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New Peyote Triangle Pendants

don_mae — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:24:37 +0000

Just now getting these pictures posted. I made two more peyote triangle pendants in cream/orange and also in fuschia/silver.

I took apart the purple one in my tutorial and remade it. There was a flaw in the center and everytime I looked at it, I was reminded of my error. Here is a photo of the remake.

I have a emerald green one started that I need to finish. I like making these pendants. They are fun to make.

Wirewrapping With Copper and Beads

don_mae — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:30:42 +0000

Saturday, July 5

I am happy to report that after only two days, my wirewrapping skills have improved. The wire gauge certainly makes a difference.

I am still working with practice wire. I want to get much better before I work with sterling silver. Or even gold filled wire, when I can afford it.

Late last night I was up, couldn't sleep for all the boom, boom, hiss, hiss sounds from fireworks going off all over my neighborhood. I think I even heard a few gun pops mixed in. So I took my mind off all that racket by making some copper wire coils with my Coiling Gizmo and practiced wirewrapping.

This is what I made using 20 gauge copper colored wire from Darice. (The coils at the top right were made from 26 gauge wire.)

The swirly design was in one of my books. Looks sort of like a musical symbol. It didn't turn out exactly like the picture in the book. My wire gauge is thinner but it came out well enough that I didn't undo it and start over.

I plan to add a few more sections to this and make a necklace.

Playing With Wire... Look What I Made!!

don_mae — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:05:45 +0000

Saturday, July 5

Worked some more on my wireworking last night. I really like The Coiling Gizmo. It is very easy to operate. I wear a glove on my left hand to guide the wire so it wraps straight without kinking. Also saves me from getting friction burn on my fingers.

I started a little Wireworking Notebook and am making notes as I create stuff such as... one yard of 26 gauge wire yields 1 1/2" of coiled wire. I can then refer back to these notes later when I need to.

Decided to make a bracelet out of the two cream colored wire coils I made the other night. I added two strands of bronze seed beads to each coil end. As I was working, I noticed the coils starting to twist. Rather than try to untwist, I went with it and added MY OWN TWIST.

Bracelet can be worn with one twist.

Or two twists. Just think. By accident, I created two different looks.

The clasp is kind of different. I found it in the button department at JoAnn's.

I liked the bronze eyes and knew they would go perfectly with the bronze seed beads I had. Looks like a fish looking at you, doesn't it? :D

Don't know if I should call this bracelet The Twister or Fish Eyes.

4th of July Aetna Protest and Pitching my new Blog.

karlreidartist — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:05:04 +0000

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AETNA.............................. you owe me money and are waiting to the last day to pay me.......Your Nurse was a liar............she said she was going to see me through my illness. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...... This is what this day is all about .... fighting Tyranny..... and warning others about your Bad Business Practices.... If you have a choice..... use it wisely..... Thank you for taking the time to read this.... Since, Aetna denied my short term disability, my long-term disability didn't apply. Now the Supreme Court has ordered ERISA plan admins like AETNA to pay all our denied claims...to my understanding. PAY UP or I might call you what I would call someone who doesn't pay me what they owe me.......

BTW - DON'T FORGET TO CHECKOUT MY Galleries for lastest pieces.

Higher Power Jewelry

archipelagojewelry — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:20:54 +0000

My readings from "One Day at a Time in Al-Anon" influenced my recent collection of "Higher Power" jewelry. The use of crosses and religious medals mixed with pearls, glass, and stones give new meaning to jewerly that is not only beautiful but inspirational and comforting as well.

[gallery]

The Poison Tree Frog has been framed and delivered.

karlreidartist — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:36:08 +0000

I am pleased to announce that I have found a display for my painting in the "personal Office Gallery of Dr. Jeffery Young, O.D. our Chic, Hipster, http://www.spyglassvisionclinic.com/ optometric physician here in Bellingham. As soon as it is hung, I will post a picture from the Spyglassvisionclinic. If I might suggest, stop by for your eye exam. If I would have known that bi-focals could be so hip (and helpful) "my Face A Face, each frame, handcrafted by a small team of artisans who live near the foot of the French Alps. Contemporary, Refinement, Innovation, Sensibility, Technology. Face a Face frames give their wearer the opportunity to express a personal contemporary style."I would have purchased a pair a long time ago. They are treated for anti-computer monitor glare. The are no visible lines and wouldn't be noticable at all except for the slight tilt of my head to bring things into focus. Which as an Artist, I can always disguise by raising an eyebrow as if I'm contemplating a new painting. HA! Go in today and have Prudence setup your exam today. Bi-focals changed my whole outlook on life, I've been wearing cheaters for years. Not anymore.

Dr. Young, Thanks for taking down one of your M.C. Escher Paintings to display one of mine. I really appreciate it. Visit their blog also at http://spyglassvc.wordpress.com/

Branding and small business...

beclever — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:39:27 +0000

Custom packing tape...

Originally uploaded by CleverGirlBek

Custom packing tape... Almost a year ago I was trying to find a way to use up my inked gocco screen in a practical way...

Eureka!

Custom packing tape... Ok, it's not tape- it's that fiberglass thread reinforced brown papery stuff, but it works like a charm and makes all of the outgoing packages look fabulous...

I am a packaging and branding geek (for those that had not noticed yet!)

I believe the giant roll from our local staples was around $10... I don't use a whole foot- only about 3 or 4 inches... I did the math- that's around $0.01 per package (I only use one strip per padded envelope) at most (actually it came out to $0.006/strip, not including the ink and time..but as the ink would otherwise go to waste and it only takes me a few minutes to do a pile of these I don't think the labor adds up to much in this case)...

Pretty easy, quick, and economical...
And a pretty touch when shipping an order...

I find that running one of these over a dampened sponge (I have one dedicated to this) does not take any more time than getting out the tape gun, unsticking the tape from itself, and changing the roll out... Instead I have a pile of these by my shipping area and before I put my envelopes by the door I slap these on the backs (to prevent pilferage during shipping as well)....

Values Quilts

metrosupialdesigns — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:58:14 +0000

I was introduced to doing this type of quilt in A Values Class at the now closed, In the Beginning fabric store here in Seattle. I am working on a tutorial that I will post here, and on Flickr once I get it on Etsy.

I was rather humored by the class. It started with the teacher preaching her hatred of those that buy fabric on the internet. As I waited for her to get off her pedestal and teach me something about values of color, I thought about the lovely stack of 6 inch squares in front of me. Some of them from the EVIL INTERNET.

I don't buy all my fabrics on the internet. I, like all fabric obsessed sewers like to touch and see...but no one has everything available, and there is SOOOO much fabric to covet. At the time I was 30, and my thought to this lady's speech was, that the store didn't market to me beyond Amy Butler.

We did finally get to quilting and when all my mix of squares were on the wall, everyone was drawn to the diversity of my quilt. They all inquired to where I got my fabrics? I told the truth, no twisting of the story.

Supporting small local business has always been my thing. I am one myself after all. Here's my new favorite http://www.pinkbypost.com/ (Sorry, my links button isn't working for some reason), and my favorite E-bay seller is La Chakra (she has amazing shipping).

Hope you all have a happy 4th! I hope to get some sewing in.

New collection

ellejule — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:08:20 +0000

I have some of my new items for my collection The Bower of Bliss added to my etsy shop, check it out and let me know what you think!

Choosing the Right Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry

fashionteen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:29 +0000

Why go for handcrafted artisan jewelry when there are so many imitations around? You might escape wearing a duplicate branded garment but keen eyes can easily make out the difference between fake and authentic ones. Imitation jewelry might look good but they are completely outshone in the presence of uniquely handcrafted artisan jewelry.

Every piece of handcrafted jewelry is individually crafted by the artisan. This lends individuality to the ornamental piece, which is essentially lacking in other machine-made pieces. Since the effort invested in crafting these pieces is more, the prices are on the higher side. Hence your choice of the handcrafted jewelry must match your needs and personality.

If you choose not to be on the funky side, then go for subdued kind of jewelry; say for instance, a hand strung strand of freshwater pearls with a matching bracelet and earrings. This combination goes well with any color scheme and is never out of fashion.
The funkier kinds have lots on offer. You can choose a bright necklace with beads in all possible odd shapes and sizes. You can also layer several handmade necklaces for an out-n- out unique look. Hand engraved artisan bracelets, or armlets made of chunky semiprecious stones or gems are just the right accessories to express your taste and individuality.

Hand-made jewelry makes excellent gifts as they express your desire to gift the person something truly one of a kind! Purchasing handcrafted artisan jewelry ensures that you bid for the highest quality item and design as the artist can exercise complete control over the entire process of jewelry creation. So why not buy yourself a piece of beautiful handcrafted adornment and be the cynosure of all eyes!

You Rascal You...

beclever — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:46:12 +0000

Rascal

Originally uploaded by CleverGirlBek

Rascal, the ring...
Very, very old Bakelite (older than vintage, younger than antique, by definition)...
Had some scotties and some ring blanks and went to town....

Available in my little shop on the internet superhighway... or zip me a message for more information...

Always Be Clever...

ps. I have that song stuck in my head (You Rascal You)...Boyo is forever on a Louis kick (lots of Armstrong and Prima)...Glad he is more into the tune than the lyrics...Yikes! I have to give this another listen! Not the nicest song in the world...But oh so catchy...Perhaps I'll swap it out on his song mixes with The Music Goes Round and Round!

Grand Opening on Etsy!

brownbutton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:03:27 +0000

Hello!

Well, its the moment I've all been waiting for- my shop on Etsy is finally, officially, irretrievably, fantastically open! I've been planning this for about a month now, and after meeting my initial ready items goal I have done some serious slacking off. Naughty me. So I've got to get my self back in gear, and back in front of my sewing machine.

Here is a little preview of some of the fine wares I am offering. For more pictures and info you can visit BrownButton.

This is a great little number that I made with my HTB in mind, but it ended up nicely unisex.

Next up is a reclaimed tshirt- I reclaimed it from the boring pile, and added it to the awesome pile!

And lastly a fairly simple little vest made out of this rocking broadcloth that has musical notes and instruments all over it. This is really comfy, as I only added three buttons at the top, so you can eat lunch and not feel tied up afterwards.

There you go, a little sample of what is to come. Its so exciting! There are some really great artisans on Etsy, I'm proud to be among their ranks, in a way. By this time next year I hope to be able to say that, and mean it. Hooray for success!

July is Wireworking Month

don_mae — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:11:12 +0000

Tuesday, July 1

This month should be interesting. I am looking forward to working with wire. I have been buying books for several months and studying the techniques and designs. And flipping through the pages looking for something that will be kind to my hands.

I have struggled with wirewrapping in my short jewelry making past and have avoided it like the plague. But there are so many beautiful pieces that can be created from wire and the only way to learn is by trying it. Experiment with different types and gauges. Hopefully my skills will improve and my hands hold up.

Here are the books I will be using as resources this month. There's plenty here to get ideas from or to attempt the actually piece.

Contemporary Bead & Wire Jewelry by Nathalie Mornu & Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott. Lark Books, 2006.
Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones. North Light Books, 2004.
Beading with Charms by Katherine Duncan Aimone. Lark Books, 2007.
Findings & Finishings by Sharon Bateman. Interweave Press, 2003.
Creative Metal Clay Jewelry by CeCe Wire. Lark Books, 2007. (Not sure why I bought this one. I won't be making any metal clay jewelry. But it was a bargain. 50% off. And it has great pictures.)
Step by Step Wire Jewelry. Interweave Press, Winter 2008, Vol 3, No 5.
Step by Step Wire Jewelry. Interweave Press, Summer 2008, Vol 4, No 2.

ManMade Profile: IMOTIME

yankeebelle — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:03 +0000

Circular Saw Blade Clock

Name: Eric MastersShop Name: IMOTIME

Website: IMOTIME.etsy.com

Location: San Diego, CA

A little bit about Eric:
I have 6 nephews.

What do you sell that would appeal to the guys?
The items of mine that appeal most to men are car-related, such as license plate clocks and hubcap clocks. Also, tools and such; circular saw blades, etc.

Guitar Time Clock

Where do you sell your stuff?
I sell on Etsy, and have done one craft show. Hope to do many more.

How long have you been in business?
I've been in business about two years.

How did you get started?
It all started a few years ago when I saw Martha Stewart make a clock from a cake cover. I thought it was cool. I made one for my neighbor, and then just started looking at things as possible clocks.

Ammunition Box Clock

How do you get the word out about your shop?
I need to learn how to get the word out better. I do a lot of posting on forums here, but not much more. I love being featured on blogs!

What's your creative process?
I spend lots of my time wandering around thrift stores and garage sales, dreaming of clocks. Things just pop out and say "ME! ME!" I take them home and get out the drill. Like Marathon Man.

Dart Board Clock

What's unique about your work?
The unique part of my work is the absolute everyday nature of the items I make into clocks. So many people say that they had one of "those" way back when. I like that part.

Spent the Weekend Making Button Jewelry

don_mae — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:50:08 +0000

Sunday, June 29

With June almost gone, I wanted to make a few more pieces of button jewelry before the end of Button Month.

Here's what I made.

Burgundy Pin & Earring Set

Earrings in beige, brown and blue

Earrings in blue, yellow and pink

Earrings in beige, brown and orange

These pieces are all lightweight. They will be available in my Etsy Shop shortly.

I am now taking a rest break. Opening and closing jump rings is hard work!! :D

July 4th, Sparkle With Buttons

don_mae — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:22:50 +0000

Sunday, June 29

With July almost here I started thinking about July 4th and decided to make a button bracelet in red, white and blue.

I have lots and lots of buttons in all different sizes but wanted to use up some of my smaller buttons. I think sorting through them looking for similar sizes took longer than actually making it.

I also made a pair of matching earrings and had enough jump rings to make a 2nd bracelet.

I used silver plated jump rings in different sizes. 9mm, 7mm and 4mm. Bracelet toggle clasp and ear wire fishhooks are also silver plated.

All buttons are doubled, like a sandwich.

One little trick I discovered...if unable to find two buttons with the same design on the front, turn them over. The backside can be just as pretty as the front. Works great for the jewelry I am creating with jump rings.

These will all be available in my Etsy Shop shortly.

Selling on Absolutearts.com!

Jennifer Birge — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:40:14 +0000

I have added Absolutearts.com to my list of sites where I'm selling my art and jewelry. Check it out here:

http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/j/jennfunique/

Wedding Bells

Mwikali Matu — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:20:59 +0000

Miniature wedding bells merrily ring out the news of the upcoming nuptials.

A single page design, bells come in silver and gold.

TGIF... But Nothing Much Going On

don_mae — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:42:50 +0000

Friday, June 27

So far today has turned out to be Lazy Friday. I was so looking forward to today. To get back working on my crafts but with all my doctor's appointments and my "other stuff" this week, my energy was zapped.

I was however able to work a bit more on my button bracelet last night. All buttons are now sewn on.

I ended up cutting off and replacing a few. I guess if I keep looking, I will change even more but I will leave it as is. I still haven't decided what to put on the underside to cover the thread.

If the metal bases were square I could use a strip of fabric, leather or some other sturdy type material. But they are oval and will be a challenge. I experimented with adding a peyote strip.

I won't be able to do much crafting tomorrow, Saturday, as we have new front entry doors being installed. Don't know how long they will be here but I am thinking this might be an all day affair. I wish I could go off somewhere nice and quiet such as my local library and stay until they are finished but something tells me I had better stick around. Maybe I can look over their shoulders and offer tips and comments from the Peanut Gallery.

a little hiatus...

Sara — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:58:40 +0000

yeah, i've been bad about keeping up with this blog, taking a little hiatus from sewing/blogging and dealing with a few other things in life right now

BUT- Yesterday, one of my new MN Etsy Street team friends included me in her Treasury West on Etsy! It was so sweet of her - she said my polka dot Chinese Take-Out box inspired her! Thanks, Chureen!

on another note here's a new song for today - I'm going to start including music selections in my blog because it's always been the one thing that can really turn around a sour mood for me :)

This is the Doves and the song is "Snowden"

Happy Wednesday!