ClaireCreations

A GREAT THANKSGIVING

2011-11-26T13:30:00.004-05:00

Enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast with lots of family. There's me gloating over my just out of the oven big bird; Jim, a son-in-law, doing carving honors, and Kirsten, a granddaughter, and others intent of filling their plates so they can then fill their tummies.

Catching up - Aagain

2011-11-26T13:24:00.003-05:00

Every time I promise myself to keep up this blog, life kind of gets in the way.

But here I am. I've been busy making new designs and getting ready for the upcoming Chatty Crafty show in Chattanooga, Tn on Dec 10-11.

In early November, I did a show at the Museum Center at Five Points in Cleveland, Tennessee.
I had a great show and sold several pieces. It always warms my heart when people demonstrate their appreciation of my art by
purchasing it.

The photos is just one of the items I sold at Cleveland.

Get a pair of my earrings for free

2011-11-26T13:19:00.003-05:00

These blue swirl earrings on sterling silver ear wires are being given away today only --
through at the Chatty Crafty facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/ChattyCrafty

Miss Chatty is giving away several items, one each day, to introduce people to the upcoming Chatty Crafty show in downtown Chattanooga, Tn on Dec 10-11.

I will be exhibiting there. Look for me at booth#46.

I will have lots of neat stuff.

Coordinating necklace and earrings

2011-10-21T13:21:00.004-05:00

I posted the necklace the other day. Here are a pair of coordinating earrings made with similar components: copper, amber, dark jasper.
Both are available in my etsy shop.
http://www.clairecreations.etsy.com

earring backs

2011-10-20T18:59:00.002-05:00

I usually only make earrings with wires that go through the ears, but at shows, there are always one or two women who do not have pierced ears, so I'm thinking of making a few pairs with clip on backs. I think the clips are better than the kind that screw to the back of your ear.

What do you think?

Years ago, before I had my ears pierced, I could never wear ear rings because I couldn't stand the pressure from either the screw type or the clip type, but I guess some women like them.

Of course, I can't wear earrings now because the holes in my ears have closed up and I keep putting off getting them redone. I know I should because that way I could show off some of my earrings by wearing them the way I wear my necklaces. I also can't wear most of my bracelets because my wrist is so much smaller than most people's.

new ring display

2011-10-20T18:56:00.003-05:00

Got the cutest thing to display a few of my rings today. Got the fancy little shoe with ring slots in Hobby Lobby @ 50% off. I think it will make a nice addition to my table at my next show.
What do you think?

2011-10-19T10:42:00.002-05:00

Tried a new (for me) idea the other day. Here's the results.
Left: triple band woven copper cuff with carnelian
right: triple band copper bangle cuff - ends are woven together with copper wire.

Both are listed in my zibbet shop.
http://www.zibbet.com/clairecreations

more studio

2011-10-17T20:48:00.004-05:00

left: bead and stone storage (partial) right: photo station. I prop a white board up so I
get the tools, etc in the photo.

my studio

2011-10-17T20:44:00.003-05:00

top left: soldering spot
top right: metal working bench
lower left: sit-down work station

my studio

2011-10-17T20:22:00.006-05:00

Thought I'd share some photos of my studio. It's where I spend most of my time.
Of course, it's messy, but that goes with the territory.

This is what my husband built for me to keep my wire sorted and organized. As you can see, it's not very organized.
There's pegboard on all 4 sides and it's on casters so I can wheel it around.

zibbet.com selling site

2011-10-17T14:34:00.004-05:00

Just listed these three bracelets on my zibbet shop.

I don't know about that site. I signed up as a premium member and paid for a year's subscription, but am wondering if it was worth doing. There seems to be very little activity there.

It's hard to know who is looking at your shop because the shop stats aren't very revealing.

Anyway, I'm there for a year, so I'll keep listing and hoping for a sale or two.

My 'babies'

2011-10-17T08:37:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd post a photo of my two much loved, much spoiled kitties. Actually, they're far from kitties, Tig, the orange one is almost 15 and Gypsy, the one hiding behind Tig is around 8. But they're still my kitties.

They're in one of their favorite spots -- on Daddy's lap - you can't see the rest of Daddy, but he's got his eyes closed too. They're all relaxing on Daddy's lounge chair.

Range of prices on Etsy

2011-10-16T11:40:00.002-05:00

Here's another comparison. The bracelet shown is mine, listed for $55.oo

There are 3,561 copper cuff bracelets listed today on Etsy.

Prices on these range from a high of $600. to $22.50

So how does a customer judge the value?
What do you think?

2011-10-16T11:34:00.003-05:00

They say variety is the spice of life. Well, maybe.
I've just done an interesting experiment. I looked all listings on Etsy for 'Roman glass necklace.
The one pictured here is mind. It's listed for $85.00 and is strung on 14k gold filled triple strand chain.

I found that there are currently, as of today,
262 listings for Roman Glass Necklace. Of course there are many styles. But the price range is a bit astounding.
Highest price listed was a whopping $1500.00.
Lowest price was an incredible $15.00.
Now, that's quite a range for similar materials, don't you think?

4

Is Anyone Here?

2011-10-14T19:50:00.001-05:00

Just wondering if anyone is finding my blog. If you are, please post a comment so won't think I'm all alone out here.

another of my copper link bracelets

2011-10-14T19:43:00.003-05:00

I've made several copper link bracelets, each one different - no two are alike. They seem to be popular with my customers. I seem to sell every one I make.

This is my latest. The copper squares are hand cut, textured, and shaped. Riveted to each square is a hand cut brass geometric shape. The clasp is a hammered bit of heavy 12 gauge copper.

Entire bracelet was flamed to get a fire patina and bracelet was finished with a protective coat of lacquer to preserve the patina colors.

It's available in either my zibbet or my etsy shops.

My Next Show

2011-10-12T20:54:00.002-05:00

My next show will be at the Museum Center at Five Points in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The show will be on Friday and Saturday, November 4 & 5.

It's held inside the museum and is free and open to the public. There is a special showing on Friday evening reserved for museum members.

If you live anywhere near Cleveland, Tennessee, this is a great little museum and the show is always a good one with artists who show their work in the museum gift shop which features local artists' work.

Update on Prater's Mill show

2011-10-12T20:50:00.003-05:00

The show was a good one. Perfect weather. Huge crowds. Friendly people. And good sales.
Most people who came into my booth had favorable reactions. Told me my stuff was very unusual and different from the other jewelry booths. Since I strive for 'different' and 'unique', I appreciated these comments.

Several people purchased more than one item. One woman purchased several for gifts for her family.

All in all, thought I was totally beat and exhausted at the end of the show, I was pleased.

This bracelet is just one of the many unique items I sold at the show.

A Little Boast

2011-10-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

I was getting a bit discouraged since I hadn't had a single sale from my Etsy shop in several months. Then, all of a sudden, I made three sales in just a couple days. And even better than that two of those customers liked what they purchased so much, they ordered another similar piece.
Here's what sold:

Getting Ready for a Show

2011-10-07T19:34:00.003-05:00

Whew, spent most this morning gathering up and packing stuff for this weekend's show -- then with hubby's help loaded it all into the truck and trucked on down to the show site where we set up the tent and tables. I wanted to set out all my stuff so I wouldn't have to do it in the morning, but was just too exhausted.

So, that means getting up at 0 dark thirty tomorrow morning so I can be set up by 8:00 which is when the show people want everyone ready. They say people start coming really early.

Guess I'll hit the hay early tonight.

Here's hoping all this work is worth it and I do well at the show.

SHOWING AT PRATER'S MILL COUNTRY FAIR

2011-10-07T12:31:00.003-05:00

If you happen to see this and happen to be anywhere near Dalton, Georgia this weekend, do come to the Prater's Mill Country Fair. I'll have a booth there, and there will be lots of others also.

You can check this out at
http://www.pratersMill.org

These are just a few samples of what I'll be showing.
You can see more of my work at
http://www.clairecreations.etsycom
or
htttp://www.zibbet.com/clairecreations

Caring for and Wearing Copper Jewelry

2011-10-03T20:57:00.002-05:00

Copper has been worn as jewelry for thousands and thousands of years. It is still popular today.

Many people wear copper for its reputed healing qualities. It is believed that wearing copper can alleviate joint and other pain.

But aside from copper's healing properties, many people choose copper for it's simple, earthy beauty.

Copper, when it is brand new is bright and shiny. However, like most metals other than pure gold, copper will tend to oxidize (darken) over time. This is a natural process and many people love the darkened, earthy look of oxidized copper.

Can you prevent this oxidation and keep copper shiny and new looking? Sort of. If I want a particular piece of copper to retain its shine, I sometimes coat it with lacquer or wax.
If your copper jewelry has darkened, you can restore the shine by cleaning the copper with a simple mix of lemon juice and salt. I suggest keeping a small jar, like a baby food jar, half filled with lemon juice and a few shakes of salt, near where you get dressed.

Simply swish the piece in the juice mixture, then rinse. If there are some stubborn places, brush with an old soft toothbrush. Always rinse thoroughly and dry. The buff with a soft cloth. To retain shine, store the piece in a closed plastic bag.

You can also coat your piece with a couple of layers of clear nail polish. This will wear off, but can always be reapplied. Before reapplying, though, do clean the piece rub the piece with a bit of acetone (nail polish remover); rinse; clean with the lemon juice; then rinse and dry.

A few of my customers have asked, "Will copper turn my skin green?"
That depends on your own body chemistry. It also depends on environmental conditions, and perhaps on your diet. I've been told that the greenish tint that sometimes occurs when wearing copper indicates an unbalance in your diet.
It is important to know that the green does NOT indicate an allergy to copper. It is simply a chemical reaction. It is not harmful can easily be washed away. If you have experienced this greenish tint on your skin from wearing copper, I would recommend that you coat the piece with clear nail polish.

2011-10-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Two more link bracelets. Both of these have sold

I love copper - a few examples of copper bracelets

2011-10-03T20:43:00.003-05:00

Sterling silver fused to textured copper squares. Center square features a vintage ruby-red glass jewel set in pewter.

Domed and fire polished copper discs etched
with Runic symbols

Playing with metal

2011-10-03T20:38:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorites. Again, started with brass, shaped the edges, then added a bit of raw, untreated, unprocessed copper and a chunk of raw, untreated, unpolished turquoise.

2011-10-03T20:35:00.001-05:00

Here, I took two narrow bands of brass and acid etched them. Cut some small strips of copper and hand textured them. As you can see, I then riveted the copper strips to the brass strips.

I love to play with metal

2011-10-03T20:30:00.003-05:00

This one sold recently. It's made from brass with overlays of aluminum and copper tubing.

The overlays are attached to the base with rivets.

Visit me at my Etsy and Zibbet shops

2011-10-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

Please visit me at my Etsy and my Zibbet shops.

http://www.clairecreations.etsy.com

http://www.zibbet.com/clairecreations

I'm back...

2011-10-02T17:45:00.002-05:00

Haven't posted here for ages. But I'm still around and I'm still creating one of a kind jewelry.

I have a shop on etsy and I've just joined a rather new online venue, zibbet.

You can visit both shops with the links above.

Watch for new posts from me. This time I will try to keep it going.

my nice double sale

2009-08-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

The larger, blue as dominant color, was the one I sold at my table for $300.00. The other was sold thru the museum shop.

claire

2009-08-23T09:15:00.004-05:00

If you're interested, here's the really nice necklace I sold at a small museum gallery show this weekend -- and the same woman purcased another of my higher end pieces from the museum shop. Both have a butterfly motif.

Clairepg

Bulky Serpentine Necklace

2009-02-04T16:58:00.007-05:00

One more today. As a change from wrapping wire and beading, I thought I'd try something with these pretty big and bulky serpentine beads I picked up a a show earlier this year. Here's what I came up with. The stones are linked with short sections of brass cable chain and large, thin brass links. The drop at the center is an old Chinese coin I had in my collection of 'stuff.'
Now, it's back to working on the beadwoven bracelet I started the other day. (I'll have to post the picture later. Just got an error message and it won't upload.)

2009-02-04T16:52:00.002-05:00

And here's one I did before watching the Reuther video. It's not wire sculpture, it's wrapping, but my own invention. First, I made a squiggle with square wire, well, actualy, first I pushed a piece of 26 ga copper wire through the back of this very unusual stone (I have no idea what it is). It is not drilled, but there was a sort of hole in the back with two openings, one very, very tiny.
Once I had the squiggle done, I wired the stone to it using 26 ga wire, then decided to wrap 26 ga wire around the squiggle and across the stone to brace it. It is suspended on a copper chain.

2009-02-04T16:47:00.001-05:00

Wow, I'm posting twice in one week. A record for me. While I still am enthralled with my beadweaving, I'm also doing quite a bid of wire wrapping, mostly with copper, but a little with sterling silver. Last night I watched a Preston Reuther video on wire sculpture, so of course, had to rush down to my studio this morning to try it out. Here's my first attempt at wire sculpture based on what I learned watching the video.

2009-02-03T11:17:00.003-05:00

I haven't been here in too long, but here I am. Thought I'd post some pics of some of my latest work. I'm still doing my beadweaving, but am doing quite a bit of wire works.

2008-08-13T21:15:00.001-05:00

Here's the finished Goddess. I've listed her on Etsy.
Changes I made since the last post: I added one more beaded dichroic focal at the bottom and I added the Kumihimo neck rope, which is woven with Sulky thread (just like silk).
BeadLilly commented on one of my freeform bracelets, saying I have a 'gift' for freeform. Thank you, BeadLilly. I do love freeform because I can do whatever seems right at the moment and don't have to worry about being consistent or following a pattern -- which seems difficult for me to do.
By the way, I've recently joined another selling site -- DaWanda. It's based in Europe: England, France, Germany, but there are people there from all over. Prices are listed in Euros.
Not much action there yet, but the interface is really user friendly.

new freeform project

2008-08-07T14:36:00.002-05:00

Well, here's my newest freeform project - she told me she WAS NOT a bracelet. She said she is a large neck adornment-not really a necklace or pendant, but an adornment. What do you think calling it that?
She got too fat too quickly to be a bracelet and she told me her face would shine better on someone's chest than on someone's wrist.
So now I'm working on sort of evening her out. Don't know how I got that fold on the left side, but would like to get one on the other side to complement it. But I don't know how I did it. And I could not rip out any part of this unless I cut the whole thing apart because the beads and stitches go every which way (but loose) and the thread paths are totally mixed up.
I just go bead by bead, attaching one to the next in whatever fashion seems to fit smoothly. Mostly it's peyote, but there's some brick and ladder worked in in places.
And now that I've decided to make her a neck adornment, I don't know what kind of rope to make and don't know how or where to attach it.
Guess I could make her a broach, but I don't think broaches sell as well as necklaces. Hmm,
just had a thought. Maybe I'll put one of those convertable pin-backs on her, the kind that can be worn as a broach or a pendent. Then either use a nice piece of ribbon or make a Kumihimo strap for her rather than a beaded rope.
Your suggestions and opinions are welcome. Thanks.

my previous freeform bracelet

2008-08-06T22:54:00.001-05:00

This is last freeform bracelet I made. Never got a chance to list it in my Etsy shop because it sold at a show a few days after I finished it. Meant to post it here, but apparently didn't, so here it is.

Working on new Freeform bracelet

2008-08-06T22:43:00.002-05:00

I'm working on a new freeform bracelet, and once again, it is going off in directions I never imagined. I 'see' the whole thing in my head, but the beads don't always fall the way I think they will, so I have to keep adjusting. Sorry, but don't have a picture of it just yet. I'm trying to control the shape so it doesn't get too unwieldy and have to keep remembering to use smaller beads when I want it to curve in.
And as usual, it is taking far longer than I thought it would. I'll try to get a picture or two for my next post. I want to get this done becuase there are a few other projects I want to do before a new show I have coming up on the 22nd and 23rd of this month. I'm supposed to demo at this show -- but demo on a gourd as well as on jewelry as they already have a few other jewelry makers, but I'm the only gourd person. And I'm also trying to finish up the written part of a project I have contracted with Step by Step Beads - that's supposed to be in before the end of this month. Why did I let it sit for so long and wait for the last minute?

UpComing Show

2008-07-11T22:30:00.003-05:00

Here are just two the many items I'll be showing at a show on July 19/20.

The show is the Butternut Creek Show at Meeks Park in Blairsville, Georgia. This is a juried show of fine artists.
You can get directions to the show on-line. Blairsville is a small town in north Georgia about an hour and a half north of Atlanta. It's also close to North Carolina and Tennessee.
I'll be selling both my jewelry and my art-gourds.
If you live close enough, I'd love to have you visit my booth. Of course, there'll be lots of other great artists there you can visit as well.

another freeform coming

2008-07-09T22:19:00.001-05:00

I'm working on a another new freeform bracelet - no pics as yet. But will post one when it's done.

special gift for my granddaughter

2008-07-09T22:15:00.003-05:00

Here's a bracelet I made for my granddaughter who is getting married next May. Her wedding color is blue -- so hence, the blue bracelet.

It's done in the Ndbele (herringbone) weave with Delicas and trimmed with Swarvoski midnight blue pearls, fresh water pearls, and large a/b drop beads.

I'm giving it to her for her birthday which is next week. I sure hope she likes it.

Wire Wrapped Pieces

2008-07-09T22:07:00.004-05:00

These photos are posted primarily for the Wire Wrap group and those who offered suggestions on how to wrap the two stones for my friend.
After trying several times, I finally came up with these - the flat stone has a somewhat traditional wrap with the wire along the sides and the malachite is obviously a freeform wrap. Both are done in copper wire - the flat stone with square wire and wrapped with half round, the malachite with round wire.

finished!

2008-07-04T22:54:00.004-05:00

Finished!
Here are a couple of shots. Took way more work than I had first anticipated, but then it always does.
I think I counted about 19 different types and colors of beads in this piece.
1 squar-ish agate - not sure what it is, but's green with some light brownish and white markings; 1 luminescent oblong dichroic; 1 triangular shaped sea glass; Delicas in 3 different sizes; 15/0s and Charlotttes; 4mm cubes; seeds in size 11 and 8; a few fresh water potato pearls, and a couple of largish glass beads for accent.
Each cab is carefully beaded and backed with leather. Each one is embellished on top with beads, and copper wire on the sea glass.
It's mostly peyote, but some ladder and brick stitch as well as a few places of complete improvisation to make things fit.
Final length is just over 7" long and about 1-1/2" wide (in most places). Clasp is a copper toggle and loop.

If anyone knows what kind of agate the green stone is, please let me know. I imagine it's some sort of Jasper, but I'm not sure.

almost done

2008-07-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

Still working with my jumble beads. Worked on that silly bracelet most of the day again today -- took time out to try to make a watchband -- stringing on wire, but my crimps didn't hold and the whole thing fell apart. More wasted hours!
Took time out to eat and rest a bit, but then the beads called to me again.
I have most of the bracelet done - haven't taken any pics yet. I have the length where I want it and have added a copper toggle clasp. -- Of course, the first time I did it, I had the loop portion upside down -- there is an up and down side to this one, so had to take that off and do it again, but got it done.
Now I have to go back an do something to the edge and even things out a bit -- and maybe add a few accents to cover little spaces or balance things out. Like I said, projects like this take me forever.

still working on the new bracelet

2008-07-02T23:26:00.002-05:00

No new pics today, but I did work on the bracelet. And ended up ripping out a portion. The dang thing keeps wanting to get too wide in places and I am trying to control that so that part of the bracelet doesn't end up as an arm band that goes up to the elbow. :(
Like I said, there's a lot of trial and error in the process of making the piece end up as a wearable art object. I wasn't home most of the day today, but worked on the bracelet this evening after dinner and when I finally decided to put it away because I was beginning to see double, it was close to 12:30 -- which is now.
All my beads were in a big jumble on my work space and there I was hunting for one little bead that I needed for one little spot. I decided to clean up and separate all the beads into their own little piles -- of course tomorrow, they'll get all jumbled up again, but I needed to see what I was really working with. I think I counted 19 different beads: Delica 11/s; Delica 8's; Delica 10's; 2 different triangles, cubes, seeds-size 11; seeds-size 8 - and a few oddities - potato fresh water pearls, a glass bead or two -- or three.
But it is fun seeing how it shapes itself.

Newest Freeform bracelet -getting ready

2008-07-01T17:05:00.004-05:00

New

This is my newest freeform bracelet creation. I meant to upload this one as the second, but forgot that Blogspot always puts the last post up front. Anyway, This - and the next post -- are mainly for my Etsy friends who say they are a bit afraid of trying freeform. I hope this will help you get started.
The top 3 photos are the focals which will be incorporated into the bracelet.-- the last one is not yet beaded and may or may not end up in this bracelet. The bottom two photos show some (but not all) of the beads I've dumped on my table for possible incorporation into the finished product. I may not use all of these, but may yet pull out some others -- depending on how things fit together and how it looks.
I use mostly peyote stitch, but in places where I've added larger or smaller beads -- or the focals, peyote won't quite work, so I fill in with improvisations -- ladder stitch, brick stitch, a bit of stringing -- whatever will fill the space and do what I want it to do.
To keep things in perspective, I've draw a very rough template of how large I want the bracelet to be -- around 6-1/2 inches long (clasp will be added to this) and around 1-1/2 inches wide, but this varies. From time to time, I lay the bracelet on the template to be sure I'm somewhat keeping within my 'boundaries.'
One time, I didn't do this and ended up with part of the bracelet around 3" wide -- and had to rip out a lot. I also sort of plan where I'll put the focals.
Anyway, this is how I work my freeform. Feel free to ask me any questions, but please do not copy my design.
-- See the next post for the beginning of the bracelet and more information on how I work it.

New Freeform bracelet-in-progress

2008-07-01T16:51:00.004-05:00

I keep saying I'm going to keep up this blog, then I get busy on projects and stuff and it gets by me.

Anyway, here I am. I'm posting this mainly for some of my Etsy friends who are venturing into freeform for the first time.
Here's the start of my newest freeform creation. The safety pin is where one end of the clasp will go -- I keep it there so I can keep the bracelet oriented the way I want it.
As you can see, I've already used beads in several different sizes, styles, shapes and I've incorporated one of the 3 focal pieces that will be in the final product.
I started, as usual, by picking my focals, then choosing a generalized color scheme to go with them. Next, I beaded around the focals -- in this case, this piece of dichoric glass, a pretty green agate, and a piece of pale green sea-glass. There's one other small dichroic, which I haven't beaded yet -- and may or may not be incorporated. Depends how things go.
I do not have any pattern, but this is not totally random. Once I have the focals beaded -- each one with different beads, but in coordinating colors, I rummage through my bead stash and just toss the ones I think will 'go' onto my already crowded work space.

2008-06-01T19:15:00.002-05:00

Here's a new experiment I tried today. First I made the freeform wire and bead sculpture. Next I made the peyote beadwoven pendant. Then I attached the wire & bead sculpture to the beadweaving. The sculpture is done with 16 gauge copper wire and to attach to the weaving I used very thin 24 ga copper wire. I was able to push the wire through the Delicas - then wrapped it around the heavier wire.

I'm not sure how much strain the wire will put on the weaving. Seems pretty sturdy, but I wonder how it will stand up to wear.

Comments (not just praise) appreciated.

Beadwoven/embroidered Butterfly Necklace

2008-05-23T14:15:00.008-05:00

Last week I posted a picture of this project as I began it. Here it is finished -- many, many hours of work in this one. Also, many hours figuring out the placement of the different components.
I began by encasing each of the 4 dichroic pieces with beaded bezels - they are all on the same backing. When I finished the bezels, I began filling in, first the outline, then the inside of the butterfly. It is backed with leather and edged with gold color beads.
The top wings are mostly done with backstitching and the bottom wings are done with peyote.

The neck strap is woven with peyote stitch with 4 different colors of size 8/0 beads and edged with the same gold beads that are around the butterfly. Small square mother-of-pearl beads are sewn onto the neck strap.
This is a rather large piece. The butterfly is 4" across at the widest part of the wings (at the top) and 3" long from the tallest part of the wing to the bottom. Neck straps are 9" on each side.

Flower pendant

2008-05-14T12:19:00.002-05:00

Since I usually do well at shows with my beaded pendants, I decided to make a few new ones. This one's based on a patter by Suzanne Cooper, but I changed it somewhat.

butterfly-in-progress

2008-05-14T12:15:00.003-05:00

Here's another combination beadweaving and bead embroidery project I'm working on. It's gonna take a long time!
I began by putting bezels around the four cabs (they're all dichroic glass). Then I started filling in with embroidery. Not at all sure how this is going to turn out.
When (and if) I ever finish the beading, I'll then back the entire thing with soft leather, put an edge on it -- and decide whether it's a pin, a necklace, or a bracelet. If a necklace or bracelet, I'll have to add a wrist strap or neck rope.

Summer Garden Bracelet

2008-05-14T12:10:00.003-05:00

Here's a summery freeform bracelet I recently finished. Haven't listed it on Etsy yet - might just save it for some shows I have coming up later this summer.

2008-05-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

Here's the bracelet that almost wanted to be a pendant but became a bracelet after all. As you can see, there are many elements in this piece, and at times, it was quite a challenge to meld them all together cohesively. I added a final row of 4mm cubes as an outside edge to bring all the elements together in what I hope is a unified whole. Each glass cab is backed with leather. Clasp is copper.

2008-05-07T13:12:00.001-05:00

Here's one in mixed blues I did a short while back. Had a bunch of tiny bits of several shades of blue -- not enough of any one to do a complete project, so I dumped them all on my table and here's what resulted.

2008-05-06T14:08:00.002-05:00

This is a bracelet I just finished. This is not one of my original designs. It is an adaptation of a pattern in a magazine. It's called a 'Sharon' bracelet and the original design was by AnnBenson (I think).
Anyway, this bracelet is not for sale. I made it as a gift for my granddaughter to wear as part of her wedding outfit. I just hope she likes it.

2008-05-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

Here's the cat pin/pendant finished. I used one of those pin backs that also has a bail on it.
Boy oh boy, did this little project take a long time. There are hours and hours of work in this thing -- and that's just the actual beading to say nothing about the time it took me to figure out how to do it. As I said earlier, it's a combination of embroidery and Peyote stitch. The outline of the cat was backstitched onto the backing. The face and a small portion of the body was embroidered directly onto the backing. Most of the body was done in Peyote stitch, and then zipped onto the edges of the cat. When all that was done, I put a double layer of very thin leather on the back. Then I added the edge beads and the final Picot edging. Finally, I sewed the pin back onto the leather and hung it from a funky ribbon.
Oh, yeah, the whiskers were added last and are kind of floppy, the way a real cat's whiskers are. Cat's eyes are green Swarvoski crystals and his nose is a single matt black triangle bead (except it kind of gets lost among all the other beads on his face.

A recent work - for sale at a gallery

2008-05-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

Here's a bracelet I recently made. It's not in my Etsy shop because it's currently on display at a local gallery.
This is another of my freeform designs. I began with 4 dichroic cabs which I encased in beaded bezels. Then, beginning with the largest cab, I added to the bezel and kept on going, I then attached to the next bezel, again adding many rows of beads between the two. Did this for the 3rd and 4th cabs as well. Then as I worked, I felt I needed something more for balance, so added the blue tube - which has embedded Swarovoski crystals.
I kept working the bracelet adding different types, sizes, and colors of beads until the bracelet said, "Stop! I'm done. Just add an edge to me and a clasp."
So, that's what I did. Beads used: Delicas-size 11; seed beads, size 11; cube beads, 3 and 3 mm; and size 15/o for the edging. Clasp is a copper toggle and bar.

Returning - again

2008-05-04T20:18:00.003-05:00

Well, well, well, I see I've not posted here in way too long. Hope to remedy that and post more often now. (I know, I've said that before, but my intentions are good. It's just that life gets in the way.)
I'm starting with a work-in-progess that I'm almost, but not quite done with. This is a new thing I'm trying. It's a combination of bead embroidery and bead weaving.
The pictures show the beginning and where I am now. I want to add whiskers to the cat's face.
Here's how I did this:
-I don't know if this is an 'orthodox' way of doing something like this -- I started with an idea, then worked it out as I went along.
>First, I found a silhouette of a cat and traced it onto a piece of Lacy's Stiff Stuff. (No, I don't draw freehand very well.)
>I then backstitched all around the outline -using size 15/0 beads, which I've used throughout.
>I worked the face in backstitch to get the curvature I wanted. I started the body that way, too, but then thought of something different.
>Most of the body is worked in Peyote stitch. I secured some, but not all of the rows to the backing at the top. As I worked, I realized that as the two sides came together, I could simply attach the body to the opposite side when I got there, so that's what I did.
>I had to compensate for the curvature of the cat by adjusting the Peyote stitching, sometimes using 2 beads at a time and sometimes skipping a bead (decreasing).
>When I got to the right edge, I sort of 'zipped' it to the body. Then went back and 'zipped' the left edge to the body.
>For the gradations of the colors, I used my cat, Tigger, for an example.

Now, I need to finish this thing. I thought a broach, but then thought a pendant. Or maybe a broach that could also be worn as a pendant. I do have some of those types of pins, but don't know if it will work on this.

Before I get to that, though, I have to put a leather or ultrasuede backing and edging on the piece. Again, not quite sure how to do this, but will experiment.

Would love to get some comments on this.

I'm Back!!

2007-08-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Wow, I see I haven't posted anything here in way too long. Well, I'm back now and have also reactivated my Etsy account. Go there and take a look at all my new items. The lady with Turban is one of my new gourds. I also have some new OOAK beadweaving items -- that bracelet is just one of them, and I'm adding a new line of Kumihimo weaving -- the belt.
Take a look at my Etsy shop. Thanks!

2007-03-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

Turquoise Choker.
The natural turquoise has a beadwoven bezel and is attached to a beadwoven neck piece done in the Ndebele (herringbone) stitch. Choker is aproximately 16 inches in length and has an antique coppered lobster claw clasp.
The beads used in this necklace are high quality glass seed beads. It takes several hundred beads and many hours to create this. This item has sold.

gourd oil lamp

2007-03-16T22:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a gourd oil lamp I recently finished. It is
woodburned, then colored with inks and liquid
gold leaf.
If you look, please leave a comment. (that way I
know you were here. :) Thanks.

2007-03-13T21:20:00.000-05:00

Two of my bracelets in gold
and 'natural' tones.

a new experiment

2007-03-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a 'painting' I made from two separate photos I took. The photos were taken in my yard at different times. I used Photoshop to do this.

2007-03-08T23:10:00.000-05:00

A necklace I just made. Sponge coral squares and tubes, mother-of-pearl, with bead-woven spiral links. Copper toggle and loop clasp. Also, a pair of coordinating earrings with sponge coral tubes and agate nuggets.

Original Photographs on notecards

2007-03-05T23:19:00.000-05:00

I've added a new category to the items I'm selling on Etsy. This is a picture of the first set of notecards I've listed. Cards are printed on high quality card stock and come with envelopes. Cards are blank on the inside and have my logo an the back. All photos are my own, taken with my digital camera.
I have lots of pictures I've taken and am in the process of sizing them and putting them into 'sets' for the notecards.

2007-03-04T23:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a gourd with a beadwoven panel of a rainforest frog. The frog segment is stitched onto the gourd and has an added picot edge. The rim of the gourd is peyote stitching. trim beads are mother-of-pearl sticks and the one at the lower edge of the frog panel is carved bone. Gourd sits on a base of heavy paper coiling couched onto the bottom of the gourd. This piece has many, many, many hours of work in it.

Lazy Saturday

2007-03-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

Just checking in today. I just discovered and joined the Wetcanvas group of forums, etc. There's so much to explore there, it'll take a while to get to know it.
In browsing through the 'wearable arts' section, I see several fellow Etsyians and bloggers. So hi to all my new friends.

ClaireCreations

I Love Kitties Bracelet

2007-03-01T21:40:00.000-05:00

Ndebele stitch base with kitty charms, blue glass hearts, and kitty toggle clasp. I seem to keep adding my new work here. If you'd like to see some of my past work, check my photosite at http://community.webshots.com/user/clairepg
OR check my shop at
http://clairecreations.etsy.com

2007-02-27T23:12:00.000-05:00

Here's another new pendent I made recently. The stone is a really pretty agate. the beaded bezel and bail are made with Delicas, small triangle beads, and smaller size 15/0 beads. Backing on the agate is leather. The dangle is bronze. Hangs on a satin ribbon - but this could be changed.

organizing and reorganizing

2007-02-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a new item I recently made. I keep adding new items I've made here, but I'm in the process of updating and editing my Webshots photo albums with a lot of my other things. I've added new albums and switched items around so they are more organized. (If you think that's easy, think again.) I don't want to clutter up this blog with tons of images, so DO take a look at my Webshots site. (More pics there than on the flickr site.) I find the Webshots easier to work with and I can organize my photos better there.

http://community.webshots.com/user/clairepg

Funky Fish Necklace

2007-02-24T23:32:00.000-05:00

The fish is hammered copper inlaid onto the gourd segment. Embellishments are various sizes and styles of glass beads, and copper wire. Neck strap made from copper beads, glass beads, and malachite nuggets. Clasp is a copper toggle and clasp. Gourd section is dyed and finished with a varnish that will not wear off. Back is finished with leather.
This piece is available at my Etsy store. http://ClaireCreations.etsy.com.

Thanks for looking.

Feel free to contact me with any questions on any of my work.

experiments don't always work

2007-02-23T22:57:00.000-05:00

I tried an experiment today - made something I had an idea for, but I don't like the way it turned out. Oh well, tomorrow's another day.

Meet Funky Fiona

2007-02-22T00:38:00.000-05:00

Fiona is a funky lady made from a gourd. She is finished on the back and comes with a hanger so she can be displayed on the wall. See Fiona and more of my work at my Etsy shop.

2007-02-21T01:03:00.000-05:00

This is a loomed bracelet. My first attempt at looming. The toggle and loop were added after I took it off the loom.

my newest piece - 3D Owl Pendant

2007-02-17T22:27:00.000-05:00

The other day I made a little owl, then realized there was no good way to hang him as a pendant. Then I had the idea of placing him onto a flat panel of peyote stitching. Here's the result. The owl and the 'branch' he's sitting on are woven onto the flat panel. The glass leaf dangle hangs from the branch.
The pendant is on a very pretty ribbon made of different colors of a soft material with gold threads running through parts of it.

on a cold, winter's day

2007-02-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to go print 'thumbnails' of all my work as part of my picture portfolio (not virtual, but real, with actual paper). I take this with me and when I have the opportunity, show it to prospective customers, shops, or galleries. With the thumnails, they can take a quick look and then look through the portfolio itself at the larger pictures they are most interested in. I marked the ones that have sold and the ones that are currently on consignment in shops or galleries.
Was this a worthwhile effort? Who knows?

A few of my necklaces

2007-02-16T18:02:00.000-05:00

These are made with various beadweaving techniques.

My Kitties

2007-02-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

OK. Here they are. My two kitties. Gypsy's eye looks a little funny. She must have been squinting at the camera. She's really a sweetheart. So's Tigger (the orange one, of course).

Meet some of my family

2007-02-16T17:30:00.000-05:00

The orange one is Tigger. The other one is Gypsy. We adopted Tig when he was just a wee thing. Gypsy came along a few years later - he just showed up and decided he had found a good deal. Plenty of free, soft beds, a feline friend, and lots of human loving.
(Sorry the pictures aren't here. I am trying to upload them. Don't know why it's not working.) I'll try again in another post.

Gosh Darn

2007-02-16T01:04:00.000-05:00

My pictures have disappeared from my blog. Where did they go? Did they fly away? Did the blog gremlin eat them? How do I get them back? Guess I'll have to reload them.
And I thought setting up my blog would be easy. Right! Nothing is every easy.

Guess I'll go pet my cats. That always makes me feel better. I love talking to my cats. They always listen to me. And the only comment they make is Meow! But, oh, those meows can mean so many different things.

If anyone reads this and knows how I can get my pictures back and how I get place them where I want them on my page, please let me know. Thanks.

an exercise in futility

2007-02-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to continue a task I've been sort of working on for a while -- organizing my studio space. Right! Since right now I'm working mostly with beads - little teeny ones, teeny ones, small ones, and others, I have hundreds of containers of the little buggers. Several different kinds of containers. Several different kinds of beads. Then I have all the other stuff that goes with the beads: needles and threads, tools, needles, miscellaneous supplies, and findings, etc.
Soo, this morning, I began sorting. And sorting. How do I sort? I have seed beads in many colors. Some have round holes, others have square holes. Even beads that are classified as one size come in different sizes when made by different manufacturers. Sort by color? by size? by shape? by manufacturer? What about all those specialty beads that don't really fit in a category?
Getting confused. So am I. I gave it up. I'll just continue on this slowly and eventually I'll come up with a way to keep things organized.
To keep myself from getting totally frustrated, I stopped tyring to organize and made a tourquoise with silver inlay ring for my granddaughter. I promised her one around Christmas and am going to see her on Monday, so I have the ring for her. I hope she likes it.
At least I got some little thing accomplished today.

still experimenting

2007-02-14T17:32:00.000-05:00

I'm experimenting with different layouts and templates trying to get something that is attractive and easy to read.
I'd really like a freehand style font for my title, since that's what I use on my business cards and on my Etsy shop, but there doesn't seem to be one readily available.
I also want to add a couple of SideBars to add links to other people's sites, but still haven't seen how to do that.
I will probably be making changes for a while until I get what I want.

Looking for help

2007-02-13T21:59:00.000-05:00

I'd like to add a SideBar or 2 to my blog where I can list links to other people's sites. I can't figure out how to do this. If you can help me, please e-mail me at: clairepg@aol.com.
Thanks.

Rainy

2007-02-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

A dreary, rainy day today here. Sure am ready for spring. Didn't get much done on the blog today. I was going to stay home and work on this or on my jewelry, but my good friend called and asked if I could drive her into town. She's recovering from a full knee replacement and isn't able to drive yet. So, down my mountain, up her mountain, and on into town. Several small errands, a leisurely lunch where we both enjoyed Rueben sandwiches. Then up her mountain, down her mountain, up my mountain -- and onto my couch for a much needed snooze.

Hello World!

2007-02-13T00:23:00.000-05:00

O.K. I've done it. Started my own blog. This is a first for me. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but am blundering through.
Why am I here? Well, to get to know more people and have more people know me. I'd like to tell people about my art and where they can see it. Guess I'll also share my feelings and insights about my art and other things.
My main art media right now are: beadweaving - taking tiny seed beads and using needle and thread to weave them into art you can wear as jewelry.
If you happen to stumble onto my blog, please let me know.