Shades of the Past photo shoot

A local friend and photographer asked me if I wanted to have some of my jewelry pieces included in her photo shoot. Would I like pictures of my jewelry gracing the necks, wrists and ears of gorgeous models in an amazing location? "Um...YES! Sign me up, please!" I even got to be there on location the day of the shoot and play 'Stylist' on the set. The shoot was called "Shades of the Past". A passion project between my friend, Monica Bushor and another talented photographer, Mat Lavigne. More photos from the entire shoot can be viewed at www.shadesofthepastphotos.com. The photo shoot had four different themes or genres: Roaring 20's, High Fantasy, Modern Formal and Medieval.

Roaring 20's style photo shoot

 Gilded Gold Tassels Necklace and Earrings - 20's style photo shoot

 Gilded Gold Tassels Necklace and Earrings - 20's style photo shoot

 Hemlock Forest Necklace - 20's style photo shoot

Hemlock Forest Necklace - 20's style photo shoot

Champagne Shimmer necklace - 20's style photo shoot

High Fantasy photo shoot

 

Turning Leaf necklace - Earth Fae photo shoot

 Turning Leaf necklace - Earth Fae photo shoot

Fire Goddess necklace - Fire Fae photo shoot

Stormy Winds necklace - Wind Fae photo shoot

Stormy Winds necklace and bracelet - Wind Fae photo shoot

Modern Formal photo shoot

Champagne Shimmer necklace - Modern Formal photo shoot

Champagne Shimmer necklace - Modern Formal photo shoot

Midnight Pearls necklace and earrings - Modern Formal photo shoot

Midnight Pearls necklace and earrings - Modern Formal photo shoot

Misty Lilac necklace and bracelet - Modern Formal photo shoot

I'm grateful that Monica invited me to be apart of her special project. I had so much fun collaborating with her and the rest of the team. I will be working with them again on future projects. Stay tuned!

artBLISS 2013 in Latergrams

Oh dear, I'm woefully behind on updates around here. These pics are supposed to be Instagrams. Latergrams will have to do...

On the weekend of September 27th, 28th and 29th, I traveled to the Washington D.C. area's jewelry retreat, artBLISS. When I arrived, I was greeted by the artbliss mascot. She is pretty, classy and perfectly patriotic. I'm bad with names but, I think her name is Eleanor? Excuse me, if that's not right.

Friday night was the 'Meet and Greet' event. Here I am with my friend and fellow artist, Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati Jewelry. I'm happy to have spent some quality time with her over the weekend!

On Saturday, I took Stacie Florer's Thin Gauge Metals class. These are the earrings I made during class. I'm thrilled with them! It was so much fun. Stacie's class was everything I knew it would be and more. I really connect with Stacie on a deep personal level and a creative one. Her class was inspiring in more ways than one. I learned a lot, got tons of personal attention from Stacie even though her class was full to the max and I just enjoyed creating in the environment that she facilitates. Oh, and laughed a lot, too!  I do hope our paths continue to cross and I get to work with her again in the future. Before I took the class, I said I was participating for the experience and had no specific intention of adding metalwork to my jewelry. Now, I could actually see myself playing with the techniques I learned. Working with the thin gauge metal is beginner-friendly, forgiving and very approachable. There's lots of potential. I'm excited about the possibilities!

Saturday evening was the 'Soiree' event of shopping and socializing! Here I am at my vendor table. I sold copies of my book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry, kits, and an array of my favorite jewelry-making materials, beads and findings from Ornamentea.com. I also demonstrated one of my favorite projects from Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry, my Leather Ruffle Hoop earrings.

Another treat was getting to see my friend, Tracy Statler of Make Bracelets! She also had a table at the soiree selling some of her stash. And oh, how I loved her stash! I did some shopping with her but, I would have loved to take that whole table home! Too bad my suitcase was already overweight. Tracy makes the coolest jewelry and she contributed some of her awesome designs to Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry. Tracy is a sot-after designer. She recently added Cindy Wimmer's new book, The Missing Link to her book contributions.

Speaking of The Missing Link book, here it is! ArtBLISS co-creator, Cindy Wimmer just authored her own wire jewelry book called The Missing Link: From Basic to Beautiful Wirework Jewelry. Fortunately, her author copies arrived just in time for her artBLISS retreat and she was able to have a book signing! WhooHoo! It just wouldn't have been the same without it. Having Cindy's book there and being able to get a signed copy straight from her was a highlight for me and it made artBLISS this year that much more exciting.

Here's Cindy signing copies surrounded by the fabulous jewelry from the book. Well, it's about time this talented jewelry artist authored her own book showcasing her incredible work. I've thought this for some time. I have to say it was well worth the wait. This is one of the best wire technique books I've seen in a long time.The wire links themselves are the stars here. The link designs are beautiful, original and highly adaptable. The step-by-step photos and instructions are thorough, detailed and well-executed. Even a beginner could follow along and make the wire links with these excellent photos and directions. One of the things I love the most is the gorgeous photography and styling. The photos do justice to Cindy's exquisite work and that of her contributing designers. The style of the photos shine with Cindy's personal touch and aesthetic with her own vintage props used for backgrounds. It's a gorgeous book and I'm thrilled I came home from artBLISS with my own author-signed copy!
 

ArtBLISS 2013

www.artblissworkshops.com

Oh my, the artBLISS retreat is next weekend! Hard to believe it's already that time. I will be attending and vending the event again this year and I can't wait. It's hosted by fellow jewelry artists and friends, Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix. It's one of my favorite social gatherings of the year. You can read about my time there last year here. Since I missed out on all the fun and camaraderie at Bead Fest in August, I'm anticipating artBLISS with intensity. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time chatting with my creative friends in attendance.

Thin Gauge Metal Workshop with Stacie Florer

Last year, I was one of the five instructors. I taught my Macrame Flower Bracelet class and I demonstrated how to do some macrame knotting. This year, I'm a student. I'm taking Stacie Florer's Thin Gauge Metal Workshop just for fun! Stacie is such a beautiful, inspiring soul and a very talented metal jewelry artist. I jumped at the chance to take a class from her. I want to just be there in the presence of her lovely energy and connect with her. I also have a feeling that being in her creative teaching environment will be an amazing experience all on it's own. Metalworking is outside of what I normally do and I don't plan on adding it to my existing work. I'm not taking the class with the intention to add techniques to my jewelry-making repertoire. Rather, for me, this class is all about enjoying the experience and having a little fun tinkering around with different materials. Who knows what I may discover from that. I am, however, looking forward to taking home some awesome, handmade metal earrings I learned to make from Stacie Florer.

See me demo my Leather Ruffle Hoops at artBLISS 2013.

Speaking of earrings, even though I won't be teaching a formal class this year, I will be demonstrating my Leather Ruffle Hoops on Saturday evening. A version of these earrings can be found in my book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry. At Saturday night's soiree, I will be showing how to make a pair of these and I will have kits for sale so that my fellow artBLISSers can make'em, too. Leather embellishments like in these earrings are really hot and trending right now, so I'm hoping they will be popular with the attendees.

Leather Ruffle Hoops in action. Follow me on Instagram.

In addition to the earrings, I will also have lots of other goodies for sale at my demoing table. I've teamed up with my dear friends at Ornamentea.com to bring their quality products to artBLISS. I'm talking some gorgeous materials here! I'll be toting along my very favorite fibers and beads from their selection. Here's just a smattering of the yummy bits and baubles I'll have at my table:

 Fibers and beads courtesy of Ornamentea.com will be available for sale at artBLISS workshops 2013.

Plan to stop by if you are in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Hope to see you there!

Submissions for Jewelry Stringing Spring 2014

Hello! It's my Studio Saturday day over at the Art Bead Scene blog. Hop on over there for a chance to win an Irish Waxed Linen Cord Color Mix from the Jewelry Accord shop. Right now, I'm working on magazine submissions. Today, I invite you inside my studio to take a sneak peek at the materials I'm creating with for the Spring 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing Magazine! It's time to submit jewelry designs for next year's Spring issue, now. And yep, I'm actually sharing with you exactly what I'm working on for the pieces I plan to submit to the magazine. That might seem kinda crazy, but I embrace the idea of freely sharing information that might help someone else find success in getting jewelry published. I thought it'd be fun to do a little show and tell to give you a glimpse inside my process. I hope this information will help other designers feel more confident about creating jewelry for publication. Getting your jewelry published can be a tricky thing. Personally, I find that challenge fun! There's absolutely no guarantee that anything I make will be selected. All I can do is try my best to follow the magazine's guidelines, let the themes and color palettes provided inspire the ideas for my designs and stay true to my own style, esthetic and creative process.  Jewelry Stringing is one of my all-time favorite beading magazines. I'm intrigued and captivated by the themes and color palettes the editors come up with to inspire their contributing designers. Come join me now and get a taste for what I'm working on and my process for creating jewelry pieces for this particular magazine. I hope to inspire you to work on your own creations as well and submit your designs. Jewelry Stringing provides guidelines, themes and color palettes for each one of their upcoming issues. You can find the full details and guidelines for submission here. I've provided some of the information for the Spring 2014 issue here in this post. The first theme and color palette for Spring 2014 is "Soft Jewelry". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Soft Jewelry

Leather, ribbon, cord, thread, embroidery floss, and fabric are most commonly used as stringing materials and structural components in jewelry pieces, but they also lend themselves to creative and compelling focal elements. Submissions in this category will range in style, but they should all include fibers, textiles, or leather as a prominent design feature. Consider highlighting these materials through techniques like knotting, braiding, and wrapping, or incorporating current trends like fringe or tassels into your designs. See their Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/soft-jewelry-spring-2014/

So, here's what I've chosen to work with for this theme:  Sankofa trade beads, Irish waxed linen and Greek leather from Ornamentea. As you can see, I've matched up pretty well with the first two colors in the palette provided. You do not have to use all the colors in the suggested palette, but at least one color in your design should match up. I chose these African trade beads in "Teal" from Ornamentea.com. For additional color, texture and the fiber elements needed for the theme, I hand-knotted the beads on multiple strands of Irish Waxed linen cord in "Sunflower". Then, I'll pair the knotted beads with some brown Greek leather cord to complete the design. The second theme and color palette for Spring 2014 is "Spring Greens". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.)

Spring Greens

If there is one color that ubiquitously represents springtime, it has to be green. Fresh leaves sprout from the trees, grass peeks out from beneath snowdrifts, and budding shoots speckle our garden beds. From subdued mossy shades to high-energy lime tones, each piece in this category will celebrate spring in all its green glory. See their Pinterest inspiration board for this palette at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/spring-greens-spring-2014/ Here are some materials I've chosen to use for this palette and theme:  Shimmer Floss Ribbon, Czech glass beads, Irish waxed linen and a gold button. I've got some hand-painted Shimmer Floss ribbon in "Grandma Moses" from Ornamentea.com, green, faceted Czech glass beads, Irish Waxed Linen in "Dark Forest Green" from Jewelry Accord and a matte gold button from the fabric store. For this palette, I did want to match up with as many of the green colors as I could. The hand-painted shimmer floss helps me pull quite a few of the green tones in the palette with just that one element. I'll pull in the darkest green color with the waxed linen cord. Then, I'll pair the fibers with the contrasting finish of the faceted Czech glass beads and the button for balance and interest in the piece. The third theme for Spring 2014 is "Monochromatic".  (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Monochromatic In honor of our annual color issue, we are inviting our contributors to create monochromatic pieces in the color of their choice. While creating a piece in a single color simplifies the process of selecting color-coordinated materials, it makes the other design elements of the piece more visible. Balance, proportion, and symmetry are often accomplished through clever color combinations. Without the aid of a varied palette, designers must rely on their other skills to create well-executed, interesting, and attractive jewelry. We know that you are up to the challenge, so pick a color and show us what you've got! See their Pinterest inspiration board for this section at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/monochromatic-spring-2014/ Below is the color I've decided to go with for monochromatic: Gray Opaque Matte size 8 seed beads from ShipWreck Beads. Yep, Gray. Might not seem too exciting. Why in the world would I choose grey out of all the beautiful colors of the rainbow? Well, the design I want to make for this category will be elegant, sophisticated  and a little bit moody. That description could not be farther from how I would describe my usual style. I've decided to go in this direction because the color and look I have in mind is a total deviation from the esthetic I would normally create. It's fun to try different styles and show some range in my work. That is very exciting to me! :) I'm going to incorporate these opaque, matte grey seed beads from ShipwreckBeads.com into my jewelry piece by stringing them on multiple strands of gray waxed linen cord. The multiple strands of these seed beads will provide texture and visual interest to a monochromatic design. Last, but not least, the fourth theme for Spring 2014 is "Bead Soup". (The following description is taken from the guidelines on the magazine's website.) Bead Soup In contrast to the previous theme, the pieces in this section will be packed with colors-the more the better! We are challenging you to use as many different colors as possible in your submissions for this category, but be careful that you aren't sacrificing cohesion or wear-ability for variety. Tip: Successful "bead soup" pieces often have a unifying characteristic that runs throughout each design (ie: consistent bead size, shape, finish or material; a repeated technique; a specific theme or motif; etc.).  See our Pinterest inspiration board for this section at: http://pinterest.com/stringingmag/bead-soup-spring-2014/ Here are some beads I pulled from my stash for this category: Seed beads from ShipWreckBeads.com and a handmade ceramic bead set by Keith O'Connor. One hank of "All Mixed Up" size 8 Czech seed beads from Shipwreck Beads and a graduated ceramic bead set from ceramic artist, Keith O'Connor. I can't think of a better way to get more colors in than these fantastic seed bead mixes! They remind me a lot of the African "Christmas" or "Love" trade beads, which would also be a great choice for this theme. If you take a look at the Pinterest board for this category above, there are images of African beadwork. So, obviously those would be an ideal selection! I hope you've enjoyed following along with me on my journey to creating jewelry for the Spring 2014 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine. I want to inspire you with ideas that you can use in your own jewelry. If you'd like to try submitting your designs, here is the deadline information and submission guidelines you'll need to know: E-mailed pre-submissions are due September 26th, 2013; physical submissions are due October 10th, 2013. For the rest of the submissions instructions and specifics, please read through the Contributor Guidelines in their entirety here. Don't forget to leave a comment on my Art Bead Scene blog post to be entered to win the cord color mix giveaway. Thanks you! Happy Beading!

Jewelry Stringing Fall 2013

Jewelry Stringing Fall 2013

The Fall 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine is finally out. This issue is even more fabulous than the last one! With every issue, I'm more and more impressed with the fresh, modern and fashionable jewelry.

I'm proud to be among the contributing designers for the current issue of Jewelry Stringing:

Modern Girl Pearls

Necklace in "Not Your Grandmother's Pearls"

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Fall 2013

Tribal Fringe Bib

Necklace in "Bibs and Collars"

Jewelry Stringing Magazine Fall 2013

I can't wait till the next issue!

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry INSTANT DOWNLOAD

Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry

On Demand Web Seminar

Yay! It's up, it's UP on the Interweave website! You can now download my webinar, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry and watch the recorded version ANYTIME you want. You can watch and listen to it on your computer, ipad or even on your smartphone. 

Learn all my tips, tricks and techniques to finishing off leather, ribbons and cords in jewelry. Add some of my favorite materials in your own projects such as, suede lace, leather cord, cotton cord, waxed linen, silk cords, ribbons and more with tons of pictures and step-by-step photo tutorials.

Enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to use the findings available on the market today that can be used with fibers. Add wire-wrapping and knotting techniques to your jewelry-making repertoire that you can use to finish off fibers in your projects with full color, step by step photos and thorough explanations. Follow along with me live as I take you through an in-depth look at all the methods and techniques I use to finish off leather, ribbons and cords cleanly and professionally.

With Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry, you will...

• Get a list of essential tools for making jewelry with fibers including an explanation of each tool, what I use it for and why I like it.

•  Take a close look at my favorite findings to use with fibers. Get an explanation of each one, the types to buy and why I like them. Get my suggestions for which fibers to use with which findings and learn how to properly use each one with clear, step-by-step photo tutorials.

• Learn my favorite wire-working and knotting techniques to finish off fibers with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. 

Now, I'd like to share with you what one jewelry-maker shared with me after viewing my webinar:

"Thank you so much for your Fiber Findings & Finishing Techniques webinar! I watched it today, and it was so informative. I learned not only which findings to use with which fibers (and how to do so correctly) but also tips to make my things really look finished. I loved it and hope you make more." - Ann Schroeder 

A fantastic beaded bracelet created by Ann Schroeder after watching my webinar, Fiber Findings and Finishing Techniques for Jewelry.

Read Ann's full review of my webinar on her blog, Bead Love.

I so appreciate what Ann had to say about my presentation and I'm just thrilled to pieces she shared her thoughts and experience. It means so much to me to know that someone is enjoying and creating with the information I am putting out there. That is why I do what I do! 

I want to share with you the information you need to create the jewelry you love. It's what I'm here for.

Download Now!

Anchor Leather Bracelet TUTORIAL

Anchor Leather Bracelet Tutorial

by Erin Siegel

For Ornamentea.com

I LOVE nautical themes. I do live by the sea after all! I have always loved the ocean and life near the harbor. I've been seeing the anchor motif everywhere this year and I just love it. I decided I needed to make my own anchor accessory via Ornamentea, of course. The nautical trend is hot and not just for Summer anymore! You can rock this style all year round.

Ingredients:

1 antique silver anchor charm

2 antique silver fold overends

1 oval jump ring

1 antique silver 7mm springclasp

1 antique silver 1” head pin

1 nickel filed cube bead

1” of antique silver solderedextender chain

12” of blue 1.5mm Greekleather

Tools:

Chain nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Cutters

Scissors

Ruler

Instructions:

1: Use 6” of leather to form a lark’s head knot on the loop of the anchor charm. Repeat for the opposite end of the charm as shown.

2: Insert the ends of the leather into a fold over end and close. Repeat for the other side of the bracelet as shown.

3: Attach the spring clasp to the loop of one fold over end as shown.

4: Use the jump ring to attach the extender chain to the loop of the fold over end. Use the head pin to string 1 filed cube; form a wrapped loop that attaches to the free end of the extender chain as shown.