Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Resin Jewelry

I have been waiting for the chance to create some resin jewelry pieces. I love the idea of making pendants, bracelets, earrings from "scratch".

I mixed up my first batch of resin tonight...not sure it was really the best night for it, with the humidity being so high. All I can say so far is that it is

STINKY!!

I mixed it up in the studio in front of an open window and wore a mask. But the residual smell is making it impossible to stay in the studio. Alas, I'm going to open up the windows and call it a night.

Can't wait to see what I have in the morning!!


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Trying out some new ideas

Hello!
I've been messing around with some new project ideas. I love love making jewelry especially beading, but I'm always itching to learn something new!
On my quest to make more earrings I decided to pull out my Wig-Jig and try forming some new earring wires. Not that there's anything wrong with the pre-made ones that I've been purchasing, I'm just looking to add some interest to my final creations. I love bending straight wire into interesting shapes!!
I also want to create some resin jewelry pieces. I'm surprised that I haven't been able to find more project ideas on the internet! But I have found a few cool blogs and a great supplier of materials on Ebay.
I'll let you know what I come up with!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Onyx Daisies


These onyx crystals are a real compliment to the textured silver findings. The drop style gives enough movement to sway and the crystals have a beautiful shine!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

More Boat Trip Pics






Here are a few more pictures from our trip.

*Warning!! Scenic Pic*






Obviously I love to take pics! :) So beware this post is heavily littered with pics from our boat trip on 8/16. We took the boat from Coopersville up the Grand River to Lake Michigan. The day started out beautiful and sunny and then got a little drizzly for a bit. Even though the rain held out the sun didn't come back out...but that was ok...saved us from sunburns! We saw so many fun things on our trip; gorgeous homes, wildlife, Adirondack chairs (a strange fancy of mine), unusual boats and so much more!!!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Champagne Dessert


I love the simplicity of the clear focal bead rimmed in silver. The clear glass gives a beautiful sparkle while being versatile.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Leona set


This is an example of a remake of a previously unattractive necklace...wish I had taken a "before" photo! I love the look of rocks and minerals and when I can find realistic lightweight replicas I can hardly contain my excitement!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Cinnabar Chunks


Keeping with the same style as earlier today, but using brightly colored Cinnabar colored beads. These earrings are surprising lightweight! The color combination makes them great for summer brights or autumn hues.

Seafoam Dangles


These earrings are made with sea-foam green pearls and crystal clear chips. I'm really working to keep my promise to myself to create more earrings! One thing I've learned about making earrings is that I can try out new techniques in a small scale!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Citrus Slices set


Continuing to work with wood beads, I created this citrus inspired bracelet and earrings set. My youngest son thinks the earrings look like flying saucers ! :)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Plumb Drop


These simple earrings are made from deep purple wooden beads and silver findings. I am working on trying to make more earrings. For some reason I really struggle with earring design.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Newly Painted Studio




As promised here is a picture of my newly painted studio!! I love the fresh white paint and the burgundy door! I also had to add an old mailbox to the front...kinda gives it a homey look! I'm thinking about asking hubby to make some rustic looking shutters for the windows, what do you think?

I need to brag for a minute...my sister was browsing at our favorite "junk" store and came across these two beautiful outdoor lights. Those of you who know me well also know that I enjoy making stained glass windows (along with my many other crafting obsessions), so when she saw these she rushed over and told me. When I went into the store I instantly knew they'd be perfect replacements for the two ugly lights on the front of my studio...now to get hubby to install them ;) Oh! I almost forgot! I got the pair for $25! Now I just need to find one for beside the door.

Confetti Fun set


I posted pics of the Confetti Fun bracelet earlier. Here is the rest of the playful set. These dyed shells are so much fun to work with and the beautiful bright colors add a playful spirit to any outfit!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Snowberry Clearwing


When I first spotted this species of moth last year I couldn't figure out if it was a hummingbird or a gigantic bumblebee! When it finally landed and I was able to take pics I could see that it was an unusual moth. The moth was identified as a Snowberry Clearwing.

*** Check out my slide show at the bottom of the page for more landscape pics ***

Mourning Cloak


I found this Mourning Cloak moth on my butterfly bush today. Isn't it pretty?

Friday, August 7, 2009

Happy Birthday to me!

I'm taking the weekend off from blogging. Have a great weekend!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

More Graphic Pendants




Here are some more examples of the graphic pendants that I created.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Graphic Shells




These are part of a new technique I tried out. The graphics on the shell pendants are really pretty!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Bead Medley




This bracelet was made from an assortment of yummy glass beads and bronze/copper wire. The cuff was made by twisting the wire by hand and adding the individual beads.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Midnight Coast


The colors in this photo just don't do justice to the shell beads, which are a deep midnight blue/purple, gold and black with plenty of natural shine.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Beach Comber


These pretty earrings and bracelet remind me of collecting at the beach. Tiny shells and beach glass pieces in pink, purple and light green.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Sunrise Bangle


This fun bangle has beads that move as you move your hand. The round silver beads are stationary while the rest of the beads slide around the bangle, including the suns which rotate.