Monday, March 26, 2012

Jewelry Display and Storage Finds

I'm always on the hunt for jewelry display and storage ideas. Recently, I was out shopping at Marshall's and I picked up these three items. A rustic, metal column candle holder, a wooden 4-drawer trinket box and a metal jewelry tree. I love looking for display items in the home decor sections at Marshall's and TJ Maxx. You can find chic and stylish pieces that will work double duty as jewelry displays and then as home decor items, when not in use! I have to have pieces that can multi-task in my home because I have got limited storage space. I love that I can scatter these around the house as home decor items, then snatch them up when I'm doing a jewelry show or craft fair.
Here's the tall, pillar candle holder being used as an earring display. The open filigree metalwork makes it just perfect for an earring holder! The antiqued finish and exotic look of it works well with my jewelry style.

Here's the little wooden trinket box. I love the carved symbols on the top and the rustic and weathered finish on it. I could use it for jewelry display or storage, but I'm thinking I will use it in my studio to store jewelry findings and components.

I hope you enjoyed my finds today. Maybe these will inspire you to do some hunting of your own.
If you find something interesting out there, I'd love to know!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Interview at Beading Daily!

 I am just thrilled to pieces that editor, Jennifer VanBenschoten gave me the opportunity to answer a few questions for the Beading Daily community regarding our new book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords. Read the full interview with me over on the Beading Daily blog!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Flap Your Wings - Judy Glende

If you were touched by this lovely lady one way or another, consider joining the blog hop tribute to her. Let's celebrate Judy's life and her design work! 
Please visit: Moobie Grace Designs to sign up to participate.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Erin-Go-Bragh!

Well, top o' the mornin' to ya! The Gaelic phase 'Erin-Go-Bragh' translates to "Ireland Forever". I hope and wish on a four leaf clover, to visit the emerald isle homeland that my ancestors hailed from someday. Until that time, I will settle for celebrating St. Patrick's Day here at home with some homemade Irish Soda Bread and a Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner!

Lucky Charm Necklace
Today, I'll be wearing my clover charm necklace. If you'd like to be blessed with the luck o' the Irish, you can make your own lucky clover. Find my tutorial posted here.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Suddenly Spring Challenge Reveal

Michelle Mach challenged more than 20 designers to take this blue sparkly, blingy glass bead stretch bracelet and make it into something hip and wearable for Spring. I was up for the challenge!

Here's the challenge bracelet with the materials I picked out for my project. Here we have an orange silk ribbon from Marsha Neal Studio, 1mm waxed cotton cord and a fancy copper toggle clasp. When I was thinking about my design,  I knew right away that I wanted to add Pantone's 2012 color of the year, tangerine tango to my piece. Perfect for Spring. Look at those colors pop!
Suddenly Spring 2012
Here is my finished piece! I kept it a bracelet. I decided to omit the silver crystal spacers that were on the original version. I used the waxed cotton cord to string the blue faceted glass roundelles. Then, I knotted the silk ribbon around the beads in a square knot.

Dress and sandals from www.shopdejavu.com
My new Suddenly Spring bracelet would look fabulous with this colorful print dress and boho flower sandals. I would love to have this outfit for Spring and Summer! Now, if you will excuse me, think I need to go buy that dress and those sandals right now.
Thank you for stopping by!
Please check in with the other designers to see what they have created.

Suddenly Spring Blog Hop Participants
 Michelle - Beads & Books [Hostess]
Andrew - The Writing & Art of Andrew Thornton
Christa - Adventures of One Beady Woman
Dita - Alankarshilpa
Donetta - Simply Gorgeous
Erin - Erin Siegel Jewelry You are here!
Heather - As I Bead It
Jean - Snap Out of It Jean - There's Beading to Be Done!
Karen - Over the Moon Design
Kate - We Can Make That At Home
Kay - Palm Coast Art
Kim - CianciBlue
Kristina - Wild Roses and Blackberries
Linda - Lindy's Designs
Lisa - Pine Ridge Treasures
Marlene - Amazing Designs by Marlene
Michelle - Reverie & Revival
Pam - The Crazy Creative Corner
Renetha - Lamplight Crafts
Sharyl - Catchenthesun
Terry - Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Therese  - Therese's Treasures
Pamela - Someday Beads

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Design Contest using Elaine Ray beads at Ornamentea!

Elaine Ray Bead Leather Bracelet

Ornamentea is holding a design contest on Facebook. Share your favorite jewelry creation made with Elaine Ray beads and you could win a $25 gift certificate from Ornamentea! I entered this leather beaded bracelet created with Elaine's 6mm ceramic rounds. I never seem to tire of this popular style. I think this one is a nice twist with the art beads! Enter and vote for your favorite designs right here!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Studio Saturday

 Bohemian Knotted Earrings
I'm honored to now be a contributing member over at the Art Bead Scene blog. Check out my first Studio Saturday post!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Suddenly Spring Challenge Teaser

 Blog Hop on March 13th

Michelle Mach challenged more than 20 designers to take this blue sparkly, blingy glass bead stretch bracelet and make it into something hip and wearable for Spring. I was up for the challenge!

Here's a little teaser pic of my challenge bracelet with the materials I picked out for my project. I knew right away that I wanted to add Pantone's 2012 color of the year, tangerine tango to my piece. Perfect for Spring. Look at those colors pop!

What do you think I made with these materials? Be sure to meet me right back here on Tuesday, March 13th 2012 to see what I made.

In the meantime, tell me what you would create with these materials? I'd love to hear!