Pages

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Fun New Stuff at My Shop

Swirly blue glass lampwork beads and patinated copper 7.5 inch bracelet
 


The glass lampwork beads were made by Beth Blosser at Pomegranate Glass. The copper was cut, formed and patinated by me.

 
With matching hypoallergenic (niobioum earwires) earrings
 
 
 
 
Stop by my Etsy Shop for more information.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

It Snowed A Little

We are only blessed with snow every two to three years.
 


It was pretty slushy, didn't last very long.



 
Living in the clouds for a day.
 

 
Saguaro Cactus in the Mist

 
 




Stop by here and see more great rural photo shots:
 
Rurality Blog Hop #3

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Fine Silver Saguaro Bead

Presented to to you on a simple leather choker.
 
 
 
Click here to see my original inspiration.
Click here to see work on finishing the bead.
Click here to find out more about the LOS patina
Click here for more information at my Etsy Shop.
 
 
 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Joining Flat Peyote Stitch

Just completing the final touches on a peyote stitch bangle bracelet. Joining small sections of flat peyote stitch is fairly easy. The secret involves keeping good tension with your thread before tying off the ends.


This bracelet is custom made for a new client who loves pink.  Seems like I have been working with lots of pinks and reds lately.  It must be the holiday ;)  How about you, have you been making anything pink?

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Join the Party!

Aw, come and join the fun this Valentine's Day:
 Check out the great prizes...
Sign up Today!
Before it's too late...

Saturday, February 9, 2013

A New Line!

Coming Soon to My Etsy Shop
 
Beaded Holders for Sunglasses

(Perfect for soccer and baseball moms)
 
 

Swarovski Crystal Beaded Holders

(...ahem, for anyone who does a lot of work close up!)
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Saggar Firing Technique for Pottery

It's always fun to try new things and I had an opportunity to try making saggar pottery in a workshop held by Musette Young last week. Who would have known you could get such interesting and varied results from a little ferric chloride,  Miracle Grow (yes, the stuff you put on plants), steel wool and a few other household ingredients. Here are the pieces we produced at the workshop, mine is the little pot farthest left:

 
There is always some element of mystery when applying the colorants and thinking about how they will turn out after the firing process is complete. -To me, that is always the fun part.  I'm pretty sure, the deep oranges seen below started with ferric chloride:
 
 
I don't think you can ever be 100% certain how a piece will turn out exactly.  Miracle Grow produces some of the green tints you see  in these two pictures below:
 
 
 
I had never heard of saggar before and am glad for the chance to try it out.
 
 
The term saggar actually refers to the container that is used to protect the pot when firing. We used two sheets of aluminum foil wrapped around the ceramic pieces for containers.
 
It was a fun project, give it a try if you ever get the chance.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Winner of the Little Red Necklace is:

CONGRATULATIONS to Hilary!
 
Lucky winner of the little red necklace
 

Hilary, please forward your mailing address ;)