Saturday, December 19, 2009

Studio Saturday @ Artbeadscene-Button Earrings, 5 in under 5

Peace

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
This weeks winner is Heather Cote of Azure Island Beads.
Congratulations! 
You have won one of Jangles Holiday Beads from the studio of Jennifer Heynen
Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

As we are doing the sprint into Christmas, I wanted to give you ideas for quick earrings. Since I mostly make buttons, I wanted to show 5 Button earrings you can make in under 5 minutes. It is possible. I am into simple.

Locate your supplies, you need: buttons, jump rings, charms and earwires.

Pair number One is made using beading hoops and layering the Lady Bug buttons over the Leaf Buttons.

Pair number Two. These are charms I use for stitch markers. I attached the enamel charm  and ceramic charm to the earwires. I like that they aren't exact matches.

Pair number Three. My favorite and my daughter's favorite. She asked to wear them before I had photographed them. Use a jump ring that is large enough to through the first button hole and close. I put the jumpring through the charm and the Tie Dye Button hole, attach to the earwires.

Pair number Four. I used two jumprings per anodized aluminum washers, attached one jumpring to the earwire and the other to the Layered Bead Button. Very swanky!

Pair number Five. Twisted jumprings are used in each of the two button holes. One attaches to the earwires and the other to charms that hang off the bottom of the Dot Buttons.

Very quick and easy. Great for when you need a gift fast. I have had a guest show up and I did the "uh-oh" I don't have a gift. I am out in my studio frantically making earrings or ornaments while my husband entertains.
Just keep smiling!

My question this week is:

What last minute gift have you had to create?

Leave a comment on Artbeadscene and...

You can win your own set of Lady Bug Buttons, so you can create your own earrings.

Happy Holidays! 
I have a very hard time dealing with the holidays. I'll be standing over here with the fake grin pretending "It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year."
I wish you warmth, happiness and your best coping mechanism...pajamas and a glass of wine.
I got a new camera...I'm trying hard to improve my photography!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Simple Silver Earrings



Very simple earrings that uses finding most of us have lying around in our studios.

Supplies:
3 sizes of Sterling Silver Jump Rings (total of 6 Jump Rings)
6 small Jump Rings (I used twisted jump rings)
Ear Wires
Bench Block
Hammer
Chain Nose or Flat Nose Pliers

These are great for when you need a gift fast. Plus they look fantastic.
You can use as many Jump Rings as you would like. Graduate the sizes either up or down. Beads can be added but aren't necessary. Especially if you are in a time crunch.

Hammer the 3 different sizes on your bench block. Try not to distort roundness much if possible. The rings will open up. I held the rings with my pliers and tapped them closed. I also tapped them back in round.
Use the 6 small jump rings (twisted jump rings in the photo) to connect the 2 sets of 3. I needed to tap my small jump rings on the bench block to make them oval shaped. I didn't have the next size up.
Attach to earwires.
You're done! I'm a lazy beader, so this works well for me. No muss, no fuss.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

How to Make Decorative Ornament Hooks

I posted this last year. It seems fitting to post again this time of year.

As we get closer to the holidays it's time to start thinking about gifts. I always make ornaments every year. I can't seem to get out of it and everyone expects one every year. Here is a Decorative Ornament Hook that can be used to hang many things. Using copper looks great and it's inexpensive.

Start with 4" piece of 18 gauge copper wire. I picked a spool up at Ace Hardware. Don't try to straighten the wire too you will put kinks in the wire that you can't get out.

With the curve of the wire facing away from you, use your round nose pliers to make a small loop at the end of the wire. Always roll your wire away from your body.

Using the handle of a large paintbrush, about 1/2" up the loop end of the wire bend the wire over handle. Do this by smoothing the wire as you bend it. Bring the wire slightly under the handle and begin curving the other end to form an "S".

Begin making the coil on the end by using the large end of your round nose pliers to create an open loop.

Complete the coil by rolling it upwards towards the top of the hook with your fingers.

I like my hooks hammered. Use a hammer and a striking plate to hammer the small loop and coil.

Completed Hook.

Combining your hook and ornament.
Cut 10" of sheer ribbon. I get mine at Michaels. To give the ornament and ribbon a nice finished look and to keep the ribbon from doing the annoying split, I slide a 10mm glass donut over the ribbon. Fire Mountain Gems has a great selection. The clear glass donuts go best with all ornaments.

Don't forget to add your artist tag so everyone knows they have a hand crafted item by you. This one is 1" x 1"

Tie the ribbon onto the bottom of the hook using an overhand knot. This keeps your ornament and hook together and secure.

You have a beautiful finished product hanging from a handmade copper hook. Colored wire works wonderful also. Just don't hammer it.
18 gauge wire will hold most ornaments. The heftier the ornament the thicker your wire needs to be.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Claybuttons Etsy Shop




It's been a very long time since I have had any items in my Etsy shop.
Now there are 20! Woo Hoo!
Pictured above is a Needle/Pin Minder. It's 2 parts, one goes on top of your canvas, quilt, etc., one goes on the bottom. Either side may but up depending on your mood. Both sides have Earth Magnets in them. They attract/mind your needles and pins. This way they don't end up in the floor, chair or you. They can also sit next to you on the table while you are working and keep your pins and needles.


I'm having a clearance on Tie Dye Pendants.

They are now $25.00! Great deal for everyone on your Xmas list.
 


Happy Holidays!


Monday, November 30, 2009

Cyber Monday Sale




Cyber Monday 20% off  use code "Cyber20"
$25 Tie Dye Pendants when you use 20% off code


Sale extends to in stock items also. Email Tari for availability tari@claybuttons.com.  


Plus free shipping for orders of $50 or more.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Handmade Buttons and Gifts

Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Sale

12am November 27 through 12 PM November 30

All items shown here are 10% off.
Items are in stock and ready to ship.

Site Wide Sale of IN STOCK items.

Please email inquiries of other items that are in stock. They will be included in the 10% off sale.

Orders $50 or more will receive Free Shipping!

Receive an Extra 10%

Put "Xtra10" in the Voucher box of the shopping cart.



"From Our House to Yours"

These adorable House Ornaments make wonderful Hostess gifts for all your upcoming Holiday Parties.

Available in 4 Colors

Neon Red :: Neon Green :: Neon Blue :: Neon Purple

Ornaments come ready for gift giving with a handmade Copper Hook and strung on a ribbon. Packaged in an Organza gift bag.

House Size 1 3/8" x 1 1/2"

With Ribbon and Hook approx. 7.5"-8" long





"From Our House to Yours" 
Ornament $11.50 :: 10% off $10.00



Friday, November 27, 2009

Cyber Sale Creative Impressions In Clay



Get an Extra 10% off! Input code "Xtra10" in the voucher box.

Sale is site wide for IN STOCK items. Please email tari@claybuttons.com for availability.

Visit the sale page for items already at 10% off.

Great Handmade gifts!!
Buy Handmade.

Cyber Sale - Art Bead Scene Editors

We here at the Art Bead scene have joined together to offer our faithful readers a fabulous sale for the Thanksgiving Weekend. Each of the editors is offering a sale through their website or Etsy shop starting on Thanksgiving Thursday and running all the way until Cyber Monday. Scroll down through the post to find what each editor has to offer.
Have fun shopping!

Creative Impressions in Clay

for Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Receive 10% off items listed on the sale page.

For ABS readers, get an extra 10% off by putting "Xtra10" in the voucher box!
Sale extends to in stock items also. Email Tari for availability tari@claybuttons.com.  
Plus free shipping for orders of $50 or more.



Buy Handmade.


Humblebeads

Happy Thanksgiving Art Bead Scene readers!
I'm offering 20% off all purchases during the sale.
http://www.humblebeads.com/ - use discount code THANKS09
http://www.humblebeads.etsy.com/ - add THANKS09 in the note to seller and wait for updated invoice


Beads, jewelry and limited edition ornaments!




Cindy Gimbrone
15% off plus FREE BEADS! Cindy Gimbrone wanted to combine the best of both worlds, a sale of handmade beads and a giveaway. So, she's having an online 15% off sale at all of her web shops. For every order over $20, you'll receive a grab bag of handmade art beads! It's a sale and a giveaway! Visit Cindy at any of her shops listed below.

Go to cindygimbronebeads.com for a sitewide sale of artist made beads, charms and findings at 15% off: Use Coupon Code: NovemberSale


Ready to ship meaningful jewelry in Cindy's Artfire Studio is 15% off. Sale prices shown in shop.


Cindy's edgey jewelry is at the bleeding heart on etsy: Sale prices shown in the shop.



Remember, for each order over $20, you'll receive a grab bag of artist made beads. What could be better than that? A sale and free beads - the best of both worlds!

Lorelei Eurto
I am offering a discount of 20% off for the holiday weekend, Thursday through Cyber Monday! Please use coupon code ABS HOLIDAY SALE 20 in the notes to seller and I will send revised invoices to the buyers.
Please note that I will be out of town for the entire weekend and will ship all purchases out on Monday morning when I return.


Earthenwood Studio
Earthenwood Studio will be having special sales on new items in the Etsy shop from Thanksgiving Thursday to Cyber Monday! Look for new pendant mixes... bead sets featuring a handmade bead with co-ordinating accent beads, specially selected for you. There will be also be special weekend prices on all of the new nature themed pendants, plus some studio sale bundles will return to the shop. Free tiny pewter ceramic heart charm gift with every Etsy purchase, while supplies last! http://www.earthenwood.etsy.com
Check the Earthenwood blog for more details: http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com


Jangles by Jennifer Heynen
I am having a sale at both of my Etsy shops! Starting Thursday and running thru Monday everything is 15% off the marked prices in the shop. Also, with any order over 20.00 you will receive a glass bead assortment as a gift. I am filling the Jangles Etsy shop up with loads of new beads and bead sets for holiday gift making. Stop by and see what's new.



The Jangles Emporium is stocked with great finished jewelry, ceramic gift items, handpainted supply bags, wall hangings, and more!


All orders will be shipped on Tuesday after the sale. This way if you would like to shop all weekend I can combine shipments. As always, I will refund whatever shipping costs I can when combining orders. The 15% off sale price will be adjusted then too.



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

ABS Editors Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale



The Editors of Art Bead Scene will be joining everyone else and having a sale, Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Each Editor will have links to their website, Artfire or Etsy stores.
Stay Tuned for those special links to be listed.

Buy Handmade! 
Buy from a Self Representing or Independent Artist!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Oz Pendants-Studio Saturday


Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.


This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

We find inspiration everyone to create unique, beautiful, meaningful or humorous art. 
I like to laugh. OK, so I laugh a lot. Sometimes you laugh so you don't cry. I have at times a sick sense of humor, childish humor etc., there is a funny side to most everything. It may be inappropriate but you have to laugh. 
To be entertained in the movie genre I like comedys. Life can be so serious and scary we need comic relief. My favorite movie is "The Wizard of Oz!" I have been watching it since I was a little. Much to my childrens amazement, I was little once.
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of this wonderful movie, I've created pendants. Something different than most buttons/pendant I have created in a while. I started these weeks ago so I could have them for the Beads-of-Clay open Studio Blog event. I ended up spending time at local medical facility so I was unable to participate. So now there are unveiled. I hope you like them. They make me smile and start singing (in my head of course) songs from the movie.


My Question this week is:
Is there a movie or movies that has inspired you to create?
I doesn't have to be jewelry. Any creative process.


Are you a "Good Witch" or a "Bad Witch?" Why, "I'm not a Witch at All."

So "Follow, follow, follow, follow." We're "Off to see the Wizard." 
"Click Your Heels" three times, and say "There's No Place Like Home."
The and Powerful "Oz" has spoken!

Leave your comment on Art Bead Scenes Blog (or I'll get you my pretty) and you could win your choice of "one" of the pendants shown above.
 Tari (the Button Lady) who may be a "Good Witch" or "Bad Witch" today is flying off on her broom laughing...with her little dog too!


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Beads-of-Clay Online Open Studio Event





Because of a health emergency, I am unable to participate in today's open house.
Please visit the Beads-of-Clay blog to see the list of participants and visit their blogs.


My apologies. To receive Free Shipping on my website, please input, Ship4Free, in the voucher box.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Beads-of-Clay Online Open Studio Event



During the Open Studio Event, earth clay Bead and Button makers will host an open studio through their blogs to give you a bit of an insight into their creative, and often messy (we work with clay!) lives. During the event, they will be present to answer questions as time allows...


You will see pictures of their spaces,
Works in progress,
Their inspirations,
Something "fall" related from traditions, events, a recipe, or whatever comes to mind.


They have been asked to participate in two giveaways for blog commenters during the event, and to consider hosting some sort of "special" through their Etsy shops or website discount for that day as well.


That means that there will be chances to get your hands on over 32 different treasures that day if you stop by during 1-4pm EST and comment on the appropriate posting on each blog.


If you can't stop by that day, make sure to catch up that night. Many of the Artists will be hosting their Etsy shop or website specials through Midnight that night... And the blog postings will remain, so you will have a lot of time to go back and spend some time in cyberspace, in their studios.

This is my first Cyber Open House, I hope you will stop by.

Participants:
MarshaNealStudio http://www.marshanealstudioblog.blogspot.com/
Indian Creek Studios http://pampots.blogspot.com/
Melanie Earthenwood Studio http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/
Creative Impressions in Clay http://www.claybuttons.blogspot.com/


Thursday, September 3, 2009

Kandinsky Inspired Button

This button was inspired by Kandinsky's Improv No. 23.
It is a one of a kind 2" button.
I used white clay and colorful underglazes.
I love Kandinsky! You can win this button by entering Art Bead Scene's Monthly Challenge.
This button would look fantastic on a felted bag or a wrap!
Also for Art Bead Scene's Monthly Challenge you could a win a $30 Gift Certificate from Ornamentea!
How cool is that 2 prizes this month for entering!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

Geisha Buttons ©

I just can't get the song "Turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so..." out of my head.
OK, so I'm a bit warped. We warped ones are what make your world interesting.

These new buttons go with the genre of this month's Challenge. Unfortunately they are not that new in my studio. I am embarrassed to say how long they have been hanging around. They have finally been glazed and I fired them last night. Nothing like being on top of things.
My friend requested Geisha buttons for a knitting project she was working on. I'm sure it's been done for quite a while and she has moved on to many more knitting adventures.
There always seem to be more pressing things that need to get done; making& filling orders, kids, husband, grandkids, making&filling orders and making&filling orders.
These should never been put off this long. I'm sorry Kristine, I will mail them this week.
The colors turned out great with the boldness of the red and contrast of the yellow. Background color is a light celadon, which needed to be a muted color so the design and other colors would stand out.

The "Procrastination Queen" question this week is:

:: What project has been sitting around your studio and for how long? ::

Leave a comment on Art Bead Scene's Blog and you could win the
Round Geisha design shown above as a Pendant.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Art Bead Scene Blog: Green Girl Studios Giveaway!

The good folks over at Green Girl Studios sent Art Bead Scene this awesome little collection of mermaid charms and pendants as a fun giveaway for our readers! How perfect, since waves and the ocean are this month's inspiration. This giveaway is separate from our monthly challenge. In fact they are making it so easy to win, everyone has a chance!

How can I win that sweet stash?
Your name can be entered into our drawing twice.

One entry: leave a comment to this post on Art Bead Scene. Yep, it's that easy!

A bonus entry: blog, facebook or twitter about this post and leave a comment on Art Bead Scene to let us know you did the deed!

Heather will draw one random name on Monday. So you have until Sunday night to enter.

You know those beads are calling your name!