Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I'm back...





Just like that proverbial bad penny that keeps turning up, I am back online after a nearly 3 week hiatus due to a nasty computer virus. In spite of feeling completely cut off from the rest of the world, I managed to use my time to create some new pieces. Both of these pieces are custom requests - and I must say that I am well-pleased with both of them.

The first piece is a cuff that I designed for my friend Emily. Her husband, Van and I are long time friends and he is currently care-taker for Shamrock Vineyard located in Waldo, Oh. She requested that I create something with a grape/wine theme - and this is my first attempt. Again - I am well pleased with the result - and hope that she will like it too.

The second one is pendant I created to go with the art deco cuff I created some time ago. Along with creating the pendant, I also made the 22" chain that you see on this piece. It has a gentle spiral to it - which adds a bit of class that I love. I only hope that my customer will be pleased with the end result. I had to learn how to make a triangle for this piece - along with learning a new stitch for the chain. I am always grateful for a new opportunity to learn new techniques that will help me expand my beading horizons.

Now that I am back online I will FINALLY be able to get some items listed to my shop. I may even be able to start getting some things listed tonight. YAY!!! I am happy to be able to have some new items to list - and my pictures are most definitely getting better.

Wish me luck with the camera tonight - I will most likely need it!

Friday, September 10, 2010

In the works....


It's been a little while since I have blogged - but I wanted to share with you some of the projects I have going on right now.

First - I have started working with a fellow Ohioan on a bracelet she had featured on the tv show "Pretty Little Liars." The bracelets are all custom-made with the name of the person ordering - I am making the purple and white bracelets shown. I have literally dreamed about purple and white beads - and I am sure that it will not be the last dream about those.

I decided to take a break from the PLL bracelets - and have been working on an art deco necklace - to match the cuff shown. This was a special request from a customer who bought this cuff - and I am happy with what I have created. Just finishing it up at this point. (Pictures coming soon....)

I have also gotten a special request to create a grape/wine themed bracelet and/or necklace for Emily. Her husband, Van and I are old friends. They are now the care-takers for Shamrock Vineyard located in Waldo, OH. I may be designing some wine charms and other jewelery to sell at the vineyard - I am very excited about that prospect as well. I have already got one design planned out for Emily - just need to bead it up.

I have also designed a gothic cross - I love the look of this one on paper - I can't wait to see it beaded up and "in person."

Last but not least, I am also planning a cancer memorial bracelet in memory of my Dad. I am working with The Sam Bish Foundation - and plan to donate proceeds from my sales to this organization. More will come on this as plans get more finalized.

As you can see, I am keeping myself busy. I am still working as a waitress as my "real" job - and beading really has been taking up nearly all my free time as of late. I guess it is a good thing that I love doing it.

Updates and pictures will be coming soon - I do have a lot on my plate right now - so expect a lot of new things coming from me in the very near future.