Earrings – Coming Soon to an Auction Near You

Tags

Andrew Thornton, Artists for Animals Auction, Halcraft, Melinda Orr, SagaHus Components, Sue-Lin Tarnowski, vintage Swarovski crystals

Here I am again, too impatient to wait until I have good pictures. I was busy today making earrings for the Artists for Animals Auction coming up October 29 – November 4, 2018. My sales at this auction will benefit Madison Cat Project. I haven’t made a lot of earrings since I stopped wearing them, and I really fell out of practice. I feel like recently, in making earrings for this auction, I’ve gotten some earring mojo back. Here is a sneak peak.

These feature some metal components by Melinda Orr combined with sweet polymer charms by Andrew Thornton. 

Next up are some that absolutely need a better picture because the components are so fabulous, but difficult to photograph. Large (12 mm) Vintage Swarovski Crystal Comet (24k gold) bicones with long, vintage solid brass drops. Both pieces, but especially the drops, have a great aged patina. This is how I like my bling – with a side of grunge. I LOVE these earrings.

Here are some that are pure fun. Vintage Japanese glass hoops paired with some new Halcraft handmade ceramic fish! Yellow is not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who like it (me!) these are a ray of sunshine. 

When I knew I was going to participate in this auction, I started having a million ideas. I thought I’d be organized (just a minute – hahahahahaha!!!!!!) and put materials for ideas I had in a box. Well I did that for exactly one pair of earrings, but it’s a really delightful pair, featuring these blue SagaHus fabric and wire components. 

The last pair I’ll show is another with hard to photograph crystals. These are large AB Swarovskis paired with polymer dangles by Sue-Lin Tarnowski. The flash in these cubes is so fabulous I used rainbow wires to match. 

Ok, that’s the preview. I hope you will visit the Artists for Animals Auction starting October 29th to see these pieces (and much more) in their glory. Next weekend I’ll have a photo assistant, so I won’t have to take picture with one hand while holding the items with the other!

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Allegory Gallery Design Challenge – Ancient Kingdom

Tags

Allegory Gallery Design Challenge, Ancient Kingdom Challenge, Andrew Thornton, Loralee Kolton

Today is the reveal for the Allegory Gallery Ancient Kingdom Design Challenge. 

It’s a lovely kit of rich purples, burnt orange and bronzes. Here is my picture of the kit.

Pretty, right? So many things I love. First up, I wanted to use the laser cut wooden eye that was this kit’s Mystery Component. I wanted to try a technique on mine, so I painted it plum, put a flatback pearl in the center and trimmed it out with crystal cup chain. I intended for it to be a necklace, but I didn’t like it with any of the beads I tried. My dad, a pin maker, suggested I make it a pin. When I tried a pin back on it, that showed through the open cut. Then I thought of the kind of pins Loralee Kolton uses. I had some in my stash. Her pins (and other jewelry) are so fabulous. 

I was tempted to use all the loops for drops, but in the end I really loved how this large vintage chalk white drop looked alone. I also used a druzy agate round from the kit. I loved how this one had a really craggy, sparkly part. After making it, I learned why painting it was frustrating; I used the wrong paint. But, now I’m all excited because Andrew and friends did an unboxing video (if you click on the link, there are three on September 17th) that showed different techniques on the wooden pendants. I can’t wait to try working with more now that I have more knowledge!

I was inspired by the eye component in this kit to consider other eyes in my stash. I was thrilled to see that I had a good idea for one of the ancient eye beads Andrew made a while ago. I am in love with these beads. 

I used one matte brown round and a couple of seed beads with the eye to make a pendant. I was happy the brown bead was large holed enough to completely cover the headpin I used. I like to disguise connection points as much as possible. I knotted the small purple beads on the waxed linen from the kit. I wanted the necklace to be longer than that, so then I used some of the purple/bronze pearls toward the back. They are at the perfect location in the necklace to prove a little sparkle to bring your eye up the strand. However, I wanted it to be longer yet! So I found all the peanut beads (amazing textured, metallic little things) and separated them with bugle beads. Perfect length. I love this necklace.

My mom and I have been discussing making decoupage beads, and during the time I was working on this kit, I found some great tissue paper I knew we would both love.

The paper on the right is a nice color combination for the purple beads in the kit. I decoupaged it onto a wooden bead to use with the strand of amethyst from the kit.

I separated the chips with seed beads from the kit, and used kit rounds on either side of bead caps from my stash. I finished it off with several strands of mixed chain.

I also really liked the ancient looking clay bicone in the kit. It looks like something one would find when digging for treasure in an ancient kingdom. As soon as I started working with this kit, my mom recognized that she had a necklace that would work well with the colors. She was shopping it around as perhaps going with the laser cut eye and other items. I did think it looked great with the clay bead. I like the contrast of bling and rustic. 

The pearls and crystals really allow the plain matte-ness of this bead stand out. I made a little macrame loop from linen and used a kit pearl at the bottom.

I wanted to make more, but had no more time. I love the spangles and have an idea of another project they might go with. I believe I have more of the striped rounds in the upper left square in my kit picture, so I’d like to make something with those. So many lovely materials and not enough time to create! Once again, I had a ton of fun with this kit. Thank you so much to William, Andrew and Allegory Gallery. Visit the Allegory Gallery Design Challenge page to see more beautiful kit creations.

 

Maker Blogs 9.22.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton, Beading Arts, Blake Crouch, cruise gift exchange, Dark Matter, doll collector jewelry, Inspired by Reading Book Club, Jen Palmer, Russian leaf beading tutorial, Tammy Powley, Tapping Flamingo Bling, Tappingflamingo, The Crafty Princess Diaries

This week in maker blogs, on Beading Arts, Cyndi shares her experience with Russian leaves bead weaving. This is a pretty, versatile design that you can use for earrings or pendants. Cyndi gives lots of tips and links to tutorials. 

Terry Jeannette of the Tappingflamingo talks about her love of going on cruises and doing gift exchanges. She talks about “fish extenders.” It’s very interesting, and she shows many of her lovely items. Going on a cruise? Check out her shop for appropriate gifts if you will be joining an exchange. 

On The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy Powley is making jewelry for doll collectors to wear. What a great idea! In addition to collecting dolls and accessories for them, enthusiasts can get something doll related that they can wear themselves. Visit Tammy’s shop to see what she has in stock. 

On Andrew Thornton’s blog, he shows a geometric pendant he created for the Inspired by Reading Book Club. They read Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. It’s a beautiful piece; the author himself said so when Andrew posted the piece online. How fun!

I’m really enjoying Allegory Gallery’s new podcast series. On their blog, they highlight installment 3, an interview with Jen Palmer. The artist talks about her background and her connection to art as a way of healing. Allegory Gallery always features the work of the artist they interview for their podcast, so check out their shop to see more of Jen’s work. 

Thanks for visiting. I hope you’ve discovered something wonderful!

Maker Blogs 9.15.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton, Blythe doll clothing, Blythe dolls, Diane Hawkey, Tammy Powley, Tapping Flamingo, Tapping Flamingo Bling, The Crafty Princess Diaries

Welcome to this week’s maker blog post. Let’s get started.

On Tapping Flamingo, Terry talks about her mother’s experience with blood clots and how we have to be proactive with our health when doctors don’t necessarily listen. I’m so glad her mother’s story had a good outcome, thanks to a little daughterly nagging! The autism awareness bracelets that Terry makes can also be for PE/DVT awareness. Check them out in her shop. 

On the Allegory Gallery blog, their second podcast is up! This time, they interview ceramic artist Diane Hawkey. I love Diane’s colorful, whimsical work. Once again, it was fun to hear how an artist got started and how her work evolved. As part of their podcast series, Allegory Gallery features some work by each artist they interview in their shop. 

On The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy has been sewing Halloween dresses for Blythe dolls! Halloween is a favorite holiday for many people, including Tammy. It shows in these very cute dresses. I love the one with a candy corn motif. The candy may be too sweet for you, but the dress is just sweet enough! She’s trying to make more in time for Halloween, so keep checking back in her shop.

I’m linking to a slightly older post from Andrew Thornton’s blog. Earlier this summer, he started making these beautiful copper and sterling pendants in a variety of designs. They are all infused with meaning. Andrew talks about how things can have different interpretations, and we shouldn’t let one interpretation hold us back as makers. I would say the same thing is true of art lovers. I have pieces of art that were created with one thought by the artist, but has a different meaning filtered through my own experiences. Both of those things can hold true in the piece. That is the magic of art. 

You can find Andrew’s copper and silver work in the Allegory Gallery shop.

Maker Blogs 9.8.18

Tags

Andrew Thornton, Blythe dolls, Pantone, Tapping Flamingo, The Crafty Princess Diaries, Treasures by Terry, upcycled jewelry

I can’t believe it’s already a week into September! The weather here really shows it with a lovely cool breeze. I’m on vacation today sitting on the porch and enjoying the chirping of the birds and rustle of the leaves. Here are this week’s blogs to enjoy too!

On The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy is making a mermaid doll tote for her shop. The mermaid fabric proved very popular when she posted it on instagram. In her post, she talks about the difficulty of getting a first sale in a new etsy shop. I just visited to get the link, and I see that since her post, the super cute cat dress and accessories listing has sold. Congratulations, Tammy! She’s added more great items. My current favorite is the crocheted dress with a sweet ruffled hem. 

On Tapping Flamingo, Terry talks about one of my favorite subjects: upcycling old jewelry! She takes a bracelet that has seen better days, adds a few things and make a great boho piece. She’s even got a little video about the process. 

Do you design based on color trends? I don’t necessarily, but I think it is fun to see what’s coming. And if someone offers up a challenge, I will take it on. It can really open you up. My mom and I talk about how sometimes we keep buying the “same” beads over and over. Focusing on colors that aren’t your go-to is a way to stretch your creativity. On Andrew Thornton‘s blog, he highlights the Pantone Spring/Summer 2019 color trends.

I love the bright pink/oranges and the rich greens. Do you have a guess for the color of the year in 2019?

I’ve been feeling very creative in a relaxed way while on vacation. I’m taking more time to explore ideas, and feel less pressure to get something made in the short time off I have in a regular work week. I hope you are having a lovely day wherever you are!

Maker Blogs 8.31.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton, Beading Arts, Kawaii Doll Shop, The Crafty Princess Diaries

Here I am with this week’s maker posts.

First, Beading Arts has a tutorial for a ruffled peyote stitch rope necklace. It’s such a beautiful, sculptural stitch for Cyndi’s last beaded rope necklace for the summer.

On The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy talks about how opening an etsy shop for her Blythe doll dresses and sundries took her down the social media worm hole. She set up a Pinterest page, a Facebook page and an Instagram account. As long as she’s done all that work, go take a look! I love this cute cat dress. 

Andrew Thornton has recently picked up his jeweler’s saw after a time away. He’s been cutting and soldering mixed metal pendants. I have to admit I was charmed by one of his cat pendants featuring beautiful bezel set glass eyes and picked it up for myself. Cats are not his only theme. You can check out more at Allegory Gallery. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Maker Blogs 8.25.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Allegory Gallery Design Challenges, Andrew Thornton, Beading Arts, Earrings Everyday, SJ Designs Jewelry, We're All Ears Challenge

Hello! Let’s look at some maker blogs for this week.

First up, Cyndi remakes a bead embroidered pendant to great effect over on Beading Arts. What a difference! Both before and after are beautiful, but the remake is more versatile. I’m reluctant to remake things, but this encourages me. Here is the remade pendant. Check out her blog to see how it started.

Sarajo of SJ Designs Jewelry, makes beautiful jewelry and has wonderful adventures. She also has a monthly Honey Do List Challenge on her blog. Hers is a fun blog to follow. Check out her most recent blog for the August We’re All Ears Challenge. The We’re All Ears Challenge takes place on the Earrings Everyday blog. That is a great blog as well.

Do you like sugar skulls? Andrew Thornton has taken Czech glass sugar skull beads and bezel set them in sterling silver. Gorgeous! Take a look.

I’m currently working on jewelry for the Allegory Gallery Coral Coast Design Challenge. I’m super inspired by this challenge and hope you will come back to see my reveal on August 30th. The next kit is available as well: Ancient Kingdom.

As always, thank you for visiting!

 

Maker Blogs 8.17.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Allegory Gallery Interviews, Andrew Thornton, Beading Arts, Gina Chalfant, Tapping Flamingo, Terry Jeanette, Treasures by Terry, White Swan Studio

I come to you with the maker blogs for this week. First up, on Beading Arts, Cyndi has a tutorial for a spiral rope using purple pearls. It’s so pretty! She also talks about how to make it fit your style using different beads, more beads or chain in the back for a flexible neckline. 

On Tapping Flamingo, Terry is looking forward to fall and designing jewelry to be ready for the season, including her lovely Broken Shell collection which reminds us of the wisdom we gain from our experiences. 

Next, on Andrew Thornton‘s blog, he shares some wisdom he’s gained about being the owner of a creative-based small business. He links to a series of informational posts from a few years ago. Now as a SCORE American Small Business Champion winner, he’s learned even more!

And finally, Allegory Gallery has entered the world of podcasts with a series called Allegory Gallery Interviews. They know that beads and art have a story, and who better to tell that story than the makers themselves! The first podcast features Gina Chalfant of White Swan Studio. 

Enjoy all of these posts and your weekend!

Maker Blogs 8.10.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton, Beading Arts, chenille stitch, Crafts and Dollies vlog, doll collecting, Green Girl Studios, lost wax casting, Tammy Powley, Tapping Flamingo, Terry Jeanette, The Crafty Princess Diaries, Treasures by Terry, wedding jewelry

I bring you the maker blogs for this week!

First up on Beading Arts, Cyndi shares her modification of a chenille stitch rope. Beautiful!

Over on the Crafts and Dollies vlog posted on the Crafty Princess Diaries page, Tammy talks about not having it all. Anyone who makes knows that while we might want to, we can’t have all the things. Tammy talks about moving out some of the old to bring in the new. I think destash is so win-win. See Tammy’s “new” below!

Next, on to Tapping Flamingo, Terry talks wedding jewelry and accessories. From traditional to modern, she’s got something for every wedding. 

Andrew Thornton is back with another curated selection from his stash, this time, beloved owl beads, like this one below from Green Girl Studios.

Speaking of Green Girl Studios, Allegory Gallery took a recent trip to their studio in North Carolina and shares this video of Greg Ogden talking about the lost wax casting techniques they use to make their beads and components. Really fascinating!

Thanks for stopping by.

Maker Blogs 7.29.18

Tags

Allegory Gallery, Andrew Thornton, autism jewelry, Beading Arts, Blythe dolls, Dana Swisher, Eleanor & Park, Inspired by Reading Book Club, Rainbow Rowell, surfer jewelry, Tammy Powley, Tapping Flamingo, Tapping Flamingo Bling, The Crafty Princess Diaries

Here is the next installment of my new feature, weekly maker blogs! First up is Tapping Flamingo where Terry talks about the evolution of the cute surfer bracelets in her Tapping Flamingo Bling etsy shop and how they support people with autism. 

Next, on The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy shares how important details are when crafting, especially on a small scale, like her Blythe Doll dress. You can also get a bit of an understanding of the breadth of her crafting if you watch the short video where she briefly mentions quilting, shows a finished crochet project, and shares more dolls and handmade doll clothing. 

On Beading Arts, Cyndi shows a gorgeous beaded Russian spiral rope project that she calls “quick.” I couldn’t do that in a million years! But, with her skill, it is a nice project to have for a busy summer. I love the colors!

On The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton, Andrew features his make for the Inspired by Reading Book Club. This month, they read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I love what Andrew made, and the author herself stopped by to take a look! Andrew ended up making a necklace version to sell for a charity of the author’s choice, and I just had to stop mid-blog writing to buy one for myself!

Over on the Allegory Gallery blog, they are sharing some of their latest offerings in their still new online store, including handmade pendants by artist Andrew Thornton and whimsical ceramic face beads by Dana Swisher. I can attest to the beauty of the work of these artists because I own some from each of them. These long bails offer so many options to customize the pendants – hanging more charms from it, wire or fiber wrapping, etc. Get creative!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this. For me, when it comes to blogs, more is more!