Almost a new year!

Getting Back to Work

So here I am again, finally "catching up on blogging." I'm caught between wanting to just pick up and go on as if I hadn't abandoned this blog for two months, or apologizing like crazy. With Jim's illness, Hurricane Sandy, various utility outages, and the holidays, I guess I have enough excuses. But basically, laziness and being somewhat busy covers the field. 

I have not made a lot of jewelry, not done any shows, and not sold much lately. That should change in 2013! Joined a photography challenge, and if I am good, will at least be posting 52 photos a week right here.  The host for this challenge is Sally Marcum Russick of The Studio Sublime. She will be sending the participants a photo prompt every week, and we will post our photos on Saturday that week. 

So here's a little peek at one of my favorite subjects, The iron bridge across from my home. 

See you soon!

History Blog Hop: Ancient Egypt

The camera returns, the pictures are taken!

In my last post, I explained the scarcity of pictures to illustrate my creations for the History Blog Hop, sponsored by Leah Curtis of Beady Eyed Bunny  .

Now, the prodigal daughter has returned with my camera, and the necklace, earrings, and a pair of earring charms I created can be truly revealed!

When Leah announced this blog hop, I pounced on Ancient Egypt and the Art Deco period as my choices because I love their design elements, and because Art Deco in many ways reflects the aesthetic of Egypt. 

Ancient Egyptian Necklace

Using Lapis Lazuli gemstone beads, a carved scarab bead I happened to have, and two gauges of copper wire, I sat down to make what I hoped would be a modified bib type necklace.Obviously, the one pictured to the right would take years to construct, at my rate, but I liked the idea of a wider band. Something that could be worn with everyday outfits. 

Ancient Egyptian Scarab

When the Lapis beads arrived, I knew they would be a perfect match for the scarab I had, and the bugle beads that have been sitting there in a drawer waiting to shine! And just because I love earrings, these were born. Doesn't the blue look perfect with the copper?

Thank you for your patience, I hope to make the wait for the Art Deco creation worth your while!

History Blog Hop - Reveal Day!

Uh-Oh!

So here it is, History Blog Hop Reveal day. Leah Curtis, of Beady Eyed Bunny  set up this wonderful challenge. Pick a historical period and create jewelry inspired by the period. She even encouraged us to choose two periods! Being especially fond of the design possibilities of both Ancient Egypt and the 1920s to 30s Art Deco period, I went ahead and signed up for both! Yeah me! I even ordered supplies nice and early. 

Then, life stepped in and gave my husband a heart problem that could not be ignored (see my blog post of October 2 about that. I was able to finish the Egyptian pieces I had started, but the Art Deco eludes me to this moment. Fortunately, Hubby is home and things are well, but my work area is a bit disrupted. And.... I let my daughter borrow my camera without taking pictures of Ancient Egypt! 

So here are the pictures I have already posted once, and a promise to post more as soon as I can!

I created this pendant with Lapis Lazuli beads, copper wire, and a ceramic scarab bead I have had for a while. 

The necklace started out with a sketch. After playing a bit, I came up with something similar, that I will post when I get my camera back. It does not encircle the neck as an Egyptian piece would, but hangs from a chain giving it some modern wearablity. Earrings complete the set. Don't you love the blue lapis with the copper?

As for the Art Deco piece, I can tell you that it will feature this focal. I liked the idea of using insects in both pieces, and the angular Art Deco or Arts and Crafts Style of the brass stamping. I purchased two from B'Sue's Etsy shop, but will only use one for this project. 

Be sure to visit Leah's blog and see what she has created. Then, visit the other participants!

 Watch This Space, for more Ancient Egyptian and Art Deco goodies!

And the bead goes on....

When I'm stressed I turn to bad puns.

So here I am on vacation! Or staycation. that's fine, because I really wanted to catch up on some jewelry designs, especially for the History Blog Hop, sponsored by Leah of Beady Eyed Bunny.

Life always has  a way of getting in the way, But I should be able to post on reveal day based on what I have done already. Hubby is in the hospital having heart surgery as I write this, though, so I'm not sure if the art deco piece will be ready.But Egypt is almost ready! Updates soon!

Coming Soon: History Blog Hop

What Have I Gotten Myself into This Time?

One of the wonderful things about blogging and reading others' blogs, is that you find ideas and inspiration for your own work. Just looking at pictures works, but participating in Blog Hops and challenges of all sorts is a way to challenge yourself with the support of others. Leah Curtis who blogs at  Beady Eyed Bunny is hosting a History Hop, inviting jewelry artists to create pieces based on a period of history which is associated with a recognizable style of jewelry. 

So, I could not decide whether I should pick Ancient Egypt ( 3000 BC to 369 AD) or the Art Deco period (1920s to 1930) - so I chose both! Aside from making more work for myself, I do admire the work done in both periods, and find many similarities in the styles. As a matter of fact, Art Deco Style echos that of Ancient Egypt quite closely. 

My original sketch

I have started on the Egyptian piece, and let's just say that my artistic muse may have gotten a little bit ahead of my jewelry-making skills. But I am working. 

What I have so far - seems to be a focal!

Stay tuned for the reveal on October 13!. 

Creative Bead Chat

It's CBC Administrator's Day!

Actually, that sounds like "Principal's Day at school, but it is really just a day to salute and feature the wonderful work of those who make possible connections that never would have been forged between jewelry artists all over the globe! This bunch administer a lively Facebook page for Jewelry artists of all types, from bead weavers to metal smiths, and everyone in between. I am a fairly recent member, and they have made me feel so welcome, and have been so encouraging, that I am about to open my first Etsy Shop!

Visit the CBC Administrators' Shops

Marla James:  www.etsy.com/shop/marlasmud

 Melinda Orr: http://www.etsy.com/shop/orrtec

Karen Totten: http://www.starryroadstudio.com/

Marla Gibson: Marla has some health problems and has temporarily closed her shop. Visit her Blog here: http://spiceboxdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/creative-bead-chat.html#comment-form

 Keirsten Giles:http://lunedesigns.etsy.com/

Click to visit the Creative Bead Chat Facebook Page.

Beads for Blogging: The Pendant Has Landed

At Long Last....

I have finally finished the pendant necklace I have been working on using the beads provided by Tania from Fusionmuse.

Oh my, did I overthink this one. But then, Isn't that the source of our "creative blocks?" Oh well, there's really nothing to do but try to relax.

The Stash:

The initial attempt:                                                               Closeup of the pendant:

The finished piece. 

Now, That wasn't so hard, was it?

I hope to do a little more with the rest of the beads, but for now, this is my offering for "Beads For Blogging!" Thank you Tania!