Jewelry Item of the Week June 5th 2010

Featured this week in my Artfire shop is gorgeous sterling silver wire wrapped bracelet made with lampwork beads that are made in my home studio. Deep midnight blue beads with faint swirls of white and pale blue frit. Each link was carefully hand wrapped with sterling silver wire and the hook for the clasp is handmade and designed for easy use. Please visit my shop on Artfire for more details! Also be sure to check out the 20% off section.

Glass Bead Item of the Week

Today I am featuring an elegant set of beads in shades of gray with 99.9% fine silver wire. These are very simple yet sophisticated and could easily be used for a pair of earrings and a bracelet or as a lovely, statement necklace.

Pale gray oval focal bead with lighter gray shading to a darker gray in the center. Both the focal and the spacer beads are wrapped in fine silver wire. Elegant and sexy! Set of five.

24mm focal
9mm-10mm spacers

Beware Rant Ahead!

I have to say I am sincerely pissed off. I am pretty hard to piss off (although I would bet my husband might disagree lol). So, I work for a car insurance company. For the most part I like my job, I have a great boss and I like my co worker too. Everyone pretty much gets along and its all good. I have always felt that our company did a good job on handling claims and were fair and equitable. My daughter had a car accident on the 14th of May. She was at an intersection with a 2 way stop. She had the stop sign. Both her and her girlfriend looked (because she is a new driver and both of them are very cautious) before proceeding through the intersection. She got halfway through it when the other person hit her. Now, my daughter got the ticket as there were no witnesses. However, the person who hit her was driving with a suspended license (and yes, she got a ticket too). My body shop guy told me (although he wouldn't verify with my company) that she had to have been doing 35 to 40 miles per hour when she hit my daughter. So how do you get up to 35 miles and hour when you have a stop sign a block away? Why are you driving a car to begin with? And she never even hit the brakes, the only skid marks are my daughters. Can you do $4000 worth of damage to a car and total your own doing 25 mph? So any way my insurance company is going to be paying for her damages as well as mine. And my daughter will be penalized for something that wasn't her fault. And the person who broke the law will be rewarded. I am so disappointed in my insurance company. If you are wondering why your insurance rates are so high, this is one of the reasons.

Beaded Necklace

So I have taught myself how to bead crochet (can I tell you what a pain it is to start the darn thing with those teensy tiny seed beads lol) and was fooling around with different ways to use the resulting efforts. I settled on this design, incorporating metal work, wire wrapping and one of my handmade lampwork beads. I designed the clasp to be the focal piece in the front so its easy to use but still makes a statement. This is available in my Artfire shop.

Bead of the Week May 26th 2010

Handmade Lampwork Artisan Glass Organic Focal Bead Twin Rivers

I love organic beads. This one has a base of sky blue with a darker transparent blue and silvered ivory running through it.

Jewelry Item of the Week

I love these earrings. The transparent red and clear glass flowed in a way that reminded me of the flame used to create them. And while I am a silver girl most of the time, these just said gold. The lampwork beads are made by me in my home studio. These are currently on sale in the 20% off section in my studio on Artfire.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Well my garden is finally growing lol. Bit of a late start here this year, lots of rain, kind of cool. I finally got my topsy turvy tomato going (I have been dying to try this since its something my dogs can't trample lol). I also put the seeds in the seedling flats, the wildflowers are coming up already, the veggies, not yet. My daughter and son bought me roses for Mothers Day this year and I got those planted. Here are some pictures of the the roses and also of my irises which are doing very well this year. I am really hoping that the peppers, green beans and watermelon do well. I planted basil also and would like to add a couple more herbs to the collection. I would have liked to put in some cat nip for my cats but unfortunately there are a LOT of cats in our neighborhood and I have no desire to entice them all into my front yard lol.

New Beads

Well, my life is at its typically insane pace +10 the next couple of weeks lol. Lots of family stuff going on and I have to work extra since there are lots of vacations going on in the office. Schools out in a couple of weeks (thank goodness!), my daughter has her dance recital two days after school is out so we have lots of rehearsals (which would be no big deal but the car is in the shop until June 4th, due to an accident s0 she can't drive herself, rental car companies frown on 16 year olds driving their vehicles) and we have a holiday weekend in there. Just totally crazy all the way around. I have lots of new beads to list but haven't had time to take the pictures. Some new jewelry designs also, which incorporate beading, metal etching and lampwork. But you will have to wait just a bit to see those til I have time for pictures lol.

Any way, here are a couple of beads that I just recently listed. Simply click on the picture.

Also don't forget about the new sale section in my jewelry shop! 20% off or more on selected pieces. The discount has already been applied.

Added A Section to My Jewelry Shop

I have added a sale section to my jewelry shop on Artfire. Everything in this section is 20% off and the discount has already been applied. Easy peasy lol. I need to clear out some of my inventory, I am moving in a somewhat different direction with my work. The more I make jewelry the more I feel that I am moving toward a style that is more mine than previously. Being able to use my own lampwork beads, cabochons and metal work makes my new work very much more *mine*. And of course my skills are expanding and my work is getting better. I am going to be phasing out the plated items and moving more toward the sterling silver and gold plated. However I will still be doing pieces in copper as I am very drawn to the warmth of it and the wonderful patinas that can be achieved with fire and LOS. I also may keep using the brass as it does have a lovely color on its own and turns a wonderful pinky gold in the fire. My work is beginning to develop some depth and be a bit more complicated in the making. Any way, if you are looking for a good price on some nice jewelry come visit my sale section. I will be adding items to the sale section over the next several weeks.
Keep an eye out on my shop for new pieces also!

Update on Weight Loss

As promised I am updating my progress (more to keep me motivated than anything but I appreciate your coming along on this journey with me) on my success with this food plan. I have to say, I am having trouble some days eating often enough! And I am sooo not hungry which is great.
To give you an idea of a normal lunch (keep in mind, this is NOT purchased food but home cooked by me) I am having a piece of sweet italian turkey sausage (doesn't have to be turkey it can be pork sausage, but turkey is healthier and leaner. Again, not required) a sweet potato, and mixed veggies. One of my favorite snacks is Skinny Cow peanut butter and chocolate ice cream sandwich. Which, by the way is perfectly okay on this plan since they are less than 200 calories. Anyway here are the results

I started on 03/24/2010

Weight 197.4
% of body fat 49.32
fat weight 97.12
lean body mass 99.5

I am currently in a size 16.


05/03/2010
Weight 189.8
fat weight 79.39
% of body fat 41.83
lean body mass 110.41


7.6 pounds lost overall
% if body fat went down 9%
lost 17.73 pounds of fat!!!!!
gained 10.91 pounds of lean muscle

size 16 is getting looser and I can now fit into
some 14's.

Bead of the Week

This particular set is a new technique I tried and I have to say that I really like this set. I am pretty fond of blue and these just turned out really well. I will be making more of these in a variety of colors I believe. If you think of an interesting color combination that you would like to see these in please feel free to leave a comment.

And for those of you who are curious, I will be posting an update on my progress with the new food plan and how the weight loss/fitness thing is going.

Orange and Yellow Summer Flower Handmade Lampwork Bead

I have been working on my floral and encasing skills. I am quite happy with some of my most recent results. The florals can be quite challenging as they are a multi layer bead. The first layer is the base color or the background if you will. Then comes the vine or stem layer, usually a twisty of whatever combination you think will compliment the flowers. This is encased in a layer of clear. On top of that layer of clear go the flowers. Most flowers are also multi layer for depth. You base petal color, then usually a transparent on top of that for depth. This is melted in and then the centers are plunged, (many times with a contrasting color for the center of the flower). A dot of clear over the center if you want a bubble. Then of course you have another layer of clear to finish it off. This is the simple version, I have seen floral beads that have four to six layers of clear and are complete works of art! I am happy with my progress so far lol!

A New Design

I have been spending a lot of time on the lampwork beads. Totally love doing this, and am very happy with my progress. So anyway, the jewelry had been kind of on the back burner for a bit, I made a pair of earring here and a quick bracelet there but nothing too strenuous. One day I really just felt the need to do something a bit more complicated and involved. So I sat down and made this. I am very happy with the way it turned out and plan on doing more of these with a variety of stones and lampwork, with both copper and sterling silver wire. Would love any comments on the design. I am also just starting a beaded cabochon, which is something on my list of things that I wanted to learn. Can't wait to see how it turns out lol.

Glad To Be Back

Well I have been gone for a bit, I do appreciate your patience! I had been having problems with severe fatigue for quite some time now and its generally worse in the winter time so I was pretty much too tired to do much of anything but go to work and make it through the day. I am happy to say that we seem to have found the problem and the course of action is working. (no drugs lol). I also had gained back most of the weight I had lost simply due to being too tired to do anything. I am back on track with that again and now have the energy to actually exercise on a daily basis. I am very grateful to have found an eating plan that is working for me. No more starvation diets. The weight won't come off overnight but after the first 18 days I am feeling much better, never hungry and am beginning to feel stronger and more flexible physically. And without that walking through mud feeling plaguing my days, I might actually be able to accomplish all that I hope to accomplish. So I am going to post fairly regularly how the whole weight loss thing is going, (don't worry, it will probably be about once a month lol).

I started on 03/24/2010

Weight 197.4
% of body fat 49.32
fat weight 97.12
lean body mass 99.5

I am currently in a size 16.

My goal is to lose between 50 and 60 pounds and to get to size 12 comfortably. Mostly though, I want to be healthy, to have the energy and the strength to do whatever I want to do for the day without dragging all the time.

Bonus would be enjoying shopping for clothes (not too much lol since that might break the budget but at least not dread it). A little more self esteem and confidence would be welcome also.

So anyway, I will be back to posting about my jewelry, my beads, other peoples stuff and my life in general on a fairly regular basis I hope. Talk to you soon!

A Potpourri of Light and Color

I will occasionally be having a guest writer for my blog. This will be the first of three to begin with. I would love your opinions on the content and if it was helpful in any way, or, if you just enjoyed reading it. And of course, I think my jewelry is the perfect compliment for making a unique, whimsical statement in your wardrobe!

It is often a glint of color or a bit of sparkle that first catches the eye. The onlooker pauses and then explores more deeply, taking in the fine textures of the materials, the workmanship and the sense of style that combine to create the look. This is not some judge at an art show or the art-lover visiting a gallery. I am talking about the person next to you on the bus, the couple across from you in the coffee shop, or the receptionist at your next appointment. T

he glints, the gleams and the layers of tasteful beauty that these onlookers appreciate are on you. You can wear them with confidence so you will not only look your best, but you can do so in a unique style that screams, I do not conform to the laws of “trendy” and “fashionable”. I am my own person.

To create this look, start with good, solid basics. If you’re dressing in jeans and a sweater, complement the look with a good belt. Hand-tooled leather with an intricate design would be good. Then add a tapestry cloth vest, one whose weaving is shot through with glints of bright silk in bold colors. Keep the fabrics of sweater and vest smooth and comfortable, and then make sure the jeans are not so plain or new that they clash. Softly worn denim with subtle overstitching for decoration would be a good choice. Tuck the jeans into a good pair of boots, well made, low heeled and not so high up on the calf that you resemble a member of the musketeers. Now, add a scarf, or maybe a boa? Do you have a special pair of earrings or a new suede cap? Begin to build on the basics, layer upon layer of pure “you”. After all, your outfit is sort of the window dressing on the person you are displaying to the world. Make sure that yours complements and never clashes with the person you wish to be seen as when you venture out.

So, maybe, you don’t have all of the elements. That’s fine. You have basics, or you’d never make it out of the house. Experiment. A splash of color or a glimmer of jewelry can make a dull suit or dress sing an aria, and the song will be of your own composing. Keep the layers light, so you can add or subtract without feeling like you’re molting, and feel free to change them about as the day and your needs change. For lunch, doff the cap and scarf, and let that beaded necklace that was hiding have a chance to peep out. You are a one-woman show in style, or at least that’s what you will appear to be.

The concept of layering is not new. Most, however, seem to think of it in conjunction with keeping warm. And while layers are great for added warmth, they can add drama or fun or mystery just as easily. So, have fun with the concept. Make a new statement every day, or simply modify the same one so that you are consistent, but never repetitive. It begins with a glint or a sparkle. Where it goes from there is up to you.

Just a Quick Add On

Just wanted to post a quick picture of another beautiful, romantic piece made by Exquisite Studios and my lamp work beads. The necklace is simply beautiful and I am thrilled she made my beads look so good lol! Here are the beads. And here is the lovely necklace she made with them.

Artisan Feature

Well I am finally back to posting on my blog. I have missed doing it but the holidays were so completely crazy I couldn't squeeze out spare moment.

I am going to do a little bit more on the artisan features this year, I have come across some really great shops. I am also going to feature some pieces from other artisans that are using my lampwork beads in their work. On that note, here is the first one. This piece was made by Exquisite Studios and can be found here. She took one of my lentils and paired it with a hammered circle made by AlishaWhite. I think they look beautiful together and am excited to see how my beads are used in other peoples creations. And not only does ExquisiteStudios make some really beautiful jewelry, she makes also makes the most beautiful candle holders. Go check out her shop, her jewelry is elegant and romantic and well worth a good look!

Holiday Sale Extended

Wow, it sure has been super busy at my house since Thanksgiving! We had a great meal and family get together, I hope all of you had the same. I think that was the least tense Thanksgiving in years lol, no bickering going on at all. I think everyone was just too stuffed! I hope everyone is ready for Christmas! No? Me neither lol and we are celebrating with my side of the family on Sunday ( oh my gosh I have 5 days, eek, I hope I get everything done in time!)

I have decided to extend my sale in my artfire shop until the 1st of the year. 10% off everything in my shop using coupon code Holidays1. I can't get anymore custom orders like the rings and some of the pendants done in time for Christmas though.

I sincerely wish each and every one a fabulous Christmas, with lots of love and joy, and happy, prosperous New Year!

Check out this great contest!

The Fire Divas are hosting an Introductory Jewelry Challenge! This challenge will be for jewelry designers who use artisan lampwork in their pieces. The winner of the Challenge will receive a beautiful group of Fire Divas' work. This is a wonderful chance for jewelry designers to show off their talents and get exposure!

Please click on the link below to get all the details & to enter: We love to see how designers use our creations, though for this 1st challenge, ANY artisan lampwwork beads will do as long as they're handmade.

http://firedivas.blogspot.com/2009/11/calling-all-desingers-introductory.html

Holiday Sale Starts

I am having a holiday sale starting Thanksgiving day and running until the 13th of December. Everything in my Artfire studio is on sale for 10% off. Enter the coupon code Holidays at check out and the 10% off will be taken off. Please note that if you want a custom order, I am currently at two weeks and my last day for Christmas shipping via first class mail is December 14th. After that I don't know if it will make it in time without a shipping upgrade or not. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving if you are in the United States and that everyone has a wonderful holiday season no matter what part of the world you are in!

P.S. The coupon code won't be valid until Thursday!

Featured Artisan Willow Walker Designs

Today I am featuring another jewelry artisan (ya, I know, call me
crazy but her stuff rocks lol). She makes the most stunning fused glass items I couldn't resist. And I happen to know that she is having some great sales on some of her pieces at the moment so I thought I would share. Since I can't buy up the whole store myself (although I would like to try lol). Go visit her shop at Willow Walker Designs and get some of that Christmas shopping out of the way early! See you there!

Trade and Stay!

Come check out this great event! Trade and Stay on the Artfire forums. Open to all Artfire and Etsy shops Pro or Basic! Come trade for holiday gifts! Really simple and lots of shops are already participating! Come check it out!

Featured Artisan

I haven't done a featured artisan recently. Between the move from etsy to artfire, summer, and learning some new skills, and also working a bit more at the day job, I just haven't been that focused lol! Today, even though I don't sell on etsy anymore, I am going to feature an artist from etsy because her stuff is gorgeous, its inexpensive and would make a great gift for Christmas.

VINTAGE VERSES

Joy does these wonderful, handwritten calligraphy verses and hymns on sepia toned paper. They are truly beautiful works of art and more than reasonably priced. She is also happy to personalize any of these for you. What a wonderful gift these would make for Christmas. Please go check out her shop today!

Our Other Cat

Thought I would show of our other cat. His name is Drake and he is such a sweety. He is also one of the fattest cats I have seen lol. He is our other pound rescue. I brought home both Drake and Dragon on the same day although they are not from the same litter. Drake is about 2 weeks older than Dragon. I brought them home when they were about 8 and 6 weeks old. They are now about 6 years old. I don't know why he weighs so much, both cats get the same amt of dry food every day, they don't get table food and they don't get moist food. (Okay on Thanksgiving they do get turkey and on Christmas a tiny bit of ham). My guess is total lack of exercize and the fact that he is neutered. He is really just lazy. Dragon run around all the time and as you can see in previous posts about Dragon he is slim and trim. Short of chaining Drake to the treadmill I have about given up on trying to get him to be active. He is a really sweetheart thought and spends a good deal of time talking to us.

Downstairs Work Space

Okay here are the pictures of my other workspace. Affectionately known as the Cave lol! This is where I do all the lapidary, glass work and metal work. No pictures of the metal work set up at the moment since I use the same space for that as I do for the glass. Temporary, I just haven't gotten around to putting up the other table for the metal work. I now officially own one whole wall of the basement. I do get a lot of laundry done though lol! The first picture is the lapidary machine that I cut cabs on. This is the grinding and polishing part. The trim saw is in the garage and I go to the lapidary club and use the club slab saws when I need to make slabs. The other three are pics of the glass bead making set up and an idea of what the torch looks like when I am in front (actually behind but you see what I mean) the torch. This torch gets up to 1700 degrees. It really hurts if you forget where the flame is.