Having Fun!

To participate in my March Contest, go here.

I've been playing with PicMonkey for the last couple of weeks (whenever I had the chance) and managed to make some cool adjustments. SO fun!

SO much fun and SO many great effects to play with.  Go visit and play around!

NEW PENDENT

Well, I recently bought a gorgeous focal from Sharleen at Shaterra Clay Studio on Etsy.  She does some really lovely work and the colors are very rich and vibrant.  The focal I bought was a dragonfly in teal and green and the word "Dream" stamped just under it.  I love it! I'm going to be adding it to my shop under the Perfect Imperfections listing (my Spina Bifida Awareness line).  You'll notice all the beads, except one, echo the colors in the focal.  That one bead, a dyed agate, is yellow for Spina Bifida and has it's own "imperfection" running through it.  A teal colored swirl.  I have plans to add a pair of earrings and possibly a bracelet.  If so, it'll be what's called a parure set. That is, a set of three items for decoration, more specifically jewelry.

Anyway, here are a few shots from my iPhone.  Enjoy.

...and dream big, my dears!

Close up of the focal. Beautiful colors!

Close up of beads used.
There are teeny, tiny faceted round crystals
accenting both ends of both types of beads.

A Treasury Of Headpins

by Sue Beads on Etsy

I created another treasury over on Etsy. Allow me to share it with you.  It's all headpins, either lampwork glass or enamel, and all the artists are quite good!  I'm still learning how to network but this seems like a good way (plus, I drool over everything and get some great ideas for creating more jewelry!)

"Glass & Enamel Headpins Treasury List by Crazy Creative Corner"



by jennifertough on Etsy 





by veeanca on Etsy

 Aren't they all just luscious?  Go check out the rest by clicking on the link in the title just below Sue's pins' shot.

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

I saw something on a friend's Facebook page last night that inspired me to do this personal challenge.  I'm going to send a handmade gift to the first five (5) people who make a comment on this post.  The challenge to myself is that each item will be made as the comments are made. No sending off something I've made already. The gifts will be either a pair of earrings or a bracelet.

Here are the rules:
1) You can comment about anything in my Etsy store, on my Facebook page or any other post in my blog but it MUST be made to this post. If not, it won't count.
2) This will only run until January 31st.  (and, remember, it's only the 1st five who comment, I can't afford to do this for everyone) 
3) You may tell me what colors you like and I will try to incorporate them into the design.
4) You may tell me if you prefer elegant, playful, casual or funky and I will try to create in that element.

5) You won't know which piece of jewelry you're getting, you get to be surprised.

So, comment away, folks.  Let me hear what you have to say and I'll contact you for your mailing address for your gift.

Happy New Year!

STILL GOING STRONG!

Yup, the Virtual Craft Show is still going on, folks!  Take a peek at today's gifted artists and their sites as well as go back to the previous days to see what those artists (including myself) have to say and show!



Who's Got Backbone!



Who's Got Backbone!
~close up~



 And, speaking of showing, I have a new necklace that I made for Kare-Bear for Spina Bifida Awareness.  I bought the focal from Marsha Neal over on Etsy and I plan to talk to her about some more in, not only this color, but this design.  Just something about it that makes me think of the spinal nerve.  Anyway, I do have three other focal beads in this color (tho' a different pattern each) and will make some more necklaces for the Spina Bifida portion of my Etsy Store and should have them up fairly soon.  Maybe.  We're getting ready for our church's Christmas cantata, too, so I work when I can (aaaaaahhhh!)

Shop On!

DAY 2 ~ Virtual Craft Show - Shop Around Like Y're Momma Told'ja!

So, today is the 2nd day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show! I'm so excited!  My giveaway is for the great art/beading magazines. They're terrific and have wonderful information, articles and are a great way to get inspired (especially if you're going through beaders block!)  Be sure to go over to Lori's blog, Pretty Things, and follow instructions for getting entered into all the drawings available on all the blogs.  And be sure to visit all the blogs. These ladies are amazing and have some luscious jewelry and beads for you to buy. 

Autumn Sunset ~ necklace
giveaway for buyers from
my Etsy store.



Also, remember that I'm having a secondary drawing for those who make a purchase from my Etsty store.  One entry for your purchase(s), one entry for mentioning your purchase on your blog, twitter or Facebook page (come back her to let me know) and one entry for going to my Facebook page, and mentioning your purchase there as well.  Be sure to leave me a link to your blog or an email address so I can contact you if you win.

Welcome to the 2nd Day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show!

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

Visit Day One by clicking here!

I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 

Facebooking this page

Twittering this page

Blogging this page

Be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

Now here are the first lovely artisans!

Pam Sears

Enhance your jewelry design magazine library with a stack of magazines!  You'll get:

6 Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist: April, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec '10

1 Art Jewelry, Sept '11

1 Bead Unique, Oct '11

2 Bead Style, Jan '11 and May '11

2 Step By Step Wire Jewelry, Aug-Sept '11 and Oct-Nov '11

1 Creative Beads and Jewelry issue 17

Value:  $100

http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

 

Sue Kennedy

 

The beads were made from clear glass and a holiday themed frit!  The round beads and the silver sparkle beads measure approx. 12mm, and the large hole bracelet beads measure approx. 12x11mm.  All my beads are made in my studio in Pittsburgh by me, Susan Kennedy, and all are properly kiln annealed and cleaned with a diamond-bit Dremel. 

Value:  $50

Special code CRAFTSHOW15 will give you 15% off your purchases plus a free pair of handcrafted brass or copper earring wires with each purchase of an earring bead pair.

www.suebeads.etsy.com

www.suebeads.com

www.suebeads.blogspot.com

 

Tania Spivey

Designer's Dream Eclectic Mix 

Includes: 

1.  Polymer clay oval toggle clasp in taupe, with a dainty lavender flowering vine and gorgeous antique white sari silk.  Clay toggle measures approximately 1.5" in diameter, not including copper bail.

1.  Polymer clay bead and hammered copper toggle set in rich, woodsy shades of brown.  Accented with topaz hued crystals and beads, and includes sari silk in coordinating color.  Beads measure nearly 2" in diameter, while hammered toggle measures 1" in diameter.

2.  Eclectic mix of lime green and shades of gray polymer focal bead with brass center accents and beads, with cool shade of gray sari silk length. Focal bead measures approximately 1.25" in diameter.

 

Value $35 

www.etsy.com/shop/MoobieGraceDesigns

 www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com

Facebook

 

Staci Louise

Handcrafted earrings with hollow copper lentil charms, copper coated ceramic beads from Mykonos and handcrafted, extra long ear wires in sterling silver.

Lentils measure 21mm and the entire length of the earring from top to bottom is 66mm (just over 2.5")
 

Value  $25.00

use code stacilouise25 for 25% off in my jewelry shop www.stacilouise.etsy.com
use code stacilouise10 for 10% off in my components shop www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com
 

www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
 www.stacilouise.blogspot.com
 www.stacilouise.etsy.com
 www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com

Marge Beebe

This amazing slice of crazy lace agate includes red, white, gray lines.  This slice is attached to ultra suede and beaded embroidered around and finished with a smooth ultra suede in the back. This piece measures 2.5" x 1.5" and is on a suede lace.

Value $45

Use code GIVEAWAY in my shop for 15% off
now until 12/25/11
 

http://www.artfire.com/users/rockcreekcreations
http://www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com

Kim Hutchinson

Upcycled game piece pendant

Size is approximately 1" x 1.5". Original collage made with upcycled materials then sealed multiply times (is water resistant but not water proof- so please do not shower or swim with it on). 

Value $10
Free shipping in Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hutchink

http://jumbledhutch.wordpress.com

Cilla Watkins

Red Czech Glass Flower and Crystal Earrings with Antiqued Brass

Lovely vintage red Czech glass flower bead, stunning hand cut crystal, and antiqued brass.

Perfect for your Holiday Activities: Sledding,Skating,Shopping,Eating, Partying,Wrapping,Working,Playing. You name it these work horse earrings will work for you! Good Luck!

Value: $18.00

www.tellyourgirlfriends.etsy.com

www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

 

Angela May

 

St Michael and Virgin Mary Pendant

This double-sided glass pendant features an image of the Theotokos Virgin Mary and Christ Child on one side and St Michael the Archangel on the reverse.

This pendant is 1.5" square, 3" long including the dangles and bail.  One of the dangles is a vintage Virgin Mary medal and the other is a two-dimensional image of St Michael. 

I have taken a more rustic approach with the silvery lead-free solder used to seal it, thus making it appear ages old. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while swimming or bathing. Clean with any dry silver polishing cloth. It will come with a simple 16-19" necklace or you can choose to have a custom beaded necklace made for it.  Size:  1.5" x 1.5" pendant, 3" long with the dangles and bail.

Value: pendant only, $18, with necklace,  $28.

  

http://www.saintlyimagesandmore.etsy.com

http://canterburycottageherbals.blogspot.com

 

Lola Surwillo

Rings are my favorite piece of jewelry to create, buy and wear.  The most unique aspect of my rings – and a favorite feature of my customers – is that they are woven on strong elastic for durability and ease of wear.   They are very light and comfortable, and are a great option for those who suffer from arthritis.

One person will win one ring for a total of three giveaways!

Ring #1 – Tagua nut focal surrounded by golden red seed beads and round, gold-filled beads -- Value: $14

Ring #2 – Decorative, metal bracelet slide surrounded by charlotte seed beads and square metal beads --Value: $12

Ring #3 – Swarovski crystal bracelet slides surrounded by charlotte seed beads -- Value $19

www.beadlolabead.etsy.com

www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

www.beadlolabead.com

 

Rebekah Payne

Five handcrafted beads made 
by Rebekah Payne of Tree Wings Studio

One Turquoise Pony bead: a little pony made entirely of turquoise and coral polymer clay measuring about 27x35 mm.  Hole running down through its back to its hooves. 

One Mr. Brown Owl focal bead: Hand shaped in brown polymer clay with a white patina on his feathers. 34x19 mm and has a hole running through the top of his head to just above his tail on the back. 

One Sleepy Brown Owl bead: Owl in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 20x18 mm and has a hole running through the top of its head to just above its tail on the back. 

One pair of Sleepy Foxes: Foxes in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 19x18mm with a hole running from their tails up through their backs. 

 

Value $42

Be sure to stop by the shop too! Use coupon code CRAFTSHOW10 for a 10% discount starting today and running through December 3rd.

Shop: treewingsstudio.etsy.com
Blog: treewingsstudio.com
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/treewingsstudio/

Erin Prais-Hintz

 

One quarter of the 'simple truth' sampler club.

Value: $54 (shipping included!)

www.tesoritrovati.com
www.tesoritrovati.etsy.com
http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

 

Come back tomorrow for 

more giveaways!

WARM UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS, IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Well, folks, it's just a few more days until The First Annual Virtual Craft Show and, yes I've said it before, I'll be a part of it!  Here's how it's going to work:

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

Can you believe it????

I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 

Facebooking this page

Twittering this page

Blogging this page

Once you've made a comment either on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog, be sure to let me know in the comments.  Also, be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

So, that's how it's going to work. I'll be a part of the show for only 5 days, but you can visit as many shops as you want over the course the Show and, hey, why not any time after?  Some of the Etsy shops will have Christmas discounts going on later, too. 

Yes, I know a few of the prizes to be given away.  No, I'm not going to tell you. So there!  You'll have to visit the individual blogs and comment there for your chance at their prize.  Trust me, it's worth it!  The start of this whole shootin' match will be here, so be sure to start off there (yes, you comment on her site, too, to win prizes.)  My Etsy shop WILL be open by the day the Show starts, but I'm hoping to have it up and running before then, so check back and see if the link has been added over on the right near the Facebook link.

Happy Giving Thanks Day, folks!
And, Happy Shopping!

MARSHA NEAL'S DESTASH SALE

Wow, I am just a postin' momma today!  Well, the reason for this one is because I made the mistake of visiting Marsha Neals' Etsy shop, Marsha Neal Studio, and bought these three pendents.  Aren't they great?  Yes, they're yellow. I'm planning to use them in my Spina Bifida line.  Yellow being the color of Hope for Spina Bifida and, in the first two pendants, the design puts me in mind of the spine and nerves that those born with SB have to deal with. (go to the Mayo Clinic to learn more about SB)

The 3rd pendant, the flower, is about hope; hope for the children, hope for their future, hope that all parents who deal with SB as their children grow struggle to keep alive because those kids do things at a different rate and level than "other kids" and because they want their kids to know it's about THEM, not about the SB they live with.  The first one I make will be going to my personal SB Momma who has taught me about living with this handicap. Being a mother to an as-active-as-possible little boy with SB and her hopes, fears, worries and tears in spite the knowledge that God is still in charge of all things.  She doesn't know it, of course, it's a surprise (unless she reads this) but the other two will be for sale as soon as I get them made and MY Etsy store up and running.  Thanks, Marsha, for having your Destash Sale!

CHALLENGE. ACCEPTED!

OOoohhhh!  I am either OUT of my MIND!  Or getting brave.  I haven't decided which, yet.  On top of the Virtual Craft Show I'm taking part in (see ad to right) I've decided to be part of a design challenge for the Art Bead Scene November Challenge.  I actually have some beads the colors of this months' challenge and thought I'd be brave.  Now... to come up with a design.

Necklace?

Bracelet?

Earrings?
Then, a friend of mine asked if I had thought of making and selling lanyards for those who have to have a company ID badge on/with them at all times.  I actually had and was planning to make that one of the things I sell in my Etsy shop (not that she was aware of this! HA!).  So, I decided that I would attempt my design around a lanyard!  I can make more than one item, it appears, so the first will be a lanyard.  If that makes me happy, then maybe some glasses holders or earrings.  I love these colors for the challenge, but, then, I love Autumn and her many colors as well.  So, as soon as the design is complete and put together, I will be sure to post the pics... well, I have to.  That's part of the rules to enter the contest. 

I may not survive this, but at least I've gotten out of my comfort zone and tried something new!  We all should.  Otherwise our minds atrophy.