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 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 | Jan 6, 2017 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Cabochons and Gemstones, Classes, Components, Embellishments, Found Objects, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Resin, Sterling Silver, Techniques
Registration is open for the 2017 Bead&Button show. I’ve been perusing the class catalog and there are several classes I’d consider taking if time and money were no object. I would definitely take Celie Fago’s Master Class, but the cost would be...
by Barbara | Nov 12, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Cabochons and Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Seed Beads, Techniques
Stop the World – I Want to Get Off! That is the title of a 1961 musical written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, but I tend to vociferate that phrase when it seems that the world is handing out more craziness than sanity. The issues at hand, sabotage, and...
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 | Sep 27, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Designer Patterns, Earrings, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver
The project I take on my next vacation will consist of Delica, seed, and Charlotte beads and a collection of beautiful Swarovski crystal cabochons. These beauties just arrived and they are absolutely breathtaking! I’m ordering more in other colors, shapes, and...
by Barbara | Jun 19, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Bead Embroidery, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Bronze, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Patina, Polymer Clay, Resin, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Tutorials
It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with resin, but I have a renewed interest in playing with this medium after taking a class from Susan Lenart Kazmer at the 2016 Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee. I have my workspace all set up and I’m ready to make more...
by Barbara | Mar 19, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Designer Patterns, Seed Beads, Tutorials
There are many variables that can affect the finished size of a beaded project. One is the tension with which you bead. Some beaders work loosely, which results in a piece that has little stability, tends to be floppy, and most likely larger than anticipated. Others...
by Barbara | Mar 13, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beaded Beads, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Uncategorized
Almost all the beadwork I’ve done in the past three years has been worked in peyote stitch. It’s been ages since I’ve used Ndebele stitch for bead weaving, but it is so perfect for this project! After making a collection of polymer clay faux...
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...
