Market. The next incarnation was bird beads, then art necklaces. I tried stamping a bird, and the necklace sold quickly- but I wasn't satisfied. I am more a sculptor than a stamper. I need to have my fingerprints in my work. So here they are, the newest flock....

Pleasant Thanksgiving mornings...and new jewelry

We're staying put in Florida this holiday, and having dinner with another couple who decided to do the same this year. Last year I travelled up north at the last minute to visit my Uncle Mike, who sadly lost a battle with Pancreatic cancer this year. Last thanksgiving he had just been diagnosed, and we all know how quickly that disease can take a loved one away- so I didn't want to risk it. I'm glad I went, as that was the last time I saw him. So today I have some sobering thoughts. I thank God for Uncles and Grandfathers- they are two "classes" of men in young ladies lives who want nothing from you- not your success, not to be pleased by you- they only want what makes you happy. There isn't the same expectation as a father has for you- so I have been particularly devastated by the loss of two uncles to the same cancer, and my Papa 11 years ago now. I miss them all acutely, and I am thankful for the family and friends that are left.

My newest jewelry item- handmade wings joined by a "Halo" in the center, dripping with crystals and pearls, is dedicated to them.

I'm making my special cran-apple sauce to share, and a pitcher of Pusser's Painkillers. Google that- it's an awesome tropical rum drink, with nutmeg- that makes it nice on a day like today. Football and barbeque'd pork, here I come. (as you can see, here in FL we eat what we like on Thanksgiving!)