Etsy Craft Party June 18!!!!

This first caught my attention, and I thought... Yeah, ok, so it's crafting. I do this stuff at home. It's how I relax, decompress, chill out.

Then I realized- this is getting other crafty minds together, making new friends and art. This is good, this is really good! I have the chance to meet other local artists... Make some new friends... Inspiration comes in all forms- and now I'm really excited! And... It's Etsy's Birthday!

So what I've done is created a Meetup Group page where you can RSVP easily. Simply click "I'm Interested" and there you go! You're signed up! You can also click "Leave a Comment" to make suggestions which are more than welcome!! You don't have to be an Etsy member to join in the fun.

I'm thinking that we don't all have to work on one craft project- although it's certainly a possibility. If we don't, bring a work in progress, or one to start, try something new- the possibilities are endless! Let's all see what we work on- we may find a new hobby from what another crafter is working on!

I've scheduled the Meetup for 11 am so that us artists will have the entire afternoon to "play". Along with our crafts, I'm thinking we can bring snacks or lunches, and start with introductions to each other. After that, we can get busy. I have to find some places that would possibly let us use space, depending on how many of us sign up and attend- but I'm sure I can come up with something. (again- if you're a local, and you have an idea- let me know!)

If attending might be a problem because you have children, by all means- bring them as well. I'd hate for a fellow crafter to not be able to come to this because you can't find a sitter or can't leave the kiddos alone. So a craft project to keep them busy too- I think this has the potential to be a really fun and entertaining event!

Snacks, chit chat, smiles, crafting awaits!

Glass

The Underwater Ocean Earrings- one more set available once I get more supplies!

I've decided over the past few days, I must start using glass in my jewelry.

Now, I admit it.... I've been sort of a snob. Nothing but the best. And to me, that's Swarovski. It glitters, it sparkles, it's delightful in so many different designs. There are so many different crystal styles, shapes and components to use- it's mind boggling. They're sexy, they're sweet, they're bold... Anything you want them to be- you can design it.

A lot of jewelry designers incorporate these crystals into their own designs- so often it's difficult to come up with designs that are completely original. I don't steal designs from other artists- but I do like to borrow concepts and incorporate them in to mine. And I hope that some people that come across my own designs do the same... Just don't steal please!

As much as the crystal sparkles and shines- I'm now discovering the beauty of glass. Namely, lampworked beads. I never, ever, ever dreamed that they could be so absolutely stunning! I mean- I'm used to going to (and I hate it) Wal Mart and remembering seeing the strands of "beads" they sell there. Cheap metal, cheap cut glass, just... Nothing you can really turn into quality jewelry. Michael's Crafts is similar- albeit a bit better quality- and I actually do find some fun beads in there from time to time. The problem still remains is that the beads aren't always uniform... And they still look cheap. But not *always*. Cheap jewelry drives me batty. It's great for a costume party or dress up with little girls- but the look I'm aiming for here is classy. Refined. Unique.

My inspiration as of recently has been due to Pandora bracelets. There are so many ladies that now have the bracelets- myself included- and the beads that go along with them. My favorites, of course, are the array of glass rounds that are floated on the bracelets. But- that's not quite my angle. I don't want to use wide beads- as stringing them on headpins will make them slide right off. My solution?

Fellow Etsians!

So many different beads... Whirls, swirls, rainbows and flowers. Iridescent colors, dichroic glass, stripes, patterns... The combination of different looks to be created are limitless!

Here are just a few of the beads I'm peeking at at the moment...

This beautiful bead below is from Red Side Designs shop. I love flowers encased in glass beads- it's such an understated simplicity that it's hard to resist. I'd turn this one in to a beautiful pendant on a necklace.

I love whirls and swirls. Blue is a favorite color of mine- I have blue eyes, and anything that sets them off I'm a fan of. Typically- if I wear blue toned jewelry- it does the trick! These beautiful borosilicate beads are made in BBGlassArt's shop.

And of course, I've gotta go fun and funky. I fell in LOVE with these unique beads! They remind me of an anemone- just not in the ocean! These would become a necklace/earring set. Perhaps even one as a charm on a bracelet- why limit imagination!? These are from Sock Monkey's shop!

Last, but certainly not least, a wonderful shop was suggested to me on my Facebook page by a fellow artist. The shop is Radiant Mind, and there are SO many beads there that I want to buy right up immediately...... I have to restrain myself! Look at this gorgeous set and the colors used... I can't wait to get started... And to show off some of my new works!

So there it is... I'm strictly supporting fellow Etsians for my lampwork glass beading needs!

I need to get better...

About this blogging thing!

Things have been so busy lately, I hardly know which direction is up or down.

Creativity has been put on hold temporarily, but I've made some newer pieces that I've posted in my shop. Usually it's the other way around- I do a sneak peek here, and then post them. I guess it's ok though... I could not be telling you at all!

First up, I'd like to share a Treasury I made which was inspired by the Moody Blues. I've had the song "Nights in White Satin" stuck in my head, and playing it over and over hasn't made me sick of the tune yet. So here's my picks for the Main Treasury...

Next up.

I've been dying to go see "Alice in Wonderland"... I'm a huge fan of Tim Burton, and any movie he's made I have to pick up. I was pretty steamed when my roommate and I got robbed back in September of 09- they made off with my copy of "The Corpse Bride" which is one of my all time favorites. I regress. I've been so anxious to see the new movie, I was inspired to make some new earrings.

Alice Through The Looking Glass

The Red Queen, of Hearts

I was aiming for whimsical, yet simple and understated.

But that would still make a statement! I've kept a pair of the "Alice" earrings for myself (because I love the blue so much) and I can't tell you how many compliments I've already received! They're very, very sparkly! They're similar to the earrings featured in the design of my Semele's Amethyst Earrings found in the "Changelings" post. Ever since I discovered the top drilled Swarovski Bicones, I've been in love!

Holiday Sparkles and More

I love the holiday season. The snow, the music, the decorations. There isn't anything prettier, to me, than houses decorated with lights.

Now, not the over-the-top Lampoon style... But classic. The white candles in a window, a green wreath with a great big red bow on the front door. Icicle lights under the eaves, or surrounding the porch. The softness it shows.

Even better, though, is inside. The smell of sugar cookies, pine pitch from the Christmas Tree, gingerbread just out of the oven. Dare I say Fruitcake! My Dad makes a mouthwatering confection of said dessert- which, normally, I would plug my nose at and run away as fast as I could in the opposite direction! It's delicious.

And inspired by the holidays, are the items below to adorn you or your family and friends. There's something so sexy about beautiful little treasures that are worn!

So a flashy pendant in red or black diamond, eye catching and definitely festive. Delicate earrings that match perfectly, wear as a set or separate. I love creating jewelry- and especially using Holiday colors- reds, greens, crystal, and black diamond. Because no matter what- a little sparkle always puts a smile on your face.

It's like buying red lipstick and a great pair of shoes- it perks your mood up and makes you feel good almost instantly! So... If you like, visit my shop by clicking here in order to view all my items! Or you can use the list on the right side of my screen to see what's currently listed in my shop.

What are your plans for the holidays?