Etsy Craft Party in Philadelphia

There was a wonderful party/meeting last month for local Philadelphia-area crafters who sell on Etsy.  It was held at the Midwives Collective, who were nice enough to share their space with us.  It was so nice to meet other creative types.

Directly above is a photo of one of the artworks on display at the Collective.  Unfortunately, my photography skills could not capture the art well, but it is a very interesting gallery!

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Sparkly Blues with Twisted Fluted Golden Beads

I've used aqua blue and midnight blue beads in this two strand necklace.  The large twisted fluted gold beads are a type of metallic acrylic and are nicely lightweight.  Yes, I prefer lighter weight jewelry.  The discs are carnelian-colored resin.  Overall, it is quite a sparkly and dressy look.  I made a hook and eye closure for the necklace.

Blue and Green Floating Necklace

I like using the exposed crinkle wire.  These beads are "floating" on double strands.  I've used larger foil lined beads that are puffed coins in cobalt with black stripes.  They are combined with cornflower and aqua blue beads, and green beads that have a yellow or olive tint to them.  This color combination makes me think of the sea.  If you stare at the rolling waves
for a bit, you can see many shades of blue and green.  I've finished the necklace with a pewter hook and eye clasp.  You can find it in my Etsy shop here.

The Loss of a Good Friend

I lost a dear friend to cancer this past week.  The last time we had visited was in August of 2008.  I had moved quite a ways away from her ten years ago, so our visits had been infrequent, but always enjoyable.  I still have to go through my low-tech photos of her, which will be in a box somewhere in the house.  I have these pictures in my pc.  We went to a Chihuly exhibit and a dahlia display that summer.  I have great memories of our friendship and our many trips together, to Maine, to New York and once even to Scotland.  She was a wonderful woman!

Happy Independence Day!

A happy 4th of July to one and all!  I've posted a picture of me clutching strands of beads that have as yet to make it into a project design.  I meant to do some red, white, and blue designs, but it's always one thing and then the other.  I should probably start up the Halloween designs now, and perhaps I'll finish something in time!

For my non-USA readers, happy whatever day!  You can still celebrate our day by eating a lot of food, preferably ribs, corn, watermelon and blueberries (that's what I'm doing!).  I'll be sure to celebrate your holidays too, just tell me what to eat!  :)

Safari Jasper and Friends

I have made a necklace and bracelet set using nuggets of safari jasper with goldstone and deep blue beads.  These colors all work nicely together, and end with a decorative pewter toggle clasp.

I know some designers like to make a piece either ALL gemstone, ALL glass, or ALL acrylic, but I tend to mix it up a bit.  I'm looking at the colors, shapes, and textures really.  Another important factor is the actual weight.  I want the piece to be practical to wear, and sometimes a strand of nothing but huge chunky gemstones can be quite heavy.  I always use high quality beading wire with good strength and size, but I never want to stress the wire so completely that I cannot be sure it will stand up over multiple wearings for my customers.

Cobalt Blue Puffed Discs with Sherbet Colored Crystals

I have made a necklace and earrings using these wonderful glass beads.  The cobalt blue puffed discs are a lovely medium to dark blue and have a matte surface.  I've accented them with fire polished orange crystals and small round coral beads.  The pink and the orange are creamy colors and remind me of sherbet, which may mean I am hungry.