SUMMER SHOWS HERE I COME - HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I love summer. Summer means time in Mammoth Lakes California.  We have a small cabin in the woods and summer is the only time we can use it. We try spend as much time as we can.  I love the smell of the mountains and the quiet.  I bring my beads and a lot of my jewelry supplies so I can work on pieces when I am not hiking or just chilling out.  What happens when I am back in San Diego is bead production and working at Studio 9 in Balboa Park.  I also love to make beads so this going back and forth to the cabin is hard on bead making.  Tough life I have! LOL! 

Summer also means the Pasadena Bead and Design Show July 25th through July 28th and the San Diego Bead Society Annual Bead Bazaar August 3rd and 4th.  These are great shows for me to sell and shop!  To find out about the Pasadena show click here.  To find out about the San Diego Bead Bazaar click here. (There is a $2 off coupon for entrance to the bazaar.)

Here are some photos of new beads and jewelry.  Some mountain photos too!

 I have been having fun with red glass. This glass is transparent and a beautiful blue red.  Sorry the photo doesn't do them justice.  I made small and large focal, hollow beads and my regular small beads.  

 

 I have been missing a turquoise color in my "torch fired enamel" beads.  I use turquoise often in glass beads but the blues I use in the "torch fired enamel" beads didn't go with them.  So here I am introducing my new color.  I love it! I can't wait to use it in a design.  

Also, I am introducing some new shapes. Large and small leaves; small domed flowers; round drain disks; and a large filigree pendant. How can they be used you ask?  

I have used the large leaf as a focal in a necklace. It is so nice and light! Actually all of the "torch fired enamel" beads are very light.  They add texture and color to designs.  

The small leaf is great to add to the end of a necklace or as a dangle.  It adds a pop of color.  

I use the small flowers all the time as caps for beads.  

So far I have only made earrings with the round drain disks.  I call them drain disks cause it reminds me of a sink drain. 

I haven't had a chance to make a piece of jewelry with the filigree pendant yet. Maybe I will have something to show you at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show or at the SD Bead Bazaar. My thought it to use it as a pendant/bail and hang pieces from it. Or to use it as an element in a necklace. Also, I have formed some of the pendants over my wrist so I can use it in a bracelet. 

 Spring Blossoms

This is a good example of how I use the small leaves. Also, the wire worked elements are made with aluminum! Ask me about it!  

Mexican Days

 In this design I used the large leaf as my pendant along with copper beads by Patricia Healy.  Patricia will be at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show and the SD Bead Bazaar. She designs all of the beads and has them made in Mexico. 

Cathedral Earrings

Another new shape! It felt like I was forgetting something when I took the photo of the new shapes and color.  This was my accident shape that I discovered when I ran over a bead with my car!  Now I my grand kids make them for me. They love hammering!   Of course you can use them for other things than just earrings like for an element in a necklace. For some reason I always think of earrings first!  

I have many more examples of how my beads can be used. Come to one of the shows and I will give you all of the details. You can also see the samples at my retail studio, Studio 9, Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Directions and location is listed at the link at the top of page.  

If you have any questions about my beads or how I have used them, don't hesitate to ask. I am willing to share!  

Thanks for stopping! Hope to see you soon! 

Jan

Lake George and Lake Mary on trail to Crystal Lake Mammoth Lakes, CA

MORE BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY

My Blog Soup Party Partner, Marti Conrad, has received my stash of beads! So now I can show what I sent her! 

Glass Beads, Heart Glass Bead Focal, handmade Swirl Clasp, Turquoise spacers, Torch Fired Enamel Beads & Components

What is so fun about this challenge is that our styles are different. We have to think outside of the box! 

Remember, if you want to see who else is participating is this year's Blog Soup Party, go to Lori Anderson's blog at http://www.prettythingsblog.com. 

Monday Musings

I have been so tired lately which makes me so lazy. I guess I don't have to have an excuse to be lazy but I feel like I should be doing something constructive. Ha! Do you have days like this?

Well, I got off my butt and took photos of parts and beads that I have acquired and made lately.

First up are the things I acquired at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show a couple of weeks ago. I traded with some wonderful artists that were near me. I keep looking at the stash and my head is still spinning with ideas for using them. Do you have any ideas for them?

Gail Crosman Moore

Gail has some wonderful bead components. Brass stampings, bass bead caps and Lucite bead caps.  She torch fires some of the brass stampings with enamel. 

 

Joanne Zekowski

Joanne makes all sorts of wonderful beads. These are different from most of her tribal collections. I envision these as components for earrings with my torch fired enamel or glass beads. I can't wait to play with them.

Patricia Healey

Patricia Healey was behind me and what a hoot she is!  She was a great person to have around for 4 days. No dull time with her!  She makes these beautiful copper beads and findings. She designs them and has them made in Mexico. My plan is to use them with my torch fired enamel beads. I got beads, dangles and more!



XAZ Bead Company/Amy & Daniel Mealey

Another fun stash of beads and pendants!  These are from XAZ Bead Company. They are raku beads. They make each bead, fires them, then glazes and fires again. It is the last firing that it is done with paper that brings out the beautiful raku!  They are nice and light and will make wonderful pieces! 

Just to prove I have been doing something...... here are some of my heart beads. Since Valentine's Day is around the corner I thought I should stock up on some of my favorite hearts. I never get tired of making these.

I am part of a jewelry group that meets once a month. This month we played with the hydraulic press. I guess I am still thinking of hearts for Valentine's Day as I cut out these hearts and shaped them.  I thought the little hearts would be nice earrings. 
 

And lastly,here are some components that I have been playing with in aluminum wire. You may have seen the necklace I did with aluminum wire work that was polished to look like silver. I purchased some more 14g aluminum wire that is stiffer and darker. I like to work it better as it doesn't get marks so easily. I hammered it and then tumbled it. It didn't get as shiny as the last batch. It looks oxidized.  You can see the piece in the middle and the one below that haven't been tumbled.  I like it and you will probably start to see it in some of my jewelry. Much lighter than silver and of course more affordable.  I am not going to stop using sterling silver but I want to be able to offer a range of price points for my jewelry designs.  What do you think of the aluminum? Would you use it?

What Happened to 2012?

I have been very bad at adding posts here. I have lots of ideas of what to post and have been collecting photos too.  But when it comes to just sitting down and doing it, I procrastinate. Anyone else like this? 

So, before I procrastinate again ..... here are the photos I planned on posting.  

Took a short trip to LA to see some art exhibits.  This one was on Pompeii at the J. Paul Getty Villa in Malibu, CA. 

View of ocean from J. Paul Getty Villa

J. Paul Getty Villa

For my birthday, I treated myself to a two day art retreat in Claremont, CA. The class was taught by Riki Schumacher and the project was a photo frame. Of course, I haven't finished mine yet.....  But it was such a fun class. We also went to a flea market at the Pasadena Community College that was so overwhelming but with great finds! If you have a chance to take a class with Riki, don't pass it up.  Here is a link to her. 

Riki Schumacher

Class Project - Frame

In December I had a girls day at the Vintage Marketplace in Rainbow, CA. About 1 hour north of me in San Diego.  This adorable truck is at the entrance. I should have taken photos of the booth displays but they are all so beautiful it is a bit overwhelming.  Great buys, I definitely recommend going to this show if you like vintage pieces and are in the area. They have it about every 3 months. Here is a link to their facebook page. 

Yellow Truck at Vintage Marketplace

 

December also brings December Nights in Balboa Park.  It is a busy two days for my partners and I in our studio at Spanish Village. Long days and lots of people. The lights are fabulous, food is great and a good time is had by all. Here are a few photos before it got too crowded to move.
 

Entrance to Spanish Village

The "Big Tree"

Well, that is about it for now.  As for beads and stuff, I am getting ready for the Pasadena Bead & Design Show in Pasadena, CA this coming week.  Thursday through Sunday, 17th to 20th. Hilton Pasadena, 168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena CA. I will be in the International Ballroom. I have been making "torch fired enamel" beads and glass beads for weeks in preparation. It is a beautiful show with so much more than beads. I hope you check it out.  For more info go to www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com  

I have to close with a photo of my pups!  

Lily & Aggie

 Thanks for stopping by! 

Till next time!  Jan

CYBER MONDAY SALE STARTS NOW!!!

In appreciation of you, I am having a Cyber Monday sale on all of my "torch fired enamel beads" listed in my etsy store. It starts NOW and goes through Monday, Nov. 25th. 20% off all the beads listed!  Use the coupon code ARTBEADS20. 

I am doing this sale in conjunction with the ladies at Love My Art Jewelry. Visit their site at http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com.

I am exhausted listing so many beads. Lucky for me, my husband Steve, took the photos. That made it a lot easier!  I had hoped to list some glass beads and jewelry but just ran out of time. I will let you know when I post them. 

Here is a teaser of some of the beads I posted. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S.  DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT AT MY STUDIO IN SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER NEXT WEEK. 

 

 

 

TWO CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENTS!

Thank you for supporting me over the years in my adventure in beads and jewelry.

As you know, I am in love with beads and making jewelry. You have helped me with my addiction and me with yours!

To say a proper "Thank You!" I have two special events designed just for you.  

 

 Sunday, Dec. 2nd - 3:30 to 5:30 - Customer Apprciation Evening

 

I am hosting, along with my 4 studio partners, an afternoon/evening at studio 9 in Balboa Park.  This is an opportunity to meet my studio partners and learn about how they create their work.  We will have refreshments as you look at our special new one-of-a-kind items. A 10% discount will be given on all purchases during the event. 

I always enjoy seeing you and catching up so even if you aren't ready to start holiday shopping, stop in for ideas and good conversation!  I have a special gift for you to say "Thank You!"  See below for more info on the event at studio 9. 

Monday, Nov. 26th - Customer Appreciation Day - 20% off my listings on Etsy

 

As another "thank you" I am offering 20% off all purchases at my etsy store on Monday, Nov.  26th.  Use the coupon code, ARTBEADS20, at checkout to receive 20% off. The coupon is good all day on Monday, Nov. 26th.  I will list my new "torch fired enamel" beads and components; lampwork glass beads; and jewelry. 

 

I am doing this sale in conjunction with the ladies at Love My Art Jewelry, who are also independent artists. Check out their site to see a list of wonderful artists. http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com





Directions: Studio 9 is located in Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park in San Diego. We are between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego History Museum, just off Park Blvd on Village Place.

 Necklace made by Erin at Beadology Bead Store

 

Whimsical blue/green earring made with
lampwork glass beads & torch fired enamel beads;

Ball Earrings - made with red/purple
 "torch fired enamel" beads

 

Its a Blue Day earrings - made with lampwork glass beads
and "torch fired enamel" beads

Funky Cluster Necklace
Made with lampwork glass beads & "torch fired enamel" beads

"Torch Fired Enamel" Beads

SAVE THE DATE!!

Saturday & Sunday,  October 13 & 14,

10am to 5pm both days

 

This show features all things glass with over 30 local artists.  I will be in booth #1, the same spot I've been at for over 5 years. Lots of glass & torch fired beads and jewelry for all of your needs and desires! I hope to see you there! 

 

If you have made jewelry with my beads, wear it so I can see how you have used my beads!  Thanks everyone!  I always appreciate your support of my work!



20% of all sales go to the Art Glass Guild. The Guild uses the funds for glass art education. 

 

Come and support local artists!

 

Did you know?

 

SpanishVillage Art Center is an artist community that was built in 1935 for the 2nd California Pacific International Exposition.

In 1937, the Spanish village reopened as an art destination by a group of dedicated artists.

During World War II the U.S. Army used the village for temporary barracks, and in 1947 it was reclaimed and restored by the artists.

Over the last 60+ years, San Diego artists have continued to preserve and enhance this historical landmark by adding to its beauty with colorful flowers and unique entryways.  

Today, the Spanish Village Art Center continues to be a thriving community of over 200 artisans who share their talent and the love of all things art with you.

Independently juried local painters, sculptors, metalsmiths, jewelry designers, clay artists, gourd artists, photographers, printmakers, fiber artists, basket makers, mixed-media artists, glass artists, enamel artists and many many more await you at the Spanish Village Art Center.

 

 

SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER TODAY

Photo by Susan K Smith

INSPIRATION

Lately I have been thinking a lot about where I draw my inspiration for my beads and jewelry. I want a statement that describes my work in just a few words. I am having a lot of trouble doing just that. When I read where an artist gets their inspiration they talk about nature, the ocean, the desert or even recycled products. Me, I like color! I am always seeing colors that I can use in my beads. One day I was driving by a Taco Bell and I noticed their color scheme on the building. Mustard, clay tile, purple, olive green and khaki. I kept repeating the colors in my head till I got home. I made some really fun beads with those colors! I have a jewelry collection I call "Out of Africa". The colors are khaki, black, ivory, mustard, red roof tile, brown, and coral. I used patterns that I saw on fabric. Unfortunately, the patterns were very hard to put on a small bead! LOL! I am drawn to bright colors usually. I love the bold colors of Mexican decor and the soft colors of French Country. Do they compete with each other? How can I describe that?

Where do you get your inspirations? You may do art, interior decoration or just admire the work of others. But you too are inspired by things around you. Do you look at magazines? What kind? I tend to look mostly at the jewelry magazines; Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Bead and Button, Art Jewelry, Lapidary Jewelry Artist, and Belle Armoire Jewelry.  My latest favorites are Jewelry Affaire, Somerset Studios, and Where Women Create. They are all published by Stampington & Company.  For me they are showing all sorts of things other than just jewelry which I have found refreshing.  Do you subscribe to newsletters or blogs? I subscribe to toooo many! But I really enjoy reading and sometimes just looking at the photos. Lately I have enjoyed three newsletters I get from Interweave Publications; Cloth, Paper & Scissors, Jewelry Making Daily, and Beading Daily.  They have lots of photos which I like and great tips for all sorts of crafts.  Even if it isn't a craft I do I have found lots of inspirations from them.  Plus of course I have purchased some great digital project sheets and magazines.  (I am getting rid of my stacks of magazines all over the house to getting only digital magazines. ) Purchasing their products is probably the main purpose of their newsletters BUT I really do get inspirations without purchasing anything.   Most of the time anyway! LOL! I would love to know about places you go for inspirations. Please post in comments below. I am always open for new inspirations. Thanks!

OK, I have babbled long enough so are you ready for some photos. Maybe I have already lost you and I should have put them up front.  Oh well!

I got a new photo set up. I am still working on getting the lighting correct but here are some photos of my torch fired enamel beads and jewelry.

 

 

Large Cones enameled with sky, bitter & tequila slush;

They make a great pair of earrings just as they are.

 

Steel wire wrapped into a heart & enameled in sky, tequila slush & marigold.

Wire wrapped with squiggles (double balled headpins)

Hearts; enameled in sky, tequila slush & bitter.

I think these would make great earrings or dangles for a necklace or bracelet.

 

 Another version of hearts.

Earrings - Purple bead caps with purple crystals.

 

Enameled bead caps; colors sky, bitter and tequila slush;

 

English Garden Dangle Necklace - colors foxglove, marigold, lavender