Wordless Wednesday - My New Favorite Song...

Gary Go - Speak

It's about surrender...

Wordless Wednesday - Kennebunkport Shore at Night

My Sister Got Married

Kevin & Wendy, married May 5, 2010

The wedding was really sweet, and a good time was had by all. 

I've always enjoyed taking pictures of people-- and I think I'm getting better and better at it.

But, there's something special about taking pictures at weddings. It's something I've considered doing for fun, or if a friend who's getting married and can't afford a proper wedding photographer.

I haven't gone through all of the pictures I took yet... only a few. I'm hoping to get through the rest soon! 

The ones I've processed are here. Feel free to take a look!  

Wordless Wednesday - My Girls... Double Trouble!

Brianna

Nikita

Simply Healing: The Latest Batch

Well, I was a busy bee this past weekend, and I managed to get 13 more Simply Healing necklaces not only photographed, but actually listed on Etsy.

Honestly, y’all who do that on a regular basis… how do you keep up? It takes me so long to get all the photos taken, and then to process them—crop, lighten, resize, etc… not to mention writing the Etsy descriptions and making sure I get the stone meanings correct… and then there’s my least favorite part—naming each piece! 

Maybe now you understand why I update my Etsy site so sporadically?

I wouldn’t complain so much if I didn’t also have a full time job, which lately has been taking up a lot more than just “full” time of a typical 40 hours work-week. I come home exhausted, and my comfy chair and TV are always calling me, begging me to allow them to swallow me up whole until it’s time for bed.

That’s a hard habit to break, once you’ve eased into it.

But, in light of last week's curve ball, I figured listing some things on Etsy and then immediately crossing my fingers might not be such a bad idea.

This newest batch of Simply Healing jewelry is a lot of fun, and even more inspired than the first batch was! I’m having a ball making these little necklaces… partially because they appeal to my gnat-like attention span, and partially because I love working with high quality gemstones, but it’s also really nice to make some pieces that the "average Jane" can afford.

Especially in these economic times.

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a couple of pictures of these new pieces… and I’ll leave you with a little link to my Simply Healing line, now on Etsy. 

Have a great day!

Opening My Jewelry Drawer...

I always joke around and say that I keep my best pieces. After you see these, you might think I'm being totally serious, and not joking at all!

You’ve already seen this necklace, or you should have if you’ve been following my blog for more than a minute. But, I finally got the opportunity (or made the opportunity) to take more detailed photos. This is my favorite of the ones I took:

Next, we have a kyanite necklace, with a huge black pearl and hematite, with oxidized sterling silver chain. I wear this necklace often, too!

The newest necklace is with some larimar I got from a seller who actually lives in the Dominican Republic. I’m in love with this necklace and I keep finding outfits I can put together just so I can wear this necklace. Again. I’ve used smoky quartz and Czech glass, along with Swarovski crystals and a hand-hammered sterling silver ring to add a bit of sparkle and depth. What do you think?

Oh! And, I guess I’ll show you this one too, although I’ve also featured this one in the Tip Thursday series a couple of months ago… it’s a necklace featuring a lampwork bead that I made, Peruvian blue opal, peridot, and Swarovski crystals. 

Can you tell I’m in the mood for spring? I’m loving this gorgeous sunny weather we’re having, and it’s actually helping to take my mind off of our recent bad news.

Let's talk about earrings...

Up until about a year ago, I never saw much merit in earrings. I always liked wearing them, and I thought they could add something to an outfit, but they just weren’t fun to make.

(I know, right? A jewelry designer who doesn't didn't like to make earrings? What's UP with that?)

So, I made them mostly to match bracelets or necklaces so that people could buy sets instead of single pieces of jewelry.

People like sets.

I like sets!

But for some reason… earrings just weren’t fun to design.

Until now.

About a year ago, I ran out of ear wires. Instead of doing what I always did, and ordering more… I decided to start making my own. I mean, I work with all this wire all the time, so why not make my own dang ear wires, right?

Little did I know this would open up the world of earrings for me. That’s all it took!

I felt something release in me, and I was able to make earrings just for the sake of making earrings.

I now have lots of earrings that aren’t made specifically to match any of my other pieces of jewelry. Now, a lot of them DO go with necklaces or bracelets I have, but a lot of them don’t.

And I like that!

I never realized that earrings could be so fun to make, and so gratifying to look at.

The only down side is the time. I used to whip out earrings by the dozens… but now sometimes I spend 45 minutes or so making one pair, to get the wire “just right” so the pair is relatively even. What used to take me 10 minutes now takes 45? Wait, I thought I was trying to become more efficient, not less?

Between the hammering, measuring, filing, bending, etc… yes—it does take longer. But it’s so worth it! I can now make earrings that speak to who I am as an artist, instead of earrings that happen to match whatever necklace I’ve made them to go with.

It’s a huge shift in me… in more ways than one. I now find myself craving making earrings, seeing what else I can do with the ear wire, seeing how else I can push my envelope on design.

Sometimes, all you need is a different perspective on life. Something to flip a switch inside of you so you see the situation differently and perceive your reality in a new light.

Sometimes, it's as simple as bending your own ear wire...

New Hair and the Rest of the Beads

Well, it's been a long time since I had my hair cut and highlighted. I'd been wearing my hair in a ponytail for weeks, because my roots were showing so badly... I was in desperate need of a cut... I was totally uninspired by my hair, and HELLO it's HOT AS HELL in Texas.

So, what do you think?

I'm pretty pleased, actually. I haven't had bangs since fourth grade, but I'm liking this look. I think I'll stick with it for a while.

Now for a few beads...

Generally speaking, I'm not as pleased with these beads as I wanted to be... and for at least a couple of them, I can't at all remember what colors I used to make them.

What's more... a few of them cracked. :( User error, no doubt.

Take a look at the one to the left, for example. Such a pretty bead... I used a technique learned in one of Sarah Hornik's classes last year in Italy... and this is the first time that a bead using that technique turned out pretty good. Until, that is... I tried to get it off the mandrel. Dang mandrel bent... and then a whole chunk of the bead came off. GRR!!! I have to think there's some way that a clever jewelry designer could wrap the buttom of the bead with wire, or something, so it can still be used.

I don't know if I'm that clever, though. Maybe I'll give it to Susy and see if she can do something with it. I'm so bummed about that bead.

Ahh well. And here's another one... it's so beautiful, except for the chip, that is. It chipped when I took it off the mandrel. Yes, I did use my handy dandy rivet tool, and I think I've discovered a problem with using that. It puts all the pressure on whatever part of the bead it can touch, see... so if one side or part of a bead is protruding down the mandrel farther than the main part of the bead, that's the part it pushes up against. So, I think that for the more oddly shaped beads... I need to find a better way to get them off the mandrel.

And yes, I am going to try a different bead release. That bead release isn't the best at the "release" part... unless it's my own inexerience shining through-- which it very well could be. Hrm.

I busted a whole bead into shards, too. Not pleased about that... it was supposed to be part of a two bead set I was going to use to make earrings.

Ugh!

This blue bead with the brown dots? Cracked. :( I'm so mad! It's such a pretty bead, otherwise!!

Now, check this one out. It's my Independence Day bead... and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out! I was using glass I'd never used before... some free samples I'd gotten from Effetre when we were in Italy (*le sigh* that sounds so highbrow, doesn't it? Ha!)... and it looks pretty good I think!! I'm going to make a necklace out of this, which probably won't be ready for sale until *next* July 4th, the way things have been going as of late. Oh well.

Oh, look! Another bead that cracked. *sigh* This one is really pretty, too. I am going to keep it and probably make myself something with this one. Bummer that it cracked... but the cracks are minor and really hard to see unless you're in a certain light.

I did manage to make one pair that will make somewhat uneven earrings. The other semi-teardrop shaped bead below is the one that shattered. Those were a closer, better earring match, too.

You know... if nothing else, this is a huge learning experience for me. All the magic of Italy is gone, and it's just me with a torch trying to figure everything out. I think I should spend a bit of time on the forums, trying to sort out some of the newest colors, reactions, and all that sort of thing.

What can I say, though? I haven't been the best at being online lately. I pop in to update my blog, and then I disappear again. I update my Facebook and often my Twitter status from my phone, but I haven't been good about replying. I'm sucking worse than ever at replying to emails, too. My internet habits over the past month or so have drastically changed... I guess I just don't enjoy spending time on the internet like I used to. *checks pulse* Yes, yes, I am still here.

And, since I've really missed keeping a public blog (which I used to do years ago, on my old website), I've been using this site as my public blog... talking about more than just jewelry-- or in this case, more than just beads.

I have all kinds of ideas for topics, but by the time I actually sit down to the computer to write the post... either that topic has flushed from my mind, or I've got something else pressing, or something else entirely is what ends up getting posted.

Kind of like life, I suppose..

Recent Necklaces

First of all, congratulations to the giveaway winner, Natalie! I'll be sending your necklace and earrings to you this week! I really hope you like the set.

Would you like to see some recent pieces? I thought so... I put the chainmail technique to work and made a couple of chokers.

I like the simplicity of these. What do you think?

I especially love this one, though. I love this dichroic bead as the centerpiece. It photographs nicely too, don't you think?

Now, this one uses some of the sea glass and opalite I got in Oklahoma. I used silver pearls and some special sterling silver beads, and of course I brought this all together with sterling silver wire.
I love the sea glass. I made a sea glass necklace for myself, too. It really pops against black!

All of these necklaces are available in my Etsy shop!

My Latest Obsession...

Spring has sprung! I've been a busy bee, making jewelry. Here are some earrings for your viewing pleasure...

These glowing beauties are available here.

Abalone circles are available here.

My latest obsession, though... rings! I've gotten some quality but less expensive materials and I've been going to town. These rings are meant to be fun, and since I'm focusing on using project leftovers as the focal beads... they are also meant to be affordable.

I've already got two set aside for me, and I've put the rest up for sale in my Etsy shop. I'm making more every day and I hope to get those posted soon!

Here are a few for you to preview...

I have a really big post brewing for my one year anniversary of heading to Italy. What a trip that was... it changed my life. I think everyone will enjoy the post... so stay tuned! It's coming soon. 

I've been debating applying for a couple of shows this season. I can't decide, honestly. With my husband being unemployed, and with me facing a lag in work, I find myself wanting to hold on to money rather than spending it on booth fees.

Please keep your fingers crossed that I'll be working again soon, and that my hubby will find a job. He's been unemployed for over a year. I understand that many of us are going through tough times. It's vital to stay positive and keep that chin up. 

Hold on to hope, and turn to your loved ones for support. We've all got to stick together!

To that end... allow me tell you a little about what I do, and perhaps you can help.

I am an Instructional Designer/Training Specialist. Basically that means I designand often develop courses for adults. Think of an Instructional Designer as someone who creates lesson plans-- deciding what the learner needs to know and the best way to teach it. 

These days I mostly focus on eLearning, or web-based training. I have created courses for small to large companies, with small to large budgets. I've also created computer-based training and instructor-led courses, including supporting documentation (manuals, job aids, etc). 

Most of my background is for creating courses for proprietary software and soft skills, like customer service. I've got a wide background of experience, and I'm looking for contract work for the next month or two.

If you have any leads, please drop me a line! If your company has a need, let me know. Part of an Instructional Designer's job is needs assessment.

Thank you ;-)

My Latest Pieces

Ok. Here's the piece that I'm very proud to show you. The focal gemstone is citrine! I love this necklace and I have already decided to keep it. You can't change my mind. At least, not at this point in time. ;-)

I really pushed myself with the color combinations in this necklace. As soon as I saw this bead, though... I knew that yellow had to be the central color of the necklace, with lots of other fun colors added in.

This is another with a Sarah Hornik bead, named Fantastico! as the centerpiece. Isn't it a lovely one? 
I also used peridot and shiny Swarovski crystals, with sterling silver wire. This necklace makes me feel happy and light. It reminds me of my time in Italy, which is fitting, since Sarah made the focal just after we all got back to our respective spots of the world after Murano Magic.

Now, for my next piece... this one uses gorgeous Peruvian Blue Opal as the main gemstone, with a couple of pieces of citrine, and Swarovski crystals. Another Sarah Hornik bead as the focal. I love this necklace too, and have also decided to keep it. I always end up keeping my best pieces!! Even when I don't mean to!

Check out the matching earrings, too.... this glowing Peruvian Blue Opal is magical, isn't it? It's even better in person, too!

Some recent work, and BEADS!!!

Hey there everyone! I hope your new year has started off right. Mine certainly has!

I've been working a lot, but I haven't really minded (I've been remarkably calm!), because I've been very centered lately. Volunteering with Pathways is the reason... I never feel more centered and spiritually whole than when I'm in that training room, doing whatever I can to help people shed the weight of pain they've been walking with-- some people, for a lifetime... it's an amazing process, and one that I am proud to be a part of.

On the jewelry front, I haven't been making any jewelry lately. There just hasn't been time. I am hoping to make some tonight, actually... but I do have some pictures to share of some recent pieces. That counts, right?

Without furture ado... 

First, a goddess necklace. I love this goddess. She's so beautiful and earthy! Love the way this turned out. I am tempted to keep it, but it isn't really my style. It's a little too chunky for me.

Next, we have a pretty little Carribbean number. Really great mix of types of beads here, in my opinion (and I need to get this posted to my shop asap!!)...

Ok... that's it for sale. Now on to stuff I'm keeping. I love the beads in the following necklace... I've tried several times to make a necklace that would do them justice, and I ended up ripping it apart every time. Finally, I am happy with the results. Unfortunately you can't see how the necklace hangs in this photo... but there is a clasp on each end, so I can fasten it however I like. I wear it as a super long necklace with a little doubled-over part so it looks like 2 strands. I LOVE it and get compliments on it every time I wear it! I think it's a winner...

Next... this is a remake. It's exactly the same as it was before, only this time... it's... better. Haha!! When I first started wire wrapping, I admit that I wasn't that great at it. I *thought* I was, but wow... was I ever wrong! This is one of the first necklaces I made after I started selling the pieces I was making using wire wrapping. I sold another necklace similar to this one, and I wish I could get it back and remake it for the person! 

I wear this necklace often... and I always get compliments on it. It's almost impossible to get good photos of it (well, impossible for ME, anyway)... because it's kyanite, which is ridiculously hard to photograph accurately. Kyanite, smoky quartz, and czech glass beads. I love love love this set and I'm so glad I finally took the time to redo it!! Now with perfect wire wraps! 

Next up is a necklace that I was SO excited to make! It's an interesting color combination, I think... carnelian with black onyx and Swarovski crystals. I love the focal... how I *got* this focal is a rather interesting story-- I wanted it but someone "sniped" it from me on Ebay. So, a few months ago I was looking at a Flickr contact's photos, and I noticed that she had this focal and a few others. She came upon some hard times and offered to sell some of the beads to me. I got this one and several others that I was bummed to miss out on the first time. Yay!

Last of the jewelry... a GORGEOUS pendant. The stone is charoite, and it's only found along a riverbed in Russia. It's extremely difficult to find good quality charoite that doesn't have any cloudiness or black inclusions, and unfortunately there is an abundance of fake charoite that comes out of China. I had my eye on this pendant (as well as a few others the lapidary artist had) at a craft show I did last fall... and my husband got it for me for Christmas! Sneaky man. I love him. ;-) Isn't it gorgeous? The photo doesn't do it justice, either. I decided to wear it on a simple chain...

Last but not least... I haven't been making jewelry for over a month now... but I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things soon. I think I needed a break from it. In that break I've done a lot of thinking about where I want to go next with my designs. I have finally succumbed to the charm and beauty of briolettes. I've found a supplier in Thailand and can get awesome deals from her. Here are a few of my recent purchases (well, recent, as in over the past few months)... 

From front to back, we have: natural pink ruby briolettes, yellow tourmaline pear briolettes, natural pink rubies, natural emerald, citrine (love these!), lapis, prehnite (a lovely pale sage green), and peridot. I am anxious to play with these!

Wow... December??

I can't believe it's December, and Christmas is just around the corner. Where did November go? For that matter, where did October go??

I have been working quite a bit, which limits my jewelry design time. I'm definitely not complaining-- I am incredibly thankful to have a job, unlike so many (including my hubby). It's increasingly difficult for me to ask people to buy jewelry from me. The last craft show I had miraculously brought in enough money to cover the booth fee with a little bit extra. Considering the times, I am truly grateful.

Honestly, the only jewelry-related news is that I have made some Christmas tree earrings. I just wanted to show them off a little... I think they're cute!

More in my Etsy shop, of course! I have four different ones... crystal clear with a red top, crystal clear with a silver top, light green (pictured above), and emerald green. Take your pick! ;-)

As the year draws to a close, I have a few questions for you:

1. What are you grateful for?

2. Overall, was this a good year for you? Please share a couple of specifics if you don't mind.

3. Do you have any goals, or anything specific you're going to focus on in 2009? If so, what?

So, I suppose since I'm asking... I should answer. ;-)

1. I am grateful for so many things-- forgiveness and love being close to the top of the list. I am grateful for my husband, for making some significant changes in his life this year.

2. Overall this wasn't a good year at all. However, there were some very high highs... my trip to Italy, my husband's personal achievements, and holding my best friend's baby for the first time (and every time since!). Little miracles really do happen.

3. I will be working towards a better work/life balance in the new year, as well as getting re-acquainted with my spiritual side. I've drifted away from that part of me this year and it's time to do something about it. I've already made some strides towards that, which leave me feeling quite happy.

Happy Halloween!

I haven't made much jewelry lately. The afts & crafts show I did in Plano was ok, but I won't be doing it again.

I did get some sales, and I DID gain some new customers, which is always a great thing! I'm very happy to have met the great people who came through my booth. It was a good experience overall, and an excellent learning experience. Would you like to see my booth?

Here it is:

I'm really pleased with my booth setup. I think this setup works well for an indoor show. An ourdoor show is a whole other ballgame, so I'm learning! I am targeting a couple of outdoor shows next year, which requires a completely different kind of setup (something that can be shut and locked up at night). If anyone has any clues where to find outdoor jewelry displays, clue me in please! I also need to get a banner to put in my booth.

I have made a couple of things, and I happen to be wearing a necklace that I finished up last night. I haven't taken a picture of it though. I'll do that soon.

In the meantime, I hope to make more jewelry this weekend, and most of all-- I hope to relax. There just hasn't been enough relaxing going on lately. Last weekend was my 5 year wedding anniversary (big one!!) and we went out to a nice restaurant, went to the Kimbell museum in Ft. Worth, and then we went to farmer's market in downtown Dallas to get pumpkins. We haven't actually carved the pumpkins yet, though-- that will happen tonight. Check my Flickr for photos of that!

The previous weekend was the craft show. Now I'm not doing another show until December. I really wish I had one in November. I have so much jewelry that I'd like to find a good home for!

One thing that really struck me-- at the show, and in subsequent emails or other correspondence-- is the request for my beads. So many people are looking for good lampworkers in the area, and the comments I've been getting over and over suggest that I need to hurry up and get my lampwork studio set up ASAP so that I can start offering my beads for sale! Trust me... no one wants this to happen more than me. I have found my new emotional, passionate outlet and I am really anxious to get going with it. This is just the thing I need... just the perfect change from all those years I spent playing the piano.

Oo! I made Brett another necklace from beads that he picked out. I think I will start doing a line of men's jewelry, with his help. The necklace I made is really cool. Very slick. I'm pleased with it. I have a feeling it's going to photograph horribly though, since it's mostly black and gray.

Have a Happy Halloween, everyone! Here's a picture of me sporting my fun pumpkin necklace: