Gothic Poets Series

I have started a jewelry & craft series Called "Gothic Poets". I will be working on this series over this year. It will feature 

resin jewelry settings, decoupage and hand stamped pieces. Here 

are a few samples that I have complete already. They are 

available for purchase in my shop. Click the link above each 

picture to go to the listing in my shop.

Edgar Allen Poe Adjustable Ring

Lord Byron Bracelet

All That We See Or Seem

Edgar Allen Poe Hand Stamped Bracelet

Emily Bronte Bracelet

Product spotlight - Twisted Crochet Yellows and Oranges Necklace

 Crocheted Brass wire with a mix of yellow and orange beads. bead mix has glass beads, wood beads, acrylic, metal and natural stone beads. Clasped with a lobster claw style clasp with chain. Necklace is 22 in long adjustable starting at 19.5 inches. Want something similar but with different colors or wire? Custom orders are welcomed.

In the works

Finished this nice byzantine chainmaille necklace. Now I just need to pick a clasp.

In the works

Just started a new chainmaille bracelet. It is a new design and coming together quickly.

Friday Feature- Simply Maine Sea Glass

Simply Maine Sea Glass

Simply Maine Sea Glass - Owner/Artist: Melissa Yunke - SimplyMaineSeaGlass.etsy.com 


Describe yourself in 3 sentences:           
  I'm a 32 year old happily married woman living in Saco Maine with my husband, rescue cat and dog. My husband and I rescue and foster animals for West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society. Without pets in our lives I think we would both be lost. 

Cobalt Blue Sea Glass In A Bottle

How did you name your business?        
   I came up with Simply Maine Sea Glass while making one of my first sea glass necklaces. I don't believe in covering up the natural beauty of sea glass....I like to "keep it simple". All of our sea glass comes from beaches in Southern and Mid-Coast Maine so it was an easy choice to name my shop Simply Maine Sea Glass.


How long have you been doing your art/craft for?    
   After moving from the midwest about three years ago I found my first piece of sea glass and I was in love. My first necklace came to be about a week later and I haven't stopped since. 

Baby Blue Sea Glass Moonstone Pendent 

What inspires and influences your work?          
  I'm a working class person that grew up working class and I want everyone to be able to afford something nice for themselves". Regardless of what we have in our bank account, we all deserve something nice....Something that makes us do the "happy dance" when it arrives in the mail. 


Where can you artwork/pieces be found?   
         SimplyMaineSeaGlass.etsy.com

Sea Glass Bobby Pin Set

What do you do when your not creating?           
 I spend much of my time working with our rescue dog, Miss Sophie (silver dapple miniature dachshund). She was a product of a puppy mill and came to us when she was very sick. I take great joy in spending time training her and taking her to visit hospitals and convalescent homes. You can also find us on most weekend at anti puppy mill protest around New England. 


What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?          
  http://www.etsy.com/listing/94989697/amazing-natural-maine-sea-glass-necklace 

Why did you create this piece(s)?          
 This was a piece of sea glass found on my favorite beach that I needed to share with someone. The necklace is a bit different from most that I make...it's a bit more "shiny" if you will.... It has a feeling of glam to it!

Amazing Natural Maine Sea Glass Necklace

What do you feel is special about your art/craft?          
  Each piece is made at my desk in my office, sometime made and made again until I feel it's right. I want each piece to be treasured by whomever end up with it. I work even harder knowing that 25% of the profit from our shop is donated to West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society and another 25% is donated to Good Shepard Food Bank. I know that the hard I work, the more we can donate to these wonderful causes.


Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why?           
 I want to learn pottery.... it would be another way for me to express myself and bring happiness into other's lives.

Natural Maine Sea Glass Necklace w/Swarovski Crystals

Review- Kraft Witch Silk Screen Scarf & Brooch Set

I fell in love with this scarf the moment I visited Jennifer's shop Kraft Witch. I wondered "into" her Etsy shop after seeing her Beltane Eve Lovers necklace posted in one of Etsy's teams that we are both members in. I had to see more of her jewelry because I found it truly unique and ever intriguing like those last rays of sunlight before the dark that leave me wanting to see more. Finding the set with both the scarf and pin, that had the same image as the necklace that caught my attention and drew me, was a wonderful find. The scarf is made of black jersey knit and is beautifully silk screened by hand with silver stars. It wraps around effortlessly and has a great lightness about that welcomes you into it. The ends are made into a hand knotted fringe that looks great.... plus I just really like fringe! The pin has a lovely decoupaged image of lovers and is hand mold clay. The set goes perfect with each other and are great on there own.

Jennifer the shops owner is a pleasure to work with and I love her handmade jewelry and silk screened products. My order was shipped quickly and was packaged beautifully and smelled lightly of lavender. I knew the second I picked it pick from the post office there was special inside! I highly recommend shopping at Kraft Witch!

Friday Feature- Natural Integrity

This weeks feature is a wonderful jewelry designer Candice of Natural Integrity. Her jewelry is lively, colorful & full of life. 

April Shower Beaded Memory Bracelet

How did you name your business?
The "natural" aspect of my business comes from that fact that my jewelry is inspired by gemstones, rocks, plants, and other things found in nature. The "integrity" comes in when I am selecting quality materials and making durable pieces.

How long have you been doing your art/craft for?
I am new to making jewelry. I made my first piece, a pair of dangle earrings, only three months ago.

What inspires and influences your work?
I am mostly inspired by the beauty and patterns of nature. 
I also find inspiration in thoughts of people and events in 
my life and the love of friends and family.

Where can you artwork/pieces be found?
My jewelry can be found on Etsy. My shop is Natural 
Integrity. http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturalintegrity. I 
also do local craft shows in the Washington, DC metro
 area.  I also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/naturalintegrity 

What do you do when your not creating?
When I am not creating, I am tending to my family, visiting friends,

Fiesta Beaded Dangle Earrings

 and doing my best to get a little downtime every once in a while.

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?
I have a few pieces that I am proud to say that I've created. My 
two favorites are the Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace and the 
Erin Beaded Bracelet, both featured in my Etsy shop.

Why did you create this piece(s)?
I created the Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace because I was inspired by a warmer than average winter day that made me excited about the coming

Almond Pearl Beaded Earring & Necklace Set

 of spring which is my favorite season. 
The Erin was created with thoughts 
of my favorite, and only little sister, Erin. 

What do you feel is special about your art/craft?
I feel I have a unique way of composing my jewelry 
creations. I like to blend traditional and modern style
 and it is a reflection of my personal style.

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why?
I would love to learn to how to knit and sew and 
woodworking. I am a designer at heart and have so
 many ideas for fashion and home goods that I want to
 create.

Candice Miles-Wilson
Jewelry Designer/Owner
Natural Integrity
(301) 254-1917www.etsy.com/shop/naturalintegrity

Product Spotlight- Time Fringe Steampunk Necklace

Steampunk is fun, it is fantasy, it can be so many things! The fun part about making steampunk pieces is it gives me a chance to play with different materials. It can be bold or bashful. Feminine or masculine. No matter what your personal steampunk style is, I am sure it makes an impression. I know I always get comments on my personal steampunk pieces when I where them out.

This piece has a more feminine feel. It is made with a watch movement piece with all kinds of gears and on a filigree metal stamping. I wrapped the focal piece with copper wire adding red seed beads as I wrapped. It hangs on a black chain and is clasped with a lobster claw style clasp.
Time Fringe Steampunk Pendent is selling for $25. in my  Etsy shop.

Friday Feature- Meredithbeads

This week Friday is Mereidthbead she has very lovely jewelry with beutiful color combinations, come get to know her and her creations!

Olive pearl coin leather necklace

How did you name your business?
after myself.  Either I'm title-challenged, or I just like simple titles.  I needed a title I could remember.

How long have you been doing your art/craft for?
Since before you were born.  Literally.  I started doing beadwork when I was 15.

What inspires and influences your work?
The beads themselves suggest the finished jewelry. 
Sometimes I see something -- in a storefront; in a museum -- and I'll take an element out of that item and adapt it into my style.
Often an idea pops into my head, and I assemble all the components on my desk before I lose the inspiration.
Where can you artwork/pieces be found?
Artfire
Etsy
Etsy second shop
Website
I also sell most weekends at local craft shows and
 farmers' markets (Southern California).

What do you do when you're not creating?
All the boring work necessary to bring my creations 
to market: picture taking and editing, product descriptions,
 website tweaking, social marketing.  Unfortunately, I spend

Mabe pearl, turquoise, cornflake pearl necklace

 more time on the business end than I do creating.

This is my full-time job.  I work 60 hours/week in my off season
 and up to 80 "on."

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?

Mabe pearl, turquoise, cornflake pearl necklace

Why did you create this piece(s)?
Everything just flowed around the pendant. I like the way the
 necklace combines bold elements (pendant, hishi) with tiny
 intricate wire-wrap and chain.

What do you feel is special about your art/craft?
I have a very strong sense of color and design.
My work is meticulously made and sturdy.
Many of my pieces are one-of-a-kind.
I combine disparate elements -- bold and tiny, artsy and classic, ethnic and high-fashion -- and make it work.

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why?
I have a 5-year BFA in Studio Art so I've worked in most media.
My next project is a tile mosaic on my bathroom floor.  Why?  Because I'm tired of looking at the world's ugliest linoleum.

Created opal teal blue cut out Magen David Earrings

I'm also the Poet Laureate of Placentia Library District since 2003.  My poetry and essays have been published in literary journal and anthologies world-wide. 

You can also find Mereidth at
Facebook fan page:
www.facebook.com/meredithbead
Twitter:
twitter.com/meredithbead
Writing website:
www.meredithlaskow.com

Product Spot Light- Chainmaille Jewelry

Purple Full Persian Chainmaille
Earring w/white quartz 

I have a love for making chainmaille jewelry. It is not just the gorgeous end result but also the method & technics. It is relaxing to me normally! of coarse I have those moments where mistakes frustrate me but I just backtrack and start again.

Every single ring is coiled from top quality wire and cut right in my home studio. I open and close each ring by hand using the same technics that have been used for thousands of years. This is one of things I love about chainmaille I start with just a spool of wire and in the end I have a beautiful timeless creation!
Here a few pieces available in my shop right now.

Red & Copper Whispers Princess Choker

Gorgeous Crimson & Black Chainmaille Choker

Charming Black & Copper Byzantine Bracelet w/black Onyx

Gothic Red, Black & Silver Full Persian Chainmaille Choker

Todays jewelry projects

Today I worked on a custom order for a copper filigree & crystal bracelet & earring set. I also made these chain & black agate skull earrings. Both nice simple and easy projects perfect for a Sunday project.

Weekend projects

I have challenged myself to make at least 1 piece of jewelry a day. This morning I went on an eating frenzy!

Friday Feature- KatieDidsx3 Shattered Marble Charms Necklaces & Key Chains

How did you name your business? I decided just to 

go by my nickname Katie Dids with and

 x3 at the end for a heart.

How long have you been doing your art/craft for? 

I actually started and opened my store for this craft 

at the end of January so it hasn't been to long.

What inspires and influences your work? My style, things that can catch a girls eye.

Where can you artwork/pieces be found?

KatieDidsx3 on Etsy
KatieDidsx3 on Facebook

What do you do when your not creating? I like to 

watch supernatural / sci fi tv shows, I also sell my 

used clothes on ebay which I have been doing for the

 last year.

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?

Items in the nautical line, the charms just have really nice

detail and and color combos. Everyone loves anchors

 but my rudders with "love" marked them are my
 favorite.

Why did you create this piece(s)? I wanted to make
 a necklace with nautical colors that aren't as typical,
 green reminded me of algae and sea weed and white
 reminded me of ships paint and the bright sky. I like 
to call the rudder necklaces and key chains,
 "Nautical Love."

What do you feel is special about your art/craft? I feel like I add a little pop to the typical charm or fried marble necklace. I bring a darker edgy vibe that makes them stand out a little more for a better price especially.

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why? Paper quilling looks really cool to me, I also want to work with clay and porcelain more. I have most of the supplies at my house because my Mother was a craft nut too, I just need to make time for it.

Mondays Madness!!!! 3-12-12

I was asked over the weekend by a fellow artisan why I feature other shops, artist and artisans on my blog, twitter etc... more so why feature shops that sell similar things to what I create. I did not have to stop and think about it. I Love art, crafts and handmade. I want anyone that dedicates their time and talent to be noticed. I know what my creations have to offer my customers and believe they will make it to the right people with proper marketing, sampling and of coarse with time and patience. It does not happen all once except for the very rare occasion. By helping others in my position I help myself as well. I make new connections and most in the art/handmade community need a boost and love to promote themselves as well as others. It is about loving and appreciating the work people put into the products that drives me to promote, promote, promote. I assume all artist and artisans have the same passion in their work as I do. It is this belief that makes me want them to succeed as much as I want myself to succeed.

Talking about appreciation, one of the greatest ways I feel appreciated in the work I do is custom orders. Having someone see my creations and like it enough to want a unique personalized version says a lot to me, it is an ego booster! Here is my latest custom order. This set is made from hand bent copper Celtic knots, black onyx and a black celestial crystal focal bead. I hand bend each copper knot then make each onyx link and connect the whole thing together. The set is a 28" necklace, 7.5" bracelet and earring set and sold for $60.

As always you can find me online here

My Kindred Images and Creations website

My Chrissy-jo's Lotions & Potions website

My Esty's shop

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

My Pinterest

Mondays Madness 3-5-12

I have been crazy busy all weekend, not complaining by no means. I have been working on a couple custom orders, working on a large bead order and enjoying time with my family. I also started a Pinterest, so I need a little time to check it out and find out all about, plus pin all kinds of awesome things to it. Not familiar with Pinterest it is an online pin board, here check it out here is my page http://pinterest.com/kindredimages/ . I am new so not much on my boards yet and I still need to explore to see what kind of features it has. If you would like an invite just leave a comment here with your email and I will send one your way.

Here is a pic of the custom order I am working on. It is hand bent Celtic copper knots with onyx. I will be making a complete set, earrings, bracelet and necklace.

Giveaway- Tucked Away Pearl Earrings

Would you like a chance to win a pair of copper wrapped pearl earrings? if so come enter my giveaway at the Out Of The Box Sampler App. Well your at it enter to win other wonderful prizes from the other shops that have give aways going on! Click here to see details

Tucked away pearls giveaway

What I'm working on - Pink & Red

Ok so pink is not really my thing, but valentines kind of screams pink & red. So I am working on a few valentines pieces in these colors. But I am also planning some steampunk & gothic valentine pieces as well. Thats all for now..... Back to creating!

PS. Remember to check out my facebook giveaway!

Jump ring maker

I am so happy with my new jumpring maker! I started making chainmaille over the year and had a terrible time finding the right jumprings for my projects. So I just got this jumpring maker and cutter combo. I works beautifully. Expect to see a lot of chainmaille over this next year!