Wednesday, November 30, 2011

2nd Annual Challenge of Color Blog Hop-- I'm "Nested Blues!"

Today is the reveal of the "2nd Annual Challenge of Color Blog Hop!"   I chose the color blue, which at the time, looked like a bright royal blue, but when my palette arrived, I received something beautiful and unexpected, "Nested Blues."


This comes from Jessica Colaluca's

The palette was assigned to me by Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati Jewelry and the blog "Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere," who organized the event...or should we say "Challenge"...for a challenge it turned out to be!

Phase I--Weeks 1-3:  

When I received the colors and photo inspiration several weeks ago, I immediately knew what I wanted to make--a bracelet with assorted beads hanging like charms from links in the colors of my pallet.  It might not sound terribly original, but I had not made a piece like this, and wanted to give it a try.   I began by gathering up beads I had in my collection in the colors I wanted to use, then working, whenever I had a moment or two, on the small charm-like beads. 

 

 

All right, so yes, those ARE a whole lot of small beads to wrap.   And you may wonder, why so many photos of THESE?   Because in my estimation, this was the best part of my project.   After this, things started to "fly the coop" a bit, so to speak!

Phase II--Last day!

My time flies!  Okay, so I didn't really wait until the last day to decide what I was going to do.   I had it all planned out.   I had seen it done before and knew exactly what I was going to do.  

First, a look at a few more pieces of the bracelet:

The front center bead attached to brass chain.
  I'm still thinking it's going to
come together nicely at this stage.

 
I planned on making a couple of these 
for the sides of the bracelet, 
but this one seemed too large and bulky for that purpose, 
so I decided to make it part of the clasp.

Finally, my "masterpiece,"
the item that would tie together the photo
and color theme of my assigned "nested blues."

I didn't make the idea up of a bead and wire 
"nest and eggs," I just borrowed it.


Now about that....
Isn't it cute as a button!?  

I thought so.  I even thought I was 
1/2 a genius for using a button as a base for the piece!
Back side of "nest" charm.


So all is going just swell, and I start putting it all together.

Those little jump rings kept jumping out of my pliers.
The light went down and I only had artificial light
 to photograph by, 
and, worst of all,
that darn nest charm wouldn't stay put for anything!
All you could ever see was the button side up.
So, reluctantly,... I left it off.


The bracelet didn't have its "nest" 
but it was more "wearable" now, 
something I rather admire in a bracelet.  
I liked the dangles and the colors. 
(By the way, the artificial light 
and tray I had beneath the glass jar 
are turning those light blues to greens.)

Now, when you think about my bird's nest design, 
you might think things are as bad as they are going to get,
but no...

At this point, I decided I would make a second piece
and use the nest there.
A quick necklace.
Quick...necklace.

Okay, I'll skip all the details 
and give you the photos on this one.


It looks very long, 
but my "mannequin" is only about a foot tall!

Light blue ribbon at back of necklace
attached to antiqued brass jumpring and chain.


These beads are actually light blue Czech crystals, 
but by now it's so late I'm filming under a light lamp!
It's pitch dark outside.


And well, that bird's nest?

It's there,
and it works beautifully with the necklace...
 if you hold it in place
or get it just right and don't breath on it.

So that's my challenge of the "nested blues."
I enjoyed it thoroughly,
no matter how it sounds!
I learned a lot--
just still not how to attach a bird's nest 
to a piece of jewelry!

Thanks to all and be sure to visit the other
participant sites in the 
2nd Annual
Challenge of Color Blog Hop!
Best wishes,
Sharyl


18 Tari Kahrs ~ Orange ~ Citrus Tones
35 CJ Bauschka ~ Teal ~ Teal Air
41 Jenni Connolly ~ Gray ~ Paw Tones

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Time is Running Out!


Special Announcement:  There seems to be a problem with some blogger accounts, including mine.  Last night, I watched as the # of followers when up and down, (but mostly down and down). The # of blogs I follow did the same.  I reported to Google.  Another person has reported having this problem last week. They never regained the # of followers they had and I don't believe mine are what they were yesterday either.   I would ask you to note this blog address and if I lose you, PLEASE come back!  I hope the others will notice and do the same.  I appreciate each and every one of you for being here and would hate to lose a single one of you!  (I'm also wondering if your comments are coming through properly.  Maybe people are just very busy, but I'm receiving surprisingly fewer than usual.  If you sent me a suggestion for the craft show via comment form, I haven't received it.  You may want to try the email address found in my profile too.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  I'll extend the date to sumbit through Thu, 12/1 in fairness.) --Sharyl
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Time seems to be going in fast motion lately, and I feel certain I'm going to run out of it!   What used to sound like "Tick,...tick,...tick..." in my head, now sounds like a blur of "tick, tick, tick" going so fast and furious it's nearly a "blur-o'-TICKS!"


Anyway, a reminder that Tues, Nov. 29th, Thur, 12/1/2011, is the deadline for you to enter your ideas regarding craft shows.  If you do so, you will get your name tossed into the hat for a chance to win a prize!   I'll paste in the basic instructions here, but complete details are on this page:  "Up to 25! ...and a prize drawing for your suggestions!"  



If you add a comment on any of the following topics, you will have your name entered into a drawing for a little gift package from me to you.   I'll announce the winner, once the comments are in and the name is drawn, and if the winner will send me their address, I'll send the package!   Here are the topics:  (Feel free to comment on more than one!)



  • What is an item you wished you had at a display booth but didn't.  (Perhaps something you've forgotten to take?)
  • What is something you wish you had known before you did your first booth at a craft fair?  
  • What helpful hints or creative ideas do you have for displaying and/or tagging items?   

You can add as a comment to this page or send to my email.  You do not required to have had a booth at a craft fair yourself, just submit an idea and your name goes in the hat!   


(And I win too, because time is definitely running out for me!  The craft fair is Sat. Dec. 3rd!   I have some ideas I've implemented already, but still more planning...and a lot more work to do, so all ideas you want to share are welcome!  Just get them in Tuesday  Thursday!)





In other news...




Shipment Update:

  • I received notification that one package (containing  charms I want to use for projects both at the fair and in the studio) was shipped today.   Will it make it in time?)
  • The major package with display items for the craft fair, gift boxes  and mailing supplies for the shop, I'm less sure about.  It's Monday.   I'll keep you posted on the "sweat factor" as the week progresses!

Studio Events:
My Cyber Monday weekend sale has ended but the Grand Opening event continues through Dec. 7.  There are 35 items listed now with more being added every day, so please drop by Sharyl's Jewelry Studio on Artfire!  ...And keep your eye out for more sales!


Virtual Craft Fair:
Finally, keep watching the First Annual Virtual Craft Fair on Lori Anderson's "Pretty Things" blog!   I'll be highlighting a few favorite designers on my next a post this week, but no need to wait, get in on the fun and the savings!  (I'm participating in the "Challenge of Color Blog Hop" so that will be up Wed. morning.)


In the meantime, take care and see you again soon!


--Sharyl


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Image Credits:


Stopwatch:  http://www.wpclipart.com/time/stopwatch/blue_stopwatch.jpg


Newspaper:  http://www.wpclipart.com/household/entertainment/newspaper/daily_news.jpg

Monday, November 28, 2011

3 Special Reminders for Monday!

There are 3 things you don't want to miss out on today!

1.  Today is Cyber-Monday and many ArtFire studios are offering free shipping!   That includes me!   You may have missed this post which was only up a short while Saturday, so I'll link to it.  At my "Sharyl's Jewelry" Studio, there are actually 2 sales running at the same time right now!   FREE SHIPPING and a FREE GIFT with each purchase.  See here for details!
FREE SHIPPING
+ FREE GIFT
_______________________________________________________

GREAT HOLIDAY VALUES ON HANDMADE JEWELRY!


2.  I'm really hoping for more responses to my posting of Nov. 22nd regarding craft show ideas!  Comments and suggestions to that post go into a prize drawing, so I hope you'll take time to make a comment!    The last day for entries is Tues, Nov. 29!


Black metal tree wall decoration and easel I purchased
for displaying pendants at craft fairs.


3.  Lori Anderson is hosting a brand new event, the First Annual "Virtual Craft Show" with discounts and give-aways from 70 jewelry artists!   Oh, the beautiful things that appear each day!    I'm writing this up in the early hours of Sunday, and the listings from Day 2 are currently up.   There is no way I can list all the beautiful items, (and that's what Lori's blog is for anyway), but let me show you just a few highlights to encourage you to go look at the rest!


SueBeads, who I swear never has an  imperfect bead for sale, has this special running:


Special code CRAFTSHOW15 will give you 15% off your purchases plus a free pair of handcrafted brass or copper earring wires with each purchase of an earring bead pair.   To take a good look at the beautiful color and variety of styles of her handmade glass and enamel beads, go to her shop at:  www.suebeads.etsy.com


Just one example are these frosty looking beads in many colors.  They look like they are covered in tiny ice crystals or sleet (which looks so much more lovely on beads than anywhere else!)



Another one I can't resist is Kristi Bowman Designs. Kristi is giving away this pair of earrings and I love them so much I hate to tell too many people about them or I'll never have a chance of winning!  :-)

From Kristi Bowman Designs
You can't tell me these aren't cool!   Pink jade combined with copper components and wrapped wire.  (I'm telling you, they'd look great hanging from my ears!... But you probably feel the same way, so go to her page and enter the contest!)


Kristi is also offering free domestic shipping through December 3rd In both her Etsy and Artfire Shops.   See her shops or blog for details.


Finally, as I commented on her blog, I love beadcaps as much as I love beads these days!   And when I saw these listed on the Virtual Craft Fair by Lisa Lidy, and the  "Metal Me This" blog, I had that "oh, I so want these" feeling!  



In addition to the drawing for this sampler set of bead caps priced at $36,
you can save 20% in the "Metal Me This" Etsy store
with Etsy coupon VCS2011.


There are many more brilliant jewelry artists on display so please go pay them a visit, shop their shops, and take advantage of the sales!   Best wishes to all!   --Sharyl


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image Credits:


Cardboard box: http://www.wpclipart.com/household/bags_boxes/box_2/.cache/cardboard_box.png


Gift box: http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/Christmas/gifts/gift_boxes/.cache/christmas_present.png

Tree display photo by Sharyl.  Purchased at Hobby Lobby.


Photos of jewelry from BueBeads, Kristi Bowman Designs, and "Metal Me This" appear complements of the artists.



Saturday, November 26, 2011

I heart macro: Thanksgiving Traditions

Like many families we have Thanksgiving traditions that go many years back.   In our family, it goes like this,... Thanksgiving is held at our house.  My husband slaves away cleaning the house; my son brings extra tables from downstairs; I typically decorate the table...

#14:  Only the Decorations

... (and perhaps make the mashed potatoes and a salad); my sister-in-law makes green-bean casserole, her famous cheese balls, and pumpkin pies; ... and my sister brings turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, rolls, often another type of meat, sometimes an extra dessert, and several side dishes.)    Now, I used to argue with my sister about this--year after year, in fact-- thinking it just wasn't fair to her, but she was insistent, until one year I finally stopped and asked "Why?"  (Not why was she insistent, but ... "Why on earth was I arguing with a sweet deal like this?!")  

So, for macro-Sunday, here are a few photos of the table decorations.   And my husband even helped decorate this year!  What a deal!


These four are from a pumpkin-shaped basket
we keep out from pre-Halloween through Thanksgiving.
We've had it for many years, as you can probably tell!







Sunflowers--Our Kansas State Flower.
These are a little on the fake side--
but no wilting and no watering required!



Each year I get some new small decoration for the tables--
too large and we just move it off the table
so we can still see each other while we eat and chat!    
Anyway, this year it was these carved pumpkins.


Inexpensive floral picks from a craft store sale,
popped into a white vase with ribbon,
made a nice floral arrangement just the right size.
I usually go for live flowers, but was in a rush this year
and had just bought these.
Pretty and easy, and pretty easy!


Hope YOU had an easy Thanksgiving and a happy holiday weekend!   You can see more macro-photography at Studio Waterstone:

i heart macro

Thanks for stopping by!   --Sharyl


P.S. Not one, but 2 special events going on at my new 
Sat-Mon, 11/26-28/11!

  • Free Shipping   ("Cyber Monday" weekend event)
  • and a Free Gift  with each purchase!  ("Grand Opening" event continues through 12/7)
See  post below this one for details!  


"Cyber Monday" Sale running all weekend too!

Why wait until Monday?  We're doing things a little differently at Sharyl's Jewelry! 


My  "Cyber Monday" sale will be running Sat-Monday Nov. 26-28, 2011.    There will be FREE SHIPPING on all items these 3 days!



Visit SharylsJewelry's Studio
Receive Free Shipping On All Items
Use Coupon Code:
CYBER11
during checkout.


Please enter this code at checkout: CYBER11.


Still running the "Grand Opening" special too. (Free gift with each purchase!)  If there is only room for one code in the box,  please add the free shipping code in the main discount box and Grand Opening code can go in the comment section: GRAND11.


Please drop by for a visit, and if you would, please help me spread the word!  New items still being added daily!


Many Thanks!

Sharyl



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

"Grand Opening" begins NOW!

The "Grand Opening" of:


http://www.sharylsjewelry.artfire.com

begins today, Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 7, 2011.  Please drop by!   To entice you, I'm including a link to my Studio Blog,


...and this Coupon Code:



Visit SharylsJewelry's Studio
Receive a free gift
Use Coupon Code:
GRAND11
during checkout.



Please invite your friends and neighbors, your kid's teachers, your best friend's in-laws,  your own relatives,... whomever you want!   There'll be plenty of standing room (even chairs) at this party!


More holiday specials to be announced.    


Thanks to all of you for your help and support!  Wishing a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!


--Sharyl