Off the Beadin' Path

The Rimrock Series

2011-12-20T15:49:00.001-06:00

Have you ever created jewelry with the same theme in mind, resulting in a series of items? It's not an unusual idea, but I hadn't purposely done this until my husband was reading me excerpts from his current book. It was Rimrock Bluff and Rimrock River and everything exciting happened at the Rimrock, (obviously a western setting)! So I started thinking about jewelry depicting all the scenes at this fabulous Rimrock area! When I looked at the Red Creek Jasper, the turquoise, the copper, the leather, everything said "Rimrock"! It's much easier to design and name your jewelry with this imaginary place in mind! Here are a few hastily taken photos of some of the series. It was a weekly rush to get them to the market, so I don't have pictures of all of them, but I'm sure more pieces will come!

"Riding the Ridge at Rimrock"

This was a complete experiment, inspired by the Fall 2009 issue of Belle Armoire magazine. I cut about 6 lengths of bronze wire, balled one end, added a few beads, balled the other end, then carefully wrapped around the leather. Three are sold, but I still get nervous starting another one!

This is one version of the earrings.

"The Pueblo at Rimrock"

Didn't want you to miss all the silver in the clasp on this one. I was picturing a woman sitting near her pueblo and braiding all the strands, which are waxed linen.

This is the lovely Ellen, who purchased the necklace as her "Applefest Gift to Herself"!

We were at Blue Vista Farm in Bayfield for the Applefest weekend, it was a wonderful time!

"Rimrock Reflections"

The Red Creek Jasper with great little nuggets and rondelles. It deserves a better photo!

The pendant looks as if it were cut from a high bluff.

"Rimrock Fire Dance"

More Red Creek Jasper with copper and leather.

"The Colorado Fourteeners" Series

I just started this series, based on inspiration from the fourteen peaks in Colorado that are more than 14,000 feet high. We've seen about half of them, all majestic, of course!

"La Plata Peak", Elev. 14, 336'

"Little Bear Peak", Elev. 14,037'

These two were designed with men in mind, and that's who bought them, but they looked great on women, too!

"The Siskiwit Bay Series"

This is planned for next summer, just for a shop on Siskiwit Bay, Lake Superior.

The sawgrass that grows along the beach, part of the inspiration.

We were able to swim in Lake Superior in July!

Thanks so much for your visit. Your comments on series of jewelry, or any subject, are most welcome!

Huge Giveaway!

2011-10-23T16:48:00.002-05:00

http://orrtec.blogspot.com/p/calling-all-component-designers-if-you.html

If you like copper and other neat stuff and you like Melinda Orr Designs, keep reading!
This is the link to humungous Giveaways and a Sale starting on Wednesday, October 26! Check it out!
Sorry that I'm not skillful enough to put the picture here, but you will see it all by clicking on the link!
Melinda's blog is on my blog list, too.

This is closed now, but it was a great idea!

Miss Fickle Frenzy!

2011-06-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/As soon as I receive an order of patinated components from Miss Fickle, I seem to become instantly inspired and other projects are pushed aside! All the colors are awesome and go well with a large variety of other metals, gemstones, art beads, and fibers. As you will see, I've been reaching for the turquoise, but I will broaden out in the near future. It's all so irresistible! Since I have quite a collection on hand before some of it goes off to the northern Wisconsin galleries, I would like to show you what I did.

The Sea Grass Hammered Bars are like two delicate arms, suspending the turquoise.

Here I have combined Indigo Washed Chestnut Chain and Coins with copper bicones.

I love these organic links! This is Chestnut Opal with a rough garnet nugget.

The coordinating earrings and bracelet. That Indigo Washed Chestnut Chain just caresses your wrist!

Chestnut Chain with Water and Wood 16mm Links

These large oval links are so useful!

These earrings are among my favorites. You don't need a lot of embellishment on these beautiful Water and Wood rings.

More Water and Woods! The chain in the center provides the added touch of contrast and interest.

This is fun to wear and the Oval links lay so nice. You could attach a lot of danglies !

The Water and Woods is so compatible with this turquoise!

I like using the silk wrap for a finished look.

A closer look at those colorful Water and Woods rounds!

A Soot Black toggle with lots of chain!

MissFickle generously sent me two unbelievable black tourmaline nuggets
and some ceramic beads from MaCarroll, check out her beads!

The other black tourmaline with Black Soot chain, a no-brainer choice!
The clear quartz nugget is the perfect contrast and the heart is from my friend Judy's necklace!

Details! Soot Black toggle, secure and looks good in any position on a necklace. I also used MissFickle's instructions on wiring the cut chain lengths back together, a neat trick with style!

See her blog, Monday, August 30, 2010.

Verdigris Mini-Discs flutter from any earring design or as a bracelet dangle.

Would you believe that I have lots more of these delightful parts and pieces?! Sure you would,
because we all need something left to hoard and play with while waiting for the creative juices to
come our way. The next display will include Violet! Thanks, MissFickle for your love and
talents!

Color Inspiration from Maui Art

2011-03-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

Everyone is talking about spring! Here's a quick post with some photos of artwork on the walls of our condo in Maui. Every condo we've stayed in has local art everywhere, such ambiance! I thought the artwork would be great color inspiration!

Now would you please make some jewelry and show me how inspired you were?!

Spring motivates us to clean, and while cleaning my desk, I found this advice I had saved and I would like to share it with you:

   Whatever you desire or dream about,
   take some small action every day
   that moves you closer to your goal.

The comments you gift me with are greatly appreciated!

More Maui Jewelry!

2011-02-18T12:27:00.000-06:00

We're all familiar with the inspiration that is stimulated by the natural beauty of those "special" places in our world. The Hawaiian islands are strong in that category, and I want to share a small part of Marta Howell's story. "Using Mother Nature as inspiration, Marta creates artful and unique pieces of jewelry from her studio in Kailua, Hawaii. She designs using Abalone shells and Mother of Pearl and complements each with semi-precious gemstones.... The mother of pearl that she uses comes from the Black Lip Oyster, the oyster which generates the Black Tahitian Pearl." This is quoted from the information included with your purchase. The Oceanside Jewelers in Lahaina, Maui, is where I discovered Marta's work several years ago. I was attracted to the store because from the front door, you can see right through to the back deck that overlooks the ocean, a perfect combination! While browsing, you may sight a whale and feel the ocean breezes, yes, it's really awesome!

A piece of a Black Lip Oyster shell. It is just radiant in person. While living in Thailand, Marta gathered many of these shells from the beach, not your average shell collection!

Here's Katie, wearing a Marta Howell Mother of Pearl pendant with an amethyst.

Both are beautiful!

An abalone shell is displayed with other pieces by Marta. So many choices!!

This is my anniversary present! Black Lip Shell with peridot. I am happy!

Come back soon for a glimpse of bead shopping!

Maui Beading Buddy!

2011-02-07T20:38:00.000-06:00

We've just enjoyed the most wonderful 2 weeks in Maui! The first day we were here and on our way to the vegetable market, we glanced in a little shop that has jewelry. Dan said "That looks like Jasmine"! And there she was, now set up in her own shop, "At Witt's End", (because her last name is Witt). I met Jasmine during our first trip to Maui, about 9 years ago. We were with our friends, Jim and Judy, walking along the trail in the Iao Valley, when we came upon a lovely young girl, singing and making a gorgeous turtle necklace. Of course, Judy and I stopped to chat, and Judy bought the necklace! Two years later, Dan and I were back in Maui and I recognized Jasmine at a local market, selling her jewelry. She kindly shared her supply of turtle pendants, made of carved mango wood and limpet shells. The necklaces I made with these turtles were very popular, and one of them eventually became my first time published in Bead Trends Magazine, August 2010. I thought it was very exciting to see how Jasmine persisted and progressed from a small start to her own shop! I hope the photos will capture enough of the story and give you some incentive!

A variety of items invites you to take a closer look!
"Handmade Hawaiian Polynesian jewelry, baskets, arts, and crafts"

Meet Jasmine!

Beautiful displays are everywhere!

This is very interesting, especially her desire to put more "ALOHA" in her work!

These colors are gorgeous!

Shells, pearls, and coral are abundant!

Wish you could see it in person!

Had to include the corner where it all comes together -

Isn't it fun to see someone else's work/mess area?
We all have this, right?

Jasmine doesn't have a blog, but you can leave comments here and she'll be glad to read them. It was so much fun to visit with her again, and I wanted to share her success story with the bloggers!

Winter Storm in Wisconsin!

2010-12-12T17:23:00.000-06:00

This weekend it snowed at least a foot or more, then the high winds kicked in! I'm sorry for anyone who had to be on the roads, but for me, this means HiBERNaTe!! My husband made Italian vegetable soup, and I made some jewelry :) Wanna see?

"I Wait and Watch"

"Listening", because owls hear their prey, rather than see it. Especially when it's covered with snow!

These are jasper (Brecciated?) owls with beautiful autumn colors. I thought it was quite a challenge to get them successfully wired onto their branches! Thank you, 24 gauge brass wire from Vintaj. The branches, leaves, and chain are also from Vintaj.

No name yet, but I enjoyed knotting with the brown/black waxed linen. I would love some name ideas, just a little comment will do!

Faceted gold and black glass beads with 14 kt. goldfilled findings.
It would dazzle with one of those "little black dresses", but I hesitate to use that for the name.

Bead Soup Re-Vamp!

2010-11-14T19:09:00.003-06:00

It's the middle of November, what a perfect time to have bright and beautiful jewelry to gaze upon! I was the "left over" in pairing up, so Lori Anderson kindly took me on as her second partner. She sent me a breezy, colorful necklace that I told her I would've worn to a beach wedding in Maui! Here it is -

There was a lot to work with. In order to be "me", I selected only 2 of the components, the fabulous silver clasp and the fun keishi pearls. Lori also sent extras, and I discovered that the lampwork beads that were included had a colorful spot that coordinated with the pearls, although the photo doesn't really emphasize that.

This is the secondary focal and I used the clasp as the main focal.

Isn't it spectacular!! The silver brings out the silvery-gray pearls very nicely. I also added peach and gray potato pearls and one more of the lampwork beads.

Here is another view, it can be worn in several positions.

Thanks, Lori, for being a generous partner and for organizing!

"Elegance Re-Born"

Be sure you visit all the blogs!

Each re-vamp is a delightful surprise!

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com
Jen Velasquez http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com
Johanna Rhodes http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.com
Laurel Steven http://laurelsteven.blogspot.com
Loretta Carstensen http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com
Lori Anderson http://www.PrettyThingsBlog.com

Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com

Marianna Boylan http://www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com
Norma Turvey http://www.bead dreams and moonlitfantaseas
Sharon Misuraco http://goinoffthebeadinpath.blogspot.com You are here.
Stacey Curry http://starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com
Tyne Bodenburg http://www. tynebodennecklaces.blogspot.com

Applefest at Blue Vista Farm

2010-10-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

The weather was mostly clear and crisp, and the sun brought out the glorious color of each leaf, as the largest crowd in 20 years arrived in Bayfield, WI for the annual Applefest. Blue Vista Farm has a display of my jewelry throughout their season, and I bring in a larger display for Applefest weekend. I set up my display amongst pottery by local artists, honey by local bees, and the beautiful dried flower arrangements that are grown at Blue Vista. Everything seems to grow better in this area. I don't have enough pictures to tell the whole story, but here are a few glimpses into this magical area!

The entrance to the retail shop in full summer bloom.

The front of the historic barn. As soon as you get out of your car, you hear strains of Chopin, Mozart, or Beethoven drifting from the speakers in the loft, and the sound carries way out to the berry fields!

Dan and I never seem to get enough blueberries! They're so bountiful and healthy.

The Applefest "bouquet of the day" was displayed next to me, a bittersweet "summer's end" look, don't you think?

A brilliant maple in front of the big barn, gives the day a lift!

Dan was busy sorting and packing apples. It takes many hands to keep up with the demand!

A variety of apples come out of their bath and go into the new cider press.

Keith Carlson helps out with the cider press, producing the freshest cider imaginable!

Part of my display. I added a dried bouquet of blackberry lillies, there are many to choose from.

Ending with a small part of the "blue vista", looking over Lake Superior from the back of the barn. I wish everyone could stand right here and take a deep breath and enjoy this peaceful atmosphere. We have many savored memories from our visits here over the years.

Follow-up On the "Art Crawl" in Cornucopia!

2010-09-22T19:20:00.001-05:00

As stated in the previous post, I was part of the Art Crawl in Cornucopia, WI. It's way up there on the Lake Superior shore. The header is an early morning view of Lake Superior, you can barely see it, I know, but it's always there, like when you're driving west in Nebraska and you finally spot the foothills of the Rockies!
Turned out to be a beautiful fall day, except for a cold wind off the lake, and the weather is a huge factor in the buying atmosphere. I was all cozy in the Village Inn and feel that it was a worthwhile effort, at least it wasn't snowing! Saw several of the people that come to the annual "Corny" Day in August. The people around there are so friendly and open, they make any event a fun time. You have to be there to understand the unique experience. Cornucopia is "Unincorporated", but the population mushrooms in the summer with many visitors and seasonal residents. It's not that far to Bayfield, the other end of the spectrum, busy all the time, neat shops, large marina, constant events. So visitors have their choice. Dan took a few pictures, but I never got out, not even for the special hot chocolate!

The Village Inn

Everyone likes those blue bottles! They're great for bracelets and extra chain.

Looking across at the shops along the marina. Just a few of them, but each one has a lot to offer!

This is the place to get hot chocolate! They did a beautiful job on this very old building.

In the peak of summer, the blooms are profuse. This is a "Come-on-in" setting!

This is Manzanita's way cool shop. Oh, and she has some of my jewelry, too. Lots of old books, antiques, you can poke around in these little places for a long time. We have many memories of times we were here with family and friends. Glad you came by to see a little part of it!

Giveaway from Rosy Revolver!

2010-09-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

You'll want a chance to win a beautiful necklace! Take a look at Rosy Revolver's Blog. There are many ways to enter, but there are already over 200! You never know! The deadline is midnight EST on this Thursday, Sept. 23. Winner announced on Friday.

Art Crawl, Cornucopia, WI This Weekend!

2010-09-15T19:16:00.001-05:00

I've been putting in some long days to make those "special" items, just for the Art Crawl event in Cornucopia, WI. Local artists and those who have art on consignment in one of the shops set up their display in one of the businesses. People will follow a map to see all the variety. "Corny" is a very small fishing village on the shore of Lake Superior, and one would never guess that it's such a happenin' place. I'll try for some good photos, but for now, I'll give you a preview of some new items.

A pendant from Zoa Arts, complemented by patinated chain from Miss Fickle !

My fall "show" necklace made to go with my new top!

I'm sure you recognize one of Swoondimples beautiful pendants!

This looks great with at least one of my own outfits, dilemma!

A lovely prenhite nugget and Vintaj!

Thanks so much for coming by, and remember that your comments are highly valued!

Regina's Writings Giveaway!!

2010-09-11T19:46:00.001-05:00

I'm out of town, but wanted to let you know about the awesome necklace Giveaway on Regina's Writings! Do check it out by Sept. 30th.

Bead Soup Party Cling-On!

2010-09-09T19:27:00.000-05:00

As some of you may recall, I was the gal without the blog for the Bead Soup Party, so Erin Prais-Hintz shared her blog, Treasures Found...Inspiration Is Everywhere. We exchanged wonderful little treasures and our pieces were revealed on the first day of the Party. The warm, encouraging comments on our pieces were the push I needed to get a blog out there, and I truly appreciate everyone who took the time to mention it! So, bring on the events!! Here's my necklace from the Bead Soup, "From Deep Within". Meanwhile, who's waiting anxiously for the next Bead Soup coming up soon - Well, I am! How about you?

Let's Try September Bead Trends!!

2010-09-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

My September Bead Trends bracelet publication is in the "Texture" section. This time I have my own photo to share with you. Can you relate to the way I opened each jump ring and rearranged it THrEe times?? I guess that was the charm, as they say. What do you think?

"Shared Treasures"

"Maui Hona", Bead Trends, August

2010-09-02T20:02:00.001-05:00

This is my first publication ever!! One of those things that wasn't planned, but kind of developed. In January we visited friends in Florida, and, of course, I took a selection of jewelry. My friend, Judy, picked out a similar necklace with a larger turtle, but left the necklace in the group for others to see. Her friend, Lois, also liked the turtle, so I said I would make another one, resulting in "Maui Hona". While I was taking photos for the Bead Trends submission, I thought I would send in a few of the turtle necklace, too. To everyone's amazement and excitement, that was the one they wanted! So Lois had to wait until August to receive her necklace, but she will have a very special piece.
But wait, there's something else you need to know - that I never would've submitted anything if it hadn't been for the encouragement and help from Erin Prais-Hintz! I live about 25 miles from Erin, so we were both in the same event to raise money for a women's charity last October. Just before it opened, I was swooning and admiring Erin's jewelry and then headed back to my own display. Guess who was there!! So we got acquainted and Erin asked me if I had ever been published. A normal question, but I had never considered it. So that's how it all started, and I really appreciate that Erin was so gracious and motivating. Thanks, Erin!
Wellll, disappointing situation, Tatia sent me the pages but the file is "unreadable"! Their photography is surely awesome, though! It's on the Vintaj Facebook page. So sorry, will make it up to you with other photos, but I'm "up north" right now.

New Acronym for Bloggers?

2010-08-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

P.S.I.A. This officially stands for the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Years ago, my daughter went through their training and testing, and during the test, she and another girl were asked what P.S.I.A. stands for - the other girl thought about it and came up with "Please stop in... anytime"! Wrong answer for her, but what a nice invitation for a blog! Just wondering if it will catch on! Hmmmm...

I had to spend the day with appointments, so sorry for the token appearance. I have a couple of photos of jewelry, though, and hope it will interest you. The first artist lampwork beads I used were all made by Cathie Roberts, and I have a supply to be coveted. Before I had a blog, Cathie always featured any of my jewelry with her beads on her blog, http://farmgirlcat.blogspot.com/.

This is the first time I added images, another new skill not quite mastered. I know you'll be kind because I am constantly battling sleep-deprivation. But, remember, PSIA!

Just to Keep Things Going....

2010-08-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday I was new and nervous, but the encouragement came showering in and made me feel right at home :) A whole new social experience made possible by the upside of technology. It's especially amazing to people of "my age" . For example, I know it wasn't called technology back then, but my first experience on the phone was to crank the handle and say to the live operator, "Green 3-5", my Grandmother's number! Okay, my father raised mink and we didn't live in town. Dial phones came soon after. My hubs just said I'm dating myself! I am what I am and some of you will kindly relate! Now here's what you came for, jewelry!

A Soft Opening

2010-08-26T11:03:00.000-05:00

Another newbie enters the wide world of blogging! I have published this in its incomplete state in hopes of "hands-on" assistance, and I do mean, "first you click here, then....."! So don't feel like you're talking down to me. I will try to eventually be a worthy member of the wonderful community of jewelry bloggers. I really want to keep this template, but the font for the description is too light for the photo. Love the title! But when i select to place the description below the header, then the title disappears! I'm thinking of typing it again, under the picture anyway. So any input will be appreciated. TIA! (Thanks in Advance - I read some of Tara Frey's "Blogging for Bliss", on loan from Erin Prais-Hintz), and being reviewd on Art Bead Scene today.