Tuesday, January 29, 2013

ABS Jan 2013 Challenge



(Looking for the Give-away?  Please CLICK HERE!)


Black Peacocks with Japanese Persimmons
Jessie Arms Botke, 1940
Oil and Gold Leaf on Panel
32 x 40 inches

(Please note this art is copyrighted and is to be used only as inspiration.)
For more information on the work of art, please visit the 
Art Bead Scene Blog.


I began my design with this lovely handmade pottery cuff bead by Cindy Kovar that I've saved for the longest time.     The teal color and design on the cuff reminded me of the peacock tails in the Borke painting, so it seemed the time was right to finally use the cuff.
Handmade Pottery Cuff Bead 
by Cindy Kovar,
"Captured Moments" on Etsy

I added beads on each side.  Teal-colored Czech glass crystals, brass beads, and persimmon-colored freshwater pearls are all wrapped up in copper wire with a handmade copper clasp to fasten the bracelet.   These represent not only the Japanese persimmons hanging from the tree in the painting, but also the colors found in the peacock feathers.




I braided hand-ripped strips from three different raku-printed fabrics  to get the look of peacock feathers and to pick up other colors in the painting, then used brass ribbon clamps to finish the ends.


There will be a Blog Tour on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013
on the Art Bead Scene page. 
I hope you will click this link
and join in a tour of all the designers works!


Thank you to Cindy for such a lovely piece to work with and thanks to all of you for stopping by!

Sharyl ~ Sharyl's Jewelry



**P.S. Looking for the give-away?   Please CLICK HERE!**


Monday, January 28, 2013

Give-away!





Thanks for the "likes" on the Facebook page and to those of you joining this blog, "welcome!"   So glad all of you are here!

I promised a give-away today and I'm a bit late in offering it, but here's the deal....

I would be honored if each of you wishing to be involved in the give-away would:

  •  Look through my store,  Sharyl's Jewelry on Artfire, and ...
  • Select your favorite item then return here with the link by the end of the day Thurs, Jan. 31st Central time.
  •  PLEASE leave me some way to reach you.  It can be in a separate comment if you don't want it published, but I must be able to reach you if you win.   


Having you name your favorite item isn't just about my vanity.   There are two reasons actually:

1)  I'd truly like to see which items you all are drawn to and which may be most popular.    (It will be valuable feedback for me, aka "market research!")

2) Just as important to me, when I draw a name, I'll either give you the item you selected or a gift certificate you can use toward that or other items.

If you help spread the word about this event I'll be very appreciative, but it's not required.   I plan to have a page up for the Jan. Art Bead Scene Challenge Tue-Thurs. so if you do pass the word about this activity, please send people to this link:

http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/01/give-away.html


window
Sharyl's Jewelry

So, deal?!    
Please go window shopping and enjoy yourselves!   
I'll announce the winner, Friday, Feb. 1st.
And thanks again for being here!
~Sharyl





Friday, January 25, 2013

It's All about the Love!

Black filigree, glass heart and crystal necklace

A few announcements for you today!

Thing #1: 20% off EVERYTHING in the store this weekend (Jan. 25-27), starting now!

(Components, jewelry, and clearance items are all included!)





Reminder: Valentine's Day is quickly approaching! Look for those pinks, reds, and purples, blacks and whites, hearts, polka dots, and all! There are many pieces just perfect for celebrating this holiday! Here are just a few to look for....



True Love Red and Silver Earrings with handmade lampwork


Shiny, deep cherry red 14 x 10 mm rondelle shaped handmade lampwork beads by


For the love of Pink Lampwork Earrings



Two shades of handmade pink lampwork glass beads complement one another in these earrings. The top transparent pink rondelle-shaped spacer beads are from "Art by Lisi". The bottom round pair, from "Crazy Lady Glass" (store currently closed) are in a honeycomb finish. 


Plum Silver Flower Dangles and Beadcaps


Silver plated brass dangles have a flower design approx. 3/4 inch (18mm) in diameter. They have an attached loop for a jumpring at the top. The backs are flat, not hollow. I have patinized these with a sheer plum color (between a pink and lavender). Matching beadcaps are 12mm in diameter. 
They have been sealed to protect the color finish.



Thing #2:    I feel a "Giveaway" coming on!   I'm at 199 on the Facebook page!    If someone would kindly push that over the top for me, we can let the fun times begin!  

Click here:  
Then click "Like" and "Get Notfications."   Thanks much!


Thanks a bunch and have a good weekend!    (Happy Australia Day to our dear friends across the ocean!)

Sharyl







Saturday, January 19, 2013

Yep, it looks different!

Yep, it looks different, but no worries, you are in the right place!



I still haven't posted my goals for 2013, but one of them is to update this blog.   I've been unhappy with the look and functionality of it lately, so this is just a tiny first step.   I'm removing some of the clutter and trying out a more basic look, hoping to call more attention to the content rather than the background.

Expect to see more changes as I play with things.  There will me  major changes in the future, but this is an interim change, a tiny step forward, and a bit of an experiment all combined!

Let's try it out.   Feedback is always welcome, and so very necessary in web design!

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Sharyl

P.S.  I'll be working on branding too, so never fear, that header will get better!


Friday, January 18, 2013

Low batts, Interesting Results!

***If you are looking for the Memories and Thanks Blog Hop Reveal, please click HERE.***

This is just a quick post and totally for fun.    I got a new camera right at the end of the year and I'm trying to learn to use it.  If you've followed my blog very long, you know that photography is something I've struggled with from the beginning.   I've learned a lot and have such a very long way to go.

But the other day, I was trying to take photos and for some reason couldn't get them to focus.  I don't see so well so sometimes it's hard for me to tell if a photo is blurry or I am, but these seemed really messed up even to me!    I eventually realized the battery was low and needed to be recharged.  (Duh, moment!)

In the meantime, I took these and thought I'd share!    They are so bad and yet pretty in their own way--sparkly, like snow crystals or holiday lights!




So a recharge and retake later, we have this image instead:


Fun times!  I'll keep practicing with the camera!   Hope you are having a good week!  

Sharyl

P.S.  Thank you so much for your thoughtful, warm comments on my recent posts about my Mom and jewelry.   I treasure them more than I can say!  

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Photo Credits:
   
Canon Camera photo from Best Buy page:  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4858281&type=product&id=1218554266379&ref=30&loc=KW-1262&s_kwcid=TC|8113|%2Bsx260%20%2Bhs||S|b|15107776719

Other photos by Sharyl, 2013.

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Saturday, January 12, 2013

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop Reveal

PART 1:  The Thought

I have had my mom on my mind quite a bit again lately, as I related in my last couple of posts.   As you likely know by now, my mother passed away about 3 years ago.

The reminiscing probably started near Christmas, as that was always a special time for our family growing up.    I got to thinking about the jewelry I had made for my mom over the years.   When I look back on it now, it wasn't very good, technically speaking.  I didn't know about the wonder of handmade art beads!  I hadn't learned yet how to harden wire, so things always ended up a bit bendy!    I mostly made her long pendants she could slip over her head--she liked that--and attached to sterling silver chains.   (Who knew the price of those would shoot up so!)   Regardless of my skill level, she wore the jewelry proudly and that gave me confidence to keep trying.

My recent thought was that I wish my mom could see how my jewelry making has progressed the last year or so.   I still have so very far to go, but I've come a long way too.   It would be so nice to make her something now.

Along came the announcement of Lori Anderson's "Memories and Thanks Blog Hop," and I immediately thought, this is my perfect opportunity to make something inspired by the memory of my mother!

PART 2:  The Planning

I set myself to planning for this necklace immediately.  I searched and searched for the "perfect" beads...and finally found them!

Beautifully rich colors of deep pink, gold, 
green, black and white
in a lovely floral pattern.
9 handmade round polymer clay beads by 

I planned a simple design, using bright brass chain:





And every so often  inserting one of the polymer beads surrounded by  various shades of pink Swarovski bicone crystals.

The more I plotted, I decided I wanted to include this lovely piece by Rebekah Payne of "Tree Wings Studio" as a focal with chain and crystals dangling from it.   I was so excited at my finds, each of which I thought would be perfect for a piece of jewelry in honor of my mother.

But it was not to be...

As I started to work, an eye condition I have worsened again, and I couldn't see the chain well enough to work with it, couldn't see the wire well enough to find the bicone holes and to wrap the fine wire required for this project.   I was frustrated beyond words!   Frustrated to tears...

And after several hours, I picked myself up and started all over again.

PART 3:  The New Plan
...and What I Remembered About My Mom

I dug through my bead containers, searching and searching for something that might work in its place.  I felt like this was a gift for my mom, and I had to have SOMETHING I could offer.     I knew the beads must be large, no requirement for wire wrapping, and it still had to look like something my mom would want to wear.

I came up with this instead:


Large gray multifaceted beads, with amber-colored glass bicones, 3 silver plated-lintel beads with a leafy pattern....

and smoky gray clear faceted crystals on the sides

I used a silver ox chain chain in the back with plenty of room to slip over the head without using a clasp,
just the way Mom liked it.



This necklace reminds me a bit more of my Mom in her younger years, when she dressed up more.   The necklace I had planned was more for her later years when she loved brighter colors like pink and blue and aqua.

While I was so disappointed I couldn't make the necklace I set out to make, I realized as I worked that it really didn't matter.    It wouldn't have mattered to her.   No matter whether there were artbeads, no matter if there was twisted wire or a strung necklace, no matter what, she would have worn what I made and proudly told others I had made it.   And I would have felt so good about her approval and sincerity.  

I miss my mom for so many reasons, this is just one.   But I loved her so, and offer this necklace in memory of her.

My thanks to Lori Anderson for organizing this event.   I hope you will take time to visit the blog sites of the other participants listed below.  I'm sure they all have beautiful jewelry to show and heartwarming stories to share.

~Sharyl

If the links below do not work for you, please go to Lori's "Pretty Things" blog so you can quickly link to each site  Thank you!


Hostess, Lori Anderson       Pretty Things

 Adlinah Kamsir                   Dream Struck Designs
 Aimee Biondolillo               Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
 Alicia Marinache                 All the Pretty Things 
 Andra Marasteanu               Handmade by Indra Marasteanu 
 Andrea Trank                      Heaven Lane Creations
 April Grinaway                   Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem                         Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake                    Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery                         Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle                Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick                       Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King                    Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier                      The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz                     Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler                   FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka                       Clay Space
Christina Hickman              Vintage Treasures Jewelry

Christine Stonefield            Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman               Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson                      It's My Sea of Dreams
Crystal Thain                      Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin                        Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen             A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman             Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez                  Arte y Poemas
Diane Hawkey                    diane hawkey
Dita Basu                            ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington             Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd                        A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny                         beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz                  Treasures Found
Gina Hockett                      Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen                        Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston                 CSW Designs
Inge von Roos                    Inge's Blog

Jacqueline Marchant          Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp                         Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates                          Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno                     Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo                   Peppa's Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten    Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren                  Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray                   Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams                     lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton            It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne                   josjewels1
Jodie Marshall                    Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes                 Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen                 Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC
JuLee Wolfe                       The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean                           Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell                   Over the Moon Designs
Karin King                         The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton                       Backstory Beads
Kat Douglas                       Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton                        Toodles and Binks
Kelly Hosford Patterson     The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor                          Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak                       CianciBlue
Kim Houston                       The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter                         Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton                Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch                          LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus                      First Impression Design
Lena Adams (Mari's daughter) -- TBA
Liddy McLaughlin               Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian                       Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder                     Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton                      Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver                            Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud        Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe                           Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell                    Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron                       Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster                 MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne                     The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert                      Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite     bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo                        Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo                           Ornamento
Marti Conrad                          Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker                  BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars                        MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell                          Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly                 Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay                       The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin                         The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara                      one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta                         Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz              la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi               Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody               Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett                          Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen                    Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Natalie Davidson                  NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas                      Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren                           re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister        The Crazy Creative Corner

Priya Krish                           Hellopalz  
Rebecca Anderson               Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag                 Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed                   Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson                  a creative chelle
Sabine Dittrich                     perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe                          Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff                    Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode                         Pookledo
Sarah Singer                         String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent                         All Things Made Jewelry
Shai Williams                       Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac                        Sharon's Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson    Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis                         Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner        Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey                       Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun                         Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z                         Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler              Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey                        Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G.                                Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter                         Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk                    Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels                       Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse                         Goldkisses Art
Tracy Martin                        Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks                              Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin                          Beads, Tea and Sweets