I was asked by Artbeads.com to be a part of their great blogging program. Basically, they choose jewelry artists to sample their wares for free and blog about it.
I’m so excited and inspired to make some great jewelry with the Swarovski crystals I chose. As I post my pieces, I’ll also have links to the crystals that I used for that particular item. Maybe you will find some inspiration and create your own masterpiece!
I’ve been feeling very frustrated with my jewelry designs lately, so I thought I would try beading again. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I developed horrific carpal tunnel. I couldn’t even feel my fingertips! The most difficult thing in the world to do was to hold a thin beading needle between my numb fingers so I just stopped, cold turkey. I hadn’t tried to bead until now, two years after Delilah’s birth.
I reconnected with why I had loved it in the first place. Beading takes me to my happy place. It’s incredibly therapeutic and calming for me.
Hopefully this is a sign of greater works to come. Stay tuned…..
Beatrice and Violet of Etsy Stalker fame have chosen my Eiffel Tower beaded bracelet as a featured item on their website.
Here is a link to the article “Bead weaving: Labor of Love”.
Check out their site, It’s full of great Etsy finds.
My beautiful cat, Abigail passed away yesterday at the ripe old age of 14.
I wasn’t going to write about this because I didn’t want to see her picture every time I updated my blog, but I owe it to her.
We had just come back from visiting my in-laws for a few days and when we entered the house I knew something was wrong. Only her sister, Lily came out to greet us. Usually it would be Abby standing on the couch waiting to get her much needed pets and kisses. Earlier, I had spoken to my mom, who was taking care of the cats while we were away, and she said she couldn’t find Abigail anywhere, but I just thought it was just Abby being a cat and hiding. I thought nothing of it.
I looked around the house for her and couldn’t hear her little bell. I went into my studio and found her lying on the ground. Her head was tucked away behind my sewing machine table and all I saw was her body, lifeless. I immediately broke down.
Abigail was my constant companion. She slept with me every night, much to my husband’s chagrin, because I chose to spoon her rather that him. When I sat down to make jewelry, she would come and sit on my lap, digging her claws into me and purring to tell me how content she was. She would let me kiss her face and had so much patience with my two year old daughter. She was with me since before my ten year old son was born. She has been with me through thick and thin and now I have to live without her.
Abby, thank you for the 14 beautiful years you have given us. We love you and will always miss you.
My beaded Lulu bracelet has found it’s way onto the “Around Town/Fashion” section of the NBC Bay Area website! Thanks to Marie C. Baca.
I had a great time making this bracelet. The colors are just amazing and I fell more and more in love with it as it progressed. I also loved creating the copper clasp. Finding the right Deco pattern for it was the best part. I looked at a lot of 1920’s architecture and found so much inspiration.
I hope I did Louise Brooks justice because she was absolutely stunning!
No one has purchased Lulu yet, I’m assuming it’s because of the price. Unfortunately I have to price the bracelets that high because of the time that went into it. Each bracelet takes about 30-40 hours of work. And each is totally one of a kind. I have a few more that I need to put clasps on and hopefully soon, I can get them onto Etsy!
Marjorie Oxman has created a fabulous 2010 calendar filled with amazing jewelry from talented artists and I am honored that she chose to include my Rosebud earrings!
To order a calendar go to lulu.com. I will be ordering my copy this week! Thanks Marjorie!
My Louise XVI Bracelet has been featured in a wonderful Etsy Treasury by Kitty Kent. Take a look at her store, she makes a wonderful variety of handmade items. Also check out her treasury, she has selected a great group of artists and put them together for a French theme. Treasuries are only online for a short while, I hope you get a chance to see it.
