Raku, Enamel and Me

 Last week I splurged with some cash I had sitting in my paypal account and purchase a few enamel beads from Kristen (theBeadSwede) on etsy.  I love every thing enameled. and when I saw her shop I had to have a couple of pieces to play with.  When they arrived I was delighted--they were very well done, quick to ship, and a perfect size for using in jewelry. 

 At the same time I was digging thru my bodacious, but slowly dwindling lampwork stash and ran across some gorgeous raku  discs and orphan urchin beads by Dawn Scannell (Art Insomnia)  that I was toying with for bracelet design...I just happened to lay one of my new enameled beads next to the bracelet I was working on, and a new idea to pair them together made me think it was meant to be.

 I like asymetric, saturated color and mixing metals...so all together they went in a frenzy of organization  before I lost my excitement about these components...or decided to hoard them in my stash, because I couldn't part with them...Copper and 22k gold vermeil, an amethyst gemstone charm, an enameled copper flower charm, a whole wrist full of the most gorgeous saturated, detailed lampwork treasures and it's a bracelet!

I had so much fun with this...now I can enjoy a whole strand of favorite things together--it's like they were meant for one another.  They're off to my etsy store one day soon, but today, I think I'll just enjoy!  Thank you Dawn and Kristen for making such beauties to brighten my day!

How to Turn Sizzle into Fizzle

Yep, I'm talking about my sizzling summer sale of the past week.  It was a phenomenal fizzle.  I'm not complaining, but just musing a little about what's happened to my little 'business' that really has been more of a 'hobby that paid for itself'.  I know I suspended my blog and didn't pay any attention to my etsy store for a couple of years while we were off trying to figure out some family issues, and I know the economy has shrunk the potential customer base, and I also know that there are almost 22000 lampwork bracelets and almost 25000 lampwork necklaces on etsy and jewelry has just saturated the market which certainly figures into the equation...but I also know there are some innovative and fabulous designers out there who are selling alot of beautiful jewelry even with all that. (Whew, how is that for a world record run-on sentence, lol)  I have to conclude my designs are a little stale, a little underwhelming, not innovative enough.  I think to distinguish yourself ,you have to be exceptionally innovative, original and find a niche where the market isn't so saturated.  Right now, I'm just I'm falling short. I get plenty of views and even lots of favorites in my etsy store, but I suspect it's mostly other jewelry designers looking for inspiration rather than buyers finding just what they're looking for at my place.  Hint to you other designers out there:  you probably aren't getting much sellable inspiration in my etsy store, because nobody is buying what I'm selling!  For sure, lampwork jewelry is a hard sell right now,and that was my original niche in the jewelry market. Another thing I've noticed is sterling silver and vermeil are used very sparingly right now.  Presumably to save costs, but I'm seeing designs with base metals and czech glass that are more stylish and selling for as much as my artisan lampwork, gemstone and sterling silver designs...so it's not the materials, it's the designer and maybe a little bit--the marketing. 

Now here's the bottom line.  I have boxes full of findings, gemstones, artisan lampwork and all other kinds of quality jewelry designs materials...I can either try to sell it all off at cost or below or use it for therapy--to please myself.  So, of course for the most part, as you might guess, I'll keep playing with my little treasures, use the materials I have to design things that are esthetically pleasing to myself.  Keep some, gift some, keep an etsy store and pretend I might sell some...and generally do what I started out to begin with--have a wonderful hobby that gives me a creative outlet where I can go and forget some of the everyday stuff that clutters my mind with confusion.  Fortunately I have wonderful family and friends who at least pretend they are delighted to get my little treasures--and for the most part I think they are--if only because it is a little handmade part of me that I made with love and my time.  And that is quite enough for me, shouldn't it be quite enough for anyone?  And who knows...maybe I'll get my mojo back and think up something fabulously innovative and gorgeous that will bring the world knocking at my door...and if I don't it's still cheap therapy!  (well, maybe only cheap while I'm working thru my bodacious stash, built up when I could sell everything I could make)  >^..^<

Thanks for listening to me think out loud....

Sizzling Summer Sale

What's summertime without a sale?!?  Check out my etsy storefront for a coupon code to save 25% on everything in the store.  It's time to make your favorite designs part of your wardrobe before they're gone.  Sale ends Thursday, July 12th so don't delay!!!

Life's a Beach

Well, yes, I live at the beach and although I really don't like getting in the water, I love walking along the beach, picking up shells, sanddollars and smooth stones and enjoying the peaceful lifestyle.  It's a whole different pace of life and every day is beautiful whether it is sunny with blue skys or foggy with gray skys (and fog horn).  We live just across the harbor from a Navy base and every morning I get to hear the national anthem exactly at 8 am waifting across the water into my upstairs bedroom window. Now that's a stirring wake-up call!

Here are some the the designs inspired by my beach house all jumbled together--I like to wear them like that.

Something Old....Something New

Back from the dead?  No, just awakening from a loooooong sleep.  Life is always full of twists and turns, and it's been awhile since I've been in a place where I could do much but just take care of life.  No guarantees I'll be around alot, just sayin' I'm here today and maybe tomorrow too!  I'm still enjoying the relaxing pace of knotting gemstones on silk cord, but I've also gone back to my early love of artisan lampwork, dug thru my stash and added that back to the mix. 

Hence, something old--a gorgeous focal pendant by artist Catherine Ondrey that I've held on to for several years, knowing that she doesn't intend to do anymore work in this style and something new---a double strand necklace with faceted turquoise stones to feature her beautiful focal.

There's a few more tricks in my bag...maybe...

Not more Knots!!!

Something different--a knotted necklace that is close to choker length with a pendant centerpiece. I've used a beautiful agate slab with green copper colored druzy edging combined with peacock pearls--it's a yummy combination and looks great on. All knotted on #8 weight silk cord.

Yes, I'm afraid so--seems I'm knot crazy (not crazy?!?) these days. Since we're still wandering around in limbo, knotting supplies take up a minimum of space. I find knotting therapeutic--giving me an outlet for my creativity.
This is my first try at earrings knotted on silk cord. These wonderful mother of pearl nuggets seemed to lend themselves perfectly to the dangle-y style.
Ohhh...a triple length (51") coin pearl necklace that can be worn long, doubled or even tripled for three great looks. The color didn't come thru so well in this picture, but they are a soft minty green with an irridescent/opalescent quality that catches the light beautifully.
Next I tried a triple strand necklace with the lovely natural mother of pearl nuggets that glow and shimmer with the swarovski crystals that cushion each stone. Shortest strand is 16", the longest is 20". I love this look.
Black Onyx ovals cushioned with black diamond swarovski bicones can be worn as a single long 36" strand or doubled for a dramatic statement .
I should have brightened this photo a little more--this little double strand bracelet is such wonderful colors--lime, navy, bronze and peacock opalescent coin and mid-sized fresh water pearls are knotted for a light and breezy bracelet you will barely know is there.

Lots of variety and experimentation keep me a happy gal.

What's the World Coming Too???

Well, did you fall off your chair--two posts in one week! I was so inspired working with Judy's beads that I've decided to put three new listings in my estsy store. Two of my gemstone necklaces strung on silk cord and knotted that are long enough to double as a two strand or wear opera length at 36". This first piece is delightfully whimsical with multi-shaped gemstones of all variety---peridot, aquamarine, garnet,carnelian, rose quartz, smokey quartz,turquoise and freshwater pearls to name a few.
Then there is this one, with turquoise briolettes. These necklaces are wonderful to layer together as well. The turquoise necklace has a sterling toggle clasp, and the multi-gemstone has a vermeil toggle.
Love this 39" lariat made with faceted labradorite rondells that have been wirewrapped with sterling silver into a gemstone chain and finished off with two beautiful champaign colored freshwater pearls. Quite the statement on.

Something Blue Thursday....

Yep, it's another sneak peek from the stash bag drawing coming up on Tuesday.....there's lots more beads, but this will be your last tantalizing sneak peek--the rest is just going to be a surprise. S0me fabulous focals here!!! Leave a comment on this blog for an entry in the drawing for a half pound stash of artisan lampwork by several wonderful artists. This is a destash from my collection to you--they just need a little love to sing and I have hoarded them long enough--now it's your turn to do something wonderful with them! DRAWING TUESDAY November 23--comments welcomed!

Slabs are Fab....

Have you seen any slabs that you you think are fab??? Here's what I did with mine!

I seem to have developed a love affair with slabs...not sure what sent me off in this direction, but I'm guessing it was a shopping trip where I casually looked at the jewelry cases. Several designers are using agate slabs this fall and so I had to try my hand at a couple of designs of my own. Love the size, love the shapes and love the variety--of color, veining and the edges of some of the stones....so at the Intergem show I had to try some....on etsy I had to buy some more. I'm not really into the dyed pieces I've seen in fuschia's and purples and turquoise, but I do love the natural colors and this set was just irresistable. Deep brown translucent slabs that look like really rich brown smokey quartz with gorgeous veining and even more wonderful edges---copper colored green crystals, iron combined with other minerals--diopside crystals that make these simply gorgeous.

Here's the stone I chose for the centerpiece of my necklace, wirewrapped together with nicely sized 12mm 18k electroplated gold on copper chain for an elegant compliment.

Since I wanted the length to be a bit adjustable and wanted to preserve the symmetry of the design, I used goldfilled lobster claw clasps on two sides of the last slab, so that depending on how you connect them the necklace goes from 21" to 23" for your perfect length.

All that glitters...

A couple of weeks ago I was at an Intergem show and I always love to stop by the India vendors booths to admire their beautiful and intricate gold jewelry and findings. I absolutely fell in love with a necklace I saw with turquoise and angel skin coral set in gorgeous 18k gold. Alas, it was beyond my budget. There was nothing to do but make my own little treasure with that fabulous color combination. So here's my simple interpretation in a charm bracelet with the coral and turquoise on a nice sized gold chain with 12mm links. I wish I was a good hand model and you'd see how very delightful this little treasure is on the wrist--light and ary, elegant but casual. It pleases me...

GOLDEN SUNSET

Last night we had another glorious sunset. The clouds were building up for a rainstorm, but it cleared up just enough to give us a spectacular showstopping sunset over the pacific ocean. As the evening progressed we snuggled in front of our cozy fireplace to watch and listen as the rain came down in buckets. There's a chill in the air this morning, but a song in my heart.

This lovely agate and quartz slab necklace is my homage to the glorious golden sunsets that have been setting my heart a flutter recently. Held together with goldfilled wirewrapped gold plated chain and a simple vermeil clasp, it makes quite a statement . I love the golden edges on the stones--just like the sunsets drench the clouds in golden lining.

Here's the flip side of my lovely agate slabs with even more of the golden 'lining' showing thru--wear it either way--it's a beauty however you look at it!

Trying to keep my promises...

Well, I did say I'd post some jewelry today and yes, I have gotten rather busy..first off a simple pair of earrings in sterling silver and onyx for pierced ears. I've had these beautiful woven sterling earwires for quite some time and could never decide how to use them...I think I was trying to make them too busy. They just needed a simple gemstone drop..that's what I decided anyway.

This bracelet is a remake of one I made several years ago with some of Jena Fulcher's lovely beads. It had broken some time ago during a show and I put it away where it lay forgotten and forlorn. So back together again with only a few small adjustments and I'm happy to put it back in my inventory. If no one wants it, I'll have it to wear myself, since I love this color combination....

Here's another old favorite that I redesigned with a set of some of my favorites from Gayle Hood of Graciebeads. I adore these beads and when they didn't sell awhile back I put them away to redo and just finally got around to it. I love the sterling and brass beads I used with these interesting original beads and I might just keep these for myself too...do you get the idea I love bright colors...you got it!

Once upon a time I got a lovely large set of beads from Melanie Moertel that I've rationed out a few at a time. I think I made two other bracelets from this set and this is the third and final edition. They seem perfect for this fall's fashions--so much brown and opulent detail on detail...pattern on pattern fashion, like a Turkish spice market. I've combined them with oxidized sterling silver and a stunning custom clasp from Donna Millard, I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

The pink coral bracelet below is my 'version' of a gemstone charm bracelet. I've used pale sponge coral beads combined with a sterling silver and angelskin coral charm and sterling toggle clasp.

It felt really nice this week to reacquaint myself with my gemstones, and lampwork and silver, oh my! Pandora's box...I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!

Sooo...Are you Curious????

Here are the fruits of my labor yesterday--after playing and playing and playing again with the limited stash I had, this is the neckace I made from the beads in the picture I posted yesterday. I was going for something quite long--36" long in fact that was playful and modern. I wanted more artisan lampwork, but I just had to make do with little accents I had. So cinnabar, Bali sterling silver and onyx had to fill in the gaps. Wouldn't it be fun someday to give a half dozen designers the exact same supplies and see what we all come up with. I'm sure there wouldn't be a similar piece in the bunch. That is the really fun thing about jewelry design to me. There is no right or wrong and you can let your own muse sing, as much or as little as you like. Life is like that really, we all have the right to choose our path and wouldn't it be boring if we were all exactly the same??? I certainly think so!

Who said "The world is so full of a number of things, I think we should all be as happy as kings!" Find something to be grateful for today! My list is overflowing.

TIP OF THE WEEK: How DO you String a Bracelet ???

Remember all this week--buy one get the second item of equal or lesser value 50% off...plus leave a comment to be entered to win the beautiful rose quartz bracelet shown on Monday, February 2nd post!!!

So, if you don't already make some of your own jewelry, maybe you've always wanted to, but weren't sure where to begin. Let's start with the basics....I'm not going to write a complete tutorial for stringing in this post...but I am going to link you to one.

Now when I was first learning I found a wonderful tutorial online and it's still my favorite---with step by step pictures and directions. The tut is by Julie Ferguson at www.fergiebeads.com . Go to the website and on your left click the heading--tips and tutorials. Click on 'how to make a bracelet and dangle' and you're good to go! This same basic skill works for bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets, etc. It's easy peasy...so get going!!!

Of course the first step is to get your supplies together. Julie's tut tells you what tools you'll use. You'll need stringing wire...Julie, uses beadalon, but I prefer soft touch or soft flex...either will work. You'll need a pair of crimp beads--try to get sterling ones...they are sturdier than base metals. I like to use bullion or french wire to finish off the ends of my bracelets, but it's mostly cosmetic, not essential. Julie doesn't use it in her tut, so it's up to you. You'll need a clasp--so many choices, pick your style! And of course the beads you want, to reflect your design ideas--gems, crystals, pearls, lampwork, resin, metal...the choices are endless...here's where the fun comes in. If you want a dangle or two, you'll need head or ball pins, plain or fancy to wrap your dangle. I like a finished length of about 7 1/2 inches...your clasp will add about 1 to 1 1/2 inches to the length, so the 'bead' part of the bracelet will only be about 6 to 6 1/2 inches before you finish with your clasp...so now that I have you totally confused...go look at Julie's tutorial and then come back and see if it doesn't make more sense...and send me a picture of what you make, OKAY?

If you don't have a clue where to go for supplies, your local beading store should have everything you need or want. If you prefer shopping on the internet, here's my fav one stop shopping store.... http://www.artbeads.com/ What I like about artbeads is--they carry quality supplies at reasonable prices and ship absolutely any order free anywhere in the U.S. They ship quickly and have all the basics. I primarily purchase wholesale...but when I'm in a pinch and don't want to place a huge order with my wholesalers, I still turn to artbeads for a little this or that....it's quick with free shipping it's a deal! So if you want 2 crimps, a small spool of beading wire, and a clasp...they're not going to make you feel like a nuisance, so that's my little tip for you.

P.S. Etsy and Artfire are great online places to go if you're looking for artisan beads, gemstones or other goodies to use in your designs--I'll talk more about them in another post--- http://www.etsy.com/ and http://www.artfire.com/ Maybe you'll find your own favorite place that I've missed...but I hope this will help you get started if you've wanted to, but been just a little afraid to make a start!

Let's Start Out the Month with a Splash! A Grand Opening Drawing!!! And Sale!!!

Would you like to win this bracelet??? Read today's post to find out how you can enter the lottery for this free bracelet:

It's been a little lonely here, since closing my aol journal in October. I'm not sure if I lost alot of my subscribers to that journal because they lost my link or if I just don't hear from as many of you lately. I know that from October to January I'm really busy and there wasn't much going on here, but now I'm full speed ahead and so I'm going to consider this week my Grand Re-opening of a new blog to feature all my jewelry designs. I'll also be including some design tips and news along the way. There will be a new post everyday this week (that will keep me busy!) So from February 1st thru the 8th--let's celebrate!!!! Stop by and help me chase away the winter blues!

LET'S CELEBRATE WITH A SALE AND A GIVE-AWAY!!! First for the SALE--purchase one item at full price and the second item of equal or lesser value will be half-off all this week--that's right, your second item will be 50% off--so enjoy shopping. Click the Available Now Gallery to your right and see a description of what's available and the pricing. This is only for purchases from the webblog, not my etsy store--you have to come here to look and buy. Email me at rspv@aol.com with the name of the pieces you want to purchase and I'll send you a paypal invoice for the correct amount. Do remember that everything is one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Free first class shipping in the U.S., Canada, and Europe too!!! Paypal and U.S. money orders are the only payments accepted.

Now for the GIVE-AWAY---as I've said it's been too, too quiet over here...so I'm having a drawing for this lovely rose quart bracelet I've designed to give to one lucky winner! Here's what you have to do to qualify for a chance to win. Everytime you post on my blog this week in the comments section (just shout out and let me know you're here--only nice stuff please! haha) you'll be entered to win. If you also subscribe to my blog (that means you'll get updates everytime I post) you'll get an additional chance to win. Next Monday---February 8 I'll have my daughter draw a name out of the bowl full of entries and I'll post the winner here on the blog. If you're the lucky one, contact me with your shipping info and off your new bracelet goes straightaway to you!

It's the middle of winter and we just need something to warm us up...so come on over and join in the fun!

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Well, let's see--I've had this hammered sterling heart I purchased from artist Alicia Abla for the longest time and just never knew how to use it, but this year, I think I've got it! I wraped it with goldfilled wire and gemstones for a beautiful pendant on a sterling chain, also with goldfilled wirewrapped gemstones. I'm really happy with the way it turned out--not too formal, but definitely beautiful. How can you go wrong when a necklace is loaded with rich amethyst, fanta spessertite, carnelian, spinel, garnets, champaign citrine and beautiful natural rubies!!!! The colors are outstanding and you're going to love it around your neck. The chain part of the necklace is a little over 18" with the pendant adding an additional 1 1/2". Let Me Call You Sweetheart sold, thank you. What's not to love!

Romancing the Stones

In a departure from my artisan lampwork designs, I just worked with gemstones and pearls in this newest bracelet. I love the way this piece is constructed. I used a fine goldfilled chain and wirewrapped what seemed like endless fresh water pearls, prasiolite (green amethyst) and lemon citrine gemstones with vermeil ball pins. Three large fancy cut prasiolite gemstones are also featured as endcaps and a charm with the 22k gold vermeil toggle clasp. I used various hues of greens in the various shaped freshwater pearls--coin, keishi and round pearls from almost seed-pearl size of 3mm to the larger 8mm pearls to give interest and variety. I really enjoy working with these materials--I'm hoping to give a feminine elegance to my gemstone designs that will give you a timeless treasure. 'Romancing the Stones' $144.00 can be easily sized just right for you, from 7 1/2" to 8", or with additional tweeking, I can do a little more or less with the length for your perfect fit!

Look for more gemstone designs in the near future--I'm thinking elegance and romance!

Three New Valentine Bracelets To Share...

Three more new bracelets to share today...definitely in a romantic/Valentine's mode with lots of florals and feminine colors and just a little saucy. The Heart of Africa $94.00 in black and white with just a touch of pink and tangerine. Let Me Call you Sweetheart $84.00 features encase floral lentils in spring green and pink. Midnight Lace $77.00 in tan, black and white with beautiful encase florals and etched whitehearts.

Of course all the bracelets have only sterling silver components and artisan lampwork by various artists--Jena Fulcher, Kimberly Lynn, Corina Tettinger and Melanie Egan if I remember correctly. Natural gemstone charms finish off each piece.

Have A Heart

Well, I held onto this little stash of beads for awhile. Love the 'Lily Pulitzer' colors of spring green and pink. I think it's because they remind so much of my garden in the back yard with all the pink roses that I love. Two artist's beads contributed to this design--Jena Fulcher and Barbara Gorko. They both have a way with florals that I love. Have A Heart $81.00 has only applied florals--little rosettes and forget-me-nots on transparent and opaque bases with some rubino encase with the green dots for a little pop. These are so delicate and well done that I love the feminine look you get while mixing them with the other lampwork and silver in this piece. I take great pleasure in choosing just the right silver pieces to compliment the lampwork---I hope you can feel the love that goes into every design.

Today's a great day to express your appreciation to someone you care about. There are so many people around us that make life better. Reach out with a hug, a smile or a thank you and brighten someone else's day...and make your own better for the doing!

Arabian Nights

Well, this bangle feels very exotic to me with its quintet of slender sterling bangles all tied together with a quartet of charms--an amethyst gemstone encrusted 18mm sterling Bali bead (eight 6mm X 4mm faceted stones! ) and the additional 8mm carnelian and 12mm amethyst briolettes, as well as one more granulated sterling Bali bead to complete the grouping of charms. The Arabian Nights $73.00 color combination is beautiful and dramatic and this design will add a pop of color to any outfit as well and just a hint of exotic romance.

Daughter, Emily, is off to New York City this evening to visit with her college roommate for the long weekend. What's wrong with this picture??? She's leaving sunshine-y 80 degree Southern California for a few days in biting 20 degree cold and snow...what is that girl thinking!!!! Bhrrrrrrrh! Hope she enjoys her trip to winter! lol