Custom bracelet

I just finished this custom order bracelet for a client. I decided to call it "Crazy"! Now there are a lot of songs by that title, done by many different artists, but in my mind I am going with Patsy Clines' version. Now I am not a big fan of country music, but there is something I just love about hearing the sweet strains of Patsy Clines' voice singing that song! She certainly had the voice of an angel. ( I don't know why all my words are being underlined as I type!*#!*!)



Crazy

I'm crazy for feelin so lonely

I'm crazy

Crazy for feelin so blue

I knew

You'd love me as long as you wanted

And then someday

You'd leave me for somebody new

Worry

Why do I let myself worry

Wondrin

What in the world did I do

Crazy

For thinkin that my love could hold you

I'm crazy for tryin

And crazy for cryin

And I crazy for lovin you
Patsy Cline Pin It

Teach Your Children

This is a custom order bracelet that I recently finished. I was contacted by a kindergarten parent, representing the class Moms, who wanted to purchase a bracelet for the teacher as an end of the year gift. The teacher, has actually purchased several of my pieces in the past, and they knew that she liked my designs. They wanted to somehow be able to represent the 19 students in the class, and also have the year, 2009, incorporated into the design. I found some fabulous beads by lampwork artist, Christy Howard, in these gorgeous bright crayon colors, and made them my inspiration. I wanted to the finished piece to have a playful, childlike feeling, as it was a gift from her kindergarten class. I made 19 lampwork glass bead dangles, to represent each child, and added in some sterling silver heart charms, one with "joy"...which is actually her name! I then added a fabulous sterling silver keepsake tag, custom designed by LillyEllen Designs. I had her stamp the year into the center, and the words "teach, inspire, dream" around the bottom edge. It turned out fabulous, and I was so pleased with the final result. This one had to be called "Teach your Children", by CSNY.


"Don't you ever ask them why
if they told you, you would cry
so just look at them and sigh
and know they love you. "
Graham Nash


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Wildflower

Featuring a gorgeous lampwork blossom by Lynn Nurge, some fabulous lemon quartz beads that I wire wrapped, as well as faux pearls, tiny Swarovski crystals and Venetian glass beads I created this whimsical summertime necklace.I named this one Wildflower, after the hit song by the Cult. However, many artists have songs by the same name such as Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and remember the band Skylark! Oh yes, they too had a tune called Wildflower (waaaaay back when?) with these lyrics:

Let her cry, for she's a Lady
Let her dream, for she's a Child
Let the rain fall down upon her
She's a free and gentle flower, growing wild.

So take your pick of Wildflower songs, depending on the lyrics, and whether you want to rock out or be mellow!

Wild flower Your'e the star of my dreams Most beautiful thing Wild flower I love you every hour Wild flower I love you every hour
The Cult

Perfect for proms, grads, and weddings....available now in my Etsy shop. Pin It

Sneak peak!

Well... I am off to Vancouver Island for the Easter break, in a couple of days, but before I go, I thought I would give you a sneak peak at that necklace that I have been working on! You know...the one that I had been struggling with. The etched lampwork beads by Deb at Sweetwater Designs, are lovely and you can see them in this photo. I think I am back on track now, and thanks to all of you that lent their support during my time of creative frustration!! Hopefully I will get it completed and have photos of the finished design after my little holiday. In the meantime I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

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The Circle Game

I just finished a custom order for a friend, who wanted a " black bracelet, that was neutral enough to go with almost anything." I came up with this bracelet, which I named " The Circle Game", after the song by sang by Buffy St. Marie, and written by Joni Mitchell. The bracelet consists of black onyx, Swarovski crystals and Bali silver. Black onyx is supposed to be one of the most powerful protection stones, absorbing and transforming negative energy.

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Joni Mitchell

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Featured artist RockerJewlz

Today I would like to introduce to you, a multi talented and creative lady, Julie, from RockerJewlz. Julie entered my "Name that Necklace" contest in January, where she placed second, winning a feature spot here on my blog. Julie creates fabulous jewelry and many of her pieces are designed using very delicious looking cupcake beads. The cupcakes come in many "flavors" and color combinations including chocolate for all you chocoholics out there! I just want to jump right in and eat these, they are so adorable! Not only does she design jewelry, but she also makes darling seasonal stickers and confetti. There are items for all occasions, birthdays, showers, holidays and very cute girlie themes as well. Check out all her Easter themed goodies featuring spring chicks, colored eggs, bunnies and ducks that are in her shop now. I could go on and on, but please go see for yourself!

Please visit her Etsy shops, RockerJewlz and MomsArt and check out her sweet items!

Here is what Julie had to say about herself and her art:


My thanks to Susan at www.hotrocksglassjewels.blogspot.com for featuring me on her blog this month!

I’m a mom who was looking for a project when my only child entered college and my free time opened wide. A friend introduced me to lampwork glass beads and I was totally hooked. The flow of light through glass has always fascinated me but I had no idea what to do with the beads if I bought them. My friend Gloria suggested designing jewelry. So after a few beginner classes, I was ready to form RockerJewlz Jewelry Designs and I had a blast building my own website at www.RockerJewlz.com.


I started out with simple pieces, focusing on using the amazing glass cupcake beads I was finding as featured in my Cupcake Elegance bracelet and Cherry Buttercream earrings. Cupcakes remain my most popular item and as of Valentine’s Day am making heart theme jewelry year round as well. Sterling silver, handcrafted silver from Bali & Thailand, hand dyed ribbons and other components are featured in my jewelry to provide a truly handmade, one of a kind (OOAK) work of wearable art you‘ll be proud to possess.


Glass artisan Payton Jett and I collaborated in 2008 to design some amazing larger than usual cupcake glass beads…my cupcake drawings came to life in her glass work as you see in the spectacular Deluxe Fantasy Dream Cupcake series, as in the Triple Valentine Pink Necklace on silk ribbon. Be sure to see the solid silver cupcakes she designed too!

In 2008 I also fulfilled a crafting desire by opening a paper crafts shop at MomsArt.etsy.com in tribute to my mother’s artistic endeavors. She used to draw flowers colored with pencils for all of our family’s birthday, anniversary and special celebration cards. Eventually I will be reproducing those. For now, you can find really fun confetti & stickers that I hand punch in my home studio. Cinderella shoes, castles, baby shower themed items along with, yes, cupcakes, hearts, and birds are just some of the fun shapes you’ll find there. Ribbon & buttons are also featured.



Custom design in jewelry and paper crafts is what I love most as collaborating with new clients that become fast friends is fun beyond compare.

This year I am adding giveaways to my blog at www.RockerJewlz.blogspot.com so be sure to visit me there to win some awesome goodies.

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New in my shop

A few more goodies recently listed in my shop. The necklace, "Hey Jealousy", is a new design, that is simple and contemporary and features 3 pendants on gold filled chain. A wonderful Venetian glass heart, a rare, vintage opaque Swarovski crystal in a cool apple green color, and a smaller, contemporary Swarovski crystal in Erinite green. Available in my Etsy store for $55.00 USD

The bracelet, "Modern Love" is not new, but co- ordinates nicely with the necklace. This bracelet features the same kind of Venetian heart bead as the necklace, some cube shaped Swarovski crystals, artisan lampwork beads and a 14K gold clasp.Listed at $60.00 USD

Keeping with the green theme, is "Rocky Mountain Way" combining pretty Peruvian opal stones, green opal stones, sterling silver beads, vintage topaz Swarovski crystals, and contemporary Swarovski crystals in one of the newer colors called Opal. This one goes for $90.00 USD. Please check my Etsy store for more one of a kind designs, made with top quality materials!

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CHristmas art show update

The Christmas art and craft show that I was in this past weekend was great! I slightly surpassed my personal goal for sales, got a few custom orders,got a lead for a big festival in the Spring, and handed out a whole pile of business cards...I ran out on Sunday at 4:00pm and had to resort to scribbling down my website on lined paper! It didn't hurt that I was the first table that you saw when you walked through the doors either! I certainly got lucky there. I raised $95.00 for Beads for Life, with my silent auction, so I was quite pleased with that. Here are some pictures of my table...Betty and Lucy, my redhead mannequins really worked hard this past weekend!

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Sneak a Peak on my show items!

Here is a preview on a few items in my booth for the big Christmas art and craft sale starting tomorrow. I am really excited about the necklace as it was a labour of love for quite some time. I finally finished it, and the title is... "Bleeding Love", with focal bead by Rebecca Werner. As well I have a bracelet titled "Walking on Broken Glass",with some fabulous lampwork lentils, and the purple charm bracelet is "Lady Marmalade"..no it isn't a marmalade color, but it felt very French, bijoux, to me, and if you know the song, you will understand the title.

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Getting ready for the big show

Well I am back after a few wonderful days of well needed R&R, on Vancouver Island. I did manage to drop a few entrecards while I was away, and it was a real joy to experience high speed internet while I was doing that! Now it's back to some serious work, as I have a big Christmas art show that I am in that starts on Friday and runs through till Sunday. So I have alot of items to pack up and I would like to get a few more earrings made up as well.I am also excited about the silent auction that will be held in my booth for the necklace made with Ugandan beads. I hope to raise a decent amount of money to send to the women of Uganda. I will certainly let you know how it all turns out! Pin It

New creations to keep you entertained

I am going to be away for a few days as, we are heading out to our little getaway place on Vancouver Island, off of Canadas' west coast. So I hope to be inspired by all things west coasty...ocean, beaches, big trees, eagles, whales etc! In the meantime enjoy these new wire wrapped bracelets. See you in a week.

Oh ...the names are from top to bottom:"Summer Breeze", (Seals & Crofts) "Cowgirl in the Sand" (Neil Young) and "Salt of the Earth" (Rolling Stones), all classics!

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Hollywood Nights-new necklace

Awhile ago, I got my hands in this gorgeous vintage rhinestone pendant, full of sparkle and loads of bling, and I thought that this would be a great piece to design a necklace around for the holidays. Perfect with that little black dress for a Christmas party, or New Years Eve...you are guaranteed to turn heads with this focal piece! I used garnets, A couple of vintage Swarovski crystals as well as lots contemporary ones, Swarovski pearls and quartz crystal. Guess what was playing on the radio as I worked on this creation? Hollywood Nights, by Bob Seger... and so the necklace was named!

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Earrings

Due to the fact that my earring selection was almost non existant, lately I have spent my jewelry making time replenishing my earring selection. I have a couple of shows coming up in November, and it is always smart to have more than enough earrings ready to sell. Earrings are the bread and butter of most jewelry designers, as they are usually the least expensive items in our collections. Customers who cannot afford a pricier bracelet or necklace, will usually spring for a fashionable pair of earrings, either for themselves or as a gift. I must admit, that earrings are not my favourite thing to make, I prefer the creative challenges that bracelets, and especially necklaces provide. However, it is fun to try and come up with something a little different in the earring category, which is what I have strived for in these latest little creations! Oh.... and check out my new "Link to Me" button on the right hand side. Sheila, of Designs by Sheila, took my Entrecard image and created a button for me! Not only does she do buttons, but she also does wonderful banners, blog templates, headers etc. Please check out her blog.

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Thankyou...thankyou very much!

This afternoon I was visiting some of my favourite blogs, dropping my entrecards, when all of a sudden one of my creations was staring back at me! I was visiting the Art Zoo blog... when there it was my "Gypsy Bracelet" featured front and center! Wow...what a great surprise...Thankyou Art Zoo! There are some fabulous crafters and artisans featured daily on this blog. Check it out!

As well I have to thank Marylou (Time2cre8) and Jo (Unique You) for their wonderful suggestions, and inspiring me to organize my jewelry designing area earlier this week. I wanted it to look like a candy store with the beads being visible in containers, so that I could easily see all of my supplies. It was alot of work, but it looks great and I am now ready for the busy (hopefully!) season ahead. Thankyou ladies...your suggestions were greatly appreciated, and as promised here are the pics.

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A Far Away Friend

Today, I was catching up on some of the blogs that I read regularly, and when I visited Rebecca Werners' blog, also known as Fira Marina, I noticed that she had posted some photos of three of my bracelets that I created incorporating the fabulous beads that she makes! I was so excited, as I am such a fan of her fabulous little works of art, that I felt so honored that she was pleased with the way in which I used her beads in my jewelry designs. Rebeccas' beads are very unique, and have a wonderful organic, yet funky feel to them. I love how she uses color as well. The neatest thing is that she is self taught, her designs are truly creations from her heart and soul. I feel very fortunate to have met Rebecca on line, and although I admire the artist that she is, I also feel that she is a great friend as well...even though we are thousands of miles apart....she is in Louisianna, USA and I am in Alberta, Canada. Thanks Rebecca! Pin It

Two new Floral Bracelets-"Dreamer" and "Gypsy"

Today I have two new bracelets to show you that I wired together over the past week. Both are made of sterling silver wire, and combine Thai Hill Tribe silver beads with semi precious stones, artisan lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals. I made my own silver coils that are wrapped around portions of the bracelets, and I also made the silver clasps. Unfortunately I loved the grayish blue one so much that I am keeping it for myself! I named that one after the Supertramp classic....Dreamer.(It also goes with several outfits of mine) However, the red one ("Gypsy") that features Rebecca Werners stunning lampwork beads is up for grabs in my Etsy store. That one will fit a 7 to a 7 and 1/2 inch wrist... which is a pretty average size.

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Pretty fabric bags for your jewels

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted something very special to package my necklaces and bracelets in, other than the standard cardboard jewelry box that I had been using. I found that many people did not even want the box to store their jewelry in, and mailing my jewelry inside the box to customers, was costly and inefficient. So I started the task of looking for an alternative way to present and package my jewels. At the jewelry supply stores and display type warehouses, there were still the standard, gold, silver or black boxes, and every now and then I would come across boxes that were colored, but nothing really "wowed" me. As well, I was thinking "green", and decided that since I am a major recycler... that I needed something that was reusable, that was not going to end up in the landfill. So out with all paper and cardboard products! "Hey, I sell on Etsy."... I thought to myself, perhaps there is some type of handmade product there that would work! So I scoured the pages of Etsy until I came upon this shop that had sumptuous jewelry bags out of colorful, funky, fashion cotton fabrics by Amy Butler, and luxurious satin brocades.Shop owner, Edie, kindly custom made some lovely bags for my jewelry, so now when you purchase any Hot Rocks bracelet or necklace, it will arrive to you in one of these lovely professionally handmade bags by EdieCastle Creations. She makes wonderful bridal pouches, handbags, totes and fabulous jewelry rolls,for very reasonable prices... and she does an amazing job!

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Summer Jewels

With summer coming to an end, I thought I would feature some of my favourite Hot Rocks designs, that were inspired by the thoughts and memories of those steamy hot, sunny days of my favourite season. I love summer... the simplicity of being able to walk outside without all the additional items required to keep one warm. I enjoy the lazy days relaxing outside on my deck with a good book, and an ice cold drink. I love the feeling of the cool water on my hot skin when I go for that refreshing dip into the lake. The smell of burgers and steaks, sizzling on the barbeque, as friends gather for an evening of socializing on a Saturday night.I love to be outside, gardening, surrounded by the still air, the flowers and my thoughts. Oh, how I will miss you my friend! It is such a short season for us here in my part of the world.

So here are my personal faves to keep the Summer alive all year long.

The "Montego Bay" bracelet featuring a stunning dichroic Venetian glass heart, is filled with juicy, warm, tropical colors, such as pineapple, watermelon and tangerine.This would be the perfect accessory to take on a cruise to a warm destination this winter, to wear simply with a white cotton shirt, or to snazz up that little black cocktail dress. If you love casual, lazy, sunny days, then the "Sunshine on My Shoulders" bracelet is the accessory for you! Featuring a huge coppery amber colored, sparkling Swarovski crystal, wrapped in handmade sterling silver coils, this one is really a fun and unique piece. Inspired my one of my favourite places on earth....Maui, Hawaii,... is "Ocean Deep". This is one sexy bracelet! The gorgeous clasp is the focal here, and is surrounded by Swarovski crystals, labradorite stones, ocean colored faux pearls, and smoky quartz. This bracelet is all about Mauis' ocean waves, and you can read a more detailed description here in my Etsy shop. This bracelet and all of these fabulous unique pieces are currently for sale in my Etsy store. Enjoy the rest of those summer days, as they will soon be coming to an end and that four letter word beginning with S, will be upon us once again!

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