hello gorgeous design: artisans

Showing posts with label artisans. Show all posts

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Something tasty....

a bit of soup...

I am a bit late to the party as I have just returned from hols and the posting and receiving happened whilst I was away, then there was the catch up on return...washing, playing, ironing, playing, tidying, playing...

I was partnered with Kristina of Wild roses and blackberries and looking through her blog was overwhelmed at all the different styles she likes to tackle. To be honest, I wasn't sure what I should gather together for her, but on closer inspection realised that what I create with is not what Kristina creates with {often}. So, it was a case of teasing out of her some favourite colours/textures, adding a focal and clasp {of course} and some "extras".....

This is what I sent Kristina, hoping {fingers firmly crossed} that she would love the colours as much as I do.

I also found out that Kristina has a "thing" for dragons and, as I live in Wales I couldn't resist adding a little something extra to her package. Afterall, the Welsh dragon is our National symbol {besides the Daffodil}. I took the beads on holiday with me and went "hunting" for a dragon...

I found two lovely dragons, one to look after her hot drink and one to protect her when she goes out into the big wide world, I also added a stick of Rock {No.8 which can ONLY be found in Pwllheli}....sadly, I forgot to take a picture of them as I was too engrossed in taking pictures of the soup!

I know Kristina will share them with you tho!

I have recieved my soup from Kristina but I need to get some decent photos of the gorgeous-ness before I can share, unfortunately the weather has been gloomy for the last few days....but stay tuned it's getting brighter by the weekend!

Bead Soup will be shared worldwide on 17th September...make sure you return for your bowl!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Friday, 10 June 2011

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop!

That's exactly how I have been this week!

My fav jewellery designer, Tracy-Ann over at Cinnamon Jewellery has finally taken the plunge and opened a findings shop at Folksy.

Cinnamon Jewellery Findings

I can't tell you how excited I am at this, I ♥ Tracy's work...her designs are just so scrummy to look at and has you in a spin not knowing which one should come home with you, just like when choosing candy!

Sterling Silver Spiral Pink Agate

I would describe her style as contemporary, clean and very original. Tracy work's with a number of materials creating wirework and metalwork to die for. Her designs in Sterling Silver caught my eye originally and since then has branched out to working with Copper and Enamel.

Cinnamon Jewellery on Folksy

If you've got time on your hands this weekend and you're not sure what to do, then take five minutes to check out her creations....at the moment Tracy has listed only Copper but has plans to include silver-filled wired {and, if cost is not an issue} Sterling Silver findings.

I, for one, can't wait!!

Have a fun-filled weekend....

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Something New...

When I Grow Up, I wanna be....

It's a question most of us, if not all, have muttered at some point in our pre-adult life...and quite possibly in our adult life too!

"And what do you wanna be when you grow up?"

"I wanna be a...."

Some of us had clear ideas of which direction we should go in and what the outcome would be, whilst others had absolutely no idea and whatever was muttered at the time would soon change by the end of the week, heck, sometimes by the end of the same day!!

I never actually pondered that question too much....it was asked of me but I was too busy enjoying what I was doing at that particular moment in time to wonder what I wanted to be when I was a million years older!

Mine was more a "feeling" of doing something I loved rather than a "knowing" of what I would be doing...all through my growing pains and adult life whatever I gave 110% to I "felt" this wasn't it....I've never particularly been a crafty person, I certainly can't draw for toffee, sewing is just too much effort and knitting...well lets just say my mind loses the count after the first two rows!!

It's funny how, with changing circumstances, we are thrown in different directions...through ill health I found myself dabbling in papercrafts...whilst I enjoyed this calming effect on my mind, the hold wasn't there long enough and so I turned to making jewellery and.....PING!! that was it! I felt as though I was home! THIS is what I wanted to do when I grew up!

With this thought I am putting a new blog feature together...to be aired here soon...maybe once a fortnight or once a month {haven't decided yet}....I will be asking that very question to those who have "made" something out of their dream of "when I grow up"....those who have taken their talent, imagination and determination and created a business out of it...to glimpse how they started, the ups and downs, the rewards, how they named themselves....

I can't wait to share these interviews with you...I hope you will be as excited to read them!

Check back soon...

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Saturday, 16 April 2011

It's Here!!!

7000 Bracelets for Hope Blog Hop

A few posts back I mentioned I was taking part in the above campaign....participants are asked to create one bracelet {in an adult size} in a denim/blue jeans-inspired theme. The campaign is organised by The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", for children with rare diseases. The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families who have children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

Today is reveal day, here's my creation....

The brief was to create a bracelet for an adult with a denim theme to it. As we know not everyone has the same wrist size so I cheated slightly, what better way to make sure you have a perfect fit for any size wrist than to use elastic as a stringing material! The design is made up of super sparkly crystal rounds, lapis lazuli and silver toned twisted beads....this piece catches the light beautifully....and am ashamed to say I nearly decided to keep it for myself! ;oO

There's an amazing 112 participants in this blog hop....and you can visit each and everyone just by clicking on the links to their blogs below, I am sure with all the gorgeous-ness created by these fabulous artists you will be drooling by the end of the hop!

Thanks again Lori for another inspiring blog hop request!

Enjoy!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle

3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym

4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365

5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry

8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads

10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions

12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio

13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading

14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl

15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae

17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

18. Sue Hodgkinson, hello gorgeous

19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!

20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux

32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde

35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations

40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn

44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio

46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads

48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral

49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel

50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things

54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

55. Breana Fry, Vault 31

56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie

59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs

62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs

63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings

65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay

67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads

73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life

74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner

75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee

77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design

79. Sally Russick, WireWorked

80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads

82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana

83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love

84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy

85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures

87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats

88. Deb Beechy, Beetique

89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio

93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields

94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations

97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter

98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry

99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio

100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets

102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies

104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof

105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals

106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry

107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry

108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks

109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading

110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra

112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Have a great weekend!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Monday, 28 February 2011

PHEW! I am officially STUFFED......

after all that soup!!!

♥ 209 soups visited {some twice!}

♥ 44 comments left for soupers

♥ 57 comments recevied by soupers

♥ a handful of soupers who haven't yet posted for various reasons

I want to thank all of you who took the time to visit my little place of creation and leave such beautiful comments....it's definitely encouraging to read when {quietly} you are not quite sure if you are good enough! There are some amazingly talented people out there and definitely some amazing pieces were created....too many amazing pieces to count, but two stood out for me:

SilverNikNats created two pieces from her bead soup:

and

Judith B Designs created this little beauty:

as I said above, there are SO MANY amazing pieces and everyone should be proud of their accomplishments for this event!

I can't wait for the next one in August

be sure to mark it in your diaries or post it on your blog....if this succesful soup is anything to go by then Lori will be looking for an assistant to help her with the avalanche of new sign ups in August!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Nothing Like a Bowl of Delicious Soup!!!

Yay!!
It's HERE!!!

{Please read this full & very long post, you won't be dissapointed!!}
Welcome to the 3rd Bead Soup Blog Party!

Bead Soup sent to my partner: Design by Cassandra

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

A few years back Lori Anderson of Pretty Things had this fab idea of enlisting a bunch of jewellery designers to swap a bag of beads, each beader who signed up to the soup was parterned with another jewellery designer, the aim was to challenge them to create something inspiring using materials they wouldn't normally use in their everyday beading projects, they were tasked with sending the following:

~ A focal

~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)

~ Some coordinating spacers or beads

Using the focal and the clasp was mandatory, we could also use anything from our own stash as well as {but not compulsory} the beads/spacers sent by our Soup partner.

I was fortunate to be partnered with a gorgeous lady in Canada named Cassandra of Design by Cassandra. Here's what I received from Cassandra...

Zebra Agate Focal, Zebra Agate Beads, Freshwater Pearls, Kitty Clasp, Metal Spacers,

Black Onyx & Crystal Quartz chips

And here's what I made....

...a gorgeous bracelet consisting of zebra jasper rounds, metal spacers, jade coins and the exquisite zebra jasper focal all rounded off with the kitty clasp

One of the stipulations of the Bead Soup was to use the clasp received, as the bar of the clasp didn't fit through the loop of the kitty I had to use my initiative slightly...I used the kitty part as another focal and added the bar, along with another jade coin, as a dangle....rules adhered to, drama avoided!! ;o)

As well as the above soup, I also received the following in my soup stash

Reclaimed pieces: locket, cameo earring, pieces from vintage San Marino bracelet, Amethyst Donut, Milky glass teardrop beads {pink}, Handmade lampwork beads {turquoise}, Crystal quartz beads, Spacer beads {purple & turquoise}, Flower s-clasp, Reclaimed pieces: swallow, feather, vintage charms from Paris bracelet, Silver-plated chain

I only used a fraction of the overall soup Cassandra had sent me....I have SO much to play with over the next few weeks and can't wait to keep creating soup for your enjoyment!!

Pop on over to my partner Cassandra at Design by Cassandra and see what gorgeous-ness she has created using the beads I sent to her, she has teased me with these images and I can't wait for her BIG reveal!!

Soup 1

Soup 2

Before you see what the rest of the 209 participants have created, I wanted to say a HUGE thanks to Lori Anderson for the mammoth task she undertook...I know it was a pleasure for her {program glitches put aside} and that she is already preparing for the next soup {scroll to the bottom of this post} later in the year!! To add to this awesome feat, Lori has been offered a book deal on this particular bead soup....fantastic reward for a fantastic lady!!

I also have to thank Cassandra, my partner in this soup, for being such a gem with the promotion of both our soups....it has been MUCH appreciated given everything that in happening in my personal life right now...

THANK YOU CASSANDRA!!!

Check back for details of the GIVEAWAY of my Bead Soup!!

So, no more waffling......come see what the rest of us made!

91. Sue Hodgkinson, hello gorgeous *** You Are Here!***

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio