Generatin' Colors

I learned this trick from my friend Shannon over at Art Bead Scene last week. She blogged about this cool Color Palette Generator, that formulates color from your favorite photograph. How cool is that!? I will be using this tool from now on. I couldn't believe how easy it was. As soon as I read this post, I knew I wanted to use one of Kelley's recent photographs. Did you know Kelley is a budding photographer? She IS! And she keeps a really cool photography blog here.

She showed this photo of a cactus that she photog'ed and I just love the colors. So, voila!! I shall be looking for these tones while shopping for beads tomorrow in Atlanta with KW! 

This Old House

Leaving TOMORROW for Atlanta! Whoooot!  Orders placed today, will ship Monday morning. Have a good weekend!

Come & get em!

If you are interested, I have 9 spots open  for your art bead ads. Email me at ljeurto[at]gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing an ad spot for August!

Randoms

-Taking one day at a time. Deep Breaths every 15-20 minutes. 

-Don't forget the sale is still going on, it ends tomorrow.

-We are finally caught up, after being behind by at least 3-4 episodes of Big Brother. Anybody watch it? I could knock that redheaded girl out, she's so annoying.

-3 more days til I get to fly to Atlanta and see Kelley!

-Soooo not looking forward to the all staff meeting today.

- I am totally in love with the necklaces I made last night. They are now in the shop.

- I have major deadlines looming, and I hate working under pressure. I hope I can get it finished. I hope I hope.

- Wondering how I can save up $950 so I can buy this cool work table for my studio.

- Having Tara and her husband, and little Jillian over for dinner tonight. Can't wait to smooch that baby. On the menu- pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, and salt potatoes.

- I really wish Summer wasn't flying by as fast as it is.

- why is Blogger telling me WASN'T isn't spelled right?

what's random with you?

Kylie says I Do!

Wedding Jewelry!! I have never been asked to do wedding jewelry before. But when Kylie Parry asked to make her a wedding necklace to go with her beautiful dress for her wedding in January, I jumped all over it. I love Kylie's work, respect her big time for her artistry, am completely flattered she asked me, and she's cute as a button so why wouldn't I!? 

She had really liked this bracelet when it was in my shop, and we planned the design around this style, using glass beads, brass chain, and vintage lace. I contacted my friend Sab at BeadBead, and she came through like a trooper! I luckily picked out all the right colors, and when I put it together yesterday I added in a few freshwater pearls. The beads are all wire wrapped on handmade eggplant head pins from E2S Supplies.

I forgot to add a little signature owl tag, will have to do that before I ship it out.

Adding a bit of blue, as tradition warrants- a blue birds egg resin clasp from Amanda Davie. The egg signifies Kylie's "new life" that she'll be starting with her husband.

I have to be honest here, I got a little teary when I was thinking about Kylie as I wired wrapped all the little beads. Imagining her in her dress, joining her man in this special union... and imagined myself there- seeing it all happen. I am in no way, wishing I could be there, just solely because she is getting married on the beach in Jamaica. ;)  

Luckily, she loves it! YESSSS!

Thank you Kylie for asking me to be a part of your awesome day. I wish you years and years of happiness in your marriage! xo

Read Kylie's blog here.

Weekly Bead Blogger Links

A Bead A Day
If you enjoy recycling, Lisa shared a bracelet idea using an "old" canvas belt.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy catches you up on some of her latest free jewelry tutorials.

Art Bead Scene
It's the Art Bead Scene Monthly Carnival Blog. This month's theme is "Commitment."

Beading Arts
You won't believe the goodies that Mama's Minerals in giving away on Beading Arts this week!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has completed the necklace featuring her "found again" bezel!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Mad for Monday features Cindy's new Step by Step Wire Jewelry Double Dip Adjustable Ring Project.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A shopping spree at an antique mall grants Melanie with some new old treasures! What will she make with these little bits of history?

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's blog ended up on the Wikio.com Craft category, check out the others!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean made some summer fun earrings for Artbeads and they are soooo pretty! Go see!

Strands of Beads
Melissa has finally hung out her shingle and opened a modest store-front on her website.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Up for grabs in this week's Thursday Giveaway is an organic, lampwork glass bead by Susan Jones Designs.

Linen and Lace

Yesterday I headed out to the big local antique mall in Westmoreland, NY. They are located in a huge red barn, 2 floors of vendor booths filled to the brim with antiques, knick knacks, junk, you name it. I was on the look out for tins, lace ribbon, buttons, keys, or whatever I could find that I can re-purpose into jewelry.

The first treasure I found, was this enormous jar of buttons. It's filled, right to the top. And the kicker? It was only $7!

I took some buttons out of it yesterday afternoon and made this bracelet!

The next thing I needed was vintage lace ribbon. I had found some here before, and was really lucky to find more of it, even from the same vendor! I have to create a special wedding necklace for Kylie Parry, and this was the last thing I needed to get started. 

The extras I found were some small packages of buttons- one collection of shell, and one collection of bone? maybe wood? I'm not sure. I loved the patterning. Also found some pretty Jet faceted ball shank buttons... 

I also found some awesome doilies, one- that I plan on cutting up. You'll SEE!  and the other one is a pretty khaki linen doily that has embroidered flowers on it, which turned out to be a pretty awesome backdrop for my photographs! 

Framed

Ceramic Frame pendant- Chinook Jewelry

Pewter bird- Green Girl Studios

Pewter button- Mamacita Beadworks

Chain

Silver wire

Leather lace

Lampwork glass- The Orange Bell

I am really enjoying my weekend, making the best of it. Not sure what's in store for me today, but whatever it is, I plan on making it fabulous.

Hope you are making the best of your weekend too!

BOGO sale!

Come over to the Etsy shop and enjoy a sale... Buy one Get one 50% - wait for a revised invoice before paying.

Help me earn some cash for major bead shopping next weekend in Atlanta!! New Beads means New Jewelry!

Stay Calm, Carry On

That's me today. Stay Calm. Deep Breathing. Carry on, like normal.  Okay, who the F am I kidding here. I am totally not staying calm. After 3 different meltdowns yesterday at work, I am hoping that today will be calmer. But I can't guarantee it. You ever just feel defeated, when the shit hits the fan? Several times yesterday, I was hoping I could crawl under my desk, close and lock the door and come out at 5pm.  It's going to get easier right?

At least my jewelry has a calm feeling. Last night I created the Paloma link bracelet with some pretty jasper beads, and Tierra Cast bird links...and some sweet little silver earrings to match. Then I realized I had never listed this wood toggle necklace.  All three are now in my shop.

TGIF! I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend at home, a party with friends tomorrow night... and hopefully getting my head back on straight so I can concentrate on a super secret, extra special project that's in the works. More on that at a much later date. Sorry to tease you!!

funny.

Joe showed this to me this morning. I was grateful for the laugh. The last 24 hours have been no laughing matter. One thing you probably don't know about me is, I'm a bit of an Eeyore.  My Mother has always called me Eeyore. Sometimes it just takes me a while to see the good, or positive in situations. 

Yesterday the Museum laid off 2 people I work closely with. It was a total shock, and due to budgetary reasons. The next few months are going to be a real adjustment. My current position there has now changed. Promoted. yes. But at the same time, losing a confidante, friend, boss, and mentor.  The new responsibility will be intense. I hope I can handle it. 

It's such a shock how one day can be completely normal and then the next day, people can just be... gone.

I suppose I will just keep doing what I do. But if you don't see me here at the blog, as much as you have before- you'll know it's because I'm adjusting to a new demanding schedule.

Be thankful for your jobs!! It could be gone tomorrow!

The Lust List

 outwest

 ozzart

 yellena

 smart bird studio

 alissa clark

 lori phillips ceramics

geninne

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

The winner of this copy of 30-Minute earrings is:

MOON RAE

"I go through phases and right now my favorite earrings to make are my etched metal with fire polished crystals and handmade earwires. This book looks like some great inspiration. Thanks for all your kindness and generosity"
~smile~

Congratulations!! Email me and give your snail mail address and I'll get your book right out to you!!

Bead Blogger Line Up

A Bead A Day
Lisa learned quite a bit this week about the need to clean beads if they have a powdery residue inside. Stop by if you have a chance for some safety tips.

About.com Jewelry Making
Who says jewelry tools are mainly for metalsmiths? There are plenty of cool tools and gadgets for beaders too!

Art Bead Scene
It's July and the Art Bead Scene has a new monthly challenge. Wondering what the prizes are for this month? Come check them out!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
As she gathers inventory for her show, Barbe wonders why no one buys bracelets these days.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has a copy of "Beading In No Time" to give away! Pop on over and sign up to win!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a new necklace featuring the funniest artwork images!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
The schedule has been crazy and the studio is in disarray. Cindy is going to take back her workspace by....brace yourself.....cleaning!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Summertime is the inspiration for a new necklace using glass flowers from Artbeads.com and Earthenwood Studio birdie and lumber themed components.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei gives a sneak peek to the new Craft blog ratings from Wikio.com

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean is thrilled that Margot Potter's latest oeuvre, Bead Chic, is already available at Amazon! This is a super concept for a jewelry design book, and Jean will explain why!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew creates a necklace called, "The Keeper of Memory" around one of Anne Choi's sterling silver beads.

Mug Shots

Come over and check out my friend Lori Phillips new ceramic shop and blog! It was a nice surprise this morning to see that Lori has gone full on, into Ceramics- my favorite medium! When I flew over to her new Etsy store, I fell in love with these two lovely mugs. Aren't they great!?? so fun and colorful! I am really excited to get them in the mail.

I can see some jewelry made in these colors! It's nice to be inspired first thing on a Saturday morning!

30- Minute Earrings

If you are anything like me, and I'm guessing you are, since you're reading this blog, time is of the essence. TIME to sit down and create is something of a challenge that some people are faced with. Life sometimes just gets in the way. I was fortunate to get a copy of the new 30 Minute Earrings by Marthe Le Van, and I am giving it away here to one lucky winner.

This book is a must have, for the jeweler on the go, for the busy body who doesn't have a whole lot of time to create. You can do any of the 60 projects (YES! 60!!) in 30 minutes or less.  This book is geared toward the intermediate level jewelry designer. The projects are based on metalworking techniques, some basic, some advanced. Each of the earring designs are unique and stylish, some modern some classic. A great book to have on hand for inspiration, or to learn something new!

Leave a comment on this post:  

Tell me what type of earrings are your favorite to make?

I will pick a random comment to win,  on Monday morning,  July 19th.

Harbinger Collection: Blue and White

a sad sign

i was pumped.

so so sooo pumped.

i was ready. 

i was going to leave work tonight, hop into the Imprezza

and zip over to the mall to the apple store.

the iPad was going to be miiiiiine.

then i talked to the IT guys at work.

my excitement grew.

i was totally in.

gonna do it.

then i made the phone call.

to see if they had the one i wanted, in stock.

the dreaded answer.

"we can put you on the waiting list"....

"it's the best way you will be able to get the one you want...."

dreams crushed.

i don't want to order one.

i don't want to be on the waiting list.

i wanted one tonight.

so i am taking it as a sign.

OFFER HAS EXPIRED

make me feel better.

come over to the etsy shop and enjoy a flash sale.

buy anything in the shop and get something else (equal or lesser price) for 1/2 off.

yep.

seriously.

1/2 off.

check out, don't pay. i'll send a revised invoice.

put ipad in the notes to seller!

flash sale ends at midnight tonight.

I heart Lynn Davis

Lynn Davis never ceases to amaze me, and inspire me! I can pick up any one of her lovely handmade creations and feel transported back into a different era of time. I love the vintage flair of her work- I think we fit hand in hand. Thanks Lynn for your inspiration, and your talent! Above, a new bracelet that features one of Lynn's large polyclay focal connectors with eyelets on either side. I created a bangle style bracelet by attaching the focal to a 14g brass wire. Dressing up the wire with some patinaed wire from Miss Fickle Media, it adds a bit of interest and texture to wire. Before doing that, I banged the wire up with some taps of my ball peen hammer to age the look of the metal. I wire wrapped some dangles, a lampwork drop from Gardanne beads, and a brass shell from the Industrial Chic line. On the other side, I wire wrapped a small ivory lampwork glass flower from Blue Seraphim.
Lynn is in the process of moving to Louisiana but you can check out her sold section at her Etsy shop, here.

New Designs

These are all now listed in my Etsy shop. Whew! Good thing I got up an extra 15 min. early! I knew it would take me a while. 

I suspect there will be LOTS of new jewelry throughout this week. Joe is going on a camping trip with a buddy, in the Adirondacks and I will be free to pretty much bead non-stop til next weekend.  While he's sleeping on the uncomfortable ground, eating and pooping in the woods (not MY idea of a good time), I'll be relaxing with my Saranac Summer Brew, beading my little heart out, and sleeping oh. so.comforably in my bed at home.  haaaaa!

Later this week I have a book review/ giveaway coming up. 

Have a good Monday, BACK TO WORK!

Bead Blogger Links

Last day of vacation. Sniff. sniff.....

Back to work tomorrow! It was fun while it lasted. Made some new pieces, earrings, bracelets, and a few necklaces that I think you are going to like!! I'll blog more pics in the early a.m. (and start listing them too) These earrings are included in the update! Aren't the lampwork rounds lucsious? A local lampworker, Whirled Peas, created these. Along with the green ones - coming to the shop tomorrow too.

Thank you for all of the wonderful response to our little stained glass birds!! That was really cool. And we're getting special requests for other shapes too.

well, anyway-

here is this weeks bead blogger links! enjoy!!

A Bead A Day
If you are a fan of turning flea market finds into shabby chic treasures, stop by A Bead A Day to help Lisa with ideas for using a bead reminiscent of an antique treasure.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has been thinking about Christmas in July this week, starting with beaded ornament covers.

 

Art Bead Scene

Art Bead Scene offers up a unique inspiration piece for July. Stop by and take the ABS Challenge!
 

Beading Arts
Cyndi wants to know: what does your work say about YOU?  

Carmi's Art/Life World
A Napoleon themed medallion is this week's resin project with Carmi! 

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
This week's Wednesday Wire is in the mood - in the mood to make something special so she turns to a fabulous tutorial.  

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reviews some of the Song Lore pieces she has finished in the first half year of the project.

 

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei was a participant in the first Designer Challenge at the Art Bead Scene. Come over and see what she made with her Humblebeads!  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
This book review by Jean discusses making fabulous earrings in 30 minutes flat! How cool is that?  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Honoring a friend who passed away, Andrew hosts a necklace auction on his blog to raise money for a good cause.

Tweets

NEW!

Limited Time Only!

Tweets Series:' tw-ee-ts'; Each is One of a kind, Bird pendants handmade from Stained Glass. Collaborative effort between husband and wife. Can be hung on simple chain, or put into creative jewelry designs: Coming Soon.

Kits

Sometimes we hit that proverbial wall- Mental Block! It happens to all of us, some worse than others. It happened to me when I got back from vacation. Actually it was happening to me before I left. It all seemed so overwhelming- so many beads, where to start!?? 

A great way to combat this mental block, is to buy kits. I have several examples for you. Before I left town, I ordered a few kits from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles. In Jennifer's Etsy store, she had several pre-made jewelry kits. Not the kind where the design is specific. Just some fun coordinating beads that could go together. I bought 2 sets. A small set of 2 of her ceramic beads (flower charm and Love bead), and  a larger kit with several of her large Ceramic lentils and some coordinating beads and mixed media. See kits below.

Yesterday afternoon I whipped out my kits and put together a few pieces ... this first bracelet utilizes the small kit of 2 beads.  A simple design with 2 strands of chain. I wire wrapped the Love beads, which the handmade clasp links in to. And then dangled the flower off the chain asymmetrically with a small lampwork flower from Blue Seraphim.

Here is another bracelet I created, using the larger set of beads. I knew I wanted something colorful so I used the ceramic lentils, a dice bead, the Key, an orange bead, and  the teal glass rounds. Perfect for Summer, colorful and happy with that cool mixed media vibe.

Lastly, I put together a beaded necklace using the large Indonesian pendant that came in the kit. I also utilized the navy seed round, the red cane glass bead, and the orange glass bead. I added in some funky veiny seeds, some earthy seed beads, batik patterned bone, a large turquoise nugget, and wood toggle. Dangling near the pendant is a wire wrapped Chalcedony briolette.

Check out these other Kits on Etsy next time you are feeling the Block! 

Jangles, 

Jangles, 

TanyaMcguire, 

Artisan Clay, 

Artisan Clay, 

SueBeads

And correct me if I'm wrong here, but I am guessing that if you convo'd any of your favorite bead artisans and asked them if they could put together a coordinating kit for you, that they'd probably be happy to do that!

More Stained Glass

I'd love to hear what you think so far! The Necklace, and purple earrings are now available in the shop!

What Vacation Looks like PART 2

I was fortunate to be able to get together with my most awesome friend Erin Siegel of Erin Siegel Jewelry, while I was in Massachusetts. We got together last year as well, but this year we got to spend a little more time together.  We went out to lunch on Monday, did some antiquing where I got some awesome new tins,  and an old file to add to my jewelry tool repetoire.  On Tuesday we got together at the Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery, where we picked up some beads for a little challenge. Use some sort of textile in a project. She chose leather, and I chose linen cording. We headed over to her apartment and had a blast putting together our necklaces, taking lots of little breaks for stories, chatting, gossip, and sharing tips. Erin showed me how to do some square knots for a toggle loop, and also showed me how to make my own wire end findings for leather cording!
Here are the necklaces we created, both care free, both SUMMER inspired, both fun and wearable!

Tuesday night we got together with Erin and her husband Josh for a delish meal at Agave Mexican Bistro. Boy, that was a great meal. We had fun with them, and of course, totally wish we lived closer. Although it would be nice to live closer to the ocean, we would never be able to afford to buy the type of home we have now...the housing prices are outrageously high on the east coast.  We are looking forward to making this trip out to that New England town, an annual Anniversary trip.

Going back to Monday night, we also go together with Keith O'Connor, and his wife Laurie for dinner at the Portsmouth Brewery. A fun evening, spending time with beady folks with much in common with us. Joe enjoyed chatting with Laurie about gardening and I talked Keith's ear off about beads, and bead shopping.  Of course, after dinner there was a beady exchange out of the trunk of Keith's car, that looked much like a drug deal. ;)   I got a few more of these lovely red beads for my Harbinger Collection earrings... these were just like the first ones I showed on the blog a few weeks ago when the collection was revealed. I have lots of these beads, so if you want a pair with the floral bead caps, let me know, I'll whip some up for ya!

A great trip overall, with some beady exchanges thrown in. You couldn't ask for a better vacation!

He's Hired!!

Look what happens when my Love gets bored ... He came into the studio and said he wanted to make some earrings. I just about shit.

First collaborative effort between the two of us, EVER. Well, besides like the house, landscaping and stuff like that. Joe has some serious skillz when it comes to stained glass. He's done some pretty amazing things, windows, lamps, decorative panels, sun catchers... you name it. Since moving into our current home, he hasn't played around with this glass at all.  He cut the glass in these earrings, and I created the wire bezels, and Joe did all the soldering. Then we patinaed each one giving it a darkened silvery look. I wire wrapped some faceted green amethyst, and some glass rounds and dangled them below each of the glass pieces. The earring wires are handmade from E2Ssupplies.

I think I may have created a monster! There are 2 more pairs of stained glass earrings in the works now as I type this.

I like how these turned out, unfortunately, the glass got switched when he did the soldering, and one has a shiny side up and the other has a textured side up. Ahh well, they're still cool.

What Vacation looks like PART 1

a. Max jumping off the dock at Sun Valley, CT

b. Alex playing in the sand at Sun Valley, CT

c. Plum Island Beach View in between Greenhead bites

d. Joe enjoying the icy cold water at Plum Island