LOL I woke up this morning and, instead of rain, I had another coating of snow in my yard. This is getting tedious.
Today is going to be busy though. I have a dentist appointment (lost a filling and I think I swallowed it), I need to finish some jewelry for my craft show on Saturday, and I need to do some cleaning in this house. If I don't, I'll find myself on the show, "Hoarders", pretty soon.
I have been busy shopping too. LOL Mostly items for the craft show. I bought this lovely holster apron that I can keep my money and iphone in. I will be using my iphone to take credit cards this time. I am really excited and hope it helps sales.
I also invested in recycled paper gift bags and logo stickers so customers can leave my table feeling good about their purchase.
I've ordered new earring cards and a few more jewelry display pieces. Let's see, have I forgotten anything.....?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tried the New Clay...and Love It!
I've been primarily working in stoneware clay and I do like what I've come up with, however, this last batch of pendants was made with white stoneware, which isn't as dark or sandy as the previous clay. After it is fired, the color of the bisque is nice and white so you can use a clear glaze and get some beautiful results from the natural clay.
This first pendant is made using a rose glaze that comes out almost plummy. The second one is the same glaze, just sponged off the front and glazed in clear.
This first pendant is made using a rose glaze that comes out almost plummy. The second one is the same glaze, just sponged off the front and glazed in clear.
I think the lighter clay body makes the glazes I've been using much lighter in color and brighter too. I really love how the celadon and pea green mix well together.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
February is Give-Away Month...and my birthday
I am having my very first give-away on facebook right now and I am really excited about it. If you are on facebook, go to my page and check it out...leave a comment and be eligible to win a copper chainmaille bracelet. If you aren't on facebook, don't worry. My next giveaway will be on the blog. So stick with me, it will be worth it.
Another wonderful artist, Yolanda, of Yolanda's Clay, is having a giveaway right now too. She has a set of clay beads (they are gorgeous too) for some lucky person who comments on her blog. She has been invaluable to me. You see, I just joined the Beads of Clay group on Etsy, and she welcomed me to the group and led me through all the requirements and has supported me on my facebook page and in the group. I have had a wonderful experience so far and it is due to her. Love ya, Yoli!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Jewelry Lessons and Why Snow is Hypnotic
OK, I'm just sitting here looking out the window at the snow falling and getting sleepy. The snow is whispering to me, "Dana. It's time to go to sleep," and as it falls, I am headed more and more towards snoreville.
So, I thought I'd blog a bit and wake up my brain.
I've had a few people ask me how I started making jewelry. It sort of started by accident. I was a wine consultant at the time and wanted to make wine glass charms for my hostesses, but one day I really noticed the beads I was using and thought they'd look good on a bracelet. Now, mind you, I've never really been big into jewelry. Didn't even wear much of it. But as soon as I put that little bracelet together with wire (it looked horrible and I didn't do it right), I was hooked.
So, I was off to Hobby Lobby.
After buying a bunch of beads and stuff I didn't know how to use, I went home. My Hobster Lobster didn't offer any classes, so I turned to the internet. You wouldn't believe how many websites are dedicated to making handcrafted jewelry! Here are some great tips and websites that helped me along my jewelry journey.
First, for those of you who would like to learn to make your own jewelry, I'd suggest getting a subscription to Bead Style magazine. They always have great tutorials and differing levels of difficulty, so you can start and keep learning as you progress. They also have a great list of tools that are neccessary to making jewelry and describe what they are used for.
Second, look for a good bead store. Hobby Lobby is OK, but they have limited stock. A real bead store dedicated to jewelry components (also may offer classes) is where you will fall in love with all the gemstone beads strands, the silver bali beads, the lampwork beads, the swarovski crystals, and... well, at this point, you will decide to never leave.
Third, go to the internet. Jewelrylessons.com is a great place to start. They have beginning tutorials all the way through Very Advanced. Some cost a few dollars to purchase, but most of the basics are free. Each tutorial is written by a person who loves to make handcrafted jewelry and wants to share what they know with you.
Beaducation.com is another good website. They have online tutorials that show you exactly how to create beautiful jewelry. And they have wicked tools for sale. :)
You can purchase gorgeous beads at Firemountain Gems. I could browse there for hours. They have everything you would ever need to make beautiful jewelry.
Fourth, join an online group about jewelry-making. There are tons on Facebook and yahoo. Just surf the web and you'll find something. If you find a group near you, it is worth your while to join and go to meetings. Women sitting around talking about beads and jewelry is a wonderful thing. You can learn something and make friends. And if there aren't any groups near you, start one! Meetup.com is a great way to do that.
Finally, look for jewelry classes near you. Craft stores may offer them, community colleges, city recreation departments, etc... taking a class can be really fun! There are so many different ways to make jewelry and learning new techniques can so interesting and rewarding. Besides beading, there is wire-wrapping, metal clay, polymer clay, regular clay, glasswork, hemp braiding, silversmithing, etc.
There is always something new to learn.
So, I thought I'd blog a bit and wake up my brain.
I've had a few people ask me how I started making jewelry. It sort of started by accident. I was a wine consultant at the time and wanted to make wine glass charms for my hostesses, but one day I really noticed the beads I was using and thought they'd look good on a bracelet. Now, mind you, I've never really been big into jewelry. Didn't even wear much of it. But as soon as I put that little bracelet together with wire (it looked horrible and I didn't do it right), I was hooked.
So, I was off to Hobby Lobby.
After buying a bunch of beads and stuff I didn't know how to use, I went home. My Hobster Lobster didn't offer any classes, so I turned to the internet. You wouldn't believe how many websites are dedicated to making handcrafted jewelry! Here are some great tips and websites that helped me along my jewelry journey.
First, for those of you who would like to learn to make your own jewelry, I'd suggest getting a subscription to Bead Style magazine. They always have great tutorials and differing levels of difficulty, so you can start and keep learning as you progress. They also have a great list of tools that are neccessary to making jewelry and describe what they are used for.
Second, look for a good bead store. Hobby Lobby is OK, but they have limited stock. A real bead store dedicated to jewelry components (also may offer classes) is where you will fall in love with all the gemstone beads strands, the silver bali beads, the lampwork beads, the swarovski crystals, and... well, at this point, you will decide to never leave.
Third, go to the internet. Jewelrylessons.com is a great place to start. They have beginning tutorials all the way through Very Advanced. Some cost a few dollars to purchase, but most of the basics are free. Each tutorial is written by a person who loves to make handcrafted jewelry and wants to share what they know with you.
Beaducation.com is another good website. They have online tutorials that show you exactly how to create beautiful jewelry. And they have wicked tools for sale. :)
You can purchase gorgeous beads at Firemountain Gems. I could browse there for hours. They have everything you would ever need to make beautiful jewelry.
Fourth, join an online group about jewelry-making. There are tons on Facebook and yahoo. Just surf the web and you'll find something. If you find a group near you, it is worth your while to join and go to meetings. Women sitting around talking about beads and jewelry is a wonderful thing. You can learn something and make friends. And if there aren't any groups near you, start one! Meetup.com is a great way to do that.
Finally, look for jewelry classes near you. Craft stores may offer them, community colleges, city recreation departments, etc... taking a class can be really fun! There are so many different ways to make jewelry and learning new techniques can so interesting and rewarding. Besides beading, there is wire-wrapping, metal clay, polymer clay, regular clay, glasswork, hemp braiding, silversmithing, etc.
There is always something new to learn.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year Y'all!
The new year brings a lot of things: the taking down of the Christmas tree, the packing away of the decorations, new year's resolutions, and the building of Pinewood Derby cars.
The latter being my husband's big ticket item.
It's the one thing every year he really enjoys doing. He and my son collaborate, purchase supplies, and get to building every January 1st so they can compete with the other Scouts and their dads come Pinewood Derby day. And I have to say, they are good at it. Most years, my sons have come in first in their dens and pack.
For me, the new year means making those resolutions that sometimes I never keep, such as weight loss. I always say, "this year I'm gonna lose those thirty pounds!" And it never happens. Instead of making my new year full of anxieties that I won't meet my goal of weight loss, this year I am starting with positive goals. Some fun things that, if I succeed, will contribute to weight loss, a new ability, and business growth.
I only have two resolutions: to become better at wheel-throwing pottery, and learn to bellydance.
That's it.
Doesn't it sound fun???
The latter being my husband's big ticket item.
It's the one thing every year he really enjoys doing. He and my son collaborate, purchase supplies, and get to building every January 1st so they can compete with the other Scouts and their dads come Pinewood Derby day. And I have to say, they are good at it. Most years, my sons have come in first in their dens and pack.
For me, the new year means making those resolutions that sometimes I never keep, such as weight loss. I always say, "this year I'm gonna lose those thirty pounds!" And it never happens. Instead of making my new year full of anxieties that I won't meet my goal of weight loss, this year I am starting with positive goals. Some fun things that, if I succeed, will contribute to weight loss, a new ability, and business growth.
I only have two resolutions: to become better at wheel-throwing pottery, and learn to bellydance.
That's it.
Doesn't it sound fun???
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy Holidays!
I don't know about y'all, but I am ready for the kids to get back to school already. They are driving me nuts. Love 'em, but the house is much quieter without them.
Due to sick kids and the holidays, I have missed my last two pottery classes, so I am looking forward to my next workshop. My goal is to refine my wheel-throwing technique....well, actually I am just trying to get better at it. LOL About 50% of what I make on the wheel is good enough to fire.
So, anyway, I will be back in the next few days with some new items being made. Hope to see you there!
Due to sick kids and the holidays, I have missed my last two pottery classes, so I am looking forward to my next workshop. My goal is to refine my wheel-throwing technique....well, actually I am just trying to get better at it. LOL About 50% of what I make on the wheel is good enough to fire.
My favorite piece though, so far, is my dogwood blossom bowl. The glaze on this one was supposed to be white, but as the glazes all look alike before firing anyway, somehow the cobalt got into the white and created this pretty baby blue. Talk about a surprise when it came out of the kiln. :)
My pendants are coming along quite nicely. I am very happy with how they look and am trying new ways to make them. Now I just need to buy some new glazes in different colors to mix it up a bit.
This is one of my favorites. It's glazed with a dark brown glaze, sponged off a bit to highlight the texture, and then glazed in clear before firing.
So, anyway, I will be back in the next few days with some new items being made. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I still love copper...
My son's football team is having their banquet this weekend and I am donating some jewelry for their raffle. I decided on this copper chainmaille necklace with a polymer clay pendant that was made by Stephanie Hanson. I love her work.
Plus, everytime I buy one of her pendants, she donates a percentage to Equine Advocates.
Plus, everytime I buy one of her pendants, she donates a percentage to Equine Advocates.
Lots to do...and too little time
I recently joined the Beads of Clay etsy team and was chatting with the representative, and she mentioned that she tweets/blogs/markets her a$$ off and that it is working for her. I definitely see how facebook has worked for me. My shop get hits just by mentioning them on facebook and twitter, when otherwise it might take time for people to find me.
Now, I used to love blogging. I still do. It's just that facebook and twitter takes less time. Or so I thought. When I really sat down and thought about it...I spend a ton of time of facebook when I shouldn't have to. All the games, people popping in and out to chat with, all the crafters and artists to visit and "like" their latest creations.... It can take a lot of time to navigate.
Time that I could be spending blogging.
And so, my resolve is fixed. I will be a better blogger.
Besides, my craft has gone in a whole other direction now. I am making my own stoneware pendants, charms, and ring holders.
Who knew that playing in the mud as a kid and making my sister eat mud pies could lead to this? ;)
Now, I used to love blogging. I still do. It's just that facebook and twitter takes less time. Or so I thought. When I really sat down and thought about it...I spend a ton of time of facebook when I shouldn't have to. All the games, people popping in and out to chat with, all the crafters and artists to visit and "like" their latest creations.... It can take a lot of time to navigate.
Time that I could be spending blogging.
And so, my resolve is fixed. I will be a better blogger.
Besides, my craft has gone in a whole other direction now. I am making my own stoneware pendants, charms, and ring holders.
Who knew that playing in the mud as a kid and making my sister eat mud pies could lead to this? ;)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Big Earring Giveaway!
All this week, I am featured on Cafe Handmade's Giveaway page.
What am I giving away? A gorgeous pair of sterling silver hoop earrings with Greek disc beads.
1) Visit Colors of the Wood Jewelry’s shop and tell us (Cafe Handmade) about another item you like and why by leaving a comment with a link below.
2) Visit the Virtual Craft Show and tell us which booth stands out to you and why. Be sure to leave a link so others can visit too!
3) Tweet about this giveaway, include @cafehandmade, and leave a comment below with your @profile.
Entries will be accepted until June 6th at 8pm EST. The winner will be drawn then.
http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/2010/05/giveaway-by-colors-of-the-woods-jewelry/
What am I giving away? A gorgeous pair of sterling silver hoop earrings with Greek disc beads.
1) Visit Colors of the Wood Jewelry’s shop and tell us (Cafe Handmade) about another item you like and why by leaving a comment with a link below.
2) Visit the Virtual Craft Show and tell us which booth stands out to you and why. Be sure to leave a link so others can visit too!
3) Tweet about this giveaway, include @cafehandmade, and leave a comment below with your @profile.
Entries will be accepted until June 6th at 8pm EST. The winner will be drawn then.
http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/2010/05/giveaway-by-colors-of-the-woods-jewelry/
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
To Pickle or Not to Pickle...
...that is the question. LOL
Now that I am working with copper clay, I find the need to use a pickling solution for the first time. I went and bought my copper clay kit, complete with a cute little mini crockpot, and have it set up in my workroom. I have the pickle solution.
What I don't have is the nerve to use it.
What is a pickling solution? Everytime I think of it, I imagine pickles sitting in a jar. More experienced artists know it to be a caustic solution to take off firescale from certain metals.
Here is a link to tell you all about pickling.
Hence my trepidation.
So, to pickle or not to pickle? Well if I want to finish up that copper jewelry, I must pickle.
Now that I am working with copper clay, I find the need to use a pickling solution for the first time. I went and bought my copper clay kit, complete with a cute little mini crockpot, and have it set up in my workroom. I have the pickle solution.
What I don't have is the nerve to use it.
What is a pickling solution? Everytime I think of it, I imagine pickles sitting in a jar. More experienced artists know it to be a caustic solution to take off firescale from certain metals.
Here is a link to tell you all about pickling.
Hence my trepidation.
So, to pickle or not to pickle? Well if I want to finish up that copper jewelry, I must pickle.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Metal Clay Class
Oh, I had so much fun at my class on Saturday. There were two other ladies there, both from Wisconsin, who drove down from Green Bay to take a couple of classes. They were a hoot!
Susan, our instructor, was very good. She makes some gorgeous jewelry.
We had all day, so we ended up making multiple pieces out of silver clay. Silver clay is purer than sterling silver clay. I made one ring, two pendants, and two pairs of earring charms.
Sorry, the photos aren't that great. I decided to keep all the pieces for myself so I didn't take the time to photoshop them.
Since I have a love of dogwood trees, I decided to free-hand this dogwood blossom onto a disc pendant. I deliberately did not burnish the inside of the blossom so as to give it the appearance of being a separate layer.
I like these earrings! I used a modern pattern on the surface, and made separate discs to give it a feminine, tinkly, sound when they move.
This pendant was of my own design, but patterned after the one we used as a template. I liked the earthy feel of it. I used a "tree bark" pattern mold to give it texture, and then used the syringe to freehand the "vines". I also used a peridot gemstone as a focal piece. After the firing, I dipped the piece in liver of sulfer for an antique effect and then burnished it to bring out the silver highlights.
This ring was my worst piece. It came out rather egg-shaped instead of round. LOL But it came out a little nicer than I expected after I added some free-hand syringe work and then antiqued it as well.
I have many ideas for making jewelry out of the silver clay. I plan on more dogwood blossom pendants, acorns, pine cones, etc... The possibilities are endless!
Susan, our instructor, was very good. She makes some gorgeous jewelry.
We had all day, so we ended up making multiple pieces out of silver clay. Silver clay is purer than sterling silver clay. I made one ring, two pendants, and two pairs of earring charms.
Sorry, the photos aren't that great. I decided to keep all the pieces for myself so I didn't take the time to photoshop them.
Since I have a love of dogwood trees, I decided to free-hand this dogwood blossom onto a disc pendant. I deliberately did not burnish the inside of the blossom so as to give it the appearance of being a separate layer.
I like these earrings! I used a modern pattern on the surface, and made separate discs to give it a feminine, tinkly, sound when they move.
This pendant was of my own design, but patterned after the one we used as a template. I liked the earthy feel of it. I used a "tree bark" pattern mold to give it texture, and then used the syringe to freehand the "vines". I also used a peridot gemstone as a focal piece. After the firing, I dipped the piece in liver of sulfer for an antique effect and then burnished it to bring out the silver highlights.
This ring was my worst piece. It came out rather egg-shaped instead of round. LOL But it came out a little nicer than I expected after I added some free-hand syringe work and then antiqued it as well.
I have many ideas for making jewelry out of the silver clay. I plan on more dogwood blossom pendants, acorns, pine cones, etc... The possibilities are endless!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tomorrow is the Day!!!
Whheee! Tomorrow is the day I take my precious metal clay class! I am so psyched!
I have been interested in this medium for about a year, but couldn't find a class close enough to me. And I "ain't" going into the city to take a class. No way, no how. I don't like driving into Chicago since I get lost too easily. I'm a country girl through and through.
My husband recently asked me what I do all day.
Well, I make jewelry, network online to sell my jewelry, twitter to sell my jewelry, blog to network to sell my jewelry, network online to meet other crafters to get ideas on selling my jewelry,....you get the picture. It's a never-ending process and I am enjoying it so much.
So. Today is going to be a long day, I can tell. Tomorrow night I'll post pictures of the items I make at my class. I can't wait to show y'all!
So in the words of the famous southern Geico pothole....
"Kay! Bye!"
I have been interested in this medium for about a year, but couldn't find a class close enough to me. And I "ain't" going into the city to take a class. No way, no how. I don't like driving into Chicago since I get lost too easily. I'm a country girl through and through.
My husband recently asked me what I do all day.
Well, I make jewelry, network online to sell my jewelry, twitter to sell my jewelry, blog to network to sell my jewelry, network online to meet other crafters to get ideas on selling my jewelry,....you get the picture. It's a never-ending process and I am enjoying it so much.
So. Today is going to be a long day, I can tell. Tomorrow night I'll post pictures of the items I make at my class. I can't wait to show y'all!
So in the words of the famous southern Geico pothole....
"Kay! Bye!"
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Top Etsy Shops April Features
OK, The blog, Top Etsy Shops is having a contest. Your blog can be featured for the entire month of April if you just follow a few easy steps.
I can always use the added publicity, so I am posting their links so I can be added to the drawing.
You can too! Just go over to Top Etsy Shops and join in!
http://topetsyshops.blogspot.com/
Long time, no see!
I am so addicted to facebook. I swear! I spend most of time on there networking, when I'm not making jewelry or taking care of the kids. I have neglected my blog and I am sorry.
Not too much going on lately. Same old same old...but I am taking a precious metal clay class on Saturday and I am very excited about it.
I was surfing the internet one day for bead stores in my area and came across Art Clay World, which is located a few miles from my house. Didn't know it was there, or even existed. So, I called them up and asked some questions about classes and next thing I know, I am at their gallery getting a tour of some of their artists pieces. I was hooked!
For those of you who might not know what Art Clay is, it is a precious metal clay that you can sculpt, then fire in a kiln which leaves nothing but the metal. You can make rings, pendants, charms, sculptures, you can embellish other items...there are so many possibilities.
So, first things first...take the class. LOL Saturday seems so far away.
Not too much going on lately. Same old same old...but I am taking a precious metal clay class on Saturday and I am very excited about it.
I was surfing the internet one day for bead stores in my area and came across Art Clay World, which is located a few miles from my house. Didn't know it was there, or even existed. So, I called them up and asked some questions about classes and next thing I know, I am at their gallery getting a tour of some of their artists pieces. I was hooked!
For those of you who might not know what Art Clay is, it is a precious metal clay that you can sculpt, then fire in a kiln which leaves nothing but the metal. You can make rings, pendants, charms, sculptures, you can embellish other items...there are so many possibilities.
So, first things first...take the class. LOL Saturday seems so far away.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Selling on Commission
I've had a few inquiries lately about selling my jewelry in gift shops. How to go about that? I am not even sure.
Right now I am reading "Crafts and Craft Shows: How to Make Money" by Philip Kadubek. It has some pretty good advice on the many different ways to sell your crafts.
I was selling at a craft show last week and realised that I had the highest priced jewelry there. Not that it is overpriced...the opposite in fact...it's just that I had the only wire-wrapped and gemstone jewelry there. Does this mean that I need to start concentrating on Fine Arts and Craft shows? Hmmmm. Something to ponder...
Right now I am reading "Crafts and Craft Shows: How to Make Money" by Philip Kadubek. It has some pretty good advice on the many different ways to sell your crafts.
I was selling at a craft show last week and realised that I had the highest priced jewelry there. Not that it is overpriced...the opposite in fact...it's just that I had the only wire-wrapped and gemstone jewelry there. Does this mean that I need to start concentrating on Fine Arts and Craft shows? Hmmmm. Something to ponder...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
New Line of Jewelry
I've seen so many women going to their college football games wearing gorgeous jewelry, so I decided to jon the bandwagon. Here are two in my new Game Day line. They are for anyone who's team colors just happen to be crimson and white. LOL
However, I am willing to make some jewelry in other colors. All you have to do is ask.
However, I am willing to make some jewelry in other colors. All you have to do is ask.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hello Autumn!
Wow, summer is almost gone and today really feels like it. Only 63 degrees out and rainy. Y'all know what that means?
Fall Festivals and craft shows.
I am all set for two craft shows and looking to book a few more. But before I go, I have to redesign my craft booth. I have some great ideas; both simplistic and earthy. It includes burlap.
Here are a couple more pieces that I have up on etsy..
I purchased a tutorial off of www.jewelrylessons.com by CL Design. The copper pendant has been antiqued and polished. I love them!
Monday, September 14, 2009
I Have More Sisters!
Well, I finally joined the Sassy Sisters in Sales! After having a couple of them invite me, I ambled on over to check them out and liked what I saw.
If you like to shop, you should check them out...I mean, "us" out, as well. LOL Lots of crafters as well as vendors with a lot of gorgeous items! Plus, they have an online vendor fair, A Sassy Affair, twice a month where you can meet the vendors, ask questions about their products and shop at the same time.
Have fun!
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