Saturday 11 December 2010

A Gift For All Seasons

This will probably be my last post until the New Year as in almost a weeks time we are flying to Thailand to meet up with the family.

I wanted to share with you my last creation which was produced with more goodies from Aunties Beads.

This stunning necklace is created with
5mm flat Bali spacers,
Sea Glass Nugget Bead Strand, Dark Olive, 12 x 16mm,Sea Glass Round Bead Strand, Spring Green, 6mm

All wire wrapped with sterling silver wire. A great colour all year round.

Did you notice the different words that can be used for different shades of green - spring green, olive, olivine, emerald, jade - just a few.

With the left over beads I added them to a silver head pin and attached to white gold plated lever back ear hooks. Sterling Silver Round Mirror Bead, 4mm have been added for that extra sparkle.


You will find these 2 wonderful creations on my Etsy store.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Come Join the Jewelry on Etsy Team TRUNK SHOW!

The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be having a team-wide on line Trunk Show on Sunday, November 21, 2010.

Come meet this wonderful team of talented jewelry artisans, share some laughs, and view the collections. It's a fantastic way to interact with the artists while checking off items for that ever growing holiday gift list. The show will be at 8pm EST in the Virtual Labs on Etsy. Team members will be featuring some of their favorite works, tell us how they were made, and ready to answer any questions LIVE!

This show was a huge hit last year so come early and grab a seat in the virtual lab. You don't want to miss a thing! You must be a registered Etsy user to participate. It only takes a minute to register, but then you can come join the fun, mark your favorites, and purchase on the spot during the show!

And, as always, you can view beautiful handmade jewelry from the entire Jewelry on Etsy Team by searching JETTEAM in the search box on Etsy's home page.

Friday 19 November 2010

My Collection On Artfire Front Page

Well I must be doing something right. My "day in the woods" collection appeared on Artfire.com from page.
Congratulations to these artists for their front page appearance:
byapryl
VictoriaLarsen
ElementalDragons
CrazyTastyCakesDecorations
QuiltfairyKaren
CreativeCritters
OmegaArtDesign
Jemsbyjbandcompany
GeezeretteSupplies
CreativeArtglass
EmilyClaireCreations
HeartJCreations

Thanks again Artfire!

To visit my store just click here.

I was on Artfire front page

So excited and just had to show you.

Thanks Artfire and Abacusbeadcreations for putting me on the front page.

Saturday 13 November 2010

Holiday Season Etsy Wish List

Thought I would get the ball rolling and throw a few favourites about.

Maybe this is more for our colder season but I still want it. Love it in grey.
How about a beautiful necklace. My favourite colour too.Seem to be slightly colour co-ordinating here but you can never go without soap. I am a total addict when it comes to handmade soap.

And not forgetting I can never do without beads!

You can click on all the pictures and be taken to the relevant stores.

Happy shopping!!!!

Tuesday 26 October 2010

An Experiment with Bronzite

This month I got some lovely Bronsite beads from Aunties Beads so I thought I would give myself a little challenge and see what I had in my stash that would go nicely with these beads.
My first choice was Turquoise. I love these beads. Well actually I liked the so much that I made a necklace using Bronzite 10mm Round Beads and bracelet using Bronzite, Turquoise and antiqued brass filligree balls and clasps.
My second creation was to mix the Bronzite 12mm Coin Beads with Peach Moonstone and for that extra touch I added 2 brass butterflies.
Lastly with the few Bronzite 12mm Coin Bead Strand left over I made an earthy bracelet matching them with white Howlite and a brass clasp.

These beautiful creations will soon be available in Beadsmes Artfire store.

Sunday 17 October 2010

My First Glass Plate

I am so pleased with my first attempt.

I have had the plate mold for many months now and just haven't plucked up the courage to try it. I wish I had done this months ago.
Yesterday I created this gorgeous plate. I was amazed, I CAN do it even if my kiln is so unpredictable.

Today I have decided to try again, fingers crossed. I would love to get a few of these created for a craft fair I am attending in November.

Saturday 16 October 2010

It's Snow Report

Reports filtering in that it is snowing at Bathurst and has been for a while, Bullaburra in the Blue Mountains and now Bilpin in the Hawkesbury.

Weird for Spring.


Sunday 10 October 2010

Monday 4 October 2010

A Fresh Delivey

I was in awe when I opened my package from Aunties Beads.

It was full of seas glass beads, I love them.
I got working straight away and created a lovely foamy necklace with matching bracelet. As Australia is coming in to Summer I thought this colour was so cool. To me it represents a beautiful blue sky with a calming sea. Although Aus is well known for it's excellent surfing.For the focal of the necklace and bracelet I used handmade lampwork beads and teamed them with
Sea Glass 8mm Round Bead Strand, Seafoam
Sea Glass Round Bead Strand, Opaque Sky Blue, 6mm
Sea Glass Round Bead Strand, Seafoam Green, 10mm
Wire wrapped each bead together and topped and tailed the Sea Glass 8mm Round Bead Strand, Seafoam with scalloped bead caps.You can check out my new Artfire or Etsy store for more creations.

Sunday 19 September 2010

A Challenge From Aunties Beads

I have pondered so long on these beads. Definitely unsure what to do with them. Firstly I thought earrings but then I added more beads and, woops, they ended up so heavy my ear lobes would have reached my shoulders.

In my wonderful package from Aunties Beads the ones I got so gumboozled with were these gorgeous Chinese Crystal Beaded Bead, Red Velvet, 26mm. Amazing but what did I do? Not the earrings! A necklace was formed and I can't tell you how many times I took it apart and repositioned the beads.

In the end I added some sterling silver wire, diamond shaped chain and more beads, Angelic Crystal Rondelle Bead Strand, Red Velvet, 4x6mm,
Chinese Crystal Faceted Rondelle Bead,Red Velvet, 11 x 14mm.


Added from my own collection is multi faceted black agate. This necklace is amazingly one that you can love or hate. It's bold and beautiful, seductive and a bit gothic. Big too, measuring 34 inches and the Chinese Crystal Beaded Bead, Red Velvet, 26mm dropping another 2.5 inches.

It was and still is a nightmare to photograph. Even placing it around myself still doesn't do it justice. Not forgetting these cute little earrings I popped together using the Angelic Crystal Rondelle Bead Strand, Red Velvet, 4x6mm.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

My Next String Of Beads From Aunties Beads

I had fun with the next set of beads from Aunties Beads. I had some beautiful multi faceted Chinese crystal and in a light rose, Angelic Crystal Rondelle Bead Strand, Lt. Rose AB, 4x6mm , very girly. Boy, these sparkle.

My first creations was very simple, yet stunning. I had a gorgeous shimmering Swarovski crystal pendant which I attached to a sterling silver chain then added 3 of these sparkling crystals topped with scalloped silver bead caps.
My next creation, I love doing these, was a pair of earrings with a cluster of these beads accompanied by purple lepidolite briolettes. Another one of my favourite colours.

Most of my creations you can find at Beadsme on Etsy.

Not forgetting if you are a designer pop in to Aunties Beads for some great beads and findings.

Monday 30 August 2010

Tomorrow Is The Last Day Of Winter

Once again I can show you one of the signs that Spring is coming. Not only are the days getting warmer but these cute babies are in the fields.

Sunday 29 August 2010

Beads From Aunties Beads

I have been contemplating what to do with a envelope full of beads from Aunties Beads.

They have started sending a few beads out to some designers to create and review.

My first creation was to incorporate a design using some Chinese Crystal Rondelle Strand, Black Diamond AB, 5x8mm These beauties just sparkle and are so easy to match with any design and colour.

For my design I added rhinestone rondelles attached to sterling silver wire fastened to a feminine sterling silver chain. End result a beautiful necklace for a special day out.
And not forgetting to add some great matching earrings.

Saturday 7 August 2010

My First Play With The New Camera

Well we thought it was about time to invest in a new camera. Unsure of what to buy we headed to Harvey Normans to check out what they had in store.

We actually decided on a Sony Cyber-shot DCS-HX5 and checked out the prices around a few other electrical stores. Well it turned out that it was cheaper for us to get one direct from Hong Kong. After ordering and paying the camera arrived and we found that they had delivered the incorrect camera. We had actually received the Sony Cyber-shot DCS-HX1

After reading reviews and checking out the features we decided we wanted to keep it. Luckily for us the company we purchased it from agreed for us to keep it at not extra cost. It would probably have not been worth it if they picked it up and sent us the other model, considering it was from Hong Kong.Here's a couple of shots that I just took in EASY mode, no fancy set ups for this setting. I love it and can't wait to try out some of the other settings on it.We are taking the dogs off to the park tomorrow and I can't wait to play with the camera again.

Sunday 1 August 2010

My Money Trees

I had to take a photo of my Money Trees in my garden. In all I have 4 and 2 of them are flowering. I haven't done anything to them nor fed them anything special. I don't even recall watering them that much.
Other than in photos I don't think I have ever seen one in flower. We grew these in the UK but in pots and inside. I don't think they could survive the UK Winter but here in Australia mine are growing at an alarming rate.

I feel like shouting - "look Mum, my money tree has flowers" LOL.

Saturday 3 July 2010

Out Off-Roading

Well we had fun today. Decided to go out driving in Wollemi National Park. Didn't know where we would end up but had a lovely drive around.
This first shot is of our stop at Wheeny Creek. Looks like we have found a new spot to sun bathe in the Summer.
A view from the road down to Colo Valley. Beautiful. You wouldn't believe there was a chill in the wind today.
Two old trucks in a field. Thought they would make a great photo.
Now this was the shocker. I kept telling my husband that one of my friends saw a camel. There it was in a field with cows, horses and a donkey.

Sunday 27 June 2010

What Inspires Your Treasuries

I just had to make a cake today. Iwas feeling in a, some what, domesticated mood. Must have been last nights full moon or maybe the partial eclipse.
Anyways orange and Poppyseed flavoured cake was decided and that gave me the bright idea for a treasury.

Well here it is.

Check out my Orange and Poppyseed treasury by clicking here.

Thursday 24 June 2010

A Few Things From The Sydney Quilt & Craft Show

Sunday was a trip to the Sydney Quilt and Craft Show. I was fairly good with the spending - sort of. Had a great day meeting up with a couple of peeps from the Etsy Dust Team.
As I say I was pretty good with my spending but have just noticed how girly and pink my I must have felt that day.

Take a look at a couple of creations I made this week with the beads I purchased.
Funny how a purchase can reflect the mood you are in.

Sunday 20 June 2010

Jewelry on Etsy Continues Etsy Birthday Celebration

Many of the Jewelry on Etsy Team members are having a sale this weekend as we continue to honor Etsy's 5th Birthday. Below are a list of members and links to their shops. Each member has put details of their sale in their shop announcement. Thanks for shopping in our stores and supporting the handmade movement!


AdroitJewelers
Angelene
ArtMadebyTammy
AbacusBeadCreations
BeadsMe
CapitalCityCrafts
DBVictoria
Designs by Cher
Foret
FuchsiaBloomStudio
JudesJujus
Malves1009
OliviasGarden
Palomina
Radical Glass
SatinDollCo
SendingLoveGallery
Shazzabath
SilverSmack
StoutDG2
TheBeadGirl
TheBrassHussy
Vandiva

Saturday 12 June 2010

Jet Team Bead Challenge - This Weekend

The Jewelry on Etsy Team wants YOU to visit their blog this weekend to vote for your favorite entry in our very first JET Bead Challenge!

Two weeks ago, the ten JET members received two beads. The beads are six sided yellow mother of pearl or shell. The only rule was ... anything you make must have both beads used in the design! No restrictions means ... plenty of imagination!

Each participant has made something entirely different! This shows exactly how talented and imaginative our members really are. The variety of the pieces entered is simply amazing! Every one of these designs is a winner, no matter the outcome of this challenge ... each entry is special and truly one of a kind, just the way handmade jewelry is supposed to be.

Here is a quick look at the entries but please visit here to place your vote.

1 - Judy of JemsByJBandCompany submitted:


Mangoes with Cream

Mouthwatering mother of pearl beads in deep yellow and creamy white are surrounded by a wealth of complimentary accents in this bracelet.

There are bronze freshwater pearls, yellow quartz and white freshwater pearls. Squares of shells and Swarovski crystals shimmer to add more pizazz!! A silver starfish charm adds the feel of the summertime waters to this design. A sterling silver toggle clasp, with a braided texture, secures this piece.

This beautiful bracelet measures 8 1/2" long.

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2 - Victoria of DBVictoria submitted:

Bees Do It - Black Glass and Orange Crystal Necklace with Shell


The shell beads I received were paired with rounded rectangles of antique glass, light topaz (or yellow-orange) crystal bicones, and black flat faceted crystal discs.

They are strung with an antiqued brass bee charm on tigertail, and fasten with a lobster clasp and chain.

The necklace can be worn from 18" to 22".
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3. Barbara of CapitalCityCrafts submitted:

Primary Geometry Earrings

Bright primary colors with bold geometric shapes make these earrings stand out. Hot pink quartz with brilliant yellow shell and blue pearls, rectangles, hexagons and ovals in a sterling silver circle.

Summertime fun on sterling silver euro wires!

These earrings are big and bold, 3" (75mm) overall in length, the sterling circles are 1 3/8" (35mm) in diameter.



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4. Dawanna of PeacesOfIndigo submitted:


Sunshine Charm Bracelet - Yellow Glass and Wood Beads

The beads are shell and reminded me of the Sun. I created a metal clay charm that is double sided. It is pure silver. It says 'shine' on one side and has a hand drawn Sun on the other. I oxidized it to make the details stand out.

There are two beaded strands on one side of the charm. One is antiqued yellow glass, the other is wood. The accents are all sterling silver. The chain on the other side is sterling. It allows the bracelet to be adjusted from 6 to 8.5 inches in length.

I added a pretty faceted smoky quartz bead to one side of the charm. It adds a little color and jazzes it up a bit. This is simply a fun summer bracelet!

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5 - Bob and Terry of Jewelry24Seven submitted:

Silver and Shell Bracelet

The back part of this bracelet is a viking knit cuff. The bracelet is a combination of fine and sterling silver; It was oxidized to give emphasis to the two bezel set yellow shell beads. The front panel is about 1" wide and 2 1/4" long.


The entire thing is handmade with fine silver bezels, sterling silver sheet and bead wire. The front was decorated with silver casting grain to give it a unique appearance and texture.

One end is attached to the cuff bracelet back; the other opens, with a simple pressure fit hook closure.

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6. Tammy of ArtMadeByTammy submitted:

Under Construction gold Cuff Links -
OOAK Hand Drawn Steampunk Wearable Art


Made with ~Yellow mother of pearl hexagon beads -

18mm x 20mmBlack InkGold Plated Cuff Links -

Lead safe Vintage Watch Movement Gears and Parts

Glue and Sealer.

This artwork is 100% hand-drawn (not a print, print-out or lithograph), and designed by Me, the artist.

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7. Phyllis of SendingLoveGallery submitted:


Fiesta Bracelet Mother of Pearl, Aventurine,
Glass, Wood Beads and Antique Brass


The bracelet has a large glass bead in the center handpainted with a bird surrounded with flowers and leaves, flanked by wrinkled metallic glass beads, the 2 mother of pearl golden yellow beads, aqua glass beads, and 2 yellow "Miracle" beads at each end. In between them are bronze seed beads and purple aventurine beads.

Then I added charm dangles between all of these - they are made of wood cylinder beads that reminded me of firecrackers, hot pink mother of pearl dangles, tiny round beads, metallic beads, flower beads, etc., etc.

The findings and toggle clasp are antique brass. The length is 8 inches and will fit up to a 6-3/4 in. wrist. The large center bead is 1 inch across, and when the bracelet is flat the width is about 1-3/8 inches across.

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8. Deb of stoutdg2 submitted:

Sunny - Lampwork, Gold Filled and Vermeil Bracelet

Sunny was made with two lampwork disk beads wire wrapped with matching crystals, two hexagon beads with vermeil daisy spacers, a vermeil triple link, and gold filled chain.

I've added a gold filled spacer bead with vermeil bead caps and a gold filled chain to provide a fun, whimsical look.

The bracelet measures 7-1/2" in length with a 1" extender chain. The lobster clasp is gold plated.

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9. Mandy of BeadsMe submitted:

Yellow Mother Of Pearl Earrings
With An Added Cluster Of Czech Glass



Earrings are created with yellow/orange mother of pearl hexagons, lime, cream and clear multi faceted czech glass.

The hexagons are wire wrapped to sterling silver ear hooks by a looped head pin, whilst the wire wrapped cluster of czech beads are attached to silver tone chain.

Earrings drop is 3 inches (7½cm) from top of ear hook.

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10. Ida of AdroitJewelers submitted:

Purple Peace Jasper and
Yellow Mother of Pearl Copper Bracelet


I made this chunky bracelet by alternating purple peace jasper stones and the hexagonal yellow mother of pearl beads. The jasper stones are each approximately 18 x 26mm and the yellow mother of pearl beads are approximately 18mm x 20mm.

It is connected with copper wire and has a hand-formed dragonfly on one yellow bead and a hand-formed flower with purple seed bead center on the other.

The bracelet measures approximately 8 inches and fastens with a hand-formed copper clasp.


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The JET Team will be actively promoting this challenge and vote on the Promotions thread of Etsy this Saturday and Sunday. Please visit each item page to see the full description, more pictures etc. Once you've decided, please vote at the bottom of this page!

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Don't forget visit the Jet Teams blog to place your vote.

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