by Barbara | Apr 19, 2017 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Bead Embroidery, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Components, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Techniques, Tutorials, Uncategorized
I’ve just finished the tutorial for my “Fleurs et Papillons” Cuff! While proofreading the tutorial it occurred to me that there are so many possibilities for making the cuff! Although I used Metallic Iris Brown seed beads, it could be embellished with all manner of...
by Barbara | Mar 24, 2017 | Uncategorized
Flowers in your hair, flowers everywhere…for all you flower children, here’s a sneak peek of a new project I’ve just begun! I’ve just made dozens of polymer clay cut-outs. In the above photo they remind me of flower motif wall paper that was...
by Barbara | Nov 30, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Bead Embroidery, Beading, Beads and Materials, Cabochons and Gemstones, Earrings, Handmade, Inspiration, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Seed Beads, Tutorials, Uncategorized
I’m still catching up from being away from my studio for almost two weeks…amazing how much work piles up. There are orders to fill and emails to answer and of course, the cats were so love-starved while we were away and are demanding constant attention!...
by Barbara | Apr 20, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Inspiration, Seed Beads, Uncategorized
My beading project and all jewelry-making will be put on hold for the next few days. Right now Bellwort and ferns are starting to emerge so I must clear the beds of leaves and debris before more flowers start to bloom! The herb garden is starting to come to life as...
by Barbara | Apr 10, 2016 | Beading, Uncategorized
Sorry to say I haven’t accomplished very much this week. I managed to spend a few hours working on my latest beading project, the ‘Tibetan Inspired Rope” (it’s coming along splendidly!), but I’ve been down with flu and have little to no...
by Barbara | Apr 6, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Cabochons and Gemstones, Fine Silver, Gemstones, Handmade, Metal Clay, Uncategorized
I made these rings in a class taught by Katie Baum at the Bead and Button show several years ago. Both rings have textured high-shine surfaces. I sold the “Trefoil” ring (shown at left), but decided to keep the other. I fell in love with the dichroic...
by Barbara | Mar 30, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Found Objects, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Uncategorized
I’m running out of storage for my many beads, components, found objects, and other craft supplies. I already have a large draw dedicated to Delicas, and another filled with blocks of polymer clay, but with all the Toho seed beads I’ve ordered lately,...
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 | 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 | Mar 7, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Sadly, the March issue of Art Jewelry will be the last. It has gone the way of so much print material that has been done away with. I have greatly enjoyed this publication since it’s inception ten years ago and will miss it. There is a plethora of craft magazines to...
