by Barbara | Jan 19, 2017 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Bronze, Components, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Seed Beads, Tutorials
I just loved watching Maggie Smith playing the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. Especially when she inquired as to what a weekend is. I sometimes question that myself because I tend to work seven days a week. Even when I’m traveling, I try to get...
by Barbara | Jan 16, 2017 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bronze, Components, Embellishments, Found Objects, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Techniques, Tutorials
Although the tutorial for this design has been available, it’s been a while since the “Tide Pool” Cuff beading kit has been listed in my shop. I had run out of the bronze metal clay seashell components that are so integral as focal embellishments in...
by Barbara | Jan 12, 2017 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Components, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Techniques, Tools
These bronze metal clay seashell charms and buttons are now ready to be fired. I’ve recently had requests for “Tide Pool” Cuff beading kits. Tutorials for this design have been available but the kits have been out of stock for some time as I’d...
by Barbara | Oct 1, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Components, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Tutorials
It seems like forever since I’ve worked with it…months have gone by without playing in this medium. But I had run out of the Bronze Flower Disks that are used for embellishment in my “Bollywood Bling” Beaded Ruffle Cuff, hence, although the tutorial has been...
by Barbara | Aug 13, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Bead Embroidery, Beading, Beads and Materials, Cabochons and Gemstones, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Resin, Seed Beads, Techniques, Tutorials
Just kidding! I’m still having fun with the “Marine Life” brooch design. This black-lime-green rendition is the latest. Several kits in this color combination are now listed in my Etsy shop along with red-lime-blue and aqua-lime-lavender colourways....
by Barbara | Apr 6, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Cabochons and Gemstones, Fine Silver, Gemstones, Handmade, Metal Clay, Uncategorized
I made these rings in a class taught by Katie Baum at the Bead and Button show several years ago. Both rings have textured high-shine surfaces. I sold the “Trefoil” ring (shown at left), but decided to keep the other. I fell in love with the dichroic...
by Barbara | Mar 27, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Bronze, Gemstones, Inspiration, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Resin, Techniques
This is a piece I made several years ago. It certainly isn’t a traditional Easter cross! According to Wikipedia, “It represents the concept of life, which is the general meaning of the symbol. The Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop,...
by Barbara | Mar 16, 2016 | An Aside, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools, Uncategorized
I’ve been thinking about getting a JoolTool for months, weighing the pros and cons and asking myself if it’s something I really need. I already have a buffing wheel, but after reading reviews and watching instructional videos, I’ve decided...
by Barbara | Feb 29, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Cabochons and Gemstones, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Patina, Polymer Clay
I had fun creating this brooch! I used a pancake die and hydraulic press to cut out a bronze flower shape, soldered a fine silver bezel at the center, and then hammer-textured the petals to add a bit of interest and form. I toyed with the idea of setting a gemstone,...
by Barbara | Jan 17, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Embellishments, Fine Silver, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Sterling Silver, Uncategorized
In the midst of our frigid Midwest winter the idea of warmth, sun, sand, and sea is very appealing. With no chance of a tropical vacation in store right now, I’ve brought a tiny bit of that atmosphere to fruition with this mixed-media bracelet. The pieces of coral...
