Padre Beads

My latest fave.  Padre beads are trade beads that can be hundreds of years old.  These beads were traded between Europeans and Africans, and then Europeans to Native Americans (mid 1400's to early 1900's).  The name "padre" comes from the Franciscan priests that gave the beads to the Native Americans in trade for their good work and conversion to christianity.  The beads are glass and although not made in one place, most are said to originate from Venice.  

I love the variation in colours, even the chipping and pitting in some - as these are telltale signs of their travels.  Those in too good of condition should be questioned.

The large hole allows them to be strung nicely on soft deerskin.  Wear alone; or looks great layered with other necklaces.

Good to ... be-jeweled

... I have been needling away lately; some earrings:

Summer Vacation?

I was hoping to take a vacation in my workshop this summer.  Best laid plans ....  However, I have re-introduced myself to my bench work of forging, hammering and torching.  Thanks to Deryn Mentock, I was able to carve out some time to play with techniques I love doing.


My results:

BeadStar 2010 1st Place: Stones

THANKS!  

Magazine on Sale now at major booksellers nationwide


 (see page 55 for my winning entry)
http://www.interweavestore.com/Beading-Jewelry/Magazines/Bead-Star-2010.html

November 6 Show in Orinda

Visit me at the Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Orinda Community Center on Nov. 6, 9:30am - 4:30pm.  Will have new pieces that I have been dabbling with: fiber arts/wire collaboration, beadwork with leather and lots of unique earrings.

Ozzie

New Addition to the Family

No Coincidences

.... in life.  Given how much time I've been spending poolside (swim team Mom), I have gravitated this week to portable projects.  I started making beaded circles; grouped them and stitched them.  End result: kind of  like the 'bib necklaces' that have been trendy.  Fun, easy, portable project for the summer.  

After necklace was put together, it felt deja-vu'ish.  To my closet I went to look for the source of the familiarity.  No surprise to find a cover-up (thanks Leanna) that had similar colors and shapes.  This is not the first time inspiration has come from a memory or image absently tucked away.

Bracelet (leather wrap) is one of the finalists.  Please take a look and cast your votes.  

I am in the Stones Category, #7  - just sayin'

www.beadstar.com

http://www.beadstar.com/2010/bead-star-stones.asp

Bracelet

Working on bracelets again.  Loved making these years ago - and am glad to revisit and make again.  Will start posting variations; but this is a Kate McKinnon classic style that I was drawn to and still love to make.

Go to Earrings

Surprisingly versatile.  Have worn them dressed up and dressed down.

Spring into Summer Bracelets

Fun summer bracelets to throw on with almost any casual outfit.  Hope to make a bunch.  If so will post them to shop.  True to my style; always try to make pieces adjustable/versatile.   Bottom pic shows three separates together.  Wear one, two, three ... wrap the long ones ... lots of fun options!

More Flowers

Love the Dahlia.  The middle flower: had dahlia in mind when trying to form the petals.  My variation to the other two which I constructed from design by Carol Wilcox Wells.

Spring Inspiration

I have had flowers on the mind for sometime.  That combined with love of needle and thread has turned out sparkly, bud-like, flower-like pieces.  Now what?  Will continue to explore; may end up as a focal point on a wide cuff; as a single pendant, clustered together in an asymmetrical necklace ... 

Cuffs

I've been busy making cuffs.  Time-consuming; but worth that extra sparkle.

Closet Magpie

I like Swarovski crystals.  Over the years I sneak them into pieces; used sparingly and in moderation.  A couple years back I saw a crystal cuff bracelet at Nordstrom; and it really caught my eye.  Now re-exploring bracelets and bead-weaving I felt compelled to make one.

It's a lot of sparkle; and I like the peak-a-boo styling: wear with a denim jacket, or nice long sleeve white shirt and a pair of jeans.

It was challenge to photograph; hope these pics capture a bit of this fun cuff.

Hello 2010

Time flies is my excuse for unintentional lapse in posting.  Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday to me!

Lots of ideas stirring; however not a lot of studio time these days.  Busy time of year with school and neighbourhood commitments.  However, I have been needling away on some bead-weaving.

I love bead-weaving.  It is the first technique I really embraced; and have re-kindled my passion for it.  I attended the BABE show in November and was enamored with Melanie Potter's work.  Pictured is one her flower motif necklaces I recently finished.  Way back when ... all I did was bead-weaving; mostly bracelets.  I still love to do; and I think will find my way back to doing more and more this year.  I'm finding that I like collaborated pieces techniques, textures and materials.  I plan to continue this exploration ....

Last One ... (for the season)

Home Boutique in Rockridge this evening.

Open Studio(ish)

I am hosting a day to pop in and browse Good To Go Jewelry pieces for sale. After a (bit of a) break from madly prepping for the (successful) trunk show I'm back at it again this week.

I will be home for drop in on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



If you are local and are interested, email me for more details.

Happy Days!

Initials Necklace

My take on the 'mama jewelry'. Initial charms (fine silver) can represent initial of each child, family member, dog - even spell out a name; you decide!

Each initial is handmade: formed, sanded, kiln-fired, polished and hand hammered.

I like necklace worn long, on a 24" sterling silver ball chain, dog-tag style; however 16"/18" length are also available.

Running in circles ...

 ... today!  Quick refresher here at home.  Looking forward to first Orinda Trunk Show tonight.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Only one week out; busy hands ... Why does inspiration, creativity, come at busy times?  Wish I could bottle it up for those slump days.  Working on finishing up many pieces, display, packaging ....  Looking forward to next week!

Curly Font ?!

Was on the pc tonight; and happened to notice that blog postings in the past month or so were showing in a curly/fancy font when viewed in Internet Explorer.  Have quickly fixed!


Those who know me know that is not my style.  When it comes to communication; it should be practical.  Leave the fancy stuff to the jewelry making.


Sorry to the eyes of those who have been reading via Explorer.

What a Day!

Stumbled upon the Etsy Storque Blog that featured Sellit; an application that supports and helps market/promote online merchants.  Good To Go Jewelry is referenced in the article  ( as well as a quote from me!  What a boost!


THEN ....  mail came today and there was a Collector's Edition of Beadwork Magazine: 41 Favorite Jewelry Designs, and my project is one of them.  They featured my Turquoise Collage necklace (see page 36).  I am so honored to be included in a great collection of projects with so many talented artists.  Thank-you Beadwork Magazine.  You can pick up a copy at major book and craft stores.


What a day!!!

Sellit

I'm liking these bracelets

More mixed bracelets.  The sterling silver chain is quite hefty; great weight & feel.  Technique tip:  I have been oxidizing chain  (before piecing together) with hard boiled egg.


Note handmade silver chunk bead used in top bracelet.  I'm happy with my first go'round results.

J&G

Thanks Jennifer!