BeadSire

Inspired by a bead ...

2012-02-11T12:12:00.002+10:00

I have a friend who is an amazing lampwork artist (Bead Up a Storm - Vanessa Hearn) ... she makes the most incredible pieces and I am lucky enough to own some of her work. I came across one of these pieces the other week and it inspired a new design.

So what do you do with a bead, some leather and a loom ...

... this is what you do, you design a pattern and let your imagination go wild! The pattern has an almost snake skin quality - shimmery and shiny! I used Miyuki Delica's 11/o in all metallics except for the turquoise which is matte.

The width of the looming is 15 beads wide (1 inch) ... add the leather and voila - a sensational leather cuff for all occasions!

The leather is just under 2 inches wide and bought from a recycling shop, it has a lovely texture and feels wonderful on. (I really need to find those leather tools!)

So thank you my wonderful friend, I love your work!

2012-02-03T23:28:00.001+10:00

Diamonds maybe a girls best friend ...

but pearls are her soul!

I love pearls ... they are my favourite, the beautiful lustre entices every time.

Nanna My passed away over 10 years ago, after she died I was given a bag that contained some odd beads and pearls. Most were cheap glass ones but some although dirty and unkempt, after a little bit of TLC shone as they should.

So what to do with these pearls, they have sat staring at me on my bead mat for quite a while, and then inspiration came to me to create a cuff as a tribute to her, so Nanna My - where ever you may be ... I hope you like.

Technique: Erin Simonetti Warp Management

Design: Caron Reid

Style: Erin Simonetti Channel Cuff
Cuff Materials: Nanna My's Pearls, Toho Sead Beads, Tila Beads

Fringe: 4mm and 5mm seed pearls

2011-12-30T11:01:00.000+10:00

Facing your fears

2011 has been a huge year for me, testing my creativity to its maximum. Personally, its been a year of reflection and whilst I've had my moments, in comparison to others I know who have suffered terribly its been a good year.

As I look back on my achievements over the past 12 months - I overcame some major health issues and can now report an (almost) 100% bill of physical health. I started off the year in a new role and slightly different career direction - which at first was a case of what have I done but through the support of my wonderful work colleagues and close friends, my hard work has paid off and I'm enjoying my role. Personally, there have been some small setbacks, however I'm blessed with an incredible support network and some amazing friends and working through these. Overall, I'm happy with the direction my life is taking me.

On the artisian front - this year I took up bead looming. My dear friend, Erin introduced me to the loom as a means to keep me occupied after my surgery. I was one of those people who said those words "never" when it came to using seed beads in my work. I don't know why I feared these itty bitty tiny beads but I did. The dye was set and the loom arrived - the challenge was in place and after my first tentative rows and the pattern evolved, I was hooked! Then came pattern development, testing my patience and capacity with new techniques and methods ... its a constant, evolving process and I have so much to learn! Not only did Erin introduce me to the world of looming but to others like me who were looking to embrace or develop their skills n this area - I'm part of a fabulous group and have made many lovely new friends this year.

Another area I had been involved in but wanted to explore further was metal clay. After the studio closed, I saved up for a kiln and late this year it arrived. After much searching, I found someone to make a stand specifically for the kiln which would withstand high temperatures. I'm now set to go. I have never been more scared to start something in my life - with fears of burning down the house and after much reading, the kiln is now up and running. I'm going through the testing phases at the moment but with my first commission for early February, the pressure is on!

So - this year has been an interesting one - I have faced many fears - from personal to creative ones - but if you take a deep breath and just go for it ... you can overcome yours too!

2011-09-25T12:10:00.001+10:00

September Blog Carnival - What's On Your Mat/Workplace?

Another month has flown by and its time for the Starving Jewelery Artists team - September Blog Carnival with the topic for this month being What's on your mat/workplace?. Having ventured into the world of bead looming, I constantly have a loom warped ready to go. At present I only have one warped but that will change very soon when my next order of beads arrive.

My workplace is spread from the computer with design patterns, to inventory to the loom. The piece I am creating at present is a pattern that I designed a little while ago. However, with this one I'm going to do try a different and will be attempting a one of Erin Simonetti's from Beads Beaded Beading hand woven accents techniques - click here for the link to Erin's blog for an example of this technique.

Here is a picture of the pattern

and here is a picture of the cuff to date ... stay tuned for more pics in the future of the finished cuff.

In the meantime, you might want to see what other members of the Starving Artists team are up to and that they have on their Mat/Workplace!

Bead Sohpisticate

The Familiee Jewels

Musings of a Northern Girl

2011-09-18T21:22:00.003+10:00

Ode to my childhood ~ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie

When I was a little girl, I was fascinated with the gumnut babies. With summer approaching and the smell of Eucalyptus in the air, I was nostalgically reminded of these childhood favourites when I saw this gumtree and I just had to create something representative of my childhood.

For those who may know not about the gumnut babies - May Gibbs was an author and advocate of Australian flora and fauna in which she modelled many of her characters in her books. Born in 1877, May loved to draw and went on to study art in both Australia and England. She became a famous author and illustrator of children's books with her most famous being the Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (click on the link to see more of this fabulous book).

Through the encouragement of the Bead Looming Intervention group, I decided to design a cuff using the Eucalypt leaf and attempting my first extensions.

Using Delica's no.11 - the looming is 5cm wide by 13cm long - edged in bronze and bone beads, I'm tempted to add some metal clay gumnuts. The cream background showcases the beautiful leaf and gumnuts and every time I wear it I will be reminded of my little childhood chums!

2011-09-11T14:21:00.002+10:00

Loomed Patterns For Sale

After months of playing around with designs and a receiving requests for my patterns, I have decided to put my pattern designs up for sale. I have added two tabs to this blog - one is the instructions and terms of condition of sale and the second is the gallery of patterns available. If you are interested in purchasing a pattern, please follow the instructions on the "Patterns for sale" tab.

Thank you to all those who have supported me in my quest to learn as much as I can about looming. A special thank you to Erin from BeadsBeadedBeading for all of her support and encouragement and also to the wonderful members of Bead Looming Intervention.

August Blog Carnival

2011-08-28T00:48:00.002+10:00

This months topic for discussion with the Starving Artists Jewelery team (SATeam) is do you take a computer and/or tools with you when you travel.

This is something I wish I had done recently when I travelled for work - I was in a hotel room with no computer and no projects to work on. Although it had been a long day travel and meeting wise, as far as the evening it was very young.

So for the future trips I have two objectives - to get a notebook that won't take too much room in my luggage that I can at least log-in to the wi-fi (if it is available) and to prepare a kit for travel. So what to take in the kit? I have a smallish loom that I could take it wouldn't take too much room and I could take it as on-board luggage. I will take a simple pattern that I have designed, that way I could loom and edge the piece that evening.

Check out the SATeam blog or the links below for some of the other blogs of those participating in this months blog carnival

Bead Sophisticate

Wrapture Wire Jewellery

Jewelry Art by Dawn

J3J Jewelry

July Blog Carnival - Do you name your pieces

2011-07-23T22:15:00.001+10:00

The topic of the month for the Starving Artists Blog Carnival is "do you name your pieces". I have seen so many beautiful creations by jewellery artisians that have some stunning names ... sadly, mine are not that original although I do plan to change this. I have written previously about some of the bead patterns I have created, in future these patterns will be allocated names.

I apply the creative process to my actual work, so this is going to extend to the pattern, piece or design I make. No more of the "obvious", ie - when I created the pattern for this cuff ... I bet you can guess the name!

If you guessed water yep - that's how original I got!

So, here are a couple that are in the works - this one is a part of a series of patterns I have created called "watching you"

Another series I have created consists of geometric shapes - this one (at this stage) is called reflections.

Last but not least is my floral series. This one is the botanical name for one of my favourite flowers - the Peony and is called Paeoniaceae

Other members of the team that are participating in the blog carnival are:

Galadryl

Bead Sophisticate

Island Girls Insights

Thought for the Week

2011-07-03T20:37:00.002+10:00

OUR ANTHEM

Women are Angels.
And when someone breaks our wings,
we simply continue to fly..........on a broomstick.
We are flexible like that

June Blog Carnival - Using Other People's Work in our Designs

2011-06-25T20:35:00.002+10:00

This month, the members of the Starving Artists Team are talking about using other artists work incorporated within their own. This is an easy topic to talk about as I love supporting other members of my team and using components they have made within my designs.

Copper is a metal I have been using a lot of lately, especially with the price of silver - copper is a wonderful alternative - it is warm, fun and adds a beautiful dimension to any piece. An example of this is the ear wires from BlueDressDesigns. The glass flower caps were also from Jen.

Another member of the team who creates awesome components 2BellesBeads, the large ring for this honey agate and copper metal (leaf) clay necklace was from this fabulous shop.

One thing I adore is lampwork beads - they are hard to resist! I have a few favs that I have bought over the past couple of years, namely Melissa's Beads in which I incorporated within this necklace

and Bead Up A Storm in which this one is about to be made up into a piece I have created with Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

Speaking of PMC - this piece was created using Beadles lampwork beads for inspiration - the lampies compliment the turquoise stone beautifully.

Or how about these cool zombie beads that I made up into earrings from Pink Beach Studio

My latest love is looming - the pattern is the integral part of creating a loomed design, this snow leopard cuff was designed by the talented BeadsBeadingBeaded

So a big thank you to those who are willing to share their art and their skills which add that finishing touch to many a design!

Other members of the team who are participating in this months blog carnival are:

Island Girls Jewelry

Galadryl

Jewelry Art by Dawn

J3Jewelry

AMDesignsbyAngela

The FamiLee Jewels

April Blog Carnival - Colour

2011-05-01T09:02:00.001+10:00

The Starving Artists team monthly blog carnival is here again with the subject being colour in your work. This is particularly important to me, especially at the moment with my venturing into looming and designing patterns. I use Miyuiki Delica No 11's - and absolutely love the myriad of colours that are available to you within this range, the various shades and hues in each colour is amazing.

Last night driving home, the sky was ablaze with various shades of blue, purples, pinks - the way they merged together was breathtaking and inspiration for a pattern design such as this.

Colour gives a pieces perspective, it can either make or break a design. I'm not partial to any particular colour, I love them all - whether bright happy colours or subtle shades, they can all reflect a mood. These patterns are an example of that:

My first piece I created on the loom was full of colour - although predominately an aqua blue, the other shades defined the piece.

So how does colour influence you? To find out how other members of my team are influenced, check out their blog posts!

Musings of a Northern Girl

Island Girls Insights

Bead Sophisticate

J3Jewelery

The FamiLee Jewels

March Blog Carnival - Who inspires you in your work

2011-03-27T14:38:00.002+10:00

This months blog carnival subject is who inspires you in your work. This is an interesting topic for this month as over the years there has been many talented jewellery artists who have inspired me.

When I first started, the first book I bought was "bead on a wire" by Sharilyn Miller, her simple steps to create exquisite pieces led me to my first love of playing with wire, beads and my tools. Other amazing artists such as Delia Stone and Perri Jackson inspired me - especially as in my early days, I found they were approachable and willing to help you if you had a question. You should check out their tutorials if you haven't already done so.

Wishing to expand my horizons, an incredibly talented Holly Gage posted some pictures on our forum of her metal clay creations, I found a studio in my local area and signed up for a class, and was hooked. At the time it was only Precious Metal Clay (PMC) but then copper and bronze clays became available and our fabulous teacher, spent many hours studying and playing with these mediums so she could pass her knowledge onto us.

One medium I always vowed I would never do although held great admiration for those who were able to conquer it was seed beads. The combination of being able to create "something" out of those itty bitty seed beads and using a needle and thread just blew my mind - however, late last year one of the most talented and gifted artists I have ever met introduced me to "looming". Erin Simonetti convinced me to try and make a cuff as I was housebound after having major surgery. Through her encouragement and enduring motivation and the ongoing support by those within her beading group, I was able to conquer this "fear" and created my first cuff.

I am now in the process of designing a cuff that will incorporate my three loves - my passion for jewellery has been revitalised and I'm truly grateful to those wonderful inspirational artists who lead by example, not only by their work but their capacity and willingness to share their love of their art with those of the like of me.

To find out who others members of my team have have been inspired by check out their blogs ...

J 3 Jewelry

Islandgirl's Insights

Beadsophisticate

February Blog Carnival - the story behind your business name

2011-02-27T17:03:00.000+10:00

The Starving Artists team blog carnival for this month is the story behind your business name. Like most people when you first start out in jewellery - you play around with designs, you make a few pieces for your friends and eventually get to the stage where you get enough confidence to start selling your designs. A couple of friends and myself were going to start selling at monthly markets so this is when I started to play around with words that appealed to the type of jewellery I make.

Not only was the name important - it was how I was going to brand it as well. I did a number of searches to see what names I liked were already out there - I thought about incorporating my own name but kept coming back to the theme around beads. When I first started out, most of my jewellery was purely bead related, I hadn't expanded into wire, metal clays or any other mediums I am experimenting with at the moment.

The one thing that kept coming back to me was the "de"sire for beads - how addictive they are, hence I changed "de" for "bead" and created my name BeadSire - with a capital B and a capital S for emphasis.

Here are some of the other team members who have written about their business names - check them out!

Starving Arists Blogspot

Island Girl

Orefined

Bead Sophisticate

Paint by Faith

Galadryl

Musings of a Northern Girl

The FamiLee Jewels

J3Jewelry

January Blog Carnival - what is your favourite material and why

2011-01-29T12:01:00.002+10:00

The subject for the the Starving Artists team blog carnival for January is What is your favourite material and why. At first I thought this would be an easy subject to write about until I had to actually decide what my favourite material was. Here are some of the materials that I use - I'll let you decide ....

Stones have a major influence on most of my designs. When I pick up a stone, it tends to talk to me. I love the colours and the depth within a stone as each one has its own story to tell. I'll select the type of wire that I will use and other materials that I may draw upon to enhance and capture its beauty.

I have also incorporated Swarovski crystals within my work - more often as an accent to a piece. The intensity of each colour, elegance and flawless cut speak for themselves - my favourites are 4mm bicones.

Another material that brings out the visionary artist within me is metal clay - whether it be precious metal clay (PMC), bronze or copper clay - each one lends itself to being moulded and sculpted into wonderful individual designs.

Resin is another material I bought a couple of months ago and after sitting and pondering on what I was going to do with it - I bit the bullet one afternoon and made my first pendant - I was hooked and now look for objects I can incorporate within its glossy embrace.

Towards the end of the year I started to use ribbons and leather in my creations incorporating flowers featured with stones and wire. This unusual mixture is complimentary to each other - enhancing each medium, each piece stands out on its own whilst on a whole, they come together beautifully.

Recently I was introduced to the world of looming which meant using seed beads which is something I thought I would never do. I always wondered why someone would want to utilise thread, needles and those itty bitty seed beads to create a piece was something that alluded me until I gave it a go, it was oddly empowering to to overcome this fear and I'm now planning my next piece.

Each time I discover a new material - it quickly becomes a favourite, now you know why it was difficult to pinpoint one! So which one do you think is my favourite?

Check out the favourite materials of the other members of the team

Galadryl Design

O'Refined

Island Girl

The FamiLee Jewels

Why did I start making jewellery

2010-12-20T00:01:00.003+10:00

The subject for the Starving Artist Teams blog carnival is "Why did I start making Jewellery?". I have always been involved in craft and my first love was knitting, picking up my first pair of knitting needles as the age of four. Whilst at school my creative side was nurtured, taking Art as an elective learning about the Masters and developing many artistic skills.

Fast forward a few years and I started to become interested in some of the costume jewellery displayed in the shops and magazines. However being a one income family with two small children I couldn't afford this luxury. I was introduced to a friend who was making her own jewellery and she kindly offered to show me some tips on how to string and finish off my pieces. She made recommendations of places to go and online sites to visit to develop my skills.

Initially I just strung bracelets, then expanded into necklaces - playing with colours and design. From there I took a class in wire wrapping - and I was hooked, my journey in the world of jewellery had commenced.

The pictures attached are very early examples of my work.

To view other blogs from this talented team - check out:

Bead Sohpisticate

Island Girl

Galadryl Designs

Musings of a Northern Girl

The Familiee Jewels

Time Travellers Wife

2010-11-07T18:51:00.000+10:00

I have created my first treasury in a long time - its a part of a non team challenge Non Team Blog where there is a key item from a shop that is used in every treasury. Here is the link - click on all the pics and check out the shops featured - Time Travellers Wife

Here is a picture of the treasury.

Artist Profile (Thurs, 14 Oct 2010)

2010-10-14T22:26:00.000+10:00

Every week I've been featuring an artist who is a part of my family in one way or the other. This week I share with you a number of fabulously talented artists who are part of a big family - one that I'm a proud member of and they are the members of the Starving Artists Street Team.

This awesome group are amazing - the support given to each other whether it be a simple question or something more personal is incredible. This wonderful group have come together to coordinate a Christmas sale and giveaway. The giveaway is a floral charm bracelet that has been described as "loaded and lush" and members spent much time and dedication to creating this stunning piece.

To find out who the members of my other family are - check out the team shop and have a look at some of their wonderful creations. Keep an eye on our team blog for updates of the sale as well. It starts Sunday, so why not do your Christmas shopping early!

Sateam Blog and Sateam Etsy Shop

Monday Melancholy Musings (11 Oct 10)

2010-10-11T20:00:00.000+10:00

It has been raining here for what seems like weeks - we've had one or two clear days in between and then it starts again - and our official "wet" season hasn't even begun. Its ironic that only a couple of years ago we were facing harsh water restrictions, installing water tanks and the Government was coming up with this grand schemes to save water (at our expense).

Now the dams are full and the spillways are releasing excess water - the question is ... where does it go? Have they put in infrastructure to capture this additional water for the next "dry" run? Have they put in pipelines for those areas that haven't caught up with the coastal areas? The Australian climate is such that we'll have our wet seasons and our dry ones - we vary between flood, bushfires and drought and maybe one day they'll figure it all out.

Those who are enjoying the early onset of the wet season was this little guy!

Friday Funny (8 Oct 10)

2010-10-08T22:01:00.000+10:00

When you look at this picture - what do you see? Albert Einstein should be your answer.

Now step away from your computer - that's it - move back quite a few feet .....

.... a few more .....

... this isn't a joke - go back a few more ....

So who do you see now????

Your answer should be Marilyn Monroe. How's that for freaky!

Artist Profile - My Daughter (Thurs 7 Oct 2010)

2010-10-07T22:10:00.000+10:00

I have been featuring people who are close to me, and you couldn't get closer than my very own daughter! Tayla started making jewellery about 2 years ago whilst I was still doing the weekend markets. She would string up these gorgeous bracelets, even doing the crimps and findings herself. Since then she has started to play with wire (yep, my tools are now no longer my own!). She is self entirely self-taught - watching with an eagle eye when I create something and adapting the technique to her own style. Looking at her fabulous style and flair - you wouldn't know that she was only 14 - her sharp eye for colour and creativity ... I can't wait to see how far this takes her. She now sells her creations to family, friends and at school (and does very well!).

Here is an example of Tayla's work.

Tool Time Tuesday (5 Oct 10)

2010-10-05T23:29:00.000+10:00

One of the most important tools I utilise is music! Whether it be rock, country, soul, R&B, jazz - you name it and depending on the mood or what I'm creating - music is always playing on the iPod in the background. Here's a taste of what I'm currently listing to.

Lady Antabellum - Run to You

Melancholy Musings (Mon - 4 Oct 10)

2010-10-04T21:47:00.000+10:00

After all the fireworks in the press over the past few weeks, the Commonwealth Games opened last night with a bang ... and tonight the Aussie's are doing us proud in the swimming with two Gold medals and two Silver medals so far - and the night has just begun!

I'm a patriotic Aussie who will stand with their hand on their heart when the anthem plays, and its the only song I will sing out loud ... the TV is at maximum volume as I've just watched our Aussie girl receive her first individual Gold medal.

So bring them home Aussies - give it your best shot and we'll be here cheering you on.

Aussie Aussie Aussie - Oy Oy Oy!!!!

Here is a link to one of our favourite songs!

Land Downunder

Sundays Treasures (3 Oct 2010)

2010-10-03T23:27:00.000+10:00

As mentioned in my last blog post - October is also commonly known as Oktoberfest ... here are a few selections from my team that could be worn to celebrates this wonderful event ...

AJ Design Jewelry

LaValleyGirly

Shiny Adornments

Catswire

Me!

Funny Friday (1 Oct 10) "Budweiser - The Wave"

2010-10-01T19:00:00.001+10:00

The beginning of October means Oktoberfest - here is a taste of the month to come!

SATeam Challenge

2010-09-30T23:29:00.001+10:00

Every month the team has a challenge in which we create a piece around a set theme. For the month of September, the theme was Back to School as in the Northern hemisphere the students school year begins in September.

It was a tricky topic but those who participate created beautiful works. Here is a link to the forums blog to see all the entries.

As I'm in the Southern Hemisphere, our school year begins in Jan/Feb each year. I decided to do a twist to the school theme and made my piece around the 1967 movie "To Sir With Love". This is one of the original movies about a teacher who overcomes many obstacles to assist his students.

Here is my challenge piece.

Wacky Wednesday (29 Sept 10)

2010-09-29T23:12:00.001+10:00

24 Hour Sale

Its incredible to think that October will be dawning at the end of the week. Today's wacky Wednesday deal is 15% off all orders. Please put the word SEPTEMBER in the message box and I will refund you the difference.

Start your Christmas shopping now!

Melancholy Musings - Mighty Tigers (Mon, 27 Sept)

2010-09-27T19:00:00.005+10:00

It only seems like the other day that we were kicking off to another year of football - for my international friends who may not be aware, here in Oz there are a couple of codes of football which incorporates soccer, union, AFL and as far as I'm concerned - the best one which is "League". The season has not been without controversy but for my team, the Wests Tigers - an exciting one.

They made it through to the Finals series and last night was the play-off to the Grand Final next week. Although gallant and playing a magnificent game which had you on tenterhooks right until the end - one point was the difference at the end of the 80 minutes of a hard, tough game. Notice I didn't say lose - as they didn't lose the game - they fought a tough battle and it was a close one right through to the dying seconds ...

So the mighty Tigers, you may not be there physically next weekend but in spirit you deserved to be ... bring on 2011!

Blog Carnival - Using Recycled Materials (Sun, 26 Sept)

2010-09-26T20:00:00.001+10:00

I can't believe that its been a month since the last SATeam blog carnival! The subject for this month is how we use recycled materials in our creations.

Traditionally a silver girl, recently I have been playing with brass, copper and bronze elements in my work. With old is new again - I have much pleasure in visiting second hand stores for old jewels to pull apart and recreate into new pieces, ramaging through recycling shops for components I can use and even the hardware store is a good place to go. There is nothing better than pulling apart a piece and using the materials to create a unique piece of jewellery.

Here is a piece I created with the chain and Swarovski crystals coming from a necklace I picked up in a second hand shop and the wire used to wrap the leaves was picked up in a recycling shop. They were the perfect component for the leaves I made from bronze and copper clay.

I found this piece of rubber the other day whilst visiting a recycle shop - my plan will be to use this as a base for a choker necklace.

These off -cuts of leather ...

... will be used to create anoter cuff

So in this day and age of the disposable society - beauty can be found.

Check out what some of my friends from our team do with recycled materials.

The FamiLee Jewels

Danagonia Enchanted Jewelry

ArtFire Group Deal - $5.95USD (Sat - 25 Sept)

2010-09-25T19:00:00.001+10:00

The deal is on - you're opportunity to lock in the $5.95 (USD) Group deal and is only valid for a short time, so get in fast.

This is the blurb that was posted recently

The ArtFire Group Deal will be activated on 10/1/2010. All members who have signed up for the deal BEFORE 10/1/2010 will lock in their PRO rate at $5.95. Once the group deal is activated on 10/1/2010 the $5.95 rate will not be available to new sign ups. Any new members who did not sign up by 10/1/2010 for the group deal will be able to do so at a higher locked rate for the remainder of the beta exit promotion.

Here is the link to the main page - ArtFire Deal.

Friday Funny (24 September 2010)

2010-09-24T19:00:00.000+10:00

I love finishing off a busy week with a good laugh. This weeks Friday funny speaks for itself - its been circulating on the net for some time but thought it was time to feature it again!

Have a great day all and remember - don't tick off a fireman!

Artist Profile - Phil Goatcher (Thursday, 23/09/2010)

2010-09-23T19:00:00.005+10:00

Within the myriad arcades winding throughout the streets of Melbourne enfolded within the historic architecture is one arcade called "The Block". Originally built in 1892, architect David C. Askew created one of the most beautiful arcades in Melbourne - complete with lavish fittings from the mosaic tiled flooring, wrought iron finishings, timber shop fronts, elaborate leadlight windows and glass canopies, this historically significant building is a testament to the Victorian mannerist style.

In 1907, scenic artist - Philip Goatcher decorated the ceiling of the Singer Sewing Machine premises. The paintings were lost until "The Block" underwent renovations and the paintings were re-discovered! Philip Goatcher is my children's Great, Great Grandfather (on their fathers side) and I recently visited a beautiful dress shop "Chelsea" within "The Block" which are the current hosts of the "Goatcher" paintings. It was a pleasure watching my daughters face as she discovered the talents within her heritage.

Here is an example of his work on the ceiling of Chelsea within "The Block".

Wednesday Madness ... Giveaway (22/09/2010)

2010-09-22T19:00:00.005+10:00

Just a reminder that the Wednesday Madness promotion to celebrate the beginning of spring and only for the month of September - is a matching pair of earrings with any purchase of a "stone" from my etsy shop. Some of the pieces you could get a matching pair of earrings for include this wonderful stone accented with 4 mm Swarovski crystals and natural stone beads.

How about this stunning mookaite piece - the natural vintage brass beautifully matches the deep Australian desert tones with this stone which is highlighted with amethyst, Swarovskis and mookaite.

Lastly, who could resist Aventurine! This beautiful green stone is a show stopper!

Tool Time (Tuesday, 21 September 2010)

2010-09-21T19:00:00.001+10:00

Start by doing what's necessary
Then do what's possible
Suddenly you will be doing the impossible!

This sums how I feel when I sit at the bench and start to create a piece - I'll start with what's necessary and as it is usually wire work - I'll be using my trusty pliers! I can't do with out them ... my round nose, bent nose and nylon tipped pliers are my favourite! I have multiples in all of these.

Then I do what is possible - this is usually wire wrapping those tiny Swarovski or natural stone beads, or create a chain using the round nose pliers after wrapping each bead and then connecting it to the chain. Each pearl in this necklace was hand wrapped and then attached to the chain - this piece consists of nine rows of chain and attached to a cultured pearl clasp.

Suddenly I'm creating the impossible - now my pliers are now used to their full capacity as I'm putting together all the pieces which will complete the design.

Melancholy Musings (Monday, 20 September 2010)

2010-09-20T21:12:00.003+10:00

... and the winner is Sid-en-ney!!! These famous words were spoken by the late Juan Antonio Samaranch in September of 1993. I was there at the Sydney Opera House with thousands of others and I can still recall the silence of anticipation as we stood in a huge circle listening to this tiny portable radio - followed by this deafening cheer of jubilation and celebration. I've never seen a city come together as Sydney did that night with strangers smiling and hugging each other and cultures were united.

The spirit of the XXVII games continued until the summer of 2000 when 10 years ago, on a spring evening - the Games of the New Millennium opened to the sounds of cracking whips as a reproduction of the Man from Snowy River came thundering into the main arena. On Thursday, we reminisced as the 10 year anniversary dawned - so many wonderful memories of not only a city and country united but the world ... if only we could capture that spirit globally once again.

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own. -- Ben Sweetland

The Main Stadium

In the crowd!

Sundays Treasures (19 September)

2010-09-19T19:00:00.001+10:00

Ahoy ye ma matey! Today is international "Talk Like a Pirate Day" ...

To help yer along - here be some common pirate phrases ... if ye'd like t' hear how'd 't soun' if a pirate - click 'ere

Ahoy - Hey
Aye - Yes
Booty - Treasure
Grog - Alcohol
Matey - Shipmate
Shiver me timbers - Surprise

Check ou' these beautiful booty from Sateam

Hawkwolf

The FamilLee Jewels

Feathered Gems

Be Be Designs

Saturday Stone Review - Mookaite

2010-09-18T18:15:00.046+10:00

The Australian Mookaite is an amazing stone. It is named after the area that it comes from – Binthabuka more commonly known as Mooka Creek. This is a sheep farm of around 700,000 acres located approximately 100 miles inland of the small coastal town of Carnarvon in Western Australia and is surrounded by the Kennedy Ranges.

Ron Butler put in the first mineral claim over the stations Mookaite deposits around 1964 which is still managed by members of his family.

A Dutchman by the name of Dirk Hartog was the first known Westerner to land in the region in 1616. European settlement began in the 1860's with pastoralists enticed to take up leases for grazing of sheep. The town of Carnarvon developed as a port for shipping livestock and wool and took its name from Lord Carnarvon, Secretary of the State for the Colonies in the 1870s. Its streets were made wide enough for the Afghan camel teamsters to turn their teams of thirty camels and wool wagons.

High numbers of sheep grazed the area around the Kennedy Ranges until the late 1930s, when drought, depression and overgrazing caused many businesses to crash, however the area today is semi-developed . One of the best times to visit the range is the months after good winter rains when the usually dusty red landscape changes to rich, vibrant hues.

The landscape is transformed by Everlastings, mulla-mullas, rich herb fields, native cornflowers and other wildflowers flourish, carpeting large areas of the surrounding plains.

Mookaite is found exclusively in Australia. Windalia Radiolarite is the Geological terminology and it has been described as chert, opalite, chalcedony or combinations of the three and on occasions has been known to contain traces of fossils. The colours of this gorgeous stone reflect the environs it is mined and range in shades of red, purple, tan, white and pink.

Metaphysically, it is believed that Mookaite is a healing stone, a nurturing stone which supports and sustains during times of stress bringing peace and a feeling of wholeness. Mookaites Element is Earth and is aligned with the lower Chakras of Root, Solar Plexus and Third Eye. The astrological sign of this wonderful stone is Virgo.

Funny Friday (17 September)

2010-09-17T05:50:00.000+10:00

Has there ever been a time when you need that ready fix, that easy solution to make something work. Whilst making jewellery you will often come up to situations where you need to be innovative and use your creative side. However, in every day life you often see people using that creative side for other purposes, check them out!

Don't have a spoon but have a paper cup handy!

Satellite not working problem - just can't get that reception right but have a spare umbrella hanging around???

Nothing worse when your display rack's leg break and you need a substitute in a hurrry .....

So what have you used as an emergency substitute???

Happy Friday all :)

Sundays Treasures (12 September)

2010-09-12T22:57:00.004+10:00

I'm in love - I found a new chocolate shop and my taste buds have been savouring the delights of a rich, dark and smooth Belgian chocolate. So this Sundays Treasures are from the wonderful members of Sateam who have an array of mouth watering chocolate goodies for you to enjoy!

The Blue Dress

Feathered Gem

The FamiLeeJ ewels

Galadryl

Willow Branch

Melancholy Musings

2010-09-06T23:17:00.000+10:00

We've all experienced those moments where your flesh tingles with goose bumps as all of your senses are heightened and alert ... I had one of those split second encounters whilst attending the Titanic Artefacts Exhibition in Melbourne (Australia) recently. The exhibition features items recovered from the oceans depths, and its incredible to believe that some of the items had been laying dormat for 73 years until being re-discovered. The more delicate items were hosted in temperature controlled glass cases however some items were displayed within the actual cooled environment of the Melbourne Museum.

The moment that reality struck, wasn't whilst viewing the first class rooms or even the third class quarters, the boiler room certainly gave you an appreciation for the working conditions of the men who laboured the massive engines however, it was the ice wall ... it was a replica of the environs that those who had survived all else, would have tolerated - I placed my hand on the wall for a total of 40 seconds - in that short space of time - I started to lose feeling in my hand - it was difficult to even begin to fathom how those survivors could endured such conditions.

So did I survive?

Each "passenger" is given a boarding pass upon entering the exhibit and at the journeys end, you can view the wall of survivors as well as those who sadly perished and see what happened to your passenger - its an unusual way to finish an exhibition ...

... my passenger was one of the survivors.

Sundays Treasures (5 September)

2010-09-05T20:23:00.001+10:00

Today in Australia it is Fathers Day so as a tribute to all the dads out there, this weeks Sunday Treasures is dedicated to all the wonderful men in our lives - Happy Fathers Day!

Click on each picture to get the link to the shop.

Two Silver Moon

Maribelle Campa

Pixies Treasure Chest

Rock N Wow

Nicole Hill

Friday Funny (3 September 2010)

2010-09-03T19:00:00.001+10:00

Inner Peace

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs

Then you are probably ....

... The Family Dog!

Artist Profile

2010-09-02T19:00:00.000+10:00

There are so many talented artists and the wonderful world of technology has allowed us to explore and discover new artists on an almost daily basis!

Fortunately - I don't have to go far to make this discovery as my family has many hidden talents. My sister Nicolle's creativity transforms a blank canvas into a magical journey. Each work of art enthralls your imagination and leaves you wanting more - the attention to detail, the colours, the lines - her themes range from the spiritual and enchanting to mesmerising portraits of those whom she captures within her brush strokes.

Below is an example of Nicolles beautiful works.

Wednesday Madness - Giveaway

2010-09-01T05:48:00.000+10:00

To celebrate the beginning of spring - I'm offering a matching pair of earrings with any purchase from my stone necklace series. The earrings will match the "accents" or tassle at the bottom of the pendant. All earrings are made with sterling silver.

Here is are a couple of examples of the necklaces!

Blog Carnival - Texture in Metal Clay

2010-08-30T05:17:00.002+10:00

According to the dictionary - one of the definitions of texture is

the arrangement of the particles or constituent parts of any material, as wood, metal, etc., as it affects the appearance or feel of the surface; structure, composition, grain, etc.; or
the tactile surface quality of a work of art, resulting from the artist's technique

This is particularly relevant to my work when I create pieces using metal clays. Each of the clays I have used, Precious Metal Clay (more commonly known as PMC), Bronze Clay and Coppper Clay are all different in how they absorb stampings and textures whilst being sculpted into jewellery. I found that I have to ensure that the stamp or carving is defined with PMC and will often use LOS to bring define the piece. However, Bronze and Copper clays are kinder and "love" stampings and textures - they absorb the picture and mould wonderfully to whatever shape you wish to create.

Below is an example of a pendant I created using PMC syringing (like you would piping icing onto a cake) in which I syringed the PMC around a cork moulded into my desired shape to create an uneven texture to complete the formation of this pendant.

Back of piece

Front of Piece

In the picture below is a mixed media pendant using PMC and Copper Clay. When pressing the stamp on the flower copper circle, it was with minimum pressure - however when texturing the larger silver (PMC) ring, I rolled the texture mat over the piece to ensure that the stamping was visible after firing. The pendant was completed using a rough textured opal and a lovely ameythst to bring all of the pieces together.

Lastly, I am highlighting some Bronze Clay earrings in which I used different textures for each of the rings. It was with pure pleasure watching these evolve after firing. When all of these pieces come out of the kiln, you never know how the end result will turn out until you have finished burnishing and polishing each piece.

Have a look at how some other artists from my team SATeam utilise Texture in their work!

Danagonia
http://danagonia-enchanted.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-i-like-to-play-with-texture.html

C-My Designs on Etsy
http://www.beadinghelpweb.com/jewelry-making/blog-carnival-texture/

Northern Girl
http://thisnortherngirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/texture/

The Familee Jewels
http://famileejewels.blogspot.com/2010/08/texture.html

Nicole Hill
http://handcraftedartisanjewellery.blogspot.com/2010/08/texture-starving-artists-team-blog.html

N Valentine Studio
http://nvalentine.blogspot.com/

Azoho
http://creativejunque.blogspot.com/2010/08/sateam-blog-carnival-august.html

Galdryl
http://galadryl.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-only-started-using-texture-in-last-12.html#comment-form

Sundays Treasures - Family Day

2010-08-29T17:58:00.001+10:00

Today was family day - I spent a wonderful time with my daughter cooking and generally having fun. So what do you do on family day - here are a few things from the wonderful members of SATeam and what they would do on their family day!

Click on each picture for the link to see the shop!

How about a picnic in the park ...

... look out for those lady bugs ...

... whilst there, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers ...

... and walk the dog ...

... or how about a spot of fishing ...

... whilst you enjoy that rainbow at the end of a wonderful day!

Saturday Stone Review - Crab Fire Agate

2010-08-29T00:41:00.000+10:00

I listed a stone this week called Crab Fire Agate. Its a beautiful stone but there are many discussions about whether this is an actual natural stone, dyed stone or just manufactured glass. Perusing the various online resources and books on minerals and gemstones, Agate is denoted as "a banded, multicoloured variety of Chalcedony", therefore this particular stone could fit into any of those categories. The particular stone was sold to me as Crab Fire Agate, however it is possibly dyed and as I'm not a gemologist - could not actually say for sure.

Crab Fire Agate is not to be confused with Fire Agate. Here is a fabulous link that displays some pictures of this stunning stone. Fire Agate is not readily available and you need to be aware of the different characteristics between Crab Fire Agate and Fire Agate so that you are not misled.

Crab Fire Agate has a spiderweb or crackled appearance, which is different to the more traditional banded agates. Due to the spiderweb appearance, this stone is also known as Spiderweb Carnelian Agate and contains Carnelian properties.

From a holistic perspective, this stone is aligned with Leo, Aries, Virgo and Capricorn. The stones element is associated with Fire and has a planetary alliance with the Sun. As Crab Fire Agates colours are traditionally orange - its benefactor of the second (Sacral) Chakra. It is a strong stone bringing courage, stimulating emotions, problem solving and providing strength to those who wear it.

Shop Update

2010-08-24T06:02:00.000+10:00

I've been working on my new collection and here is a sample of what has been listed in my BeadSire Etsy Shop this past week.

Onyx Pendant

Sardonyx Pendant

Agate with Geode Centre

Dyed Blue Agate

Stone Review - Onyx

2010-08-21T15:43:00.000+10:00

Onyx is a stone that I'm using a lot in the work I'm doing and is a very popular stone. The onyx is black in colour with a fine texture. Onyx is a banded variety of Chalcedony and the bands in the most common specimens vary from white to all shades of tan and brown. The layers within this stone range from translucent to opaque.

Onyx is derived from the Greek work Onux which means nail or claw. There are a few stories about this stone and the legend is one day whilst Venus was sleeping, Eros/Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. As no heavenly part of the body can die, the Gods turned them into stone which became known as Onyx. The Romans also wore Sardonyx talismans engraved with heroes such as Hercules (God of War). Sardonyx is a variety of onyx that is reddish brown with white and lighter reds. Onyx was more valuable in ancient times then it is today.

Onyx has a 6.5 scale on the Mohrs* scale of hardness and is a commonly used for carving. The main sources of Onyx are from India or South Africa but it can be found in other countries such as Italy, Mexico, USA, Russia and Brazil.

Black onyx is believed to be one of the most powerful of the protection stones. The onyx generally does this by absorbing and transforming negative energy. It is also known to sharpen the wits of the wearer, bringing spirtiualisation - the onyx is associated with many metaphysical properties.

Some of the physical properties onyx is associated with is that it can also be used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair and eye strengthener. It has been said that this stone can eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders.

Onyx is the birth stone for February, but is also known as the mystical stone for December and a lucky charm under the astrological sign of Leo. Onyx is recognised as the tenth wedding anniversary gemstone and is the first root chakra grounding stone.

*The Mohrs Scale of Hardness measures a substances hardness or how resistant it is to being scratched. The scale ranges from 1 to 10. For example a diamonds hardness equals 10 on the scale and will scratch a garnet (hardness equates to 6.5-7.5) however a garnet can not scratch a diamond as a diamond is harder.

Funny Friday

2010-08-20T05:58:00.000+10:00

I love it when you come to the end of the week and you can let your hair down. Speaking of which, this guy is amazingly clever - with his collection of puppets he never ceases to entertain you!

Tool Time

2010-08-18T21:03:00.000+10:00

I love my tools – whether it be my trusty pliers, my fabulous tumbler, simmering soldering iron, or that awesome chasing hammer – there is nothing better than perusing the latest catalogues or online shops and salivating over the latest gadget that will make your life that little bit easier. However – the most crucial tool is that work space otherwise known to some more cultured as the “studio” but for me is the traditional garage ! I love this little haven I have created – I have the traditional work bench, shelving and best of all – the peg board!

Mine is the modern days version of “dads” garage!

Before converting my area into an effective workspace, I couldn't find anything!

Now - it has a resemblence of order!

Melancholy Musings

2010-08-16T20:32:00.000+10:00

This past week has been one of reflection – the “good ol days” has been a theme on many levels. The advent of social bookmarking sites has enabled the renewal of friendships lost but not forgotten; technology facilitates instantaneous connection through text messaging and emailing; invites to events and functions are no longer paper based; the art of digital photography produces instantaneous images; this is just a few of the conveniences that are afforded to us in the year of 2010.

I have to admit that I have embraced the many benefits of the current technological time. However, do have a yearning for the time when you would pick up the phone and talk, the postman meant more than just bills and junk mail and a handwritten note or card would be something to physically cherish and you would wait impatiently for the development of those photos that are not so easily edited and display you in all your wonderful glory.

Here’s to those glory days.

Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days. ~Doug Larson

Sundays Treasures

2010-08-15T21:50:00.002+10:00

Here in Australia, spring is in the air - there are signs that spring is close - the skies seem to be extra blue, the days are warmer, the air is crisp and clean - buds are blooming (I know as the neighbours tree is dropping pollen all over my car!!!) and butterflies are in the air!

These artists have captured some of these butterflies in all their glory!

Click on each picture to see the shops.

August Challenge

2010-08-13T23:24:00.000+10:00

Feel like a challenge? I did when our team (Starving Artists Team on Etsy) posted the question for the challenge for the month of August "What does the month of August make you feel?".

August means so many things and there were many words that came to mind when I anticipated the question:

anticipation - spring and warmer days
windy - for the August winds
Ekka - our annual agricultural show

So what does August mean to you?

Here's my design challenge piece - the stone is a lovely agate that epitomises spring colours (showing both front and back of pendant). What I love about this stone is that when you hold it, it seems to change colour in your hands - this reflects to me the changing seasons.

Seller Update

2009-10-03T13:51:00.000+10:00

Lampworking is a type of glasswork that uses a gas fueled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and colored glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is formed by blowing and shaping with a variety of tools and hand movements (Wikipedia).

This past 12 months, I have discovered the beauty of lampwork. There are some incredibly talented artists who make the most amazing beads. One such artist is Gail from Beadles. I am lucky to have a stash of her beautiful creations and recently combined some of my PMC with her lampwork beads to create a necklace which has become a firm favourite of mine.

Here is a picture of that necklace - Gail has kindly featured a number of artists who have created works using her beads including myself. http://www.beadles.de/caronreid.htm

Do yourself a favour and check out some of her designs - you won't be disappointed!