Annette was innocently waiting on a bus and had a few minutes to kill so she wandered aimlessly into a local bead store.  Can you say the beginning of the end?  Well, she was immediately captured by all the shapes and colors and scooped up a few to take home.  She spoke with the woman behind the counter and added some wire and clasps and then went home to figure out how to use all the wonderful treasures she had.  After some internet searching, Annette was armed with 12 free lessons over the course of 12 weeks, but being impatient to play with her jewels, she ended up looking up info in between and ended up with her first necklace, bracelet and earrings and felt brilliant!  Her course was set and she was hooked.

When Annette is not buried in beads, she loves to sew, which she believes really launched her creative streak while making a patchwork quilt, the movies, walking, and music.  She is a homemaker that claims beading keeps her sane or insane depending on your perspective.

After really getting a feel for how jewelry was put together, Annette began selling to family and friends and was quickly encouraged to branch out and AJewell was born.  A few business cards later, and she was in business.  She currently sells at a local market stall every weekend where she not only shows off her finished treasures, but brings along her supplies so people can see her work first hand at creating a new piece.

Annette is open to help and willingly takes advice from those more experienced in either online selling or jewelry making.  She listens, researches, and then decides if the advice is worth pursuing which is a wonderful sign of a woman willing to grow in her chosen field.  She says that she makes every effort to remain positive no matter what is going on around her and has no regrets about her chosen field.  She would happily repeat the process as she knows that jewelry is what she was meant to do.

Are you ready to see what this talented lady who stumbled onto her passion while waiting for a bus can really do?  Well, she is easy to find on the HandmadeArtists as well as on her own site.  She happily shows off her creativity on Facebook here and here.

Classic Charm and sophistication! Perfect Wedding day and everyday selections flaunting signature woven pearl style, over-the top design, rhinestone brooches, and fabulous beading…wow factor indeed! Every piece has a story and as you embark on this journey why not participate with such Broochaliscious style…besides, your neck is just too hungry to pass these up! Total Accessorization and timeless style and design. ZiLLA’s QuEeN brings you Wedding Delights & much much more!

Charmed,
ZiLLA’s QuEeN

Shop: www.ZiLLAsQuEeN.Etsy.com
FB: ZiLLA’s QuEeN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ZiLLAsQuEeN

In order to create my art, I first cut the stone that will go in the piece, then design around that.  Here are two stones cut in the lapidary in the past week.  The first is a piece of Lapis Lazuli about 2.5 inches long and it is very heavy.  Will probably use it in a horizontal position in a necklace.  Way too large for a ring.

The second is a free form cabochon made with “Pudding” jasper.  Feel free to change the adjective ‘dding’ to anything that you think describes the stone.

I will wait, but am currently working on a mixed metal pendant (gold and silver) with a highly included rutilated quartz *16 mm round faceted stone.  Another project is a ring to ask Debbie to marry me “again” next October on our anniversary. A friend is cutting this as I certainly can not do it in my shop.  Any way, that is the news so far for the day after Thanksgiving.

John

How do you do Vintage? The beauty in Vintage lies within the actual pieces’ ability to speak with you. Brooches are my favorite pieces to “Remix!” As I received these fascinating pieces Broochaliscious ideas took flight! Fabulous brooch finds placed together, offering total accessorization…just scrumpscious! Jewelry transformed with fantastic necklaces with the thinking “your neck is just too hungry to pass these up”! The brooches long lasting appeal doesn’t stop there…Broochaliscious designs from the Queen highlights Vintage-Inspired Handbags adorned with charming gloves, sparkling brooches, & handmade bib flower necklaces that can double as belts! One-of-a-kind pieces to reflect timeless style & design! Lovely accessory & keepsake!

So when the QuEeN wonders, “How do you do Vintage?” please reflect on the history, gift, and legacy behind such pieces as they reach our hands. The journey is what captivates me and sending these pieces on even further is the real gift! Beauty is truly within the eye of the beholder…so kindly BEHOLD THIS and share the love on your neck!

Charmed -ZiLLA’s QuEeN 
As always, The Queen reminds you…”Never leave home without your charm!”

www.ZillasQuEeN.Etsy.com

I am learning the ropes as far as computers and selling online… and let me just say that I have come across so many fantastic ladies… that are “covering my back ” so to speak… they are helpful.. knowledgeable… kind… considerate… looking out for others…

Yes, no doubt there are some that are strictly attending to their own agenda… but to be quite honest … I have yet to meet such a person…. there is a spirit of camaraderie… caring… support… “we’re all in this together” kind of feel… women banding together supporting other women… something that I do believe comes so naturally… we are the nurturers… the caregivers… and caretakers… we are multi taskers… we go the extra mile with never a thought… or complaint about it… we give.. we love.. we care…

With the season of Christmas fast approaching …. a time of giving … may I just say ” thank you ” to all you fabulous ladies… the list is far too long and wide… but you know who you are… keep on doing what you do best… Share the L ~ O ~ V ~ E…. hugz… Kat….. http://katstreasureshop.etsy.com/

JR Aquamarine Pendant

Freeform cabochon aquamarine weighing 43 carats in a Sterling silver wire frame accented with glass beads.  The pendant is about 3 inches high

Also did some playing with copper wire, here is that resulting bracelet:

AK Woven Copper Bracelet

12 gauge dead soft round copper wire woven into this 8 inch  cuff bracelet.  After weaving the three wires the bracelet was flattened with hammer and anvil to make a single thickness presentation.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

John

Funky Felt Flowers and More…

4 His Glory Creations by CJ

The rest of the 20 inch necklace was made with fluorite chips and silver colored ball chain. The next necklace was made with an amethyst cabochon. I had an amethyst crystal about 5 inches long. I cut the crystal into two pieces along the c-axis and then cabbed each stone. One has been completed with wrapping with 22 gauge Sterling silver square half hard wire in a criss cross pattern. The resulting pendant is about 3 inches by 1/2 inch. Here are my two pictures of this beautiful wire wrapped pendant.

Now I am watching the first game of the finals for the Stanley Cup, Boston playing Vancouver. Even though Boston beat the Flyers, I will root for them as they are one of the original six teams.

Hearts of Stone creates lovely one of a kind (OOAK) handmade jewelry. Her shop name says it all hearts as she uses a  lot of hearts in her design and stone as most of her work is just that stone.

Such as these beautiful Love Never Gets Old earrings.

Dramatic coral fossil squares sit between ocean jasper squares and hearts. Each stone accompanied with a Swarovski crystal. Gun metal hardware, nickel free.

These Spicy Love Earrings leave your imagination wondering as they are just plain hot!

Carved cinnabar coin inbetween deep red crystal rondelles, Accented by a shiny onyx heart, jet bicone and coral rondelle. Nickel free hardware.

For the best in handmade earrings make sure you check out Hearts of Stone on the Handmade Artists’ Shop!

This necklace in particular I found quite stunning.

As well as this lovely headband.

Hanny’s work is just stunning to say the least. I’ll leave you with one more beautiful necklace.

Necklace element Earth, the mother of all flesh, plants, waters and seas. Middle part indicates fertile earth with flowers, grass and fertile soil, the connecting part is the rain that irrigates the earth, the upper part of the life-giving sun heats up everything It consists of 3 parts. First – the center is sewn on sequins, rocailles, chopped rocailles and plastic beads attached to the felt, which is still lined with orange-red deerskin The upper part is made of fiberglass with a cabochon cut rocailles. The two main themes are linked rocailles two color sewn plastic balls, mounting is several rows rocailles over other plastic balls. On one side is attached to a carabiner rocailles 4 The Council, on the other – the shorter strap sewn to the ring. Overall length is 51 cm, fastened to the snap hooks and rings. The necklace is designed asymmetrically

To see more of Hannybeads check out her shop on The Handmade Artists’ Shop

I know that there is plenty of talented people in the world; there are many that are multitalented, now imagine finding a multitalented Australian mother of 5 (yes, you read that right…5 kids!) and still finding time to follow her passion for creating beautiful things from beads and Polymer clay!

Haffina is just such a person who’s creations must be seen to be believed.  Teeny tiny miniatures that look good enough to eat great you right away on the front page of her HandmadeArtistsShop page.  Check out the chocolate!  Couldn’t you just sink your teeth into them!

Not a chocolate fan?  How about the sinful indulgence of Red Velvet?

Miniatures not for you?  How about clay gemstones that you would swear are the real thing?

And just to get your creative juices flowing, Haffina also creates amazing supplies so that you can incorporate a one of a kind creation into your own one of a kind creation.

There is so much more to see of Haffina’s work; but I am running out of space!  Check out Haffinas Creations on the HandmadeArtistsShop for yourself and prepare to be stunned by the amazing talent of this busy mum!

A registered nurse named Pam is the vision behind Gifted Hands.  This talented lady began making jewelry about 4 years ago and her friends and family couldn’t get enough!  This encouraged her to take her talent to the world and we are very appreciative.

Her designs feature beautiful beaded jewelry from glass, gemstones, crystals, and anything else that catches her eye.  Her designs are beautifully put together with an eye for detail and color.

Gifted Hands makes everything from earrings, necklaces and bracelets galore!  She even had put her beading talent into her clasp.

Many of the designs by Gifted Hands would be perfect for everyday wear; but look again; how about a gift for a bridesmaid?  These designs are just dainty enough for a wedding, but with a touch of color and flair to give your day a bit of personality.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with picking out a treat for yourself either!

Ready for more?  Check out Gifted Hands’ designs on the HandmadeArtistsShop and oh and ah over these delicate designs.

There are full time artists in the world…and then there are the rest of us!  Desirable Intentions is one such multi-tasker.  She and her husband actually lay floors as their “day job,” but her real passion lies in jewelry.

She experimented with many things; cake decorating, refinishing furniture, cross stitch; before stumbling upon the joy of creating beautiful pieces of wearable art.

Ready to see more?  Check out DesirableIntentions on the HandmadeArtistsShop and prepare to be amazed.

Elle’s Beads was never intended to be a business venture.  I started beading and making jewelry as an outlet for dealing with some of the depression and anxiety I was going through after starting my first “real” job in a new city after college. After a few months of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to open shop on Etsy and I’ve been selling my work ever since.

The designs I make are almost always one of a kind and reflect my personality and eclectic sense of style.  I have a line of LGBT pride jewelry as well as dozens of other funky, colorful pieces.  This year I’ve added lines of metal bookmarks and beaded cell phone charms, perfect even for those who don’t wear much jewelry.  I also make fabric accessories, including brooches, pins, and barrettes.

Environmental responsibility is a big issue for me and so a lot of my work reflects that.  I only use scrap fabrics for my accessories and often incorporate broken vintage jewelry, vintage buttons, and other second-hand embellishments into my work.  I make beaded and resin magnets and often use recycled bottle caps or even creative items like old keys and eyeglass lenses in my creations.  

You can find Elle’s Beads (and me!) all over the web.  I have shops on Handmade Artists Forum, Etsy, Zibbet and my own website.  I have an active Blogger blog, Tumblr blog, YouTube channel, Twitter, and Facebook page.  I’d love it if you stopped by and dropped me a line.  One of the best parts of starting this business is the wonderful friendships I’ve made with other artisans and lovers of handmade!

Until next time,

Elle

What first inspired you to become an artist?
I’ve always loved to create. When I was growing up, we didn’t have a living room, instead, we had a work room. The work room had a sewing machine, an ironing board, and a huge (handmade) table that was a magnet for projects in progress. Sharp scissors and tape were always on hand!

Even though the house was a very organized, minimalist sort of place, tucked in cupboards all around were baskets of fabric scraps and drawers of paper and other raw materials. The stuff in the garbage cans was very interesting! One thing I remember is my parents’ passion for design and efficiency. They were very good at mass producing things like the annual elaborate Christmas cards. They did things in batches using creativity mixed with functionality.

What do you do when you are not creating things?
Mostly I am a full-time mother, but I also work as a writer and editor. Sometimes I write for popular publications like Mothering magazine (a lead feature I authored can be found here ), and I also proofread and edit various publications from books to blurbs. On occasion, I consult for an environmental firm. I round out my “spare” time working in the garden, visiting with friends via hiking, volleyball, and biking, and going on road trips. Though I love it all, I feel most at home in my studio, expressing myself through objects, colors, textiles, and pictures.

Infinity necklace by TrueJune

Where do your ideas come from?
I like parameters: I often come up with new ideas when I see a practical problem that needs to be solved.

For example, the crocheted jewelry I create should not only be beautiful and express something about you, your moods, and your desires, but it also needs to fit seamlessly into your active, busy lifestyle.

To meet this challenge, my first creations focused on jewelry that was light and effortless and never needed to be taken off. I created simple, durable designs that could go from work to the pool to the garden. I change my clothes more than I change my jewelry. I even test my jewelry by running it through the dishwasher and wearing it in the hot tub (ahhhh!). I wear it everywhere, even when camping. The simple designs include a lot of thought and testing and are meant to work in a variety of situations!

Camping in NM with my son and my Bronze Flower necklace

I have since developed a variety of styles that I see as solving other “problems” including:

• finding the right look in the right length with designs that are short, long, and in between
• creating hypoallergenic jewelry that has no metal parts
• designing jewelry that moves and changes and is not static
• inventing clasp-less jewelry that has nothing to hide

If you have a “problem” that keeps you from wearing jewelry, let me know, I’d love to help you solve it!

What is your most inspired time of day?
I find that I can be productive at almost any time of the day—especially if I know I have a chunk time—but at night, in bed, when I am just falling asleep, that is when I can really put the pieces together for a design. While I am just drifting off, I invent new techniques, envision shapes and connections, and solve a lot of problems! Sleep is a fundamental part of my creativity!

Blue Moon necklace

What do you consider a successful piece?
My biggest reward is seeing people actually wear my creations. If I can make something that looks and feels natural, like it belongs—as if it has always been there—then I know it will be worn again and again. I strive to create “everyday jewelry” that helps make life both simple and beautiful.

What is so special about handmade?
For me, handmade captures natural energy. I love the idea that the “life force” in the materials and the maker are transferred into the product. Handmade items have stories behind them that are filled with creativity and love. Not that all mass produced items are dead, but they just don’t carry as much beautiful energy to me as handmade.

Handmade can also be easily personalized and one of a kind. I love making custom orders because they always push me in new directions. It’s a fruitful kind of collaboration that just can’t be bought.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to create more?
Give yourself the space and time. Make it a priority. Then let yourself go and experiment. Don’t worry if you feel like you’ve failed. There will be times when you feel like nothing is working out, but that is a part of the natural process. Try to be true to yourself and keep going. Remember the joy in creating, the nourishment you receive from it. Then put your work out there and don’t apologize!

Where can we learn more about TrueJune?
I sell my creations online in my Etsy shop at truejune.etsy.com and I have a public Facebook page that explains more about my process and has chronological photo albums of my designs. Become a fan to learn more and participate in discussions, or just browse around to get some ideas of your own.

Thanks to the wonderful people at the Handmade Artists Forum for all their help and support in promoting handmade! I learn so much from you and I’m proud to be part of such a talented team!

http://tuscanroad.etsy.com

Tuscan Road On the HAFshop

http://tuscanroad.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuscan-Road-Designs/87318699378

All of my pieces are heirloom quality! Each piece must be strung and then sculpted to form each petal . then those petals must be attached in just the right way to create a life-like flower. I put alot of time into every piece that I make. Everything in my shop is fully customizable, so you will get exactly what you want at an affordable price!

So stop on by my shop and have a look around! Remember custom orders are always welcome.

www.buddingcreations.etsy.com

FOR UPDATES AND SPECIALS!
FOLLOW ME ON:
Twitter
www.twitter.com/beads2blooms
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Budding-Creations/121401318365

I am a woman of many passions. As a wife, mother, and teacher I am passionate about family and children. As a writer, I am passionate about the written word. And as a jewelry artisan, I am passionate about beading.

Enchanted Beading is a reflection of creativity, imagination, desire, passion, romance, and story. Every piece is a story. The earrings worn on a first date. The beads around your neck during a passionate kiss. The bracelet dangling from your wrist during a dance.

Things I love ~ the scent of roses, strawberry wine, chocolates, Jane Austen, spring winds, birdsongs, ocean waves, family and friends, smiling children, a great romance, ballroom dancing, the ballet, musical theatre, joyful music, kisses, Disney World, the sweet taste of watermelon on a summer day, fireworks, snowflakes, fine wine, a mountain view, waterfalls, silk, kittens, and time to create.

Find my work at Etsy.
Read my blog.
Follow me on Twitter.

Creating jewelry is a “pleasurable madness.” My designs range from traditional, classic, elegant and timeless, to whimsical and fun. I use only high quality AAA semi-precious gemstones with 14k and 18k gold in the Luxury Gemstone Collection. The Swarovski Crystal Collection and the Classic Stone Collection are made using 14k gold-filled, sterling silver or Argentium silver, while the Fused Dichroic Glass Collection incorporates gemstones with 14k gold-filled, sterling silver or Argentium silver. Other precious metals are also used. And, of course, custom requests are always welcome. 

Find my collections at Sirona Jewelry.

My art and design background inspires me to create unusual pieces composed of faceted gemstones in a stunning mixture of colors and shapes. My creations are designed for customers who appreciate high-quality pieces that transcend time.

My original handcrafted jewelry is composed of faceted precious and semi precious gems that have been purchased from all over the world. Most items are one of a kind because of the limited resources of some of the gems. My work has been featured in Tammy Powley’s latest book titled “Mixed Media Jewelry”, as well as Sandra Salamony’s book titled “1000 Jewelry Inspirations”. 

Buy jewelry at Classic Designs

Miki is known to the world as Michele Stewart. She is a graduate of the HS of Art & Design, an avid reader, cat lover and artist in multi-media. Beginning with a passion for needle arts, she has wholeheartedly embraced the art of jewelry. Using silver, gold, natural and simulated gemstones, Swarovski crystals and anything else she can get her hands on, Miki’s designs are delicate, original and improving all the time. You can also contact Michele for one on one design consultation.

Cat a.k.a. Cat Nissenfeld a.k.a. Madam Miau, is a renowned Psychic, Reiki Master and burgeoning Shaman as well as an artist extraordinaire. Her designs are bold, full of color and verve as well as healing and infused with her own vibrant personality. Cat has been designing and making jewelry for over 20 years, using everything from delicate seed beads to sterling silver one-of-a-kind castings in lost wax. Every one of Cat’s pieces are infused with healing energy. You can contact Cat to consult or order Chakra or Healing pieces.

Check out the Mikicat Design Store.
We’re also on Etsy

I am an artist, a mom, and a breast cancer survivor. My husband James, 2 kids Phoebe & Sander, and I live in a wild-kingdom with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 turtles, and too many chickens to count.

I have a BA in Illustration and am the staff artist at a MA Veterinary School. In 1998 I launched a jewelry business, Beeboo. My studio is constantly in a state of chaos (as is the rest of my house) but I love it!

My fabulous father Herb, passed away in 2005 after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). My mom was Dad’s primary caregiver. Throughout the 2 year battle both she and Dad continued to make the most of every day, taking it as it comes and relishing the time they had together. They are my inspiration. 

Visit my Etsy shop.
Visit my Etsy supply shop.
Check out Beeboo.com.
Read my blog.
Follow me on Twitter.

I have always been interested in arts and crafts and sewing – anything creative. When I discovered beads, I knew that this was something I was going to get very excited about. I discovered my love for beading about 10 years ago. When I am creating with beads or polymer clay, I feel a little of what God must have felt when He created the world.

I am a beadaholic and proud of it. I believe I have a God given gift – the love of creating. Give me a needle and thread and some beads and I won’t be able to stop myself. Add a little polymer clay into the mix and I can get really crazy.

After all these years, I’m still excited about and I look forward to beading and creating every day. I love to design and create and I have no favorite materials-if it can be combined into a piece of jewelry, then I love it! A beading heart is a happy heart! I sell my work on consignment at a local bead shop and online.

I am a proud member of the Etsy Bead Weavers Team. Visit our blog for links to all members’ shops.

Check out my Etsy shops BeadsForever & Dangles by Linda.
My personal website My Heart Beads For You.
Read my blog.