by Barbara | Feb 3, 2017 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, At the Bench, Beaded Beads, Beading, Beads and Materials, Components, Delica beads, Designer Patterns, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Tools, Tutorials
I’m running low so it’s time to make more components for the “Tibetan Inspired Beaded Rope Necklace” Kit. This entails creating more polymer faux amber, coral, and turquoise beads and sterling silver heart charms. The photos show the final...
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 | 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 | Jun 4, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Beads and Materials, Classes, Inspiration, One-of-a-Kind, Tools
“Well, my bags are packed…I’m ready to go.” But I’m not leaving on a jet plane. Thankfully, I don’t have to fly to attend the Bead&Button show. I live close enough to Milwaukee that I can drive there in about three hours....
by Barbara | Mar 24, 2016 | An Aside, Art to Wear, At the Bench, Beads and Materials, Handmade, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools
The JoolTool has arrived and I LOVE IT! It grinds, cuts, sharpens, sands, files, finishes, etc., and is perfect for polishing my metal and polymer clay work. And it’s rather quiet as machines go. I’m thrilled! In the lower photo I’m polishing one of my handmade...
by Barbara | Mar 16, 2016 | An Aside, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools, Uncategorized
I’ve been thinking about getting a JoolTool for months, weighing the pros and cons and asking myself if it’s something I really need. I already have a buffing wheel, but after reading reviews and watching instructional videos, I’ve decided...
by Barbara | Feb 3, 2016 | Equipment, Handmade, Inspiration, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Tools, Uncategorized
The latest Rio Grande Catalog is here! I always look forward to its arrival and each year it is packed with more wonderful wonderful goodies for artists and craftspeople than the year before! With over 800 pages of metals, jewelry-making tools, equipment, polymer clay...
by Barbara | Jan 31, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Beading, Beads and Materials, Components, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Tools
I’ve tried numerous mats and cases ranging from jewelry trays to rather expensive travel beading cases, but this new find suits me to a “T” and I found it at a resale shop! It’s a beautiful black cigar box that measures 8.25” x 8.75” x 1.25”. Not too big,...
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...