One of a Kind Jewelry for One of a Kind You

Berks Bead Show....finally!!!!

2012-03-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

The weekend for the bead show finally arrived, and I must say, I really felt prepared. Nerves kicked in of course, and I had that panick moment, where I thought no one would buy my beads. I hate that.

Things didn't go smoothly, but they went. Just realized prior to leaving that my car is overdue for inspection (an old chevy blazer that I can pack everything into nicely). So we took my moms car, a Honda compact instead. It fit, barely!!! Whew! It was like tetris.

We got there with no problems, my mom, daughter Julia and me....ready for a girl weekend.

Well- saturday was BUSY. I barely got to hang with my girls. But my mom and Julia had a nice time together. Some bead friends that I know from our online group stopped by and they all had lunch together. It was soooooo nice to finally get to meet these ladies in person, that I already felt so close to before actually meeting them. What a fun group! I wish all lived closer.

Not everyone made it in the picture. Thats what happens when you get a group of bead lovin ladies in a room full of beads. Its hard to get them to stand still in one place, unless perhaps you scream, "FREE BEADS!"

IN this photo, starting on the left, we have Marsha Neal of Marsha Neal Studio and her daughter (totally worn out from bead shopping).
Me- hiding in the back
Diana Ptzaszynski of Suburban Girl Studio
Jenny Davies-Reazor whom I have gotten to know for her jewelry- but she also does mixed media art!
And all the way to the right is Melinda Orr of Orrtec. She does ceramic and wonderful metal components and jewelry.

Lisa's mom is peaking around the left side in the back. She is as "berks bead show" as it gets. I always think of her and Lisa working the booth together there.

Not in the picture are Sandra Miller of Beaded by Sandra and Kristie Roeder of Artisan Clay, who also brought her daughters (OH my Julia was sooo happy to see them!) Mary Hubburd of White Clover Kiln came with her daughter too. Where did they get to??? Did I miss anyone- geez- it was a blurr!

Of course- Lisa Peters and Joan Miller had tables there, and it was sooo nice to be able to talk with them through the weekend. More friends I made online. I also met new people, and just had a blast!!!! Bead and jewelry people, we just get each other!

Here are some more pics of the girls!

me, diana, and jenny

Don't we look like we are up to no good???? I have a feeling if I hung around with this girl more often we would be!!! (smile real big and no one will suspect us;)

Diana pushing the sari silks I was selling. Holy MOly- ladies love their silks!!! Sold almost all of them.

Lisa and I- love this lady and her work! If you haven't met her in person, you need to track her down at a show!

(above)This is apparently the face I make when someone tells me to "just act natural" in a picture. Yeah, you should see my school pics through the years. No poise in front of the camera. None.

This is another picture by Jenny of the booth- that bounty of beads is what I have been working soo dilligently on!

Here is my booth- the banner turned out nicely, and I was very happy overall with it. It really stood out, wasn't too hard to set up and tear down at all, and not too heavy to carry, and matched my style!

This was my neighbor at the show, Dona Jones of Kindred Spirit Designs. She does great copper components and jewelry- very detailed!!!! I was honored that she bought my necklace! She is wearing it in the picture, doesn't it look like it was made for her? We hit it off fabulously. I hope we keep in touch! Anyone who loves their Doc Martens is ok by me!!!

It was a great show. And people did like and buy my beads. I even had a wonderful cutomer buy a bunch on saturday, and she came back sunday to show me the wonderful necklace she made with them!!!!!!!! It was so amazing! I also had someone track me down from Belle Armoire Jewelry. Did I tell you I have an article in there and a project in the gallery too? I love the pictures they took of my jewelry. As if that wasn't exciting enough, a customer read it and came to find me at
Berks. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that my jewelry and beads are loved!

You can get a sneek peak of my article here- its titled, Butterflies and Chains.

Of course, I came home with some loot. After a marathon of bead making, I got a pallette together to start making jewelry for my spring shows. Can you tell where I will be going with it????

I got some great large keshi pearls, chunky grey gemstones, sea urchin spines (ooooooooo my favorite find) some Greg Graup cabs and beads, a couple Joan Miller daggers, lots of Lisa Peters Art beads and some odds and ends, Diane Hawkey beads, some Dona Jones pieces, and some bone beads.

My daugther loved bead shopping at came home with quite the stash, but it was stashed away so fast when we got home I had no time for pics. Here she is playing games with her gram! I was so happy they came along.

We had dinner with friends saturday night, and then Julia and I had ate chocolate, watched a movie and beaded in bed. How girly is that? Here is the necklace we made, using a Lisa Peters butterfly.

I think that sums it up. I feel so overwhelmed by the support and love. You all have been soo encouraging during this process. I think this show confirms I can continue in this direction, doing both beads and jewelry. Thank you thank you thank you!

You guys light up my life!

Marsha Neal Studio Silk Challenge

2012-03-01T08:46:00.001-05:00

(If you are still Music Challenge hopping (I am ) scroll down one post- thanks!)

Oh my goodness, I love Marsha's silks. How can you resist such rich colors? Well, she is doing a challenge where we got to pick a color palette of our own from inspiration pulled from these pictures.

I loved the rich and bright colors of these pictures. It was hard to only pull 20 silks, and I decided to do 2 of each of my colors. I pulled out the oranges, reds and pinkish purples. Here is my color palette.

You can vote for your favorite of the 12 new color palettes on Marsha's blog here. You can also see what prizes we can earn, and if you buy my palette it will help me win my own free palette!!!!!!!!

You can purchase my palette here on her website.

Challenge of Music Blog Hop

2012-02-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

I had a friend once ask me what my all time favorite song was. Wow. That was a great question and he knew that would be hard for me. I think I took a whole year to think about it. I mean, I love music. I love music for the lyrics, I love music for the way it makes me feel~ the emotion it evokes, I love music for the memories it brings. This makes for a lot of music that I LOVE to listen to. Everything, from disco and 80's, to heavy metal and classic rock. Though I spend most of my time in classic rock and singer songwriter.

After lots of pondering, after lots of selections, I kept coming back to this song. Bell Bottom Blues by Derek and the Domino's.

When I finally told my friend, he was surprised. I am sure he thought it would be a Grateful Dead song. "Why?" he asked. And I didn't know.

So here we are, years later, and I saw Erin's music challenge, and it was the perfect opportunity to delve further into this beautiful song, that touches me so deeply everytime I hear it.

What do I love about this song?

I guess I can start here. I am a hopeless romantic. A love at first sight, fighting for true love, romantic. Don't worry, I live in reality, I know life and marriage is not like the movies. I am happy with the REAL man that have. But, back to the song.

I think on the surface we can all realate to wantingsomething so bad, wanting something, that is gone, or over, but we would dojust about anything if we could have one more precious moment, one more momentof that bliss. And then the regret, fornot appreciating it when we had it. Fornot treasuring it, forgivng them, loving like there was no tomorrow.

This song has a passion, and vulnerability that I think wehave lost here in the 21^stcentury. We have become autonic, and dis-engaged. This song is pure, heart on the floor,bleeding, pain, but worth every second of it, LOVE. Istill get chills everytime I hear this song. EVERYTIME. And that’s a lot oftimes.

I've had fun really taking totime to dissect why this song moves me the way it does.

Now for what I created. My heart belongs to the 70's (perhaps another reason for loving this song) and I lived most of my years in bell bottoms, whether it was cool or not. When it was't bell bottoms, it was torn up jean shorts for summer. They had history. I wrote on them, sewed patched on them, and each and every pair had a story. So, I am sure, when Eric is crooning, "bell bottom blues" he is imagining his loves behind in her favorite pair of worn out bell bottoms. So all this leads to the need for some denim.

I also wanted to include a heart, and some lyrics. I chose a blood red heart- since he is spilling his heart out, bleeding on the floor........and I chose the lyrics, "bell bottom blues, I don't want to lose this feeling..." because thats really what it is. There is a high when you love someone, they are your drug, and when its over for only them, all you want is that feeling back, that way that only they could make you feel.

So here it is. One of my bronze patina'd hearts in blood red, riveted to a copper backing with the lyrics stamped into the back, and some demin in between them, with xoxo written on it in pen, just like you may find on an old pair of favorite jeans. I chose red ribbon for some highlights, again, the color of passion and bleeding hearts, and blue, for the bell bottoms. I absolutely love how it turned out, and I plan to wear it often!!!! Now I have a piece of jewelry to always remind me of my favorite song.

Thanks to Erin for putting this whole thing together. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this challenge.

Now follow the links to hop along and see what everyone else has been inspired by, and made.

Michelle Escano-Caballero

Progress

2012-02-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

Whew! That was a painting marathon over the weekend. Not sure if the crackle shows up enough in these pics, but I love how the beads turned out. Working on metal beads now. Enjoy the pics. Hopefully I will get to meet some of you at the Berks Bead Bazaar. Its gonna be a girls weekend for my mom, daughter and me.

Artisan Clay Design Team

2012-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe its been a year (or almost?) since Kristie decided to do a design team. Its been so much fun to work with her components each month. She is a talented artist, passionate about her designs and quality, and I feel blessed to have been a part of this ride. I am not sure if she is going to continue the design team into a new year or not, but it has been very fun. Thanks Kristie!

This month I got a set of her charms that I had favorited in her etsy shop long ago. They are really not colors I work with, but they are beautiful, and I can't help but drool each time I see them. I am so happy she chose them for me. I decided to just go with earrings, because these should be the star of the show, the colors are amazing.

I used recycled sari silk to add a pop of that yellow that makes those blues stand out.
I love them. I almost want to keep them just for inspiration.....hanging by my desk.

Check out Artisan Clays blog to hop along and see what everyone else made.
Or follow the links here:
Jen Judd Rocks
For my Sweet Daughter
Sand Fibers
La Bella Joya
Sue Beads

Beads, Beads and More Beads

2012-02-21T19:23:00.001-05:00

I know my posts have been pretty boring. I am bored by them. But I have been spending all my spare time making beads for Berks. Since everything I make has to be done in phases, it has felt like I will never have enough beads done for the show. However, I turned a corner this week and things are coming together. I still have a lot to do.

I got another few batches of polymer done. They still need to be painted, but I finally feel like I have enough.
The beads on the plate below all need to be drilled yet. The colorful ones were made by the kids. They had a blast playing with polymer too.

Then there are the "to be riveted" beads. I have this tray with the backs cut out already, but they still need to be sanded and textured.

And then there is this plate below that still needs backs cut out for them to be riveted to.

Then there is the "to be waxed" plate.........don't ya like my organizational system?

Then there are the wings that need to be waxed as well. Geez. The more I type this out, the more work it seems like. I felt almost done earlier!

Then there are these guys. they need holes punched and some liver of sulpher and they are done.

The moons below will be soldered to wire that swirls around them. Not sure they will all get done in time. The other pieces will get soldered to a domed copper piece to make a lentil bead.

last, but not least, these items below will be bezeled. Its been ages since I did a batch and I hope I don't forget how to do it.

Thats it. I also have etching that needs to be cleaned. I forgot to photo them. Then there is packaging and pricing. Wish me luck, and come see me next weekend at the Berk Bead Bazaar in Reading PA!

"Gal"entines Day

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

I have been watching Hulu while making beads this past week. With all the very serious things going on around me right now, all I want to do is laugh, so I have been watchin sitcoms. I don't get much time to sit and watch TV at night, so I am finding this time laughing so enjoyable. And Hulu just runs show after show, and I haven't even heard of half of them, but hey, they are pretty funny. I saw the "Valentines" episode of Parks and Recreation. It was about "Galentines" Day. The day before Valentines day- all about your girlfriends. I really liked that idea.

So, Happy Galentines Day Ladies! To show you all how much I love you, here is a special coupon code to use for one week!!!!

Use code galentines2012 and save you 20% at checkout in my Artisan Accents shop. Sorry- no custom orders, and I will not be listing anything new until after the show.

And for you jewelry lovers use code love2012 to save 14% in my Staci Louise Originals shop.

The State of my Studio

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

This is a side table where I set things to dry, or to be cleaned, or to be etched, ect......
I am getting there. Etchings are coming along nicely, and its taking all I have to not clean and file and antique each one as they are done. I am learning to wait and work in batches. Its a huge time saver. Finishing up this round of painting tomorrow, baking more polymer and then on to metals. Gotta get the metal clays rolling this week!!!!!

I also got these crackle glazed beads finally done. I really like this effect and have more almost done.

I also have a few blog posts I'd like to share with you............................

This one is by Izzy Winterhart- and she talks a bit about her birthday, and how amazing our gift of life really is. I found it very touching and thought provoking. So take a peek at it.
Under a Copper Sky- The Greatest Day of the Year

Kristi Bowman had her first blog hop with some of her copper connector beads. Everyone did such amazing things with her components. If you want to take a nice little eye candy blog hop, you can check it out here.

And lastly- over at Love my Art Jewelry there is a new month with new prizes for Strut Your Stuff and a great giveaway, so hop on over there and check it out.

Hope you have a great Monday!

Bead Table Wednesday

2012-02-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

Today- and probably for the entire month of February, there will be beads on my table, all kinds of beads being created. I am feeling the crunch of the Berks Bead Show Looming now. Wish me luck!

I am starting my copper etching today and cannot wait to see how my new designs turn out!

I electro-etch my copper. I was using batteries, ILO acid, to be green, but was going through too many batteries, making the process not very green after all. I could not afford the E3 Etch Kit, so I made my own. Thankfully I found a guy at RadioShack who understood what I was trying to do. He probably thought I was crazy at first, but he got it. For about $40 I made an electro-etch kit. It takes longer then etching with a battery (battery takes 15-20 minutes, and this way takes about 4-5hours) but I have learned to just be patient (kind of).

And I am painting. I need to get these done, so I can list some hearts for V-day. Plus I need to open up my desk for metal clay. Gotta start that this week and get it rolling. Lots to make, lots to make!!!

Hearts are almost all done. I have some waiting for a special top secret paint method.

And it doesn't even look like I put a dent in this. Better get movin!!!!

And I hate when I do this..........I will try something out in a batch, but just make one because I'm not sure I will like it all done, and then I love it and wish I had more. Anyhow- Look for more sea thing donuts in the future.

So thats it. A quick post to show off my bead table.

What's on your Bead Table????

The Winner is...........

2012-01-31T08:31:00.001-05:00

Lana Kinney! You have the high bid on my Bulls Eye on my Heart Necklace! Congrats! I will post the totals tomorrow, but I can tell you, it far surpassed what I thought this would raise for the Sirianni's. Thanks so much for your kindness.

A months worth of blogging on a Monday.........

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

thank you from bing pictures- click to link to the site

First of all, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for making the fundraiser successful. It is still open, and goes until this evening. I will let everyone who donated know how much we raised, and how I gift it to the Sirianni's. I will also surprise each one of you that donated, with something, sometime this year, as my way of saying thanks! You guys rock, and I cannot even begin to tell you how much your friendships and encouragment has meant to me, and then to go a step further and see the depths of your hearts for others, it just overwhelms me with happiness to be a part of such a wonderful community. (yes, I am sure thats a run on sentence)

So I feel like I've been really absent on here. I thought the winter would bring more blogging time then the summer, but I guess I was wrong. I am really busy making beads for the Berks show, and I feel like I have a million things in the "almost done" category, and none in the finished.
Here is a picture of my "to be painted" polymer bin. It has almost doubled in size since I took this picture.

Here are the beads my younest and littlest son made (collin AKA bubba)- he begged to make some, who am I to deny him? He picked out his own stamps and everything. I think he did pretty good.

Here is a tray of copper hearts that are actually done. The little ones are double sided charms for bracelets. I will be listing some of these this week in my artisan accents shop. A must have for V-day!

I also made some more wire heart pendants that everyone liked so much last year, though this year they are in copper. I will be listing these this week too. This is it, limited edition this year. NO special orders. Sorry, no time. There are some in antiqued copper, red and peacock blue.

Here are blocks and blocks of copper squares waiting to be etched. I had a blast doing these. It took an entire afternoon to measure and draw them all. Now they need to be heat set and then etched. That's gonna take awhile since I can only do a couple blocks a day. (it takes about 4-5 hours to electro etch each set). I have some new designs, including sugar skulls, which I just love.

One day the other week, we decided to make "Marcel the Shells" as a fun project with my sister in law and the cousins. We all had fun, and us growns up even made some. Here is the link to see Marcel the shell with shoes on (which our craft was based on). I highly reccomend it. Make me laugh every time. So stinkin cute.

And here is Marcel the shell with shoes on II.

And here are our Marcels.

Quite the quirky bunch!

Then of course, I have been washing dishes, doing laundry, making meals and trying to keep up with the kids along with visiting a sick Poppop. So taking time for this stuff (below) is important.

Julia is reading to everyone here. We took the day off Sunday to just relax, since Justin threw his back out hunting (our version of grocery shopping;). He is pretty laid up and heading to the chiropractor tomorrow. In the meantime, its a chance to slow down with the kids, and it warms my heart to see them piled all togther!

Whew! Is that it? Are we good and caught up now?

Stay tuned later this week for a mini-novel based on a true story. It's called "The Mystery of the Missing Spiral Pop". It was almost a cliffhanger until the........well, I don't want this to contain spoilers. TTFN!

Bulls Eye on My Heart and a Chance to Give

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

It's the Artisan Clay design team reveal day, and I got this great pendant from Kristie in the mail. I was feeling a little rusty after our break from the design team because I always try to make her style fit my style. So as I was making my many hearts in copper (valentines prep), I got this idea for a Bulls Eye on my Heart.

I went monochromatic on it, with the copper and brown tones, so that the bulls eye really stands out. I mean, if you are waiting for Cupid to tag you in the heart, you want to make it easy for him, right?

Now- how you can give.

Friends of mine have experienced the worst thing imaginable. They lost their second child at 7 months old in under 3 years. They both had Alagilles Syndrome. You can read their blog here, it has all the details of their journey. It is absolutely heartbreaking, and when they lost Cole this week, it was pretty unexpected. My heart is shattered, and I cannot even fathom the depths of their grief. Though, they have faith in a God who loves them, and this humbles me. Through their pain they continue to look up, and love their Lord. Their strength is a testimony. The funeral is today, so I ask for prayers of comfort for them, and their whole family today.

I am not sure how they will use the money I raise here. Perhaps to help with funeral costs? A beautiful headstones? A Plaque to remember him by? Maybe they will donate it to something in his name? Even if can just buy them some meals so Ashley can rest, I know it will bless them in some small way.

So its an auction today. Highest bid gets the necklace. You can also donate below by clicking the donate button at the bottom.

To bid, leave a comment below with your name, email and the amount you bid. Bidding starts at $25.00. Open until Monday evening, January 30th. Please share this as well.

Here are the details of the necklace. The focal is large- top of the heart to the bottom is 3.5" and its 2.75" wide. Pendant has mykonos beads atop the bail, artisan clay focal, recycled sari silk in chesnut brown and copper chain and clasp. Its adjustable with a max of about 20", so it can be worn longer or shorter.

Thanks in advance for your loving caring hearts.

Giveaway Update / Winner!!!!

2012-01-17T08:35:00.001-05:00

OK- I can view comments on my phone, but not my computer. Anyhow- the winner is #14 Terri of StarSeedJewelry (beads2diefor)
Congrats and thanks to all who played along and gave some really great advice!

I am so sorry. Thank you all so much for your comments and suggestions. I cannot seem to view my comments to find the winner at this time. I have been trying on and off since friday. Is anyone else having trouble viewing past comments? I think we may have fried blogger with so many responses. I will let the winner know as soon as I can get in there to count. (I have the number, but I am not telling 'cause its not fair if you know before me;)
Thanks again. Just wanted to let you know I didn't forget about you.

staci

Bead Table Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

I really missed these. So many wednesday's seem to have gone by, with no time or interesting things going on.

Well- this week, I am cleaning out my studio. I can't work in there. It's out of control. I need to make beads for Berks, I need to do some custom orders. Here is a picture of my desk, only AFTER an hour or so of cleaning. I somehow gather little bowls and plates and such after each thing I make, and now I have to sort beads, and wires and trash. That little 10x10 spot is not gonna cut it as a work surface.

And then there are piles on the floor of papers and such that need to find a home or be recycled. But I did get a path cleared to walk.

So I managed to make some beads this week, only because my polymer "studio" is portable and can be done at the kitchen table. I had a night alone over the weekend and popped on a movie and made beads. (Watched Eat, Pray, Love.........again!)

These were born that night!

Combined Metal elements with the polymer, I am in love! I like the new bails too, kinda folk artsy, I call them, Hanging Hearts.

And here they are painted. I still have half in mid-paint, because the studio needs to get done TODAY! I need to catch up on orders and production for the Bead Show.

I did HAVE to do this though (see below) A practice set up for the bead show. I need to figure out some lighting, and I had to visualize the space I need to fill with beads. As you can see, I barely have any right now, and need to get crankin'!

I am also wating for my banner to arrive so I can hang it on the front. I am pretty excited to see it, I think it will POP!

So those of you who gave advice on my set up, what do you think? How is this? I tried to spread out the trays, give some room to set down your things, ect.............. I will be adding a couple trays, but there is plenty of room.

I am also sure it will change 1000 times before the show. But at least now I know how much to make.

So, happy Bead Table Wednesday! What's on your bead table????

New Stuff and A lot to Think About

2012-01-09T10:40:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all of you who have given wonderful advice for my upcoming bead show. There were alot of themes repeated.....these two stuck out to me.......

1. unique beads
2. uncluttered booth

As far as customer service, I have done jewelry shows for years, so I think I got that;-) Booth design, I am sure will be original, and funky to match my style. Prices, a good range for all. Sets, focals, examples all good to have.

I probably won't do kits, since they are a lot of work, and it didn't seem that many of you would have purchased them. I know I never did. Original focals need original designs, so I think thats they way I will go with that.

I am still reading through each suggestion more carefully. You guys were great. I wish I could send you all a heart.......you each deserve it. Anyway- still time to enter, check it out here. Its all given me much to think about as I create!

And of course, I am newly inspired to add some more original stuff to my collection. I am trying out how metal and polymer can co-exist in my hearts. Here are some from the first batch.

They almost look like porcelain, and I love the colors of the one on the left, it really looks glazed. Having too much fun with these. Now for some wear and tear testing, ect.....................gotta make sure they are going to last and wear well.

So, with my list 4 pages long to prepare for Berk Bead Bazaar, of course I am going off list to try new things........what a bad time to be inspired. Do you do that too? Get the most inspired when there are a million things to do?

Let me know if I am alone on that.......................and have a Happy Monday!

Advice Needed and a Giveaway!

2012-01-06T09:30:00.002-05:00

So, I need your advice. I am doing my first bead show in just 7 weeks (www.berksbeadbazaar.com) . I need to make beads, like mad! Question is, what to make? Now, I will no doubt drive myself insane with this question, but I thought perhaps you could help.

And to encourage your participation, it's a giveaway too! A giveaway for this.............................
(I have not put holes in this heart yet- so let me know where you'd like them punched if you win)

But you have to work for it. Here's the deal.

You get an entry for each question you answer. Please answer honestly. I really need feedback!!!! Answer each question in its own comment box.

You can also leave a comment for favoriting your favorite beads in my www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com shop (look through the sold ones too). One comment for doing this, no matter how many you favorite. I check them in my feed, and its a good tool for me when making new things, so I can see what you all like best.

You must have an email where I can reach you, or you will not qualify.

Ok- now for the questions.

1. Have you attended bead shows before (either as a customer or vendor)?

2. If yes, what do you look for in a booth? (example: are samples of what you can do with the beads important? are you drawn to a unique / artsy booth? Lots of varitey? Not too crowded? Pictures of the artists process?) What is gonna get you to stop at MY booth?

3. Check out my shop........What would you be drawn to buy at a show and why? (like, would you feel pressure to buy something because its one of a kind, or more likely because you can order it again?)

4. Check out my shop and let me know what you look for / are drawn to buy- earring pairs, beads in sets? Would you like to see kits with instructions to make something? accent beads to go with pendants? One of a kind focal beads? Bigger stuff, dainty stuff? Patina stuff?

5. Any suggestions for doing a bead show would be great!

So- I am making you work for this. These are not easy questions. I really value your opinions, you are a great group of creative people! So thanks in advance!

You have 6 chances to win this! And you don't even have to share it (but if you do, I would appreciate it)

Drawing will take place in one week- so next Friday, January 13th! (its just a date people;)

Thanks guys! I couldn't do this without you. I am so happy you all like my beads and jewelry, and feel totally blessed to be doing what I love.

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-02T15:11:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! How was your holiday? We all had a nasty cold, battled it the whole vacation, which was exhausting, but still, we had a wonderful time with family and friends. The kids were a joy (most of the time, we had a few stir crazy days in there when I was in bed most of the day and they ran wild), we got to spend lots of time with those we love.

Resolutions, well, I usually don't make them. But this year I thought I'd like to learn to live fully in each moment. To pay closer attention to what is said to me, what happens around me, and to appreciate each moment. Our life is only a stream of moments, and I don't want to miss any of it!!!!

I really enjoyed my break from blogging and beads for the holiday, but I am ready and itchin to get back in the swing of things.

Here are some things I am just dying to add to the shop. I am so happy with how they turned out!
I am excited about 2012. I have lots of plan. Plans for blog hops and tutorials with design challenges, plans to write more magazine submissions, plans to eventually do a bead show, plans to create an artsy yet affordable jewelry line for some local shops........................plans plans plans. I am so motivated the first week of the new year!

So right now I am cleaning, and organizg. I am deleting thousands of photos I no longer need from the computer, so I can find things easier. I am destashing some materials I no longer use, or have more then I need of. I am chomping at the bit to make more metal creations. I am giddy at the results of my new polymer beads.

I just love a watercolor tye dye effect, and these turned out just how I wanted them to!
This year I will offer new beads and components often, always full of antiquity and whimsy, and one of a kindness!

There you have it. I am refreshed and ready. Wish my luck.

It may be cold out, but my heart is melting.....The Glittery Pine Cone

2011-12-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

I did a post the other day on Love my Art Jewelry about a handmade Christmas. I am proud to have a very creative family, and own many many handmade and meaningful decorations from my parents, in laws, and my kids.

My kids. I love how creative they are. I get a lot of art and gifts from them. A LOT! A LOT!

But this guy- oh, maybe it's simply because he's my littlest, maybe it's because he's my last, but this guy......

had me all but in tears the other day. I picked him up from pre-school on wednesday, and he was all grins. I mean, ear to ear, teeth shining, eyes squinting, giggly boy grins. I was informed he had a Christmas present for me. BUT, since I was good, I could have it for my birthday on saturday. Now, I have been hearing about this present. I have been told I will never guess what it is. (however, since he is my 3rd kid, at the same school, it will be my 3rd, exact same gift as the others gave me). But I played along of course, teasing him that I knew, but then guessing crazy things.

He could no longer contain the excitement of this event. He came home, put the gift bag under the tree and told me there was a present under the tree for me. I said, "but I can't open it until saturday" to which he said, "you can open it now". Mind you, we have been home all of 5 minutes. Gosh I love him. He could not wait another second. He was beaming with joy. This is Christmas. The joy of giving. Giving to those you love, to say, "hey- I love you".

So I opened it, and there it was. My third, and most sparkly of all time, Glittery Pine Cone.

I just about cried. His excitement was so endearing. He smiled for hours, everytime I looked at him, I got that grin. And there was a part of me was a little sad that this was my last glittery pine cone. *sigh* I don't want them to grow up. I want this innocent, pure, erupting joy of Christmas to last for him. I hope he always does get so excited to bless others. I hope I will treasure each and every gift my children adorn my fridge, my bedroom, my office, the hallways, and our Christmas tree with.

Handmade doesn't have to be fancy- it just has to done with love, and then, it's beautiful.
(Though my pine cone is totally fancy- oh yes, disco pine cone in full effect!)

So I am off to make some fun projects with the kids this weekend~~ornaments, Marcel the Shell with Shoes on, and maybe a hike. (if you have not seen Marcel the Shell with shoes on, you should check it out, its pretty cute and the kids love it)

Wishing you all a weekend filled with joy and love, not just hustle and bustle!

Takin' a Break for Christmas................

2011-12-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry. I really wanted to join in this countdown to Christmas. I thought it would be fun, and maybe I could destash a bit, but its taking too much time. And I really want to take that time with the family. It's Christmastime after all. No matter what you believe or celebrate, it's time to gather with loved ones, and to spend time together making memories.

My deals that I listed previously will still be up until Christmas.

Have a great season!

Artists Helping Artists

2011-12-08T09:45:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we all need a little help. I cannot even tell you how much support and friendship I have found through the online artist community. Though I have never met most of these people, they are certainly friends.

One of us has a need right now, and many are rallying to help. Please consider bidding on these silent auctions- you can do some Christmas Shopping and know that you are helping a family in need this holiday.

(I got in late on this, so my auction item is featured with Barbara Bechtel's of Second Surf, she graciously added me at the last minute, so you can hop over there to bid if you like.)
Thanks in advance for caring, and helping and supporting handmade.

Here are the links to the participants...................

marie cramp and lori anderson

heidi post

barbara bechtel and staci louise smith

amanda cargill austin

janice everett

rebecca anderson

shannon iko chomanczuk

thank you in advance for your support...

Many Blessings to you all this Holiday Season!

BTW~Objects and Elements & a Sale with some fun

2011-12-06T21:18:00.001-05:00

I don't remember the last time I did a Bead Table Wednesday. My bead table has either been so buried I can barely get to it, or there is nothing on it, at all. 'Tis the season to destash, and so I have been listing more things in my etsy shops, then I have been making.

I just cleaned up the studio so I could actually dump out the prize I won from Objects and Elements. They are doing an Overflowing Stash giveaway on their blog, and I won the other week. What an awesome little package of goodies. I am more then thrilled.

So that is one thing on my bead table, and I am picking little things out and making notes as to what I'd like to make with them.

I also have all these leaves on my table. I need to finish them, buff, polish, seal, right now they are deeply antiqued in liver of sulphur......then they are ready for designs and for sale.

And speaking of sales...............I extended my sale to go until December 18th! (The day after my birthday....its a party!!!!) Use code stacilouise25 for 25% off in my jewelry shop and code stacilouise10 for 10% off in my components shop.

Also- if you like my Staci Louise Originals page on facebook, you can be part of the 50% off giveaway I will be having later this week. Check my facebook page on Thursday for more details.

Just look the last winner got at half price........

I think thats all. I am making gifts, working on orders and doing paperwork (which I hate....I am such a typical artist) and cannot wait to have time off with my family from Christmas to New Years. I CAN"T wait!!! We are so blessed to be close to our families, and I love that we get to see all of them over the holidays.

Thanks again to all who have been shopping my sale! Buy it up so I can make new goodies for you all!

Enjoy the season!
staci

Sale Extended, Facebook Giveaways, and more

2011-12-02T13:43:00.001-05:00

Firstly- I did a post today over on Love my Art Jewelry. Its about the end of the year, and what I have learned while trying to grow my business. Hop on over and check it out.

clip art- not my tree, though I wish it were

I decided to extend my sale until December 18th. That gives you more time to shop, and me more time to list things. Because I have lots more to add to both shops- help me to de-stash my studio and make room for new things! Use the same codes stacilouise25 for 25% off in my jewelry shop, and stacilouise10 for 10% off in my Components shop.

Today I am having a giveaway around 2pm on my business facebook page for one item at 50% off in either shop. So stop over if you have time. I may do another next week too!

So have a great December weekend (oh my!) and please do stop by my shops and take a peek! There really are some good deals going on there.

Thanks to you all.

staci

And the International Winner is.............

2011-11-30T15:27:00.001-05:00

Since the Art Bead Love Tour is under way in the USA, I decided to give away one of my new Antique Bible Pendants to one lucky international fan, since you guys don't get to play in the Bead Tour. I made a list in order of all the entries that were NOT from the USA (some folks entered, who didn't qualify) and random.org chose #3- which is

Louise Turner!!!!

You won this Love Sparrow Pendant!

I will include it with your order, so no need to contact me. Congrats!!!!!!

Online Craft Show- Sale- Giveaway

2011-11-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Lori Anderson is hosting her first online craft show! How fun is that? Every day, starting November 26th until December 3rd, you can go to her site, check out new artists and any sales going on in their shops.......and there are giveaways..........................70 to be exact!!!!!

My shops and giveaway will be featured on her site from November 27th - December 3rd, but my sale actually runs Friday, November 25th- through December 3rd.

Here are my deals.

In my Staci Louise Originals Jewelry shop you can get 25% off your order by using code stacilouise25 at checkout.

In my Artisan Accents shop you can recieve 10% off your order by using code stacilouise10 at checkout.

Check out Lori's blog on my sale days to see how to win these great earrings!!!!!

I will be doing some special offers and giveaways on my Staci Louise Originals facebook page throughout the whole sale. So if you are not a fan, hop on over there and join so you won't miss out on the fun!!!!

I will be stocking my shops throughout the week. So if you want to shop, and just wait until the end to pay (so you can see if there is anything else that gets listed that you may want), you can choose the "other payment" option at check out. Then when you are done shopping, or when the sale is over, I will invoice you for your total. This way you don't overpay for shipping, and you can grab items as you want them so they won't be gone. If you have any questions just email or message me on etsy. staci.louise@hotmail.com

All totals will be invoiced on December 4th if not paid sooner.

It's going to be fun! I can't wait.

So lets start the fun with a giveaway, and help me to promote this sale.............share this on your facebook, twitter or blog (make sure you link it to this post) for a chance to be entered. Leave a comment for each way you share, and an email. I will choose a winner on December 3rd.

What are you entering to win?????

Great little bracelet with a super cool focal bead by Artisan Clay's Kristie Roeder. Its adorned by a coni pearl, my swirl "s" clasp and some grey recycled sari silk. Simple, nice, goes with just about anything. So let's get the word out, and enter to win. Bracelet fits a 7" wrist. I can add a few chain links to it if needed, just let me know.

Off trail.....my thoughts on marriage.................

2011-11-21T09:41:00.001-05:00

I know this is mainly a jewelry blog, but I do like to write, and sometimes things are just near and dear to my heart, and I want to share them. I don't mean to offend anyone, I don't claim to be an expert. Just sharing some thoughts and things I have learned (and am still learning again and again).

I am rattled. Anothercouple I know is getting divorced. This one is a shock. Its rattled both Justin and I. I don’t know the details. Only that she felt like he didn’t listen toher (and met someone who did). But I wonder, did she try to talkto him? (like I said, I don't know the details, this is not gossip.......just thinking on this is all)

Now, I claim to be no expert on marriage, but the fact that mineis difficult gives me a little wisdom. I’dlike to share my thoughts.

Women, do you talk to your man? I mean, REALLY try to talkto him? Tell him the things you tellyour girlfriends, things like, you really thought you’d be doing something different with your life,or that you feel like a servant somedays, or that you need him to be moreinterested in you mind, and your dreams and your accomplishments. Do you share your insecurities and fears? Because I think, if you really tried, and Idon’t mean at the dinner table, or when football is on, but in those momentswhen you are laying together in bed at night, do you try to talk to him?

Talking has saved my marriage. Talking, some forgiveness, a BIG dose of the reality that you have to takethe bad with the good and a mutual desire to take our vows seriously. The grass may look greener today, but it alwaysgets brown in a drought, and everyone has droughts.

I had a tough week with my husband this week. I didn’t feellike he was supporting me through a busy time. I am working really hard to further my jewelry making career, and was stressed out to the max. I told him. He said he’d tryharder. I rolled my eyes. Here we go again…….. He is not one for encouragementor compliments. Just not his nature. (Now, I know I totally have my flaws, I amaware of the many things I do or don’t do that are important to him too.) After 12 years of marriage, and talking, we know what each other doesn’t like. But we can rest in this..... ....Neither one of us expects the other to change so that we can be happy. So we agreeto work on ourselves ILO concentrating on each others flaws. Does this happen all the time? NO! But we come back to it, forgive and start again. We talk about our worries, fears and dreams. We let each other know when we need somethingmore from each other.

I had to learn that my husband may NEVER know when I wanthim to jump in with the kids. He may NEVERjust buy me gifts to be sweet. He mayNEVER know just when I need a hug. But Ido know that if I ask him for those things, he will jump in and be there forme. So I had to get off my high horse ofthinking he should just know those things, and I had to see who he is as aperson. I had to stop wishing he weresomeone he’s not, and love him for all that he is. He may not be the husband who goesshopping with me, he may not write me poems (oh yes, I am a hopeless romantic),but he is tough, and hunts for our food and can build me things (like jewelrydisplays and train tables for the kids), and he is HONEST, and tells meeverything, (oh yeah, everything, brutal honesty). He is dedicated to his family, and works hardto provide for us. He is my rough tough guy, and I love him for that. I love him. And I’d rather work on our crap together,then be fooled that the grass is greener somewhere else, and in 10 years haveall new crap to figure out.

Now please, I do understand that there are some extreme situationsand reasons for divorce. I just really believe that so many could be avoided ifwe just let go of this Hollywood picture of what marriage is, and realized thatit’s hard to stay committed to someone. The romance wears off as the kids come, and there are bills to pay, andif you live with me, as things get forgotten, aren’t ever put away, not writtendown (OH yes, I am the one who can’t seem to remember or organize anything…..andmy husband is Type A- organized, efficient, logical. Poor him, married to artsy, scatteredbrained, dream world me.)

So hey, let’s all make a new effort this week to find the good inour spouse. To look at them and rememberwhy we picked them in the first place. Everyone has good qualities. Andthen let’s ask ourselves, are we allowing them to be the best person they canbe? Because it’s hard to show your good,when someone around your is always bringing you down. Does that make sense? Imean, if I want my husband to be cheerful and play with the kids, what can I dohelp him be that way? Extra smiles andattention? Let him talk about his day(even when I have no idea who or what he is talking about?) Take his lunchbox and papers for him when he walks in the door? I think those little things go a long way, and work better then justtelling him he needs to be more cheerful and play with the kids. I’ve tried both ways. One does not work, the other does.

This is a plea for love.....real love. Love sacrifices, love trusts, love forgives, even when forgiveness is not deserved. Love tries again. Love carries each others burdens. Love is hard. Love does not always have butterflies and rainbows. Love is saying, "I love you anyway.........."

So enjoy a photo show of my hubby and me through the years. As I look at these, I can remember a HUGE fight that we probably had around the time each was taken. It's been tough, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

phish show 199...something?

What were we doing??? LOL!

I do.

morning after our wedding (camping)....OJ and donuts from Mom and Dad

Then came kids.

Getaways without them became much more important.

Gratitude

2011-11-18T16:49:00.001-05:00

I am truely begining to see that happiness is directly related to how thankful we are for what we already have.

If you are always thinking about what you want and what you missed, you are losing those moments that are actually happening NOW.

So by quieting ourselves..............looking around our here and now...........................and finding those little things...................that are present, to be thankful for, we find a way to be content with what we are given. To find joy in the daily gifts that are ours for the taking.

I really loved making myself a bracelet of gratitude. I am currently reading 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and it is just an amazing journey to take with her. I encourage you to read it, her writing style is positively wonderful, poetic.

I have been working on my gratitude list, like she does in the book......though its not all in once place, or any kind of order, I am doing it. So I wanted to somehow make my list into jewelry form, for the November Art Spark over at Love my Art Jewelry.

Here is what made it onto my bracelet.....though you can't read them too well, I know what they say.......

faith, family, friendship, music, love, childs laughter, God, leaves, ocean breezes, snowflakes, sun, moon, stars....................................

I etched the main cuff of the bracelet (holy cow, I know its huge!!!) I was not sure what to do with it after that. I planned for it to go horizontally around my wrist, but kept placing it verticle, and knew this was going to be one huge bracelet. Then I antiqued it and added a verdigris patina on the swirl....because it needed some whimsy. (note: I did have an mis-etch, a spot of grease or something, a blob.....but I didn't despair, because, nothing is perfect, and I am thankful for that too)

I chose to do a spiral, because it was fitting, since gratitude starts within us. And as we practice gratitude, it spirals outward into our life, and the lives of others.

I cannot seem to just bead symetrically, though I really wanted to. So I made some attachments to one side out of 14 gauge wire, with the ends flattened, and then attached them to a cool spiral "S" I made. Since I am thankful I get to be me. That I get to have Staci Louise Originals, and do something I love.

I then attached a double strand of super chunky chain to balance out the 4 strands of pearls gemstones and beads on the other side. I made sure to use my favorite things, those which I am thankful for, like one really great bead from MaryAnn Carroll, some abalone, pearls, labradorite, turquoise and a couple others too.

I love it. I look at it and I am thankful. I am thankful for all those things listed and then some. I am thankful that I am always growing as an artist. I am thankful I am always growing as a person, a mom and a wife. I am thankful for this gift, and hope I can use it to bless others where ever possible.

I know its hard to tell, but I love how it looks on. Its huge, and I, well, I kinda feel like Wonder Woman a little bit with it on! hehe! Ok, now stop laughing at me.

Here is what else made my actual list this week...................

healthy children
dog bites that miss the eye
crisp fall night
moon in the sky
kisses on tears
the gift of new tires on my truck
a bowl of beads waiting to become my Art Spark design
Collin singing praise songs with his head phones on
Julia's sweet smile of helpfullness
Aidens ever present conversation
laughs of sheer joy at the play doh table
kissing sleeping childrens cheeks
forgiveness
hugs
hot coffee on a cold morning
warm sweaters

What are you most thankful for this month?

PLease consider making yourself a little gratitude jewelry and submitting to this months Art Spark. Its a great way to get to know each other as artists, challenge ourselves, and hey, you can win prizes too!

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

2011-11-17T09:21:00.001-05:00

(please bear with me....I have had a bad headache for a couple of days. I wanted to do a nice fancy post with links and pics and propper spelling... but instead, I did my best. This is important to me to share this, so I opted for getting the post done, even if its not well done....thanks for understanding. HAHA! Now add to that an ER trip with my littlest for a dog bite. He's fine, but now this is going up really late!)

Today I am wearing purple. I wear purple to bring awareness to prematurity. Each passing year prematurity effects more and more families. I personally know many, too many, friends who have experinced premature births, with no explanatation as to why. I am one of those families. Our story turned out well, about as well as a premature birth story goes. So I will share a little with you about my first child, Aiden Quinn Smith, who joined us at 33 weeks, 6lbs, 4.5oz.

Aiden came so early that we hadn't even done our labor and birth classes yet...only the first one, the intro. class. So I had NO idea what to look for or watch for. In hindsight, I had ALL the symptoms of premature labor, and had no idea thats what it was. I just felt odd, had pains, GI issues, nothing out of the norm for being pregnant, I just figured it was more pregnancy stuff, and nothing to worry about. I woke with some very rhythmic low back pain, but just thought it was my growing belly putting pressure on my back muscles and they were complaining. After about 2 days of odd symptoms, and the back pain, I finally prayed. I asked God to give me a sign if there was something I should be concerned about. I told him that I wasn't planning on calling the doctor for these little things, so if I should call, I need a better sign. Well, thenext morning I woke up with spotting. I still got dressed for work, thinking I'd call my doctor and bump my appt. from friday to thursday (it was Wenesday at this point) Well, I got sent right to the hospital. My mom and husband met me there, where they told me I was having contractions, but everything seemed ok. They ran a couple tests, and while we were waiting for the results, I was still debating about going into work (I was a dedicated employee!!!) The doctor came in, told me I was leaking amniotic fluid and this baby was coming early. I got transfered to Lehigh Valley Hospital via ambulance, and was put on bed rest. They gave me steroids to help develope the baby's lungs. I had ultrsounds every 4 hours, and we finally found out we were having a boy. That saturday night I went into full labor and by lunchtime sunday we had a baby boy. He was breathing on his own, and all was well. He spent two weeks in the NICU until he learned to suck, swallow, breathe and gained enough weight to be allowed to use a car seat.

Everytime I use hospital soap, it brings back memories of him in that incubator.......having to leave him each night to go home. Its so unatural to leave the hospital without your baby. It was an extrememly emotional time for us, and yet, our story had a happy ending. He does have asthma and many allergies, lots of lung issue I attribute to him being premature...but all in all, hes perfect. And we were blessed.

My heart breaks for those who have not been so blessed. For the babies that come home with sleep apnea, or are blind, or who dont' make it at all. My heart breaks for those parents in such a way, its hard to put into words. You see, even though things went so well with Aiden, we were given no guarentee's that he would make it. I remember the feeling of not knowing what tomorrow would hold. With that knowledge that each time we left could be the last time we'd see him. I truly can't imagine how hard it would have been for things to turn out that way.

I hope by sharing my story, its helped you to be aware of what a growing problem this is in our country. Please, if you can, dontate to March of Dimes, take the time to do so, because they do so much for families going through this struggle.

Here are some picture of my Aiden. Please forgive the quality, I do not have the office today and had to take phone pictures of the albumn ILO scanning them in.

My little miracle.

Just like Daddy

As you can see, he did not have eating problems...LOL!

He became a big brother at age 3

cutie pie.

Art Bead Love Tour

2011-11-04T08:17:00.001-04:00

The Art Bead Love Tour is in full swing over at Love My Art Jewelry. Check it out and see how you can participate in a beads swap with this.............

Since the Art Bead Love Tour (please hop over to Love my art jewelry to enter for that) is only open to the US residents, I am doing a giveaway below for INTERNATIONAL friends only! NOT open to US residents.

Leave a comment below, with your email, and your country. You can leave an extra comment for sharing~this gets you another entry (facebook, twitter and your blog). You can win one of my new Antique Bible Pendants- made from molds using an antique leather tooled bible I scored at a yard sale! Winner will be announced November 30th, so check back here to see if its you. International entries only please!!!!

I will throw in some other goodies too!!!! I just wanted to let you guys know we appreciate you too!!!
Here a picture of the pendant....

It has one hole at the top, but I can add others if you win, and you want me to, just let me know before I ship.

So- good luck!!!!

Blurry Week...Exciting Stuff.....

2011-11-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

Well, this week has been a blur! Halloween was snowy on the east coast for the first time in my lifetime! So many power outages, trees down, absolutely crazy!

My Aiden was sick, just a cold, but opted not to trick or treat. We share all the goods anyway. Here were my little ones................

a snow princess and a viking. Homemade snow princess outfit is an old flower girl dress that was given to us, white gloves and hat with a tiara from her princess collection, and the viking is sisters jean jacket turned inside out to reveal the fur, sisters ugg boots, pirate hand hook from previous years, and viking hat made from tin foil and masking tape. I loved it. So fun to make your own costumes.

That was Monday- on sunday and monday we had some house guests that were displaced due to the power outages (my mom and poppop). It was very nice to have some time with Poppop, and he and the kids had a blast!

Then Tuesday I spent most of the day in the ER with Aiden....asthma out of control. He's ok. He just needs that extra strong neb now and again. I just wish he didn't have to suffer with it. But its all he's known, so he's a trooper about it.

Yesterday was Halloween withdrawl craziness in my house, with Aiden home and collin tired, it was chaos.

I did begin the patina process on my new copper clay pieces, made copper leaves and Loop T Loops for the shop and took some pics.
Here are some of my new pendants I made from the Antique Bible molds I made (in copper clay). Here are a couple (check my Artisan Accents shop this weekend for the listings...

dragon fly- each one has little hidden crosses in the artwork (since they are from an antiqued tooled leather Bible cover)

LOVE this one and heart key with a cross

dragonfly with multi-holes for dangles

drgonfly tri-connector

heart and cross bird pendant

and last but not least, this beautiful star of david pendant

Today I am kicking butt and catching up.

NOW, for the exciting news part.

Stop by here tomorrow to find out how you can be part of the biggest art bead swap, chain, giveaway thing EVER! (ok, maybe not ever, but maybe) Its awesome and fun and being held by Love My Art Jewelry.

Here is a sneak peek.......

And the winner is...............................

2011-10-30T12:13:00.000-04:00

The winner of my prize package for the big huge giant group Early Bird sale is................

#20 (chosen by random generator at random.org)

Congratulations Janet Bocciardi!!!!!!!

Note: I had to re-do it a couple of times, because both of the first winners had no email, one was anon. Please, make sure you give all your information for giveaways or you lose your chance and thats sad:(

Now check out below to find out who won the big giveaway and hop over to check the indiviual giveaways as well!
Thanks for playing and shopping and making this sale a good one!

The winner of the $470 giveaway from Melinda and friends is...................

Shannon Chomanczuk

from

"For my Sweet Daughter"

You've won the grand prize of

(Value of $470)

my metal working package &

artists components from

Please visit the others blogs that sponsored their own giveaways!

Kristi Bowman Designs

Sue Beads

Staci Louise

Marsha Neal

Thanks again to everyone who visited, shared and shopped! What a great online handmade community we are building! You guys rock!

Sale Extended for the Snow Day

2011-10-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

I am going to leave my codes for the earlybird sale active for one more day. My mind is blown by the fact we are having a White Halloween here in the east. Its crazy. My poor trees still have pretty yellow leaves on them.

Anyway- use code earlybird15 in either my jewelry store or my components shop to save 15% plus you get a free gift with every order. I will be adding some more jewelry throughout the day.

I am kinda thankful for a day inside thought, because I tried using copper clay for the first time. I usually do bronze, but I am having trouble getting the bronze to solder to things after firing, so I thought the copper would work better. Well- the verdict is in, and I like it very much. It think its much easier to work with then the bronze. It fired nicely, only downside, it shrinks WAY more then the bronze. I will just have to figure for that next time. Here is the first batch right outta the carbon.

I did mess up pretty big time and lost some pieces. I got new carbon, threw my pieces in it and fired up the kiln. At about 800 degrees I remembered that I hadn't primed the carbon to burn off impurities and mositure. So I turned it off and let it cool. I lost a few pieces, I guess the moisture got them and they broke??? My own fault anyway.

I also found these little guys in the bottom of my firing..............wasn't sure what they were, then I realized they were my tiny moon faces....one still had the shape, barely. I guess I melted them. They were pretty tiny, so I will put them in the middle next time, and cool the firing a few degrees to allow for variance. Thankfully they were the only ones that melted. Anyhow, I love how they look, like little metal druzy's or something:) Happy accident!

I am wondering if I melt more if they will get that green shimmer? Hmmmm................................

Now I am off to take advantage of this snow day and get some things made....pack up my sale orders and pair them with special gifts, and watch the kids play in the slushy snow!

Happy White Halloween weekend everyone! Stay warm and safe!

Artisan Clay Fall Fashion Show Blog Hop

2011-10-28T07:18:00.005-04:00

It's time for the Artisan Clay Fall Fashion Show Blog Hop!!!!

In case you missed the last post about the design team this month, here is what is going on- ILO a regular design team this month, we are doing a Fall Fashion Show of Artisan Clay Components in Jewelry. The cool thing is, everyone can join in, even you!!!!
Just link up below, and on Artisan Clays blog, and make sure your blog is all about your Artisan Clay designs!

Make sure to visit all the blogs! Because then you can stop back at Artisan Clay Blog and leave a comment (just one please) and let us know what your favorite design or component was. You are then entered for a surprise giveaway~ I will be sharing one of my Artisan Clay components with one lucky winner. Giveaway ends at the end of the day!

Like always, please make sure you leave an email or you have one linked to your blog to qualify.

Most of all~ have fun hopping!!!!!!

Here are some of my favorite Artisan Clay designs- this starts with my design team peices and then moves onto the many other ways I have used her beads.........

You can tell what beads I am partial to, I love the stone age discs, that is mostly what I used in these designs, there are some smoke fire beads, and one awesome raku bead in crackle white (in the sea urchin necklace). I have used many more of her beads and haven't taken pictures of all my designs. I will be listing a few of the necklace above in my etsy shop- (today is the last day to get them 15% off by using coupon code earlybird15).

Happy hopping!

Big Huge Multi-ARtist Early Bird Sale and Giveaway

2011-10-25T19:29:00.000-04:00

It's a huge group sale and giveaway! Use code earlybird15 in either my Artisan Accents Component Shop or my Staci Louise Jewelry Shop for 15% off your order, plus you get a free gift with each order, plus if you comment on this blog post, you are entered in my giveaway (see picture below), plus any comment on any blog participating in the sale gets you entered to win the big $450 metal smith package from Melinda Orr. Whew! You ready- see below for links to everyones shops, blogs and the sales they are having!

This amazing group of designers
specialize in handmade jewelry components and findings. Take advantage of our sale this

Wednesday - Friday
October 26-28
just in time for holiday shows & gift designs ~

You can still enter for the
HUGE Giveaway CLICK HERE

to enter and see all the wonderful pieces!

Each designer is offering a free gift with purchase & discount

this Wed-Fri ~ Many of these designers rarely offer sales ~ A great opportunity!
Don't miss it!

1. Melinda Orr	2. Kristi Bowman Design	3. MarlasMud	4. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp	5. SueBeads
6. Starry Road Studio - ktotten	7. Artisan Accents by Staci Louise	8. Marsha Neal Studio	9. Regina Boger	10. Lisa Peters ART

                              Click on the pictures above to visit their stores!
             Be sure to visit each of their blogs ~ We have some new additions so be sure to
                   FOLLOW AND COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!
                     Below are the artists, the sale and gifts they are offering:

1. Melinda Orr Designs ~ 15% off entire store (Use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free gift ~ a sampling of copper ear wires, rivets, textured charms and copper cleaning pad~ Visit her blog to comment to win

2. Kristi Bowman Designs ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Also 15% off her Artfire store

Visit her blog to comment to win

3. Marla's Mud ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free gift ~ Goodie bag $20 with $50 purchase & goodie bag & free shipping over $75
Visit her blog to comment to win

4. SKYE JEWELS ~ 10% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD10)

Free Gift ~ surprise!
Visit her blog to comment to win

5. Sue Beads ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free pair of handcrafted ear wires in brass or copper with earring pairs
Visit her blog to comment to win

6. Starry Road Studio ~15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free ceramic charm for orders over $25
Visit her blog to comment to win

7. Staci Louise ~You are here- click here to enter the giveaway

8. Marsha Neal Studio ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Special Gift ~ orders over $100 (after discount) receive a $15 gift certificate
Every item purchased during the sale gets you entered to win a $50 gift certificate

Extra $50 gift certificate to blog commentors ~

Visit her blog to comment to win

9. Fired Up Ladies ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free Gift ~ A surprise bead with your order

Special Gift ~ To the first 5 that spend over $50 an additional $20 gift certificate
Visit her blog to comment to win

10. Lisa Peters Art ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Free Gift ~ Surprise bead or button with your order
Visit her blog to comment to win

Here's a little treasury sampling from Kristi Bowman Designs ~ thanks Kristi!

You heard about the giveaway, now don't forget the SALE!

2011-10-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

On October 26th through October 28th I will be having a sale in my etsy shops- both Artisan Accents and Staci Louise Originals. 15% off your entire purchase (use coupon code earlybird15) and each customer receives a surprise with their order! Who doesn't love surprises? Time to do some Holiday Shopping or just stock up on beads for the winter.............................

I will be adding MANY new components in the days before the show....so make sure to wait and check it out, the components shop is pretty bare right now.

But here's the best part, I am not the only one having a sale!!!! Melinda's is hosting a big old sale to go with the giveaways~ along with easy links on her blog to all our shops. Below are the wonderful artists participating. Click the pictures to go to their blogs out their sale and their giveaways!!!

You can comment on my post HERE to be entered in my giveaway (pictured below), and Melinda's huge metal working kit giveaway. (comments on this post will not be counted)

Click the picture to go to Melinda's blog and enter the giveaway there too, AND you will have links to all the participants shops.

We have Kristie Bowman Designs................

And Marla's Mud

And Skye Jewels

And Starry Road Studio

And Sue Beads

And Marsha Neal Studio

Click each picture to go to their blogs and check out their sale and giveaway!!!

HUGE Giveaway and Group Sale

2011-10-20T08:32:00.002-04:00

Please join in our huge sale and giveaway!

Start entering for this huge giveaway right away ~

here are the details

You can grab extra entries by:

A comment on this post
Comments on each participating designer's blog (one entry per blog)
Share this event on your blog and link back to this post -leave a comment here that you shared
Share this event on your facebook fan or personal page and link back to this post -leave another
comment here that you shared
Tweet this event and share this url - leave another comment here that you shared

So you see...if you visit all the participating sites, leave a comment on each

and share on your social sites you can get up to 10 entries...this gives you great odds!

The following Saturday morning,

Melinda will go through all of the participating blogs & assign a # to each qualifying comment.

Using random.org she will choose a winner ~

Be sure to stop back here Saturday to see if you've won!

Here are the prizes~

Metalworking Package Value $200

from Melinda Orr Designs

1.5mm Metal Hole Punch

Wooden Forming Dapping Block

Jeweler's Chasing Hammer

Deluxe Riveting Hammer

Flower Metal Stamp

Vintaj Metal Shears

8" x 5" Copper Sheet 24g

10 Pair Solid Copper Earwires

10 Solid Copper Bead Caps

30 Asst Flat Head Rivets

An assortment of metal blanks & shapes

An Array of Wonderful Handmade Ceramic Components

by Karen Totten at the

Starry Road Studio

value $100

Gorgeous handmade copper and glass earrings

by Kristi Bowman Design

Value $50

Assorted beautiful handmade ceramics

from Marla's Mud

(pic coming soon)

And more as those donation pictures come in!

Stay tuned ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My giveaway (Staci L.) is pictured below. Leave a comment, share and leave a second comment to qualify. You know the drill, MUST have an email linked to your blog or in the comment to be entered. Commenting below also enters you in Melinda's Huge Metal Working package giveaway!

Artisan Accents by Staci Louise giveaway includes two bronze charms, one handmade clasp, one sea thing pendant, one garnet donut bead and one copper with silver solder sea glass bezel- plus three recycled sari silk ribbons

If you are a component designer and would like to join in....

please link in to our event & I'll get the details to you right away!

More details on the Sale tomorrow!

Bead Table Wednesday Art Bead Scene Challenge

2011-10-19T17:41:00.000-04:00

I feel like it has taken forever to make my Art Bead Scene October Challenge piece! My studio has been in such disarray that I couldn't even find my pliers to assemble this. I have had all the pieces laying there, under other things that got piled on top, but just couldn't get in there to create it. So, after a lot of cleaning, and organizing, and finding of the pliers, it is done and that feels SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Before I show you what I made, I will show you the picture its based on...........................

A Hedgehog in a Landscape, 1643-51

9¼ x 15 in. 23.5 x 38 cm. bodycolor on vellum

by Giovanna Garzoni

I could not wait to make a piece based on this painting. Nature is such a big theme in my jewelry, that this was perfect! I also really liked the muted color palatte....all neutrals. I knew right away I wanted to use one of my fold formed leaves that I made, and some stones as well. I also thought I'd make a bracelet this time, something chunky, but I couldn't get it to lay right, so it became a necklace, and I am glad it did!

So- I did end up using my fold formed leaf, a smoke fired bead by Artisan Clay, a nice slab nugget of fossil coral, one of my loopTloops in antiqued copper, some little drilled stones from a seller on etsy (I can't remember who, it was sooo long ago) and some awesome ribbon from Lisa Jurist~Mudhound Studio on etsy. I made the clasp and matching swirl link as well. Once I wore this necklace, I ended up wiring the leaf and smokefired bead together so the leaf wouldn't flip....I guess the different weights of them kept making it hang funny. I didn't get a pick of that, but its all on the back, so it doesn't really change the designs at all. I really like the creams, browns and greys together and will probably do more pieces in these colors.

So that is it, all thats on my bead table this wednesday. Whats on your bead table???

Takin some time with family......................

2011-10-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

Well, I feel like I haven't done ANYTHING for a week! My eldest got his tonsils and adenoids removed last Wednesday. We were told its a 1-2 week recovery.....and it really is! Poor guy. He's in so much pain, has to take the pain meds (with codine) every four hours (including overnight- I have to set my alarm), and OH BOY are we tired!!!

So let me try to sum up the last week-

Wednesday post op- he did great! The nurses loved him and one said she wished all her pediatric patients were this good. I was a mess though, it was hard to watch them wheel him away, knowing he was scared. But its all good, part of that life and learning thing!

We were totally blessed by friends from our care group at church who brought meals the first few days. It was so nice to not have to worry about that...and they even made soft things like homemade applesauce and carrot soufle for Aiden. What great friends!!!!!

So I spent the next few days caring for him. But saturday I had a show at my Dad's church, it was their 185th anniversary celebration. It was hard to leave Aiden with my hubby (ya know, I just wanted to be the one caring for him...) but I decided to take my daughter with me and make it a girl day, besides, I needed a helper.
It was super windy- but a beautiful fall day. Julia and I had a blast. It wasn't a real busy show, but the celebration turned out really nice. Here are some pics....

My dad, his dad (grandpop), dads brother (my uncle) and my cousins son all played some good old tunes for us.

My dad

These teens below were there to spread the word of peace. I just fell in love with these guys. They played with the little kids all day, and they write their own programs from their own experiences with bullying, teaching kids about being peacemakers. GREAT kids! Julia made some good friends there.

Julia

Below is a couple shots of my booth. Julia helped me set up the tent and carried the weights to each post for me. She is one tough chicky! She also set up all the earrings.

All in all it was a really nice day, with lots of family stopping by to hang out, old friends coming to visit and shop, and just a lot of fun with my baby girl.

Above- Julia and friends watching her pop and family play some old time country tunes.

On sunday- though we weren't supposed to take Aiden anywhere, we decided to try to tour a dairy farm and take a small hayride. It was free, and just a little walking...and Aiden wasn't staying put at home anyway (he's supposed to be resting). I am glad we did. LIke I said, it was low key activity wise, but lots of info, and the kids got to pet some calfs and learn all about milking cows, and raising pigs.....and took a hayride. Fun time.

Yesterday- I just tried to catch up around here, and today, my studio is getting cleaned. I should have snapped a pic of it. Horrible, over run, messy, boxes, crates, bags, in the hallway, all over the floor, can't even get to my table. Time to pack up the show stuff, re-organize and get into winter production mode. Heading in there now.

So now you know where I've been. Whew!

Artisan Clay Fall Fashion Show

2011-10-12T06:04:00.000-04:00

ILO having the traditional Artisan Clay design team this month, Krisite is having a fashion show. Everyone can show off their designs created with Artisan Clay beads, new and old! Invite friends, shout it to everyone, all they have to do is blog their works on Friday October 28th and link up on the Artisan Clay blog that morning, and start hopping! Lets show Kristie how much we love her work and appreciate being a part of her design team.

October Art Spark

2011-10-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

This months Art Spark Challenge at Love my Art Jewelry is Color and Movement. Check it out here, because Mary Jane Dodd gives some great tips for ways to accomplish this in your jewelry, just to get you started.

One of the things she reccomended was creating a trapeze to invoke movement. I really liked how you could take this simple idea and do it a million different ways! I also enjoyed the challenge of adding movement to my jewelry, since my designs can flow visually, but be very static physically. So for me, the challenge was to create flow in both areas.

I made my trapeze, and wrapped the top with some great yellow recycled sari silk. It added just the POP of color my piece needed. After all, we can't forget about the color portions of the challenge. If I haven't mentioned this before, I get my sari silk ribbon from Lisa Jurist or jmozart on etsy. She hand cuts old sari's and sews the strips together to create these fantastic, organic, recycled, handmade ribbons!!!! Check her out, you will find something you love, I promise. Ok- back to the design.
From my trapeze I dangled one of my lentil beads, with a slight hint of yellow patina, added some copper beads and a piece sea glass that I drilled, then I added a nice dyed agate of some sort to one side, yet, it still needed more movement. So I decided to make wire wrapped links, and connect them with large jumps, to allow them to move around. Voila! Just what it needed. I added another sari silk (can you tell I just adore them???) and a handmade clasp.

So here it is all finished up! Hope you like it, and I also hope you will enter our challenge. There are some great prizes!!! Push yourself to create more handmade in your pieces. Make the clasp (here is a great tutorial by Cindy Wimmer on that), hammer some wire to make paddles, use some handmade beads to add color, and you are there!!!! You CAN do this. I started out simply stringing beads. I never went to school for this. Just try it. The more of your jewelry that you make by hand, the more rewarding it will be, and I know you can do it. We'd love to have you and your creations over at Love My Art Jewelry. Hope to see you there!!!!

P.S. each week we pick an artist to be highlighted, but the grand prize is chosen randomly. (and we at LMAJ don't qualify to play) So don't be intimidated, you have as good of a chance as anyone!

Who Knew?????

2011-10-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

Who knew that an old book could have so much potential???? Kristi Bowman, thats who. If you don't know who she is, you should hop over to her blog or her etsy shop. She is a fellow metal clay bead artist who loves texture as much as I do!!!! Well, awhile back, she did a blog post about an old bible she found at a yard sale, and how she planned to use it for texture. I thought that was wonderful. I can really connect with my art when the things I make have a back story, and what better back story then a piece of history brought back to life!!!

So I kept this in the back of my mind. Well, over the weekend, I went to a yard sale, and on the table was a PILE of old Bibles. I mean, like 20 of them. Giant, family, leather bound Bibles, some with locks and everything, in all their artistic leather tooled glory!!!! So I took a deep breath and asked how much. Waiting for something to rich for me to afford, the lady replied, $5 each. What??????? I'll take two! I wanted them to use as background for photo's, but also, for the texture. I found this one first, I loved the color, and the patterns were great. I thought the open middle would be great for photos.

The Bible is a German one from the 1800's. Its so very cool. I can't wait to show my best friend, who comes from very German blood. I think she will like it!

The table was full of wonders, but I could only spend for two. So this one won out for the second purchase. I fell in love with the artistry of the leather work. Its like a painting you would see in an old church. I think I see a pendant series springing forth from this one.

I mean- the detail is crazy! The pictures carved into this Bible are beautiful, with a great organic flow.

So- I totally got these Bibles for art reasons, however, I couldn't stop being amazed at how wonderfully decorated these were. I often think that things of this nature are just showing off, that you don't need all that pomp and circumstance to adore your God. HOWEVER, this book was important. It was revered. The time and care it took to design this, shows that. So I cracked it open, and found something even more interesting. There is a complete early day encyclopedia inside, before the Bible even starts. It goes through Roman history, mythology, the Greeks, the history of money, leaders, wars, the reformation, there's a dictionary of important people, AND the full Bible. I mean, to some family, this book was everything. Wow. I am kind of humbled. I think I love this old find for sooo many reasons. I have never really been into antiques, but now, I see the appeal. I can wonder who loved this book, where it has been, what it has seen. Did it marry young couples in love? Did it bury loved ones, celebrate births????? Ahhh, I get it. History. Love it. Very cool find. Thanks Kristi for the idea to use such great old art, to create with, and opening a door to the world of antiques for me!

LBI Sea Glass Festival at Things a Drift NJ

2011-10-05T19:45:00.000-04:00

Well- I made a lot of jewlery for this show, in fear I wouldn't have the variety I needed. I came home with all of it! I think with the NASGA show in NJ this year, (and it's this coming weekend), we were competing for business. Last year I sold WAY more, with less then half the turn out we had this year. I mean, I would do the same thing asa buyer, wait until the big show to spend my sea glass money! Lots of lookers this year and many fun folks came out to talk sea glass. So, although it wasn't a big money show, I love to do it anyway, and I love sea glass fans, and the other vendors were just great too! Plus- I get some time on the island with my husband and no kids. No more to be said there. Its all good.

I did do demonstrations of how to drill sea glass, and sold some loose glass and drill bits. I always have people ask me about it, so I was glad that I thought to bring all that stuff this year.

I didn't take any photos, and I really wish I had. I caught the cold that was going through my house last week, and had no voice, and was run down and tired. I mostly sat and just played with sea glass and beads (and gabbed with the other vendors, though my voice sounded like I smoked two packs a day for 50years!)

Here are some pictures I took of the newest sea glass necklaces I made for the show. Hope you like them.....I will be listing some next week.

Anyone going to the big festival next weekend?????? NASGA in Long Branch NJ?

Art Bead Earring Swap

2011-10-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to Diana Ptaszynski of Suburban Girl Studio LLC for organizing this great swap! I loved the idea of just swapping jewerly- especially with art beads. I mean, even if we all make our own, you know we drool over everyone elses designs too!

I think earrings are both fun and challenging. I am in a place in my jewelry making where I want all my work to be cohesive, and honestly represent my style. When you make earrings, you don't have much room to make a statement. They are an artform all their own!!!!! So it can be challenging, but its always fun to make mini- art too! (if you have seen how chunky and large my necklaces are, you will see why I call earrings mini-art!)

I got paired up with Lisa Petrillo of Lucid Moon Studio! I was really excited, since I have "met" her through a couple of other hops. I love her work, she really has an eye for design. Her blog is full of life, and I just know she would be so much fun to hang out with in person. Lisa is in the process of moving this week, I don't know how she does it all!!!!

Here is the amazing package I got from her.

We emailed each other prior to creating our earrings for each other, and I told her that I don't really wear earrings, but was excited to get a pair as a gift for my mom. My mom is a BIG fan of earrings, and certainly not loyal to mine! LOL! I thought she'd like a pair from a new artist for a change. The box is perfect and ready to gift! I just love getting a nicely decorated package!

Then I opened it to find these adorable and versitile earrings! Love them, and so will my mom.

But thats not all, she also included these, in case I wanted to make a matching pendant.

Isn't that so thoughtful????

So, I am looking at these beads, going, "these look so familiar". So I emailed Lisa and it turns out they are made by Love My Art Jewelry's own LeAnn of Summer Studios!!! Small world!!

If you want to check out what everyone else got, here are the links! There are some great artists in this bunch. I can't wait to have an excuse to browes their blogs all morning!!!

Happy Hopping!

Diana Ptaszynski http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

Jenny Davies-Reazor http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp http://www.skyejewels.blogspot.com

Lisa Petrillo http://www.lucidmoonstudio.com

Patty Chaban Gasparino http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com

Susan Kennedy http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Shannon Iko Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Cilla Watkins http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

Diane Hawkey http://www.dianehawkey.blogspot.com

Pam Ferrari http://www.ferrarioriginalsyahoocom.blogspot.com

Lori Bowring Michaud http://www.artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Stacey M. Curry http://www.starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com

Linda Landig http://www.lindasbeadblog.com

Norma Turvey http://www.moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com

Melinda Orr http://www.orrtec.blogspot.com

Holly Westfall http://www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com

Rosemarie Cowit http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com

Staci L. Smith http://www.stacilouise.blogspot.com

Sarah Elder http://www.mysocalledjunkylife.blogspot.com

Today is the Day for the Huge Sale and Giveaway

2011-10-02T01:00:00.002-04:00

You shop either my Artisan Accents Components Shop or my Jewelry Shop and use coupon code earlybird15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order. PLUS you get a free surprise gift for shopping with me.

Just look at all these wonderful shops included in this sale!!!

This amazing group of designers
specialize in handmade jewelry components and findings. Take advantage of our sale this

Wednesday - Friday
October 26-28
just in time for holiday shows & gift designs ~

You can still enter for the
HUGE Giveaway CLICK HERE

to enter and see all the wonderful pieces!

Each designer is offering a free gift with purchase & discount

this Wed-Fri ~ Many of these designers rarely offer sales ~ A great opportunity!
Don't miss it!

1. Melinda Orr	2. Kristi Bowman Design	3. MarlasMud	4. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp	5. SueBeads
6. Starry Road Studio - ktotten	7. Artisan Accents by Staci Louise	8. Marsha Neal Studio	9. Regina Boger	10. Lisa Peters ART

Here are the artists, the sale and gifts they are offering:

Click on the pictures above to visit their stores!
Be sure to visit each of their blogs ~ We have some new additions so be sure to
FOLLOW AND COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!

1. Melinda Orr Designs ~ 15% off entire store (Use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free gift ~ a sampling of copper ear wires, rivets, textured charms and copper cleaning pad~
Visit her blog to comment to win

2. Kristi Bowman Designs ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Also 15% off her Artfire store

Visit her blog to comment to win

3. Marla's Mud ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free gift ~ Goodie bag $20 with $50 purchase & goodie bag & free shipping over $75
Visit her blog to comment to win

4. SKYE JEWELS ~ 10% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD10)

Free Gift ~ surprise!
Visit her blog to comment to win

5. Sue Beads ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free pair of handcrafted ear wires in brass or copper with earring pairs
Visit her blog to comment to win

6. Starry Road Studio ~15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free ceramic charm for orders over $25
Visit her blog to comment to win

7. Staci Louise ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ surprise bead mix
Visit her blog to comment to win

8. Marsha Neal Studio ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Special Gift ~ orders over $100 (after discount) receive a $15 gift certificate
Every item purchased during the sale gets you entered to win a $50 gift certificate

Extra $50 gift certificate to blog commentors ~

Visit her blog to comment to win

9. Fired Up Ladies ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free Gift ~ A surprise bead with your order

Special Gift ~ To the first 5 that spend over $50 an additional $20 gift certificate
Visit her blog to comment to win

10. Lisa Peters Art ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Free Gift ~ Surprise bead or button with your order
Visit her blog to comment to win

Here's a little treasury sampling from Kristi Bowman Designs ~ thanks Kristi!

And don't forget the giveaway- you can enter to win mine here, and every comment on a blog included in the sale will give you a chance to win the big prize from Melinda as well, a metal smith starter kit valued at $450!!!!

Love My Art Jewelry Cyber Sale

2011-10-02T01:00:00.001-04:00

Today is the big Cyber Sale at Love My Art Jewelry! To see all the participating shops, click here!

You can receive 30% off in my jewelry shop today using code LMAJcybersale30

and 10% off my components shop using code LMAJcybersale10 at checkout.

Everyone's shops are loaded and ready to go, so have fun and save some cash! Here are a few things you'll find in my shops!

Artisan Clay Team Reveal Day

2011-09-30T02:00:00.000-04:00

Last Friday of the month is Artisan Clay reveal day! This month we got to pick from some buttons Kristie had.....it was a hard choice, but I picked the blue one that is off center looking (in the second picture), because I just crave that natural rough look in my jewelry.
Here are some of the pictures she put up for us to choose from!

See what I mean, a hard choice??? I was planning to do something different, and make a little leather handbag, with this as a button. However, with all my sea glass out on the table, it just cried to be paired up with some of the blues in a necklace. I guess I am hopelessly addicted to making necklaces!

Sweet and to the point, the button just had to be the shining star of this show! I hope Kristie makes more of these squishy circle shapes with the glass in them. I like it, very much!!!!

Thanks Kristie!!! I really enjoyed this months challenge!

And the winner is.....................

2011-09-29T00:07:00.001-04:00

Ritaz Rtistic Rambelz! Congrats!

Here is what she said about her favorite beads:
"Wow, tough question since it changes all the time. I am totally addicted to metals of all sorts, and lampwork glass. My faves to wear myself are mainly, silver, mixed metals, lampwork and seeds of all sorts. Thanks for the opportunity to win! "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Rita-I just realized you did not include your email, and I have no way to contact you. I didn't want to disqualify you, so you have one week to contact me or I will have to draw a new name....sorry! but rules are rules)

Thank you all for participating! This was the biggest turn out I've ever had for a giveaway! I really enjoyed seeing everyone's answers, and finding that I am not the only bead ~~addict~~ collector out there!

My favorites are earthy organic beads, ones that look like they have been dug up. So raku ceramic usually fit that bill pretty well. If you are new to my blog, then I will introduce you to a few of my favorite ceramic bead artists.

Lisa Peters Art

Artisan Clay

Maku Studio

Then of course, I love metals....all metals. Highly antiqued silver that is chunky and textured comes first (I used to LOVE bali beads before I started making my own metal components) and I adore copper, because of how much you can distress it!

Oh yeah- gemstones, my first love, sea glass, and I am begining to find some lampwork and polymer artists I love too.

Yeah- addict. What can I say. I'm a sucka for art beads, or anything earthy and pretty!!!

Thanks again! And Congrats to Rita!!!! Contact me with your address so I can get these out to you!

Self Taught Artist, Mom, Blogger, and Tired!

2011-09-26T11:26:00.001-04:00

So, these last few months have been really tough. I am not an organized person, so multi-tasking for me looks more like I can't find my keys! However, I love all my jobs, designing jewelry, learning new techniques and of course, being a MOM!

This week, I am feeling the downside to my jobs. I don't want to complain, but just, let you see the other side. Its not all good shows, designs that turn out as planned and rainbows. Teaching myself jewelry saves me money, and I can do it at my own pace, from home, in my own time. It also means that to get to this point..................(doing bezels again!!)

You get a lot of this!

My pile of "what the heck happend there?" keeps growing. But, I am learning with each melted, unsoldered / half- soldered piece!

I am also feeling my mortality as a mom, with another kid sick (double ear infection, tonsilitis and possible strep!) and numerous injuries from working while tired! I cut myself on my right thumb between the nail and skin (OUCH!) burnt my left thumb, blister to prove it, and sanded a nail almost through! I also made a mistake announcing the Art Spark winner on LMAJ! I need some rest.

This weekend is my sea glass festival. It means a crazy week of prep, but, it also means 4 days on LBI with my hubby (only two working the festival). We need a break! Times are tough. He's not finding work. I am working and not making $$$. School started, sick kids, you know, just another September. We will get through it. I don't worry as much as him, but it's still stressful. I just try to look forward to the day we will remember that tough fall we had, in hindsight. But boy, do we need a weekend alone and away to remember that life can be slowed down, and quiet, and romantic! I can't wait until friday, when we are packed and driving to the shore. We get free lodging, so its a real treat! So, I just keep telling myself, a few more days, and then I will be able to relax with the one I love.
(sorry for the ramble)

So, tell me, do you like to teach yourself, and work through all the mistakes? Or are you more of a class person?

What do you look forward to during tough times?

Just so happy!

2011-09-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

I am just so happy with how this turned out I had to share! I am once again making the sea glass bezels for a sea glass festival, and I wanted to make myself something in silver, that I have been hoarding, as a show piece to wear (and my payment to me for all my hard work!)

Here she is. It consists of my favorite color sea glass, GREY (two pieces), and cabs from two great raku artists, Lisa Peters Art (who did the trilobyte style cab with the crystal) and Maku Studio's (who did the amazing ammonite). Silver work by me, ribbon from JMozart on etsy (OH MY WORD her ribbons are fine, and inexpensive, as far as ribbons go).

Love it. I wish I could sleep in it. I also wish silver prices weren't what they are right now so I could make a jillion of these!!!

thanks for lookin!

GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-09-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

If you are still bead soup blog hopping, click here to read mine....and don't worry, I am still hopping too.

Who doesn't love a giveaway????

Short and sweet, here it is, you can win all this, just by leaving a comment and telling me what you favorite kind of bead is (example: organic, geometric, silver, bronze, ceramic, lampwork, enameled.....you get the idea, right??)
Open to international friends as well!!!

Here's the loot!

all packed up, one side

all packed up, other side

Prizes include:

Artisan Accents: fold formed copper leaf, resin and bezel beach stone focal, textured copper love heart, two blackish purple loopTloops in large and small, one small bronze angel wing, one set of small shell charms in bronze, two patina filligree charms. Other goodies include a vintage finding, an old coin replica, star charm, abalone charm, and a handful of cool gemtones. Its a little second helping of "bead soup" for all you hoppers still dilligently hopping away!!!!!

How to play:

Leave a comment answering the questions, along with your email. If I cannot get in touch with you, I will have to pick another winner:(

You get extra chances to win by sharing this on facebook, twitter and or your blog. Leave a separate comment for EACH way you shared to get credit for them.

If you share, please mention that there is free shipping on all my components in the Artisan Accents store until Sunday, September 25th! Just use code beadsouprocks at checkout to recieve this deal. (coupon for u.s. residents only) And a Cyber Sale (savings amount to be announced) in both my shops on October 2nd! AND you can be a part of it if you create handmade beads or use them in your jewelry designs.....just check out the LMAJ badge at the top right of my blog for more information.

Winner will be picked by random.org on September 28th!

Good Luck!

And Happy Birthday to my Aiden who is 10 years old today! My how time flies, I love you buddy!

Cyber Sale at LMAJ

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

(if you are still Bead Soup Blog hopping, I know I am , please click here)

Love my Art Jewelry is having a Cyber Sale, and anyone who creates handmade beads or components, or handmade art jewelry can take part in it! Just click on the box to the top right of my blog to sign up! AND, if you'd be so inclined to donate something for a giveaway, we can get more traffic to the sale. So sign up, donate, and spread the word! October 2nd is the day to shop handmade!!!

URL:	(URL of your blog post)
Name:
Email:	(Not visible)

	Trouble linking up? Try here

URL:	(URL of your blog post)
Name:
Email:	(Not visible)

	Trouble linking up? Try here