Beaded Collars...or rather Bibs.

Earlier this year I created several beaded collars...projects that I had been thinking about for quite some time.I had great fun working up the color scheme in  these collars.  The larger collar is a magnificent piece to wear and has the impression of Egyptian fashion.  I imagine how grand Cleopatra must have felt wearing those wonderful beaded collars, sipping fine wine!  I started out with a beautiful but bright Purple Sea Sediment Jasper.  I decided I did not want to play up the bright Purple and focus on all the complimentary tones found in the stone.  I added some vintage glass cabochons and pearl to give a sheen to the collar at various places.

The two smaller collars were a bit more difficult primarily due to the small space.  At their widest point, the collar is not quite 2 inches.  I did not want to have the space on each side of the center cabochons to be boring and so after pondering various ideas I cam up with the final designs.  The lighter collar has a small, teardrop cabochon of Ocean Jasper.  I love Ocean Jasper and all it's variations.  It will often have circulars shapes indicating something bubbled up from the deep ocean floor and solidified! I had to work at keeping the Ocean Jasper collar light and white.  I rarely use white in my beaded pieces so this was a challenge.  The animal print type beading just happened, I did not start out with a plan on how to fill space.  I love the way the collar turned out!  The other small collar has a aquamarine blue Swarovski cabochon.  The frosted glass leaves to the side are also vintage, very unique.

I had great fun creating these collars. They are currently on view at Artist Collaborative Gallery in Sacramento.

The bottom necklace is Ocean Jasper surrounded by champagne button pearls.  Poor photo!

Deco Woman

 

Where has Time Gone?!

Time to get back to blogging!  Lot's of chaos at the home front these past 9 months but life seems to be stabilizing for now : )  Blogger has changed quite a bit since my last post and so I am hoping I can figure out how to post photos!!  I am severely computer illiterate!  I have had quite a few custom orders this year.  I decided that custom work is difficult to do while still keeping up inventory for the gallery....but, I managed to get through it all and have worked out a system...just need a bigger studio!  I am beginning to understand my market a bit better and am seeing a sales cycle:  Embellished bead work sells well for the holidays and special occasions while Steam punk is definitely  more for the casual, everyday buyer.  Bead work is definitely more labor intensive and gratifying while Steam punk is quick, instant results. 

 

Holiday Shopping

Just finished a large assortment of monogram necklaces using vintage typewriters keys.  I will present these at the Sacramento Arts Festival next weekend.   I have been creating alot of smaller pieces to sell over the holidays.  I miss bead embroidery as I have not had much time to devote to this activity.  I will beging making a few holiday ornaments for the gallery and then start on some larger embroidered projects.  I am anxious to dive into something new.

Beadpunk

Working on Beadpunk or rather steampunk with beading embellsihment.  I like "Geisha Gal"..turned out very nice.  I love the odd shapes of  various watch parts.   I am busy working on 6 pieces at the time.  There are many stages...lots of time waitng for glue to dry, cleaning the many. many, very small vintage watch parts... so I find it best to work on several projects at once.  Anyhow, thought I'd share my Geisha Gal as she is a good representation of my direction with Steam Punk jewelry

Variations on Steampunk Jewelry

I've busy working on new work for my featured artist show at the gallery this July.  I am trying something totally new..steampunk and found objects jewelry.  I did alot of searching but have been able to find some fantastic old watches(which I am taking apart), keys, stamps and more,  My new works is a u-turn from my usual bead embroidered pieces.  I love the challenge of trying to get all these components to work together. I am also finally getting to work on some new techniques which I have put on hold since joining the gallery.  Often I feel very restricted on what I can show at the collaborative gallery as I have been juried in for beadwork;  this prevents me from exhibiting other jewelry types at the gallery. 

On top of being featured artist, I have committed to showing two new pieces at the Folsom B of A gallery in July.  Needless to say the next month will be busy and house cleaning will be put on hold(what else is new!).
I am enjoying all the newly found creatiity this Steampunk project has brought on.  My mind is racing with new ideas...i could really use more time!  Looking forward to some chill time in mid July

Anyhow, I need to get busy cleaning those watch parts!  I have a few photos t post but the quality is poor.  I usually Take my photos in diffused sunlight but it has been so gloomy and dark that I had little sunlight to light up my work.

It's been way too long!

I cannot believe how busy I have been with "other" things!  I feel pulled in many different directions these days.  I am attempting to produce as much new work as I can for the El Dorado Hills Spring Artist Tour...May 21st and 22nd and then also for my Featured Artist Show at the Artist Collaborative Gallery this July.  Unfortunately, my work takes time...alot of time.  I am exploring new bracelets and am posting photos I took of 2 newer designs.  One of the photos is of a  blue button bracelet which I've made a duplicate.  The second bracelet will be embellished with crystal and pearls.  The fringe bracelet is really cool and fun to wear.  All those beads give the bracelet a hefty weight.  The toggles on both these bracelets were very time consuming....tension on the beads has to be just right or the toggle will be soft but if you get it right the toggles are beautiful, strong structures.

Yesterday I received some beautiful, soft leather I had ordered.  Black and brown for some men's cuff designs(women also) and a lovely matte gold leather to make a beaded collar with...can't wait!