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

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

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).

Wall Street To Art Interview With Miriam Schulman

Miriam Schulman

Hi Miriam,

  You had a successful career on Wall Street in finance, what led you from that into becoming an artist?

   "I worked for a very successful hedge fund that imploded famously in 1998 and forced me to rethink my values.  When I was expecting my second child I decided to 'take time off'.  However, a year after he was born and I was contemplating a return to the corporate world the World Trade Center was attacked and I took that as a personal sign not to go back to that world.  I have always been creative and created artwork continuously as a child, through college and beyond so it was a natural transition.  There are many artists who followed this path such as Gauguin, who was first a stock broker.

   Where did you study art?

   I studied Art History at Dartmouth and took studio classes there as part of the major.  I also studied with masters in watercolor such as Charles Reid and Mel Stabin.

   How did you find your Voice (style)?

   My voice is continuing to evolve.  I am not afraid to experiment.  Free hand drawing is the best way to discover your artistic voice.

   What are your sources of inspiration?

   I am very fortunate to have some of the world's greatest art collections only a short train ride away and I take advantage of that often.  I find myself inspired most frequently by nature and its opposite the city.  The human figure and portrait as well as the materials themselves.

   What would you like to have people feel when they see your paintings? your collages?

   I want my art to make people happy.

   Do you follow a defined routine/schedule (i.e. paint only in the morning..etc.)?

   In order for me to have a productive day, I need to exercise as soon as my children are sent off to school.  After a vigorous exercise class, and a shower, I take care of my online marketing efforts.  I usually settle in to my studio around 1p.m. and paint for a few hours.  In the summer, I get to paint longer because the light is better and I have less responsibilities for my family.

   Do you have any advice for people who want to pursue art and have a successful career in it?

   Don't give up.  Tenacity is the key."

Sonatina Forest By Miriam Schulman

See Miriam's beautiful work at :http://www.SchulmanArt.com and http://schulmanart.imagekind.com and her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimistudio

  

Green Adventurine Chain Maile Necklace Done!

The Green Adventurine Chain Maile necklace is done! After working with leather, braiding it, wrapping it, etc. I couldn't find any way to use it on the necklace that was appealing. The leather seemed to conflict with the silver chain maile and gemstones. So, no leather but instead I finished the necklace with a simple chain maile strand to match the rest of it.  And I like it! 

This could go with some many different types of clothes. It would make a nice gift for family members,friends or even bosses (female of course) and just in time for the holidays!

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

Whimsical Designs. Meet Milusha of MilushaDesign

Colorful Bears, Whimsical Designs. Meet Milusha of MilushaDesign

                                                      (2011 Copyright MilushaDesign. All Rights Reserved.   
                                                       Please do not copy or alter my work in any way or make 
                                                      derivative works without asking for permission) 

"Surrounded by artistic people within my family, I've always loved being creative.  I started drawing at a very young age and took part in many art competitions and won lots of awards for art at school. 

 I decided that I wanted to invest my future in the design industry (typography and graphic styles appealed to me). I went to school, graduated and have worked in the industry for over 9 years now.

I've always been influenced by colour and by graphic and interior design.  I love melding my love of home decor into my art.  I love the clean lines, simplicity and whimsy of mid-century modern design but also enjoy that vintage/retro look.  My style has evolved over the years from being rough and grunge influenced to being colourful and vivid.  I love geometric patterns and so that also shows in my art.  It is ever evolving as my life takes on new challenges and I mature as a designer.

 My inspiration comes from my love of my son, design and art, film, fashion, home decor, people, places and life.  I try to find inspiration every day.  Some days are harder than others.  You cannot force it of course!  It keeps my mind moving, trying to find new things to create.

I've worked for many advertising agencies, as a graphic designer, over the years and decided that I wanted to create graphic art, for adults and children, that I would love to have and of course that would appeal to others too!  And so was born MilushaDesign . And what better way to start than on Etsy. So here I am!

 I want my pieces to make people go 'wow, that is so cool' or ' I really, really love that'. The way I react to pieces of art I come across.  There is nothing like the feeling when someone loves the art that you love creating.  I would hope that people fall in love with my pieces and want to own them because of that."

  Milusha's beautiful work can be seen in her Etsy shop : http://www.etsy.com/shop/MilushaDesign?ref=ss_profile

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

HOLIDAY CRAFTING INTERVIEW AMIE CAMPBELL

Amie Campbell does lots of crafting for the holidays, making gifts for everyone and offering them for sale in her Etsy shop CasaCampbell .  She tells us how she got started and gives some advice  for anyone wanting to try their hand at it.

Amie: "Like most people I started making things in elementary school such as little bracelets and homemade Christmas gifts.  I guess I just never stopped! I started crafting specifically for sale probably three years or so ago now.

  I first learned to knit from a co-worker, who was actually one of my bridesmaids.  She was knitting at work one day and I asked if she could teach me.  My first knitted item was a disaster. It was all misshapen and got wider in the middle then really skinny on top and had holes everywhere! It took practice, but now I can knit with my eyes closed.

  I taught myself how to make the soaps.  I saw the supplies at the craft store and decided to give it a try. I burnt my fingers a few times, but I got the hang of it quickly.

  If I'm looking for something to do, I might walk around the craft store. At times, I'll be at home decorating stores or what not and see something and think,'I bet I can make that'.  However, I would say a lot of inspiration comes from trying to make a home on a tight budget.  At least half of our decorations were made by me.

  I decided to start selling my crafts after one Christmas when I made a wreath for my cousins. I showed pictures to some friends and everyone encouraged me to start selling.   Soon after I saw that a friend had opened an Etsy shop to sell her T-shirt designs.  Well, I decided I would give it a try.

  Some advice for people who want to start crafting.  Find something you enjoy, or think you might enjoy, and just dive in.  If you have fun making it, that's all that matters.  Talk with your friends and see what they make and see if they'll teach you.  Have fun with it and laugh at the mistakes."

Amie's crafts can be seen and purchased at her Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/casacampbell?ref=ss_profile

CREATING A BETTER BAG...ARTIST TERRY COVELL INTERVIEW

Artist Terry Covell of OriginalCopyDesigns was looking for a "better bag" while on a trip to France and so started her quest to "build a better bag" but let me have her tell her story in her own words.

"A trip to France with my sister in 2006 started a journey that continues today.  We did a lot of shopping, of course, but I couldn't seem to find a bag that suited my needs exactly.  I purchased one which just didn't work out as it was hard to find items in the 'abyss' (the dark bottom of the bag) and the handles weren't comfortable.  My own quest to 'build a better bag' began and almost six years later I haven't stopped.

  I immediately bought fabric and a pattern and made a quite suitable bag.  However, it wasn't MINE!  I decided that I needed to look at all types of patterns and bags to discover what was best and most appealing.  I purchased many books and magazines and made many of the bags and purses for myself and family for practice and to discover which techniques,methods,designs and materials worked best for me.  I cam to the realization that I needed to design my own bags with the best features that came up in my research.  By trial and error (and plenty of mistakes to learn from) I sketched, made patterns and stitched my own creations.  My husband often asks,'Well, how many bags do you have?', knowing full well the crates that are tucked away with samples, trials and finished products!

  For some time I had been encouraging my own creativity, and looking for sources of inspiration by following The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron.  The morning pages, or journaling process, and Artist Dates had set the stage for me to find inspiration on a continuing basis.  I continue to often do activities, by myself, although totally unrelated to bags or sewing, which inspire me to use certain color combinations, designs or features.

  Family and friends encouraged me to sell my bags.  After a lot of research I decided that an Etsy shop would be the best way for me to begin.  I had so much to learn about selling on the internet, decisions to make about a name, policies, writing descriptions and photography (and the editing process).  Finally I jumped in, opened my shop and here I am! "

Terry's wonderful bags, purses and more can be seen and purchased at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/OriginalCopyDesigns?ref=ss_profile

    Terry's Blog:http://www.originalcopydesigns.com/

STRANGE THINGS HAPPEN HALLOWEEN

Strange things happen Halloween. Monsters appear, skeletons drum in bands and Pigs fly!

Halloween is such a fun night! It's not just for children...right?  Yup, the candy is great.....I'm addicted to chocolate, but dressing up in imaginative costumes, wearing scary (eyeball ring and earrings) jewelry...such fun! 

 I put together a treasury of etsy items to show what I'm talking about:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODQ2MTA1OHw5NDE5NzI4Nzc/strange-things-happen-halloween?index=0

Take a peek and tell me what you think, and while your at it, let me know your favorite things about Halloween.