Tanya Goodwin's "Shibori Ribbon Blog Hop Challenge" Reveal!

Ever heard of "Shibori Ribbon?"  I confess I hadn't until I saw Tanya Goodwin's post that she was hosting a blog hop featuring it!  Well, Tanya is my friend and "almost-neighbor" (and a wonderful jewelry designer), so I had to check out what this mystery ribbon was all about! 
  

And boy, is it yummy stuff!  There are several people on Etsy who sell it, and I purchased mine at AriaDesignStudio.  My ribbon like others though had its start at ShiboriGirlStudios!   It's beautiful pleated silk ribbon that comes in an amazing array of colors!

I knew immediately I had to join this blog hop, obtain some of this luxurious ribbon (although Tanya graciously gave away pieces too), and try this out!  

I quickly came up with an idea.  I had recently made a polymer clay pendant in metallic blue, purple, gold, and pink. 

I used a "sunflower" stamp,
state flower of Kansas,
but not the classic yellow and brown colors!
The pendant is dark blue polymer clay,
topped with metallic acrylic paints
and mica powders.  Then sealed.

The lines in the flower petals reminded me of the folds in the Shibori ribbon, so I went in search of ribbon to match my pendant.

And I found my perfect dream color!
It amazing how "rich" looking this ribbon is.
The color in the folds is different than outside the fold,
adding depth and texture to the look!

Luckily, I already had copper clamps from a previous project and these worked wonderfully with the ribbon.  I made a copper clasp and added a bit of chain to the back of the piece.

My design was simple and that's the way I planned it.  But it was "too" simple.  I wanted to make it asymmetrical (yes, I keep trying)!  

I made it so there was more ribbon on one side, then added the clasp and a fun mood-bead to the lower side.

In the front, I decided to make a small copper bail with purple patina, then found I already had one made! What luck was that?!

"Yes," I thought, "this will work nicely!"

Then, before I could call it quits, I decided to add a few of my colorful metallic "Funky Flat Poly Beads" to the focal!

More of these colors coming to the store soon!

The beads connect the copper/purple bail
and the polymer clay sunflower pendant.

Now before I show the entire piece, I have to share with you this bracelet I had just made. It too reminded me of the folds in the ribbon and the color seemed just right!

Altered Brass Bracelet in Violet and Gold

The finished pieces.

I'm anxious to see what the others do with Shibori Silk Ribbon.  I'm not sure my use as a chain-substitute was as inspired as it might have been, but it feels so soft against the neck and I love the colors I was working with here!   

I still have another strip of ribbon, so we'll see what else I can dream up!

In the meantime, please let's go visit the other participants and see their creations!   My thanks to Tanya Goodwin for hosting this event and introducing me to Shibori ribbon!


Tanya Goodwin (host) "A Work in Progress"

Maryanne
Alenka
Monique
Carolyn
Mary
Catherine

Christine
Sharyl      <---  (You are here!)
Therese

Thanks and see you next time!  --Sharyl

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"Love My Art Jewelry" Asymmetry Bootcamp -- Blog Hop Reveal!

The "Love My Art Jewelry" group is hosting an "Asymmetry Bootcamp Blog Hop" this week. I had already begun this piece Saturday when I found out about it, but was anxious to share it here!  

An asymmetric glimpse of my asymmetric necklace! 

This necklace was literally years in the making.

Not that I stopped and started it, but I've been saving some of these beads for a special project for a very long time.

It was actually this new bead which got me started in the right direction.  It was an experimental flat lampwork bead I talked out of my friend, Mike Flint (Bagomag.com).    

The frit colors reminded me of some very cool beads my pal Kashmira Patel shared with me from India 1-2 years ago!  I had been saving and saving them for something special.  And finally, I was inspired to use them with this pale blue and rust-colored flat lampwork bead.

I decided not to do my usual symmetric design with these, but to place 3 in a row on one side, then use two together and 1 separately on the other side.  (How radical of me, right?!)  I just couldn't make up my mind about how to use the large wooden bead. As a focal hanging down?  As a bead on a chain?  

You may not believe the amount of time I spent playing around with these beads, adding and removing other beads, trying to decide whether to keep with my idea of using just Kashmira's beads with the rose-shaped aqua Czech glass or to add other beads too, to put on chain or string?

Slowly, but surely, a design did emerge...  I began by adding some similar wooden beads I had in various shapes, some with a hint of red.   Then I reached for some beads I've been hoarding from another good friend, Natalie Pappas of NKP Designs.

 

Beads by Natalie Pappas:   Top left, blue and tan flower beads.  Top right, Bluish-brown leaf bead.   Bottom left, red/blue dotted bead and another tan flower.  Bottom right, large chunky caramel bead used in focal.     (You'll also see Kashmira's large wood bead here.  This is part of the long, dangly focal.)

Although I ended up adding a lot more beads than originally planned, in a effort to keep a somewhat balanced look regarding size and color of beads, the 2 sides are not identical.  You see here, and in the photo below, I did use Kashmira's beads as originally planned!  (3 on one side, 2+1 on the other.)  Next time, I'll edge myself further out on the asymmetrical limb, I promise!  ;-)

Beads, minus the focal.

Another "asymmetric photo" angle!

The necklace is actually longer than this, so Kashmira's beads show in the front,

but in an effort to include the focal piece, 

I've adjusted the necklace so it's shorter.

You can finally see the long focal here,

which includes beads from Kashmira, Mike, and Natalie here.

In addition are a sterling plated over 

white bronze "Light of India" clasp 

used as a bail from Lily's Offering and 

rustic patina on copper Greek beads from MayaHoney.

I added a bit of chain and a handmade clasp in the back to make the length adjustable, and wa-la, the finished necklace!

My thanks to Kashmira, Mike, and Natalie for sharing their beautiful beads with me and making this creation possible!  I think I'll call this the "Friendship Necklace!"

And thanks to "Love My Art Jewelry" for hosting this blog hop!  You can see more asymmetric jewelry designs by clicking here!

Best wishes,

Sharyl

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"Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" Reveal!

We happily call ourselves "bead hoarders."   It sounds rather derogatory, but simply means that we search and search to find beads, components, and findings we love long before we plan to use them, so that when a jewelry design opportunity comes our way, we often find the perfect beads needed already in our "stash," hidden safely away in drawers, cabinets, and containers galore!   Beads are our treasures! And some are just nearly too precious for us to part with!   Some, we will part with only for what we see as the most perfect design we can imagine. 
  

Just a wee-bit of my bead storage!

If anyone recognizes this, Lori Anderson does.   And so this summer, she organized the "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" in an attempt to pry some of our most cherished prizes from our clenched fists in the hopes we would design some of our best jewelry ever.    Nearly 170 designers have joined her in sharing our best attempts.   I hope everyone will enjoy seeing what we've been "hoarding!"  

So what about me?   I confess, I hoard a lot of beads!   I'm especially fond of handmade lampwork and pottery art beads.   I also have containers full of Czech glass crystals, gemstones, metal, and other natural beads.   I like textiles so I have boxes of ribbons and I like working with metals so a good part of my work space is dedicated to working and storing things related to that.    But back to my beads....

It was hard to pick one, but I did.  I picked one I had wanted to work with for months, but had not been able to get to, and so this inspiring bead was my starting place:

Coral Purple Turquoise Murrini Handmade Lampwork Glass Focal BeadBy Leslie Deaunne of Bead Bijoux

I loved the colors here: turquoise, purple, and coral, and it gave me a great opportunity to pair it with more of my favorite lampwork and stone beads in similar colors, as well as with silver!   So much potential!   I started by just digging for beads that would go with it, then narrowing them back down to what I wanted to use.

I'm not sure if it was the bead design or the bead colors that instantly made me think of the American Southwest, but I was never in any doubt about my jewelry design.  I added small purple and turquoise rondelles and silver plated wafers to the focal, then added a silver-plated lizard charm I'd been saving for something just like this!  A carnelian bead became a dangle.   Wa-la!  The focal!

I was ready to build the major front part of the necklace string.  In addition to turquoise howlite, blue/green Greek Mykonos Ceramic beads, orange Jasper, and sterling silver beads, I used 4 pairs of handmade lampwork spacer beads:

From left to right:

purple:  Kerry, Crazy Lady Glass

orange:   Jason Powers, Powers Art Studio

rusty brown:   Jason Powers, Powers Art Studio

turquoise and black:   Lisa, Art by Lisi

I embossed aluminum for this handmade bail.  

For other handmade bails visit Sharyl's Jewelry.

I had planned to use silver ox chain for the rest of the necklace, but changed my mind as I went further.  I decided to try a double row of  fairly large seed beads on each side instead.

One was in shades of blue and turquoise.  The other had a few orange and purple added.   I made a clasp from sterling silver filled wire.   


Then I found I needed a connector to the previous section and went through every silver bead I had and nothing seemed quite large enough.  I settled instead on these large rondelle Fire Turquoise beads with sterling silver bead caps to pull the two sections of the necklace together.   


My "bead hoarders" necklace was complete!

Thanks for stopping by today!  

My sincere gratitude to Lori Anderson, for inspiring me, and so many others, in so many ways!   Please visit her blog and these other participants to see more designs!

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections  <----
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

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Special sale at Sharyl's Jewelry

 this weekend only! 

Use code: EVERY1WINS 

at checkout to get 20% off! 

Good on all jewelry, components, destash beads, and already discounted items!

************

Guest Feature: Laren Dee Barton, Celebrating her Store's 1st Anniversary in a Big Way!

I don't even think I know the exact date my store opened its "online doors!"   On my first anniversary month, I remember mentioning it in some sort of mumbling way on my blog, that I had been in business "about a year now."   Yep, that was pretty much it.

But our guest today, Laren Dee Barton, knows how to celebrate life in bigger, better ways, and she's including all of us in her celebration too!   What could be more fun?!  

If you have any question about Laren being an artist in many forms, just take a look at the slide show that appears on her "About Laren Dee Designs" page on Etsy!   Not only is the jewelry there intriguing and beautiful, but so are the photographs, the arrangement of items on the page, and the overall presentation.

"Girl Pirates, Ahoy There!"

And here we begin to learn the secret that Laren has a multi-layered past that has involved many experiences, quite a few  having to do with art, all overlapping and coming together now in her jewelry design business!

As Laren says, 

"With a lifetime of arts and crafts experiences in my home and as a prior owner/designer of a full service flower shop, working with beads and wire feels very natural to me. 

I've been a business professional and an ordained minister, a spiritual teacher, counselor and author. I devoted years to giving of my time in order to help women find personal healing in their own lives. I am most proud of that work."

Today, she and her art are on a new journey!   Let's take a look at where they are at this moment in time! 

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On June 2, 2012, Laren open her store, Laren Dee Designs  on Etsy!   This June, she's celebrating with an all-month anniversary celebration!   Details follow at the end of the page, so keep reading--wonderful, wonderful opportunities to win!

Meanwhile, I want to show you a few of my personal favorites from Laren's store.   There are many to choose from, although I keep finding one and then another favorite missing these days, so don't wait too long!

Most of you know I love long, dangly earrings, Czech glass crystals, brass, the color aqua, and handmade ceramic beads.  So why didn't I think to make these earrings?   (I dunno!)   But no worries, because Laren was inspired to do so!  She also had the good taste to use Marsha Neal Studio Beads!    

Chocolate Clay Ceramic Beads with Glacier Finish and Czech Beads in Antique Brass Wire-Wrapped Earrings

It might seem a bit arrogant or self-serving for me to include this pair.   So forgive me,  but how could I not?    Basically, I have to love someone who takes my metal components, matches them up with lovely handmade lampwork (by Dreamscapes Studio, Ontario, Canada), and turns out an extremely stylish design!

Lentil Bead Raku Lampwork Focals with Gold and Blue Beaded Copper Earrings 4.5 Inch Length

I often associate crystals with Laren's work, because she has used really beautiful glass cut crystals in her work  since I have known her this past year.  (I admit I'm partial to them too!)   But I've also seen her jewelry designs expand to include lovely lampwork and metal findings such as beadcaps, accent beads and special clasps--details that really make her work seem special and one-of-a-kind!

Puffed Hearts Lampwork and Copper Leaf Motif Toggle Bracelet and Earring Set for 7-8 Inch Wrist

Her wireworking skills and designs involving stones have also expanded, and pendants such as this one below are some of my favorite pieces in Laren's store!

Purple/Lavendar Sea Sediment Jasper with Antique Brass Wire Wrapped Tassels with Ribbon Necklace

I love jewelry that looks like it comes from another culture, and this one feels just right to me!    So impressive!   Look at the colors, the types of beads, all the stringing, and those wonderful beadcaps!  Once again, nice job, Laren!

Mediterranean Torsade Necklace Artisan Crafted

So those are some of MY favorites!   I'm sure you will find your own!   Share with us in the comments section if you like, when you apply for the drawing.   Details below!!!

GOOD NEWS:  

A $25 Gift Certificate is going to be given away on this blog to be used at Laren Dee Designs!   

REALLY GREAT NEWS:

The winner of the gift certificate is also eligible for the One-Year Celebration Gifts and Activities mentioned above!

Not required, but I invite you to:

• Follow Laren's blog!
• Friend her FB page!
• Visit her on Pinterest!
• Take a look at her store!   
• Spread the word through your own blog or FB page!     

What you MUST do:

• To be entered in the drawing for the $25 gift certificate, please leave your name and contact information in a comment on this blog.  As always, if you don't want to make your contact info public, you may leave a 2nd message with your email address.   I will not publish the contact info if you have left two separate messages.   Otherwise, I assume you don't mind if I publish.

--Thank you to Laren, for being our featured guest!  

--The rest of you have until Thursday night, June 13, 2013 at 11:55pm Central time to enter the drawing!   

--Let the fun begin!

~Sharyl

LarenDeeDesigns' Shop Announcement

JUNE 1st - 30th, 2013, ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT - While supply lasts, buyers will receive one gift-with-purchase pair of earrings handmade by Laren, with their paid order of a minimum of one (1) item per order, from Laren Dee Designs' shop. Gift earrings will be shipped with buyer's order in the same package, to one address.

Buyer will automatically be entered in LAREN DEE DESIGNS' Grand Prize Drawing and be eligible to win a Alaskan Handcrafted Cedar Jewelry Ring Box (2"x2"x1.5") with a Lampwork and Crystal Bracelet handmade by Laren. Drawing will be held July 1st, 2013. Prize value $50.00.

Winner will be notified through email and notice provided publicly on Facebook and this Shop Announcement page. Prize will be shipped immediately to winner with tracking information provided. Signature receipt will be requested for delivery verification.

THE FINE PRINT: Please see Shop Policies before purchasing any item.

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Image Credits:

Green balloon:   http://www.wpclipart.com/recreation/party/party_balloons/balloon_green.jpg

June 2:  http://www.wpclipart.com/time/calendar/06_June/calendar_June_02.jpg

"Girl Pirates, Ahoy There!" from  Laren's "About" page on Etsy.   Used by permission of Laren Dee. Barton.

Photo of Laren from her blog, http://larendeedesigns.blogspot.com/ used by her permission.

All photographs of Laren's jewelry are from Laren's Etsy store.   These are copyright protected and used here with permission of the artist.

Green arrow down:  http://www.wpclipart.com/blanks/arrows/arrows_glossy/arrow_glossy_down_sea_green.jpg

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