Just in the nick of time, I finished my charms for the ArtBLISS charm swap. I just love the traditions that go along with art retreats. If you’ve ever been to one, you’ll know that trading is a big part of the subculture. I was indoctrinated when I met a very artistic science teacher named Maureen at Art and Soul in 2009. Luckily she’s coming down from NY (yeah!) and organized a charm swap for our event. To celebrate Fall, a leaf theme was chosen.
I made a bunch of origami cups, little pouches for my charms. I got this idea when I received earrings that I had ordered from Sandra over at Preserve Jewelry Studio. She makes such gorgeous earrings, like these and sends them in handmade paper envelopes. She shared her tips with me on how to make them, and double-sided is good.

Well I have to admit my first charm idea just didn’t work out. When I showed them to my husband, he said, “What are they supposed to be?” “Leaves.” So then I turned to my familiar friend –wire- and just made some crystal wire-wrapped beads and added a brass leaf stamping. I oxidized them and even tumbled them for a bit. I admit they kinda look like one-winged insects or something….but they’ll have to do.
The next time I stop in, I hope to be reporting right from the Inaugural Event! Will be in touch soon –











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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
oh!! beautiful little leaves!!! so pretties!! your pouches are “magnifiques” too!!
Ooooh Cindy, the little leaves are simply gorgeous, so inventive, and so pretty ! Like Esther, i love your pouches too, a great idea to send our creations. May be a tutorial next ?
Sorry to be away from Bloglandia for a so long time, but i have a lot to do with my lampwork beads and little shop here in France.
I think the charms are adorable and the pouches are so neat!
Cindy,
I think those charms are wonderful. I would be proud to have one!!! I hope one day to be able to come and join one of your fabulous workshops!!
Nancy
Cindy, – I think the charms are fabulous. I can’t wait to see your pictures from the event. Your jewelry envelopes have fitting paper for the season. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on Sea Breeze.
one winged insects my butt, Cindy, LOL… those look FANTASTIC!!!! Can’t wait till, OMG, tomorrow!!
These are soooo cute! And no, I don’t think that they look like bug wings, I thinnk they’re gorgeous!
Cindy,
Good luck this weekend! Can’t wait to hear how it went. I’m sure everyone is in for a great time and will enjoy their time with all of you. The charms are great and I love the papers you used for the envelopes. Have fun!!
-Michelle
These are beautiful Cindy! The pouches are so creative! I had to switch from my original idea too, with company there was no time for resin. I did a post to upload tomorrow at 3 since I would be on the road, the charms will be there for you to have a look see. See you tomorrow! Laura
Hi Cindy, You must be so excited with the event sooooo near. Your charms DO NOT loot like one winged bugs – OMG! They are beautiful. I love everything you create. I agree with Veronique, a tutorial on the paper pouches would be so welcomed. They are perfect for our treasures. I can imagine them made for the up coming holidays. Have a wonderful time this week end. Linda
A charm swap sounds like fun! Yours are beautiful, as are the sweet little pouches you made for them. The autumn inspired paper is just perfect! Do you put a card in them so the recipient knows who made the charm? I would forget who I traded with by the end of the show if I didn’t have some sort of reminder.
Enjoy your time at Artbliss!
The charms are so pretty and very “fall”. I also love the little pouches. What a perfect idea!
“just” made? They are beautiful and perfect for Fall! The pouch is sweet too, I’ve thought about doing something similar but they were time consuming to make…..I’m rethinking that now! Your retreat sounds like it will be total fun, wish we had something similar close to Ohio 🙂 Have fun and take pictures!
Shannon
These are so creative and super cute!
Love those charms! And I can remember folding those pouches as a kid – only we just used normal white paper. They look so cool in the papers you used.
Wishing you a fantastic weekend – the Inaugural Event will be magnificent – I just know it!
these are so sweet! And the pouches? I am seriously behind here, so you are not the last to finish your leaves…not sure what mine are going to be put in, though, dang!
Your charms are such gorgeous sparkling beauties Cindy! I have been thinking of your event all week, and I know it will be fabulous! Best of luck my friend!!
Oh Cindy, They are wonderful!!! I am so glad that I will be one of the lucky swappers in this group!!!!. See ya Saturday! Erin
Hi Sweet Cindy, your charms are adorable! Everyone will love them. The little paper pouches are too cute. Best of luck with the wonderful retreat, I’m sure everyone will have a blast. Wish I could be there to play too. Have fun! Big hug, Riki
Oh Cindy, that’s adorable!!!
Love these!! Look how cool they all look together, like they’d make a gorgeous bracelet. Thanks for sharing
~Sharon~
Don’tcha just hate it when hubby doesn’t “get it”? The leaves are so cool and I can’t wait to examine that lovely wrap you’ve done! C U soon!
Your charms look fabulous! And the lil envelopes are too cool! I can barely wait to get on my way tomorrow! I’m looking forward to a SUPER weekend!
How in the WORLD did you get all that done from the time I got off the phone with you til now? You are amazingly good at multitasking!
I love them and am so incredibly disappointed that I’ll be doing a show and can’t come to ArtBliss. 🙁
Thank you all for your kind words about my winged insect, er, I mean charm!!! I’ll be sure to post a picture of my finished charm bracelet with all of the leaf charms I collect from the swap!
Well, I think they are just “charming” (lol). I hope all goes well at ArtBliss – I am seriously jealous that I can’t be there, but am SO looking forward to hearing all about it!
🙂 Molly
Cindy, The charms are gorgeous … the little origami envelopes are darling … the complete package is charming! Have a great time this weekend. Best wishes for every success!
I’m so bummed that I can’t make it but know that all my best wishes go out to you and Jeannette for the inaugural event. I know it will be a blast!! Say “hi” to everyone for me, I’ll be “watching over” your shoulder when you take Deryn’s class! The charms are fab and the pouches will add so much– I love that paper-folding sensibility, so tactile and artsy. Have fun and please take lots of pics!
I wish you well for a wonderful seminar. The leaf charms and envelopes are such a thoughtful gift. I am waiting for all the wonderful pics too!
How did I miss this? Cindy your charms are just Lovely!! As are your material little bits. I wish I could be at ArtBliss with you! But I will be with you in Spirit and thinking about yall the whole time. Have a wonderful time..best Regards and wishes..
Janet ox
I love those charms AND the pouches for them! A whole bracelet full of those charms would be so much fun!
I don’t think they look like bugs at all. I think they are beautiful and simply echo Fall. Great work!! The little envelopes are beauties as well.
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