Jewelry Making Outside The Box

May 17, 2013

Art Deco Components and Transitional Art Deco Components--What's THAT?

According to Wikipedia, Art Deco is a 'stilted, stylized design', characterized by strong lines and geometric patterns. Named after the International Exposition of Modern and Industrial Arts, held in Paris in 1925, the style carried over from the Art Nouveau design period. It also had strong hinges on Native American (Indian) jewelry design as well as the Egyptian Revival craze which occurred after the opening of King Tut's tomb in 1922.

In Art Deco jewelry, colors tend to be very strong: white, black, red, orange, green, blue in their purest senses, often combined with metal. Colors are achieved by enamel, and the look can be extremely geometric---or it can be softened by previous Nouveau influences or later retro ones.

As with Victorian Revival jewelry, Art Deco jewelry had a revival in the 1950's as well. That's why in the collecting trade, you will sometimes hear the term "50's Deco."

The above photo of the beetle stamping has strong Egyptian influence (from the Egyptian Revival/King Tut tomb period) but it also has a softening, which suggests the original design for the stamping may have come from the late 20's-early 30's, but the die as we know it today in the US stampings trade probably became strong in the 1950's.

You can find this stamping at B'sue Boutiques here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Art-Deco-Curious-Beetle-3936

Since the latest incarnation of the The Great Gatbsy hit the silver screen a week or so ago, there is more and more interest in Gatsby style jewelry. We as artists like to know WHAT really the Art Deco style WAS.....and how we might find components to use to incorporate into our designs.

Most of the stampings we carry at B'sue Boutiques are what I call 50's Deco....and I do that quite freely! This again is because most of the tooling was re-developed from earlier, antique dies from the first Deco period that began in the 20's. They are also transitional pieces with softened elements that will work well with Gatsby-style bling and Gatsby-era design lines.

The book, THE GREAT GATSBY, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was written in 1925, so the jewelry of that period is really what most might call 'flapper' jewelry---with influence both in Art Deco as well as Art Nouveau.

Here are some samples of transitional Deco components that would work for this style of jewelry:

This rather huge dragonfly---about four inches across--is definitely transitional deco and can be bent to make a bracelet. You would drill or hole punch the tips of the wings and just add a bit of chain and a clasp for a very nifty bangle. A chain could be attached through its tail to make a slave, or hand flower bracelet.

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Huge-Four-Inch-Dragonfly-5493

This piece actually leans toward Arts and Crafts Period Style....which actually transitioned, in some ways, into Art Deco!

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Stamping-Mothra-Brass-Ox-56-x-73mm-2278

This bee connector has an angular Deco influence:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Bee-Connector-Stamping-9726

Even our Steampunk wheel cogs have a pronounced Deco design:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Steampunk-25mm-Silverware-Silverplate-Cog-Wheel-11083

To see some wonderful Art Deco period pieces, you can check out Pinterest. Here is a link from a search I did that yielded some amazing photos:

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=art+deco+jewelry

In the movie, I saw a lot of color.....but a real tendency toward cream pearl and crystal rhinestone....so you may be able to incorporate repurposed focals to great effect.

And just as a thought....why not maybe mix the Deco feeling, or style....with something found and altered?

Here are some fab silverplated spoon pendants made by Mitzi Curi:

These pendants, while being current artistic design trend, would totally blend for a tongue in cheek Art Deco style pendant!

Posted at 12:29 PM in American Made Brass, Designer Finishes, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Style and Color, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 14, 2013

Fashion Quotes Worth Pondering

Elsa Schiaparelli was the rival of designer Coco Chanel, back in the beginning of the golden days of 20th century fashion design. Her signature color was Shocking Pink:

Her clothing designs were amazing, and now housed in museums:

This brooch is rare......it is the Circus Brooch. I always marvel at this photo when I see it.

Would love to have this book, THE LITTLE BOOK OF SCHIAPARELLI by

Emma Baxter-Wright.

Not only were her designs and fashion sense outrageous, she had something outrageous to say about design ITSELF.

Check out these quotes.....and ponder them:

"The way is open to everybody who has the will, the ambition, the respect for the work, and the IT."

And this little killer:

"The moment people stop copying you, you have ceased to be news."

Find more Schiaparelli eye candy at Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=schiaparelli

Posted at 05:54 PM in American Made Brass, Designer Finishes, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Style and Color, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 09, 2013

Hand Flower Bracelets

First, what are they?

Given that pictures are worth a thousand words....let's just have some photos:

These are some I have made in the last few weeks. As you can see, they're composed of a bracelet that simply leads down to a loop that goes around the finger, or a ring that attaches to the bracelet by a chain.

In the past, bracelets of this style were known by the trade term "slave bracelets." In India, however, where they are worn by many as part of culture, they are referred to as 'hand flowers'. I have to say, I love that term....so from now on, that's what I am calling them.

Here are some really creative ones made by members of the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook....enjoy the show:

This one was made by Gina Brytowski.

Monica Rangne of MockiDesign at Etsy has made many and shared them with us over the months! Here are just a few:

Robin Delargy of Loo Loo's Box at Etsy,made this one:

and this one.....which is off the charts with coolness:

Just love how that chain drapes over her hand!

Deb Beechy of Beetique made this one:

And Jann Tague of Clever Designs offered this one:

I love this one made by Audrey Belanger:

This is from Seagoddess Beverly:

And of course, Harry Wood from Oscar Crow at Etsy:

And one made of wire by Linda Aspenson Bergstrom:

Here is a video I made last week with details on how YOU can make one, too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5dSModKubA

And of course....if you need supplies, we have everything you need, at B'sue Boutiques

Posted at 03:59 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media Technique, Style and Color, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 30, 2013

Book Review: Making Metal Jewelry by Jen Cushman

When it comes to jewelry making, everyone has to start someplace. Whether you want to do resin, mixed media, metal, wire, polymer clay....there is a perfect book for you as a beginner. As a beginner, you DO need books!

If you want to work with metal, and you haven't done it yet..... or maybe, you have! but aren't good with it.....or are still unsure of yourself, afraid of metal working tools, et al....THIS is the book you buy.

I was checking some of the reviews on this book this morning. I noted that one reader said she'd only dabbled, and truly had no clue WHAT to do.....and that *this* book was an answer to a jewelry-maker's prayer.

Another said they had taken some major classes from professionals yet had not been encouraged by the classes. They had found no joy in them and felt defeated. This book opened a new door for them and helped them find that joy.

Personally, I need EASY in a book like this. I need photos of stuff I might actually, remotely be tempted as someone with rudimentary skills, to make. Jen combines her knowledge of mixed media and resin work (she is also author of EXPLORE, CREATE, RESINATE---the Resin Bible) with many years around the bench and puts it all together in an enticing, tasty mix. After reading the intro and browsing a few projects, you just want to get up, go to your workbench, take the few tools you have and GO FOR IT.

Your project may, in the long run, not come out ANYTHING like what is in the book. NO WORRIES! It is not about making precise wraps, cuts, doing the work in a straight line. Do you think the very first jewelry makers made museum quality work?

Oh HA.

And neither will you.

The *point* is to get some good advice on some good tools (that's in there), how to use them safely (that's in there) and some easy ideas on how whip out a project the first day so that you can get a sense of gratification (in there, too.)

The book IS available at discount at Amazon, but let me just throw *this* out there to ya:

You can get one direct from its author, SIGNED, at this link:

http://jencushman.com/

Any time you can get a hand-signed copy of a book, I'd like to encourage you to go that route. It's just good for your creative heart. For me, it's like getting just a tiny bit of the author/teacher's DNA along with the book.

You can also check the website above for Jen's teaching schedule.

Jen Cushman is also the Director of Education and Marketing for Susan Lenart Kazmer, ICE Resin.

Posted at 12:05 PM in Books in My Library, Easy Peasy Projects, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 11, 2013

A Resinous Mess

This blog post is not to create fear in the hearts of those who already fearful of working with resin.

You should have NO fear of working with resin, because even if you err, even the worst resinous mess can be corrected.

Anyway....mine is being corrected, as we speak!

Yesterday I mixed up some ICE Resin in order to complete a bunch of experiments I'd been working on, some with the new Iced Enamels and others with molds and polymer clay. Well....I thought I mixed it!

I THOUGHT it seemed light when I mixed it. It should be a pearlescent, milky color when you do it properly, but mine stayed clear. I don't know why that didn't raise a flag....but! I had too much going on and wasn't paying attention.

I ended up mixing it one part resin to one part resin, instead of putting in the hardener. So when I came back to work this morning, all I had was an icky, sticky mess! UGH!

What to do?

DO IT AGAIN. I scraped off as much of the first mixture as I could. Then I PROPERLY mixed a new batch. On the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook , someone had recommended that as you let the resin rest after mixing (you should let it rest about 5 min or so) that you could also put it on a candle warmer plate for a minute or two and let the warmth 'start' it. So I did:

Then, someone called me. I forgot about it for about 20 minutes.

Well, the good news is FOR SURE I did a great job of mixing it. The bad news was that it was almost cured solid! LOL

Time to mix another batch......

Anyway, here's what I did get done:

This is a cuff first painted with some Pink Halo Lumiere paint I had in the drawer over one of my extra wide dimpled "can" style cuffs.

After the paint dried, I coated the whole thing with Iced Enamels medium, and sprinkled a couple of colors of Iced Enamel "Relique" Powders on it. Then I heat set it.

Now it is covered with ICE resin. Hmmm. It looks great like this, but you know me....I could never stop HERE.

Maybe some of these flowers will look good on top:

I like to resin silk flowers, too. Since they are so porous, will have to wait and see how many new coats of good resin it will take to fix my gaffe. I also added some Iced Enams to the sides of the petals. Hope it comes out so I can show ya!

Can't wait to do more with the Iced Enamels We have been planning a DVD with some of the cool patina stuff on it for some time; it's taking longer than I'd planned, but when it comes out we'll have a spot about them on it.

Meantime, why don't you join the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook ? Ther is so much sharing going on there, on so many levels. Once in a bit, Jen Cushman, who is part of ICE Resin, stops by and shares some info with us on their products; and this week we just celebrated 1,000 members with a virtual party that rocked on most of the night!

What a fun bunch! Helps me get over my resinous mess! LOL

Posted at 04:22 PM in Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media Technique, Resinology | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 09, 2013

Mitzi Came To Visit.....Her Impressions of Her Class At B'sue Boutiques

Mitzi Curi of Mitzi's Collectables came down from Lansing, Michigan last week to spend two days of instruction in the shop with me.

Mitzi is easy-going, low-key and interested in everything. We had a very fun and productive time together last week and she went home with her head swimming full of new ideas.

You might like to take a moment to read her blog, see her photos, and read her observations about the trip she made to B'sue Boutiques shop here in East Palestine, Ohio:

Mitzi's Blog Observations

Mitzi is a full-time antiques dealer and finds lots of amazing little deals and doo-dads. Be sure to check out her Vintage Vocabulary Series as it is FULL of great information. You will find more about Mitzi in the right-hand nav bar of her blog. She loves to blog so subscribing to her writings would be a very good idea for you.

Normally I teach 2-3 hour techniques classes here at the shop with 1-3 persons. I am able to book a class like Mitzi took only a few times a year, but am happy to do it if you are a dedicated artisan who wants to learn more about current mixed media techniques. My rates are reasonable; your biggest cost might be getting here and your hotel fee! I recommend the Dutch Haus Inn In Columbiana, Ohio They have beautiful, comfortable rooms and feed you amazing Amish pastries for breakfast.

More information on visiting us at B'sue Boutiques here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/visiting_bsue_boutiques.shtml

Drop in company is always welcome; if you are traveling, it's a good idea to call first so that you can be sure I am not out on an appointment for some reason. I'd hate to miss you! We have a lot of our stampings inventory out front in the shop now and I am adding more every day.

Posted at 12:28 PM in Easy Peasy Projects, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Jewelry Making, Selling Your Work, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 01, 2013

More Fabulous Kitchen Sink Jewelry....and Winner Revealed!

YES....I *am* going to make you look at some gorgeous pix first, because I am so proud of so much great work. But not too many.....I know you're anxious to know who got the gift certificate:

Caroline Laurense:

Pam Anger:

Audrey Belanger:

Rita Randazzo:

Terry Matusyk:

Pasha Zio:

Kristy Le:

Jaime Hynes:

Michelle Westlake-Tice:

Monica Rangne:

Janet Wilson:

Manu Roue:

Kate Mulligan:

Beverly McPherson:

there were so MANY MORE, and I'm whooped....got in the door here today VERY LATE!

SO PLEASE: come over and see us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group Pinterest Challenge Board Grab a cuppa joe cuz you'll want to savor all the gorgeous pieces. Some elegant, some wild and crazy, some altered, some charmy-beady......but all fabulous.

And come join our group at B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook Consider this your person invite. Put your name in the little box and as soon as I see you....I will click you in with a smile on my face!

As of today we have 983.....can we make it 1,000 this week? let's go for it!

OH YEAH.....who won?

First let me preface that (yes you have to wait another minute) with this:

We do NOT judge challenges.

We do NOT look for best work, most imaginative, nada.

ALL SKILL LEVELS are invited.

We have ONE 25.00 gift certificate winner to B'sue Boutiques based on use of the random number generator, so the winner is random...and she is....

BEV McPHERSON!

Bev, contact me at FB to get your code to come on a 25.00 shopping spree at B'sue Boutiques

The APRIL CHALLENGE is LARIAT NECKLACES. Join the group, make some, post to the group, get pinning privileges for Pinterest so we can pin you there, and maybe next month YOU will win the giftie!

Posted at 05:30 PM in Coupons and Contests, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Mixed Media Technique | Permalink | Comments (5)

March 29, 2013

My Contribution for Bead Soup Blog Party, First Reveal

Here's a shot again of all the amazing loot sent to me for the Bead Soup Blog Hop First Reveal, by Lola Surwillo of Bead Lola Bead: http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com/

This was a bit of a stretch for me. I LOVED everything she sent.....there were actually two amazing clasps in here, one a delightful, amazing Art Deco style sterling clasps with either glass stones or CZ's in it....and then, a lovely TierraCast copper ox cast toggle that looked like a clock! Both are toward the foreground of the photo.

Then she sent me beaucoups of Mother of Pearl, fresh water pearls, all sorts of amazing little things. I wanted to use up just as much of it as I could, thinking outside of the box yet remaining true to my own style. Here is the first piece I made:

and another shot:

and another:

I wish I had a photo of ME wearing this.....because then you could see the huge smile on my face. This one is MINE ALL MINE. Usually I turn over the things I make in my shop in East Palestine, Ohio:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/visiting_bsue_boutiques.shtml

But this one is so ME. I hope many of you had similar happiness with your Bead Soup creations.

I LOVE the vintage work of the Miriam Haskell company, where all the materials are wired in to a piece, such as this one. I began with Old Rose Ox Filigree from B'sue Boutiques and then used many of Lola's freshwater pearls and beads in the motif as well as up the side of the pure copper chain, which was from my own stash. The tassel is vintage red brass chain and I used Lola's beads again on fine, copper balled headpins along with some little keys. Up one side, you see that amazing TierraCast clasp.

The piece is finished to the back with an opposing filigree to cover the wire on the back.

This type of beading is called cagework beadery. As you can see, I have hardly mastered it, I see more wire showing than I would like. In the long run, though, the piece looks great when worn, feels wonderful, is easy going while being slightly fussy at the same time.

Here is the second piece I made from Lola's brilliant stash of goodies:

I really struggled with this one, because that clasp was so amazing and it had three staggered connecting holes. I don't bead in that way so I was banging my head a bit. So I decided to make it a focal, along with the mother of pearl slab she sent me. The tassel is sterling chain that she also send, also the little glass Czech baroque beads. The silver figaro chain was mine, so was the diamante heart and vintage pear shaped prism (which was once part of a chandelier).

I have it on display in the shop and a couple of people have wanted to buy it already, but nope! Not til after Bead Soup! LOL Honestly, it was really hard to photograph, and do justice, but I am very pleased with the design and the way it feels.

THANK YOU LOLA for making me think outside my own design box. I honestly think I went over a new hurdle and this challenge was MORE than worthwhile. Thank you for all the beautiful components, I hope you have enjoyed working with what I sent you!

This is what I sent Lola:

I'm certain these items are very different for her, too.

I know it's going to take me time to get around to everyone as running B'sue Boutiques and getting the orders out requires a lot of time. Also, I have a very large and growing Creative Group at Facebook, why don't you come check it out! Beaders, mixed media artists, PMC, polymer clay, Boho, stampings....whatever you like to use, you can share with us!

I will eventually get around the whole block.....and can't wait to see what you have come up with, too! Happy First Reveal, everyone!

Here is the list of participants from Lori's blog:

Alicia Marinache	http://www.allprettythings.ca/
Amber Dawn Goldish	www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com
Barb Solem	http://www.vivimagoopresents.com
Bev Breisinger	http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com
Birgitta Lejonklou	www.lejonklou.blogspot.se
Breana Fry	www.vault31.blogspot.com
Brenda Sue Lansdowne	http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Bridget Torres	www.Shears58.com
Carol Dee Myers	http://caroldeezigns.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Chenault	www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com
Cassi Paslick	http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/
Cece Cormier	Http://www.thebeadingyogini.com
Cheryl McCloud	www.cherylmccloud.blogspot.com
Cindy Wilson	www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com
Crystal Thain	http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Riggs	http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/
Dana Hickey	http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/
Dana James	http://danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com
Darlene Fortier	www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com
Deana Hager	http://justdeesarts.blogspot.com/
Deanna Cox	www.deannaaki.wordpress.com
Deb Brooks	http://www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com/
Debra Behrends	http://www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com/
Denielle Hagerman	http://www.somebeadsandotherthings.blogspot.com/
Denise McCabe	www.cabewoman.blogspot.com
Diana Frey	www.dianafrey.blogspot.com
Diana Welte	http://lilyweeds.blogspot.com
Dini Bruinsma	http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl
DiYana Alcalde	http://agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com/
Dolores Raml	http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/
Donna Millard	http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/
Dot Lewallwn	http://speediebeadie.blogspot.com/
Duane Clark	http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/
Dyanne Cantrell	http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/
Eleanor Burian-Mohr	http://cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com/
Elisabeth Auld	www.beadsforbusygals.com
Elizabeth Owens Dwy	www.1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Emily Greer	http://www.gaiacopia.com/blog-2/
Enikö Fabian	http://perleni.blogspot.co.at/
Erin Grant	http://ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com
Eva Kovacs	http://ewagyongyosvilaga.blogspot.hu/
Eva Sherman	http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett	www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Grace Rotenberg	http://rivkasmomcom.blogspot.com/
Gretchen Nation	www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com
Hannah Rosner	http://goodrivergallery.wordpress.com
Heather Davis	http://www.blissfulgardenbeads.com/
Heather Marston	http://www.cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com/
Heather Powers	http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com
Ingrid McCue	www.wrappedinsilver.com
Jacqueline Marchant	http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/
Jan Petek	www.janpetek.com
Janeen Sorensen	http://wildvanilladesigns.com/
Jane-Michael Stallings	http://www.craftvacuum.blogspot.com
Jasvanti Patel	www.Jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Jayashree Paramesh	www.nchantme.com
Jayne Capps	http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Jean Yates	http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Cameron	http://glassaddictions.com
Jennifer LaVite	http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Joan Williams	www.lilrubyjewelry.com
Jodie Marshall	www.Marshalljodie.blogspot.com
Judy Riggs	www.rigglettes.blogspot.com
Julie Anne Leggett	www.thepeacefulbead.com
Kat Barron Miller	http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/
Kathy Lindemer	http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Kim Hora	WWW.KIMMYKATS.COM
Kim Houston	http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com
Kim Sparks	http://beadabunch.blogspot.com
Krafty Max	http://kraftymax.blogspot.com
Kris Lanae Binsfeld	www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Krista French	http://expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog/
Kristen Stevens	http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/
Kristi Harrison	http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com
Kumi Fisher	http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com
Laren Dee Barton	www.larendeedesigns.blogspot.com
Laura Bracken	http://laurabrackenblog.blogspot.com/
Laura Demoya	www.Thebeadtherapist.blogspot.com
Laurie Hanna	http://jewelrybylh.blogspot.com/
Laurie Keefe-Cecere	http://treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com/
Lea Avroch	http://www.LAJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Leanne Loftus	Http://firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
Lee Anne Messerschmidt	http://wiredhammerednworn.wordpress.com
Leslie Schenkel	http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/
Linda Anderson	http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/
Linda Djokic	www.lutkaandco.com
Linda Murphy	www.bonitabead.blogspot.com
Linda Sadler	http://idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com/
Lisa Liddy	http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com/
Lisa Suver	http://fanceethat.blogspot.com/
Liz DeLuca	http://www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com/
Liz Engriser	http://www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com/
Lola Surwillo	http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com
Loretta Carstensen	www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com
Lori Anderson	www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Lori Bergmann	www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com
Lori Bowring Michaud	http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Lori Poppe	http://lorillijeanscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Lori Schneider	www.Beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Lyn Foley	www.lynfoleyblog.com
Maddison Langford	http://maddy-moo.blogspot.com
Magdalena Sikora	http://porannagazeta.blogspot.com/
Mallory Hoffman	http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/
Marcella Austenfeld	www.goodtogojewelry.blogspot.com
Marcy Lamberson	http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com
Maria Clark	http://sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Rosa Sharrow	www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Marianna Boylan	www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com
Marie Covert	http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Marti Conrad	www.marticsclay.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen Merrigan	http://www.MaryEllenBeads.com
Mary Harding	www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Molly Alexander	http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com
Nan Emmett	www.spiritrattles.blogspot.com
Niky Sayers	http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Pam Chesbro	http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/
Pam Farren	http://www.re-maker.blogspot.com
Pam Sandy	http://pamseclecticstuff.blogspot.com/
Pam Traub	http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Pamela Gangler	http://shealwayslovedpink.blogspot.com/
Patricia Buchanan	http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/braceletstoo
Patricia Johnson	http://patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com
Patty Miller	http://cabaribeads.blogspot.com/
Paula Hisel	http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Peggy Gabrielson	http://georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com
Perri Jackson	http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/
Rachel Baron	http://www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com
Rachel Stanley	http://2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com
Rain Hannah	http://honeyandollie.com
Rana Wilson	http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Renetha Stanziano	www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Robin Reed	www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Rochelle Brisson	www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Rose Rushbrooke	www.roserushbrooke.com/blog/

Ruth Szapa	www.trudicrufus.blogspot.com
Sally Russick	http://thestudiosublime.com
Sandi Volpe	www.sandivolpe.com
Sandra Pendragon	http://sandrapendragon.blogspot.com/
Sandy Richardson	www.SandyColoringBox.blogspot.com
Sarah Small	http://bysalla.blogspot.com
Shannon Hicks	http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/
Shari Replogle	www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com
Sheila Daniels	http://www.cheekymagpie.com
Sheila Davis	http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/
Shiraz Biggie	www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com
Shirley Moore	www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Skylar Bre'z	http://brisingbeads.blogspot.com/
Staci Smith	www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
Stacie Florer	http://www.soultosubstance.com
Stacy Pomerleau	www.craftenvilleblog.com
Stephanie Weiss	www.uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com
Sumi Rani	www.HundredColors.blogspot.com
Susan Sheehan	http://susanasheehan.blogspot.com/
Suzette Bentley	http://elliesbijoux.blogspot.com
Tamera Norris	www.beadsinspireme.com
Tracy Choy	www.bumblebeadsdesigns.Blogspot.com
Tracy Stillman	www.tracystillmandesigns.com
Valerie Norton	www.hot-fused-glass.com
Vicki Holliday	http://flopcatdesign.blogspot.com/

You can also link back to Lori's blog if you lose your place: http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

Posted at 11:37 PM in Coupons and Contests, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Style and Color, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs | Permalink | Comments (104)

March 25, 2013

B'sue Boutiques Was On Television This Morning! Check out Greta on the Go!

I had such a great time last Wednesday when Greta Mittereder of WYTV News, Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio, visited me at the shop!

Greta is always on the go, ferreting out new ideas, little shops, cool things to do in the Mahoning Valley area. I was thrilled when she said she and her camera man, Anthony, were coming out to visit with me.

The video was shot in two- three minute segments....here are the current archived links from the WYTV Greta on the Go archive:

http://www.wytv.com/content/features/daybreak/gretaonthego/story/BSue-boutiques/bnahURa3Vk--vKfxd9bPsg.cspx

or you might notice at the bottom of the video screen it shows part one and part two video, click on the first one to see the first part, then the second. ;-)

The first one showed our stock and shipping area, and talks about our business....and the second shows off our shop, talks about our wares and classes. Greta shows off the bracelet I made for her, as well!

If you would like to make a bracelet like this, here's the video:

Charm Bracelets a New Way

Here are some more that I made:

Here is the silverware finished skinny silver bangle form at our website, too:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Fine-Silver-Finished-Skinny-Cuff-Make-Layers-of-Bangles-10905

Here's a big thanks to Greta for coming on out to check us out! I hope we can do it again some day!

If you'd like to see some more of the places Greta has been lately...check out her archive: http://www.wytv.com/content/features/daybreak/gretaonthego/default.aspx

Posted at 06:34 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Selling Your Work, Style and Color, Using Social Media to Promote Your Art | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 22, 2013

Anyone Can Make Jewelry....Even if You're Blind!

My friend, Cindy Peterson of Howling Dog Jewelry at Etsy, is a fine polymer clay artist. She's made so many lovely things:

See more here in her Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HowlingDogJewelry

Aren't they lovely?

Cindy is a lovely person, too. She loves to share her gifts with friends, she's very active showing us her latest creations at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook

Here is the most remarkable thing about Cindy: she has about ten percent vision, and is technically BLIND.

Her story is amazing, you're going to hear more about it! Here is a video where you can meet Cindy, her little dog, Mesha (he likes to sing, thence, the Howling Dog) and her young friend, Elizabeth, who loves to assist her making jewelry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FmCyvgox-P4#!

The video is from Polymer Clay Tutor at YouTube; be sure to check more of those videos out....and don't miss this one.

And by all means, PLEASE come join us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group! Over 940 beginning to advanced jewelry makers are waiting to share ideas with you, provide support and inspiration....just as Cindy as has done, here.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/bsueboutiquescreativegroup

Consider this your personal invite to come and take part. You can work in any media at all, you can use any sort of components, you can post pix and link back to your websites and Etsies where you have your handmade jewelry, handmade components and vintage jewelry.

Posted at 04:30 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Polymer Clay | Permalink | Comments (4)