by Barbara | Feb 10, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Polymer Clay
I can’t believe my polymer clay faux gemstone beads turned out so well! I’ve been to many a gem show and I have to say, the faux amber, coral, and turquoise look like the real thing to me! Who would think the tray of beads ready to go in the oven (see my...
by Barbara | Feb 6, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Embellishments, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Patina, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Uncategorized
I met Tory Hughes at a craft show in the 1980’s and have always admired her work. Tory’s book, “Polymer – The Chameleon Clay”, a wonderful resource book filled with inspiration has been in my library of craft books for several years. My intention has...
by Barbara | Jan 24, 2016 | An Aside, At the Bench, Earrings, Gemstones, Handmade, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Resin, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Tools
I’ll admit that I’m a packrat! Over the many years that I’ve made jewelry, I’ve collected a lot of scrap metal and doo-dads. Things that didn’t work out or were leftover from finished projects just get thrown into containers. Many of the pieces are still useable so...
by Barbara | Nov 20, 2015 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Components, Earrings, Embellishments, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Patina, Sterling Silver, Uncategorized
Another pair of earrings is finished. I’m thinking ahead to the holidays…they are mere weeks away, and I’m trying to finish up several pairs of earrings to offer for sale for holiday gift giving. Creating the earrings is not a problem, but parting with them...
by Barbara | Nov 4, 2015 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, At the Bench, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Earrings, Gemstones, Handmade, One-of-a-Kind
I’m in the process of creating several more pairs of earrings. They have become my favorite “go to” jewelry of late and there are several reasons for that. I had always favored bracelets, but discovered they have been responsible for snagging my fine knit...
by Barbara | Oct 23, 2015 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Bronze, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Earrings, Embellishments, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, One-of-a-Kind, Sterling Silver, Techniques
Mary’s life was fraught with complication. Upon the death of her father, James V of Scotland only six days after her birth, Mary ascended to the throne with her mother, Mary of Guise, acting as regent. At five years of age, she was betrothed to Edward, Henry VIII’s...
by Barbara | Oct 19, 2015 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Bronze, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Earrings, Embellishments, Gemstones, Handmade, Inspiration, Patina, Sterling Silver
Born in 1122, Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine was wealthy, intelligent, and ambitious. She reigned as Queen of France from 1137-1151 while married to King Louis VII and as Queen of England from 1154-1189 during her marriage to King Henry II who imprisoned her from...
