Saturday, February 6, 2010

Saturday's Features

Feature Friday is back! A day late...but hey, better late than never! Besides, I've missed rummaging through my teammate's etsy shops. :D Feel free to do some of your own rummaging too! And enjoy these lovely new handmade items from members of the Artisan Beaders Street Team.

 

 

 

   

 

  

   

Monday, January 18, 2010

Technique Tuesday :: Use Your Stash

This may not be a traditional beading or jewelry-making technique, but it is certainly a topic we can all benefit from.

Like many of you, I have a substantial stash of beads and other supplies on hand at all times. One must be prepared just in case of a massive snow storm, right? While I anxiously await my annual trip to the Tucson gem shows, I stare at my already enormous collection of beads. I hope for a surge of inspiration to use some pieces in new and different ways and avoid making any purchases.

I must trust you all very much to share this photo with you. My work table probably looks like a disaster zone to you, but this is pretty normal for me. OK, maybe it's a little messier than usual. I've been looking at and thinking about using some beads I nearly forgot about. That means keeping a generous selection of beads on my bead board, along with some stray earwires, bits of chain, random components and partially finished pieces.



I challenge everyone to make some jewelry using ONLY the pieces you currently have on hand. Experiment with new and different color combinations. Use wire in a decorative manner, if you've never done that before. If you usually string beads for a necklace, try connecting the beads with wire, or vice versa! Combine the two styles and create something completely different. Use those charms you thought were so cute when you bought them 3 years ago. Thumb through some old beading magazines for inspiration. Look at your bead collection with a new set of eyes.

This is what happened when I did this exact thing last week. I've had these keshi petal shaped pearls for years. I never thought to use them in this manner until I looked at them next to a length of wire that I had put next to them by accident. Voila! Cute, huh?


Saturday, January 16, 2010

Color of the Year

Recently, Pantone declared that Turquoise is the Color of the Year. Many of us think this is wonderful news. Turquoise is a perennial favorite among beaders. Here's what it looks like from Pantone's perspective:


And here are some selections from team members' shops using various shades of turquoise:

Friday, December 4, 2009

Feature Friday

These fabulous jewelry pieces are to die for! They would make beautiful Christmas gifts too, and a few include Turquoise, which is December's birthstone. Each piece is handcrafted by Artisan Beader team members. Click on the photos & links for all the details.

 

   


  


 

 


Friday, November 20, 2009

Feature Friday

All of this week's new items are stunning works of art! I found so many new items, that I just couldn't help myself and had to post them all! I love stalking my fellow Artisan Beader member's etsy shops. It's like searching for new treasures, and I'm happy to show them off to you every week. So enjoy these lovely items and leave a comment with your thoughts.
{{Click on the photos & links to go directly to the item and the Artisan Beader's shop}}


*NEW* ~ Handmade by Vicki @ Orion Designs


 
*NEW* ~ Handmade by Deronda @ Deronda Designs 


*NEW* ~ Handmade by Kristy @ Shiny Adornments

   
*NEW* ~ Handmade by Meri @ Elbit Enterprises

 
*NEW* ~ Handmade by Jo @ gemheaven


 
*NEW* ~ Handmade by Sue @ Signature Sterling 

   
*NEW* ~ Handmade by Karla @ Thyme2dream

**To find more handmade jewelry and beads from Artisan Beader members, search "absteam" on etsy or click here.**