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...
by Barbara | Jan 11, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Bronze, Components, Embellishments, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Patina, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques
I’ve made another winter-worthy necklace! Looking at this necklace almost makes me shiver! This time I’ve interspersed polymer clay pods, twigs, and beads with fine silver metal clay warp-shaped disks as well as Toho Baroque Pearl glass seed beads. The...
by Barbara | Dec 20, 2015 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Embellishments, Fine Silver, Handmade, Inspiration, Metal Clay, Patina, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools, Uncategorized
FYI usually means “for your information”, but in this instance it is the brand name of “For Your Inspiration” Silver Metal Fine Clay. Because I’ve made a new batch of silicone molds using pods and other objects provided by Mother Nature for my polymer clay work, I...
by Barbara | Dec 17, 2015 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Components, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Patina, Polymer Clay
My “Tropical Pods” necklace is finished and honestly, if this doesn’t chase away the winter blues, nothing will…well, except a tropical vacation perhaps? Since that’s not on my agenda, I’ll settle for the necklace! Visually, it...
by Barbara | Dec 11, 2015 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Components, Handmade, Inspiration, Metal Clay, Polymer Clay
I’ve been working with polymer clay lately and a variety of pods have been my inspiration. Polymer clay lends itself so well to organic shapes, don’t you think! I’ve taken artistic license to improve upon the earth tones of natural pods. Instead I have added a...