Friday, December 12, 2008

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale - December 14, 2008

Crafty Wonderland voted "Best of the City '08"

This is the Holiday Event of the Season and it isn't to be missed - this will be an amazing event of over 180+ Vendors! It is the Super-Bowl of Craft! I will be in attendance and I can't wait - hopefully it won't snow - BUT, if it does Trimet and the MAX train go right to the Convention Center so there is no excuse not to attend:) Hope you can make it!

They will be handing out 200 swag bags to the first visitors through the doors. We'll also be creating an event program to hand out at the door. It will be a cute little booklet with a map of the vendors, interviews, crafty surprises, and advertising.

Here's the skinny:

Sunday, December 14th from 11am-7pm
at The Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR
All Ages * Free Admission!



Monday, December 8, 2008

Rule #1 - The Power of Thought = Common Sense

I was, of course, thinking the other day, about how it is my ideas are developed, nurtured, and finally realized. I have to say that I have never really been one to mull things over for long periods of time before acting. I am a split-second decision maker when it comes to something I really want and know. Much like when I quit my full-time job 3 years ago. I went to work that morning, sat down at my desk and decided "Yep. This is the day I give notice. Can't do this anymore."

So, what's my secret? It's my power of thought. YOU have this too you know: If you "think" about it nothing is created until it is a thought first. In my work as a photographic/development consultant I am always trying to convey my message to those that I help. I often tell them that the secret of my success is I see it AND believe it.

If you can see it happening in your thoughts - can it really happen? My answer is yes. Without a doubt. Speaking of doubt... that's usually when I start to flounder (create a dry spell and a slow-down within my work-life).

I realize that this may sound simplistic, perhaps even a bit "new age" but, I have always thought of it really as "common sense". It is also my Rule #1 when I said good-bye to "the man", ditched that day-job, and started working for myself.

I know that everyone has their own story of "Common Sense" or focused drive. Take the time to remember it and believe. You may be surprised at how able you are to really do what you want.

- Pink

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

da Vinci Arts Middle School - Art Show

Yes... it's that time of year again - the Annual "da Vinci Arts Fair" - Hurray! So grab your bags and get-a-shoppin'. This is a Holiday Show not to be missed:) I will be there with bells on (okay... probably beads, yes)... and I will of course have all your favorite designs as well as a few new ones and of course COLORS!... so many colors.

Some of my other very favorite artists will be in attendance as well: Lisa Kaser and here fantastic illustrations - I just can't get enough of these and I buy them every year to expand my collection. I always see something new whenever I look at them - they are so inspiring to me! And Lisa comes up with the most fantastical imagery every year... can't wait to see what she has this time!

Carolyn Holman will also be showing her work at the show - she has Amazing encaustic paintings that you won't want to miss - so beautiful! I love this one of the bottles...

...and lastly to keep you warm and cozy, Kristina Perry of Liv & Lotus - has the most gorgeous scarves and darling little chicken hats for your little ones... hurry - cause these go fast (how can you resist that cute chicken)! Kristina uses mostly all reclaimed materials and recycled bottle fleece and creates patterns with natural fibers and anything bright and sparkly. You'll want to get a few of these for your loved ones for those cold days ahead!

da Vinci Arts Middle School
2508 NE Everett Street | Portland, OR 97232


Saturday, December 6th - Noon - 6pm

Sunday, December 7th - 10:00am - 4:00pm

Free Admission

SHOP - LOOK - LISTEN! This event has something for everyone!

Art & fine crafts, an art making area, refreshments, art raffle, music and much more!

Hope all my regular customers can make it to this show. It is such a good cause for this amazing Portland Public Arts School and our kids are worth it!

See you there...

- Pink

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Bead Art Originals - Open House

Many of the members of my Etsy Group - Bead Art Originals (BAO) are working to save you a little money this coming Holiday Shopping Weekend... Check out each of the shops listed in our Newsletter (and sign up for it in the meantime) to see what they are offering.

I will be offering FREE World-Wide Shipping. Sale starts Friday, November 28th - Monday, December 1st.
Also, be sure to include the code BAO OPEN HOUSE in the Notes to Seller when you check out.

Have a great Turkey Day - eat lots and give thanks!

-Pink

Monday, November 17, 2008

John Michael Kohler Arts Center - One and Only: Gifts Made By Hand

Every year the JMK Arts Center has a holiday exhibit of 60 artists from across the nation and luckily, I'm one of them this year with 20 pieces on diplay!

One and Only : Gifts Made by Hand
Show runs from October 26 - Jaunuary 4, 2009

John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
ArtSpace at the Arts Center - 920.458.6144
ArtSpace at the Shops at Woodlake Kohler - 920.452.8602

If you are in the area please make a trip to this spectacular Art Center (and check out my work in the process). There are some amazing pieces to be seen and it's always good to support the arts for the holiday season. What's better than getting a hand-made ***** (fill-in the blank)... They will have jewelry, ceramics, wearable art such as clothing, hats and scarves, as well as art glass and mixed media.

Also, if you are an Arts Center Member you get an extra 10% discount on all merchandise purchases.

- Pink

Sunday, November 16, 2008

A folded wonder... doing what I can to help

Okay - so I've been contemplating for some time on what I can do to keep my paper products for packaging to a minimum (aside from using newspaper that I get for free and re-using cardboard boxes from time-to-time) . For those of you that have purchased a piece from me, you know how I take pride in the packaging and presentation. I figure since I put so much work into the piece inside the box...well, the box should be something special too.

So, I think I have come up with another small re-purposing solution. I have decided to stop buying packaged Japanese paper for making my origami cranes and started making my own. I have discovered that, while looking through some of my very occasionally purchased magazines (and those scavenged from family and friends), not to mention the junk mail and catalogs I get, there are some really fantastic images that can translate into my paper origami cranes! Hurray - I love when I can save some money, save a tree, and re-purpose something that is normally forgotten and thrown out after a week.

Also, come Spring, I will be adding a new item (however, technically it isn't
really) to my store. I have been making my crane cards for many years and sell them to stores in the Portland area and feel that I can now share them with others in my Etsy store. They are really beautiful and I will have then listed singly and you can also purchased them in groups of 3, 5 or 7 for slightly less. And, who knows what else may develop out of my crazy fascination with these folded wonders...

These cards are very similar in feel to how my jewelry is packaged when you receive a piece. I would love to list these in my store before the Spring - but, I think I should focus on trying to get work in my store and filling the many, many special orders still outstanding by all my VERY patience and WONDERFUL customers out there.

Thanks all - and here's to the beginning of a beautiful and festive Holiday Season - each and every one of us:)

- Pink

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Art in the Burbs 2008

For all of those still planning what to do this weekend... may I make a suggestion!? This is my second year now doing the "Art in the Burbs" Show. It benefits the Tigard/Tualatin Schools and this Foundation funds learning opportunities for all 15 schools in the Tigard Tualatin School district. This is a great way to support childrens education in our public schools and I highly recommend attending.

WHERE
Alberta Rider Elementary
14850 SW 132nd Terrace, Tigard

WHEN - 2008
Friday - Oct 24, 6-9pm
Saturday - Oct 25, 10-5pm
Sunday - Oct 26, 11-5pm

There will be some fantastic art there and it's always a well run and fun event to attend. I know that I talked about this show to many of my newest customers from the Local 14 show - so, if you didn't get a chance to purchase a piece of mine at that show - here is your chance to get something really special for yourself or for a loved one for the coming season. I will have a few new pieces and of course some new color stories for the fall and winter seasons ahead...

Hope to see you there - and thank you for your support!

- Pink

Monday, October 20, 2008

Doing what I can to help...

Okay - so I've been contemplating for some time on what I can do to keep my paper products for packaging to a minimum (aside from using newspaper that I get for free and re-using cardboard boxes from time-to-time) . For those of you that have purchased a piece from me, you know how I take pride in the packaging and presentation. I figure since I put so much work into the piece inside the box...well, the box should be something special too.

So, I think I have come up with another small re-purposing solution. I have decided to stop buying packaged Japanese paper for making my origami cranes and started making my own. I have discovered that, while looking through some of my very occasionally purchased magazines (and those scavenged from family and friends), not to mention the junk mail and catalogs I get, there are some really fantastic images that can translate into my paper origami cranes! Hurray - I love when I can save some money, save a tree, and re-purpose something that is normally forgotten and thrown out after a week.

Also, come Spring, I will be adding a new item (however, technically it isn't
really) to my store. I have been making my crane cards for many years and sell them to stores in the Portland area and feel that I can now share them with others in my Etsy store. They are really beautiful and I will have then listed singly and you can also purchased them in groups of 3, 5 or 7 for slightly less. And, who knows what else may develop out of my crazy fascination with these folded wonders...

These cards are very similar in feel to how my jewelry is packaged when you receive a piece. I would love to list these in my store before the Spring - but, I think I should focus on trying to get work in my store and filling the many, many special orders still outstanding by all my VERY patience and WONDERFUL customers out there.

Thanks all - and here's to the beginning of a beautiful and festive Holiday Season - each and every one of us:)

- Pink

Monday, October 6, 2008

Never too late for praise!

Yes... I can say it... I slacked off a little these last few weeks in the marketing department. I failed to inform all my great customers of the latest show I was attending: Local 14. What can I say - you missed a FABULOUS show. I'll be sure to let you know next year so that you're sure not to miss it.

This organization, made up entirely of women in the arts, is an amazing amalgamation of talent, organization, drive and confidence. With this show I had to volunteer some of my time to help set up and tear down, and it was my pleasure to help out. I have to say when I showed up the night of the Gala Event to show my work, I was in complete awe of the beautiful set up of work and the professional displays. It was really an event - not to be missed!

So, the final result was this was far-and-away the best show I have ever had! ...I can't wait until next year. I met the most amazing artists and women and felt so welcomed into this obviously tight-knit group of talent.

Thanks to Ellie Wellstead, Wendy Avner, Cindy McDougall, Karen Hustwaite, Sarah Lajoie, Laura Berman, and of course Ann Munson (the eggs and begonias are amazing), for all the laughs and giggles to make it through the last 4 days of selling. I had amazing customers as well - where have you been all my life!:)

- Pink

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

An Etsy Treasury - by TQB Designs (for a change...)

It has been a looooooong while since I've made a treasury. I'm just not patient enough to sit and wait for the minutes to tick down I guess. But, seeing how Etsy is having some interesting Treasury incidents today - POP... one just showed up as available when I got there! Hurray! Easy and super fun to make. Check it out and the Fabulous Artists that I've featured:

Yokoo, AmyEsther, SandFibers,
AngelaGerhard, rachelaustin, immortallongings
kpglassjewelry1, TrilliumArtisans, modica
thejadedog, Naftali, annrubyking

- Pink

Friday, September 5, 2008

I Heart Rummage - I Heart Seattle: Come one, Come all

For all of those in the Seattle area - this is to let you know that I will be at the monthly event "I Heart Rummage" at Chop Suey on Capitol Hill this Sunday, September 7th! It's been awhile since I've had a "face-to-face" in Seattle. This is your one chance to buy directly from me in Seattle this year... after that you will have to go to the Seattle Art Museum Store (SAM Shop) to get my work for the holidays or, come to Portland of course.


So here's the skinny on the who, what, where, why and entertainment:

I Heart Rummage is Seattle's longest running cutting edge urban craft experience!
Now in our new location: Chop Suey! 1325 E. Madison, Seattle

Join IHR Sunday September 7th at Capitol Hill's Chop Suey!

IHR features 40 of Seattle's most innovative indie designers and urban crafters at Chop Suey

from 12-4pm the first Sunday of most every month.

Be sure to stop by September 7th and shop the best variety of urban crafts,

try out the new Chop Suey eats, and hear our live DJ, DJ Jessie Beans, ispin their tracks!

Special guest for September is Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co.

IHR always has the latest and greatest in urban crafts!

The first Sunday of most every month

12-4pm

Chop Suey

1325 E. Madison, Seattle, WA




Thursday, September 4, 2008

Photo of the Day : Amongst the Urban 2008.09.04


New image postings on my Photo Blog - FranctionalStop. Abstract images of my woven beads and photos showcased on my photo blog are available for purchase.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Back to School and I Feel Like Sharing!

I know that some of the new artists to Etsy may feel as if they aren't getting the exposure they want - and believe ME - I felt exactly as you did when I first started (and don't feel discouraged). I thought I gave it a good shot... but, really it took me a full year to figure out how this Etsy thing worked. After that I decided that I needed to invest money in order to make some. So, I listed. I listed often, everyday, every few hours and re-listed.

Shortly after that I decided to focus on my images. This is the real trick to making it work on Etsy. This is how you will end up on the Front Page frequently. I feel as if I have progressed in three stages with my photo skills: Novice - pic.1 (bad, with no idea what I was doing) , Apprentice - pic.2 (better, seemed to have figured out the lighting trick), and Experienced pic.3 (I love photography and all it nuances).

I often look back at some of my very early photos. My first camera was a Fuji FinePix from 2006 with only 4 mega pixels. All I can say right now is: what a difference a few mega pixels make:) I'm not complaining about my great little "point-and-shoot"... not at all. I love it and I actually would like to get another point-and-shoot by Fuji (the shutter on mine broke and I decided it would be a good idea to upgrade).

So, now I use a Samsung GX-10 and I absolutely love, love, love it. I only shoot in manual mode - so much more control over your environment that way. You can do this with your own camera - even if it is a point and shoot. Take some time to read through your manual (or get it on-line if you had a fung-shui attack and threw it out - just go to the makers website). Also check out the specs on you camera easily on the dpreview site - really helps if you want to know something fast about your camera. You really will see a difference in the quality of your shots if you control the exposure and speed of the photos.

I have to say that I am extremely lucky with all that has come my way. I now take photos for another Esty store: Trillium Artisans (check out the great work they have). I have also taught some photo workshops to new Etsy artists on how to better see and photograph their work and I also do one-on-one lessons with some of the Artists through Trillium. It has been so much fun and I hope that my enthusiasm for photography is infectious.

So, get out there (before the Winter sun hits) and take some fantastic pictures... it really is worth it. Persistance always prevails!

- Pink

Sunday, August 31, 2008

I Heart Bead Weaving (a.k.a: I need more time)

Many of you may have seen my newest Masterpiece: Knotted Dots Necklace in "Cote d'Azur". I have to say it was hard to part with this beauty - but, decided to share the joy of it with everyone. There is so much care and attention in this one necklace. It isn't often that I get time to make such a piece (and the reason they are always made in limited quantities). The trick to these is finding the time in my busy schedule to make them.

There is something to be said about sitting down and weaving one of my largest beads. At 25mm (once finished it is 1.125"), I have to have some time to revel in the repetition. It is my meditation. It takes me almost 4 hours to make this center-most bead - in this necklace with a total of 23 beads.

So, I posted my Masterpiece, (this project I have been anticipating for many, many, many months), in my Esty store. There will be more of these of course. I am challenging myself to get one more in my store before the holiday on-slot. But, time is getting away from me with all my special orders, wholesale orders and upcoming shows for September, October and December.

I want to send a big Thank you to ALL my customers and supporters of my work while I am still in a state of calm before the storm ... I love what I do and you make it all worthwhile:)

- Pink

Sunday, August 17, 2008

A Great Event it was not - an expensive lesson to learn...

I'm not usually one to whine - however, I have now experienced my first Total Bomb for a show. The Taste of Tanasbourne was far and away the worst show experience I have ever had. After two of the three days I sold only 1 item. It was discussed with the "people in charge" if you don't want to show up on Sunday - you don't have to. Well... needless to say - I won't be attending the show on Sunday - just incase any of my Portland customers plan on attending - I won't be there:)

The show grounds were extremely disconcerting. It was a minefield of mole holes, mouse pits, and DIRT. Everything in my booth was covered in a fine coating of DIRT - yuck! And, due to the terrain it wasn't wheelchair or stroller friendly. There was a lack of signage to direct people to the show and it was BEHIND a major shopping area - no one knew it was there.

If it were up to me I would never have charge admission either - the entire event should have been FREE:)

So, lessons learned. I will be better at my research when doing an outdoor event next summer - and I am looking forward to my next 2 shows in October that are inside!

- Pink

Monday, August 11, 2008

Taste of Tanasbourne - August 15th - 17th, 2008

Now that the weekend is over and it's Monday again - I'm sure you're planning for the next weekend already - yes!? Well... I will be showing my work at the "Taste of Tanasbourne" in Hillsboro, and it looks to be a great event.

I will be showcasing some of my newest color stories for the summer (my newest favorite piece is my large hoop earrings in Sunset Blvd)! I hope that all in the Portland area can make it out to see me. It will be three days of music, food and art all in one place and all outdoors so that you can enjoy the beautiful summer weather!

The organizers of this show have also provided a discount to all those that know about someone showing there - so download your coupon for a reduced entrance fee!

Of course with all this fantastic summer weather here in the Pacific Northwest, I am constantly inspired to create new color stories or seek out new colors when I can. I have been working with these tiny seed beads for over 10 years so, it can be difficult to find new colors that I want to use in my work... but, I always seem to find them - or perhaps they find me... I'm not sure after all this time...

So my newest blues are (from bottom to top) "cloud", "tidal", "delphinium", and a soft, matte finish green called "clover". I also found some new warm tones (from bottom to top): "apricot", "green tea" and "dandelion" - I can't wait to make some of these gorgeous yellow beads! It took me awhile to find this opaque and shiny finish yellow - a truly saturated color.

Anyway, thank you to ALL my customers - I couldn't do this without you - and I hope to see many of my Portland regulars there... I hope you enjoy your summer no matter where you are or what you're doing! I know I am!

- Pink

Friday, May 23, 2008

Color Block Friday: Let the Sun Shine! - 2008.05.23

In honor of the coming big Memorial Day weekend and, in my opinion, the official start of summer, I am excited to showcase some new colors for the coming hot season! I am so excited about the combinations I have created and the new colors I've discovered...

Of course, we like to associate Summer with fiery colors like red, orange, yellow. I actually think of the many trips I had taken in summers past to New Mexico and Arizona . I envision the beautiful scenes of the Grand Canyon at sunset and the trip I took to L.A. during the heavy months of September when the warmth of the setting sun makes everything golden.

In honor of some of my favorite Summertime destinations, I have created two new color combos:

The first selection is 4-Corners. I still have visions of the Southwest and absolutely fell in love with the canyons and vistas, in my travels there. The beautiful blue skies and the fantastic rain storms of June. The sky is so beautiful in its stormy splendor - dark and foreboding with the rain hitting the earth so hard it bounces back up and create a layer of steam. The red rocks of the earth, the adobe homes, and stunning town plazas.

This new color story includes a new favorite color of mine called Flame. I love the way it can look very red or every-so-slightly red-orange as in this combination: tourmaline, turquoise, sandstone, tangerine, cinnamon, flame.


My other selection is called Sunset Boulevard. Inspired by the views and landmarks along the way: the neon, the setting sun, and of course all the beautiful people. This famous road winds its way through the heart of Los Angeles County, cutting through Hollywood Blvd - where dreams are developed (or dashed in some cases). It works its way past famous landmarks, such as The Roxy, The Whiskey a Go-Go and The Laugh Factory where Robin Williams performed and also The Rainbow Bar & Grill (aka. The Rainbow Room) where Marilyn Monroe had a blind date with Joe DiMaggio. This particular section is know as Sunset Strip. Further on it travels through Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and finally ends near Malibu at the Pacific Ocean.

In this color story I wanted to create a sense of strong contrasts in beautiful feminine shades - here's the line up: lemonade, root beer, peony, raspberry, honey, clementine - come together in this summertime collection. The two new colors in this collection - Raspberry is a shade of red with strong pink highlights and a matte and slightly iridescent finish - really beautiful. Clementine is also one of my new favorites - this is a truly fantastic summer color - a must have!

Summer is a time for dreaming. It's a time to decide "What else is out there... what am I missing?" I'm looking forward to a few travels this year... even if I may go broke (or stranded) from the price of gas. I'm looking forward to new inspirations... how 'bout you?

- Pink

Thursday, May 8, 2008

fractionalstop = f/stop

I think that many of you know by now that I love not only making my beads and jewelry but, I also LOVE photography. It has been my pleasure to create photography that projects beautiful imagery as well as providing functionality (I hope)... Many of you respond so well to my product photos that I have now made this a part-time job!

Starting this last March, Trillium Artisans hired me to take all their product photos for their website and Etsy Store. I was flattered and thrilled to take on this challenge of course! This has now developed into not only a photography job but, I also teach photo workshops on how to better photograph your products for your Etsy Stores. I try to make these workshops a fun, challenging adventure you take with yourself and your camera - helping others discover that there is always more than one way of seeing what is in front of you. I also try to give ideas of how they can develop their store with whatever it is they make - to keep it fresh and draw in buyers with original imagery.

Looking at the world through your viewer is an amazing way to see things. You look at things at such different angles - ways you would never normally look with just your eyes... and sometimes at maximum magnification.

So, in light of my new found (part-time) job, I want to invite all of you to view my photo blog: fractionalstop. I created this blog in early April of this year and perhaps some of you have already noticed the link to the right for my new blog. (I call this photo: "Time Tunnel") I have taken up photography, not only as a means to convey my jewelry story but, also as a way to refresh my creativity. Making beads is my No.1 love but, it is always nice to have a fresh "focus" to keep from burning out that "love". With my new blog, I will post images - NOT jewelry related but, hopefully inspiring for all those out there that need a new vision every-now-and-then.

Also, my latest entry talks about the details of my newest photo adventure with JPG Magazine. If you love photography you MUST check out this website/magazine if you haven't already. I have submitted three new photos to their "Publishable Themes: Creatures, Street Fashion, and Favorite Hangouts". If you like any of them go ahead and sign up and vote on them! Believe me it is quite addicting once you start browsing all the fantastic photos - you'll want to keep voting and voting and voting and voting... you get the idea!

Anyway, I know that it has been awhile since my last Color Block Friday and any posting for that matter (Mother's Day kept me busier than I anticipated). I do plan on having a Color Block for May in order to feature some of the new Summer Colors...

Thank you so much to all my loyal supporters of me and my work... You are so appreciated all of you whether you buy, read, or send a friendly email, it is all welcomed and beloved:)

- Pink

Friday, April 18, 2008

TQB Designs Fashion Show - Part I - 2008.04.18

I promised you images of my work being worn and I have finally posted them or you here (with much tension due to the fact that Blogger went down an hour before the 5pm reveal)! I have also included some images of the squares (officially on sale April 23rd in my Etsy Store). I hope you enjoy the show. There will be another in a couple of months with more of my work. (*And, be sure to click on each image to make them bigger - you can see more details on each piece.) You can also view these images as a slide show by clicking HERE takes you to my Flickr! account. I think it's a much more fun way to see everything:) Carry on...

This first item is showcasing one of the beaded square beads. I actually began beading squares long before I started beading rounds. Funny, I know, but I just thought that rounds were so conventional and I wanted my work to stand out. Well, realizing how wrong I was, I dived into the round world and left behind the cubical delight. Having not made squares for many years I decided to bring them back in a limited quantity. They definitely take longer to make and I have a stock of square cores that won't last forever. So I decided to feature new work with squares through the month of May. I would like to do this annually. Think of it as a Mother's Day treat!

I have featured here the "Slide Bracelet" priced at $62.00 in beautiful Summer colors of Crimson, Strawberry & Bubbles. My favorite way to wear this piece is with one of my "Knotted Dots Bracelets" priced at $148.00. I have it paired with one in the same color story of "Strawberry Fields".

Next I wanted to feature a series of earrings in my most popular designs and range of sized as well as prices. The first pair of earrings are in one of my new colors for Spring & Summer (and will be featured in the April Friday Color Block, along with a new color combination).

Earrings:

Lucky Shoes Earring - Watermelon $38.00. This earring is made up of my handmade & hammered tiny horseshoe and ear wires. The beaded round measures 8mm (.25"). Made up of all oxidized sterling silver parts with a finished length of 1.5".

Bead Dot Coil Earring - Mulberry $38.00. This earring is made up of my hand-coiled stem and finished with my handmade ear wires. The beaded round measures 11mm (7/16" or just shy of .50"). Made up of all oxidized sterling silver parts with a finished length of 2.5"




Pin Dot Earring - Faded Denim $44.00. This earring design was an inspiration. I love the sculptural effect while wearing them! They are all totally hand fabricated and I even named the ear wire "hair pin curl". The beaded round measures 9mm (3/8"). Made from all sterling silver, the finished length on these beauties is 2.75".

Feather Earrings - Chartreuse, Cilantro $74.00. I'm not really good at picking favorites with my designs but, I have to say these are at the top of my list. They are funky, different and definitely make a statement! Fashioned with my handmade ear wires and hammered "feather", two large links suspend dual color beaded rounds, each at 11mm (7/16" or just shy of .50"). I love paring these greens together! Made from all oxidized sterling silver parts, the finished length on these 3".

So, I of course, wanted to also show you a few of my more popular necklaces and in a range of sized and prices. I hope that it gives you the perspective you need on the size of each bead I use with an image close in and one with a little more distance - enjoy!

Necklaces:

Darling Shoe Necklace - Faded Denim $38.00. Similar to the lucky shoes earrings, my handmade & hammered little horseshoe frames a small beaded round. This necklace is actually one step larger than the earrings with the bead measuring 9mm (3/8") and the pendant length of 1" & width of 5/8" (just over .50"). It is made up of all sterling silver parts with the clasp accented with real freshwater pearls. This necklace comes in your choice of length up to 18" at this price.

Sphere Necklace - Ocean $46.00. This design was inspired by the world globes that used to be in every classroom. They rotate on a base and I was alway fascinated by other places and the colors that made up the globe. I know that these are fast becoming obsolete but, I love mine and love to daydream about where I want to go. This delicate wishbone encapsulates one of my beaded rounds of 13mm (.50"). This gives a pendant length of 1.25" and width of 5/8". It is made up of all sterling silver parts with real freshwater pearls accenting the claps. This comes in your choice of length up to 18" at this price.

Beaded Round on Chain 16mm - Sweet Pea $38.00. This is a statement necklace for sure. Beautiful and simple is comes floating on a bead chain. This bead measures 16mm (5/8") across and takes me about 1 hour to weave. Since I do use commercial chain on this that isn't adjustable I only offer it in length so of 16" or 18" for this price. I do have available 20" and 24" at an additional cost, if interested. You can also get this sterling silver chain either bright brush finished or oxidized.

Feather Necklace - City Centre $78.00. Again, it is hard to pick favorites but, much like the earrings of the same name, I LOVE this necklace.. I think it's the gypsy in me. With beautiful beaded round charms in 5 shades, as well as two large links and my handmade "feather" this pendant hangs from dual-textured chain. Made up of all sterling silver parts and the clasp accented with gorgeous freshwater pearls, each beaded round measures 8mm (.25"). I like to wear this necklace long at 18" but, you can get in in any length up to 18" at this price. Of course additional lengths are available for an added cost.

More Squares sneak peek:

I have to say I really do love rounds - but, every now and then I do get a hankerin' for a cube. The squares I make are 11mm (7/16") in size (the same size as the beads on my feather earrings). I love to pair them with the round beads to give a piece interest and non-conformity. These are some of the new designs I have created just for the square shape - and of course, I will make a few with some of my existing desings - but, I do think that these lend more to the cube rather than the sphere - Enjoy!

Square Stem Necklace - Crimson $42.00. A square is slipped onto this hammered bar to give a balance of strength with the delicate nature of the beaded cube. I love to convey a sense of deliberate substance with the chunky silver running through the middle of the woven bead. Then finished with the reflective, delicate beaded chain. All parts are oxidized sterling silver and the chain lengths available at this price are 16" & 18".

Square Drops Earrings - Crimson $45.00. This is a little different than the pendant - instead of the bar running through the bead I have it gently suspended from the end. I wanted the square bead to have a bit of round added to it - so I have the large round headpin at the bottom to attach it to the oxidized silver bar above. These earrings, with my handmade ear wires, measure 2.5" in length - very dramatic in the crimson red.

I will have the Square Stem Necklace available in many of my colors in either a bright brushed finish or in the darkened brushed oxidized. I have a collection of them shown here in the blue shades of: Faded Denim, Ocean, and Peacock.