by Barbara | Dec 28, 2016 | An Aside, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools
I made the beads several weeks ago, but couldn’t post what I did with them until after Xmas because they were used as components in these gifts for my husband. He likes to cook and one of his favorite things to make is red sauce so I know he will really enjoy...
by Barbara | Dec 26, 2016 | An Aside, At the Bench, Materials and Supplies, Techniques, Tools
Lucky me! Among other desirable goodies, Santa gave me two hammers and a really nice steel block set inside a non-slip, noise reducing rubber holder! These are Fretz #10 and #11 raising hammers…perfect for use when a smaller striking head is desired with a...
by Barbara | Dec 22, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear
I was running low on business cards and Moo.com had a sale…25% off. I simply couldn’t pass up a deal like that! I’ve ordered from Moo previously and have always been pleased with their quick turn around, service, and the fact that you can upload a...
by Barbara | Dec 19, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Components, Delica beads, Materials and Supplies
More beads are in my future! I’ve been running low on several colors of Delica beads and my Fire Mountain Gems and Beads gift certificate has arrived just in time to place an order! They also included a lovely framed photo of my “Coral Reef” bangle...
by Barbara | Dec 17, 2016 | An Aside, Beads and Materials, Components, Handmade, Materials and Supplies, Polymer Clay
In the photo below, I’ve shown these polymer clay beads in their “raw” state prior to being baked. Although colors always seem to darken a bit after baking, some are still far more vivid than I want for a project I have in mind. The photo...
by Barbara | Dec 12, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Components, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay
I needed some immediate gratification and polymer clay always delivers! These colorful beads are part of a bigger plan. After they are baked, I plan to add acrylic paint to certain areas, which will add more interest, tone down the brightness of the colors, and play...
by Barbara | Dec 9, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, Polymer Clay, Techniques
I’ve just been notified that my “Coral Reef” bangle is a bronze medal winner in the Fire Mountain Gems 2016 Creative Clays contest! Woohoo! I’ve been awarded a $100 gift certificate toward more jewelry-making goodies…my lucky day! The...
by Barbara | Dec 3, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Earrings, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Techniques, Tutorials
I’ve just finished another pair of geometric warped square (inspired by CGB) arrow-shaped drop earrings using yummy greens, pale purple, and oh, how I love these Swarovski Yellow Opal crystals! I’d previously made a pair of striped earrings that hang...