Spring Cleaning Recycling Jewelry

My spring cleaning frenzy has started. Already it's led me to my old jewelry creations. Those I made for my Etsy shop about 2 years ago. I rummaged thru them and found beads and gemstones that are beautiful but that I feel need to be more up to date to match what my "voice" (style) is now. 

So, been tearing them apart, re- designing and having a great deal of fun doing it!  I love creating new pieces and I especially love the fact that since the gemstones and beads were brought 2 to 3 years ago the cost of materials is lower but the quality is excellent.  I'm all about making jewelry that is comfortable to wear, beautiful to look at, lasting and affordable for everyone.

Here's an example of the latest recycling effort:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89307120/jasper-coral-and-quartz-necklace

Hope you like it ! 

Head, Heart,Hand Series Statement Pins

The Head,Heart,Hand series of statement pins to wear are a new line of jewelry that I have begun to design and fabricate.
 The idea began several years ago when I first saw and was delighted by beads carved/shaped into heads portraying cultural figures. The very first one that I had to have was a beautiful lampwork Medusa. I held that bead for years! It was so stately,so powerful, wise and scary! Ten years later, wanting to make a birthday present for a longtime friend that head would be perfect. And so the Medusa Pin was birthed. My friend exclaimed over the pin, saying it was so perfect for her right now and she wears it to staff meetings and other times dealing with difficult situations.
 This line of pins is designed to inspire the confidence boost we all sometimes really need. 
Second in the series-Hawaiian/polynesian...."KU" the first creative force.
   http://www.etsy.com/listing/92686068/lampwork-pin 

Latest in the series- Chinese- carved bone- "Fu-Shen"/ Hotei - Happiness
http://www.zibbet.com/designingparrotjewel2/artwork?artworkId=767368 

 

Copper Hearts Valentine's Day

Copper Hearts for valentine's Day...I couldn't resist making this freeform bracelet with of course Two lovely copper hearts. It's on my Etsy shop now waiting to become a gift for someone special.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76220078/copper-metalwork-bracelet-two-hearts

New Beading Material Pink Marble

A new beading material, Pink Marble, is becoming more and more popular for all types of handmade jewelry.

I came across some beautiful beads of this material and simply couldn't resist the silky feel and warmth of it!  I've wirewrapped a 2 1/2" square puffed piece of it and strung it with some gorgeous faceted Czech ovals.  

See the result on my Etsy shop: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89818886/pink-marble-wirewrap-silver-necklace

Agate Coral Necklace Featured in an Etsy Treasury

My Agate Coral Necklace which I wire wrapped and fabricated with Chryscolla ( a beautiful blue/green mixture of gemstone) has just been featured in a beautiful gift guide treasury on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2NTA1NzF8MTI5MDI3NjIzNg/think-believe-wish-a-gift-guide-for-her

So exciting to know the work and love and care you put into making a piece is liked.

Tales Of De Stash

Y'all KNOW I have an enormous stash of beads that I adore but have yet to find exactly the right design  to use( better known as DE Stash). O.K. so it's the Holiday season and I've really gotten in the mood to create with Green and Red and Gold, Blue and White. So there is this bead that has been with me for 6 years( no joke!) and every time I have tried to make something with it.....hasn't worked out. Until this morning.....it came to me that I wanted so much to showcase the bead since it is a faceted, deep emerald green glass almost a trapezoidal shape and they way to do that was to use the bare minimum of design and embellishment. So, I got out the solid copper wire, copper delicate chain and copper lobster claw findings and set to work. Finally! 

It's listed on my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesigningParrotJewel?ref=ss_profile

As you can see, I have done a fairly simple, decorative wire wrap, attached it to the delicate copper chain and it's complete. Ready to be worn to any holiday gathering or to work or shopping.

 Hope you like it!

Is Good Photography A Challenging Task?

One of the first things I learned when confronted with having to photograph my jewelry creations for my Etsy shop was that it wasn't going to be easy for a photo challenged person such as me. I'll be honest, most of my personal photos up to then were awful. I cut off everyone's head whether I liked them or not, everything was fuzzy and to far away to really see. Sigh!

I had to learn to do this! I went out and bought a Canon power Shot camera. One touted to be a miracle worker...it would correct shake, it would correct lighting, etc all automatically. O.K. I figured that I could probably learn to use. So I began and oh boy, the photos were still bad. Not as awful as before but hey baby not exactly good. Edges of necklaces were getting cut off when I put up the pictures on my shop on Etsy. Would I ever learn??

Then I started to really look at the pictures that made it to front page in treasuries and I started to put together treasuries too. LIGHTBULB!!  I realized that the pictures of items  that appealed to me were pictures that didn't necessarily show the entire item but enough of it to fill the frame and be sharp and obvious, then I'd be interested in seeing the actual listing for the item.

So, A few things I have found and that have helped me to take better photos.:

      1. Macro is number 1. Make sure that you really are taking a close up of the item so that as much detail as possible shows.

      2. Plain Background. Yup, don't use a confusing or conflicting background. White is best or a color that allows the details of the item to show. Don't use a print behind a print! 

      3. If Using A Model. Remember the ITEM is the focus of the picture not the person wearing it!  This is one area where it is permissible to "cut off their heads" or at least part of it.
     4. FOCUS. Yeah, well I still have difficulties in this area. Fuzzy pictures don't entice customers.
I'm finding that Jewelry is perhaps one of the most difficult subjects to photograph and I keep learning more techniques and redoing/updating photos. My shop still is not as photogenic as I would like it to be. And some colors could drive me totally over the edge. Amethyst is one of my favorite gems to work with and one that I have such a hard time getting to photo in it's realistic color. Purple always comes out too dark when I do it, no matter how I play with the lighting when taking the picture...sigh.


Anyway I could continue on  and on but this post is long enough!
However, let me say this...... if you have any advice for those of us who are photo challenged and MUST take pictures of their products, please please do let me know. 


Oh and since today is Thanksgiving ( better known as turkey day)....Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

A Love of Lampwork Glass Beads

I have a love of lampwork glass beads. It is astounding to me the detail and beauty and variety that artists come up with in making them. I have quite a few in my "stash" mainly because I am always looking to create the perfect jewelry to accent the beauty of the beads! Needless to say, my stash grows larger every day. But.......in sorting through the lampwork beads today I came across two beauties that are heart shaped, navy blue and clear glass and wow it hit me! Earrings would be gorgeous! So I set to work with silver findings and navy blue glass beads and this is the result......

I love them! What do you think??

I listed them in my Etsy shop for under $20.00 and No shipping charges!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86622695/lampwork-heart-earrings

Carnelian Christmas Angel Bracelet

Carnelian Christmas Angel Bracelet

DesigningParrotJewel on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86314127/carnelian-angel-bracelet

Yellow Turquoise Necklace Featured In Etsy Treasury

The Yellow Turquoise necklace created and listed last week, has been featured (first row spot too!) in this beautiful Etsy treasury.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE3MzMxOTN8MTExNDY4MTA1Nw/all-i-want-for-christmas

I'm so excited!

Carnelian,Coral and Copper The Fabulous 3 C's

The 3 C's to warm  your winter; Carnelian, Coral and Copper in a delightful necklace. Guaranteed to warm any look. 

These are possibly my three favorite materials to create jewelry.  They all project such a warm, cozy feeling and just feel right when the weather starts to turn chilly. This necklace has a crescent moon pendant of Carnelian that I have drilled and attached with copper chain to the body of the necklace. The beads "over the moon" are also Carnelian, faceted rounds and tubes. The body of this is red Coral pieces ,shell and copper etched ovals.See it in my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/listing/80315667/carnelian-and-coral-gemstone-necklace

It's The Key Necklace

Gunmetal Chain Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85808926/gunmetal-pendant-necklace

The Key Necklace is three strands of gunmetal chain in different types and textures with etched and engraved lead free metal disc charms, a center silver plate key pendant and an extension clasp to make the necklace adjustable.

I really like the simplicity and style of this piece and the neutral color  of the gunmetal. This would look great worn with a sweater top, layered top or simple round neckline blouse.

It's now listed on my Etsy shop (link above) and don't forget to look at the bracelet too!

Designing Parrot Jewel Is On Google+

Designing Parrot Jewel is on Google+ business pages now! Exciting news, that two days ago Google announced to all that they were releasing "business pages". These are similar to Facebook Fan Pages plus. 

We'll be sharing new jewelry creations plus new creations from handmade artists of every kind on our page. Come follow us!https://plus.google.com/110140780478531228862

Seed Bead and Silver Earrings

 Seed Bead and Silver Earrings.  Browsing in one of my favorite craft stores, I came across silver plated bezel frames on earring wires. This was interesting and I decided to get some of them.

At home when I sat down to figure out the classic "O.K. now what do I do with these?" , my first thought was to fill them with gemstone chips.  All well and good but these are small as in petite! It looked like I had mountain peaks in an earring frame and just didn't work for me. Small 2mm round beads didn't do it either...sigh. "Now what?" I put them on my work table and left them there.

The next day, I looked at them again and this time thought about seed beads. They are small, round and just maybe...well after trying many colors( I have  loads) I really liked the look of the silver lined clear beads. It looked like the inside of a mineral geode or ice,,,so sparkly. Great, I glued them in, sat back and still felt something was missing. So, again rummaging  through metal beads and gemstone beads until I came across the lovely genuine copper leaves. They are engraved and textured and just gorgeous.Ah Ha!  The earrings were born and are living in my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/listing/85477526/silver-dangle-earrings

 

DesigningParrotJewel

Yellow Turquoise Necklace Under 25.00

Just finished a Yellow Turquoise Necklace that is on Etsy for under 25.00! Here's a picture of it and a link to it:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85473262/yellow-turquoise-gemstone-necklace

This is a copper wirewrapped pendant of yellow turquoise on a copper chain with a copper and silver toggle clasp (18" long).

Pearl Jewelry- Interview With Chaya Udinsky Pearls Plus LLC

Chaya Udinsky of Pearls Plus LLC is an accomplished handmade jewelry artist specializing in pearl jewelry. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing her and here's her journey in her own words:

 "I have always loved jewelry. In college, I took a part-time job with a fine jewelry chain and was hooked.  I worked in that field until my son was born in late 2010.  During that time, I acquired bead and pearl stringing knowledge and was able to perform repairs for the shop I worked at.

  I became a stay at home mom.  I continued to do repairs for the store where I had worked and also grew my repair business to include a few other local jewelry shops and individuals.  O also began to offer custom services.  Before I knew it I had acquired beads and began making gifts for family and friends.  They encouraged me to continue to make jewelry, and my handmade jewelry line was born.

  I'm mostly self-taught when it comes to jewelry making.  I watched a few videos, got the right tools, and off I went!  I taught myself how to string on wire and silk, wire wrap, and work with elastic.  I am currently working with a lady at the local bead store who is teaching me bead weaving.

  My favorite thing to make is hand knotted pearl necklaces on silk.  I find a lot of my inspiration from seeing unusual colors or shapes of pearls and beads.  I find my bridal line inspiration from my friend who is a wedding planner.  I'm always trying to make something that I feel is both beautiful and a little unusual.

  I decided to open an Etsy shop because I was making jewelry and was unable to find an affordable local outlet for getting all of it displayed.  Some of my work is at local boutiques, but Etsy allows me to display everything at a reasonable price.  I also get a bigger audience!

  My advice for people wanting to get into the handmade jewelry field is to make sure you know what you are in for.  There is a lot of initial investment in time and money before you finally start selling."

  Chaya's work can be purchased at her Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PearlsPlusLLC?ref=ss_profile

    Chaya's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pearls-Plus-LLC/13405851335909

Green Adventurine,and Silver Chain Maile Necklace

This idea for a green adventurine, silver and leather necklace came to mind this morning about 3:30 a.m.. So, after breakfast I sat down with my jewelry supplies and started work on it. O.K., that was at 7:30 a.m. and I am just now taking a break at 12:10 for lunch. The necklace isn't but a third done as you can see in the pictures below. Certainly not ready for anyone to wear, not even a very, very tiny person. But, I get so involved and focused and having fun doing it, that I really forget how labor intensive chain maile really is. Well, I'll get it finished within a day or so and then it will be ready for the completion photos and being listed on my Etsy shop:

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

But, here's the photos so far:

Interview: Melissa Broadwater BusyBeeBeadwork

INTERVIEW: Melissa Broadwater - BusyBeeBeadwork

Beadweaving artist, Melissa Broadwater, owner/designer of BusyBeeBeadwork creates beautiful, wearable art. I had the opportunity to interview her about her work and creative process. Here is Melissa's response to my many questions:

Melissa: " I have been an avid beadweaver for the past four years. I got introduced to the art of beadweaving by a dear friend. She would bring her jewelry in now and then,and I thought it was some of the most beautiful jewelry that I had ever seen. I couldn't believe how detailed it was, and how long it must have taken her to make. She encouraged me to start weaving my own jewelry. I went down to the local craft store and bought supplies, slowly learning the technique.

 Since then I have held jewelry parties and attended local art fairs. Customers asked whether I sold on Etsy. I've heard so much good about Etsy so I opened a store. I really love selling my creations on a site that is host to so many talented artists. I am constantly working on my latest creation, often til the wee hours of night,not knowing the end result and loving the surprise of it!

 Interested in beadweaving? purchase a book  on basic techniques or check for classes at local bead stores.

Melissa's work can be seen at her Etsy store:http://www.BusyBeeBeadwork.etsy.com