Trying something new--Project #2

So, here we meet again!   The next project I worked on utilized  some of the beads from "Kit and Caboodle Shop" (Gayle Dowell) and "TracyBell" I showed you in my last post. I used copper wire and a wide assortment of round gemstones and a few round glass beads to complete the work.   The feeling I was going for here was loose and dangly, with many bright colors.

You'll spot Gayle's (turquoise  colored) Amazonite nuggets and ceramic red donuts appearing as connectors in this first part.  

I mixed round beads of varying colors with a "Funky Rainbow Ribbon Bead" (red and yellow shades) from TracyBell between them to dangle.  Rather than making a loop or scrolling a larger design with the wire at the ends of the dangling pieces, I went for a simple head-pin look by simply folding the copper wire over upon itself for a sleeker design.

The "focal dangle" (is that a new term?) is made from one TracyBell bead, plus two gemstones and one large navy speckled glass bead from my collection, simply repeating the design elements found in the necklace.   

Wires between sections are 2 layers of loops I made, commonly known as "chain maille," although these are thinner than I typically see.  (I like the more delicate look but hope they will hold up.)

You cannot tell it in these photos, but the loops turned out very uniform in size, just as I had hoped.

The clasp is still a simple one I made myself from copper wire, but it's a different design than I often use.  The wire is doubled on the hook, giving it additional strength and smoothness.  (The part it hooks into may need additional work to strengthen it up as well.)

I do enjoy making my own clasps, and since making this necklace, I've recently received some wonderful tips about learning more in this special area.  I'm very anxious to try out the suggestions, so no doubt you'll be seeing a variety of clasps and wirework on these pages in the future!

                Critique Time!

So, please, let me know what you're thinking!   (I'll just think the worst if you don't comment at all!)   

• The comments and suggestions I've received here and through email have been extremely helpful and I'm very grateful!   

• I can already tell that my lighting was not so good on these photographs.  Some too light, some too dark.  I tried to adjust with my software afterward, but that didn't work well either.   Any suggestions on how to improve that?   I'm just beginning to grasp indoor shots, but outdoor often has me flummoxed!  

• If you have any topics you would like to discuss or jewelry you would like to show, please let me know!  You don't have to have your pieces critiqued--just let me know your preference and I'll indicate in the message if you desire it.

• Thanks again!  Anxious to hear from you!   

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Image Credits:

Question mark guy:  http://www.wpclipart.com/blanks/callouts/eyeball_character/.cache/bubble_eyeball_character_question.png

All other photos by Sharyl, Oct. 2011

"The Bead Show" -- Brought to you by Sharyl's Mini-Etsy Shopping Spree!

During the Challenge discussion, I started looking at the Etsy shops of those contributing to our discussion.  (How's that for an incentive to comment!)    I bought what I loved and could afford, then started browsing/scouring Etsy shops in earnest.  (I loved more than I could afford, of course!)

Wow!  Did I window shop!   I made lists of things to buy, then sorrowfully deleted most.  I put some of my hopefuls (really hope to buy in the near future) into my wish list.  And again, I bought a few.

I'll show you some samples of my purchases.  You'll see these integrated into my coming pieces of jewelry!   (Please note that all the names of Etsy shops are linked, in case you would like to shop too!)

"Bits of Treasures"

My first Etsy purchase!   I bought 2 darling bird pendants,
which are ancient Chinese porcelain pottery shards,
and not only am I so enraptured by these charming pieces
that I'm unsure I can part with them,
 it suddenly set me to looking for "all things birds!"
The second piece is currently unavailable--
designed and wrapped up awaiting completion.
A nice gift piece was also sent!  (Really love those surprise gifts!)

"TracyBell"

Remember these beautiful little  

"Funky Rainbow Ribbon Beads for Pandora Style Bracelets"

from TracyBell?
Well, I don't have a Pandora bracelet, but I've been using them in other ways,
and spreading them out to make them last!  
I don't know how she creates such beauty in miniature!

"Kit and Caboodle Shop" --Gayle's Destash Beads 

Amonzonite Nuggets (I'll have to buy more when these run out!), 
 Freshwater Pearls, Ceramic Donut Beads,
and Oxidized Brass Bead Caps.  
I'm already using 2 of the 4.  I'm anxious to try out the others!

"Nepal Beads Pendants and More" 
by NepaleseBeadstore 

I found this shop in my many Etsy searches.  I really enjoy their things!
They remind me of some wonderful pieces of jewelry I purchased
during my university years.
I thought this was a beaut of a focal bead!

From the same shop, Lapis Lazuli focal bead and Tibetan glass beads.

These are pure perfection!
They also sent a nice packet of beads as a gift!  
There is an orange focal bead I'm already at work on!

Local stores  --Supplies, beads + copper caps

I went into a local craft store to find glass for an order of BEADED BOTTLES.
I don't usually go there because their bead selection is very slim,
but found these on a clearance rack--
and it was love at first sight!  
Without hesitation, I purchased the 2 strands they had!

Another craft-store buy, not thrilling, but these will make nice "filler."
I'm drawn to black wooden beads, and these were of a good size.
I also have some round ceramic beads that match the color of these flat ones.
I think they should complement some nice large gemstone focals in my collection.

Finally, from a really nice local bead store,
I found these copper beadcaps.
I've since seen a pair online, but I got the better price locally!

Beadaholic   --Items on order

Okay, second grouping here that's not an Etsy shop.  Not a lot of hand made. I feel a bit guilty, but unfortunately, I'm just starting out and can't afford all handmade all the time.  I try to make sure I'm buying good quality beads and metals though.  I'm trying to integrate handmade with other beads.  


Beadaholique allows me to stretch my budget.  They provide a source of affordable beads (gemstones, Czech glass druk beads, copper accent and spacer beads) in a wide variety of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes.  

In the past, I placed my order through Amazon.  Since I was unfamiliar with them in the beginning, it was a safe way to start.  But this time I went direct to their website.  There was a $5.00 coupon for signing up, which I collected from my email before I made my purchase.  Free shipping on purchases over $25--just like Amazon--I never seem to have a problem getting to that $25 minimum.   (Limiting myself to what I can afford to buy at the time, now there is my difficulty!)

So, now you see how I've made some changes in shopping routines.  I'm still hoping to make purchases of:

• handmade lampwork beads, 
• pottery focals, 
• torch-fired enamel beads, 
• resin pendants,
• and another pottery shard or two 

...that I have my eye on in Etsy shops!  Ah, next paycheck.  First, to make something beautiful with what I have here...   and learn more about setting up an Etsy shop of my own!


Sharyl
Sharyl's Jewelry


P.S.  Hope you enjoyed "The Bead Show!"  Next time we meet, another new piece of jewelry!   

Comments, Please!   


Reminder: Comments and honest, helpful critiques of jewelry, photography, and ideas expressed are most welcome and encouraged!  I hope to learn--and hope others will too--from your comments, suggestions, and questions!  Many thanks in advance for your contributions!

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Image Credits:


Window graphic:   http://www.wpclipart.com/household/windows/window.jpg

Photo of beads from TracyBell by TracyBell.


Save Now graphic:  http://www.wpclipart.com/office/sale_promo/save_now/.cache/save_now_light_purple.png

Arrow: http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/arrows/arrow_curved/.cache/arrow_curved_attention_green.png

Check box:  wpclipart.com/holiday/election_Day/check_box/.cache/check_2.png


All other photos by Sharyl,  Oct 2011.

Trying something new--Project #1

I said I would tell you about my attempts to get out of my "rut" regarding how I was making jewelry.   What I didn't tell you was how many tries it took for my first piece!   (1...2...3...but who is counting?)   

 I love these shiny Czech Glass Druk Round Beads in Siam Red!
Add clear crackle Czech pressed glass beads for sparkle.  Then mix in
Jade Serpentine and Czech Glass Fluted Cathedral Beads in
Periodot for touches of light green.
Sterling silver snowflake charm is in upper left.

The beads I started with are shown above.  What happened is,... I had strung a holiday bracelet on Soft Flex beading wire (a stainless steel nylon coated wire).  (I REALLY hate to admit this to you much more advanced jewelry-makers, but I thought I was doing pretty well having given up elastic for the Soft Flex!   After all, I was using sterling silver crimp beads and crimp bead covers, and making my clasps from hammered wire by hand.)  


Then, several things happened at once.   

• I liked the combination and rather crazy pattern (there was no pattern) of the beads, and the small sterling silver snowflake charm I had purchased for the bracelet.  (I don't usually use charms.)   But when I finished, I just wasn't happy with how the charm looked.  I had included it on the Soft Flex like it was a bead and it was too tight.  No movement, no good!   I decided to take it apart and redo it!   (I generally hate re-dos, but this bracelet screamed for one!)
• I had recently been looking at the "Bead Soup Blog Party" results and had seen some wonderfully creative jewelry...and decided mine didn't look much like these.
• I read about the entry requirements for  the the "Monthly Challenges" on the Art Bead Scene Blog and realized that none of my pieces would qualify.   

I felt like a crumb...  


I knew I had to start expanding what I was doing and being much more creative.  I didn't have an art bead* for this piece, but I could redo the bracelet using twisted wire techniques rather than Wire Flex.  At least I could do that.   So I began again.  (I have done this sort of thing before, just not in a while.  So, not a problem...) 

I placed several beads on the wire, then made loops on both ends, fastening together the chains.   (There's a problem developing...  Do you see the problem yet?!)


If you guessed that this might happen, then you'd be right! 

Geez! I had made the pieces too big and now I had a super clunky, uncomfortable piece that wouldn't lay nicely against an arm.   Should I dismantle it again?   And waste all that wire?!

I decided that with more links, I could make a necklace from it, and that it would hang much more smoothly that way!  This also gave me a chance to repeat the colors of the  beads a second time, so that while not an identical, symmetrical pattern on each side (which I wasn't aiming for anyway), the necklace did have some sort of color balance. Using a larger green gemstone and wire, I made a simple clasp for the back.  

When I finished with the chain, I decided I needed to draw more attention to the snowflake charm, which seemed a bit small now, so I added some beads, including one of the red "Funky Rainbow Ribbon Beads" I bought recently from TracyBell.  (I may have managed to get an art bead in there after all--though a very tiny one!)  This dangling piece help to focus attention on the snowflake again.  

I felt that the piece was finally much improved!   My work was complete!  Well, almost...

Now it was time to practice my outdoor photography...

It's not a masterpiece, but I'm much happier with the results!   (And in only 3 tries!   Baby steps...I'll get there in baby steps!)  

Wish me luck!   And good luck on whatever you are working on too!   Hope you have a good day!

--Sharyl

Sharyl's Jewelry

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*Definition of an Art Bead:  "An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist."  From "Art Bead Scene" Blog.  Full explanation and examples can be found here:  "Wikibeadia: defining the world of art beads," Art Bead Scene Blog, March 20, 2007. 

Dollar bill image:  http://www.wpclipart.com/money/bills/bill_small.jpg

All jewelry and photographs by Sharyl, 2011.

Fresh Start Day! --Update

I pulled the curtains and look what's outside my window this morning!

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I awoke one recent morning to dancing light on my curtains.  Each new moment brought flecks of light in different, unexpected places in the fabric.   I grabbed my camera and started snapping.  


The window is just above my desk and my jewelry often inches its way from my worktable on the left to the desk where my computer sits.  This morning was no different.  When I had closed the lid on my laptop the night before, I had put down a cloth, spread out some of the new beads I've been collecting, and started to work on two new pieces.  The light played and made merry there too.   It seemed like a happy "new beginning!"


As we've come to the end of our "Challenge" discussion, I've been thinking back to what we discussed before then.    Reviewing, I see an ongoing chat about the jewelry we were making, sources of inspiration, information on techniques, tools, events, and so on.   It's time to return to that line of discussion, but at the same time, I feel like there has been a big change--at least for me.   I feel more focused now.

Viewing all the wonderful creations from the "4th Bead Soup Blog Party," works from those who participated in our Challenge topic, jewelry made by those who have joined our blog and whose blogs I have joined, I feel a desire to advance my jewelry-making skills and move out of the "rut" I've been in concerning making pendants and bracelets.   


In order to improve the quality of the jewelry I'm making, and attempt to "grow my business" (as they say), I've been :


1) re-thinking materials, techniques, styles, and skills regarding jewelry-making.  


2) shopping differently.


3) working to improve my jewelry photography skills.   


4)  taking a serious look at my business-model and marketing strategy.


My, but there's a story to tell behind each of these already!    But there is much more to be learned too.   I'm hoping we can learn together, and share what we know.     I'm hoping we can continue the momentum we've gained and keep sharing ideas so this is  a forum for discussion.  It's what I envisioned from the start.


So you can see we have some work  (and more fun) ahead of us!   I also plan to have some give-away drawings too, so please stay tuned for those!  (If you don't mind decreasing your odds to win a bit, spread the word and tell a friend!)  


So, we'll be returning to the familiar, but with a whole new string of topics!  Next time, you'll see my first attempt to shake off old habits in jewelry-making!


Finally, I'll leave you with a photo of the sun going down in our back yard.  The other night I looked out the kitchen window, and the sun was stretched out in long filtered rays, with the tree at the center and the rays covering the entire yard.  It looked like the photographs appearing in inspirational calendars.  Once more, I ran for my camera!  By the time I got back down the hall, the spectacular view had dissipated, leaving only this ball of sunlight and few vertical  rays. My husband "called it" though.   The appearance was caused by smoke from a nearby leaf-burning fire.  The wind blew the smoke away, and thus the plans for my photo.   The light was beautiful, but too quick for me to catch... this time!  As you are probably learning about me though,...I'll keep trying!


Have a great day!   See you next time.


Sharyl

New Followers Welcome!

Hurrah!  We have new followers!  


New followers here always receive a special warm welcome.  Four of you arrived about the same time, so I hope you don't mind me combining the greeting!   

First, welcome to Laurie, of "Laurie's Jewel Box:  Artisan Crafted Jewelry."  In addition to her blog, she has an Etsy shop by the same name.  I'm loving her earrings that combine hammered copper with gemstones!  I'm glad we have some metalsmiths among us!    Which leads me to our next new participant,...

Leslie Todd has joined us!  I've been so impressed watching her make  etched cuffs on her blog, "No Stone Unstrung."   And, if anyone is looking for "Day of the Dead" earrings, Leslie's Etsy shop is the place to turn!   She also does lovely work with pearls and beautiful nature photography!    

From the United Kingdom, we have Deb from "Green Shoot Jewellry Designs."  I'll admit it, I've got a thing for "all things birds" lately, so I really like the background to her blog!   You'll also want to check out her two designs from the "Bead Soup Blog Party."  I think they are both just so lovely and creative! 

Finally, a warm welcome to Ann!  
(Ann, I wasn't able to get retrieve much information on your profile, so if/when you would like, I hope you'll tell us more about yourself and your interests in jewelry-making!)


I'm so glad to have each and every one of you join our group where we discuss designing and crafting jewelry and all things related.   We've just finished a couple of weeks of focused discussion on "Designing Jewelry for Special  Audiences."  We'll return to our "regular programming," (meaning the usual sorts of "anything goes" topics) with our next entry.   


Please join the discussion, ask questions, let us know what topics interest you, and (please, please) comment away!   Most of all, thank you again for joining  us!   


Sharyl
Sharyl's Jewelry

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CHALLENGE Wrap-up!

What interesting people we've heard from and what projects they have introduced us to!  In discussing this topic, "Designing Jewelry for Special Audiences," we had such a wonderful response!   I've tried to find a way to summarize, and I knew it would be a challenge unto itself because of the wide variety of topics that were covered, but I did find some ways to categorize.

I saved this until now,
but here's the full photo of
Krista's son on Jewelry-Making Day!

1)  We started with a series of posts having to do with designing jewelry for children.   From projects to design FOR kids (girls and boys),...


 Krista moved us on to designing WITH kids...and the rest of her family!
   

2) Next, we moved to the other end of the age spectrum, to designing for seniors with special needs, in particular designing for ease of use.

"Last Leaf" Necklace
from "Plus Size Bangles"

3) One entry had to do with a different type of special need pertaining to size.  Karyn Lewis of "Plus Size Bangles" described how she filled a need for a friend needing 8" bracelets, and kept on making them for others.  Her Etsy shop now sells necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.


4) Then on to a wide-array of people designing for special causes, including the following guests:

"Diabetes Awareness Bracelet--Crystal"
Lori Anderson Designs

In "Creating Jewelry for Special Causes," Lori Anderson shared how she began designing jewelry to raise money and awareness for people with a variety of disorders.

"Happy Head...Troll Bead"
from "TracyBell"

Tracy Bell spoke about the "Beads for Courage" program which provides beads to encourage young cancer patients.

Children from Africa

And finally, Gayle from the "Kit and Caboodle Shop" told us of making jewelry to help raise money to aid orphans in Africa.


There was a lively discussion throughout (which was just what I had hoped for), with special interest shown on the topics having to do with special causes.  Whether it was a question regarding how to use jewelry to "do good," helpful advice, or praise for those already at work, everyone was supportive.


I want to thank all who contributed, with a feature, a comment, or just reading along.  I know I learned a lot and hope you learned something too.  I certainly feel enriched by hearing your stories, and I feel new personal challenges ahead.


Thank you for sharing.


Sharyl   


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Photo Credits:

• Son beading bracelet, Krista. (used by permission)
• "Last Leaf" Necklace from "Plus Size Bangles."  (used by permission)
• "Diabetes Awareness Bracelet--Crystal"  from  Lori Anderson Designs. (used by permission)
• "Happy Head...Troll Bead" from "TracyBell." (used by permission)
• African children, Gayle. (used by permission)