It's been a while...

...and I am feeling a bit frustrated.
Needing, wanting to do something creative and having some kind of block.
It's almost painful. Like a loss. I have been sitting with it, waiting, trying not to force anything, let it flow...
but nothing is coming out.

It is swirling around inside of me feeling trapped. In my stomach...then up to my head, down my arms...back up...trying to find an exit.

I have never felt quite like this before. The creative juices always poured freely out of me in the form of many mediums/styles/techniques. This is new and uncomfortable.

Any wisdom, guidance, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

- from a greatful heart

Urban Chic Studio Shelves?

I am not a carpenter!


Not by any stretch of the imagination.

But I needed sturdy shelves on a budget.

This was my solution...a customizable fit with lots of options.

I purchased pre-cut, sanded, bull nosed particle-board shelves from a national home improvement store. They were a bit more expensive than plywood but I would have had to cut, sand and fill the plywood ones...which made the price difference worth it for me.

Then from the plumbing department of that same store I purchased metal pipe and the screw- in caps for them. The pipes are inexpensive and come in many widths and lengths.The width doesn't really matter just make sure that the cap is the right fit.



I went with thicker ones because I generally over-kill everything...I also knew there might be heavy items on the shelves...like art books.



Once you get everything home you can finish the shelves how you like...prime, paint, seal...decoupage...cover with fabric...pretty much anything you can think of. Me, being impatient...I didn't finish them. I went right into assembly.



And they are still unfinished to this day...I am embarrassed to tell you how many years ago I actually made them!

So for the assembly...a drill is helpful. Mark your holes, drill a small pilot hole, attach the cap, thread the pipe and attach the top cap...very simple. I don't recommend making it taller than table height unless you can anchor it to the wall.

As another option, I added some heavy duty casters to the bottom so I could wheel it around.

Over all they have been really useful. Through years as I have reorganized my studio I have cut them down...removed or added shelves...narrowed them and they still continue to work!

Photo Jewelry Series – Part Three of Three

These are the two products I use to secure and seal my photographs when creating my photo jewelry.

They can each be found at most national craft retailers or online.

The Glossy Accents is thick and great for filling in a "well" or covering small beads, findings or paper layers. It has it's own applicator and can fit in small areas. A very tiny amount can be applied to the back of your photograph to secure it to the piece of jewelry before covering the top.

The Triple Thick is thinner and easier to spread over larger surfaces. I use a clean, soft, synthetic craft brush to apply it. It gives a uniform look to a wider surface. You must take care not to over-brush the top or your photo might smear.

I also sometimes use a spray fixative (found at any art store) to "fix" or seal my photographs or paper art before finishing with one of the above products.

Be sure to experiment with any product you use and get comfortable with it. There can be a slight learning curve and it will make for happier creating if you feel secure with your supplies.

Photo Jewelry Series – Part Two of Three

These are an example of the earrings from the photo jewelry collection I created a few years ago.

Mounted on a small, flat, matte-black charm...the photos highlighted my love for photography and nature.

I selected pictures that I felt would reduce well and then cut two sections out of the same image for each pair of earrings.

I didn't want them to "match" but I wanted them to coordinate.

What I ended up with was two pieces of the same image...tied together by their common colors and themes.

I attached them to hand made sterling silver ear wires and created a small silver plated scroll charm to cover the utilitarian loop.

After signing the back of each they were ready to go!

My Crafty Abode Series – Our Pet Tiger

We had just moved and were scheduled to host our big, annual 4th of July party for the first time in our new home.

Somehow, in my sick, “creative obsessed” mind, the night before the party seemed like the ideal time to start a new painting project.

By now my husband was used to these creative bursts and knew it was best to just go with it and get involved.

So with a ladder, my brushes and some paint I created this beautiful, majestic animal while Steve read aloud to me. We were up very late and I am trying to remember…but I don’t think I finished him that night…I think his eyes might have still been in pencil for the party.

Anyway, he is still with us and I love seeing him up there while we are in the kitchen. It’s almost like he is part of our family.

When we did our addition I was concerned that he would be damaged by the construction but they did a great job being careful and working around him.

He doesn’t have a name…and I kind of like that. He seems mysterious and untouchable…like he could take off at any second.

Photo Jewelry Series – Part One of Three

Inspired by the incredible nature photos taken by a friend of mine a few years ago I created a line of jewelry using photographs.

The collection started with her photos and soon evolved into an outlet for my own.

At a local jewelry supply company I found pendants with a shallow well perfect for laying a photo in. They were in a base metal so I had them all silver plated. I reduced a series of pictures on my computer and cut them to the right size and shape.

I stuck with straight lines for this first go around…I wasn’t ready to fight with circles and ovals.

With a tiny bit of gel medium I adhered the photo to the metal charm and then flooded the top with the medium. (details of the products I used with be available in the third post of this series)

Once the medium dried there was a shiny, thick coating. All that was left to do was to create a decorative bail out of wire and design something for them to hang from.

I opted to hand braid exotic yarns in a variety of colors that were secured with vintage buttons.

After signing the back, they were complete.

A small framed, custom work of art!

How to Store your Photo Props!

I really enjoy using props in my work photos...

but being a recovering pack-rat...it was hard to edit and store all of the items I was quickly accumulating.

I found this unit in a national office supply store and it has worked perfectly!

It wasn't expensive, is very sturdy and has adjustable drawer heights. I like the clean lines and as you may have read in my previous posts...for me, out of sight is out of mind...so the open mesh drawers help me remember what I have.

An added bonus is the sturdy table top surface it provides...great for baskets with more props or even my light box.

There are small plaques on the front of the shelves where you can attach labels...but I haven't gotten quite that organized yet!

Work in progress, right?!

Creative Jewelry Show Display – Zipper Pulls

When I started selling zipper pulls at my jewelry shows people weren’t really sure what they were supposed to do with them.

Also, they are small and can get lost on a table full of jewelry.

I decided to create a display that wouldn’t take up too much room but that would show how they are used.

I decided to sew a zipper into a piece of fabric and mount that into a small frame. I put the zipper at an angle so that the zipper pull would hang against the fabric and not the actual zipper.

This worked perfectly.

It was inexpensive, transported and stored easily and was eye-catching. If you don’t sew you could easily re-purpose an old piece of clothing with a zipper and with a little glue transform it into a display.

Get creative!

Natures Earrings

On a recent trip to California I took a bunch of pictures of the beautiful desert wildlife.

I am sharing some of these to show how inspiration for jewelry pieces can be found everywhere.

The flowers on this bush, when grouped all together, kind of got lost…but I think when you separate them and focus on just one the look like delicate, dangling earrings handmade by Mother Nature.

It made me picture a thin chain with long tube beads attached…capped off by little floating crystals…what does this picture make you think about?

Does it inspire certain materials, colors, shapes?

Picture making something this shape using only wire…or all one color…or a shorter length.

Next time you are out in nature…take a closer look…or better yet…take your camera!

Creative Uses for Surplus Beads and Findings Series - Vintage Key Rings

Large split rings like the ones used for key rings are readily available at jewelry supply stores and websites.

They come in all different shapes, sizes and finishes and are very inexpensive.

Stack some pretty, loose, surplus beads on wire and attach to the ring directly or with some chain…and there you have a pretty, one-of-a-kind key ring.

I like to have multiple strands and think small spacer beads add to the look. I also recommend wire wrapping the loop for durability.

I punch a hole on a business card and attach the ring …then slip it into a baggie for protection. Sometimes I have a small basket of these by my check out station at shows…just as a little something a customer can pick up.

They also make a nice thank you gift for a loyal customer

Creative Uses for Surplus Beads and Findings Series - Zipper Pulls

I always have a stash of loose beads and findings…treasures left over from a project or rescued from an old piece of jewelry. Usually too pretty to discard but maybe not enough to support their own project.

I have found several uses for these ones and twos and in the next series of posts I will share some of my ideas.

Enjoy!

It is always a good idea when doing craft shows , fairs or festivals to have a selection of lower priced items on hand. Something someone could pick up as a small gift for a friend or as a treat for them selves.

I think that this is the perfect use for your surplus beads and findings. It allows you to utilize your supplies to the maximum and benefits your customers by letting them purchase something pretty for a lower amount…when they might have not been able to before.

Zipper pulls are useful, decorative and fun and they are thoughtful gift for any age. By simple stacking a few beads and spacers on a strong headpin or piece of wire, you can create a small piece of art. I recommend wire wrapping the top instead of creating a simple loop as it is stronger and more durable.

The beaded piece can be attached to a variety of findings…but basically anything that can be attached to a loop…slide hook, split key ring, fishing lure holder. There are a bunch of findings that can be found at jewelry supply sites…very inexpensively.

I take one of my business cards and punch a hole in the top corner. I attach the zipper pull to it and slip it into a protective baggie. I also include a small sheet explaining what it and what it’s used for.

At a show, sometimes I throw them all in a basket by the check out…and sometimes I lay some out on the table. Either way people always enjoy hunting for the perfect one!

I think they also make a nice little thank you gift for a special customer.

Simple Contrast

This is a picture I took on a recent trip to California.

While the flower itself is so pretty…it was the contrast of light and dark and the simple color pallet that drew me to this particular photo.

I think the feeling of this could translate into beautiful jewelry.

The rose…creamy and ivory set against the deep black reminds me of a more romantic time. It makes me think of some kind of light focal piece framed by onyx, jet black or midnight bluestone.

In a necklace that could mean a beautiful light pendant dangling from a strand of dark beads. For a bracelet it could be multiple strands of dark stones secured with a light clasp. For earrings it could be a dark bead with a waterfall of light strands flowing from beneath.

Mostly it is about the contrast of dark to light and a simple color pallet…

classic…in shades of two colors.

Color combinations don’t have to be complicated…play with the intensity of just a few colors and see what magic can happen.

Creative Jewelry Packaging Series - Hand Made Felt Pouches

Felt is a wonderful thing!

It is so soft, comes in a ton of colors…and the best part is it doesn’t have to be hemmed.

When I made some special silver necklace charms I knew I wanted some kind of pouch to package them in. I decided to create one myself that would fit my needs in a more custom way.

I knew it needed to be something that would be very easy to create and something I could make over and over.

First I made a pattern out of paper to find the right size. I ended up with a long rectangle.Then all I needed to do was fold up the bottom and sew along three sides…just a quick straight line.

The excess on top folded over and was secured with a small piece of organza ribbon. They were so simple to make I ended up with a whole bucket full in one sitting.

I preferred to do more of an assembly line…cut all felt, sew all pieces, cut all ribbon, etc.

The color or pattern can be chosen to complement your pieces…for a more natural, earthy look…tie with raffia, for a more modern, contemporary look tie with metallic thread…or for a more romantic look tie with a thin strip of lace…

Presto! A small pouch …inexpensive, custom…perfect.

Creative Jewelry Packaging Series - Small Wood Boxes

When you take a lot of time and care to create a very special, hand crafted piece of jewelry it is important to think about how that little creation will be packaged for the recipient.

At most national art and craft stores, in their unfinished wood sections, you can find small, unfinished wood boxes in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes…most prices around $1 or less.

There are so many things that can be done to incorporate these inexpensive boxes into your presentation...

• hand paint them in a color or theme to coordinate with your piece of jewelry

• decoupage them with decorative papers or tissue

• stain them with a wood stain or simply clear varnish

• spray paint them and add your signature or write a personal note or poem

• glue fabric or trims on them

The list goes on and on…

Just think what a special experience the recipient would have receiving one of your creations, wrapped in colorful tissue paper, carefully tucked inside a beautifully decorated box .

It is a complete presentation!

Creative Jewelry Packaging Series - Clear Top Boxes - Part Two

Ok, so you have the right boxes…now what do you do with them?

As I said in Part One of this series…I didn’t care for the cotton usually supplied with jewelry boxes. It would get caught on my jewelry and the little hairs would look messy.

I chose to buy a large piece of felt from a craft store and cut small rectangles to fit my boxes. This was very affordable and I could customize my colors to match the pieces of jewelry or my display.

A tip…to save your sanity when cutting felt, make sure you use sharp, fabric scissors…even if that means you need to pick up a new pair along with your fabric purchase! There is nothing worse than trying to cut felt with dull scissors or scissors that are regularly used for cutting paper.

The other great thing about clear top boxes is that you can see what you have.This is handy for display and for storage. It saves time when you are hunting for something not to have to remove all of the lids to find the item. It also saves time when setting up to do a home show or fair.

While it’s usually best for customers to not have a barrier between them and your jewelry, in a time crunch the tops can be left on and they can still see what you have.

The tops can help with moisture and dust too…for some added protection.

Creative Jewelry Packaging Series - Clear Top Boxes – Part one

When looking for boxes to package my hand crafted jewelry I chose clear top boxes.

While a little more expensive than other choices I thought they would serve two purposes…Storage and display.

For me they have worked great.

I was lucky to find them at a local company that buys surplus items so I got a really good deal. I have also ordered some from popular jewelry supply and packaging catalogs.

The size I found to be the most useful is about 5 x 7 and about .5” deep. The clear top nestles into the box instead of on the outside for a clean look. I found that the cotton commonly found in jewelry boxes got caught on my findings and ended up looking messy so I chose not to order the cotton filling.

Instead I bought a large piece of felt and cut it to fit inside the bottom of the box. I also sometimes use colorful card stock to mount smaller items to so that there is more body and so it’s more rigid.

Look for more ides on how to get the most out of your clear top boxes in my future blog posts!

Jewelry Photo Props - Natural Materials

Natural materials can make wonderful backgrounds for your jewelry photos and the great part is they are usually readily available and free or very inexpensive.

Look in your yard and see what you can find...

stones to lay small items on or to act as riser when stacked,

twigs to suspend earrings from,

dried leaves to lay a necklace on.

Use your imagination and take inspiration from other jewelry artists.

You can also check your local art and craft shop or import store for more exotic options that might not be found where you live.

The picture above is of a bouquet of dried decorator items I purchased at a national art store. It was inexpensive and with the variety of shapes it was a great value.

All I did is cut off the long stems and voila...jewelry props!

If you have children, going for a nature walk is a great way to spend time together and to collect props for your photographs...hey, you never know you might actually find some creative inspiration for new jewelry pieces along the way!

Studio Help - Cut Ribbon Storage

I LOVE Ribbon!

Almost as much as I love fabric...but cut ribbon pieces can be a nightmare to store and manage!

I use the cut ribbon pieces for so many things...packaging an order, grouping supplies, labeling items, protecting items in transport, pulling my hair back in my office when I don't have anything else around! It is a smart way to utilize surplus ribbon...too pretty to discard and sometimes at the art store they will even sell a full bag of assorted cut ribbon lengths for $1 to get rid of extra inventory.

A few years ago while surfing online for clever ideas on how to store ribbon...I stumbled on a really useful idea. I don't remember where I found it - so I apologise in advance for that!

Just know it wasn't my idea to begin with...but I did tweak it a bit!

What they did was use a wire hanger (like you get from the dry cleaners) and loop the the lengths of ribbon through the wire like the picture above. The strands of ribbon slide together and hang so that you can always see what you have available!

I think the best part is that you can easily remove or add new lengths one at a time without disturbing the others! No more tangles, creased ribbon...or forgetting what you have.

I hung the hangers on a hook on the back of my door.

Now my newest twist was to buy a multi level hanger...typically used for several pair of pants. This way I was able to have five rungs to hang from in a smaller amount of space! The hanger is coated so it protects more delicate ribbons. I recommend that if you have ribbon that creases easily...loop it very loosely and don't pull it taught.

It is pretty and functional...I actually moved it from behind the door to a wall hook near my desk because I love seeing my colorful ribbons!

Vegas, Baby - An Inspiring Destination

You never know where you will find inspiration.

On a recent trip to Las Vegas I was reminded about how much creative inspiration can be found in that special city...not generally what it's known for.

I grew up there and now as an adult it is so obvious what a huge influence the fantasy and drama of Vegas had on me both creatively and artistically.

My love of color, being drawn towards over scale, over the top design and of course my need for sparkle and glitter.

I think it's easy to forget that each person has such different life experiences and that they can be expressed through their art or craft. That each is important and valuable...but different.

On this trip, being surrounded by all of that "theater" made me want to rush home and create ANYTHING!

I am sure some day soon there will be photos of Las Vegas inspired creations here!

Having a Blog - My "Why"

I have always struggled with the concept of narrowing my focus. There are just too many things that interest me creatively and way too many mediums I enjoy working with.

When I sat down today to write a blog entry I felt a little stuck...so I asked myself "Why do you have a blog?".

I had a flicker of worry because I didn't have an immediate answer.
I worried that my blog is too "all over the place" and that I don't have a specific target audience.

After being still for a little while I realized that this blog is about me...me, the artist.

"Me, the artist" IS "all over the place" so it actually makes sense that my blog would be too!

The entries are simply snippets of my artistic endeavours, useful tips that I have discovered or adapted over the years and anything else that speaks to me.

That's it...

Enjoy!