by Barbara | Mar 31, 2015 | An Aside, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads
My beads and jewelry-making paraphernalia have been stashed in every available nook and cranny for far too long. It was definitely time to get organized and I found the perfect storage units for my needs. Each cabinet holds nine 1” deep trays and two 1.50” deep...
by Barbara | Mar 28, 2015 | An Aside, Classes, One-of-a-Kind, Tutorials
I’ve ordered a slew of instructional DVDs from some of the best teachers around! The reviews of those I’ve chosen are highly rated and I’m very much looking forward to honing my skills with techniques that are new to me or that I haven’t practiced...
by Barbara | Mar 25, 2015 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Found Objects, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Resin, Techniques, Tutorials
LJJA is short for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine and my “Sea Flower” pin/pendant is in the April 2015 issue…pages 30 through 34 show instructions for making it! I’ve used a resin “Cosmic Cabochon” in this piece…I...
by Barbara | Mar 23, 2015 | An Aside, Equipment, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Tools
My original set of disc cutters, which has served me well, has seen better days, so I’ve treated myself to the “king” of disc cutters…a Swanstrom set that comes in an organizer along with a brass mallet, Bur-Life lubricant, a urethane pad, and...
by Barbara | Mar 20, 2015 | Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
Last week I told you about finding a box of polymer beads I had made several years. The mixed media piece above uses several of those beads. I love the earthiness and organic feel they lend to this neck piece! Having more of these one-of-a-kind beads than I need,...
by Barbara | Mar 18, 2015 | An Aside, Beads and Materials, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind
Having put beading aside temporarily while working with polymer clay and metal, I haven’t placed an order for beads in several months, but the moment I saw these sparkling, itsy-bitsy 3mm multi-colored assortment of fire polished beads from Back2Bead.com., there was...
by Barbara | Mar 16, 2015 | Art to Wear, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
A gentle breeze stirring and birds calling to one another are most welcome after our long and very cold Midwest winter! Last night we left the bedroom window slightly ajar and the air felt so refreshing! This morning we awakened to the chirps and twitters of robins...
by Barbara | Mar 13, 2015 | Handmade, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
Don’t you just love it when you come across something wonderful that you hadn’t expected to find…like checking pockets before sending clothes to the cleaners and finding an earring you thought was lost forever or pulling a purse off the shelf and discovering $50...
by Barbara | Mar 10, 2015 | An Aside, Art to Wear, Designer Patterns, Handmade, Inspiration, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tutorials
Here’s the tutorial for my polymer clay “Petal Drop Earrings”. Full color photos accompany the step-by-step tutorial and you have the option of using premade earwires or making your own…the instructions show you how. It’s a fun project and I can easily see having a...
by Barbara | Mar 7, 2015 | Art to Wear, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Tutorials
Lately I seem to be gravitating toward floral themed jewelry. Over the past few years I have designed quite a few floral themed pieces…the ”Rainforest Flora” bracelet, “Fantasy Flora” cuff, “Floral Brooch”, and “Forbidden Fruit” drop earrings. My latest polymer clay...
