Dana Lang and "Tumblestone!"

I promised you another blog entry on a jewelry artist this week, 

and another give-away...

 and you shall have both!  :-)   

**Double-give away details at bottom of page!**

                 Acorn Necklace by Dana Lang

To me, she is quite a rising star.   She's "crafty" in the very best since of that word, meaning I find so much that she does very artistic!   And while she's a wonderful jewelry designer, she has a variety of artistic talents she pursues.  (We'll talk about that more in the future!)   I always find that impressive as I struggle with jewelry making alone!

For today though, we'll focus on her jewelry!.....



Dana Lang is from Mission, British Columbia, Canada.   She is the owner of a wonderful new online store on Etsy called "Tumblestone."     



I first really became aware of Dana when she won a gift certificate  from my store.   She didn't collect immediately because, as she explained, she was busy setting up a new online store of her own.  I knew Dana had a blog called  "Tumblestone Handmakery."   Something about that name made me wonder what this new store would be like and what would be sold there! 

As soon as I started seeing her work, I loved it!   

Wire Wrapped Flower Filigree Necklace -

 Hand Blackened Brass, Copper chain, 

Picasso Czech Glass Briolette

Key jewelry has been very popular this year.  I find Dana's "Key Hole Earrings" and "Cluster Necklace"  fun variations on the theme!

Key Hole Earrings - Green Flower Dangles

               Cluster Necklace

The more I see of Dana's jewelry, the more I like!  The black or darkened metals, the simplicity, the uniqueness.   

                                Greek Mythology -

                               Calypso By the Sea Necklace 

Dana has a style all her own she seems to have had right from the start!    Very impressive!

Please visit and learn more about Dana through her blog, "Tumblestone Handmakery," and on Facebook, and Twitter!    You'll see even more of what makes me admire her so!

And enjoy Free Shipping Worldwide at "Tumblestone" until January 1st 2013!! Just use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout! ~Sharyl

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P.S.   Dana and I have teamed-up for a give-away!   She is giving away a lovely necklace and I'm giving away a set of my hand-made and hand-altered components.  
**The signup for both are on Dana's blog!**   
The event has begun!  

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Graphic Credits:

All photographs  used in this entry are the property of Dana Lang and used with her permission.

Red arrow graphic:  http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/arrows/arrow_curved/.cache/arrow_curved_attention_red.png

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Marti Conrad: Artisan Button and Bead Maker

When I first started using art beads, I went for lampwork.  Lampwork was what an art bead meant to me.  Over the past year or so, I've learned that (much as I still love handmade lampwork beads, and oh I do!),... there are many other art beads I love too:  pottery, enamel, metal, cast metal, mixed media, and so on.  

For oh-so-many months now, I've been particularly loving to work with pottery beads--from mud, to ceramics, to all sorts of clay--I love these beads, their unique colors, textures, and shapes.   Just by talking with artisans, I've learned a bit about the process and the time it takes to make these beads, and it's so impressive to me!

Included are some of the first beads I bought from Marti Conrad. 

Some I've ordered more than once!  

I've used quite a few of them, 

but also like to keep some on hand too!

One of my first-found and favorite bead artists in this medium is Marti Conrad of Marti's Buttons-n-Beads on Etsy.  She sells beads that are made from stoneware clay and fit my designs so well.  And she is constantly creating new designs.   I no more place my order than she comes out with something else I want!

So I thought I would show you just a few of the purchases I've made from her shop, what I've made from some of her beads, and some of her newest items listed!    We'll also hear from Marti herself!   (There is so much to share, I promise it pays to read all the way through!) 

Not long after I started buying beads from Marti, a custom order cometh our way...  I admired her horse pendants and cuffs and thought I might know others who would also.  Out of that came a custom order for 4 pieces of jewelry involving Marti's horse pendants and cuffs, along with her beads!   (I found them a dream to design with and the customer was very happy!)

On the left is one of the bracelets made from one of her horse cuffs and 2 of her cone-shaped pottery beads.   (I don't know why, but I think of these beads as "kernel" beads--like corn kernels!  I've hinted I think these should be renamed to fit with my memory of their name!)

On the right is a pair of earrings I made to sell using her crater beads which I matched with copper snowflakes.  In the end, I liked them so much I kept them for myself, and have been wearing them all season!

I mentioned I like to keep some of Marti's beads in my stash... here is most of my current batch. 

A lovely fern pendant, another horse pendant, beads mostly in subtle, earthy tones, but you'll also find some cherry-like red and some coral cone-shaped beads among others.  I also have some of Marti's buttons, which didn't make it into this photo.

Marti lives in a small town in rural West Virginia. I've often wondered how she started making beads, and so I asked and she was kind enough to share her story:  

"I have done crafty things all my life as my mom started me out embroidering at the age of ten, crochet at 11 and then I started making polymer buttons and started in ceramic clay about eight years ago in order to have the fun money to buy vintage clothing buttons. My husband wanted me to collect buttons instead of dishes because they wouldn't take up too much room in the house...little did we know...lol.

Since then, I started in beads and making small jewelry components which opened the world to me. I have mailed pieces literally all over the world, Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, The Netherlands, Canada and all over the United States. The internet and online selling has really opened up my little world and I am so appreciative. It is so exciting to send my things here and there and see what people do with them. I thank you all!"

And thank YOU, Marti!

Now please join me for a look at some of my favorite beads currently in Marti's shop:

These new "Spindle Bead Caps" are delightful! 

While I'm sitting around dreaming about using them, "our own" Jean A. Wells (don't you like how I claim people?!)...

who participated in our latest Challenge, has beat me to using them!   (Click on Jean's name to link to a sample of her work using some of these beads!)  They look fantastic!  They come in a variety of colors and textures. I just must try some of those soon!   

 I love the shapes of these "Four Cone Shaped Handmade Beads."

I have some of these beads in melon, and some round beads in this color and finish!  How could I not love these?! 

BRAND NEW!  Aren't these "Turquoise Rose Beads" a lovely color, shape, and texture?!

As well as her beads and horses, Marti has been making owl pendants way before there was an owl challenge!

Owl Connector  

Owl Connector   

They are cute beyond words!

Marti is an animal lover and you will find that reflected in her work.  There are dog and cat paw prints, fish, turtles, and more!

Fishy Fishy Pendant

You'll also find beads and pendants inspired by trees and ferns.  (There's a sample fern in my stash photo above!)

And finally, another bit of nature headed our way soon...

Hexagon Pendant and Charms

Thank you to Marti for letting us take a peek into your shop, sharing your history and motivation for bead-making, and for all the wonderful beads you make and share with us!

Now, to the rest of you,

please visit Marti's Buttons-n-Beads shop on Etsy

and her blog, where you'll find the "newest of the new" designs!

Oh what treats await you there!   

~Sharyl

P.S.  I told you it would pay to read all the way through!   In addition to learning more about Marti, we'll have a give-away!

 Share this page on your blog, FB, or Twitter account, 

then leave me a message you've done so with the link.   

I'll draw a name and share a few beads 

with the winner 

from my lovely "Marti stash!"

Good luck to all!

Photographs from Marti's shop are used here by permission.

Photographs of completed projects were taken by Sharyl

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Sunday Night Update!

Last call for "NEW MOON SCENTS!" You won the prize a couple of weeks ago and I've been unable to reach you. If you see this, please let me know by Monday noon, 12/17/12, Central time if you would like to collect your prize. After that, I'm so sorry but I'll need to draw another winner. Hope you see this and respond!
* * * * * *

In other hasty news....
I've been redoing my work room (with a whole lot of help from the 2 guys at my house)! Photos will be forthcoming as soon as a few more things get sorted into their new proper home! 

Okay, sneak peak! 

One corner...and yes, that's bare wood showing on my desk!

Also this week, I'll be featuring a couple of my favorite bead and jewelry artists. There are so many deserving, I need to resume this practice. I plan to feature 2 this week.  My apologies to them for my tardiness. Hope you'll drop by to see their work and visit their shops!
We'll also have some pre-holiday give-aways, so stay tuned!   


* * * * * *


And finally,...

If it looks "Christmasy,"

...if it looks "Wintery,"

...if it's red or green, 

...or I thought you might want to wear it for the holidays,

IT'S ON SALE!

Holiday-themed COMPONENTS also ON SALE!

(No coupon needed for this sale. 

Prices are already marked down, just look for the "SALE" tags!)

My thanks to those of you who visit Sharyl's Jewelry,

even just to take a look--

"Window Shoppers" are always welcome!

Happy Holidays!

~Sharyl

* * * * * * * *

Kaz Baildon Bead Giveaway Blog Hop: The Re-reveal!

 I'm reposting my page since I finally have photos to share for my entry into the "Kaz Baildon Bead Giveaway Blog Hop" hosted by Lesley Watt of "Thea Jewelry" and "TheaToo."   The blog hop home is Lesley's "The Gossiping Goddess."   Earlier this Fall I was one of several randomly selected to receive a free bead from a huge stash very kindly gifted to Lesley by the talented glass artist Kaz Baildon. I have felt so lucky receiving this bead, trying various designs, and achieving a final product.

As part of this event, I was given a very large lampwork bead with rather "mod-like" flowers in bright orange and yellow! 

The fun, floral lampwork bead I received from Lesley Watt

made by Kaz Baildon!

1) My first thought was to turn it into a 60s/70s look by adding beads of purple to go with more beads in orange. I tried, but just couldn't pull off the look. 


2) My next thought was just just go with more beads to match the colors in the lampwork bead flowers--yellow and orange. Somehow, I just couldn't make that look very enticing either.

3) The third and final attempt I made was to subdue the bright orange and yellow a bit, and complement them with brass. I handmade beadcaps from brass rings I punched, embossed, darkened the ridges, then cleaned the rest of the brass to a bright finish again.  Then I dapped and shaped them.

Brass beadcaps I made to frame the lampwork bead.

Copper accent beads surrounded the beadcaps.

I also had some rectangular antiqued brass beads in my stash with an embossed pattern, and I used those as dangles with brass chain. Beneath each bead in the dangle is either a small orange or small yellow bead, just to tie the colors back in again. 

Brass and glass beads used in dangles

The chain, wire, and beadcaps are all brass.      I think it takes a cheerful pattern and gives it a slightly more sophisticated look. 

The complete necklace

If you haven't already, please take a look at these great entries! Thanks for coming by! (With special thanks to Lesley and Kaz for making this special event possible!)    --Sharyl

Lesley Watt - www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Cory Tompkins - http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com 
Rebecca Anderson - http://songbeads.blogspot.com
Marie Cramp -   Marie is unwell and has had to withdraw
Claire Braunbarth - http://smittenbeads.blogspot.com
Heidi Post - http://http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com
Tiffany Smith - http://southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com
Sharyl Macmillan-Nelson - http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com
Ailsa Cordner - http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/
Linda Landig -  http://lindalandig.wordpress.com
Caroline Dewison - http://blueberribeads.com
Renetha - http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Kari Asbury - http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Niky Sayers - http://silverniknats.blogspot.com
Purple Cobwebs - http://www.purplecobwebs.blogspot.com
Cilla Watkins - http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com/
Therese Frank - www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com 
 Claire Ennis - http://clairescrystalclassics.blogspot.com
 Emma - http://apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com
Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com 
Alicia - http://www.allprettythings.ca
Sandy Huntress - http://keepsakecrafts.net/blog/
Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Amy - http://copperdiem.blogspot.com
Katherine Gale - http://terrabeadworks.blogspot.com

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Kaz Baildon Bead Giveaway Blog Hop--Imagine what you Will!

Fun, floral yellow and orange lampwork bead I received!

My sincere apologies. I have photos to share for my entry into the "Kaz Baildon Bead Giveaway Blog Hop" hosted by Lesley Watt of "Thea Jewelry" and "TheaToo."   The blog hop home is Lesley's "The Gossiping Goddess."   Earlier this Fall I was one of several randomly selected to receive a free bead from a huge stash very kindly gifted to Lesley by the talented glass artist Kaz Baildon. I have felt so lucky receiving this bead, trying various designs, and achieving a final product.




Unfortunately both my camera and my laptop went out days apart last week, and I've been struggling to load photos from the new camera. I'm going to keep trying, but in the meantime, I'll take you on an imaginary tour. Later when I can insert the photos, you can see how closely they match the creation you imagined!







I was given a very large lampwork bead with rather "mod-like" flowers in bright orange and yellow!   (I found my  "before" photos I took and have added those at least.  The photo of the bead I received now appears 2nd from the top.  Like other things I can't get to cooperate,  that photo won't go where I try to place it!)




1) My first thought was to turn it into a 60's look by adding beads of purple to go with more beads in orange. I tried, but just couldn't pull the look off.




2) My next thought was just just go with more beads to match the colors in the lampwork bead flowers--yellow and orange. Somehow, I just couldn't make that look very enticing either.

Brass beadcaps I made to go with the lampwork bead.

(Now if only I could show you the finished piece!   I'll keep trying!)

3) The third and final attempt I made was to subdue the bright orange and yellow a bit, and complement them with brass.   I handmade beadcaps from brass rings I punched, embossed, darkened the ridges, then cleaned the rest of the brass to a bright finish again. 

Behold!   Necklace photos!

  I had some rectangular antique brass beads with an embossed pattern and I used those as dangles with brass chain.  Beneath each bead in the dangle is either a small orange or small yellow bead, just to tie the colors back in again.   Otherwise, the chain, beads, and beadcaps are all brass.      I think it takes a cheerful pattern and gives it a slightly more sophisticated look.   Hopefully you can see for yourself soon!   

And one more!   Thanks for your patience!

In the meantime, please take a look at these great entries!   Thanks for coming by!  (With special thanks to Lesley and Kaz for making this special event possible!)  --Sharyl

Lesley Watt - www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Cory Tompkins - http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com 
Rebecca Anderson - http://songbeads.blogspot.com
Marie Cramp -   Marie is unwell and has had to withdraw
Claire Braunbarth - http://smittenbeads.blogspot.com
Heidi Post - http://http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com
Tiffany Smith - http://southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com
Sharyl Macmillan-Nelson - http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com
Ailsa Cordner - http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/
Linda Landig -  http://lindalandig.wordpress.com
Caroline Dewison - http://blueberribeads.com
Renetha - http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Kari Asbury - http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Niky Sayers - http://silverniknats.blogspot.com
Purple Cobwebs - http://www.purplecobwebs.blogspot.com
Cilla Watkins - http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com/
Therese Frank - www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com 
 Claire Ennis - http://clairescrystalclassics.blogspot.com
 Emma - http://apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com
Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com 
Alicia - http://www.allprettythings.ca
Sandy Huntress - http://keepsakecrafts.net/blog/
Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Amy - http://copperdiem.blogspot.com
Katherine Gale - http://terrabeadworks.blogspot.com

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Winner Announced... A tale of good luck and bad!

I promised you a story and a winner, and you'll get one of each here today.   In case you would like the "short version,"  I'll go straight to the winner!

I appreciate all of you who participated so enthusiastically in the drawing for the Artisan Whimsy Holiday event and drawing.   

This necklace and earring set, inspired by the Art Deco period for a History Challenge....

goes to:

New Moon Scents!

Please send me a comment here with your mailing address.  (I won't publish it.)   I'll get your winnings off to you!  Hopefully this brings the best of luck your way!

For the rest of you, please stay tuned in the coming weeks.  I'm planning more giveaways and announcement of sales (mine and others) that might be of interest!   

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Now for the story...

Why am I so behind, you may wonder?  Why so long to announce a winner?   Well, have you ever heard of "bad luck coming in threes?"    I'm not a superstitious person, truly, but here is my story (and bad luck list)....

Prefatory Notes:

-- Over Thanksgiving I got a new workbench.  (That wasn't bad luck, that was GREAT luck!)   Not together yet, but it's waiting for me to prepare a space for it!   Of course it did cost a bit of money, which is why I mention it here at all.

-- For my birthday, a few weeks before, my family gave me an IOU for a new camera too, as the lens on mine kept sticking.   It was clearly time for a newer model!

Now here is where we start counting:

1) One day last week, the modem died.   Luckily, I could get a new one free from my internet provider.  Just had to go get it.  (While I was out, I decided to shop for that new camera. Found one and bought it.   Good thing, just more money out.)

2) I took photos with my new camera the next day and as I went to load them on my laptop, the laptop died.   (Dang!)

3) I went and bought a new laptop.  Ka-ching!  

4) Two days later, it's the weekend and my husband is doing laundry.  (Love that husband of mine!)   Washing machine won't agitate.   Full load with water that won't drain.  Not good.  Ka-ching, ka-ching!

5)  While husband goes to buy a new washing machine, I get the only large bucket I can find and a small plastic bowl, and begin dumping the water from the machine into the bucket.  When I would get the bucket about 1/2 full, I would take it to the bathroom just around the corner and dump it in the toilet.  (Too much info?  Sorry... but this is vital.)   About the 2nd or 3rd trip, I notice water running all over the floor.  Must have been messy in my pouring.   I cleaned that mess up and filled another bucket.   Wow!  More water on the floor.  Cleaned that up.  By bucket 6, I stopped.  Water was running on all sides of the toilet, under baseboards, all over the bathroom floor.  Could I be that messy in pouring water from a bucket?!   I think there must be a leak in the toilet.  I call my husband while he's still on the road to the store to look for machines.  

He calls the plummer.   

I call my sister.

My sister is very familiar with all things lucky and unlucky, so I had to ask her if I hit 3 rounds of bad luck and kept going to 4 and 5, does that mean more bad luck is to come or I am just being an over-achiever?   We're realists in our family, so even considering my prior history of over-achieving status, she bets there is more bad luck to come.  (Gotta love her!)

6)  Monday, first thing in the morning, I realized that little decorative flag on my front step needed changing from fall to winter.  I stepped out on the front step and the door which had been open about 2 feet, slammed shut with the force of the wind.  Locked.   Locked out.   ...Did I mention I was barefoot?  (I'm NEVER barefoot, even in the house!)   Called that dear husband of mine who drove home 30 minutes from work to let me back in.   

Then I called my sister to let her know she had been right and how thankful I was to  hit a multiple of three again!  Whew!   So glad that was over!

7)  Monday night the plummer finally made it over to our house.   He looked everything over.  Yep, the washer was shot--good thing we were having a new one delivered.   Couldn't figure out the bathroom leak though.  Decided to reenact it.   Turns out there was a $40 leak in that bucket....

8 and 9)  Yet to come...

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Image Credits:

Jewelry and jewelry photo by Sharyl

Story:  http://www.wpclipart.com/education/reading/reading_3/contemplation.jpg

Camera:  http://www.wpclipart.com/camera/.cache/old_camera_2.png

Laptop:  http://www.wpclipart.com/computer/laptop/laptop_2/.cache/notebook_smiling.png

Washing machine: http://www.wpclipart.com/smiley/assorted_smiley/assorted_3/.cache/smiley_in_washing_machine.png

Call to sister:  http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/halloween/assorted/assorted_2/.cache/scared_phone_call.png

House:  http://www.wpclipart.com/buildings/homes/house/.cache/house_symbol_round_1.png

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Yep, I'm late, .... and have I got a story to tell!

Sorry, I've been terribly remiss in announcing the winner of the Artisan Whimsy Holiday Sale  Give-away and way behind in posting fresh material on my blog.    

I promise to announce that winner soon.... and explain all!   

Meanwhile...
25% OFF EVERYTHING...continues!

I kept having trouble with the coupon codes during the sale, so I've eliminated the need for a code and extended the sale through Friday Dec. 7, 2012.   Everything... (including Clearance Sale items) is 25% off.   Prices should be slashed through with sale price included. 

~Sharyl / Sharyl's Jewelry

P.S. Want MORE holiday shopping ideas?  Check out these "under $20" and "over $20" gift ideas from Artisan Whimsy!