Inspiration...Hellooo...

My goodness.  I layed out some beads and lace on one of my bead design trays and then set it aside.  I have seen this tray several times over many months and still it sits neglected on a shelf.  No inspiration comes from this.  Never has and probably never will.  I think it is time to put each of these components away and use the board for another layout.  I have much better inspiration in my head with different beads and components.  I think today is the day to clean up this mess and start something new. 
I never like to force an idea.  Actually I have not been making any jewelry for quite some time now.  I really miss playing and producing with my beautiful beads.  This may just be the right time to organize my stash and see what designs come to mind. 
How do you store your beads?  By color? By type? By sizes?  In trays or baggies or drawers?  I have been re-thinking my bead organization.  I would love any suggestions you have to offer. 
This just may be the inspiration I have been searching for.  Thank you.
Awesome October and Happy Haunting...

Creative Case...

I love to present a present (one of the funny things about our English language) in a clever creative case. Here I used wool felt for the case. It is soft and protective and very friendly to sew with as no hemming is necessary. Embellished with lace around the top and sides. Now for the closure of this case. I used decorative small safety pins which I adorned with beads. Inside resides a pretty choker I handmade. This was wrapped with tissue and mailed in a padded envelope all the way across the country to it's new home. Thank you buyer for purchasing from my etsy shop. I hope you enjoyed the extra gift of this jewelry case. This type of packaging works for so many items. Then you also have a protective case for keeping your jewelry safe from scratches and tangles. A drawer full of these pretties and you will always smile when selecting what item to wear. How about a basket of these on the shelf? Or a tray of these on the counter. Just think of all the fun and pretty possibilities. What are your ideas? I am working on another case and will show it soon. Happy weekend to each of you...

Sorting Jewelry...

Apologies for these fuzzy photos. I believe I am feeling as fuzzy as these photos. This is the second set I took and both times the images were not clear. I understand I have no expertise in the photography department and further understand that I do not wish to learn photography as it seems to be far more complicated and time consuming than I have patience for. Mr. C is an expert and we never agree on my need to learn and take my time to photograph things. So I am posting these lovely fuzzy photos because this post is not about the pictures but the object of them.

Over a week ago I decided to gather all of my costume and semi-precious and general jewelry. I thought it would be a good idea to sort it all out and then organize it so it would be quickly recognizable and usuable for my crafting.

What was I thinking?

I started out strong. Then I lost the momentum for sorting all of this stuff! I decided to purchase some clear medium paint pails from the local craft store. This way I could see what I have and access it easily.

Okay so far so good.

Now I have some of it sorted. Earrings in one container. Bracelets in another. Pins separate from tac pins. Broken pieces of jewelry by themselves. Necklaces...oh far too many to fit...Oh yes a very large glass container that was only holding ephemera. Jewelry is so much prettier to view and inspire my creative ventures.

But wait...I'm far from done...

I have run out of steam yet I have so far to go to complete this task.

What happened? Well, I began straying down memory lane with some of the pieces I was finding in my stash of jewelry. Some of it brought me great joy and some pieces brought me great sadness. With my Grandma and my Mother both gone it was bittersweet to come across a piece of their costume jewelry I just cannot dispose of. And with the rain and very gray days it is not a good time for me to become sad. So, I have officially put this project on hold until the brighter days of summer when the sun shines and I feel so much happier. In the meantime I shall merely gather up all of this and put it in a bin which I can set aside.

In gratitude for the pieces I am finding I have been thinking of some wonderful ways to honor my Grandma and Mother and leave bits of memories for my daughter and granddaughters. Knowing that none of them would ever wear any of the pieces I shall create some sort of mixed media pieces. Ahh...that will be for future projects. Already I am happier just knowing I shall be able to create some sort of legacy to be handed down to the next generations.

Now for getting my vanity back to normal.
What would you make with costume jewelry?

May you have a wonderful week and enjoy the celebration of St. Patrick's Day and wearin of the green...

Powell's Book Store...Portland

This is a bonanza of my visit to Powell's Book store in Portland Oregon. They refer to it as a city of books and I completely agree. Hours of browsing are not enough to see even a sampling of all the books they carry. I merely focused on beading and found so many books I got overwhelmed very quickly.

While in Barcelona Spain Mr. C and I were quite enchanted with Antoni Gaudi and his amazing architecture. We visited the Familia de Sagrada however did not buy any books while there thinking we could get them once we were home. NOT! Well not until we found Powell's and their rare books floor. This is just one of the many selections they had for us to choose from. Now we can enjoy what we saw first hand while looking at this book many times over.

This is a very large book on beading that I could not resist. It is like an encyclopedia of many different styles and types of beading techniques. I was happy to buy this for my studio library. Just a note: books can get very heavy and I bought all of these early in the day and then had to carry them all over as we rode the MAX public transportation to visit our other points of interest. What was I thinking?

This is another beautiful beading book that I could not resist. It is an amazing reference for numerous types of techniques and styles to put beads to use in my jewelry and wearable art.

If you have not ever been to Powell's Books in Portland it is definitely worth the visit.

I merely wish I would have had more time to really scour the different book sections.

What section would be your favorite must visit?

More on my visit to Portland coming soon.

Now I must bid goodbye to my favorite month of August and welcome September and all that it brings.

Happy Flowers...

Aren't these just the happiest flowers? I smile everytime I see them. It began with the petunias Mr. C gave me for Mother's Day along with some other potting flowers. I usually do not like to receive florist bouquets because they do not last and are sooo expensive. So the potting flowers were perfect as I can enjoy them for a really long time. The red geraniums and Royal Purple's are so vibrant and in the blue pot just look perfectly patriotic with the flag flying.

I do not know which geranium variety these are however I have never seen such a beautiful varigated color scheme. Oh Grandma I miss you as I should have paid more attention to your amazing knowledge of plants.

This little Saucy Chick is looking over her recently planted flower seeds. Hmmm...let's see if any of them sprout. She does have a couple of volunteer plants she watches over.

Flowers have always been such a bright and happy spot in my life. Here the critters eat everything that is planted so I have just a few on my upstairs deck for the season and they are doing a super good job of making me happy and smile.

I am off to bead in the studio. There is a necklace designing session waiting for me.

Which flower is your favorite or is it too hard to pick just one?!!

I do love them all.

Happy creating...

Personal Goal...

I have finally achieved a personal goal and it feels very exciting and inspiring and wonderful. Several years ago I made it my goal to have something I make with my own design and hands to be published in a magazine I admire and get inspiration from. I spent lots of time and money and frustration submitting to a major multi publication magazine and was consistently rejected. My items got returned in less than stellar condition after extremely lengthy waiting periods. I became dissapointed after several years of attempts. I never received any feedback or explanation of why my items were being rejected. After so many attempts I just stopped and felt sad.
One day at a major book store I found the most beautiful magazine I had ever seen for jewelry focus. I found it to be very expensive however you always get what you pay for...quality! I immediately subscribed so I won't miss an issue.

I have posted before about Bead Trends and here I am again. This is such an amazing publication and the people who work there are super nice as I came to find out.

This past February I decided to submit one of my necklaces. They do it so nicely that the entire process is easy and affordable.

I submitted "Mint Julep" and it was accepted for the July 2010 printing. Here is a photo of the two page spread it received. Just imagine how thrilled and over the moon I am with this beautiful photography and layout Bead Trends has done with my necklace.

This is the entire necklace as I submitted my photo to them.

I made this with Chalk Green Turquiose, Swarovski crystals and black lace. I do believe I have a very unique design and a lovely necklace. In person the colors are striking and beautiful.

Having set my goals and working hard to achieve them I find I am inspired to continue working hard and see where I go from here.

It is my true honor to be published in such a wonderful magazine.

The amount of confidence I have gained through this experience is priceless!
Thank you so very much.
Happy creating...

Fabric Envelopes...

Here are some fabric envelopes I have been sewing. I began making these as birthday gifts which contained one of my handmade bracelets or pair of earrings. Then I thought how fun it would be to make these and list them since not everyone sews.
This soft feminine cinnamon colored one has tan felt lining so it will not scratch anything you might put inside.

This dusty blue one is my favorite since I am partial to blues. This one is slightly larger than the cinnamon one pictured above. It has white felt lining and is very soft. You might even put a special piece of lingerie in this envelope. Wouldn't this be a great unique gift for a wedding shower? No two alike with a gift like this.

This mauve and beige envelope is very muted and soft. The felt lining is a very pale pink. Wouldn't it be super fun to store love letters in these?

For more information such as dimensions and photos of inside please refer to my etsy shop located here http://createology.etsy.com

What would you use a fabric envelope for?

Thank you for visiting and I really enjoy all of your comments and critiques.

Happy creating...

Olivine...

I have discovered a new color in Swarovski crystals. Olivine. In gem quality olivine is known as peridot. The birthstone of August. I stitched this tennis bracelet with olivine Swarovski bicone crystals and I think it is stunning. Pictures do not do justice to this beautiful bracelet.

If you like, you might check out my etsy shop for more photos and availability.

As you can see, I am getting back to my focus of making jewelry and filling my online shop. I have not forgotten my goals and realize this year is moving along very quickly. So now I am off to the studio for more inspiration and jewelry making. I am so blessed to have the time to be able to do what makes me happy.

Happy creating...

Busy listing...

In my 2010 desire to stay focused on my goals I am spending time in the studio creating some new fun pieces of jewelry. I have just listed these two sets on my etsy site.
I call the top photo set "Fishing for Compliments". Actually Mr. Createology came up with this name and I love it. I merely had a vision for combining some fun elements with some very traditional elements and seeing how it would come out. I really like the fun and funky look of this colorful set which I see someone wearing with anything from jeans to shorts to a cute summer sundress. The assortment of colors is what makes it so summer fun. I really like the ease of the magnetic clasp on the bracelet as it allows the user to fasten it easily on her own wrist without help from others.

This set is similar to the gold toned set however much simpler and more elegant. You really should see it in person to get the true sparkle power of the Swarovski crystals. Combined with the dark glimmer of charcoal barrel swivels and the sterling silver wire this is quite a stunner. I can easily see it being worn with everything including black evening wear.

This is part of my Adorn Me! jewelry design line and I am very pleased with the way they turned out.

What would you wear these with?

Do you prefer the gold with assorted colors or the silver with clear?

I am busy with some more designs so I better stay focused and on task.

Another Gift Given...

Now I can show you another project I worked on, have given and has been received. My very sweet cousin has been having some difficult life issues and recently had her husband pass away while she is dealing with her ailing mother and father whom live with her. Her father, my uncle, is with hospice care so time is short. I wanted to give her something she could wear and that would bring a smile to her day. So as you can see in the above photo I got out the supplies to make her a pair of earrings. Very simple and sedate as that is what she would like.

Then I thought I would stamp and color a tag to mail them with. The roses are done with a packing tape transfer that is so simple and fun to do. I purposefully made the colors bright and intense as it was still gray and dreary winter when I sent these. She and I both have similar weather even though we live in two different states. She likes the snow and we all know I like the hot sun. LOL

A small coin envelope on the back side of the tag to hold the earrings for safe journey through the mail. Of course I also wrapped these in pattern tissue which is my new favorite and tied them with ribbon and sent the package in a card and padded envelope.

And here we have the finished earrings. Turquoise nuggets and beads. My cousin loves them. What a great feeling it gives me to know that she is wearing them and that she really does love them. She even got a new blouse that matches perfectly.

I am so happy that you like these my sweet cousin.

Saucy Chicks Story...

Hello followers of my blog and any new readers who might be checking in today. I will tell you a little story of the Saucy Chicks. The store bought journal contains the beginnings of my story. I have recently finished updating this journal with tons of photos and memorabilia so as to have one place of reference. At least five years ago my dear friend Lorraine (the pretty lady on the right in the photo below) was out and about and she called me to tell me her excitement. "Sherry, we are going to make chickens!" WHAT? I am thinking how a chicken really looks and worrying about how to make their skinny legs and wrinkled feet. My imagination just wasn't cooperating at all.

As you can see in this photo above we went all out and really got into the spirit of the chicken theme. Our aprons, pins, displays all screamed chickens. We decided we were Saucy Chicks who make Saucy Chick chickens. We spent countless hours in the studio, or I should say "chicken coop" as it became known, designing, cutting fabrics, sewing and sewing and sewing our Saucy Chick chickens.

If we ever made one we made a six-pack or a dozen or more at a time. We had chickens everywhere. My house, her house, the cars, places of business and restaurants. We had so much fun making them 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and never realized how many we were accumulating. We even named each and every one of our little chickens. We also had each and every one of them do a photo shoot to document how special they were. No two were ever alike and no duplicate names. Our little chickens have been delivered all over these states as they were purchased and found new owners and homes. We made so many we lost count.

We also donated them by the dozens to local homes for the elderly, to convalescent hospitals and the oncology department of our local hospital. They always brought smiles to every face that saw them.

Now we only make them upon special request.

We now spend the majority of our time focusing on our jewelry design and sales. As you can see in the photo above even our little chicks wore jewelry on occasion.

But...you never know when someone will say, "Hey Saucy Chicks! What are you up to?" I suppose we shall forever be the Saucy Chicks. We certainly had a ton of fun and brightened a lot of "peeps" with our adorable little chickens.

So now you know the story.

Gift given...

I shared a photo of a gift wrapped in vintage pattern tissue and a butterfly sticker on it. I was going to mail it in a birthday card and I like to keep mailing items light weight and flat. Well then I found out I was giving it in person so no need to mail it. Hmmm...

I had made this simple Swarovski crystal bracelet as the real gift. Once I realized I would not be mailing it I didn't want to give it in the simple wrapping I had done. So...or I should say, sew...

I went to the sewing room and got out some vintage fabric, some lace, a button and ribbon. I wanted the gift pouch to have some cushion and softness so I got a piece of wool felt and sandwiched it between the decorator fabric. Very simple rectangle and serging of all the edges. I folded it and sewed the sides. A short flap with lace is a perfect fold over. But it wanted to keep popping open so a little ribbon and a button is all it needed to hold it closed and give it the right touch.

I will say that this gift pouch was very well received and well liked. Shhh...I will be making more of these for some more gifts I am giving.

I already have some interesting thoughts on some of my fabrics and colors. I am trying to use what I have and not keep buying more things to store. It is rather fun to actually use combinations from my stash and see what the end results are.

This is like a gift within a gift. I love that. Usually I wrap and package things in several layers just for the fun of watching people open their gifts.

Are you the type of gift giver that likes to see the recipient open their gift? For me it is part of the satisfaction of knowing if they like their gift I have made especially for them.

Finishing with the greens...

Yes that is me in green head to toe for St. Patrick's Day. I know I do go over-the-top. But I like to have fun and be in the spirit. So I am putting away the green clothes and moving on to...

Here is a very simple and quick idea for dressing up your favorite chocolate bar and presenting it to your friends for a little "Thinking of you gift". Take some scrapbook paper - scraps are perfect for this - and cut a width to fit around the bar like a band. Embellish it with any additional papers, stickers or such. Wrap the completed band of paper around the bar and affix with some double stick tape. This is also a fun way to personalize each bar and you can go as detailed or as simple as you like or have time to do.

Now back to my jewelry making. I am working on several pieces at the moment. I shall post pictures when appropriate. I have two commissioned pieces I am doing. I am also working on designing and making a necklace that is very intriguing and will be listed when completed. Another piece that I am finally finishing up after spending way too much time on but it will be so worth it when completed. So that is what I have been working on along with lots of other daily doings.

The days are sunny and not so dreary which really helps me get some work done. I do have deadlines that also help me get things completed. Otherwise you might find me out listening to the frogs in the pond and gazing at the blue sky. Or watching the birdies flit from tree to tree. Hmmm even counting how many daffodils are blooming. What a glorious day this is.

What might you be doing now that Spring has sprung?

Who Moved My Focus?

Here it is March and the sun is shining for more than a few hours, the rain has subsided for the time being, Daffodils are blooming and we have Daylight Savings Time in effect which gives us longer days by staying light later. Personally I love all of this. Unfortunately I lose my New Year resolve and my FOCUS gets distracted and I go in way too many directions and start way too many projects. I am just so excited that we will be done with dreary and cold winter (well for the most part).
So...Who Moved My Focus? Who me? Did I do that? (Can't you just hear Urkel saying that?!)
So luckily I caught myself and re-focused myself so that I can be on track to accomplish all of the wonderful things I plan on accomplishing this year.

Pictured at the top is the Tuscany countryside in Italy. I took that inspiration and made this necklace and earrings from some of the Murano glass beads I bought while visiting Italy.
Tuscany Gold Green is what I named this...Tuscan Oro Verde. I like the combination of glass beads and fabric heart yo-yos. Yes, I have listed it in my etsy shop. I feel like I am on my focus once again and it feels so excellent to accomplish something today.
I have been working on my Adorn-Me jewelry design line and I shall be able to post updates in the near future. For now I am just thrilled to be working in my studio and making what I love to do.
How are you doing on your own personal New Year "resolutions"?

Turquoise 2010...

It is a beautiful color and one that I have liked all my life...Turquoise. This year 2010 it is the official color of Pantone. In the color world Pantone is THE ultimate word on color.

When I was very young my family would drive to the Indian reservations and I was always intrigued with the beautiful turquoise beads that were in the silver necklaces. My mother got a fabulous Squash Blossom necklace that I just loved and hoped one day it would be mine. Unfortunately a thief stole it many years ago. But I still have my very small "little girl" squash blossom necklace I got that same day as Mom got hers and I cherish it.

I have been working with some turquoise beads lately not knowing it was THE color of the year. I just love how it looks and I was in a Santa Fe kind of mood while making the latest necklace. I don't have photos yet as the weather is very dark and rainy and my lighting is not right.

As you can see the boa above is also the color turquoise. It is as beautiful in person as it is in this photo. I made this for my design line "Where the Boas Are". Yes, it is available in my etsy shop and thank you for asking. ;o)

I am seeing lots of turquoise in the current catalogs for clothes and jewelry. Now we know why.

Years ago I did own a 1964 1/2 Mustang in a shade of aqua turquoise and I hated that color. For a mustang? Please! Let's keep the color turquoise for clothing, jewelry and some home decor.

What does the color turquoise represent for you?

A Special Heart...

Yes, I understand Valentine's is over and everyone is on sugar overload or hearts overload, however I never get tired of hearts and what they represent.

This is a special heart because one happy day while visiting and shopping with my sister Marie she found this heart and really liked it. We were in our favorite Michaels in the jewelry crafting aisle when we found it. So of course I bought it without her knowing. At the time I had no idea what I would do with it but I knew it would be something for her.

This is not an expensive heart nor is it precious metal or jewels but it is blue and Marie and I both love love love blue. So I kept it on my studio table for inspiration. Nothing was working for me idea wise and then I thought of my yarns I keep in color coordinated bins. Yes, open the bin with the blue yarns in it. Ahah! There was the most perfect mohair yarn in shades of blue with some green. Also a railroad ribbon that was in the most perfect two shades of blue and I immediately knew they would be perfect for the heart. So I got out a crochet hook and took the two blue yarns and got busy. I made a chain and attached it to the heart and finished the back of this with a couple of beads to secure the knot. Now Marie can wear it around her neck and feel the love I put into it for her. Happy Hearts Marie.

Now I am on to the next project. I am using greens. You'll see what I am making in a future post.

What do you like to make for St. Patrick's day as it is quickly approaching?
Do you have a fun variation on Shamrocks?
I would love to see and hear your ideas.

Week 6 Creative Cue...TIE

I find it amazing that this is already week six of the Creative Cue challenge. That means that this year 2010 is already six weeks over. Gosh the time really does go so fast.
"TIE" is the word of the week. This is a fun word as it brings fond memories to mind. I loved to watch my husband tie his tie every day for work back when he wore one. Now life is much more casual and beyond that he is retired so no ties around his neck.
I used to do a lot of macrame which involves nothing but making knots. I even made samples of macrame for a store display. Yes, it was the seventies and yes I even made the requisite macrame hanging wine rack. Boy is that a long time ago. Of course it was in orange and I always used the finest hemp I could afford. The quality of your hemp reflected in the quality of your macrame. I also used to tie very tiny little knots in crochet thread to make the most adorable tiny owls for earrings. They sat on tiny twigs or broken toothpicks. My Grandma collected Owls and that was my inspiration so I made the first pair for her birthday.
Long before I learned to tie macrame knots I learned basic knot tying in Camp Fire Girls. I even earned a bead for tying knots.
Now I tie knots for my jewelry making. My favorite and strongest knot is the surgeons knot and my Grandma taught me this one years ago. She was an extreme crafter and if they had an olympic category for it she would have gotten the gold medal!
I think we all must tie something almost every day. I even catch myself tying a knot in trash. LOL I will fold up the paper into a strip and then tie it very neatly before I throw it away. How funny that is when I think about it.
Happy Valentine's Weekend and be careful not to "tie" one on having too much fun.

Moonlight Snow...

In holding with my 2010 goal of trying to "focus" I am spending my time working on my jewelry design line. This is a peek of Moonlight Snow.

I purchased three of the focal lampwork beads while on a recent trip to Italy. I met with the artisan and then purchased these beads with no plan in mind other than to design and make jewelry.

When I get an idea I usually sketch it on paper. Then I get out my supplies and see what I have that works with what my mind sees. I lay out the design to see if it looks in reality as good as it looked in my mind and better than in my sketch. Then I usually let it rest for a few days while I try different beads or placements or focal pieces. I like to adjust everything before I string it.

What are your successes for making jewelry? I would love to hear your best ideas of what works for you.

I have lots of ideas and more beads to string so I will continue to make my Adorn Me! jewelry.

Advance glance...

With a new "focus" on achieving my goals for 2010 I have already been tested beyond my normal patience level. I am not electronically, technologically or computer savvy and I do not intend to be such as my DH is the master at these things.

What I have just learned this week is that I am hopelessy attached to having working phone connections, computer connections that allow internet, email and blogging capabilities and I am all amiss when these things are not functioning well let alone at all.

Every winter we lose our phone lines properly working due to some "squirrel" chewing the phone lines according to our major phone carrier. Well this time it took four complete days, numerous calls (cell phone still worked) and my DH locating the troubles for the phone company and finally we are back online. So many people and so little concern was frustrating enough. Added to the fact that we could sometimes receive emails but not send responses was really frustrating. And the worst for me was losing my momentum with my blogging and building my "following of readers" and not being able to keep my personal committment of listing items on my etsy shop (shameless plug http://createology.etsy.com ). This is my weakest area and yet one of my most important goals for 2010 to build my online storefront and actually experience some sales.

So now we are back online and my excuses are null and void and thank you for letting me vent.

I am going to list my newest "Adorn Me!" jewelry item and post my photos. Lots of Swarovski crystals and sparkle. Please let me know how you like it.

I have had numerous compliments from family and friends...and we all know how nice they can be. LOL I really need to hear from the rest of you to have valid feedback.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for checking out my online shop.

Saucy Chick Sherry

It's good to be home...

Oh it is so good to be home. Dear Hubby and I are safely home after spending 20 days away. I am still recovering from exhaustion but today finally feel like I will survive. This is the only photo of me that I do not look as weary as I felt every day. This was early in the day before the grind of museums or hill towns got me drop dead worn out.
Our destination was Italy...Florence, Cinque Terra, Pisa, Tuscany, Umbria and Rome. In the next few weeks I shall tell more in detail. As for now we had beautiful weather with only one morning that rain drenched us and shortened our plans. We had excellent travel with planes, trains and automobiles. DH plans everything so well that we really were well prepared for this trip.
As you can see from this photo we ate our way through Italy. This was homemade granola (muesli is what they call it...I prefer granola as it sounds so much better to me) with some strawberry yogurt. I have lots of photos of food that we enjoyed which I shall share along the way.
My goal was to find bead shops in Italy for my new jewelry line "Adorn Me!". Well that proved to be very difficult however I did manage to find a couple and will share these adventures as well.
As for now, I am catching up on tons of laundry, reacquainting myself with our beloved aging fur-child kitty and enjoying friends who are all too willing to listen to our travel tales. This entire trip was a no techno gadget time for us so you can imagine how much I missed reading all of your blogs and now I am catching up on those too.
"There is no place like home" and it is so good to be back in my beautiful cozy familiar home. I am extremely grateful for the trip of a life time and the experiences and memories it allowed me.
Now it is time to get into the studio and get to making jewelry.