Blue Wave Bracelet, My donation to Artists for Japan

A while ago I posted about a movement on Facebook, a group of artists raising money to help the victims of the recent Japanese earthquakes and tsunami.  It's taken a lot of thought about which piece I wanted to donate. I really didn't think it would be so hard! So I decided on my "Blue Wave" Bracelet.  The beautiful focal bead in the center reminds me of an island sitting right in the middle of the ocean...just like Japan.

I used Capri Blue iridescent Capri Blue seed beads for the bracelet base. Then I added the loops which create a wave like movement using Capri blue sz 11 seed beads and  12mm Metallic Capri Blue Bugle Beads. It sparkles like water, is very comfortable on the wrist, and has great movement. The clasp is a pretty matte finished glass flower bead centered with a (you guessed it!) Capri Blue Swarovski Crystal and seed bead. The closure loop is "stretchable" so it doesn't have to be so large to fit over the flower but stretches over it instead making it a bit more secure and leaves less of a gap at the ends. The bracelet is 7" long (not including the clasp) and sells for $70.00. Oh and by the way, ALL of the seed and bugle beads are Japanese! (See photos)

This is how it works...I post my bracelet here. You go to the Facebook page, look at the photos by category (bracelets, necklaces, rings, etc.) and let them know you want to purchase this bracelet. Give them a couple of days to get it categorized. They have a PayPal Account already set up. They notify me and I ship it to you for free! This is all set up in conjunction with the American Red Cross so we know the money is going where it is most needed.  

Note: Before you purchase...these photos make the blue appear...well....blue...almost navy blue. It isn't but Capri Blue is a really hard color for me to capture and I don't know how it's going to show up on your screen. It is definitely more a blue-green or teal blue.  If you have any questions in your mind about the exact color please refer to the Swarovski Crystal Color Chart.

Okay, finally, I think I may actually be almost caught up on my projects!

Live Joyfully!

a

7000 Bracelets for Hope-The Path to Healing

I wanted so much to join my friend Lori Anderson in this Blog Hop for such a great cause. I promised to post about it here and participate in a dependable manner. I was supposed to post this yesterday. I've been feeling rather guilty that I missed the deadline. I broke my promise. Then I was reminded that the burdens of my failures are only temporary. After all, the reason my post is late was due to my own personal physical limitations...of which I have no control.  At least my health issues have names, there are scientists actively working on treatments and looking for cures.

7000 Bracelets of Hope is a about supporting the families of those with rare illnesses that have no cure, few answers, and are just beginning the long and winding journey to healing. The bracelets made will be sent to The Global Genes Project and distributed to these families as a reminder that there is hope and to give them a touch of beauty in an otherwise dark and hopeless place. Please visit their site to learn more about this project and how you can help!

As the mother of a child with a rare genetic illness this was even more more important and closer to my heart than most of the projects I have participated in. I remember the years of wandering lost and alone, along with doctors and therapists who knew little more than I about what was happening to our child. At the time there were few studies being done, few treatment options and little hope of a any real future for our daughter.

When I heard the theme of these bracelets was blue...as in "Blue Gene" blue I knew immediately I wanted to use Sodalite beads but didn't happen to have any in my stash.  I had been holding on to a gift certificate I'd received for Christmas for a bead shop, and thankfully I knew it would be there I could find the beads I needed for this project!

This is my contribution.....

I named this bracelet "The Journey to Healing". It's a long, winding journey, with loops and switchbacks, curves, ups and downs, and sometimes seems absolutely endless. But at the center of that journey is a circle of hope surrounding one life, one disease, one family. The journey, the search, the pain, the constant belief and prayers that around the next turn a diagnosis, a treatment, a cure WILL be found is worth it for someone you love...no matter how long it takes!

There are so many other jewelry artists who answered the call for this project! I was amazed at the numbers and frankly I was overwhelmed at the artistry and dedication to help those families they didn't know. I don't know those families either but I remember our personal journey and for that reason I want to thank all of these artists personally and especially Lori  Anderson who suffers from a rare illness for starting this very special 7000 Bracelets of Hope Blog Hop! Thank You all so very much for caring!!

Here are links to the other Artist Blogs who participated.  Please visit their Blogs to see the beautiful contributions they made.

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle

3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym

4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365

5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry

8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads

10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions

12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio

13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading

14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl

15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae

17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!

20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux

32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde

35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations

40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn

44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio

46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads

48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral

49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel

50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things

54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

55. Breana Fry, Vault 31

56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie

59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs

62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs

63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings

65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay

67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads 

73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life

74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner

75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee

77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design

79. Sally Russick, WireWorked

80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads

82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana

83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love

84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy

85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures

87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats

88. Deb Beechy, Beetique

89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads

92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio

93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields

94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations

97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter

98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry

99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio

100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets

102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies

104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof

105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals

106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry

107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry

108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks

109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading

110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra

112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

If you are just learning about this and would like to make a bracelet to send in, send your bracelet, including a business card and a note to the family receiving your bracelet to:

7000 Bracelets of Hope/Global Genes Project

24701 La Plaza

Suite 201

Dana Point, CA 92629

Something YOU can do to help! - Artists for Japan

A Facebook friend who is also a wonderful jewelry artist and bead seller is helping with this awesome project through the American Red Cross.  It's called Artists for Japan and all artists can help the needy in Japan by donating their work to the cause. If you'd like to participate by donating just click on the link above and go to the "Discussions" page then click on "How to Help".  All instructions are there.

I'm planning to donate a piece for this great cause as well! I'm not sure which one yet but you'll see it posted on the Artists for Japan Facebook page when I figure it out.

Here is the information from the page if you wish to see items donated or purchase an item:

About: Handcrafted beaded art and jewelry to benefit the American Red Cross' Japan relief effort.



Description: This page contains handcrafted beaded art and jewelry. All work has been donated by the artist, with the proceeds going to support the American Red Cross as it helps the people of Japan begin to rebuild.
Purchase of these items will not only make you feel good as you wear the item or display the piece, but will also make the difference in a person's life.

I just want to note that there are many artists, not just bead and jewelry artists who have posted about items they are selling and donating the proceeds from those sales to the American Red Cross or other relief groups. Please take a look at those items as well!

Thanks :)
a

Rings and Things Design Challenge

You know, every year has its ups and downs and for me the last couple of years have been mostly downs. But you don't want to hear about those!

One of the biggest "ups" has been Rings and Things. They have the greatest items, customer service and fun ways to win free stuff. I've been fortunate to be a winner a few times already so I had to share this latest Design Challenge! I really want these gorgeous copper beads!! So if you want them too we're in competition :)  However I promise to to compete with you fair and square for these groovy brushed copper beads and discs!

 Just click on the title of this post to read all about it on the Rings and Things Blog.  Can't wait to see who gets to play with these awesome goodies and the designs they will come up with! 

Hope to see you there :)

I LOVE Artfire Collections!

Feeling Flu...er... Blue!

Curated By: StephanieRonn...

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

 
That is my Blue Daisy Brooch in the middle :)  But goodness...I love everything in this Collection.  I'm always amazed at the talent out there I would never see if it weren't for these great collections of artisan made items...so many lovely things and so little time. 

Gift Certificate Goodies from the Bead Browsery

I received a Gift Certificate to The Bead Browsery, a local bead shop in my hometown. It's owned and operated by my friend Brenda MacLellan. She is an awesome designer, beader and an amazing wire artist so visiting her shop is always a drool fest!. 

 Anyway...my awesome husband took the time to find the shop and buy the gift certificate.  It was a real surprise because a bead shop is not where he would normally shop :) For numerous reasons I will not expound on today, it has taken over a month  to go shopping with my free money. Oh My Gosh!, it was so hard to choose what I wanted AND stay within my budget.  But, I did pretty darn good and I love my new goodies so I wanted to share them with you.

She carries "Miner's Dollars", an item I've been lusting over for a long, long, long time.  When I saw she had a new shipment of them in I just knew that was definitely one of the items I was going to put in my basket.  Here it is...

This fellow is quite large and heavy as well so instead of trying to create a piece of jewelry with it I've decided to display it in a mini-plate rack for all to see and enjoy.  It's quite a conversation piece! This isn't the best photo but it is covered in Pyrite and sparkles beautifully.  For more information on Miner's Dollars or Pyrite Suns as they are also called just go here: http://www.zeigleril.com/pages/CoalMinersDollars.htm

The rest of my goodies can be seen here...

I've been working for a while on my Viking Weave and needed a Draw Plate. Then I found a wonderful selection of beautiful blue Kyanite Tear Drop beads so I picked out a couple of sets to make earrings.  One set for me, the other to sell ;)  I'm also getting ready to work on a gift for friends and needed 26 gauge tarnish resistant Brass Wire and of course I knew Brenda would have that item in stock! 

The last item I chose was a strand of Kyanite beads. Actually, I had no idea what they were! I purchased a pretty focal bead when the Gem and Mineral Show was in town back in the fall but the vendor couldn't tell me what kind of stone it was. I just hate that, don't you? Vendors should know what they are selling don'cha think?

Here's a photo of that focal bead...

When I asked around, none of my local friends could identify it.  I even posted it on Face book and hoped for an answer but didn't received a single response! I just decided it really didn't matter as long as I liked it.  Well I found a similar stone pendant at Brenda's shop and I asked her what kind of stone it was. It is Kyanite! Now when I think of Kyanite I think Blue or Green...certainly not Black!  But yes, this is indeed Kyanite and if you get it in just the right light you can see the blues and greens deep inside the stone.  Brenda just happened to have a marvelous strand of  "Rough" or Black Kyanite beads that would look just scrumptious with my focal bead so they promptly found their way into my basket. Be sure to look at the photo below for a closer look.  Won't they look just gorgeous wire wrapped into a chain for my focal bead?!

  And then, sadly, I had to add up my purchases and I was just a tad over my gift certificate limit....but what the heck! I had cash on hand and went home feeling guilt free and satisfied with my new treasures :)  I just love a good visit to my favorite bead shop.  I should go more often! How often do you visit your local bead shop?  I'd love to hear from you :)



The Black (Rough) Kyanite Beads I purchased!



A Pretty Red ArtFire Collection

Red Hot

Curated By: 3ddoodles

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

The Metal Stamp Give Away Contest!!

I know it's been awhile since I written even a single word here. Sorry about that and I promise to give an explanation later.  However, I had to share this great Metal Stamp Give Away contest with you. Lori Anderson, fellow Jewelry Junkie, Blogger Superb, and a Wonderful Designer was asked to try out a set of these great metal stamps from P J Tool & Supply. She's posted a review, great photos of the pieces she created with them, and they are as usual...fabulous!  Please take the time to go check out her blog.  All you have to do is click on her name!
Good Luck!!

ArtFire Collections sure make a Gal feel good!

I love ArtFire Collections :)  When someone chooses one of my designs it feels good. When another artist includes one of my designs in a Collection, well, it make me feel GREAT!  It's always an honor to be included with other artisans especially when you take into account just how many pieces they have to choose from...kind of mind boggling for me.  (We all know it's not hard to "boggle" MY mind :)

This Collection features my Wire Wrapped Purple Sugilite and Sterling Silver pendant and....

 This Collection features a pendant necklace I call "Ocean Dreams" ...

 but really...you should go look at all of the beautiful Collections!

I've been especially blessed and have had several pieces featured in ArtFire Collections.  I know how very fortunate I am and honestly I hadn't really thought about sharing these "mini awards" here - on my Blog page until today.  I don't know why exactly except I get SO excited when it happens and I start doing my happy dance. Then my brain goes on hold and I can't figure out how to do anything but post it on my Face book page or tweet about it - they have buttons right there on the page to make it simple for those of us not-so-computer-literate artists.  And that's another thing...I still feel weird using the word "artist" or "designer" when referring to myself!  I'm just me. Good old what you see is what you get Adrienne.  Maybe that's why these little pats on the back, from people I truly respect, mean so much :) Anyway, I hope you'll go visit the links and take it all in.  It's an amazing experience immersed with color and design, texture and imagination...enjoy!

The BEST way to sell Jewelry...Separates or Sets?



This is and has been a conundrum of sorts for me and I assume many other jewelry artisans.  How would my customers prefer to buy jewelry? I used to sell all matching pieces in a set but it seemed I was constantly getting requests to purchase only one or two items in a set.  I changed my listing strategy and started offering matching pieces but everything was sold separately.  If a customer bought two or more items from a matched set I offered discounted shipping and/or a discount on the purchase of those items.

However, this morning I had a little discussion with some of my Facebook friends and asked for their input.  In today's economy I would have assumed they would prefer to buy items separately but much to my surprise they preferred to buy in sets!  The reasons...the "complete look" and convenience - not having to shop around for matching pieces.

I've also had people tell me they don't like to buy "matchy matchy" jewelry. They preferred a more freestyle appearance, items that worked well together but weren't an exact match. Now I'm completely confused!!

I make a lot of necklaces and bracelets.  I also make a lot of earrings that would match them but I haven't been selling them as sets.  Why? Because I may create two or even three entirely different styles of earrings that would "match" the necklace or earrings.  It seems, in the world of jewelry, there are as many different approaches to shopping and buying as there are styles available for sale. I want to give my customers options. I want to give them variety.  I want to make my jewelry affordable and guilt free! 



Full view photo Pink and Brown Stripe Jasper Necklace


 For example, this is a necklace I created using a carved Pink and Brown Stripe Jasper Leaf as the focal piece. 




Cropped photo for a more detail (1)








I used a medium weight Sterling Silver Rolo chain to connect the various wire wrapped bead sections. The "sections" included: Wood and Bali beads, Lodolite Quartz and Rose Quartz, and the last sections were made up of single gemstone beads with double extender chains.  The "S" style clasp is handmade and hammered Sterling Silver.



 This necklace can either be all about a natural, earthy look or all about classic elegance. Knowing I needed to be able to meet the needs of either style I made two pair of earrings to match giving my customers a choice of styles. 

The first, a pair of Wood and Bali Bead drop earrings on Bali Silver headpins. I used the same wood beads used in the necklace. They are more casual. A very simple, earthy, and light weight design.

Then I designed a second pair of earrings.  These are gemstone earrings.  I combined Lodolite Quartz beads and Rose Quartz with Bali beads suspended from the same Sterling Silver Rolo Chain used in the necklace. The ear wires are Bali Silver. Handmade sterling silver coiled headpins add a touch of artisan elegance. These earrings are definitely more dressy. 

 



Which brings me back to my original question....Separates or Sets? Which pair would you sell with the necklace in a set?  Or...would you sell the earrings separately so the customer can choose the earrings of THEIR choice? 



I have yet to list these items simply because I can't quite figure out how to market them.  I would really like to hear from you..ALL of you! If you're a seller, I'd love to get your take on the subject. More importantly if you are a past, current, or a potential customer.  I want to hear from YOU!  How would you prefer to buy this jewelry?  Sets or Separates? 

Oh heck!  I know I'm over-thinking this...Maybe I should offer both pair of earrings and the necklace as a set!  Just think, you could wear the necklace with blue jeans and a t-shirt AND with a classic sheath dress or suit.  A complete range of style and all you have to do is change the earrings... (and of course your shoes :) 

Chrissy Marie has a brand new Artfire Studio!



Hammered Copper and Sterling Silver Circle Earrings

 Well, I finally did it! I started a separate new Studio for my Chrissy Marie line of jewelry and accessories.  I started off on ArtFire combining both lines of jewelry but I think it was a bit confusing. Chrissy Marie is my daughter and this line is dedicated to her.  It's all about being young at heart, trendy, spirited, and super affordable.

If you keep up with this blog at all you know that we, as a family, truly believe in Equine Assisted Therapy (Also called Hippo therapy or Therapeutic Riding).  Chrissy started riding with a local group several years ago and could hardly function socially and mentally.  Soon after she began riding we saw amazing progress! Over the years we have been astounded at the progress she made and the young woman she has become.  Unfortunately the group she rode with moved outside of our area but a new program was born to replace it.  Chrissy will now be riding as an advanced rider in special shows and rodeos as well a volunteering in the program as a trained Horse Handler and Side Walker.

Back in May I began riding in an experimental Equine Assisted Therapy program to see if riding more often would have a bigger or more long lasting effect on disabled riders.  It was an amazing experience and even  more amazing....Chrissy assisted as my Horse Handler and Side Walker! We've switched roles :)

Unfortunately, due to an extremely wet, hot summer I had to give up riding for a few months.  I have a "broken" internal thermostat and take medication that does not allow me to tolerate extreme heat.  However I'm looking forward to getting back in the saddle again soon.



Run For the Roses Arabian Horse Magnet

 Twenty-five percent of all sales from the Chrissy Marie shop will go to the new local Equine Assisted Therapy Program - "Better in the Saddle" aka "B.I.T.S." They are struggling a bit (no pun intended) to get up and running so I'm trying to help as much as I can.  While some items are equine or horse related, most are not. Come see what I have in the Studio and check back often as I'll be adding new goodies as often as possible!

Hope to see you soon :)

Can a Caterpillar Fringe Bracelet make you rich?

This is a photo of my current project, a custom ordered beaded fringe bracelet. It isn't finished yet but already I'm starting to second guess myself. I just hate it when that happens! Ahhh, the joys of custom jewelry design :)
My client wanted a piece in shades of deep blue with purple and lavender highlights. It's been a while since I made one of these and I'm just a bit apprehensive it won't be quite big enough. There may not be enough "play" due to the thickness of the fringe. Of course it doesn't help that my wrist is larger than my client's so I can't really try it on for size. I have a couple of adjustment ideas-just in case-but the truth is, I simply won't know for sure until she tries it on for size.
All in all, even if I have to restring every single bead my most important goal is having a customer who is completely satisfied with the purchase, the quality, and the service I provide. Unhappy customers seldom return and to my knowledge I don't have a single unhappy customer. If I do it's because I was never notified of a problem and I encourage any and all of my customers to let me know if there are any problems or concerns..ever! If it breaks, I'll repair it free of charge even if it's due to a weakness in or complete failure of a manufactured component. Maybe that's not the best approach if my goal is to get rich, but I never expected to get rich. Making loads of money was never my goal :)
In my skewed little world "rich" isn't about how much money I make. "Rich" is having earned the respect of my peers, building a reputation for creating unique designs with quality construction and offering the very best in customer service. Getting positive feedback is every bit if not more satisfying then any payment I receive. The money is a necessity. It's about having the freedom to purchase new goodies for my supply bin, restock the basics, and upgrade the tools of my trade. (Everyone knows you can never have too many tools!!)
Success is having a customer tell me their new "treasure" is worth every penny and exactly what they wanted...there's just nothing like it :)