Days off are so refreshing...

...and then you have to go back to work.

Sigh.

But at least I achieved my goal of getting some jewelry made and, as an added bonus, got the website updated as well.

I'm still having such a great time playing with all my new brass, gunmetal and brushed silver chain, filigree pieces and Lucite flowers that I just can't stop making stuff. Here are some of the newest pieces of my Memoire Collection:

Here's a close-up of the "bouquet" section:

The back:

And the coordinating earrings:


It's amazing how the use of the brushed silver chain just completely changes the whole feel as compared to when I use brass:

And the earrings - made these a little more "lush" by adding extra flowers:

And then I decided to experiment with a color palette that's WAY outside my comfort zone - orange and purple:

To go even further out of my safe little "zone", I tried to get a bit asymmetrical with this one by hanging a single dangle on one side only (I know, I know, I'm really living on the "edge" here, but if you only knew how hard it is for me not to make everything all "matchy-matchy" all the time, you'd know what a huge step this is for me):

And then I went REALLY hog wild and mixed dark gunmetal with pale pastel lavender, yellow and white and put flittering butterflies in asymmetrical spots (because, after all, butterflies don't care if they land in the exact most "balanced" spot, right? they're just looking for the best nectar):

Of course, there is one TEENY TINY issue I have with the Butterfly Blossom set, but so far, everyone tells me they can't see it unless I point out exactly what it is. So, I'm on the fence about whether or not I have to fix it (it's purely an aesthetic issue and nothing to do with the quality of the piece at all). So, I'm leaving it up to you - can anyone see what the issue is and if so, does it bug you enough that you think I should correct it?

KJ

It's FRIDAY! (on Thursday)

I’m declaring a Friday. And yes, I know, it’s a day early, but I’m taking tomorrow off in honor of the fact that it’s been a really crappy past few weeks (months) for me and I need some downtime. Hopefully, there will be jewelry-making. There will definitely be chick flicks, a pedicure and chocolate…or donuts…or chocolate donuts.

So, it’s Friday (go with me here, people). And in my world, Friday calls for some beady eye candy so I thought it would be the perfect time to share my finds from the OC Bead Society Show at the Bowers Museum a few weeks ago.

I had kinda decided to cool my jets on the whole beaded cab thing…until I saw these beauties at the first booth I went to (don’t you love/hate how beads can make you immediately toss ANY kind of resolution out the window?)

This gal has round a GREAT way to recycle beads that split in the kiln. She grinds the backs down and VOILA! perfect cabs for beading around.

Then I bought these cute dichroic pairs for making earrings from Karen Nan:

She’s more known for her fused glass pieces with the grooves cut around them to make them perfect for wireworking, but since I’m not much of a wire person – I can do simple and wrapped loops and that’s about it – I went for the pairs instead.

Then, of course, I had to get my porcelain fix on at the Lumina Inspirations booth:

Unfortunately, they were more picked over after coming back from Tucson than I had hoped so I wasn’t able to get as many of their new designs as I wanted. In fact, there was an awesome seahorse pendant that I was just reaching for when another shopper grabbed it before I could (boo! hiss!) and, of course, it was the last one.

They used to also carry a beautiful line of Russian lacquerwork beads and pendants, but that portion of the business has gone away so she only had a few pieces left:

I gotta have my pansies…always!

And speaking of pansies:

I found this beautiful pansy button along with some mother of pearl double-drilled rings (perfect for clasps for a two-strand necklace or bracelet, yes?) at the button booth.

Also found these stunning buttons at the same booth:

After the button booth, I came across a lampwork artist (and shame on me, I can’t find her card to give her a shout out here, but will add it as soon as I find the info…I KNOW it’s around here somewhere!) who had gorgeous things. All were WAY out of my price range except these spacer sets:

I love the “texture” that the frit effect provides. They look like stones.

Then I found the Jujee Beads booth. Oh boy, I got into SO MUCH TROUBLE there!

But seriously, can you really blame me? How gorgeous are these beads? And I am a sucker for anything “ocean-y” so really, there was no hope once I saw them

And, of course, all great jewelry designs need clasps so I took advantage of some great sale prices at the Jess Imports booth:

That oughta hold me for a while! Well…maybe.

Lastly, my big find of the show was a vendor selling all kinds of brass chain and findings and delicate Lucite flower strands to go with them and I was so inspired by the materials that it’s caused me to launch an entirely new section of my website (as you know if you’ve been reading for the last week or so).

Here’s another example from the new Memoire Collection:

Although this design doesn’t use the flowers, I thought the green garnet rondelle and carnelian round went particularly well with the brass chain. And more designs with flowers are coming – I’ve got several finished that I haven’t photographed yet.

Okay, that’s enough. I can’t wait to get home and spend my day off tomorrow playing with all my fun stuff!

KJ

P.S. If you thought this was a great haul…wait til you see what I bought at the Rings and Things show last weekend. Coming in a future post…(I know, I’m so mean).

Is someone trying to tell us something?

I mostly don't get excited about earthquakes unless they're in the 6 or above range...because otherwise it's just like a big truck going by outside or an airplane passing low overhead. However, when we can't go 48 hours without having one...then I start to get a little annoyed.

Enough with the shaking, already! Do you know how hard it is to finish off that perfect wire wrap when my work surface is bouncing around? Sheesh!

KJ

MAY ABS - Butterfly Garden Bracelet

MAY ABS - Butterfly Garden Bracelet, originally uploaded by Silver Parrot.

I'm entering this piece in the May Challenge - Monet's Water Lilies at the Art Bead Scene Blog. Wish me luck!

More Memoire

Thought I'd share a few more pieces from my new Memoire Collection:

Vintage lucite flowers, Swarovski crystals and pearls and brass chain make a great combination in this airy, feminine piece.

I think this clasp is probably my favorite part of the whole necklace. I just loved the design on it and am no kicking myself that I didn't buy more of them when I had a chance. Next paycheck, maybe.

This is a close-up of the centerpiece section.

Here are a pair of coordinating earrings:

I really love the delicate lucite flowers against the brass background. They mix so well together.

In fact, I liked it so much, I did another pair:

And another (I was kind of on a roll):

Okay, that's it for now. I wish I had more excitement in my life - I need blog content LOL!

KJ

Confessions of a lampwork addict...

Since my early bead newbie days when I nearly fainted the first time I picked up a lampwork bead and realized that yes, 1 bead did indeed cost $36.00, I've been fascinated by these tiny works of art and the amazing artists who create them. Even after taking a couple of lampwork classes myself, I still marvel at the fact that rods of glass can be turned into flowers, fish, birds, frogs, snails, entire underwater or spatial scenes and just about anything else the artist can imagine.

I'm always on the lookout for additions to my lampwork library and here are a few of my recent acquisitions:

Lovely blue glass tulip beads from blissfulgardenbeads on Etsy. I love pairs - so perfect for earrings!

I liked this design so much, I had to get a pair in pink as well.

A set from beadintrigue on Etsy - the colors were so yummy-looking that I couldn't resist them. They look just like candy!

Same artist and style of beads - but look how the change in colors changes the entire look and feel. This set is so much more girly and soft.

Obviously, I was on a roll. But seriously...can you blame me? LOOK at the COLORS!

Watermelon, anyone? Again, these look good enough to eat!

And finally, this gorgeous focal bead by koregon on Etsy:

I'm not sure why, but I see Kokopelli every time I look at this bead even though the design is actually more random and not a specific figure at all. I still see him, though. Perhaps I'm a bit woozy from staring at shiny beads for too long?

Naaaaahhhh.

KJ

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

Had a little excitement around here last night with a 4.7 earthquake. I live about 40+ miles south of the epicenter and while we definitely felt it, it had no effect or damage on anything in my area.

I disagree with the article saying it was enough to "terrify" Californians. Nope. This was a baby as earthquakes go. Slight initial shake, then a pause, then a more significant "bump" and then it was over. Actually, very short in duration especially when compared to, say, the Northridge quake. I distinctly remember that one and the feeling that it was NEVER going to stop shaking. It just went on and on and on.

I've been in So Cal since 1970 and have been through a lot of these, including three significant ones (Sylmar, Whittier-Narrows, and Northridge) and I just don't get excited by anything less than a 5.5-6.0. My one real concern was that this could be a predecessor to something bigger on another fault.

KJ

Bead Giveaway!

Fab Fibers blog is giving away these AMAZING beads from Bluheeler Glass!

Aren't they the coolest? Love the colors and the nugget-like shape!

Fingers crossed that I might win them...or your if you go post a comment on her blog!

KJ

Introducing the Memoire Collection

It's here! I finished up the website updates last night so today is the official launch of my new "Memoire Collection." I was so inspired by some new materials I picked up at the recent OC Bead Society Show at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA, that I took off in an entirely new design direction.

I'm using lots of different metal finishes, delicate flowers or antique-looking beads and lots of chain. There's even some asymmetry - which anyone who knows me can tell you is something I always WANT to do, but my brain just fights it and automatically puts everything back in order. Still, I think I pulled it off on a couple of these pieces.

I've also played around with different metal finishes when in the past I've been a strictly sterling silver/gold fill kind of girl. I have metal allergies so I've been leery of using any of the base metals, but I think the products have really improved - vendors seem to have upped the quality due to the increased demand for these items. So the new collection incorporates brass, gunmetal and pewter in addition to sterling silver. I've got copper in my stash as well so that will join the collection eventually, too.

Here's my favorite piece from the new group:

I know they're just simple earrings with dangles, but I think the brass really sets off the Caribbean and Pacific Blue Opal Swarovski crystals...and plus...don't the earrings sort of look like the Eiffel Tower? One of my favorite places!

I hope you enjoy the new pieces. Please take a look and tell me what you think - I love constructive feedback!

I also re-vamped the website since I was adding this new section anyway. I'm totally self-taught on Dreamweaver and I know just enough to put up the very basics so it's not fancy, but I like the new order of things on the front page and think it's a little more visitor-friendly.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, today started off with the nicest surprise. My beady friend, Julie, gave me three gorgeous porcelain pendants. I'll get them photographed and posted next week, but oh, they are so pretty! And I can already see they will look AMAZING with brass or copper chain! Thanks, Julie!!

Julie and I and possibly another friend are off to the Rings 'N Things show in Buena Park, CA, tomorrow. Can't wait - I always get some great stuff there!

KJ

News, earrings and beads

Congratulations to Dave Robertson of Rings 'N Things on the birth of his new daughter, Esme! Also, check out the news on his blog about big changes to a popular Swarovski crystal. Lastly, R&T is having a bead show from 10-2 on Saturday, May 16th, in Buena Park so if you're in So Cal and you like great beads (and great deals), don't miss it.

And now, on to the jewelry...


More of my vacation beading:






I bought these chandelier components several years ago from a great internet site called "The Bead Shop." They disappeared for a while (closed their physical store and got rid of a lot of their on-line inventory) but they seem to be coming back. If nothing else, their design gallery is WELL worth trolling through. They have AMAZING ideas!


Anyway, to these components I added garnets, peridot, pearls, vermeil and some chain and voila! Earrings!

And then there's this pair:

In which I continue with my love affair of mixing aqua and amethyst together. I'm happy with the color combo, but something about them is not quite right. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has them.

And some beads:




Made by Kerri Fuhr from Etsy. She sent along an additional set of spacer beads that match this as a freebie. How cool is THAT?!

More tomorrow.

KJ

Heart's Garden

A while back, I posted a picture of this really pretty lampwork heart toggle clasp (if you click on the link, scroll down to the VERY BOTTOM of my random blatherings to see the picture) that I bought on eBay.

Well, I finally got around to making something with it. Actually, I made this piece pretty quickly after I bought the toggle...it's just taken me this long to get it photographed and posted.

I went with a very simple design so that the toggle would take center stage and really show itself off.

Overall, I'm pleased with it, but I'm still a little on the fence about the Swarovski crystal butterfly dangle. Too much? Let me know what you think.

Also, the pearls are actually white to match the toggle even though they appear a bit pinkish in the picture. Another stunning example of my amazing (lack of) photography and Photoshop skills in action.

In other news...still working on getting the new collection up on the website. That one page is actually done, but in the process of working on it, I found a bunch of other things that needed to be corrected and the homepage needed revision to show off the new collection and I've stayed up until 2 AM the last two nights tinkering (because my Dreamweaver skills are only slightly more spectacular than my photog skills) trying to get all that done. Still aiming for an end-of-the-week launch.

I'm also thinking about having a "house cleaning" sale on some of my older designs. Need to clear some room for the new stuff, etc. We'll see.

Okay, that's it for now.

KJ