2.15.2017 - Bigger Brighter Bolder Beads

(First I have to mention that there's an update tonight at 9PM)

I've always thought jewelry should be rather small... and out of the way.  I still feel that way about earrings - that they shouldn't tear your ear lobe off - so I will maintain my view there... But necklaces - with a few key elements of weighty deliciousness - in glass -  are sooo wonderful.

There is this artist who makes this amazing necklace... her name is Lucette Mugnier - and they're sold through the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago... here's a link...

I had posted a picture - but there was a note about not using their images. : ( so I provided the link instead.  I purshased this necklace, so I thought I'd share how amazing it is... The hollows are sealed, filled with some type of viscous liquid... and have itty bitty Swarovski crystals that settle to the bottom.  So Very Cool.  Anyhow - stunning is just that - I wondered why it took three of these beads to achieve "stunning" here - as one is sure to wow.

So, in an effort to realize that stunning can be achieved in the Less-Is-More manner of thought - I created the larger version of my carved beads I've made for years... it's a 1" carved focal bead that has glittering silvery mica inside.  It nestles in the hollow of my throat... and is sparkly and 'alive'.  (but, I still bought the other necklace!!)

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Then, in the mode of bigger brighter Bolder Beads... there is this set... I'm always inspired by the change of seasons to work with transparent glass and play with the way light is held/reflected.  NORMALLY, the oblong carved melon shape second from Right is focal bead sized... so - this set has big chunky beads that are alive with color and light.  I am *transformed*. smiles, Jill

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1.25.2015 - Wow! - 2017 Brings something BRIGHT!

Last year I made a gorgeous hollow necklace and the focal (and favorite hollow bead was a luscious green!)  Then went through a phase of using it for the bars shown below... I've been timid with green, because I thought it was difficult to wear close to the face.  But - next week we will explore a collection style offering that will bring this luscious color to the forefront!

While this photo shows Peridot faceted gemstones, my approach to pure saturated pops of color... set in a minimalist type offering will showcase the glass itself.

 

I am changing the way the offerings are organized.  I think it would make more sense to choose a color palette each week - or a collection style and stay within the parameters for a more cohesive page, offerings and visual experience.  

What colors are your favorites and which do you wish were more often paired up??

smiles, Jill

1.04.2017 - Limitations

I've always felt that a volume of more than a 1/2" bead hanging from ones' ear lobe is too much.  So - I've always looked for little boxes in which to send my creations. For years the little square plastic boxes worked, as everything was a 1/2" round.

But - now with longer beads and the glassy headpins - I've found the need for longer boxes...  I don't know why, but I love storing things so that I can see my beads.  These work wonderfully, but sometimes it's a serious puzzle with how to get the beads to nest so that the top fits... you know this if you buy from me. : )

But - now with longer beads and the glassy headpins - I've found the need for longer boxes...  I don't know why, but I love storing things so that I can see my beads.  These work wonderfully, but sometimes it's a serious puzzle with how to get the beads to nest so that the top fits... you know this if you buy from me. : )

So, along with graduating to these boxes, I've been delighted to find that three of these longer ones fit rather nicely inside of a square box... I hope you're not thinking that 'she has issues'... I just love boxes.  The most recent issue is that my new Mini Moo cards are long and no longer next nicely into the lid of the bigger square box.  But that's OK, as I can still print more of the original version of my business cards that DO fit nicely.

What are your packaging issues and what solutions have you come up with??  Smiles & little plastic boxes, Jill
 

12.14.2016 - Castle Hill Graffiti Park

Austin... you've gotta love her.

YEARS ago - I lived in the neighborhood at the top of this park.  It's on the edge of being right in the midst of the meat of downtown, and has a view of that says it all.  "Way back when", this was a failed foundation for a commercial venture.  Given a few decades - it has become an art gallery that is always in flux, with new art popping up overnight - then obscured by the next up-and-coming one.  Nice - as it's like watching a r.e.a.l.l.y slow movie... 

Awhile back, my friend Vickie R. from CA was visiting and we went for a brief visit... since then it's become a mainstay to show visitors the oddly quirky remnants of this city and tell tales of things not torn down - but repurposed... I kinda like that.   Anyhow.  

It inspired a set of mine - that is way more colorful and abstract than I normally work... but it gives me hope that someday my inner child will be released. : )

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Graffiti Park - $130

So, this set above is on tonight's update... I was planning to do a mini one - only with cool earrings, thank you Barbara Muth (ArtSongSoul on Facebook) for yesterday's email.  Saying how when she was wearing her long purple pillar earrings - they made her feel like a million bucks (even when she was wearing the garb of an artist at work)... big smile for me, and inspiration to work in long slender pillars at the torch for the day.  Hence the update.... : )  The holidays are looming - and I decided to do what feels good this week.

: ) - smiles - Jill
(just to show you a pair up for grabs... )

12.7.2016 - Bubbles in the Park and a Preview

Last summer Luis and I took a trip to Boston, and we tromped all over that city - and one of the  magical visuals I took back home was this small gathering that were utterly delighted at the bubble creation performance at the edge of the pond.

I found instructions to make this and will direct you there - granted - I guess this is more of a summertime thing - but - I just remembered how wonderful they were - and maybe some of you are in a location that this would work - NOW... : )

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/giant-bubble-wands/

The weather here in TX has finally turned cold... tomorrow night it's supposed to get down to 30 degrees... so - I'll be schlepping what plants I can into the garage for awhile.... Granted, torching and having a heated kiln going are perfect activities for this time of year - know that I'll be at the torch!!  Update tonight with this week's goodies - tonight at 9pm EST - stay warm.... smiles - Jill.

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