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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"Clean-up, Fix-up" Challenge now on Facebook too!

The "Clean-up, Fix-up Challenge Blog Hop" now has an "Event" page on Facebook!  For continuous conversation, idea sharing, questions, and photos, please visit us there!

Just  CLICK HERE!

Happy Cleaning!

--Sharyl

"Pity Party" Sale on handmade metal components and more!

I know, I know, I just ended a sale, and there's a holiday weekend coming up, but I overheard a conversation on Facebook last night...  some folks claimed to be having a "Pity Party" because they weren't able to attend this weekend's big event, "BeadFest," where famous artisans gather to sell their glorious handmade beads to wonderfully talented jewelry designers, and everyone has a grand time!    

Question:  
So why wouldn't those of us not able to attend be a little down about this?   

The solution?    
Looking for sales of handmade beads and components online!   

So, hmmm.... how could I pass up an opportunity like that to help out my friends in need?!  ;-)  Well, of course, I could not!    So....  for all of you looking for beads and components on sale this weekend, you can find them at:

Sharyl's Jewelry

for 20% off!

Use code:   FEST20

I sell metal components in two categories in my store:

"Handmade Components by Sharyl"

"Altered Components by Sharyl"

I also have a bit of bead destash left.  You can find those packets here:

"Destash Beads"

• The sale lasts through Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
• The 20% off is good on purchases in all sections of the store.   
• Please use that coupon at check out!

Special note:   If you sell beads or components and are having a special sale this weekend, please feel free to add details in the comment section!

Now, I hope everyone has a happy weekend--those at BeadFest and those at home!   Have fun, whatever you do!

~Sharyl

Let's celebrate!

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Image Credits:

http://www.wpclipart.com/cartoon/people/kids/girl_cartoons/round_haired_girl/.cache/round_haired_girl_crying.png
http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/business/sales_banner/.cache/sale_banner_page_blue.png
http://www.wpclipart.com/blanks/arrows/.cache/arrow_big_blue_filled_right.png
http://www.wpclipart.com/people/faces/girl_faces/face_and_body/.cache/excited_girl.png

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The "Non-Reveal" Post

Some of you may be wondering what I'm up to these days.  Others of you already have some idea.   It's probably obvious I'm not producing new items at the rate I should be, so I'll explain a little, I just can't show you photos yet...

Often I'm in challenges and post a "reveal" page at the end of the challenge to show what I've made.   Until that time, development on the project is typically kept quiet so the results will be a surprise to all involved.   Those of you who have been involved in challenges, or have read about them, know what I mean.   The same is true of publishing.  Most magazines stipulate that there will be no public showing of your jewelry until after it has been published by the magazine that has accepted it for publication.   

I'm not sure how each of you feel about sharing custom order work you are doing for customers, but I follow a  strict code of privacy here as well.     Perhaps that comes in part from my library background where patron confidentiality is paramount.    Perhaps it comes in part from following too many royal weddings and hearing how no one knows who the royal dressmaker will be or what the bride's dress will look like!   ha!

Regardless, I don't share photographs of a custom order I'm working on, until the customer and I mutually agree on a time I may share it with others.  I typically don't ask until I feel the time is appropriate.   If that sounds stricter than necessary, it may be, but that's just the way I work.

Now, none of this was meant to be a lecture, or to say one way is better than another, it's just background for my story to explain what I've been working on...and will continue to work on for a few more weeks!     I've decided to share a little of the news now, because I've finally hit a milestone today!  Yippee!

The truth is, a close family member who is very dear to me is getting married near the end of June.     I'm making the jewelry for her and her wedding party!   I've mentioned this vaguely to some of you a few times, but not discussed in any detail on my blog until now.    As the time draws nearer, I'll tell you a little more about the project, lessons I've learned,  and may have a few questions for you too!   

When I began working on this many months ago, I thought, "I design jewelry, I have plenty of lead time, I can do this!   No problem!"    I spent several months just planning, designing, and ordering supplies.    Well, turns out I had some things to learn and to figure out.    I've redesigned and reordered materials several times since!      Everything has finally been planned, ordered, and has arrived!

Here are the jewelry pieces I'll be providing for this event:

Bride:

• necklace
• bracelet
• earrings

Bridesmaids:   (7 )

• necklaces   (8 done!  X)
• bracelets   (7 done!  X)
• earrings
• gifts for rehearsal

In addition, I'm making a "backup" necklace for both the bride and a bridesmaid and an extra pair of earrings for "just in case" last minute disasters.   AND I'll be taking my pliers to the wedding!    (There have been some jokes floating about regarding me wearing a tool belt to the wedding with my dress!)   ;-)

I started "production" with the 7 bridesmaid's bracelets.  And today, finished the last of the bridesmaids' necklaces, all 8 of them  (7 + a spare).   This has been the most worrisome part for me, and the part with the most repetition--also difficult for me.  (You know I'm a one-of-a-kind designer... so this held its own challenges!)      I feel like the hardest part is over though, and I'm on my way now!   

Hopefully, I'll be able to show you photos when the wedding is over, but for now, my bride is getting the "royal treatment!"   ;-)

What a learning-growing experience this has been and so worth every minute!   Thank goodness I have such a delightful, cooperative, go-with-the-flow, lovely young woman to work with.   As usual, I've learned so much I never even dreamed I would need to know.   

I'm so honored to be involved in her wedding in this way and hope that the jewelry turns out just the way she would like it.   She deserves the very best!

Thanks to all of you who have wished me good luck and offered support.   When I finish in a couple of weeks, I'll celebrate, then get back to business as usual.  Best wishes to all of you in this happy season of weddings and Spring!

~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/words/punctuation/.cache/question_mark_drawn.png

http://www.wpclipart.com/clothes/hats/crown/tiara_1.jpg

http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/wedding/bride_groom_1.png

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Welcome to Val's Ceramic Garden!

The talented Valarie Garber opened her Etsy shop,  ValsCeramicGarden, on Jan 29, 2013.   In that short time, she's already become quite a sensation!   And there are so many good reasons why.   Let me name just a few!  

Valarie does beautiful work on so many different levels. 

1) One area involves her ceramics.   As she says in her shop announcement, "I love clay and color, and adore gardens! Using porcelain, stoneware, or fired paper clay I focus on detailed hand painting usually with a floral theme."  

I'll show you a few of my favorites currently available from her store.  I will tell you, I've already made two visits and snatched up other favorites, but she just keeps adding more new ones!

Coral Ceramic Pendant with Daisy set

Turns out, I love flowers too... and I'm really into coral this year.... AND, I have a special fondness for polka-dotted ceramic beads!   :-)   How did Val know?!  

Dainty ceramic flowers

I bought one of these early this Spring. Can you guess which one?    Now sort of wish I had one of each!   :-)   Aren't they fun?

Double Daisy Ceramic Pendant

Val also sells these lovely (what I call, "3-D" flowers) in many varieties!   Just beautiful!

Of course, there are more than flower pendants, you'll also find the cutest birds, beads, mugs, and fairy garden cottages! 

2) Now if the ceramic work wasn't beautiful enough all on its own, there's more beauty going on behind the scenes!   Profits from Val's Ceramic Garden benefit her African women's project, "Work of Our Hands."  Beads sold in the Etsy shop may be made either by Val or by women from Namibia.  The description specifies which is the case. (I've purchased some of each and can assure you, either way, you get a great piece!)  

Val has also just opened another store, GlobeIn, so that she can sell the finished jewelry the Namibian women make at fair trade value.  

When in Namibia, Val spends a lot of her time teaching the women to make ceramics.  Below are a few photos of the women involved in the project:

I do hope you'll take time to read more about Val's life here and abroad, and read about the artisans in Africa, by looking at "The Work of Our Hands" blog!

And once more, (don't get spoiled, we can't do this every week!)... we'll have a GIVE-AWAY!   Val has generously donated some items so we'll have double-the-goodies!  

Gift Set #1:  Flower & Leaf + Baby Elephant

 Gift Set #2:  Orange Elephant + Blue Bird Pendant

To be entered to win, please visit one of Val's stores and/or her blog, come back and make a comment  here.  Please leave me some way to contact you.  (If you would rather your contact info not be made public, please leave a separate message with the contact info and I won't post that one.)  

Deadline to enter is 10pm Central time Saturday April 20, 2013.    Two names will be randomly chosen from those who enter!   

My sincere thanks to Val Garber for taking the time to work with me on this entry and for being the wonderful giving person that she is!   A special thanks too for donating items for the give-away!   Best wishes in your very fine endeavors!

~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

With the exception of the last two, photographs used on this page are the property of Valerie Barber and used under special permission.

Photos of the give-away prizes were taken by Sharyl.

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"Sand and Sea Blog Hop" Reveal!

Lisa Lodge, from the blog,  "A Grateful Artist"  and store, "Pine Ridge Treasures" on Zibbet, is hosting:

 My Bead Table II: 

  Sand and Sea Blog Hop!  

I'm so excited to be a part of it!

For this event, Lisa sent me a bag full of interesting beads in "sand shades," (brown, copper, and tan tones).  Even though the event was several months away at the time, I couldn't resist dumping them out on the table as soon as they arrived to see what was there!   I planned to put them right back into the bag for a bit, but couldn't wait 5 minutes to begin sorting them and planning what I would do!

These were the ones I first sorted from the larger bag
as inspiration for my design.
I used a good portion of the other beads too,
but these were the ones I designed around.

As recommended in the guidelines,
I did not purchase anything new for my creation.

I only added a few beads I already had:
A handmade-button the color of sand 
with a wonderful wavy pattern from
 Linda Belinda on Etsy.
Mykonos Greek beads from
 Linden Avenue Designs on Etsy.

These, a sprinkling of pale blue glass beads, 
and a few hardware store washers I had on hand,
were the only items I added from my collection.  I made my own clasp from copper wire.



Even though my color was "sand," I couldn't resist adding a tiny bit of blue for water.   (I got the idea from a couple of the crystals Lisa included in my bag that were brown with a bluish finish.)  

As we all know, sand can come in many shades, and you can see some of the variety in the beads Lisa sent and in the button I added.  



I just loved the rectangular coral-color bead.  The white swirl beads and long slender bead reminded me of both waves and the most beautiful white sandy beaches!

This irregular shaped bead I found in the bag
was a real favorite too.
It looks like stone to me,
but I suppose it could be some type of clay bead.

I've never been able to wrap a briolette to my satisfaction,
but was determined to use this one from Lisa
as part of the focal dangle!
Luckily, the wire work on this piece
is not "fussy" or "perfect." 
It's "relaxed beach style!" 

Lisa also sent some thin wire sort of a
 burnt orange color.  
 I couldn't imagine what I would do with it
until I was nearly finished.  
 I ended up twisting it around some lose beading wire
in several areas, and I really liked 
the bit of color it added in those spots!  
The wire took me from "goof" to "accent" in no time at all!  
I think I'll need to buy some of this for future designs!

Thank you for visiting my page! 

Please take a look at the others who are participating:

ELEANOR BURIAN-MOHR, THE CHARMED LIFE

MARY GOVAARS, MLH JEWELRY DESIGNS

TANYA GOODWIN, A WORK IN PROGRESS

KATHY LINDEMER, BAY MOON DESIGN

TOLTEC JEWELS, JEWEL SCHOOL FRIENDS

SHARYL MCMILLIAN-NELSON, SHARYL'S JEWELRY     <---YOu are here!

MARLA GIBSON, SPICE BOX DESIGNS

MELISSA TRUDINGER, BEAD RECIPES

DOT LEWALLEN, SPEEDIE BEADIE

EMA KILROY, EMA K DESIGNS

KIM BOOTH, THE PINK MARTINI BOUTIQUE

JAMI SHIPP, CELEBRATING LIFE

LEAH TEES, MY BEADY LITTLEEYES

CHRISTIE MURROW, CHARIS DESIGNS JEWELRY

MONIQUE URQUHART, A HALF BAKED NOTION

GLORIA ALLEN, GLORIA ALLEN DESIGNS

CINDY ANDERSON WILSON, IT'S MY SEA OF DREAMS

SUZI CAMPBELL, SUZI CAMPBELL CREATIONS

SHAIHA WILLIAMS, SHAIHA'S RAMBLINGS

ANNETTE RIVERS, MAMA OWL'S MESS

A special thanks to Lisa for organizing

and hosting this event! 

If you have any trouble linking to the participant sites,

please go to Lisa's blog for the full list.

~Sharyl

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Mom Followup + "This and That" About Components

Thank you, my dear friends, who took the time to read my last post, "Remembering Mom's Birthday"  and the previous one I linked to, "Making Jewelry for Seniors with Special Needs."   The responses that came in warmed my heart.     Hopefully it's clear that my mom was very special to me and had an influence on my love of jewelry.    I was all about my bracelets and necklaces and rings by at least the age 2-3.   I have photos to prove it and stories abound!

I'll be posting another blog entry soon that will have another connection to my mom, so maybe now you will feel like you know a bit more about her when you read the coming entry.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In the meantime, I've been working the last day or two on adding more handmade and hand-altered components to Sharyl's Jewelry.

I keep throwing those terms around but I'm unsure if people know what I mean when use them.  So briefly, here is the difference.

1) When I create a component such as a bail, clasp, pendant, or earring dangles by hand, my own original design, then I refer to those as "hand-made."    

Examples would be these earring dangles:

brass and copper textured and domed pieces

or...

Ancient Native Sun Image Copper Pendant

Purple and turquoise diamond copper components

Large copper components for earrings or pendants

From time to time, I also have a few findings in this section:   earwires, eyepins, headpins, and beadcaps I've made by hand.

2) When I take a piece of metal, most commonly a raw brass stamping, and alter it with patina, I refer to that as "hand-altered."   I didn't make the piece from scratch, I purchased it from a supply store and changed it's appearance.

A few examples of these would be:  

Pale blue-aqua large brass leaf components and beadcaps

Plum Silver Flower Dangles and Beadcaps

Blackened Brass Earring Dangles and Beadcaps

And then there are these....      Every once in a while, I hit one and can't decide what category to put it in!    I've been putting these into the "handmade" section, but thinking recently they should go in "hand altered."   They are unique in that they contain a handmade component (typically pottery) by a bead artist (whose name I mention in the description and tags),  then I've added a metal or wire addition to turn it into to something new.  

Artisan made pottery and twisted copper wire toggle

 Pottery piece by Cindy Kovar of "Captured Moments."

Cinnamon Roll Button and Copper Component

 Brown swirl clay button handmade by "'Fey Designs"

So they are handmade, but not all parts were made by me.   See my dilemma?    What's your opinion on category placement?

And while I'm seeking advice,... I'd like to say that I've gotten 3 suggestions for colors for various altered components in the last few days--some here and some on Facebook!    I can't thank you enough for that type of feedback!    Please continue to let me know what you think or if you have special requests regarding components.    

I still love making jewelry, but I'm also enjoying learning more about metalwork and sharing my components with you and other jewelry designers.   So it's vital I hear what kinds of things you are seeking!  The more feedback, the better!

As always, I greatly appreciate your ongoing support!   

Hope you have a happy Friday!   See you back here Saturday, I hope!

~Sharyl

• Graphics made from Colorbok punch-out kit then scanned. Visit www.Colorbok.com for more information.

• Jewelry components and photos by Sharyl.

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