Exploration Collaboration

This month I teamed up with beadmaker Melanie Brooks Lukacs and designer Melissa Lee for a fun project. Melanie and I created a series of beads to send to each of us. Our mission was to create jewelry using beads from both artists and to see what the three of us would come up using the same basic elements.

I just took a peek at Melanie and Melissa's blog and I have to say I am so amazed by this process! They've created work that is completely their own style and each of us has something so different.


I created this necklace using my focal bead with a brass chain tassel and a Green Girl bird bead. The necklace incorporates Melanie's linky things and my beads with a few amazonite stones thrown in and finished off with a gunmetal brass chain.


The second necklace features another tassel. I made these for myself, so of course they have to have some dangling elements. The tassel uses a button from Mamacita Beadworks in her beehive design and Melanie's fairy in her summer color combination. The two strand necklace has pearls, boro glass, amazonite and African turquoise along with my art beads.


Not the best photo, I'll have to try again tomorrow. But two little fairies sit on top of my disk beads with brass flowers and crystal accents.

When we started this project Melanie suggested we use the color scheme from her summer fairies. I have to say I was a bit nervous when I created my series of beads, I just didn't know if I could make beads bright enough. I'm so please with the results. Visit the links above to view Melissa and Melanie's designs.

The beads created for this series were a limited edition and a few will make their way to my etsy shop.

Juicy Beads

The trunk sale is in full swing over at my Etsy shop. There are a few free bead listings, don't miss those! Here is a rare set of round beads. I just don't make many in this shape.


Disk beads in some earthy fall colors.

Oh, what's this? It's a little felted leaf pendant. I'm so ready for fall. Bring on the scarves, hot cocoa, chilly breezes. I'll take any of it. Instead, I'll turn down the AC to 74 degrees and dream of crisp October days.

Etsy Trunk Show & Weekend Shopping Guide

The Etsy Texas Crafters are having a trunk sale this weekend at the Etsy Lab in NY. For those of us leading less glam lifestyles, many of our members are hosting trunk shows/sales in their etsy shops. Here are the deals for this weekend:

ALL WEEKEND (4PM FRIDAY – 12MIDNIGHT MONDAY)

http://humblebeads.etsy.com/ - Art beads and jewelry inspired by nature. Texas size Free Gift with any purchase, along with Surprise Bonus Gifts listed throughout the weekend!

http://bananashowcase.etsy.com/ - Handmade purses, bags, wristlets, & associated accessories
30% off all items in shop (discount does not apply to custom orders)

http://bijoujuju.etsy.com/ - Handmade jewelry (from retro/mod to earthy) & photography 10% off all items in shop

http://ceramicabotanica.etsy.com/ - Handbuilt functional ceramic salt/pepper shakers, plates, platters and vases 20% off all items in shop

http://cottontail.etsy.com/ - Handmade items for baby & toddler
10% off all items in shop

http://davisdesigns.etsy.com/ – One-of-a-Kind handmade purses 20% off all items in shop

http://designsbycher.etsy.com/ - Unique, handcrafted gemstone, bead & crystal designs for the discriminating jewelry lover 15% off all items in shop

http://ducttapeanddenim.etsy.com/ - Vintage ephemera, collage kits, Bingo card collages, vintage silverware magnets, & other vintage items 15% off all items in shop

http://evod.etsy.com/ - Jewelry for beautiful people
20% off all items in shop (except items in charity sections)

http://fabfrills.etsy.com/ - Handbags created from recycled and new materials, and art dolls with attitude.20% off all items in shop

http://jewelalchemy.etsy.com/ - Handmade jewelry made with sterling silver & semiprecious stones & the odd hand-knit scarf 15% off all items in shop

http://jmday.etsy.com/ - Felt toys, blankets & accessories 10% off all items in shop, plus Free Shipping on stuffed toys (shipping on other items not included in discounts)

http://killerbeedesigns.etsy.com/ - Purses, wine bags, journals, fab quilting patterns, skulls, & fabric postcards 20% off all items in the shop

http://ladyartisan.etsy.com/ - Unique blank journals, art dolls, figures, jewelry & decor
20% off all items in shop (except art dolls)

http://momtokandk.etsy.com/ - Pre-made scrapbooking & other fun and whimsical stuff
35% off all items in store

http://spt2.etsy.com/ - Colorful canine collars & instructional pet item eBooks 15% off all items in shop

http://sweetwolf.etsy.com/ - Bags, purses and other fashion accessories, home decor items with a funky twist
25% off all items in shop, plus Free Shipping if purchase is more than $30

http://tiddlyinks.etsy.com/ - Custom nursery art and stationery
Items below $15: Buy One, Get One of equal or lesser value Free (please “Buy” both items and wait for revised invoice before paying) - Items $15 and above: 25% off - Custom orders: 25% off orders over $20 (If there is an item that you like but need it tweaked, let me know.) No other coupons or discounts apply to this sale. Discounts do not apply to shipping or custom orders under $20.

http://unepromesse.etsy.com/ - Elegant handmade sterling silver jewelry with semiprecious stones 20% off all items in shop

BOGO Sales – Discounts apply to item of equal or lesser value & discount does not include shipping unless specified

http://beckymae.etsy.com/ - Purses,jewelry,baby stuff, vintage finds
Buy One, Get One 50% off
http://lavenderlizard.etsy.com/ - Crocheted apparel and accessories & more Buy One, Get One 50% off

http://outoftheblue.etsy.com/ - Beach and vintage inspired jewelry, soldered art pendants
Buy One, Get One 50% off, plus $2 off total shipping cost

http://pinuppixie.etsy.com/ - Funny T-shirts, handmade jewelry/wood jewelry, deco headbands, & accessories
Buy One, Get One 50% off, and as always, Free Shipping to USA & APO'S, Low International Shipping

http://rhradcliffedesigns.etsy.com/ - Watercolors, photographs, jewelry, and prints Buy One, Get One 50% off

http://spadazzle.etsy.com/ - Acrylic collage artwork, prints, cards & more
All Individual cards are Buy One, Get One Free (In “Notes to Seller” please indicate which style cards you would like for free - do NOT place "Free" cards in shopping cart), plus Free Gift with purchase (1 per person, please)

http://thatsheadley.etsy.com/ - Artisan jewelry in stone, wire and glassBuy One, Get One 50% off, and as always, Free Shipping within the US. International Buyers making purchases of more than $50 also to receive Free Shipping during sale.

Free Shipping

http://cinnascents.etsy.com/ - Retro style aprons, totes, and other sew beautiful things Free Shipping on all purchases

http://cocooncouture.etsy.com/ - Fashion aprons, slings, wall art, & moreFree Shipping on all purchases of more than $25

http://joyfulheartdesign/ - Celebration stationery- Custom invitations & personalized stationeryFree Shipping on all purchases, plus Free Gift with purchase (1 per person, please)

http://thepaperelephant.etsy.com/ - Handmade cards and paper favorsFree Shipping on all purchases

Other Sales/Special Offers

http://handmadewhimzy.etsy.com/ – One-of-a-Kind handmade jewelry & handpainted decorating items 20% off all items in special Sale section only – discount does not apply to shipping

http://kathydkeith.etsy.com/ - Supply destash, photo note cards, beading, vintage and lots more!Many, many Sale items throughout shop - enter “sale” in her shop search or just browse

http://saintbeads.etsy.com/ - Lots of charm bracelets with saint medals
Free Gift with purchase

http://sassysoapsnsuch.etsy.com/ - Fun soaps, air fresheners, & handmade dolls Free Leave soaps with every purchase (1 per person, please), plus $1.00 Shipping on all items in shop

http://sillygeesedesigns.etsy.com/ - Crochet children's itemsFree Surpise Gift with purchase

http://www.tefi.etsy.com/ - Handcrafted gemstone jewelry
Special Sale Section – all items already marked 15% off (no need to wait for a revised invoice)

TRUNK SHOW SALES (4PM FRIDAY – 4PM SATURDAY)

%-Off Sales: Discount does NOT apply to shipping unless specified

http://2muchstuff2day.etsy.com/ - Knitted cloths and natural stone jewelry 20% off all items in shop

Free Shipping

http://bailliesbagsbaubles.etsy.com/ - Purse, totes, diaper bags, backpacks, and accessories
Free Shipping on all purchases, plus a Free Gift

http://bailliesboutique.etsy.com/ – Children’s clothing and accessories
Free Shipping on all purchases, plus a Free Gift

http://beadifulthings.etsy.com/ – Hand crafted jewelry for the discerning fashionista
Free Shipping on all purchases

FIRST MONDAY SALES (12:01AM – 12MIDNIGHT MONDAY)

%-Off Sales: Discount does NOT apply to shipping unless specified

http://2muchstuff2day.etsy.com/ - Knitted cloths and natural stone jewelry 20% off all items in shop

http://barbsgarden.etsy.com/ - Fine Art
20% off all items in shop

http://dlsdesigns.etsy.com/ – Unique crafts, jewelry, and supplies
All Supplies are...Buy 1 listing, Get 25% off - Buy 2 listings, Get 40% off - Buy 3 or more listings, Get 50% off (Discount taken off total purchase price, shipping not included); also, all items in "BOGO SALE" section are Buy One, Get One Free. (Free item must be of equal or lesser value, and shipping is not included for free.)

http://lucybluestudio.etsy.com/ - Handmade, unique jewelry and art
15% off all items in shop

http://marysmadness.etsy.com/ – Charm bracelets, photo mosaics, & supplies 20% off all items in shop, and as always, a Free Gift with purchase

http://nanasbritchesandstuf.etsy.com/ – Handpainted & embellished children’s clothing
10% off all items in shop

http://refabulous.etsy.com/ - Recycled items are blended with new materials to create one-of-a-kind, hand-made articles 20% off all items in shop, including shipping. Also, a special one-day, Halloween Sale section will be offering deep discounts on spooky-themed wallets!

http://tpdesign.etsy.com/ – Handmade home decor & paper goods 20% off all items in shop

http://wendygilbert.etsy.com/ – Ceramics, paintings, photography, doodles, & more
15% off all items in shop

BOGO Sales – Discounts apply to item of equal or lesser value & discount does not include shipping unless specified

http://8bats.etsy.com/ – Fine art photography prints, greeting cards, & ACEOs
Buy One, Get One Free on all prints (print of equal or lesser value will be free -coupons cannot be used with this offer)

http://artspot.etsy.com/ - Whimsical bath & body luxuries
Buy One, Get One 50% off (wholesale & custom items not included)
http://bailliesbagsbaubles.etsy.com/ - Purse, totes, diaper bags, backpacks, and accessories
Buy One, Get One 50% off

http://bailliesboutique.etsy.com/ – Children’s clothing and accessories
Buy One, Get One 50% off

http://manicthreads.etsy.com/ – One-of-a-Kind handbags, accessories & vintage itemsBuy One, Get One 50% off

http://scribbles.etsy.com/ - Beaded pens and pencils
Buy a regular size pen, and Get a Free mini pen or pencil of your choice

Free Shipping

http://beadifulthings.etsy.com/ - Hand crafted jewelry for the discerning fashionista
Free Shipping on all purchases

http://cdchilds.etsy.com/ – Stained glass, fused glass, & mixed media jewelry
Free Shipping on all pendants

http://thealteredblacksheep.etsy.com/ – Miscellaneous suppliesBuy 4 "Just Enough" packets, and receive Free Shipping, and as always, a Free Gift with purchase

Other Sales/Special Offers

http://artbyjc.etsy.com/ – Original paintings
Special First Mondays section in shop with items marked down $2 - $5 off regular price, and Free Gift with all purchases of more than $10

beads and memories

Bead of the Day:
Down by the River Lentil Bead

I created this series of beads for a collaboration project that I'm working on with another bead artist and designer.

I wanted to make a cane that reminded me of the bubbles and foam near the edge of brooks and rivers. I put the leaves on a teal background, like twigs caught on a current.

It's funny how some beads can trigger memories. When I look at this series I'm transported back to when I was a little girl. My dad lived near the edge of some woods. My cousins and I would spend hours out there imagining worlds among the trees, discovering little hidden places and exploring next to the small brook that bubbled and gurgled quietly in the summer. I can smell wet dirt, feel the crunch of leaves that had long fallen, see the dappling of the sun through the branches.

Beads are like that, magical little creations that can transport us to a different time and place.

PCAGOE Challenge

The PCAGOE challenge is now up. Please take a minute to vote for your favorite ones. There are some very lovely creations this month. I have my eye on one that would like to buy as a treat!

Here are some new beads that I just put up in my Etsy shop. Wild Things Wafers, I have 2 sets left. And something that really floats my boat, a 6-hole spacer bead in my Van Gogh's Starry Night design. I'm working on the cuff bracelet now. That's good stuff! I can't wait to share all the jewelry I've been making. I need to do a photo shot.

Wild Rumpus Roar!

My entry in the PCAGOE challenge. This month's theme was "Your Favorite Book." So here is my homage to Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.

I have a few other wild beads added to my etsy shop. I hope you'll stomp your feet and nash your teeth over that way!

time flies

Okay, it's only been 15 days since my last post. yikes. I had grounded myself from any extra computer time while I got caught up on my orders. Finally I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Since I've been away:

I've created a line of new fall jewelry, which will be launching in my Etsy shop next week.

Had a necklace project accepted by BeadStyle magazine and found out my earrings will be in their 365 Earrings special issue and on the cover!!!

I'm in the process of redesigning my humblebeads website, which I hope to have done by mid-October. We'll see about that though!

Sent off my work for the Etsy Texas Crafter's Trunk Show at the Etsy Labs in NY.

And I'm booked to teach a mini-project and do a quick presentation at our next bead society meeting.

So, that's where I have been. Hope to post more this week as I miss blogging here!

Blog News

A new month means a new challenge on the Art Bead Scene. September's theme is "When Beads Collide." We are challenging designers to use art beads from 2 or more different artists to create their entries. I know I have a stash of art beads that I've been saving and hope to dig into them this month to join in the fun!
You can win over $100 in art beads from myself and Joan Miller.

In other blog news I am now the editor of Polymer Clay at Craft Gossip. Join me 5 days a week for the dish on polymer clay. I've been searching the internet for fun projects to share along with news on books, events, artists and products. Please pass the news along to your polymer clay friends!