by Barbara | Dec 29, 2014 | An Aside, One-of-a-Kind, Tutorials
On January 1, 2015 a European Union (EU) Vat (Value Added Tax) change that affects every seller of digital goods worldwide will come into effect. If you don’t know about the change in the Vat law, please read Jean Power’s blog for more clarification:...
by Barbara | Dec 27, 2014 | An Aside, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
I must have been very good because I’ve been given everything on my list this year! Aside from a sweater, I had asked for various art supplies and Santa delivered! I received some really nifty tools from Christi Friesen for texturing Polymer clay, a set of...
by Barbara | Dec 22, 2014 | Art to Wear, Handmade, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
During the past few weeks I’ve been honing my skills with my NTAJ (Now That’s a Jig!). I purchased the starter kit, which includes the jig and pegs last June and I’ve been adding accessories over the past few months…oval pucks for making cuffs are...
by Barbara | Dec 19, 2014 | An Aside, Beads and Materials, Classes, One-of-a-Kind
I’ve previously said that I wouldn’t miss this show for the world, but I’ve just received the 2015 Bead & Button show class catalog and after perusing the classes offered, I’m thinking of sitting this one out. Every year I try to find classes that are...
by Barbara | Dec 16, 2014 | Art to Wear, Handmade, Inspiration, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Techniques
I’ll be adding Polymer clay to the steel bangles I’ve just finished making, but I first wanted to finish the steel cuff I made last week. I’ve titled this piece “Sea Garden”. Creating the steel armature is fun, but my favorite part lies...
by Barbara | Dec 13, 2014 | Art to Wear, At the Bench, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Tutorials
Granted, these bangles could be formed with a variety of round-nose pliers, but the NTAJ (Now That’s a Jig), makes the process far more predictable and efficient. The steel wire used in these bangles is 16 gauge and the loops formed along the wire will serve as...
by Barbara | Dec 10, 2014 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Beading, Designer Patterns, Handmade, Inspiration, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tutorials
As much as I love beading, I find that I am having a wonderful time rediscovering polymer clay and getting back into metal work! I feel as if I’ve just reconnected with a long-lost friend and I plan to focus on these materials for some time to come. With beaded...
by Barbara | Dec 7, 2014 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Components, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Tutorials
I’m still recovering, but feel up to filling orders again. And there are some items in my Etsy shop that will make wonderful Xmas presents for the beading enthusiast in your life! I have travel kits, “Baby Spike” Collections, and Bead...
by Barbara | Dec 3, 2014 | Art to Wear, Designer Patterns, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Tutorials
Hot off the press! I’ve just finished the “Anemone on Coral” Ring tutorial! If you are a polymer clay enthusiast, I think you’ll enjoy making this project! The step-by-step tutorial is easy to follow and each step (nineteen in all) is...
by Barbara | Dec 1, 2014 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Beading, Classes, Handmade
Perhaps I should say nightmare! Last night I dreamed I was scheduled to teach a beading class (I lack the teaching gene, so that was a nightmare in itself!) in St. Louis and of course, I was concerned about being caught up in the Ferguson event . For some reason my...
