Lorelei's Blog

ARTisan Interview with Louise Nelson

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Louise Nelson Owl army 2011

Louise Turner is a glass artist from the UK. I first encountered her work one day when little lampwork owl beads popped up at the Art Bead Scene. Her Etsy shop, Glassdaft, is chock full with birds, owls, fish, tree focals and many other creative beads. Take a moment and get to know her a little better in this newest installment of my ARTisan Interviews!

1) Describe yourself in 3 words.

Contemplative, Contradictory, Conscientious (in the mood for C’s today)

Recycled bottle with copperfoil stained glass, fusing and lampworking. 2011

2) How would you describe your craft and style?

Gosh! My style that’s a hard question for me, I think I am too close to beable to see it. Last year someone I respect greatly called me an “Appliedartist”. I had been floundering for awhile wondering what exactly I was as the title of beadmaker was not at allsitting happily with me.

3) What inspires you?

Just about everything! I know that sounds irritating but really my eyes andears never switch off. A simple word ora mood that I witness can spark ideas. I never tire of art galleries or just myart books ( Klimt is a personal favorite right now ). Fabric and threadsfrequently get me going as does paint, these things are very dear to my heart.Before becoming a mum I drew all the time and “embroidery” was my entire life.

Bird and bottle sculpture Louise Nelson 2011

4) How long have you been creating?

I distinctly remember my first go on my mums Singer sewing machine agedabout 8 or 9, we had a camping trip coming up and I was entrusted to make thesleeping bag liners. I loved the comforting rhythm of the sewing needle goingup and down and the reliable motor powering the teeth. Now the actual job I didwas less than “couture” but it was a pivotal moment and it unlocked theknowledge deep within me that I couldmake anything.

5) Is this a job or a hobby?

Job sounds so harsh, but I do it full time. It doesn’t support me yet but Ilive in hope.

6) How do you see your work evolving?

I do love making beads and I don’t think I will ever stop however I need tofollow the artistic noises in my head. I imagine I will move into “off mandrel”sculpting or perhaps take lampwork elements back into fusing. Really the futureis so full of possibility my head spins a little.

Lampwork bead 2010

7) I find that I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

I started selling in March 2011 and so far I have been very impressed withall aspects of Etsy as a selling medium. It is only my inadequacies in computerknowledge that frustrate me.

Owl beads 2011 in copper tree by Louise Nelson

8) Do you have any advice for other Etsy artisans?

Take good pictures and use all 5 spaces provided to show off your work.(Drives me nuts when there is only 1 picture!!)

As a special promotion, Louise will be including a small glass bird with any order placed today. Just put Lorelei Eurto in the notes to seller when checking out! Head on over to Glassdaft now!

I'm Okay, I'm OKAY

2012-02-01T08:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all of your beautiful comments yesterday on my crazy post. Yesterday was not a good day. Today is much much better.

I hate to leave you all in the dark. 2 days ago I finally made an appt. to see a fertility doctor. 2 YEARS ago my doctor suggested that I see this guy in Syracuse, well, because there was nothing more he could do at this point. All the tests that he had done were coming back fine. The more extensive testing needs to happen in Syracuse.

I put it off. For 2 years. For a few reasons. 1. The cost. And 2. because I was afraid of going to hear him say, you can never have kids. Can you guess which concern belonged to who?
So the other day when I sat down to tell Joe I had made the appointment, and the first words were- omg how much is that going to cost!? I had a bit of a meltdown. We are better now, after having talked about it and I do now realize we really ARE on the same page afterall. But he's just different than I am. He's concerned about things like money. Where I am concerned about actually just having a baby.

So, not to worry. I am going to be okay. I just have to get to April and then we can finally start attempting to get some answers.

Rain Down on Me

2012-01-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

I can describe the necklace above in one word. "Emotional". I created it last night while in the midst of an emotional meltdown. I won't bore you with the details. Rain Down on Me is an appropriate title and I am waiting for the rain to wash away the pain and sadness that I am feeling right now.

But on a positive note. It's cute, right? Like totally Spring-Fever Meets Dancing in the Rain, Meets Bloomed Flowers and the Promise of Good Things to come.

Cheers to turning the frown upside down.

Jade Scott Pinwheel Participants

2012-01-27T07:05:00.001-05:00

Thank you Everyone for adding your hats to the ring in this recent Blog Challenge!

I have picked the winners this morning using the Random Integer Generator.
As you can see the numbers chosen are
2, 25, 22, 7, 29, and 34

which means, the following people will be getting Pinwheels!

SABINE

KATE RICHBOURG

CHARLIE of ClaySpace

SHAWNA TOBIAS

LISA CONE

HEIDI of ExPostFacto

Please email me with your mailing addresses. I will be forwarding them to Jade, as she will be shipping the pinwheel's to you directly! I would guess you'll be receiving them sometime next week! Get started right away, as our reveal day is scheduled for Wed. February 15th!

And today, probably this afternoon, Jade will be updating her Etsy shop with Pinwheels for anyone that wasn't picked but wants to play along. Happy Friday!!

New Blog Challenge!

2012-01-26T06:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the newest installment of my Blog Design Challenges... This time we are working with Jade Scott's newest endeavor- the enameled Pinwheel! And just for the challenge, she made them into connectors for even more versatility!

As you see in the photo above, there are 7 pinwheels. I get that pale blue one on the far left, and will be sending off the remaining 6 to the participants. I will send random colors to random people and won't know who gets what color.

The challenge will be to put this pretty pinwheel in a piece of jewelry for a blog hop that will be scheduled for 3 weeks from today. That would be Wednesday, February 15th. Because of time constraints I will only be accepting US participants this time around. And yes, you must have a blog to participate so that we can all enjoy hopping from one reveal post to another.

If you would like to chance it and try to win one, leave 1 comment on this post. I will pick 6 random winners on Friday morning- Jan. 27th. If you don't want to risk it but you want to play along, head on over to Jade's Etsy shop where she will be posting a small smattering of Pinwheels on FRIDAY Jan. 27th, for your personal enjoyment. If you would like to participate in the blog hop on Feb. 15th, please be sure to leave me an email with your blog link on or by Tuesday February 14th.

Think outside the box here designers!! Be creative. Layer your pendants. Mix your media! And GOOD LUCK to ALL WHO WANT TO PLAY!

New!

2012-01-25T09:20:00.002-05:00

Elaine Ray tried to stump me with this square shaped white glazed ceramic focal. I tied this Vintaj Butterfly onto it, embellished that top hole with a flower, added a Czech glass brio in the center hole and beaded the necklace with green kyanite, glass, Elaine Ray rounds in a lilac color, and magenta glass seed beads.

Wood chain from Happy Mango beads - with a wire wrapped lampwork focal- flower focal from Tera of BeadyGirl Beads, and discs from Blue Seraphim. The green stone rounds are from BeadOnSale.

Large ceramic button focal from Kylie Parry, wood rounds, Ceramic spacers from Joan Miller Porcelain, and a flat lampwork flower from Gardanne Beads. Leather cording, and a handmade brass wire hook clasp.

The focal bead on this bracelet was the inspiration for this bracelet. A lot going on! Jasper rounds, golden pyrite nuggets, lampwork glass, ceramic beads, gold sliders, and brass heavy metal seed beads. YUM!

Feeling Heartsy

2012-01-25T07:11:00.002-05:00

I put together a sweet treasury this morning. Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days. I've got the winter blues, and haven't been all that chatty lately. I'll be back in a bit with photos of last night's beading session results. :)

'Feeling Heartsy' by lorelei1141

i heart you

CUSTOM mY hEaRT bELoNGS tO Y... PurpleToedGyps... $28.00	Mixed Heart Valentine Cookie... queenoftartsca... $45.00	Pikalda : Handmade lampwork ... veradacraft $14.00	Heart Shaped Chocolate Clay ... MarshaNealStud... $10.00
Barbed Wire Valentine Heart ... TheLonelyHeart $18.00	Vintage Valentine Heart Padl... TheLonelyHeart $40.00	Rainbow in My Heart - hand p... TreeWingsStudi... $8.00	Handmade Bronze Heart Pendan... jennifertough $22.00
Confetti Heart Bead - Puffy ... JoanMillerPorc... $45.00	four pink hearts StephanieSersi... $24.00	Mini LOVE hearts dianehawkey $10.00	LOVE IS GONNA FIND YOU - fin... chocolatnegro $29.00
Cross stitch in wooden hoop ... skrynka $25.00	Free shipping - Sterling sil... dindi $58.00	Personalized Wedding gift AN... DomesticNotion... $72.00	Handmade lampwork glass bead... LoriLochner $36.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Coral Suede

2012-01-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Figured I would test out that pretty coral suede that I bought last week. First I made this cuff bracelet- Layered with brass filigree, and a Jade Scott pendant. Finished the ends with brass crimp ends and a brass toggle from Vintaj.

Just playing around with some scraps... This ring was fun. I used an enameled C-Koop Beads disc, with a brass Vintaj bead cap and pewter Green Girl Studios bead cap, as a protruding flower. Tied with some linen cording and a few yellow "stamens". The thing I should have done though, was to tie the two ends together directly underneath the enameled disc. Instead, I tied them with linen cording at the base of the finger. This would probably not last a really long time, so I have to rework it.
But it's purty cute. :)

Bead Soup is on its way to Canada

2012-01-21T08:21:00.001-05:00

My Bead soup is on its way to my partner Jennifer Tough. Here's a teaser pic. I am sending her a little bit of everything so she has lots of options. I can't wait to see what she's sending me. I am in love with Jennifer's work. She dabbles in a bit of everything, from metal clay, to lampwork. And you may have seen her little tutorial for copper pipe pendants on Pinterest. Very cool. You can follow Jennifer's blog to get to know her better, and to see her teaser pic.
Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Hop Reveal day is March 3rd. Be sure to come by to get the hop list- but make sure you clear your schedule. There is 200 blogs to read!

Bees are back

2012-01-20T06:45:00.005-05:00

bzzzzzzz

they are back

plus some other newbies

today

NOON est

Round Rabbit Extra

cyst.

2012-01-19T12:52:00.001-05:00

Well, what a day so far.

Here is what I dealt with in the past 16 hours. I discovered a very large lump on my right breast. Did not sleep well. Woke up, scoured internet for painful lump self-diagnosis. Rushed to Urgent Care when they opened at 7:30. Argued with the receptionist about why I didn't initially call my gynocologist. Refrained from punching her in the face. And explained that I didn't want to have to wait 4 weeks to get in there.
Saw the doctor who eased my mind when he told me that typically cancer doesn't pop up out of no where, and that it seemed more of an inflammation issue but scheduled me for an immediate sonogram and mammogram. Upon entering Mammography, was asked if I was pregnant. My face lit up. I said I don't know! MAYBE! They ordered a blood test to make sure. I waited for 45 minutes hoping and praying I was pregnant. Had Sonogram. Was told it was a cyst. Was called in for the mammogram. Was told I was not pregnant. Mammogram was uneventful. Was told I was "all set". I left. Went to work. Got called 20 min. later. "Where are you Ms. Eurto? Your test results are here, you need to come back in to talk to the Doctor". Raced back to the office. Was told for a 2nd time it was a cyst. Better to have it dealt with - drained or removed are the options. But my gynocologist can make that call at my annual exam next month.

I'm ready to go back to bed.

Earrings

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

My turn!

Head on over to Earrings Everyday to see my earring post for today! Think Pink!

2 Things

2012-01-17T09:09:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I went to Hobby Lobby and was perusing the aisles when this beautiful salmon color suede sheet caught my eye. I had to have it. Its so soft, and the color is just perfect. For what? I have no idea. I really have no clue what I'm going to do with this. Maybe cut it into my leather strips for jewelry or create flowers with it or whatever. I'll come up with something.

While there I bought the embroidery hoops and fabric I needed to finally finish my little hoop art for my bedroom. I want to eventually collect more artist made hoop art. Its one of my favorite things to search for on Etsy lately.
I love how it turned out but quickly realized I cannot fluff the comforter while making the bed. They all came floating off the wall when I did that.
Lesson learned. :)

Tuesday Newbies

2012-01-16T18:15:00.001-05:00

Landing in the shop tuesday morning, Jan. 17

Thank you MLK

2012-01-16T06:21:00.006-05:00

Love love love this quote from MLK Jr. I hope it resides in your thoughts today as you go about your business.

Please enjoy 25% off today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Coupon code: IHAVEADREAM

Lorelei's Etsy Shop

Exciting Newbies

2012-01-13T09:55:00.003-05:00

I love last night's yield from the studio. Joe was off at a basketball game, and I had the house to myself, and a lot of time to work as we ate dinner early. I was in the zone. It was one of those nights where the beads were speaking volumes and I listened to what they had to say. Each of these pieces is unique and interesting.

The bracelet above is so sweet. The pewter bee/flower clasp from Green Girl studios acts as the main focal. I added Elaine Ray ceramic bead cones, with some Indonesian glass beads in very muted spring colors. At first, I made it too big and had to cut down the beading wire about an inch. Now it's perfect at about 7.75".

The necklace was fun and simple to put together. You can't see it very well in this photo but the Eri Pottery pendant is double -sided, and has a groove around the outside, perfect for cording. I took a piece of crepe cording from Ornamentea, and pulled it through a large holed ceramic round from Keith O'Connor, leaving a loop. I cut a section of hemp cording, folded it in half, thread one end through the silk cording loop. Wrapped the cording around the groove in the pendant and at the bottom, formed a larks head knot, and then tied a very tight overhand knot so that the hemp cording will not slip off the groove. Added a few beaded dangles, and trimmed the hemp. I pushed that ceramic round down tight against the top of the pendant. Formed a simple knot in the crepe cording. SIMPLE!

This necklace above I started a few nights ago but had the stitched heart from Elaine Ray up on one side and that house connector on the opposite side, with chain hanging between the two. The heart kept flipping over. I set the whole thing aside and thought about it a few days. Last night I revisited it, and used the heart as the front focal, and balanced the two sides with some other ceramic beads. I love the 3 different types of chain in this piece.

And finally this Amber and green bracelet was inspired by one of Magdalena Ruiz's lampwork focals which I just got in the mail finally this week. I ordered a boat load so you'll see them cropping up in my work from time to time. I hand-knotted some faceted turquoise rounds , and some indonesian ivory-color glass beads and used some findings from Vintaj Brass Co. Love how it turned out, and this is one of my most favorite color palettes to work with.

Favorites from 2011

2012-01-10T07:57:00.001-05:00

Enjoying a look back at a great year of jewelry. Here are some of my favorites from 2011!

You've gotta make this!

2012-01-10T06:27:00.000-05:00

Each one are tried and true- I found each recipe on Pinterest and they have all been wonderful!!

Portabello Parmesan

Bought a grill pan just for this recipe. Have used the grill pan 4 times since I made this. It's awesome. Highly recommend it.

Artichoke Dip

Made this for the Open House. It was a huge hit but my husband and I almost ate the entire thing ourselves. Very tasty.

{Chick Pea} Cookie Pie.

Made this 2 nights ago and served it with French Vanilla ice cream.

My husband tells me it's the best dessert he's ever eaten.

Really. you HAVE to try it. You would never even know it

had garbanzo beans in it. They get all ground up in the food processor.

YUM.

Follow my Recipes Board on Pinterest for others!

I'm so glad she's back!

2012-01-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

If I could marry a bead component, it would be one of these. No, seriously. Nancy Schindler is back in full swing now after the flood of 2011 ruined her studio. She's back with a vengeance I might add. I haven't seen such beautiful pieces in such a long time. I can tell you, you will not want to miss tomorrow's shop update. Head on over to Round Rabbit Extra at Noon est. Be there or be square. ha!

See those connectors in the top left corner? I am chomping at the bit with tons of ideas for those. You can wire wrap somethin'somethin' in the center. Use it in a bracelet. Use it as a pendant with something dangling from the bottom hole, and a little charm in the center. You could find a cool flat oval shaped bead that fits right in the center and string wire through it and then criss cross the wire through the end holes. Bead frames. GENIUS, Nancy. Pure Genius.

And the deer pendants. How amazing are these!? I love that image so much. It has such a cool effect with the glaze. And those flower rings. Amazing.

OMG.
I can't wait.
See you there!

Trinkets

2012-01-07T17:32:00.000-05:00

Today Joe and I drove out to Little Falls to check out a bead shop. It was closed unfortunately when we got there but luckily there is a great antique mall in town that we always like to check out so we stopped in for a while. I found some little tiny collectibles, a Singer sewing machine and a small red metal car. I snatched them up! As soon as I got home, I was up in the studio playing around. Came up with 2 designs for both. These will be in my etsy shop momentarily.

Resolutions

2012-01-06T06:32:00.002-05:00

I don't normally voice my resolutions because I don't want to trap myself into saying I'll do something when I know I won't. But this year I do have a few. They have nothing to do with drinking less that's for sure. And I plan to do a lot more swearing cuz I know people really love that. ;)

Several weeks ago I told you how I joined the gym. It went really well for about 3-4 weeks. Joe and I were going at least 3 - 4 times a week. I did drop a little weight. I could just feel it in my clothes. Well, then Christmas happened, and now I haven't made time to go in about 3 weeks. Somewhere along the way I completely lost the motivation. I know it's always the hardest to go back that first time after not going but I can feel myself already slipping back in my old eating habits and old lazy ways. Anyway, more exercise tops the resolution list.

Another thing I want to work on is spending less, this year. This is imperative if I want my future plans to work out- which I'm sure you can probably figure out -a goal of mine is to work less and create more. Anyway I go a little nuts when it comes to buying beads. Oh. you already knew that. Yea but there are so many talented people out there making such fun things! And my obsessive compulsive mind feels that I have to be the first to try out their new supplies! It's a real sickness. But it has to stop. And lately that hasn't been really too hard, because the after-Christmas sales slump is affecting my business as we speak. Sell less= buying less. Now if I could just convince all of my bead-making friends to slow down on their creative ends so it's not such a heartache for me on my end. HA. I know this is not possible. This is where self-control comes in. Yea. You ever heard of it? yea, me neither.

So I guess that's enough. I mean, I am sure I can barely handle these two resolutions. I don't want to go nuts. One thing or two things at a time. I'm not that much of a multi-tasker.

Last night I got into the studio for a bit. 2 necklaces came to me easily, without issue. Very simple, eclectic, and SYMMETRICAL. ACK! As soon as I sat down with some components to do an asymmetrical necklace, I had trouble. Frustration. Couldn't get one element to not flip when it was worn. It didn't come together easily. I fought with the wire. I don't know what that's about. I think this weekend I need to brush up on my asymmetrical skills.

Ceramic focal: Elaine Ray; Ceramic drip beads: Elaine Ray; Olive Humblebeads; Smoky quartz; matte olive seed beads; Flower links: Karen Totten; Leather; Ceramic connector (Gaea) with Vintaj Brass Lobster clasp.

Focal- Gardanne Beads; Pewter bead cap- Green Girl Studios; Lampwork headpin: Sue Beads; Clear lampwork spacers: Gardanne Beads; Polymer coins- Pam Wynn; Lampwork rounds- Gardanne Beads; Copper rounds; Pearl sticks; silk cording; silver lobster clasp.

Gift Exchange Day 12

2012-01-05T14:55:00.002-05:00

On the last final day of Christmas, I opened my gift from Lori Burek, of Aqua Junko Artworks. Lori sent a beautiful wrapped package in green and white tea-towel! Such a great idea! She embellished the front of a journal/sketchbook with a collage on the cover, and her own little stamp on the back! The paper inside is graph paper. She also sent an extra package filled with hand-made collage notecards! Thank you so much!! I feel so spoiled! And how the heck did she know that I love to send snail mail to my friends and family! The cards are perfect!

And thank you to all of the participants in the gift exchange. I had such a blast opening pretty presents for 11 days- I hope you enjoyed it too! I hope to do this again next year too.

Winner Winner! ChelleV2 beads giveaway

2012-01-05T07:58:00.002-05:00

Mr. Random Integer Generator picked #46 as my winner today! Congratulations AMANDA!!! Please contact me with your mailing address! Thank you all for the comments! I hope you had a chance to shop at Michelle's shop. It's so fab, I love it all!


amandasaid...: I have only won one thing in my life, I don't expect this to be #2, so, although I really love these pieces, I think I'm gonna check out her other things ans maybe just purchase some!! Thanks for the chance to win, hope whomever gets them makes something amazing!

24 Hr Giveaway- Ceramic Beads from ChelleV2

2012-01-04T08:06:00.003-05:00

You have 24 hours to leave a comment on this post to win this awesome little set of handmade ceramic beads from artisan Michelle Johnston of ChelleV2 on Etsy. She has donated this set of beads- a heart, 3 beadcaps, 2 rings, a small donut and barrel bead in earthy tones.
I will be picking a random winner tomorrow morning at 8am. Good luck!!

be creative in your comments please. I get bored of reading how cool the beads are in every comment. tell me something I don't know! ;)

Gift Exchange Day 11

2012-01-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

Charlie of Clay Space gifted me this beautiful ceramic ornament adorned with E for Eurto! It says JOY on the backside. I just love it! And how clever Charlie was with the stamped tag! Now if I could just figure out how to get the hook onto the ornament, we'll be in business. Charlie? Any tips?

Gift Exchange Day 9 and 10

2012-01-03T08:24:00.003-05:00

On the 9th day of Christmas, I received this gorgeous wing pendant necklace from Emanda! Love the colors, reminds me of a peacock! Hangs on a simple metallic cord! Love it Emanda, thank you!

On the 9th day of Christmas, Lissa gifted me this handmade notepad made from recycled paper and a calendar for the cover, and a felted heart brooch and a few sweets! Love these Lissa, Thank you!

New Studio

2012-01-03T06:36:00.000-05:00

I have always been a firm believer that if you get in a rut, it's always good to make a change. Change something that you're doing, change your location, change is a good thing. I have spent the last week rearranging the rooms in my house. It's been work intensive. But before I go any further here, I have to just say....
My husband. Is. A. SAINT.
Not once does he even bat an eye when I suggested that we move the studio back upstairs. He could definitely see that I had run out of space. The room was a disaster. There was no place to store anything anymore. Beads were piled on the table tops. Boxes of shipping materials took up a ton of space. Plus all of the exhibition furniture that I use for shows. It was too much.
He helped me move all of the furniture, and then also painted one of the rooms for me too. I cannot thank him enough and I am already feeling a huge creative surge due to the newness of everything!

Here's what had to happen. My bungalow has 3 bedrooms. The office was located in the office on the first floor. I felt like the master bedroom would make a good studio space. It's at the front of the house right above the porch. The walls contain loud 3am critters that keep us up at night. The room is cold since it hangs over the porch. We have 2 spare rooms. The first spare room housed my studio before I had moved down to the office. It was a long narrow room and is actually bigger than the master bedroom. When we moved into this house, we moved into that room so that we could renovate the master bedroom. It just seemed like the logical thing, to move in there once we fixed the walls up.

The back spare room is much smaller. Will eventually be the baby's room some day. But it can accommodate a large bed easily. So.... we moved the Full size spare bed out to the garage. Moved the queen size spare bed to the small spare room. Moved our bedroom to the larger spare room. and the studio is now upstairs in the front room. The old studio space is now just the office where I will handle all the shipping and computer work. Here are some pics of the room now. I am still planning on hanging some inspiring artwork so the walls are blank right now. I picked a nice pale lavender to go on the walls.

When we were in Connecticut for Christmas we went to Ikea. I bought these industrial pendant lights for the space. One super shitty thing about this room. There are only 2 plugs. and no ceiling lights! These pendant lights have ugly black cords but they plug into the wall and I didn't have to wire them in.
After scouring the internet (aka- Pinterest) I was overwhelmed with all of the studio and home inspiration, but got the idea to use a work table in the center of the room. This table was actually downstairs in our family room in from of that big bookcase Joe built. We never sit at it. I think I have sat there one time. There is no lighting and its impossible to sit there in the dark so, I stole the table and now it's working great as my work table. Had to promise that I will not hammer on it. ;)

Here are the bead cabinets in the first corner. On top are jars of ribbon.

On this wall is a dresser where I stacked these metal cabinets that I got at Ikea, and a wood chest of drawers. It's nice to bring things short units up higher so I don't have to bed over to get to the goods. On top I stacked a drawer where I put all of my linen busts and bracelet bars, and displays. The drawers work great for bead storage. each drawer fits 2 plastic bin systems.

The bookcase holds my owl collection, more bead storage, tins, and other stuff.

I had to give up the magnetic board and the tool pegboard. The walls in this new space are plaster and the thought of mucking them all up with screws was too much for Joe to bear. ;) So they had to be nixed. I am unsure what I will do with this large empty wall, maybe just some artwork.

The dresser in this photo holds Joe's clothes. We also switched closets, mine is in our room and his is here. He gets up earlier than I do and gets dressed while I'm still in bed.

I think I will have to be careful with the table top collecting a lot of stuff. But I do tend to grab whatever is in reach when beading so it's good to have a variety of different things right within arms reach at any moment. I just love the lighting- it's so bright and I can see what I'm doing!

Coupla things I will still need to get is a garbage can, and an ipod docking station with some speakers. Oh and one thing I want to add, I like that I don't have the distraction of the computer anymore. It really affects work when I'm always checking email and Facebook!

well I hope you liked this little Tuesday Tour! I was so excited to show you the transformation.

I hope the space inspires you and your studios as much as it has me!

Design Boards- Winter

2012-01-02T07:53:00.002-05:00

Its the Winter edition but there is no heavy coats, no snow pants, gloves, mittens and sweaters. These outfits can be worn in Hawaii. or Aruba. Or someplace warmer than upstate NY!!

Enjoy them, at any rate!

All jewelry: Lorelei Eurto Jewelry
All outfits and accessories: Anthropologie

see more design boards here

Lark Books giveaway winner

2012-01-02T07:47:00.005-05:00

Comment #100 won the set of Lark Books~

Congratulations D'Arsie of Mamacita Beadworks!! woot!!

Send along your address when you get time and I will ship these right out for you!

Thank you all for commenting! The next giveaway is a bead giveaway. Come back on Wednesday to find out what!

Gift Exchange Day 8

2012-01-01T15:48:00.004-05:00

On the 8th Day of Christmas, Rachel Stanley of ToCatchaHummingbird gifted me this earthy and fantastic triple strand necklace! I love the length, Rachel, it's perfect! The teal and brown is one of my favorite color combinations!

Thank you so much!

Here is a list of other participants. 4 more days of gifts to go!

1. Lorelei Eurto http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/

2. Jennifer Heynen http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/

3. Deborah Boschert http://DeborahsJournal.blogspot.com

4. Jodie Marshall Www.marshalljodie.blogspot.com

5. 5. Amy Freeland copperdiem.blogspot.com

6. Katie Nelson www.etsy.com/shop/katienelson

7. Amanda Cargill Austin www.seashoreglassgirl.com

8. Rachel Stanley www.2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com

9. Me - Emanda Johnson www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com

10. Melissa http://halfawakedreaming.blogspot.com

11. Charlie http://clay-space.com

12. Lori Burek www.aquajunkoartworks.com

Gift Exchange Day 7

2011-12-31T08:20:00.001-05:00

On the 7th day of Christmas, Amanda of Seashore Glass gave to me......

A mix of Studio Songs on CD! How creative and look how cute she made the front of the CD! How the heck did she do that! I haven't listened to it yet but will be today!
She also sent along this cute lampwork glass and brass tag keychain/pendant. I love the color of the bead, and the Breathe sentiment is perfect for bringing in the new 2012 year!

Thank you Amanda for such a thoughtful and unique gift!
Happy New Year, ya'all!!

Gift Exchange Day 6

2011-12-30T15:22:00.001-05:00

Today is Day 6 of the Gift Exchange. This morning I opened my package from Katie Nelson! She sent not one but TWO pairs of earrings my way, double whammie! And they are super duper. She knows JUST what I like, blues/greens! This first pair, wowza- seed beaded in a funky swirly triangle shape. How did she DO that!?

And the second pair features some really great enameled beads and glass on enameled headpins. Such a pretty color palette. This could just about be an everyday earring for me! Love them. Thanks Katie!

Gift Exchange Day 5

2011-12-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

On the 5th day of Christmas, my Amy Freeland gave to me........... some really cool lampwork and scrolly connector earrings!! The glass is gorgeous and the photo does not even do it justice! Love them Amy! THANK YOU!

Gift Exchange- Day 4

2011-12-28T08:15:00.002-05:00

On the 4th day of Christmas, Jodie Marshall gave to me..........

A sweet lampwork lentil bead, and handmade keychain with some hemp and beads along with a sweet little handmade note pad. Thank you Jodie!!

GIFT EXCHANGE Day 3

2011-12-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

Day 3- I received this sweet little handmade Pin cushion from Quilter, Deb Boschert! The bottom has a cotton fabric with a funky pattern. And she included 3 little pins too! Thank you Deb!

Lark Books Giveaway

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Woooooweeee! Look what I have for you!!

Lark Books have sent me an extra set of the Lark Studio Series for a blog giveaway! These 5 x 5 inch hardcover gallery books would be a great gift, or you could keep them for your own collection. Each one, 200 pages of the most innovative, and exciting new work made by artists today! There are 8 books in the series. The winner will receive all 8 books.

Handmade Books- Creative books with handmade papers, interesting bindings, each one an art object in and of itself.

Art Tiles- Eye-catching ceramic, glass, mixed media tiles crafted by abstract and realist artisans.

Pendants- For that jewelry aficionado, large focals have been crafted with some of the most unique materials around. Inspiring for any jewelry designer!

Earrings- Funtional but unexpected earring designs that are also quite appealing to the eye. Leading artists have created ornaments for the ears that will shock you and inspire you!

Handmade Dolls- A playful collection of hand-crafted dolls in every genre imaginable.

Chairs- Have you ever seen a chair made from Felted wool or Found Objects? Interesting designs that will keep you seated!

Ceramic Sculptures- A smart collection of contemplative work by today's artists. I haven't seen this much bead inspiration in one place in a while!

Tables- Each one a creative sculpture, some functional and some utilitarian.

The Rules:

Leave one comment on this post to receive 1 entry.

Twitter- 1 entry

Facebook- 1 entry

Blog- 1 entry

(be sure to come back and comment each time you use the above social medias to spread the word )

Come on back here on January 2nd to find out who wins (I am using the Random Integer Generator.)

Good Luck!

GIFT EXCHANGE DAY 2

2011-12-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

Day 1- participants opened my gifts.

Day 2- I opened this sweet little Ceramic Ornament from Artist Jennifer "Jangles" Heynen! I can't wait to get home to hang it on my tree, thanks Jennifer!! It's so sweet! Love that happy yellow and red glaze!

Etsy Tools

2011-12-26T07:01:00.000-05:00

I took some time on Friday to peruse some of the newest Etsy Tools, provided for Etsy sellers on the Etsy Sellers page. This one particularly seemed intriguing and I plan on checking out in more detail when I have a little time. Says here you can use http://etsync.com/ for all sorts of cool things like:

1. Create a profile or shop signature

2. Create a listing signature for your emails- great for shop promotion!

3. Etsy Shop Tag Clouds

4. Convert your images to easy formats

5. Resize your images

6. Watermark your images (still thinking about doing this after a few weeks ago I found someone on Twitter had stolen one of my photos of a bracelet I made, and was using it as their Avatar!)

7. Generate a new Shop name

8. Generate color palettes

9. Create a shop banner!

Merry Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas is overwhelming and exhausting, isn't it!? I know, I'm beat. But in the end, everyone is happy, their bellies are full of good food and beverage. My niece and nephew are no doubt off somewhere playing with their new ipod touches. Joe is napping.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday, that was stress-free and full of your favorite things!

xo

lorelei

New Acquisitions

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas Eve! I am out and about celebrating the holidays with family but was smart enough to set up a few blog posts for the days I knew I'd be busy.
Thought I'd throw up some photos of some new Acquisitions for you, that I have gotten recently. Enjoy!

Yellow lampwork spacers: Kelleys Beads

Etched bird pendant- ForMySweetDaughter

Infinity Sale TODAY ONLY!

2011-12-23T06:29:00.003-05:00

I've decided to have a bit of a sale today. I'm calling it the Infinity Sale. I've discounted each item in my shop by $8 . All listings have already been discounted.

Why $8? Because the infinity symbol, standing up, is an 8! And I love you, my blog readers to INFINITY.

Sale ends: this evening 12/23/11

Merry Christmas!!

Shop announcement.
I will be closing the store tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 24 - Tuesday Dec. 25 for the Holidays. Today is your last chance for some of the pieces in my shop. Happy Shopping!

Lovely Package Exchange: Swapping with Karen Totten

2011-12-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

I participated in Danni's Lovely Package Exchange at her blog Oh Hello, Friend. I was paired up with Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio. I don't know Karen very well but was familiar with her Etsy store and her lovely ceramic components. We exchanged a few emails to pinpoint what direction we should go with our gifting, and then got to work.

Karen's LARGE priority box arrived this afternoon while I was home on lunch. I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped pics as I opened them! Look at the beautiful packaging first of all. Those craft boxes with earthy ribbons are sweet as can be, but she embellished each one with little precious jewelry components! Adorable!

In the first package, a set of stacking snowflakes perfect for the season. Glazed in blues and whites, they are wintery and gorgeous. I figure these will be great for tealights or just on a shelf for decoration! My first thought was- damn. I should have done some Christmas shopping at Karen's shop!

The second package was filled with this little wooly owl and baby from WoolCrazy. That little heart sewn on was made by Karen! Love that- a bit of a collaboration!!

A sweet "Tool Caddy" was in box #3- a beautiful glaze combination with teal on the interior. This will be perfect for all sorts of beady goodness on my work table.

Package #4- an adorable blue glazed oil LAMP! Karen even sent some extra wick! She says I can fill it with oil and light it. How cool. Never had anything like this. I am excited to try it out!
I love these matte gears on the package!

Package #5 was filled with Tool Caddy #2, a bigger size, great for pliers or larger items. And a beautiful pale blue snowflake ornament.

To say that Karen spoiled me, is an understatement!! That girl knows how to give a gift! I am so thrilled with everything she sent, and am a little flabbergasted too. I seriously need to send something else to Karen to thank her. My gift, a necklace, was crafted just for her. I enjoyed creating a special keepsake for someone that enjoys many of things I love: owls, nature, come to find out- beach pebbles too! I do hope she really enjoys wearing it for many years to come. Head on over to Karen's post to see my gift.

Thursday Ramblings

2011-12-22T08:38:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

I had a great night last done, it was productive. I had to run to Michaels and get some frames for some artwork that I bought as Christmas gifts. Got home, framed them up, ordered a pizza, wrapped the rest of the presents and sat down uninterrupted and created some pretties for the shop. This earthly delights bracelet was fun to put together. Just brass wire, and simple loops and a few Brass rings from Vintaj Brass Co. I added a few dangles using some lampwork headpins from Gardanne Beads to embellish it. The smaller ceramic beads are some that I got from Elaine Ray at Bead Fest in August.

The large blue focal ceramic round is from Gaea and goes perfectly with the other beads I chose.

Then I put together some matching earrings with some Elaine Ray cube beads. Simply stacked with some brass rounds, clay heishi, and quartz rondelles, on brass headpins. Nothing crazy.

The glaze on these beads is so cool. I can't take it!

Randoms

2011-12-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

This is proof that I have NOT ripped open the Gift swap gifts in an un-bridled Christmas fury. They are waiting here, patiently for Christmas day to come. I have received all 11 gifts. I can't wait. Look at the gifty goodness!

Color Wheel is my colorful reminder that Spring is right around the corner, that there is excitement for the upcoming year of 2012, that I am giddy that we have not had any real snow here in NY yet. People keep talking about how weird and strange and bizarre it is that we don't have any snow on the ground yet and that it won't really feel like Christmas til it does. I'm sorry but Fuck that shit! ;) Enjoy it while it lasts. Seriously.

Erin Siegel sent me this gorgeous beaded bookmark as a little Christmas gifty. Isn't it cute! Love the gold color and focal beads are textural and fun. I don't have the heart to tell her that since I started beading, I forgot how to read. ;) I kiiiiiiiiiiiid i KIIIIIIIIID!

The Christmas village looks lovely in the morning light. The Bed and Breakfast that we stayed it this past weekend had quite the collection of Christmas villages, putting mine to total shame. I have never seen so many little buildings. It was quite magical, I must say.

This is one of the gifts I received this past weekend, from my talented Momma. She found a sweet little vintage sewing basket and decoupaged it with fabric, dressing it up in some of my most favorite colors, teal, olive and brown. I included a few pics of the inside too, since it's really a cool piece. I love the rope handles.

ARTisan Interview: Slate Studios Supply

2011-12-18T20:07:00.000-05:00

You are gonna LOVE this ARTisan Interview!! Sarah Kendell of Slate Studios Supply agreed to do this interview for the ol' blog a while back but for some reason her emails kept landing in my spam folder. We finally got to the bottom of it tonight and I am finally able to post the interview!! I do hope you enjoy it, and please head over to Sarah's shop. She's giving my readers a 20% off coupon! Use coupon code: LORELEI to receive an immediate discount!

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to do this!

1) Describe yourself in 3 words:

Inquisitive * Meticulous * Experimental

2) How would you describe your craft and style?

I make ceramic jewelry components…beads, pendants, and cabochons. I like the scientific aspect of ceramics, so I mix most of the clay and all of the glazes from scratch. It gives me a really good excuse to do a lot of tests and tweak colors to get exactly what I want, or (more often) to be completely surprised when I open up a kiln!
My style varies and evolves constantly from crisp white porcelain to more rustic or organic designs, but I always strive for the handmade aspect to really show. I am all about making one of a kind beads that will be treasured and enjoyed over the years, maybe even passed on from mother to daughter in a piece of jewelry.

3) What inspires you?

The beading community is a great inspiration to me! Knowing my beads are going to different states or countries to find homes in handcrafted jewelry is such an exciting part of the process. I have met so many encouraging and creative people through my bead journey.

4) How long have you been creating?

As far back as I remember I have made things. As a kid, I really liked modeling clay and playing with my mom’s jewelry, so maybe those two things set the stage for what I create now.

5) Is this a job or a hobby?

It depends on the day! I recently started grad school (in ceramics of course!), so juggling two assistantships, studio time (making sculpture), homework, family time, and beads/business can feel like a lot of hats to wear all at once. Sometimes I just give myself a day to play, make beads, and relax. It keeps me sane, and is a great way to stay active with my business.

6) How do you see your work evolving?

Lately, I have been working more organically, really letting the nature of the clay show through instead of keeping it very geometric. I’ve also been playing with different types of kilns and firings (definitely a nice part of being in school!) like wood and soda, which produce way different results than I can get with an electric kiln.

7) I find that I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

My favorite thing about Etsy is being linked in with people from all over the world! Whether getting feedback from customers or being part of a team, the sense of community is great. My least favorite thing…listing, ugh. I have tried to bribe my husband to assist in this area, but no success yet.

8) Do you have any advice for other Etsy artisans?

I have learned a lot along the way, and often look at other successful shops to see what I can improve upon. Listing daily has also really helped keep my shop visible. The new option to make a “Draft Listing” is great because when I have a chunk of time I crank out 20-30 listings and save them to publish later when I am busy.

Don't forget to shop at Slate Studios Supply- Coupon code: LORELEI for 20% off!

TGIF

2011-12-16T11:06:00.001-05:00

Random thoughts:

i worked up this necklace and love it but it is missing something. orange. a little orange something at the chain area. i will add something later and rephotograph.

i am rethinking the whole search engine issue at etsy and wonder if changing my titles to include words like bracelet, earrings, and necklace might be helpful.

i have a lot of business type things on my mind lately. i can't say too much right now. but i forsee big big changes happening for me in 2012. Certain things must happen first. Like a business plan. or a financial plan, if you will.

been a little under the weather the last few days. I was thinking I had nipped it with the Zicam but today i have been blowing my nose non-stop. Not. a. good. sign.

Heading home to celebrate Christmas with my family this weekend. Looking forward to spending some quality time with both of my parents. Orders placed this weekend will ship Monday Dec. 19th.

i have a heaviness in my heart lately for some artist friends, going through some really tough times. i feel good that i have been helping in the small ways that i can. you can help too. Send me a request to add you to the Facebook group Artists Helping Artists. It's a wonderful way to help out, and a little help from a lot of people can really make a big difference. The group is a private group to protect anonymity for those who need aid.

Jade Scott Update Day!!

2011-12-15T14:55:00.001-05:00

JADE SCOTT ETSY STORE HERE!

Room inspiration

2011-12-15T10:03:00.002-05:00

I have been compiling quite the wishlist for inspiration for my new bedroom. Here are some of things I've dog-earred. The walls in the room are much like that in the room in the top left photo. I love that color with orange and olive accents. I am also wondering if Joe can turn the old wood closet door into a headboard for our bed. I may need to enlist my mother to make a new quilt for me. Hmmm. I hope Joe likes color!! :)

Art Bead Love Tour- WINNER!

2011-12-13T13:39:00.001-05:00

Congratulations goes out to Shaiha, comment #27- the winner of this round for the Art Bead Love tour- Be sure to keep your eye on her blog for the next giveaway in approx. 2 weeks!

outgrown

2011-12-13T08:33:00.002-05:00

It's official- I am starting to outgrow the current studio. Been chewing on a big re-organization plan that includes a whole lot of destash, and the re-arrangement of 4 rooms to get my studio back upstairs. It sounds daunting doesn't it?
HA!
But I am looking quite forward to it. After the holidays are over, I will be hopefully executing this plan.
Lately it's been hard to get into the studio to make new things. It's still a disaster in there from when I dumped all of it back in there after my show.

Last night was the first time in a while that I sat down and listened to my muse. I am enjoying big showy necklaces like these. The first one is lighter than it looks- those resin rounds are pretty and extremely light.

Loving this new double-stranded necklace that features some art beads from Elaine Ray and a toggle from Melinda Orr.

Shop Update you CANNOT miss!

2011-12-12T10:22:00.004-05:00

Be sure to stop by Round Rabbit Extra today at Noon for Nancy's first update since the big Flood!

Happy Weekend!

2011-12-10T08:48:00.001-05:00

Nina Designs Bronze Findings

2011-12-09T08:27:00.001-05:00

I recently was picked to contribute to the Nina Designs Blogging team and received a few of their new products in the mail last week. I sat down last night and beaded up these little numbers. They sent along a beautiful assortment of new Bronze findings. The bronze is shiny and almost has the same look as Gold- but is more affordable and extremely beautiful. I rarely work in gold tones so it was a nice change of pace- I was feeling sparkly and pulled out some of my favorite faceted stones for this first necklace. I did a random beading pattern, and added the small bird charm, and leaf charm at the front of the necklace. I finished it off with a nice small bronze toggle. Elegant!

These little bird charms would make really sweet earrings! I thought about making earrings (asymmetrical) of course, using the leaf and the bird charms, but decided on the blingy necklace design instead.

They also sent me these super soft and supple deerskin lace. I finished a piece of leather off with the small bronze crimp end clasp. So easy to use, and the tone gives it such an elegant look, again. I added the Butterfly wing as the focal and added some pretty faceted briolettes of Chalcedony.

The earring wires they sent are a shape that is quite popular but I had never seen some like these where the fronts were hammered and textured. I added some Candace Wakumoto charms, and some faceted citrine nuggets.

The picture doesn't do these justice at all. I just love how they turned out.

The materials above were provided as part of the Nina Designs blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

eleven presents

2011-12-08T15:43:00.001-05:00

Eleven little gifts lined up in a row and ready to go out tomorrow for my Holiday Gift swap. Is everyone finishing up their gifts too? Try to mail them out by Monday if you can. We'll start opening one per day starting Christmas Day.

Last Show of the Year

2011-12-08T06:29:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I loaded up my car with wood crates, bins of jewelry, earrings on cards, clothespins, bags, tissue, and all the other fixings for my last show of the 2011. Headed on over to the Jewish Temple where the 3rd Annual Raise the Roof event was happening for 2 days. In the past, this show has been really quite successful for me. I walked in expecting it to be the same this year, but was disappointed when the sales and the people just weren't there. It could have been worse. I did make a little money, but I am glad that I wasn't financially counting on that money for something important. I'll be able to restock my needed supplies and maybe put the rest away in savings.

I convinced my friend Theresa to come help me for the weekend. Although she doesn't feel like she really did anything except load and unload the car, and stood there hooting it up with me all weekend, that really was the icing on the cake. I knew Joe wasn't really into sitting there with me all weekend, so I am so grateful that she helped out and hung out, hooting and all!

The display turned out nice. I did it a little different than the show at Harvest Fest because I didn't want to pile the boxes too high, knowing I was standing behind them. So I stacked them just enough so that I could still conversate with customers as they came by. People really love the leaded glass window, so I brought that again, and displayed necklaces on it.

Here are some pictures from the show!

Art Bead Love Tour and Giveaway

2011-12-06T12:52:00.001-05:00

If you read the blog, Love My Art Jewelry, you've seen the Art Bead Love Tour is now up and running. I was the very first participant! WOOT!

I was shocked and so excited to find out about this big win. So many of my favorite art beads all on one chain, gave me goosebumps. And what an amazing idea this was, to pass it along to different people, collecting such amazing talented artwork at every stop.

It was so fun sitting down last night, fondling all of the beautiful beads and charms. I picked a few favorites, and then scoured my own stash for replacements- what a b l a s t!

scroll down to see what I took and what I contributed.

Please read through the post below carefully. There is instructions on how to enter to win the next spot.

The Art Bead Love Tour is an ongoing project to spread the love of handmade to new and exciting places. It’s a way to reach people who may have never stumbled upon our blog on their own, and give them a chance to share the love of handmade. We chose to use a chain to link beads as a symbol of how this project links us all together~ in our unity to stand behind handmade.

We have filled one and a half feet of chain with handmade beads, charms and pendants, donated by our own Love My Art Jewelry Group. There are 60 beads on this chain, worth approximately $450. It includes ceramic, glass, polymer, various metals and metal clay beads. It’s a true tribute to handmade in all its beady glory! These beads are ready to go on tour…….the Art Bead Love Tour!

This tour is basically an art bead swap, which will go on and on and on. Here is how it works.

PLEASE...........please read the entire post before entering).

The Details:

1. The winner of the chain will be allowed to take up to 30 beads from this chain. They will then replace each bead they took, with another handmade bead, charm or pendant of equal quality. It is so important that the quality of the beads be maintained, so that we can keep the Art Bead Love Tour alive. We want to share consistent quality with the next winner. If you make your own handmade beads or components, it’s a great way to get your beads into the world for people to try them out, or, if you hoard collect art beads, it’s a great way to share your collection and get some new additions as well. (Art Beads should be handmade by an artist, and not mass produced, such as Hill Tribes Silver beads or others like them). Remember the focus is on creating handmade with handmade and beads/components taken should be replaced with beads/components that are made by an individual not an organization.

2. The winner must have a blog, and will post pictures of what was taken and what was added, in order to keep an account of the chains progress and to keep our followers drooling. Please be sure to give credit to the bead artists as well.

3. The winner will then have a giveaway, just like this one, to keep passing the chain on and on. Rules can be copied and pasted from here.

4. When you repost your giveaway (remember you can copy and paste from here)-a list should be added to show where the chain has gone, with links to each previous blog. Ultimately, this will end up being a very long list!

Look where the chain has been……

Love My Art Jewelry

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio

5. Chain must be shipped to its new home via Priority Small Flat Rate box with delivery confirmation. Please package it carefully.

6. There will be a button on the Love My Art Jewelry Website that links to the current blog and giveaway- so if you have the chain, it will link to your blog, that way our followers can have another chance to win it.

7. You MUST exchange your beads and have your giveaway completed within two weeks of receiving the chain.(Please please please, if you can not adhere to the above rules, do not enter the giveaway at this time. It will go on and on and you can always enter at a later date.) There will be a button on the side bar of our blog so that you can track where the chain currently is.

OK- How to Enter:

1. You must have a blog to enter.

2. Leave a comment below (make sure your email is linked to your blog or leave it in the comment. Entries without emails will not qualify)

3. Share on Facebook, Twitter or your blog for extra chances to win. Leave a comment for each way you share, with a link if possible.

4. Winner will pay shipping and will be billed through paypal-small priority flat rate box with delivery confirmation $6.00.

5. Open only to our readers in the United States- due to problems with tracking and shipping overseas (sorry). Please note- I am having a small giveaway on my blog for our international friends only!!! So hop over to enter.

6. Check back here on December 13th to see if you’ve won.

7. Good luck and share the love of handmade!Please, if you have any questions, you can email Staci
directly at staci.lousie@hotmail.com

Here are the beads that I took off the chain

(you can check out who contributed what at the LMAJ blog post:

Here are the beads that I contributed:

Includes:

Pewter beads from Green Girl Studios

Bird Heart from Mamacita Beadworks

Enameled chams from Barbara Lewis

Ceramic flowers and button from Spirited Earth

Small Silver bird bead from Elemental Adornments

Copper Leaf pendant from Andrew Thornton

Ceramic link from Golem Studios

Square Resin pendant from Jade Scott

Lampwork tab from Pam Ferrari

Lampwork lentils from KABS Concepts

Lampwork disc from Guy Melamed

Lampwork beads, disc, and flower from Pinocean

ARTisan Interview with Jade Scott

2011-12-02T06:11:00.015-05:00

It is definitely no secret that I have had a bit of a girl crush on Jade Scott for some time now. I "get" her on so many levels, creatively and personally. If we lived closer, I would bet that we would be BFFs. Seriously.
I remember when Jade first started selling her components. I had followed her Etsy store and jewelry designs for quite a while, and all of a sudden she started making pendants using copper bezels and my jaw dropped to the floor. I still love using her pendants in my designs and I love the connection that I've made with her, and the friendship that has developed. I hope you enjoy this small ARTisan interview and be sure to leave comments to tell Jade that you dig her too. :)

1) Describe yourself in 3 words. Confident. Whimsical. Excellent speller. Darn, four words.

2) How would you describe your craft and style?
Hippy chic jewelry design. I grew up in a hippy household and when I rebelled, as all teenagers must, I became obsessed with the glamour of the thirties, Claudette Colbert, Fred and Ginger. I started wearing high heels and red lipstick. The rebellion was a success, my mother was mortified. And as an adult I have landed somewhere in the middle. I still love red lipstick, rhinestones and satin but I also own more than one pair of Birkenstocks. I'd like to think that my jewelry reflects who I am. I love the juxtaposition of a perfectly faceted crystal next to a rough un-dyed turquoise bead.

3) What inspires you?
Inspires me? Hmmm. The only thing I can think of is how I deal with creative block. When I have a really bad case, I will put on a movie with a heroine who I think has fantastic style. Christina Ricci in Penelope, Julianne Moore in Crazy Stupid Love, Anna Friel in Pushing Daisies. And I watch and I think, "What necklace would I make for her?” I know it's not as cool as being inspired by a sunset or a Monet but it works....every time.

4) How long have you been creating?
To be honest, I don't know. I don't remember the beginning of creating. That need to make something was always there. I come from a family where needing to create is just who we are. And my mother blessed/ cursed us with the confidence to act on it.
Before I made jewelry, I was a make up artist for a large cosmetic company. Even though they may seem like different careers. Really I just went from one form of playing with color to another.

5) Is this a job or a hobby?
A jobby. Ha, it's actually my job. But jobby makes it seem ....more fun. I have been a full time jewelry designer/artist for about 9 years. My time is split between making jewelry (Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, you get the idea..) that are sold in boutiques. And making components for other artists like yourself to use. Which has been mostly awesome.

6) How do you see your work evolving?
Wow. I try not to think about what is coming next creatively. If I do, it quickly turns into a panic attack....with me mumbling in a corner, "What if I never come up with a good idea ever again?"....shudder. Wait a second... I have a great idea.
But really, most of the big changes I have made in my career have been completely unplanned. Like selling pendants for other artists to use. I would have never guessed I was going to start doing that.
I only have one real hope professionally for the future and that would be to work less. Oh! and to not be on a deadline. I would just love that:)

7) I find that I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I find I have a love/let's just be freinds relationship with Etsy. I love the community of Etsy. It's pretty amazing. I have done pretty much nothing to bring in customers. What's the word for less than nothing? I barely ever blog, I've never advertised and yet...people have found me. There are a couple of things I'm not thrilled with. I wish there was a way to consolidate multiple orders so that there would only be one charge for shipping. But all in all, mostly happy with Etsy.

8) Do you have any advice for other Etsy artisans?
I would tell them to befriend Lorelei Eurto and read her blog everyday. It's the secret to success. *wink*
Umm. let's see....advice. I would say that one of the things that has helped in me in making a living as an artist is knowing what the value is of what I’m making. I have seen people attempting to charge hundreds of dollars for a necklace that cost $5 to make and twenty minutes to put together. And then I've seen the opposite too. Either way you're not going to be successful. There has to be a balance between humility and confidence in what you’ve created.

JADE is offering 20% off for my readers, please use coupon code LORISREADERS

Last show

2011-11-30T08:09:00.001-05:00

I have my last show of the year this weekend. Am I ready? Pretty close. I could use a day off from work to create more, but sometimes you just have to give what you've got, and hope it's enough. I am looking forward to the show, it's always a really great time. If you are in the area, stop by the Raise the Roof with Art, Food, and Music event at Temple Beth-El on Saturday night 6-10 or Sunday from 10-3. I'll be amongst the 30+ vendors.

Jade Scott Flower Challenge

2011-11-27T13:34:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I teamed up with Jade Scott to have a bit of a blog challenge. Jade made these lovely enameled flower head pins and send them to me for a giveaway. I sent the headpins to 7 participants, and kept one for myself. The challenge was to put the headpin into a piece of jewelry. I can't wait to see what everyone came up with. I, of course, waited til the very last minute and finished my simple necklace yesterday afternoon!

Introducing: Lavender Blooms

I played around with a lot of different scenarios using my lavender enameled flower- I love the layered look of a pendant, and decided on this final style. I used a filigree ring from Vintaj Brass Co., and a porcelain component from Round Rabbit Extra. I created a bail with the wire of the head pin- after stringing it through the center of the brass ring, and through the center hole of the porcelain disc, I strung 1 brass rondelle, pulled the wire up and formed a wrapped loop bail.

I pulled out my rubber tubing from MyElements, and my rubber o rings in purple tones. I decided to keep the necklace fairly simple, just stringing some of the smaller purple o rings and some larger lavender o rings to each side of the pendant, onto dark green tubing.

I added an enameled flower from C Koop Beads on one side, and a Silver dragonfly charm from Hint Jewelry on the other.

I finished the necklace off with some brass crimp ends from Vintaj Brass and a hook and eye clasp. Very simple, but the pendant stands out more on a simple necklace. It's lightweight and comfortable too.

Gigi Yob: Gigi doesn't have a blog just yet, so she sent me a picture of the bracelet she finished with her flower. Here's what Gigi said about her bracelet:
"I used a vintage brass cuff as a backdrop for this beautiful enameled flower draping chains the length of the cuff and adding these gorgeous beads that seemed to just be waiting for this little flower, the colors were just so right. I then added two amethests to compliment the hint of lavender in the petals. "

Here is a link list of the other participants, take a minute to peruse all of these talented ladies blog posts, be inspired!

1. Lorelei Eurto: you are here

2. Serena Trent

3. Susan Raber

4. Shawna Tobias

5. Lucid Moon Studio

6. K Hutchinson

7. Gigi

8. Lois Moon

And also!

http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

http://mariagrimes.blogspot.com/

http://peacockfairy.blogspot.com/

Turn it up LOUD

2011-11-25T19:50:00.001-05:00

a Thanksgiving note

2011-11-24T05:45:00.001-05:00

Holiday Swap Participants

2011-11-23T07:49:00.001-05:00

If you see your name on this list, it means you have been chosen for the Holiday Gift Exchange. Please email me with your mailing address and email so I can forward all addresses to all participants. Please refer to this page for details about the swap, including shipping dates and opening dates, etc.

1. Deb Boshert

2. Lissa

3. Jodie

4. Jennifer Heynen

5. Aqua Junko Artworks

6. Charlie@ Clayspace

7. EmandaJ

8. Katie Nelson

9. Seashore Glass Art

10. Copper Diem

11. 2CAHummingbird

12. ME

YAY!

I am so excited!

this is going

be a

BLAST!!

email LJEurto at gmail dot com

Holiday Gift Exchange Details

2011-11-22T10:22:00.001-05:00

FancyThat

If you haven't commented on yesterday's post about my Holiday Gift Swap, here is some more information for you. I love the idea, and have for some time, of being involved in a small swap with friends where we all create 11 similar gifts, mail them out and then each open 11 gifts over the course of the 12 days of Christmas. So I thought I would host one myself.

The gifts should be creative, but do not have to be all the same. You may choose what you'd like to send. I am assuming a lot of you are jewelry fanatics like I am- but if you have another idea, that is not jewelry-related, that would be a fun twist!

All gifts should be mailed out by December 12th - 2 weeks should be enough time for everyone to receive all 11 gifts.

Each participant will be responsible for making 11 similar gifts, wrapping each one, and mailing one to each of the participants. Starting December 25th, we will start opening each gift, 1 for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. If you are inclined to blog about the gifts you receive, wonderful! If you don't wish to, it's not a requirement. But if each gift is different, you might want to show off what you got and see what others received as well.

Each participant will get a number. Please label your gifts with your number so that we know what day we should open your gift. For example, if I am #1, my gifts will be opened on Day 1.

I will pick 11 participants tomorrow, November 23rd. Please leave a comment on yesterday's post if you would be interested in being considered for the swap. U.S. Participants only.-I would hate for the mail system to screw this up, so to play it safe- we'll stick to the U.S. for this year's swap. Next year I promise to get my shit together a bit sooner for all countries to be able to participate.

a few Monday randoms, & a CHRISTMAS SWAP.

2011-11-21T16:13:00.001-05:00

* My new goal is to find Non-Bird related charms and pendants. Clearly this is getting out of control. :)

* Went to the dentist this morning for a cleaning. My teeth have hurt all day.

* I want to do a fun 12 days of Christmas exchange. 12 participants (that includes me) 12 gifts, but we are getting close to December. I wonder if it's too short of notice. Ahhh what the heck. If this is something you want to do, leave a comment and I'll pick 11 people to join me in a Christmas gift swap.

I'll give more details in a separate post.... but be aware before commenting- you will be responsible for sending out 11 gifts to 11 participants, including shipping. Oh, I think it's too late for International participants, so this gift exchange will be US participants only.

happy weekend!

2011-11-19T15:43:00.001-05:00

Just dropping in really quick to say Hola!

It's been a busy busy Saturday. I spent the day winterizing our yard/porch.... and picking up the house for some dinner guests coming over tonight. This morning I was able to put together these two beauties! Both completely different and on different spectrums. First a funky and bright red necklace using some red Soft Flex beading wire, faceted glass rounds, wavy silver discs, a Black and white dotted tube focal from FlameCrazy, and some red and black buttons from Tari Sasser of ClayButtons! I used silver crimp tubes to crimp the beads along 4 strands of red beading wire.

The bracelet is a more feminine piece with pearl chain, a black and white scroll focal from Bluberri Beads, and a silver bird charm from Hint! The focal bead is ceramic believe it or not. It's amazing. I like the mixed metals with the pearl chain and the brass components from Vintaj Brass Co.

Dark Annealed Wire

2011-11-18T07:54:00.001-05:00

I have been wanting to play around with dark annealed wire since I got a copy of Brenda Schweder's book Steel Wire Jewelry. The book is full of the most interesting and unique designs I have ever seen. I'm a huge fan of Alexander Calder jewelry as well so my taste for wire is growing stronger by the day. Yesterday Joe called me as usual after he was out of school and said he was at Ace picking up some keys he was having made. When he said Ace, I instantly remembered someone had told me that they sell this wire, so I asked him to look around for it for me. He brought me a spool.

This morning I put together a few pair of earrings just to play around with it a little. I like it! It's nice and easy to work with, and you can hammer it nicely too. I didn't have black hands afterwards,

surprisingly enough! And I love how it looks mixed with other metal such as brass components.

some tips i learned this morning from Brenda as we chatted on FB:

cleaning the wire with steel wool and
then coating with Renaissance wax will
prevent the wire from rusting.

if making ear wires, do these 2 steps VERY well.

Little does he know, he's going to back to pick up MORE- I hope there's more available!

New Publications

2011-11-17T11:54:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out these new and upcoming titles from Interweave Press! I have several tutorials included in the following:

smorgasborg

2011-11-15T08:11:00.001-05:00

This rocker style necklace is a christmas gift. Hopefully the giftee won't be seeing it here. :) It rocks though, I just love it and I know she will too. Been loving this new colored wire from Soft Flex Company- this is 20g Burgundy. The flying skull and hook clasp are both from Green Girl Studios. This new black chain is awesome, just got it from Vintaj Brass Co. Does anyone know where I can get a spool of matte black wire??

This is a necklace that at the time I made it, wasn't so sure about but today I adore it. That triangle focal bead is from Elaine Ray. That girl is tricky, it has two holes on the right and left. I layered it with this Polyclay stamped pendant from Swoondimples. See those flashes of pink Elaine's bead? Works perfectly with the polymer bead. The ladybug charm is from LeAnn at SummerStudiosEtc.

I also used some cool faceted Swarovski mosaic cubes. Have had these in my stash for a while, but they are finally making their debut.

Didn't realize Heather's pendant was stamped on the back too. Unfortunately this piece doesn't wear well on this flip side. Now I wonder if I would have liked the LOVE bravely side better.

This is a cute mirror and owl that I picked up in Keene NY at this awesome gift shop there. I loved the place, wanted one of everything. Including all of the custom rustic furniture that the owners make. Lovely stuff!

Well that's it for my smorgasborg of a blog post today. Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

Returned from a Mountain Paradise

2011-11-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

Hi!

I want to apologize if I've made you worry. I think we are back on track now. It was a very stressful and long week last week- I felt doubtful and unsure, and very sad. It's tough when something like this hits you out of left field. But I think we are back on track, and my eyes are wide open now. Not necessarily looking for something to happen but just being aware, being on my toes, having my guard up.

We ran away to the Adirondack mountains, and spent two days breathing the brisk mountain air, eating our favorite foods, relaxing together with no agenda and no ringing cell phones and no text messages.
It was so nice to visit this area of NY state again. We almost moved to Saranac Lake when we were getting out of college. Joe tried to do his student teaching there. We talked about how different our lives would be if that had actually happened. We suspect we'd be skiers. And possibly thinner from all that exercise. But we are quite happy how things are, and where we are. Yes. I am just right where I'm supposed to be.

thank you all for your support, words of encouragement and just sticking with me. regular posts will start again tomorrow.

excuse me

2011-11-10T06:24:00.000-05:00

things are a little upside down

right now.

lesson learned,

when something big like this happens,

you can't go on and just act like

everything is normal.

you have to re-evaluate things.

you have to fix things.

you have to pay attention to certain

details.

even if you don't want to.

so please excuse this

radio silence.

i am working on a few important things.

This calls for a getaway.

i'll be back back as soon as i can.

lorelei.

Weekend Recap

2011-11-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

It was a good weekend, the open house went really well. I was pleased!
The food turned out great. Artichoke and Spinach cheese dip, Choc Chip Zuchini bread, and Chili! Delish!

Although I saw few people stop by, I still did fairly well in sales! Necklaces and Earrings sold the most. Things on my linen busts did not sell. I find that really interesting. Especially since I thought the busts showcases necklaces so perfectly. Maybe people don't like to fuss with taking it off? There is a whole science behind the jewelry displays!

This morning and yesterday, I posted some of the jewelry in the shop that did not end up selling.

Jade Scott Flower Participants!

2011-11-04T06:58:00.001-04:00

Can I get a HOOT HOOT!

1. Serena Trent

2. Susan Raber

3. Shawna Tobias

4. Lucid Moon Studio

5. K Hutchinson

6. Gigi

7. Lois Moon

COME ON DOWN!
Ladies, please email me with your mailing address and I will get your flowers out to you all this weekend! Remember, the reveal day for your blog posts will be November 28th. I think I have all of your blog addresses but just to be safe, please put your links in your email to me.

Create a piece using the bezel, photograph it and write your post. I will put together a blog post on my blog at least 2 days before reveal day, where all the participants links will be active. Come on over, copy paste the list, and please post this list in your blog post.

Here is how a blog hop works successfully. ~~You should be able to click the #1 link, and then on that blog, click the #2 link, and on that blog, click the #3 link.~~
Let me try to explain this better. Everyone should be posting the full list of participants and once they copy and paste the live link list to their blog, people should be able to click through each person's blog, link by link by link. does that make sense?
Flowing easily from one blog to the next without going back to the original blog that showed the list.

Thank you to everyone who commented for a chance!! 57 comments! Woot! K, I guess you like this kind of blog thing. I like the smaller ones- it's a bit more manageable. If you have any suggestions on components you'd like to see me use for the next blog challenge, leave a comment or send an email!

Jade Scott Enameled Flower Challenge

2011-11-02T06:39:00.002-04:00

Good Morning!!

Well, here we are again for another blog challenge. This one will be smaller than the shadow box challenge. It involves these beautiful colorful enameled flower headpins by Jade Scott.

I have 7 flowers to give away, which means I need 7 participants.

Jade has 9 more flowers listed in her shop so feel free to order one to participate! Just be sure to give me your links for the list on reveal day!

You must have a blog so that you can also participant in the blog hop on result day.

I won't bother with the whole Linky tools thing this round since it will be easy to just copy and paste the participants list in your posts.

Details:

** I have 7 Flowers available. All 7 are pictured here. I am keeping one (the 8th) so that I can participate too.

** I will choose 7 random participants. Please only leave 1 comment! I will pick winners on Friday Nov. 4th Early Morning! Participants will get a random flower.

** Leave a comment. If you are chosen, I will send you one Flower, and you will create something using the Flower!

** All participants will reveal their final projects on Monday Nov 28th, linking all of the participants in a blog hop. {You must have a blog to participate}

** Only US participants this round please. Due to the short time frame, there won't be enough time to ship and receive int'l shipments.

** The reveal/ Hop date will be Monday Nov. 28th. We'll have a few weeks to work on our projects.

** I will need the 7 participants to send me their mailing address once chosen. My email is ljeurto@gmail.com

I used a flower in this ring last weekend. The possibilities for these flowers are endless. Think layers! Think outside the box. Be creative! It may seem challenging at first but I know you'll all come up with something super FAB!

See you back here on Friday, with a list of participants!

New Acquisitions

2011-11-01T14:15:00.001-04:00

Here are some new beads that I have ordered or received this past week. I also ordered some very pretty Chinook Jewelry ceramic pendants and charms but once you order them, they aren't accessible on the website anymore.

RadiantMind

Flame Crazy

Tree Wings Studio

Swoon Dimples Destash

Magdalena Ruiz

Pinocean

New Blog!

2011-10-31T06:14:00.001-04:00

I was invited to be a regular contributor of a new blog hosted by Heather Powers of Humblebeads & Art Bead Scene. It's called Earrings Everday and features handcrafted earrings Monday through Friday. On the weekends you'll find great posts about earring display, earring cards, etc etc. It really is a fantastic idea for a blog and a great place to show off our earrings that are available for sale. Come on over and read about all of the other contributors in today's post! Meet the Team! Wednesday will be my first earring post!

OK wait!
Before you go, watch this - one of my favorite scenes in my new favorite movie, Bridesmaids. That Kristen Wiig, she's HilAriOuS!

Coming This Week!

2011-10-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

Jade Scott, that talented lass, is sending me several of her enameled flowers for a new challenge. Check back in later this week and I will be doing a random giveaway of about 6 or 7 flowers to have a small blog hop challenge. I made this ring today, with a flower I had on hand.... just to whet your appetite and get your creative wheels turning!

ARTisan Interview: Introducing FlameCrazy

2011-10-29T08:41:00.000-04:00

I discovered Cherine Perrin's Etsy shop FlameCrazy the other day while I was perusing the Lampworked glass section. I was blown away by her overall shop appearance, great photos and eye-catching glass beads. She has been so kind as to answer a few questions for my new series, ARTisan Interviews. I hope you enjoy getting to know Cherine a bit better, and I do hope you take some time to check out her store. She is offering 10% off orders with coupon code: Lorelei10

1) Describe yourself in 3 words.

Oh man just 3 ... Compassionate ~ Quirky ~ Curious

2) How would you describe your craft and style?
I make lampwork beads. Lampworking is a process of melting glass rods in a torch and forming it around a mandrel that is removed later after they come out of the kiln. It is called Lampworking because in ancient times glass was melted in oil filled "lamps". It is also called Flamework or Torchwork.
My style is all about color and simplicity. When I am at the torch I am always mindfull of the wearability factor. Although I don't make jewelry myself, I know that my beads will be made into a wearable piece of jewelry and that drives my work.

3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by the glass itself. Those colorful glass rods laying on my workbench just begging to be melted and transformed into little wearable gems. This time of year I am also inspired by natureI find myself drawn to the browns, reds and oranges to mimic the beautiful changing colors of the leaves.

4) How long have you been creating?
My very first class was in 1999. I was hooked ever since.

5) Is this a job or a hobby?
That's a tough one. I wish there was an in-between word. I guess I will say it is a hobby since my mortgage doesn't depend on it. I guess it is that it doesn't feel like a job because it is so damn fun!

6) How do you see your work evolving?
I see my work evolving as I keep trying new techniques and working hard to master the others. I am desperately working on my sculptural skills right now. For me it is one of the harder techniques as there is a fine line between keeping a piece warm enough to not crack and cool enough to not become molten. Especially when you are working at a 2000 degree torch.

7) I find that I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
My favorite thing about Etsy is the sense of community. I love getting feedback from customers and return customers are the highest form of flattery to me. My least favorite thing would be that I don't have a listing fairy. Someone to just handle the computer stuff for me so I can spend more time in the studio.

8) Do you have any advice for other Etsy artisans?
My advice would be to seek out like-minded artisans and form relationships centered around mutual creativity.
Also, I found it is helpful to list items often. It helps you stay within the first few search pages, which is key.

Thank you so much Cherine! What a pleasure! I am excited to do a little shopping for some beads too!

Frosty Morning

2011-10-28T18:39:00.000-04:00

Very cool frosty patterns on my car this morning. It was definitely the first hard frost we've had. Unfortunately it killed my pretty potted plants on the front porch but I knew it would happen eventually. Cannot believe that Halloween is only 3 days away. Where did October go? and Sept? Aug?! and July!?! Where did the Summer go? Geesh.

I had fun capturing some of my plants this morning, sporting a nice icy covering.

Trip to the gym went well. Felt a little bit like a hamster but I figure that will go away eventually. I used the elliptical machine. Have no idea how to spell it OR use it for that matter. I'm sure I looked like a lunatic on it. But it worked up quite the sweat so I figure I probably was doing it right.
I have ambitious plans to go to Zumba tomorrow morning. We'll see.

Facebook Friends

2011-10-26T06:20:00.000-04:00

Are we Facebook friends? If not, we should be! Because today I join the gym. and to celebrate, I am offering a coupon code to my Facebook friends only. Come over to my FB Wall to see what the coupon is. Enjoy!

Friend Me!

LeAnn's beads in Full Force

2011-10-25T08:08:00.000-04:00

I really love LeAnn's bronze and ceramic beads. (Both are available in her etsy shop, SummerStudiosEtc. Just got these yesterday in the mail and could not wait to play around with them. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to use them all together in one piece.

The texture on these coin beads is amazing. The colors are very Autumn inspired. I paired them with wood rounds and some Czech glass flowers that are wire wrapped on copper ball headpins from Ornamentea.

Diane Hawkey's IMAGINE bead worked perfect with the matte teal glaze on LeAnn's beads so I added that in for some whimsy.

I love it! The copper clasp is from Patricia Healey and I got it from Limabeads.com.

Hoping your all having a good week so far!

Monday

2011-10-24T16:12:00.000-04:00

Let me first entice you with some pretties- These beads were ordered this morning over coffee.

Delicious!! Flat slabs of labradorite and this new stone on the bottom is called

Mexican Obicular Jasper! Just the name is sexy alone, I can't wait to see the beads in person!

These are both from Beadsonsale.com.

Okay, so. Let's catch you up on some other randoms.
Remember the other day I posted about the whole Etsy name change? Well I went ahead and did it. My new shop name URL is: http://www.loreleieurtojewelry.etsy.com/
It's got a nice ring to it eh? Tis a bit long to type out but it does the trick. Hopefully all goes well, so far so good.

In 2 more days (waiting for payday) I will be a proud new member of Planet Fitness. Unfortunately because gyms in my area suck ass, I can't just get everything I want from one gym, but instead will have to use the machines at P.F. and then go to Studio 55 to take classes like Zumba, Yoga, Pilates and the like. Planet Fitness doesn't offer any classes. This will be the first time ever that I have belonged to a gym. That's crazy. I'm kind of excited. And I do love to people watch so I'm sure it will be entertaining when I go there. Plus I have 3 friends (including my husband) who have memberships there so there is bound to always be someone to work out with. Right?? I am trying hard to justify it all in my head.

This new development in my lifestyle is going to cause problems in another important area of my life. My jewelry business. Because I spend every waking moment glued to my freakin computer. Things are going to have to change once I start attending the gym and dancing to all this Zumba nonsense. So let me run this by you. I think I have decided to do scheduled shop updates like 1-2 times a week instead of listing new items every day. I know there is a big risk with this. One, my head my explode if I change my whole routine. And two, customers might get mad, or possibly new shoppers on Etsy won't see me as much as maybe they do now? I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's more about all the tags and relevancy that gets a shop seen these days. Frankly, I don't understand the science of it all. My next challenge, is to actually pick which
day(s). As you all know, listing is a process and if I am working full time, when do I pick a day to list a million things. Because you know what will happen. With all of this other free time, I'll be making twice what I normally make and then will have like a bajillion items to list in one sitting and it would take me a day just to list them all. ok, I may be exaggerating. a tad.

In other news, I have been asked to write something for someone's really important something and I am super scared and excited and wish I could say more but it's not for me to say this early. I promise I'll tell you sometime soon, but wow. It's pretty amazing. I am terrible at secrets but will have to keep this one a while longer.

happy monday!

Building a Stockpile

2011-10-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

For all the newbies

2011-10-21T16:10:00.006-04:00

I know I shared this on Facebook but I forgot to share with you all here at the ol' blog! Tammy Powley who is the author at the About.com Jewelry Making blog, did an interview with yours truly. So for all of you who don't really know anything about where Lorelei Eurto and the jewelry came from, here's some light reading material for ya. Enjoy!

For Lorelei Eurto, it all started with a copy of Stringing magazine. She fell instantly in love with bead stringing, and with the help of this same magazine, Lorelei taught herself all the basic....Continue

Jade Scott Update

2011-10-20T11:15:00.000-04:00

Come on by Jade Scott's shop for an update today at 2pm (3pm est)!

Light Tent

2011-10-20T08:33:00.000-04:00

Update:
The doctor's appt yesterday was fine. A bit humiliating. I won't get into all the gory details. But overall, there wasn't anything abnormal. The stress test didn't trigger any palpitations. Heart looks strong. Gotta go back in February for a check up.

The light stand situation was rectified and the seller is shipping me another light stand! YAY!

Today was a great opportunity to try it out since it's gloomy and rainy. So I just attached the light head to the tripod and had a light on each side of the tent.
Now. This is like a whole new beast for me. Its clearly going to take some practice. It's like I have to learn to take pictures all over again.

If you use a light tent and have tips, please feel free to leave comments! I understand these are pretty shitty. So you don't have to comment about that.

This one came out pretty cool. I like this shot because you can see the bird really well. The lights pop. But there are still some shadows.

Here is one on slate instead. I like it but don't like the glare. Maybe a more matte slate would be better.

This one came out pretty good- I like it on the slate better than on the white.

This bracelet was just a test piece for me. I like the bracelet but hate the pictures. It's hard to photograph a cuff in my opinion.

Took a wide buttery soft piece of leather, and slid on one of Nancy's Round Rabbit buckles. I layered a beautiful Shell button that I got in Madrid, on top of it with some magenta hemp cording.

The best part is the closure. I used 2 brass findings from Diver - attached them to one end of the leather by threading the leather through the half circles and securing it with hemp cording. It's a bit messy. Yea, really crude. I should figure out how to do eyelets but that's another blog post.

So then the strap is adjustable.

The brass findings are cool, like a half circle shape. Here's a link to them at Diver.

Here's the last one. Nice on the slate, still some glare. The white is pretty cool, but for some reason it's grainy. I am still having some trouble with my camera. Once I focus the picture the picture on the viewer goes from perfect light, to very dark and ends up taking a dark picture. Nancy thought it was the light meter in the camera. I just don't know how to fix it and keep forgetting to take it into a shop to see if they can help me.

Wednesday Wrap Up

2011-10-19T07:50:00.000-04:00

Here's what's happening my neck of the woods:

yesterday I got this:

But it only came with one of the light stands. I got the lamp part but not the stand. WTF? So I have been emailing Amazon to rectify the situation. It was a third party seller so Amazon can only give me a partial refund which would be fantastic if Amazon sold just 1 light stand without the lamp. But they don't. So then emails were written to the seller. Next, the manufacturer. I would like to use this as soon as possible because it's way too dark in the morning now to photograph jewelry. So hopefully it will all work out soon.

Today at 11:00 I am going into the Cardiologist for a Stress Test. Apparently they don't believe me when I tell them my A-Fib heart palpitations have never sprouted up due to physical activity but instead they come out of nowhere when I am the most calm. Like right out of bed. But Doctors being Doctors, they want to try the Stress test to see if they can trigger the A-Fib to happen. If that happens, I don't know what to expect. Probably a visit to the hospital again. Will try to keep you posted.

I got a big pile of these to play with:

Ruby Jade from Limabeads.com. I'm not sure what happened here. Clearly I lost my mind and ordered enough so that I wouldn't have to order again in a decade, OR I thought they were possibly never going to sell them again. Either way, I have a shitload.
I made some earrings with 4 beads this morning in some earrings. Only 5700 more to go!

Oh yea.
one more thing.
Yesterday I found some pictures taken of my at a work event recently. I must say, it was the straw that broke this camel's back. There is no reason that I should look like that- I have clearly put on some serious weight. It's funny. I actually thought I looked good that night. Clearly, I was mistaken.
So, a new topic that you will have to read about on the blog is my new journey forward. I am joining the gym. That's right. You've heard it here first! I will be joining the gym, and will be trying to change my diet so I can get healthy. It has been on my mind for some time. There will be no crazy dieting because that just ain't my thang. But I will be trying to make better eating decisions. And the fact that I am typing it here, will make me do it because now I've bibled it. (that's a Kardashian term in case you've never heard it) So, sadly, no more pinterest. Because yesterday alone I repinned several very bad for you recipes on a new board I created. And I just can't "go there".
So don't tempt me!

Hedgehog in a Landscape

2011-10-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

Hedgehog in a Landscape, by Giovanna Garzoni is this month's Art Bead Scene monthly challenge painting! I am submitting a necklace to the challenge. I ordered a sweet Ojime carved wood Hedgehog bead from AsianArtMall.com. I got him in the mail yesterday!

Here is the necklace that I assembled last night.

I was shocked when I started looking at the painting and then started rooting around in my stash. I found a copper acorn (Ezel Findings), the Pewter oak leaf and pewter Snail (Green Girl Studios), a new Ivory with frit lampwork lentil from KelleysBeads. and drilled beach stones (StoneStudiosToo)! All perfect components to accompany my little Ojime Hedgie.

I decided on a simple strung necklace with some carved bone, buri seeds, wood rounds, and oval stones. Keeping the color palette consistent with the painting was hard. I found I don't have a lot of light colored or cream beads.

I really love how it turned out. This is definitely a wearable piece. I love the pale colors and the asymmetrical design. I finished the piece with a hammered ring clasp from Vintaj Brass Co.

Check out the Flickr group to see the other entries submitted this month!

YAY!! The Cover!

2011-10-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Our book cover is now up on Amazon! It's no longer a MYSTERY! And it IS available for pre-order!

It's all in a name

2011-10-17T11:16:00.001-04:00

Hey Etsy sellers....
Did you get that emailed announcement from Etsy a few days ago? Apparently they are finally allowing sellers to change their etsy shop names come Oct. 18th. So for the past few days I have been contemplating whether or not I want to change my shop name. In the beginning of Etsy, before it was SO CLEAR that your Etsy account name would ACTUALLY be your shop name, I typed in Lorelei1141.

And immediately regretted the decision as soon as I realized what happened. Can't think of a more ridiculous name for a shop, really. But I was stuck. Until NOW.
What should one do when they have had the same etsy shop name for the past 4 years? Do you think people find me because my shop is in their Favorites, or because they know to look for
lorelei1141? or do they search for my full name which is now available for the search engine, lorelei eurto?

If I was to change it, I would change it just to my full name, Lorelei Eurto. Or should I change it to LoreleiEurtoJewelry. that might be better.

I don't know what to do!

Help!

Gotta Love Pinterest

2011-10-16T08:08:00.000-04:00

Pinterest: the most awesome place to find inspiration of all kinds.

example:

this outfit above, inspired this necklace below:

Not sure how Pinterest works? Basically, you're familiar with favoriting items on Etsy right? Well Pinterest allows you to favorite any item on the internet, and pin them to your own custom made design boards. THAT is stinkin' brilliant. I'm totally addicted. Like I don't have ENOUGH time sucking things in my life right now.

Harder than it looks

2011-10-15T08:31:00.000-04:00

I saw a few designs in yesterday's hop that incorporated wire wrapped around Sari silk. Let me tell you. It's a lot harder than it looks. I was inspired by the Sari designs and last night, put together this necklace where I used some gunmetal wire wrapped around a delicious green sari ribbon. I added some pale green seed beads onto the wire. I fought and fought with it. I'm not sure if I would do it again. But the necklace is pretty cool. I used a new pendant from the Adorned Life line by Rebecca Nunn (at michaels) It took me awhile but I figured out that it opens and so I replaced the images that were inside with some cool paper that I bought from talented artist Valentina of ValentinaDesign. It's two sided, with similar color palettes on both sides.

Simple chain up the back and a Tierra Cast toggle finishes the piece off. One thing I need to get is some more antiqued silver clasps. I am always at a shortage for these. Got plenty of copper and brass. Never enough silver.

Looking forward to a solid day and a half of beading, as Joe is out of town at a conference all weekend. It's just me 'n the beads. Hope you all have a good weekend!

Sari Ribbon Blog hop!

2011-10-14T07:33:00.001-04:00

I unfortunately didn't have time to do this challenge, but Brenda of B'Sue Boutique is the host of this exciting Sari Ribbon blog hop and I just knew when I saw today was the reveal date, that I had to share!!
Have fun hopping through the blogs and I hope you all are totally inspired to get our your Sari silk this weekend! I have some that I have been itching to use!

here is the blog hop list!

Sari Ribbon Party Blog Hop

Vickie Wills http://www.jewelrybyvee.blogspot.com/

Susan Kennedy http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com ME!

Michelle Mach http://www.michellemach.com/blog/

Michelle Lee Hardy http://fireflyvisions.blogspot.com/

Ruth Crawford http://www.home-with-ruth.blogspot.com

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle http://fryestyle.blogspot.com/

Diana P. http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com

HOST: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy http://www.clarityofpurplesage.blogspot.com

Connie Rios-Relyea http://www.JewelsDesignsCreativeCorner.wordpress.com/

Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis http://www.naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com

Beanzie http://www.thevintageheartcharmbracelets.com/the-vintage-heart-charm-b/

Cathie Carroll http://www.cathiecarroll.com/

Rosemary Cowit http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Cathy Buckley http://cathybuckleycatsmeow.blogspot.com

Harry Wood http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Sonya Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Mary Deis http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Heather Goldsmith http://asibeadit.blogspot.com/

Susan Rouleau http://mountainshadowstudio.blogspot.com

Terry Matusyk http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com

Pam Chesbro http://afortunatesoul.blogspot.com/

Mary Shannon Hicks http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Janice Everett http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com

Davinia http://www.daviniadesign.com

Kristina Johansson, Maneki http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com

Kris Binsfeld http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Mandy http://www.beadsforbrains.blogspot.com

Charlene http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog/

Catherine Jeltes http://www.galleryzooart.com

Jackie http://kydojewellery.blogspot.com/

Sharon Palac http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Deb Beechy http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Jean Yates http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patrice Pfeiffer http://treeseatreasures.blogspot.com/

Dorcas Midkiff http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/

Lynn Perry Bennett http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com

Linzi Alford http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com

Deb http://greenshoot.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp http://skyejewels.blogspot.com

Alice Craddick http://alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com/

wishing

2011-10-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

i have never had a real leather bag. as soon as I saw this one from Fossil at my local Macy's, I've been dreaming about it.

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

What a busy weekend, whew!
Friday night I was invited up to my friend Theresa and Eric's camp for some relaxation (read:drinking games and good laughs) I spent the night and Saturday morning travelled back home, got ready and attended the wedding of my friend's Pete and Denise. Took a nap at home on the break between and then headed to the reception at 6.
Sunday we attended a Baptism party for a friend's baby girl, enjoyed some good food and company with people that Joe works with.
Monday I spent most of the morning beading (8 new listings are in my etsy store!) and then Joe and I drove out to Cooperstown where we met up with Amy Freeland! You know Amy! It's CopperDiem!!
We had dinner with her and her lovely husband Chris. What a blast that was. I always really love getting together with blog friends as there is definitely no shortage of conversation when Beads are a common denominator!

I made Amy this pretty lampworked glass bracelet featuring a leaf connector from Gardanne Beads. The glass beads are from etsy shop: Howfunisthat! And Amy gifted me with some of her awesome Paint chip earrings, and a beautiful enameled pendant. Both of which I forgot to photograph this morning, sorry!

We had a great dinner at Alex and Ika's, one of my favorite restaurants in Cooperstown. I had such a good time. I hope that I get to travel some day out to California to visit Amy and our other west coast beading friends.

Today it's back to work. blech. I want to keep beading!