A few things to share

by Cindy on July 24, 2007

I’m enjoying one of those days in which I didn’t over-schedule.  This is what the lazy days of summer are all about…we enjoyed a stroll off the beaten path of a nearby lake, and wandered into a clearing in the woods.  My sons and I enjoyed a lunch amidst ants, butterflies and even a snake.  Yes, my oldest spied a snake curled along a long stick next to the stream.  For more summer fun, tonight we are going with a group of little boys to watch a local minor league baseball game.

 heart of madness unoxidizedheart of madness oxidized

Here’s a new design I created last week.  I’ve had these beautiful, organic beads from Kim at Nightingale Gallery.  I wanted to make wire links that would complement their handcrafted uniqueness. 🙂  I used heavy sterling silver wire and created uneven coils.  I just love coiling wire.  The second picture shows how the piece looks after it was oxidized, creating a nice darkened patina.

Before I sign off I wanted to share another favorite pastime.  One thing that keeps me up late at night is visiting my favorite indie design blogs.  I’ll admit I’ve entered the blog craze and have quite a few book marked.  As many of you know, the indie design movement really celebrates crafters, artists, and designers who create all kinds of handmade goodies.  I would like to support these fellow crafters and highlight their work here from time to time.  If you would like to get your daily dose of design, and find out who’s who and what they’re creating, I’ll point you in the right direction.  For starters, hop over to Nole Style and Beauty Indulgence to read about great finds in fashion and design.  Amaya has a fun blog to read and a great website relaunching soon.  Next be sure to check out Indie Fixx.  You’ll be sure to discover something great when you read Jen’s reviews. 

I just have to share a major source for handmade treasures, for those of you who may not be familiar with it: Etsy!  Etsy is an online community “built by artists for artists” where you can find anything you could ever want.  All handcrafted.  This site has grown at an incredible rate since I first discovered it over a year ago.  Stop by to find clothing, toys, jewelry, paper goods, purses, art, and a whole lot more. 🙂  Many of the indie design blogs feature their Etsy favorites.   Stop by and find your own!

 

 

{ 0 comments }

Pewter and Polymer Clay!

by Cindy on July 18, 2007

Since you last heard from me here, I’ve been gathering goodies for those jewelry designs in my head.  There are several new components and mediums that I wanted to try.  When you are heavily engrossed (!) in the beading world like I am, it is quite common to dream about that next bead you’d love to work with (even before you’re finished with your current project!).  Now of course lampwork beads and sterling silver wire are my number one love…but silk knotting thread, hand cast beads, and beads made with Polymer Clay have been on my mind too. 

First up, I finally bought a bead set by a talented mixed media artist, Heather Powers of Humblebeads.  I have never worked with beads made with Polymer Clay.  Heather’s clay beads are so imaginative, and her color combinations are just beautiful.  This is an example of one of her spectacular bead sets.

 

Next to join my bead stash are pendants from Green Girl Studios.  Green Girls Studios creates hand cast pewter pendants and beads that are oh so very popular by jewelry designers.   They have pendants of the most adorable mythical creatures, and the detail is amazing.  I hope to add a new necklace to the shop tomorrow using one of their pieces.

That’s a tiny glimpse into my creative space and what I found to be inspiring this week.  Drop me a line and let me know what’s inspiring you!

 

 

 

{ 0 comments }

Big Bangle Theory

by Cindy on July 10, 2007

That’s right…Big Bangle Theory.  You can find it here in the sweet bead studio shop!  I have added some new pieces and there is something for everyone.  After the big, bold lampwork and wire pieces, I felt compelled to make a couple necklaces on the simpler side.  I had been wanting to make a “charm” necklace and I also had a beautiful shell pendant just waiting to be used this summer.  I went back to my favorite color staple for these two:  brown.  Or as I like to say, chocolate brown. 

How is this for the phrase of the day:  “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art”.  This was the tag line for a small bead shop I found online.  Great advice!

{ 0 comments }