I've been making jewelry for some Christmas gifts and I'd love to show them to you but that would give away the surprise. Honestly there's not too much technique involved with these gifts. I've strung several necklaces and made matching earrings for each necklace. For these necklaces I've used a combination of various stones and strung them on flexible beading wire to approximately a 20 inch length. I've used Jade, Jasper, Turquoise, Tourmaline and Rhodonite.
Now that the craft fairs are over I've also gone back to my lampwork. Right now just a few simple designs to get back in the swing of things. Lampwork is a weekend or holiday only thing for me. Evenings after work just don't allow enough time to play.
Also, in celebration of the Christmas season I've updated my ArtFire shop to give free shipping to addresses in the United States. Since I ship everything priority mail purchases should reach their destination in a week or less. There are a few new items in the shop so if you haven't looked lately you might find something you just can't live without or something that would be a perfect gift for someone on your list.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Craft Fairs are Over
The two craft fairs, I've spent the last two weeks frantically preparing for, are over. Now I can take a deep breath and get back to my somewhat abnormal self. The fairs weren't as successful as I had hoped but they did give me some experience of working a fair. I will do it again but not wait till the last minute to get things ready.
Talking to other vendors at the fairs I learned that most everyone's sales were down. We all know our economy is in bad shape and it shows when crafters are trying to sell their wares.
I did enjoy meeting and talking to other crafters and the people that attended the fairs. There are so many talented people in this area. Today's fair had me next to a lady that raises Alpacas, spins their wool, and makes lovely soft scarves, hats, gloves, and really soft, cute teddy bears. Couldn't leave the fair without a bear.
Also meet a young lady just getting her start in the jewelry business. Looks like she's off to a good start with good designs and quality workmanship. I hope she continues to enjoy her craft and does well in the future.
I do have more jewelry to photograph and add to my ArtFire site. I also want to re-photograph the jewelry I already have on the site. I plan to get that done by next weekend. Tomorrow I intend to play with fire and get back to my lampwork.
Talking to other vendors at the fairs I learned that most everyone's sales were down. We all know our economy is in bad shape and it shows when crafters are trying to sell their wares.
I did enjoy meeting and talking to other crafters and the people that attended the fairs. There are so many talented people in this area. Today's fair had me next to a lady that raises Alpacas, spins their wool, and makes lovely soft scarves, hats, gloves, and really soft, cute teddy bears. Couldn't leave the fair without a bear.
Also meet a young lady just getting her start in the jewelry business. Looks like she's off to a good start with good designs and quality workmanship. I hope she continues to enjoy her craft and does well in the future.
I do have more jewelry to photograph and add to my ArtFire site. I also want to re-photograph the jewelry I already have on the site. I plan to get that done by next weekend. Tomorrow I intend to play with fire and get back to my lampwork.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Craft Fairs
I've been working like crazy to get extra jewelry finished before this weekend's craft fairs. So far so good and I have several new items that aren't listed on my ArtFire site. During the two days of the fairs the items in my ArtFire shop will be with me and inactive in the on-line shop.
If you are local to the Alton/Godfrey/Bethalto, Illinois area please come by and say hi. Of course I'd be more than happy to sell you some jewelry too.
The first fair is Friday, November 19th, from 10 to 2 at United Methodist Village in Godfrey http://unitedmethodistvillage.com. I know that one is hard to attend for people working, I had to take a vacation day from my regular job to do this fair. If you miss that one I will be selling my jewelry the next day in Bethalto. That fair is at the Knights of Columbus in Bethalto, http://local.yahoo.com/info-17553560-knights-of-columbus-bethalto November 20th, from 10 to 3.
If there is something in my shop that you want to purchase please don't hesitate. I can either send it to you or you can pick it up at one of the fairs. If you have questions please feel free to contact me at llrodenjewelry@gmail.com.
If you are local to the Alton/Godfrey/Bethalto, Illinois area please come by and say hi. Of course I'd be more than happy to sell you some jewelry too.
The first fair is Friday, November 19th, from 10 to 2 at United Methodist Village in Godfrey http://unitedmethodistvillage.com. I know that one is hard to attend for people working, I had to take a vacation day from my regular job to do this fair. If you miss that one I will be selling my jewelry the next day in Bethalto. That fair is at the Knights of Columbus in Bethalto, http://local.yahoo.com/info-17553560-knights-of-columbus-bethalto November 20th, from 10 to 3.
If there is something in my shop that you want to purchase please don't hesitate. I can either send it to you or you can pick it up at one of the fairs. If you have questions please feel free to contact me at llrodenjewelry@gmail.com.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Handmade Holiday
I'm currently working to get ready for my first craft show and every spare minute will be used until the show begins on November 19th. While that's going on I'm also making plans for holiday projects.
It's my job at work to decorate the office holiday wreaths. We usually hang 7 wreaths around the office and 5 of those wreaths have to be distinctly different for every other wreath in the office. For some of those I'm thinking about French wire designs.
My granddaughter, Emily, has picked out material and charms for a "snowflake" Christmas dress. I'm planning to begin that project over the Thanksgiving break from my regular day job. Several of my other family members enjoy receiving gifts of my handmade jewelry so those projects are in the planning stages too.
There are so many new ideas running around in my head. In addition to my jewelry I am thinking about some beaded purses and possibly dolls in the coming new year. It's been a while since I was able to do any lampworking and I'm having withdrawal from that. My grandson has asked for more of my lampwork beads to use in his jewelry projects.
Lots to do. I need to add about 24 hours to my day.
It's my job at work to decorate the office holiday wreaths. We usually hang 7 wreaths around the office and 5 of those wreaths have to be distinctly different for every other wreath in the office. For some of those I'm thinking about French wire designs.
My granddaughter, Emily, has picked out material and charms for a "snowflake" Christmas dress. I'm planning to begin that project over the Thanksgiving break from my regular day job. Several of my other family members enjoy receiving gifts of my handmade jewelry so those projects are in the planning stages too.
There are so many new ideas running around in my head. In addition to my jewelry I am thinking about some beaded purses and possibly dolls in the coming new year. It's been a while since I was able to do any lampworking and I'm having withdrawal from that. My grandson has asked for more of my lampwork beads to use in his jewelry projects.
Lots to do. I need to add about 24 hours to my day.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Blue Crystal Necklace
My Blue Crystal Necklace has been added to the designers gallery on Firemountain Gems and Beads. Here's the link to the gallery.
http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/snapshots_design_gallery.asp?docid=AA4X&sact=search
For those of you that have been following my blog you have seen the construction process from start to finish. If you would like to see it again or haven't seen it yet the first post was listed September 7, 2010.
http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/snapshots_design_gallery.asp?docid=AA4X&sact=search
For those of you that have been following my blog you have seen the construction process from start to finish. If you would like to see it again or haven't seen it yet the first post was listed September 7, 2010.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Craft Fairs
I've been spending as much free time as I have to get ready for two up-coming craft fairs. This past weekend was spent in Kentucky babysitting grandchildren but they love making jewelry so we had us a little beading party.
A couple years ago I took a bunch of odd and end beads and jewelry findings to these kids, just to give them something to do so I could continue working on some on-going projects. Got them hooked big time. My son is complaining that I've created monsters. The way I look at it, it's good eye/hand coordination skill building. Now they have a large stash of beads that they've bought with their allowance and I usually take more for them each time we visit.
While baby sitting I was able to produce eight beaded rings to sell. Didn't get much done but every little bit helps. While making the rings my Granddaughter was begging for her own ring and one for her friend. Of course I HAD to comply. For the craft fairs I will have the items listed on my web site as well as the extra things I'll be making over the next couple of weeks. Once done I'll take a group photo of all the new stuff.
The fairs are November 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Illinois and November 20th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Bethalto Knights of Columbus in Bethalto, Illinois. I'm not totally sure about the time for the Bethalto fair and will post an update if anything changes.
A couple years ago I took a bunch of odd and end beads and jewelry findings to these kids, just to give them something to do so I could continue working on some on-going projects. Got them hooked big time. My son is complaining that I've created monsters. The way I look at it, it's good eye/hand coordination skill building. Now they have a large stash of beads that they've bought with their allowance and I usually take more for them each time we visit.
While baby sitting I was able to produce eight beaded rings to sell. Didn't get much done but every little bit helps. While making the rings my Granddaughter was begging for her own ring and one for her friend. Of course I HAD to comply. For the craft fairs I will have the items listed on my web site as well as the extra things I'll be making over the next couple of weeks. Once done I'll take a group photo of all the new stuff.
The fairs are November 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Illinois and November 20th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Bethalto Knights of Columbus in Bethalto, Illinois. I'm not totally sure about the time for the Bethalto fair and will post an update if anything changes.
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