Layers of an Acrylic Painting "De-Stressing Distress"

I am in awe of how artists can create a painting in one sitting.

Mine take days and days of layers and layers. Sometimes the suspense is overwhelming, I can't wait to see what it will look like.

I never know where I am going to go with the color or the texture. It changes with each layer.

Here is how I started

It is a lot to take in, it screams at you. It makes me feel like I am driving on the interstate, hell bent on getting to work, so much traffic, my knuckles are white on the wheel. I hate that feeling. There is A lot of color, A LOT of paint. So thick took 5 days to dry. In the thickness of the paint I scrawled in words and shapes. Kept it positive. I NEED that positive. Kinda like my mantra I guess.

Now it is dry, lets add more color!

I mixed three colors to get this one. Slapped it on, and then with a damp towel and a wet paint brush, removed color in patches. Removed that screaming - I was nearly deaf!

Let it dry.

How bout some more color!!

This was a bit much. I really scared myself. Thought I had went to far. The screaming started again. Same process, used a damp towel, wet brush, and A LOT of water to remove this paint in areas of the work area, and to lighten the over all color.

Finally I did a coat of white - (forgot to take a picture) the coat of white was really watered down. I had to stop the screaming. I applied it with a wet washcloth. It had a white wash look to it, made the painting very opaque. Didn't have the look I wanted yet. So I kept rubbing, and wetting, and rubbing. Even rubbed the paint off in one spot, but I liked the look of it and kept going. Finally - with the white wash just right, and still wet, I went over it with a high gloss glaze.

PERFECT!!! 

The glaze reacted with the white washing and gave a great look to the final painting. I am in love.

I have named it "De-Stressing Distress".

It reminds me of an old pair of blue jeans. Soft, and torn. When you pull them on, they button just right and  you sigh with comfort. You can trace your finger around the stains on the thigh and remember the party where you danced and danced, and spilled your drink. How about the rip in the knee. The memory of bending down to pick up your child at the park, and they ripped, and smile. The hole in the pocket where all your change drops thru, and you silently cuss, because you keep meaning to mend it. Deep in the threads of these jeans hold the secrets of your happiness and when you pull them on nothing else matters.

Like the painting, if you look, the words and shapes can be seen, words like love and passion, words that are so important to us, and we tend to forget in our busy lives.

I want you to get lost in this painting, and feel the comfort it gives.

Hammered Coppper Earrings - Mismatched style

This is a fun mismatched style, meaning large and small. Kind of a throw back to the 80's, and I am an 80's child. I remember off the shoulder sweatshirts, mini skirts, leg warmers, BIG HAIR, heavy make up and some of the best jewerly ever!

These are a fun throw back to that time. What was your favorite part of the 80's?

Wishlist Thursday - Beadin Path Vintage Lucite

This is what I am drooling over today -



These are Vintage Lucite beads from Beadin Path. The description states:
Caramel Apple Red & Amber Mix Tube. Mixes will vary from tube to tube. Tube size is 1.25x5.5 inches, and approx. 94 grams of beads.

I am in a red mood - have been for a while. I am ready for summer and want to start designing for those hot summer nights.

How cute would these be scattered through a multi strand chain necklace, worn with a white v neck t-shirt dress........

Oh kids - I need some summer bad!!!

Summer Fun

I am not ready to let go of summer :)

I had that little focal for a while. Just a little plastic textured star with a tiny purple flaw. Embrace the flaw I say, and use it to bring the design together.





4 separate strands -
One of random beads from the Designer collection (this was a close out deal, but you should see their bead assortments!! ) at Rings & Things
One of seed bead - peridot - from Michaels
One of seed beads - lilac (Michales), with added dyed crazy lace agate coins from Sedona Stones
And the last of light blue seed beads and the strand woven thru the design to give it a floating feel.

This piece thrills me - It is so fun to wear, and a real mood lifter!

Fun with Rings & Things skull bead challenge

I was so excited to get the blogger packet from Rings & Things with all the cute little skull beads and charms in it. I knew skulls were in, especially with the hipster crowd, but that is a different kind of skull. These were 'festive and fun'. Rings & Things have them labeled as "Calaveras (also called calacas) are artistic depictions of skulls traditionally used for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations." BINGO!! I know Day of the Dead!! (not to be confused with George A. Romero, of which I am a HUGE fan)

Now that we have spring on a down hill pull towards summer, (boy howdy am I ready) I wanted to make a fiery red, sizzling summertime bracelet. I am still on a kick with the charm bracelets, and that red skull was the perfect focal to build around.

In this piece:

28-335-16 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead
44-940-59-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'calavera' skull
44-940-61-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'Catrina' skeleton
Faceted fire polished Czech glass
Re purposed faux pearls
Furnace glass
Swarovski crystals



One of my vendors is always in need of things to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, and when I saw these I knew they were for her! She has taken every piece I have made with these cute skull beads and charms, and ordered more!!!

Thanks Dave and Rings & Things for opening a door for me with this fun blogger packet!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Queen of Hearts Furnace Glass - Art Beads challenge

While working on the necklace from yesterday's post, (which I wore out last nite and got a lot of compliments!! ) I noticed the Queen of Hearts furnace beads* holes were not consistent. The holes varied, small to large, from bead to bead. I used the TOHO™ Bead Round 6/0 Opaque-Lustered Pearl White * as 'bumpers' to keep the beads from sliding down the seed beads (which gives me an idea for another necklace)

That got me to thinking - I wonder if they will fit on leather....

So I tried it, and yup sure enuff - they fit.

I cut three pieces of leather and knotted before and after each bead. Then folded the ends thru a jump ring and wrapped them in place with some silver plated wire I had. Next I braided the leather to jumble it up some.

Added the Antique Silver Heart Scroll Bead as a dangle by wire wrapping them to the bracelet with silver plated head pins.



Even tho it has hearts, and red - I don't feel it screams Valentines day. To me , it is more of a style that says you got a bit of heart under there, and if people would just give you a chance you could show just how big that heart is.

These beads and more can be found at ArtBeads.com, and while you are browsing, Don't forget -

Artbeads' 10th Anniversary Sweeps

Sweepstakes Starts January 06, 2010 @ 09:00 am (PST)

Sweepstakes Ends March 04, 2010 @ 11:59 pm (PST)

Good luck and happy shopping!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Valentines day - The Art Beads Way!

I showed you the fun beads I received from ArtBeads in this previous post and this morning I found the time I have been looking for all week to sit down and create. I fell in love with the Queen of Hearts Fire Design Furnace Glass* as soon as I laid eyes on their shiney cylindrical goodness and used them for the bulk of this design.

I combined two strands by double stringing random beads with the beading wire. What this means is, I strung the first strand randomly, then as I strung the second strand, I would run the wire thru a few of the beads of the first strand and then continue to string it randomly as well. The third strand I weaved (wove?) thru the 'loops' made from the double stringing. These three strands were a random mix of the Queen of Hearts furnace glass* , along with beads I had purchased from ArtBeads 4mm Fire Polish Mix Red Tones (50 Pack), TOHO™ Bead Round 6/0 Opaque-Lustered Pearl White 8g Bag, and added some great accent beads from my inventory - red Czech glass, sterling daisies, Czech black glass, and a black designer seed bead mix.

I added two separate red strands of seed beads, one I weaved thru the gaps again, and the second I made a bit shorter to show off the Sterling/Resin 16mm Pendant - Red XOXO Flowers*
The pendant is attached to the necklace with a jump ring making it easy to detach if I want something less 'valentiney' and more basic. I love the versatility of it.

With the tangle and the firey reds and the smokey grays - it reminds me of a firey love affair. So I have named it - Torrid Tangle - which seems to be fitting.




I am working on earrings and a bracelet using the Queen of Hearts collection from the selection of Fire Designs collection of furnace beads at ArtBeads. I'll show you those tomorrow!


These beads and more can be found at ArtBeads.com, and while you are browsing, Don't forget -

Artbeads' 10th Anniversary Sweeps

Sweepstakes Starts January 06, 2010 @ 09:00 am (PST)

Sweepstakes Ends March 04, 2010 @ 11:59 pm (PST)

Good luck and happy shopping!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Red is the rage with vintage lucite

I have recently had an awakening about red. In my mind it is only seen around Christmas or Valentines day. It may be because I am not a fan of red and find it a real challenge to work with.
Valentines day is approaching and I am struggling to not 'theme' my jewelry. I feel frustrated and limited and I don't want to pigeonhole myself into a design based on a single holiday. I didn't want to theme it with hearts, for fear of 'holiday overkill'.

Conveniently I have some luscious vintage red beads from Beadin Path Designer blogger program, that I have been wanting to work with. I pulled them out and used them as the focal beads for this design. They really do set of the necklace. The bold red mixed in with the white, pale pinks and purples makes your eyes move thru the design. I am not fond of the wrapping I did for the focal. I wanted to accent the focal and not get too carried away with the wire, but it seems to be lacking something. I will have to re work that.



It is a fun double layer necklace, using bronze and antiqued copper chain. (the bronze chain is what my daughter sent me for Christmas) The vintage beads are the LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds * and LUC4869OR Transparent Hyacinth Barrel Bead 12 x 14 mm *. I have also added glass pearls, lampwork, purple turquoise and faceted opalite. I like the bronzy tones with the red. It appears warmer, giving it a more year round feel, where when I laid it out with silver, it had a very Christmas feel to it.



Red for Valentines day
Red for firecracker summer celebrations
Red for the change of the leaves in the fall
Red for Christmas

Red is all year!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Beadin Path Design Partners. These items are for review or design purposes.

January's Birthstone - Garnet

No wonder the saying 'slower than molasses in January' is so true. You ever try and pour cold molasses? When I think January, I think cold, then I think garnets!

Garnet is January's birthstone as we all know, but did you know that garnets come in a range of colors? Here are examples of some. I found examples of all of these different garnets online. Click on the picture and it will take you to the site for more gemstone information.

Almandine - Deep, dark, rich red to purplish red to orange red (probably the most common)



Demantoid - Medium green to slightly yellowish green



Hessonite - Brilliant yellow to yellowish brown (one of my favorites)



Pyrope - Deep, dark, rich red to slightly purple red



Rhodolite - Shades of pink through reddish lavender (absolutely stunning)



Spessartite - Medium orange to reddish orange (sometimes called mandarin garnet and makes me stupid happy)



Tsavorite - Medium, intense green to slightly yellowish green (now ya know why emeralds are the alternate birthstone for January)



Uvarovite - Bright green (most of the examples I found for this garnet were all druzy's)




Now I know you are all wondering "Where can I get garnets?"

Rings & Things
Faceted Fan, Tip Drilled (Rhodolite Garnet)




ArtBeads
Green Grossular Garnet Roundelles




Beadin Path
Garnet Graduated Faceted Marquis Briolettes



I know you have ideas running thru your head right now. Not only is garnet the birthstone for January, but garnets also represent romantic love and passion, making them perfect for your valentine!!

Rings & Things Blogger Packet

I got my December blogger packet from Rings & Things. Was some fun stuff!!




*20-565 -White bamboo coral - short branch, valued at: $2.00, 16" strand
*44-940-52-AG - Antiqued gold plated TierraCast swallow, valued at: $9.75/10
*49-940-05-4 - Gold plated TierraCast connector frame, valued at: $16.30/10

*44-165-9 - Fancy space - gunmetal - filigree, valued at: $5.25/12
*44-150-9 - Filigree harvest - gunmetal, valued at: $3.65/12

A mix of -
*28-399-06-232 - 5) 6mm faceted round - ruby, valued at: $2.00, 16" strand
*28-000-001-252 - 4) 10mm faceted puffed coin - red, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand
*28-000-003-252 - 6) 8mm faceted helix -siam, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand
*28-000-002-252 - 5) 8mm facted roundelle - siam, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand
*28-000-002-021 - 11) 8mm facted roundelle - black, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand

*28-000-003-021 - 3) 8mm facted helix - black, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand
*28-000-001-021 - 3) 10mm faceted puffed coin -black, valued at: $8.00, 16" strand

Fun hearts - pre order exclusive!!!
*28-335-13 - 16x20mm 'love' heart, red/white, valued at: $13.50, 16" strand
*28-335-12-02 - 2) 16x20mm 'dotted' heart, pink/white/blue, valued at: $13.50, 16" strand
*28-335-11-02 - 2) 16x20mm 'crisscross' heart, pink/white/blue, valued at $13.50, 16" strand

Not listed on the site but similar to the pre order exclusives: (you saw them here first!!!)
* 1 white/red 'hot' heart, similar to this one

The items in this packet were not labeled. I had a blast searching Rings & Things site and looking for all the information to pass along to you. Rings & Things is defiantly on track for the upcoming celebration holiday of valentines day with these beauties. So cute and so many ideas going thru my head.

I will combine some for sure, but I may use some individually with my existing inventory. The heart beads would be great on leather for that tween look, classic earrings with the filigree and glass, coral and heart beads for a multi strand bracelet and that is just a start!

What would you make with all these great goodies?!!?!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Going crazy with vintage lucite from Beadin Path

Yesterday, home from work, bored with sleeping and disgusted with t.v. I tried reading. My mind kept wandering to my work table and what I could be doing. I put the book down and sat at my work table.

Nothing.

I pushed some beads around on the table with my finger and hummed a ditty to myself.

Nothing.

I have some compartmentalized storage boxes I have been putting my beads and supplies in, so I picked up on that project to see if I ran across anything that would get me going. I sat in the floor with baggies all around me, sorting and piling and pushing things around. My cat, who loves plastic baggies and to play fetch, trotted in with a baggie in his mouth. He dropped it in front of me, mewed to get my attention and pushed up against me, his way of saying, 'Mom, throw it!' I picked up the baggie and noticed it was my lucite beads from Beadin Path. That pesky cat!

Oh wait, that glorious cat! I got an idea as soon as I touched that bag. My daughter had been on me about making too many necklaces, and challenged me to step out and try making bracelets and earrings. I did just that!

I have talked about the memory wire bracelets before. How they are a great alternative to elastic, especially if you are knot challenged like I am. They are also great bracelets for people who have a difficult time with clasps due to arthritis, or who may have larger wrists and have trouble finding something to fit. The other thing too about memory wire, it is a great unisex option, open up that customer base!

Vintage lucite beads are light, so you can bulk up a design and not have to worry about the weight. The colors are so vivid, whereas you are limited by natural stone. The lucite is so sturdy, it can take the wear on your wrist for a worry free fashion accessory.

So, memory wire bracelets -



LUC3737OR Twist Tube Beads 10 x 12mm Orange Moonglow *

Glass pearls

Sterling disks






LUC646GR - Vintage Lucite Matte Marbled Moss Green - 10 mm rounds *
Glass pearls




But don't stop there - how about memory wire earrings? These are great fun wire loop earrings packed with lucite. Lucite beads are so light weight you can wear some really daring designs and combinations and not have to worry about them being uncomfortable.





LUC4869OR Transparent Hyacinth Barrel Bead 12 x 14 mm *
Glass pearls







LUC461YL Opaque Jonquil Round 8 mm *
LUC4458YL Pale Jonquil Round beads 16mm *
LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds *
Seed beads
(My favorite)







LUC646GR - Vintage Lucite Matte Marbled Moss Green - 10 mm rounds *
Glass pearls





There are so many things to do with memory wire and vintage lucite, what about wine glass charms? What else do you make with memory wire?

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Beadin Path Design Partners. These items are for review or design purposes.

Beadin Path - Design Partner October Challenge

Today was one of those overcast cool fall days that made me want to stay in my jimjam's and bake cookies all day. My pantry was empty and I needed to go to the store so I made jewelry instead!

I worked on several pieces today made from vintage lucite from Beadin Path. I have the delightful honor of being one of their design partners. Beadin Path is so gracious to send me a sampling of their beads and in return I review the products on my blog.

What is vintage lucite I hear you say? To quote Heather DeSimone, Bead Diva of Beadin Path:

"DuPont Corp. introduced lucite in 1937. Since it was more cost effective to produce than the currently used bakelite, lucite was used in production of costume jewelry as early as 1940. The most easily recognized form of lucite is the “moonglow” style that is used in the popular “jelly belly” jewelry which was produced in the 1950’s & is now highly collected. During WWII, many other colors were introduced including marbleized opaques, jewel tones in transparent stripes, and other styles.

Our collection was the contents of a warehouse that stopped producing beads & jewelry components in the 1970’s. Most of the stock was overages from production in the 50’s & 60’s for companies such as Trifari, Coro, Monet, Avon& Napier. All of our stock is new & uncirculated so it is in pristine condition.

What makes our beads different is the quality you’ll find in lucite vs. other plastics. It is a heavier material & the beads that were produced lend themselves nicely to mixing with heavier beads like stone & glass. Most of these beads are also “lathe-turned” carved from a long tube of lucite, vs. press-molded & therefore you won’t see seams. We hope you like the old lucite beads as much as we do & we’re happy to help you start growing your palette of lucite."

Now that you know a little more about lucite, let me show you what I made today!

I didn't intend for this to come out as a set - it is just how the beads lead me. I combined both -
LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds and LUC4725RD - Vintage Lucite Transparent Siam Ovals - 10 x 12mm along with freshwater pearls, faceted opalite, sterling barrels and wooden beads from my supplies. I want a bulky multilayer look. I brought it all together with a fun chain off of an old re puposed necklace.




The bracelet is a great accent using the middle strand of the necklace as the guideline and finishing it off with some more of the re purposed chain.



I separated a couple of the links of the necklace and used the links as accents in the earrings.

We are going out tonite with friends - I am gonna take this bad boy for a test drive :)



Going a little on the lighter side, I wanted a longer style but still a layered look. I think it would look great over a sweater. I added swarovski crystals and some vintage crystals I have from a necklace of my grandmothers.



I love the side drilled beads. I love how they 'cluster'.






I had a little bit of left over chain, so I thought why not! A little something for him too!

Beadin' Path Design Partner

Heather from Beadin' Path asked me if I would like to be one of their design partners. I squealed and danced and calmly sed

YES!!!

I got my first set of beads for review in the mail and I am stupid with excitement. The beads are a mix of beautiful fall colors, great shapes and awesome finishes.

Well see for yourself!

This is a stunning group of vintage lucite beads.
The red one on my wrist - LUC4759RD - I am gonna be hard pressed to unstring them. I love it as is for a bracelet. Oh the decisions!

Let me break down what I got cuz I know you are itching to get your own - these are truly lovely.

Moving from left to right:



LUC3448GR - Vinage Lucite Dark Green, Black & Green Swirled - 8mm rounds

LUC32470R - Vintage Lucite Tangerine Moonglow Teardrops (i love the name moonglow)

LUC4525OR - Vintage Lucite Tangerine Moonglow - 7mm rounds

LUC4809YL - Vintage Lucite Topaz Quad Cut Cube - 12mm

LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds

LUC3134YL - Vintage Lucite Mustard Moonglow Side Drilled Round Buttons - 9mm

LUC4725RD - Vintage Lucite Transparent Siam Ovals - 10 x 12mm

LUC646GR - Vintage Lucite Matte Marbled Moss Green - 10 mm rounds

I linked back to the ones I could find on the site, which is not easy, the search options does not work. The categories are broke down by bead type, and color which is brilliant - making searching easier. I can't complain to much about doing a manual search, I got to browse their awesome products and found these!!!



Sea Glass Square Spacer Matte Fire Opal Red 6x10mm approx. 19-23pc.

They look like candy, like those peach flavored gummie candies...I must have them!


After seeing these I am sure you have your own ideas floating around in your head - Stop on over and see the team at Beadin' Path - I know you will find what you are looking for!

Be a Star! A Bead Star!

Bead Star magazine is taking submissions for their 2009 issue. There are several categories -

Crystals
Glass
Heart designs
Metal
Pearls
Plastics
Seed beads
Stones
Under $25

They are taking submissions up until May 1, 2009, but are having an 'early bird' special if your entries are in by April 24, 2009.

"But I can't submit my stuff" I hear you say. Sure you can! Don't be afraid to submit your pieces. There is never failure in trying. You only fail when you let these opportunities pass you by. It is a learning experience.

Submit your pieces, learn from the experience, watch what they are picking, stretch yourself to a new teck-neek, or a new style. You will not grown in your craft if you do not change it up. The general rule of thumb is for every 10 no's you get, you will get 1 yes. If you have never submitted before, don't expect your first piece to get in, but get your stuff out there. Be consistant in your entries, they will notice you, and soon begin to look forward to your entries.

Here is the submission form!!! Go get em!!! keep me posted!
Submission form


On a side note. This morning I worked up a new piece with the left over lava stones. I used them as an accent to a firey summer piece. The focal glass pendant is from my mom and the many spoils I brought home with me from vacation. I for get what it is called - Muriano? (help me here)

Filigree Harvest, filigree beads (4mm and 8mm) and lava stones (roundells and round) from Rings & Things,
Carnelian chunks from Sedona Stones,
And a bunch of repurposed items to fill it out. It seem appropriate to have the lava stones with a red piece.

Aestas the goddess of summer

It's like bubble gum

I am thrilled - THRILLED at the product I just received. I am not a fan of shopping on line for supplies. Let's face it, you can't hand pick all the time. There are very few places I trust to give me the quality I demand. Bottom line, my reputation is on the line as an artist, and I have to have the product that reflects that.

One of the places I do trust is Sedona Stones, where these beads came from.

I am making a piece to be donated to a no kill shelter auction in April. In my mind I am thinking bold, colorful, Tabby :) I did some poking around as I normally do, look for something unique and special.

I found these:

Autumn Medley Multi Color Magnesite Nugget Chips, approx 10-20mm 15-16 inch #R643

The picture does not do them justice. I put the nickle in there to give a size representation. They are so vivid and BIG and shiney and random in size! I can't wait to work with them.

I want to eat them - They remind me of bubble gum.