Creative Impressions In Clay :: ClayButtons.com :: Handmade Buttons

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

2012-02-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

This weeks winner is Andra. Congratulations! You have won a new Flower Pendant from Heather of Humblebeads.
Send Heather 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.

Happy Saturday and welcome to all!

I have been long overdue to make something new. I saw a bracelet with similar construction. In my mind I figuring out, can it be made out of clay? The answer is yes! Truthfully, I like mine better. The ones I saw had a very messy solder job on the back. Of course I'm thinking I can fire the wire into the clay then there isn't messy soldering involved. The clay pieces needed to be thick enough for the wire to go all the way through but not too thick to look bulky.

Being the last minute person that I am, I hand formed these Thursday night, fired them last night and put the bracelet together this morning. Most events are like this for me. I formulate a plan, mull over it for far too long before it materializes. More tweeking needs to be done as with anything new. For a first time prototype of sorts, not bad if I do say so myself. They remind me of bugs with antennae.

So, I know have Connector Bugs. I think these would work with most of my button designs too.

My question is:

Do you see these as individual pieces for your creations or just put together as jewelry pieces?

Do you like or dislike them? Other color schemes that would good?

Answer my questions at ArtBeadScene and you could win the Connector Bug shown above.

To the potential winner, I am leaving the country for 3 weeks (I'm going to Norway!) next Wednesday. You may have to wait till I return for your prize to be shipped. That is unless I can convince my husband to put it in the mail.

Feeling sassy as usual.

Tari Sasser

Creative Impressions In Clay

Get Ready for Bead Soup Blog Party sign up!

2012-01-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

Its time once again to sign up for the Bead Soup Blog Party. My friend Lori wanted help getting the word out to all you lovely bead and jewelry makers.

Remember, this time it's a lottery for 200 people (so Lori doesn't lose her mind with all the work from last time!)

Get crackalackin' on your soup ingredients in case you are one of the lucky 200!

Studio Saturday with Claybuttons at Art Bead Scene

2011-11-12T11:55:00.000-05:00

This weeks winner is ErinS. Congratulations! You have won a Holiday Pendant from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles.
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.

Happy Saturday to all and welcome to the glamorous life of buttons! Wait, it's glamorous?! I didn't get that memo. Above is what I have been working on. Snowflakes and Alpacas...sexy (hmmm, right.)

Clay is a muddy business and it only became remotely sexy with the movie Ghost. Believe me, Demi Moore I am not. Most potters detest even hearing that reference.

I haven't thrown on my wheel for quite a while but really need to just for therapy. Like Calgon, take me away. There are times you need to have your mind go somewhere besides the task at hand.

Or the mess at hand. This is the usual mess on my work counter. Take your arm and push any and everything to the side so you can begin another project. At some point you will have the time to clean up the mess.

Time is something I haven't had a lot of in my studio. I have started working outside of the studio. Something I haven't done for many, many years. You do what you have to do.

I work at a wonderful gallery. What better place to be than a gallery and be able to look at art all day. It's an American Art and Craft Gallery. Yes, some of my jewelry is being sold there.

I get to explain how items are made and techniques used. I love that part of my job and it helps customers understand what is put into making art. Along with the prices that go with the art.

The owner of the gallery uses Wholesalecrafts (lots) and also attends shows to purchase items for the gallery. I just realized yesterday that she placed an order with our own Virginia Miska.

Since I am now uber curious to learn about Wholesalecrafts,

My question(s) is:

Do you use wholecrafts.com? Is it worth the cost? Has it been a successful tool?

Do you vend at any of the wholesale shows to sell and market your art?

Answer one of my many questions on Art Bead Scene's blog and you could win the Celtic Buttons shown above.

My sincere apologies to the winner of my last Studio Saturday.

I have misplaced your info, could you please resend.

Feeling sassy as usual.

Tari Sasser

Creative Impressions In Clay

Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-09-17T06:00:00.022-04:00

My Bead Soup Partner is Tania Spivey of Moobie Grace Designs. She makes beautiful Polymer Clay beads. I received 2 plus a clasp with another bead and her wonderful wire work.

I stressed quite a while over this. Worried if I would make the deadline and not having any ideas that I thought were great. My daughter was in my studio the other day and I started pulling beads and findings out of boxes. Things are sorta still packed up from rearranging my studio.

I found these beautiful strands of gemstone beads that I had forgotten about. They were brought from Russia and given to me by my son-in-laws mom. Perfect! The colors were just perfect. Kristen (my daughter) started throwing out ideas. She too knew I was stressed and offered help. I have been working on a large wholesale order and started a new job. I have been exhausted. Staying up till 3-4am glazing hasn't helped. I'm doing a show this entire weekend. My plate is overflowing.

Everything fell together after pulling loads of things out and putting them next to each other. Taking away and putting back..you know how the creative process goes.

I use bright bold colors and Tania uses, as you can see, colors from nature. The Teal and Coral colors really work nicely. This absolutely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I really don't design jewelry of this type. I'm not the dainty flower kind of person. This was quite a challenge.

I finally got the photography right! I hate the days when I am photographically impaired. The first attempt was a total bust.

Second attempt, I managed to get one photo I wasn't totally embarrassed to show, even though I didn't.

Three's a charm! You are looking at the results. I am very pleased with these.

Clasp close up.

My Bead Soup Partner, Tania Spivey of Moobie Grace Designs. Everything Tania sent me.

I tried to use more of what she sent but it wasn't working.

Please visit Tania, see is a very nice person plus she does beautiful work!
Click below for the complete list of all the Bead Soup Partiers. Visit all 362 of them!

Blog List

Thanks for visiting!

Bead Soup + Bead Soup Partner

2011-08-25T14:27:00.002-04:00

I have been so busy with a large wholesale order, getting kids ready to go back to school and taking my son to college, I haven't had time to post about Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party. Plus I started a new job. Phew.

I have not participated in a Bead Soup before so this is going to be interesting.
Lori spends lots of time pairing up partners.

Here is the premise of the Bead Soup Blog Party:

You send your partner a Party Pack-

:: A focal ::

:: Some coordinating spacers or beads ::

:: A special clasp (not just a lobster claw) ::

Some will send a smaller amount, some will send a larger amount, but you do NOT have to send an entire necklace or bracelet kit. The idea is you will use the focal and the clasp, and if you wish, some of the coordinating beads,incorporating beads from your own stash.

The idea is to help you think outside the box and work outside your normal comfort zone, pushing you into creative directions you may never have gone.

Tania Spivey of Moobie Grace Designs

Tani Spivey of Moobie Grace Designs is my partner. Above is everything Tania sent. Pretty cool stuff huh? Tania creates these beautiful polymer clay beads. These have very small flowers with tiny brass beads in the center, wonderful craftspersonship. When she's feeling skippy she also works with wire.

Focal bead close-up

Focal bead + accent bead

Clasp

I need to get to work on planning out a design and how to execute the design using Tania's beautiful beads.

Come back for the Bead Soup Blog Party on September 17. Everyone hops from blog to blog looking at all the wonderful creations that were made.

We Have a Winner!!

2011-08-23T23:30:00.001-04:00

We have a winner for "Liking" Creative Impressions In Clay Facebook page.

Congratulations to Connected Elements Designs/Candyce Fitzloff-Westfield.

You have won the Circles pendant, shown above!

Please send me your info and I will get it mailed out right away.

Thanks to everyone who "Liked" my FB page!! Love being liked!

Vintaj Art Bead Partner

2011-08-11T13:32:00.001-04:00

My month as Vintaj's Art Bead Partner is coming to a close.
I wanted show all the designs the gang at Vintaj made with my pieces.
The theme was Carnival Ferris Wheel.

Sweet Treats

Fancy Free

Fun Day at the Fair

Carnival Ferris Wheel

Thanks Vintaj!! It's been great to see your creations!

Circle Collection

20% Until 8/15/11 using code ABP20

It's Time for a Give Away!!

2011-08-05T16:30:00.003-04:00

I'm going to make this very simple.

To be eligible to win,

"LIKE" Creative Impressions In Clay on FaceBook then
come back here and post that you did.

Creative Impressions In Clay

Pretty easy!

If you are already a fan, thank you,
post a comment below that you are already a fan to be eligible.

It would be great if you scrolled down the sidebar and LIKED/JOINED my blog also.

You could win the Circles Pendant shown above. A $30 value.

You have until 8/12 to "LIKE" and comment!

Vintaj + Art Bead Artist= Art Bead Partner

2011-07-26T13:04:00.005-04:00

As some of you may know Vintaj has started a great new partnership on their blog, Art Bead Partner.

They choose the theme, Art Bead Artist and partner with them for a month using their products and the art beads (buttons) made by the artist.

Here are the details from Jess at Vintaj:

"As you know, here at Vintaj we LOVE working with Art Beads! We are all huge fans of Art Bead Scene and follow many bead artist’s blogs, incorporate their unique handmade components into our jewelry and share some of their sites on our Favorite Art Beads page. Today I’m excited to announce a new blog feature ~ our design team recently came up with the concept of featuring a monthly Art Bead Partner to reflect our design themes."

I am very fortunate to be their Art Bead Partner for August. I created a new collection of buttons and beads just for this partnership. I was so thrilled to be asked to be an Art Bead Partner, I had to make something special.

This is the Circle Collection shown being used as components.

Clay is a changeling, any button can be a component, pendant, charm, clasp etc.

You get the picture. If you see a button and would rather use as something else, ask if it can be changed for your use.

Bracelet by Jess Italia using the Four Circle as a component. Stitch Markers double as charms.

Earrings also made by Jess using the Circle Beads.

Take a look at Vintaj's Gallery they have great ideas and designs using their finding and embellishments.

Art Bead Partner Special!

Get 20% off minimum order of $20 using code ABP20 from Creative Impressions in Clay.

Put code in the voucher box.

Studio Saturday with Claybuttons at Art Bead Scene

2011-07-23T09:12:00.001-04:00

This weeks winner is fantayzya. Congratulations! You have won flower stackers from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles.

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.

Happy Saturday! I'm going to continue with Jennifer's theme from last Saturday on organization.
Until recently my studio has been an absolute disaster. Meaning there was a path from the door to computer and counter where I worked. To get anywhere else you had to step over or do the sideways shuffle to find anything. It was bad. The picture above shows the beginning of the organization. The shelves (missing the doors) on the left are holding my glazes and molds plus other things that don't belong, just so I could make a path. It was a HUGE job. There are still random items sitting on the counters but it going to have to wait.
In cleaning this monstrous mess I hurt my back. Seems I can no longer dead lift boxes of clay. Never used to be a problem. When did this happen? When did I get old or to a state where I couldn't lift and pay dearly for it? I was in shock the following morning. I am not the kind of person that likes to be down or sickly and not do for myself. It is getting better, but I am impatient!

The counter where I make and glaze buttons. Wow, who lined up those glaze bottles!
I know you're jealous of my newly tie dyed curtains. Fun, funky and functional! Groovy too!

I moved my desk to the other end of the studio. Shelves are in it's place. You can see the eye painting from school days or "the creepy eye picture" as my daughter calls it, One of the many pieces I unrolled and clipped to the easel. My son keeps waiting for more art treasures to be uncovered to hang in the house.
I can now get to easel! *Snoopy Dance* The pottery wheel is just below it.
This side of the room is "possibilities." Things uncovered with the possibility of now being able to paint or throw on the wheel again. I love possibilities!

My question this:
What possibilities do you have or might have?
An opportunity? A show?

Leave a comment at Art Bead Scene and you could win one of the Four Circle components.
Use it as a connector, a pendant maybe a clasp...possiblities!

Feeling Sassy as usual!
Tari Sasser
Creative Impressions In Clay

Vintaj Art Bead Partner-Necklace & Bracelet by Betsy Kaage

2011-07-21T12:50:00.000-04:00

Betsy from Vintaj Natural Brass created these two great pieces using component from the Circle Collection. She used chain and finding from Vintaj. To get of list of everything she used check the blog post.

Concentric Circles used in the bracelet.

Rings used in the necklace.

Have a great day!

Vintaj Art Bead Partner Blog

2011-07-20T15:52:00.001-04:00

The Four Circle Button (shown below) with 2 holes on each side was used as a component for a bracelet by Jess Italia at Vintaj. Isn't that a cool bracelet!? Click on the link to go to their blog you also get a great tutorial for image transfer onto metal.

Circle Collection

Have a great day!

Vintaj Art Bead Partner

2011-07-15T11:00:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to this months Art Bead Partner at Vintaj!!

All items they use will be on the website soon. Having an html moment.

Have a great day!!

Art Bead Scene Sponsor

2011-07-05T18:53:00.000-04:00

I am one of four sponsors this month at Art Bead Scene. Each month we feature a piece of art and challenge you to create something using the art as your inspiration. Your piece can be inspired the color texture, shapes, feelings etc. you get from the art. As long as it fits with the theme.

This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.

You upload a photo of your creation to the Art Bead Scene flickr page and add a tag for that month, like JULYABS. List your materials and give credit to the artist who made the art bead.

Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson, by Edouard Vuillard 1923 reworked 1938

distemper on canvas, 59 ½ by 43 5/8 inches

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund, 1952

July Monthly Challenge at Art Bead Scene. I hope you'll join the challenge this month!

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

2011-05-28T12:10:00.002-04:00

This weeks winner is Susan Z. Congratulations! You have won a set of beads from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles.

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.

Good Saturday Morning! Life is crazy as usual. A little crazier getting ready for a graduation party for my son in a week. Guess who's doing home repairs? OK, me. I haven't been doing much in the studio. Above is my backsplash on a budget. I'm not quite done, it has to be sealed and all the outlet covers need to be put back.

I used 6"x6" squares of heavy scrapbook paper and Modge Podged them to the wall in a random pattern. It turned out pretty cool and I love it. Bright colors and fun patterns for my kitchen.

These are new designs I created in March for one of my favorite customers, Lucy at the The Cheshire Cat in Montpelier, Vermont. Yes, I love Lucy!
These were for her spring clothing line. Now I have the Birds and Bees and everything is Rosie.

The large rice beads above were originally shown in a Studio Saturday in October. I had a necklace planned for these beads but a different idea came about. The dotted beads were made with loops and attached to the striped bead for a great pattern contrast. A splash of color was added with the anodized aluminum rings. Voila an extra fun pair of dangle earrings.

My question today is:
What have you put on hold while you do something else?
Or, what would you rather be doing?

Leave a comment at Art Bead Scene by answering the question and you could win the 2 Rose Buttons and Bird Button.

Feeling Sassy as usual!

Tari Sasser

Creative Impressions In Clay

What a Day

2011-04-05T01:35:00.001-04:00

There are days you feel that computers just hate you. Not that they have feelings but I'm sure they are out to get us. I have been having problems with my Photoshop. Every time you try to open a file it crashes. So reinstalled my CS3. Still crash and burn. Reinstall + updates. But yet more crash and burn.

I had bought a 1TB external drive to back up my computer daily through Time Machine. It's been set up for 2 weeks, no problem computer is backed up if anything goes wrong or Tari reformats her hard drive.

"Make it so number one," computer reformatted. Great, fantastic, troubles should be gone...HAH! I laugh in your face.

Let's put files back onto computer...try number one. Copying fine then the external drive decides it doesn't want to finish. Try again, now it's a constant unmounting of the drive. Can't transfer files if the drive doesn't show up. I'm getting frustrated, panicked, visions of begging and with pleading tech guys at Microcenter to do whatever it takes to retrieve my files.

I'm getting off and on cooperation from my iomega drive, enough to find my CS3 installation files. Reinstall CS3 files. C-R-A-S-H. Aaaaaaahh. It's 2am. I need so go to bed so I can get up at 6am. I'm at the "I'm so tired and frustrated and beginning to cry stage." Transfer attempt #999 (slight exaggeration), what, you want to cooperate now! This drive has a little compassion sensing my nervous breakdown. It's working, it's working....IT'S ALIVE! Sorta. I'll find out in the morning, wait it is the morning 2:30am. As I'm falling asleep, I realize I need to do a clean install of CS3, uninstall then reinstall all the programs.

Done. Updates, updates and yet another round of updates. I keep thinking, I need Photoshop so I can get my Art Bead Scene post and banners finished and posted this morning. Oh, and I'm teaching a cooking class at a local middle school today. No idea what I'm doing let alone if I have all the ingredients. I would laugh if I wasn't panicked. I need a shower too!

All of my email is gone, address book, calendar, and bookmarks. The fun of reformatting a computer. But Photoshop works!! Score! ABS things done and posted. I get cooking class figured out run to the shower. If the day hadn't been challenging enough it's now raining cats and dogs, kittens and puppies. Stopping at the grocery store for the missing items is not that appealing. I get wet getting to the car and loading it. Wet running in and out of the store. Since I am now late, parking is non-existant. I'm hoofing it from East Jesus land in torrential rain pulling a wheeled duffel, grocery bag, umbrella and wearing my rain coat I use when coaching. That's an attractive image in your head.

Dealing with kids that aren't yours with only 3.5hrs of sleep can be a challenge. Class is done, monkey bread and no bake cookies a success. Pack it all up and hoof it back in yet, you guess it, more rain! Yeah for spring rain. Now I am the one who crashes and burns, take a nap for 2 hours. Who's cooking now that it's almost 8pm? Good thing I have a stash of my turkey chili hiding in the freezer. Waiter, I'll have the chili.

So here I am finishing up more blogging stuff, happy my Photoshop is still working. Tomorrow is another day to locate more files and try to remember passwords that were stored and are gone.

Peace and love,

Tari

Studio Saturday!

2011-04-02T11:20:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors at Art Bead Scene 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 Flower and Bud Jewelry. Congratulations! You have won a new O pendant from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles.

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.

70 Donut Pendants for the Bead Cruise. Glazed and ready to be fired.

I don't think I have shown how my little kiln looks when it is loaded.

I made these new donuts for the Bead Cruise. Yes, I am jealous that I am not enjoying beading, friends, relaxation and warm weather.

Instead we experienced a rather stressful week. My husband is a teacher. Most school districts are going through big budgets cuts, at least here in Ohio. Last Saturday we received the call, he was cut after 9 years of teaching in this particular district, many hours of going to school and a career changer. We were in shock to say the least, walking numbly through the next few days. I arranged an interview (which has since been postponed due to a conflict) to return to the corporate world. Steve was applying for jobs, not in teaching but back in the business world, one benefit of being a career changer. We received another call a few days later, he was now UNcut. We were happy, relieved, confused, and in general leery of the fate of education. Since then, State Bill 5 has pasted in our state. Not a happy thought. Moving on from this unhappy diversion...

Above is a photo of new donut Pendants that were created for the Bead Cruise. They are on rods, 3 layers deep in my little kiln. They have been dipped in a clear glaze which is why they don't look too exciting.

Kiln opened, donuts fired.

You can now see the detail after the donuts have been fired. Pretty-Shiny! Now to unload and file any sharp edges from glaze sticking to the rods.

60 Pendants, bagged and tagged.

This part of packaging I refer to as "bag and tag." All donuts were put on cards and then placed in resealable cello bags. I wanted to try a different presentation with the pieces of bandanas that can be used to tie the pendants to a necklace.

Sassy Pendant

Close up of the Pendant. Feeling a little SASSY?! Figure it was apropos for most of us on certain days and because my last name is Sasser.

My question this week is:

Have you tried a new presentation idea lately? Success? Failure? What do think of mine?

Leave your comment at Art Bead Scene and you too can feel Sassy with one of my new Donut pendants if you are the winner!

Feeling sassy as usual!

Tari Sasser

Creative Impressions In Clay

Be kind to each other, you never know what someone may be going through.

Studio Saturday-Givin' You Some Lip!

2011-02-05T13:01:00.003-05:00

This weeks winner is Marian Hertzog. Congratulations!

You have won a a pendant from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles.

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.

It's that time of year the Valentine hearts and sentiments. This year I decided to participate by giving everyone "some lip." The red pair reminds me of "The Rocky Horror" lips. Who can forget those?

These were created from a mold I have of my daughter's face. (Ooh science fiction) They have loops on both corners the mouth so you can make a fun necklace. (It's just a jump to left then a step to the right)

I had every intention of making a necklace for Studio Saturday but you would still be waiting till my next Studio Saturday to see it. My decision making process was slowed by my lack of coffee this morning. Instead I thought I would show you what I was thinking about using. I have this fun Crepe Cord and copper chain from Ornamentea. Buttons in various colors and size from my different collections + 2 Elaine Ray beads she had sent me a year ago or so.

I was having a tough time with the visualization in my head to the execution, along with stiff fingers this morning that didn't want to work.

I had to use picnik.com to alter the photo. Heather has urged us all to use it so I had to give it a try! I used the effects of Focal Soften, Matte and 1960's. It was fun and a lot quicker than me using Photoshop. I guess I could of tried making a video to make the lips talk but that would have sent you into a "time warp," "dammit Janet!"

My question this week is:

Do you have a hard time with your designs going from visualization to execution? Occasionally? More often that you care to admit? Never?

Leave your comment at Art Bead Scene and I will give you some lip...a pair of the lips shown above, that is.

Feeling sassy as usual!

Tari "the Sassmaster" Sasser

Creative Impressions In Clay

Making Connections-Sundance Film Festival and Golden Globe Awards

2011-02-02T21:17:00.000-05:00

Creative Impressions in Clay postcard in the middle.

I have joined a Facebook Group called the Indie Exhibit/theindiExhibit.com

It is a group of independent artists who are represented and participate in the Gift Lounges of the award shows for the celebrities.

The group is run by the sister duo Shannon Justice and Nikki Cutro, both are artists. This dynamic duo were recently at the Golden Globe Award and The Sundance Film Festival.

Artists pay to have products, business cards, or postcards. Or pay for display space on the table. I paid for my postcard to be in the swag bag for both GG and Sundance.

Creative Impressions in Clay postcard in the middle.

These are a couple shots that were taken of products given away in the bags. I'm taking it slow to see if I can make a connection that might help to boost my business. I have no idea if anything will become of my investment. New venues are needed to try and expand.

I myself am not a gaga over celebrities type of person. They are people that have made it to the top of their field, acting. I would be a gaga over a visual artist type of person because I can relate to the amount of work that goes into making your art.

The next show I am participating in is the Kids Choice Awards.

Most likely the Emmy Awards.

It's all about connections. Time to go out on a limb.

Studio Saturday-Merry Christmas + One More Day of Christmas Tutorial

2010-12-25T12:22:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!

One more day of Christmas, I didn't make it in time for the 12 days of Christmas.

I am still trying to incorporate or use recycled items.

Remember the aluminum Christmas trees growing up? My grandparents had one. Not only aluminum but it spun in its base! When you are little that is a major Ooo and Ahhh + Pretty Shiny.

On a smaller scale using aluminum cans, here is my rendition.

Aluminum soda cans aren't any thicker than index stock, just a different material that behaves in it's own way. It will rip, fold and get indentations on it the same way as paper but with aluminums reflective nature it's far more noticeable.

Materials:

3 Aluminum Cans, I used Green Sprite Cans

Anodized Aluminum Jump Rings

Glass Beads

24 Gauge Copper wire

18 Gauge Copper Wire

Art Bead

Metal Eyelets, found in the scrapbooking section

Tools:

Sharp Scissors

Mini Anvil

Ball Pein Hammer

1/8" Paper Punch

Eyelet Punch Tool

Round and Chain Nose Pliers

Sharpie Marker

Ruler

Paper Pattern

Tape

Glue Dots

Any other tool that helps!

Directions:

1. Cut the top and bottom off of your cans as straight and cleanly as possible. After cutting so many cans you will find a technique that works for you. You may want to practice on a can that you do not intend on using for this project.

My method: find the side of the can with the UPC code. Take a knife and carefully push/cut through the can at the top and bottom, making a slit. Holding the top of the can in your left hand put the tip of your scissors into the slit and begin cutting. Holding tightly onto can try to keep your scissors straight and pointing upwards, turning the can as you cut. The tension will be forcing you to cut downwards. After you have successfully cut off the top, cut the can from top to bottom to the other slit. This cut helps to ease the tension of cutting the bottom off. Hold the bottom of the can with your left hand, insert your scissors and start cutting. Even up the edges.

2. Make your pattern. I used a scrap piece of paper. Trace your pattern onto the can and cut out.

3. Roll your half circle can into a cone shape. Tape it in place. At this point you will need to punch your first hole for the eyelet. Measure up from the bottom the can. Calculate the size of your jump rings and space from the edge. Mine measure 1/4" from the bottom. Place your eyelet, using the eyelet tool and hammer strike the eyelet to spread and form. I put in 2 more eyelets above the bottom one and it's a challenge. You can choose to use glue, glue gun or glue dots to hold down the seam. If necessary trim the bottom.

4. Measure on the curve edge where you are going to punch holes for the dangling beads. Mine are 1/4" up and spaced 1/2" apart. Punch the holes and dap in the eyelets.

5. Measure 6" of 18 gauge copper wire for the hanger. Form loop or curly cue then slide a bead that will prevent the wire from coming out the top and help the aluminum keep it's shape.

6. Place your art bead in the wire on top of the cone. Place a glass bead on top of the art bead.

Helpful hint: I used the eyelets in the large holes of the beads for a more attractive look and keep them from flopping side to side.

7. Bend the wire 90º, then wrap the wire around your round nose pliers to form a loop. Use a paintbrush handle or dowel to form the hook. With your round nose pliers form a loop on the tip of the hook .

8. Cut the top and bottom off of the 2 remaining cans. Flatten out and measure in quarter inch increments to cut strips for the curly branches. Cut the cans into strips.

9. Using a popsicle stick or other item you like better, curl the can as you would ribbon. Color side up, place your stick approximately an inch up, scrape the stick quickly to create the curl. This may take a couple times to make the curl. They can be rolled up and adjusted by hand later after they are attached.

10. Starting at the bottom and in between to eyelets, place the first row of curly strips. My glue dots are singles so I cut them in half to glue the top and bottom of the curl strip to the cone base. Place the nexxt row 3/4" to 1" up and between the first row. Repeat for the remainder of the rows.

11. For the 1" dangling beads cut 2.5" of 24 gauge copper wire. Make a curly cue on the end of the wire then bend 90º and slide bead on. Bend wire at top of bead 90º, make a loop with your round nose pliers and wrap wire.

12. Attach the dangling beads with anodized aluminum jump rings alternating colors.

I promised I would show my Ornament of the year while I was participating in the blog hop.

I had to abandon the original design. Here is the new design.

Funky Snowman

My question this Studio Saturday is:

"If you could have one bead artist fill up your stocking, who would you pick?"

Leave your answer to the question on ArtBeadScene.com and you could win

Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry by Helen Harle

Thanks to Heather for this giveaway. I want to win it!

Have a wonderful holiday

may you have peace within.

Repost-How to Make Decorative Ornament Hooks

2010-12-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

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.

Art Bead Scene Ornament Blog Hop

2010-12-05T18:19:00.002-05:00

May you have peace in your life.

Not asking for world peace, just peace in your life or within yourself. Enough to make your piece of the world livable in rough times. It's pretty rough for many.

I've had this design in my head since last year. It just never made it's way out.

This was going to be my ornament of the the year. I have been making ornaments every Christmas for many years.

Every mold for buttons, pendants or ornaments have their own quirks you deal with when you are making your art.

Why do you make molds? Well, for consistency Virginia. Plus it makes my life easier.

This particular mold was making my life miserable. It was taking way too long to produce one ornament. Frankly, I have way to many I need to make with a looming deadline.

I needed a little peace in my life on this one...find your happy place and breath.

I came up with another design after my husband had to say "you did this to yourself." Well yeah. Design yourself in a corner and see if you can get out. I really cornered myself on this one. I wasn't feeling the love on the second design. My son came up with an idea and I took it from there. I was feeling the love on the third design. Now if I can just produce enough because that deadline didn't quit looming just because my mold was messed up.

I will show you the new design Christmas Day here and at Art Bead Scene.

My turn for Studio Saturday on Christmas Day.

I am happy how the only Peace ornament turned.

Peace out

Thanks for visiting.

Hop over to see what everyone else made.

The blog hop participants:

Art Bead Scene

Creative Impressions in Clay ~ You are here.

Diva Designs

Elysian Studios

Fab Fibers

For the Love of Beads

Humblebeads

Island Girl's Insights

Jangles

Jeannie's Blog

Lampwork Diva/Cindy Gimbrone

Mary Harding

Michelle Mach

Spirit Rattles

Wondrous Strange Designs

Wednesday begins Art Bead Scene's 12 Days of Christmas - we'll have 12 free projects from our editors from now until December 24th. Just our way of saying thanks for another great year at the ABS!

Cyber Monday Sale @ claybuttons.etsy.com

2010-11-28T22:44:00.001-05:00

Wicked Ruby Slipper & Stockings Earrings $40.

Tomorrow is Cyber Monday! Use code HOL25 in my Etsy Store and receive 25%!

If there are items on my website that are not in the Etsy store, please email me for availability. Same discount applies.

Thanks for buying Handmade!

Happy Cyber Monday

Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sales

2010-11-24T15:55:00.001-05:00

I can not tell you how thankful I am for each and every one of you who stop by and read the Art Beads Scene. Our community is amazing - brimming with inspiration, friendship and creativity, and you make it happen! So with gratefulness for your support, our Art Bead Scene contributors are sharing some special promotions with you today.

While you are eating another piece of pumpkin pie and letting someone else wash the dishes, treat yourself to a little stress free holiday shopping this weekend.

Join us tomorrow for a round up of creative packaging ideas for the holidays!

The sales will last Thursday through Monday unless otherwise noted below.

Feel free to share your shop link and Thanksgiving weekend special in the comment section below.

Humblebeads

Free shipping +

Free snowman bead for the first 10 customers with orders over $50.

Free limited edition willow charm for all other orders over $25.

http://www.humblebeads.etsy.com/

Cindy Gimbrone

All Art Nouveau Style pendants and connectors are on sale at 40% off for clearance. www.cindygimbronebeads.com/artnouveau.html

Jangles

Both of Jennifer's Etsy shops will have 20% off Thursday through Sunday. The coupon code is Jangles20

http://www.jangles.etsy.com/

http://www.janglesemporium.etsy.com/

Creative Impressions in Clay

25% off Etsy code-HOL25. Friday thru Monday.
Adding new items soon.

www.claybuttons.etsy.com

Tesori Trovati

Wed 11/24-Tue 11/30:

GIVINGTHANKS2010 = 20% off anything + free shipping in the US

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tesoritrovati

Earthenwood Studio

25% off both shops, same code: HOLIDAYSALE2010

http://www.earthenwoodstudio.com/

http://www.earthenwood.etsy.com/

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

2010-10-30T07:52:00.000-04:00

This weeks winner is Linda Landig. Congratulations!

You have won a a pendant 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.

Happy Halloween! It's so much fun to decorate for Halloween. I wanted to make something fun for Studio Saturday that I decorate my ears. I never seem to get around to making new designs unless I'm forced. Why not the iconic striped stocking and ruby red slippers? I love the "Wizard of Oz!" I have a T-Shirt with the same imagery on it and thought it would make terrific earrings. I formed both of these by hand, cleaned them up, put on the underglaze, fired, put on the clear glaze and fired again. I used Sparkly Mod Podge as the glue and sealant for the glitter. It would be sparkly on the entire shoe.

I have other plans to make lots of the legs for a necklace which I think would be hilarious. I am hoping my attempt to make a 2 part mold will be successful.

I also made these cigar/monster rice shaped dangler beads with the intention of making a necklace. Well, I didn't have time since I fired them too late. I have a pseudo design dancing around in my head. If that doesn't work out then earrings. I keep thinking Beetlejuice, which is such a great movie.

For Halloween, my question is:

What was your best Costume? If you didn't have one what would be your best costume?

Leave me a comment at Art Bead Scene and you could win a pair of Candy Corn earrings! TREAT!!

Art Beads at Lima Beads

2010-10-08T11:33:00.001-04:00

Lima Beads just got juicier with a line of art beads from some of your favorite beadmakers! They recently added Humblebeads, Jangles and C-Koop to their collection. You'll also find a large selection of pewter beads and clasps from Green Girl Studios. They will be adding more beads and artists soon, so be sure to sign up for their newsletter for the latest scoop.

I love the Fresh Picks from Lima Beads customers, they are so inspiring and a fun way to shop!

The top pick was created by Wishing Stone and this one by Sunny Chick.

Create a Fresh Pick and leave a link in the comments at Art Bead Scene. Heather will draw one random winner next Friday to receive a grab bag of beads from Humblebeads, Green Girl Studios, C-Koop and Jangles!

Use discount code LOCK20 for the coupon above.

A Wool Gathering

2010-09-14T12:42:00.000-04:00

A Wool Gathering :: Yellow Springs, Ohio

September 18 & 19, 2010

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Young's Jersey Dairy

6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd

Yellow Springs, OH

I am getting ready for the Wool Festival this weekend. I have been taking a sabbatical from shows. This is the only event I have done the past two years. Actually, I think I have been a vendor for 5 years. The show circuit can be grueling and take a toll on you, which is why I have taken a break except for this show.

The Wool festival is family oriented, the people are wonderful and it's just plain fun. Besides, it's a great place to spend a weekend and bring the kids.

My daughter has learned to needlefelt and brings her friends with her every year.

I love the alpacas. We would have every animal that is sold at the festival if I let my daughter.

You can see and pet nearly every animal that produces a product for yarn.

There are great buttons too!

I am outside in the same spot on the corner. Look for the childrens music tent. I'm in that row.

Stop by and say Hi! The weather is going to be beautiful.

Don't forget about the ICE CREAM! Youngs Dairy makes great ice cream.

See you this weekend!!

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

2010-09-11T10:02:00.000-04:00

This weeks winner is Paige Maxim. Congratulations!

You have won a a pendant 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.

I have lots of cans lying around since I made a fish with recycled cans for the scales.

I have a show next weekend and I have been trying to come up with a jewelry item using the cans. Above is one of my ideas for using the aluminum cans. I cut disks out with a large paper punch, put 2 together with eyelets that are used for scrapbooking. Michaels was clearancing a wire spiral maker doohickey by Beadalon, which worked well for this application.

Paula Radke dichroic beads were used as a drop for the earrings.

My Question this week is:

What would you do different if you were brainstorming jewelry incorporating a recycled material?

Use less, add more? Different material?

Leave a comment on Art Bead Scene's Blog and you could win 2 small puzzle piece buttons.

Have a great beginning of Fall Weekend!

Studio Saturday at Art Bead Scene

2010-07-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

This weeks winner is Shannon Westmeyer of After Hours Art Glass. Congratulations!

You have won a Flower Pendant with Sari Ribbon 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.

Oscar the Fish!

In a previous Studio Saturday early in the year, I was telling you I wanted to paint. Mixed media it is! Above is the fish I created in Michigan while staying with my friend Margaret. We were in Lake Leelanau for a week. It is such a beautiful place, right on the lake. Margaret is such a great person and fellow artist. She and I taught together for a couple of years in Cincinnati.

When traveling I am always looking for new inspirations. Strolling through the shops and galleries in Sutton's Bay we came across these fantastic fish by Jesse Hickman decorated with all sorts of items. Of course we both look at each and say "we can make those!"

So to go with the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose" theme, my son keeps pounding in us, comes the fish. Oscar here is made from a picnic table board that was being replaced. The idea of using soda cans came to me as I was falling asleep one night. After the tops and bottoms are cut off the cans you can cut the aluminum easily into strips. From there into scales. I used very small nails to attach them to the board. That had it's own difficulties being so small and after so many your hand begins to cramp.

Scales

Say Cheese!

Oscar's teeth are made with nails. Interesting dilemma, you can't get a drill in a small space and have it drive in straight. Cool crooked teeth!

Birdhouse

This is my newest project, decorative birdhouse. It's not really made to go outside. The roof has soda can shingles. The siding is made from paper beads/tubes. The ValPak coupons are the perfect length, only a little bit of trimming after you roll them. I glued my charms on it and dangled pewter bird charms from them. Feet are beads, a couple coats of varnish and voila!

With kids and a husband at home for the summer these projects could be picked up and put down through out the day. I didn't have to worry about clay drying out. It's been busy this summer visiting college campuses with my son. I have to keep my hands busy.

My question is:

Is there a summer project you have been working on?

Tried something new?

Have something you would love to try?

Leave a comment on Art Bead Scene's Blog and you could win a LUV2TRVL button for all of your adventures this summer!

Happy Traveling and enjoy the summer!

School definitely needs to start soon!

Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2010-07-02T11:09:00.002-04:00

Alexander Calder :: Blue Feather, c. 1948

Sheet metal, wire, and paint

42" x 55" x 18"

Calder Foundation, New York (calder.org)

About the Artist

"Alexander Calder (1898-1976), whose illustrious career spanned much of the 20th century, is the most acclaimed and influential sculptor of our time. Born in a family of celebrated, though more classically trained artists, Calder utilized his innovative genius to profoundly change the course of modern art. He began by developing a new method of sculpting: by bending and twisting wire, he essentially "drew" three-dimensional figures in space. He is renowned for the invention of the mobile, whose suspended, abstract elements move and balance in changing harmony. Calder also devoted himself to making outdoor sculpture on a grand scale from bolted sheet steel. Today, these stately titans grace public plazas in cities throughout the world."

About the Sculpture

"The shapes in Blue Feather have been so abstracted that, instead of literally depicting a bird, the piece suggests natural concepts such as floating, soaring wind, wings, feathers, clouds. Blue Feather combines Calder's two most important inventions — the mobile and the stabile. The interconnected lines and positive shapes in the piece interact with the negative spaces around them. The upper portion of the sculpture moves, causing the work to change from minute to minute.
— "Flying Sculptures" Scholastic Art"

The Prizes:

Winners will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on August 1st.

Our sponsors this month are sponsors: Creative Impressions In Clay, Lyn Foley and Design Diva please visit us Monday to see the prizes!

Featured Designer of the Week:

From all the entries during the month, an editor is going to pick their favorite design to be featured every Monday here on the ABS. We want to give our participants more time in the spotlight! Our Featured Designer will be this Monday, so get those entries in soon.

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:

1. Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.

***Beads by themselves and beads simply strung on a chain or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a tutorial for sending your picture to the group.

Please add the tag or title JULYABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is April 30th. Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

What is an Art Bead?
An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. You can read more about art beads here.

***A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads.
Beaded beads, stamped metal pendants or wire-wrapped components are not considered art beads for our challenge.***

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.

What's on Your Plate?

2010-06-11T12:47:00.000-04:00

Just for fun, I thought I'd ask what's on your plate! This goes with my Studio Saturday post of getting your Kicks on Route 66 and motoring down the highway. Since there are so many who are traveling to the Bead and Button show. Above is what's on my plate. One of them. I tried to get ARTIST but it was already taken.

Here's what's on my plate also. May as well be cre8tive if you're gonna drive. I used to not like "vain plates" but I now find them entertaining. Translating them as you are driving is so much fun. I'm far better at it than my husband. I'm his interpreter.

Let me know...What's on Your Plate! Literally or figuratively. Or the best plates you have seen.

We are...

My husband is a High School teacher. Guess what subject? Have a great time plate watching!

Studio Saturday Get Your Kicks with Creative Impressions In Clay

2010-06-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Studio Saturday on Art Bead Scene! 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 Melissa Meman. Congratulations!

You have won a Birdhouse Pendant 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

Love to Travel? Tis the season. I was asked to design a collection of 4 buttons for a client. The theme is Travel for this line of clothing. I love that I get to come up with my own designs. The only design specified was the Route 66 button. Brainstorming is the fun part. What do you associate with travel? Of course those ideas need to translate into a 1" to 1.25" format. Minute detail usually doesn't work.

Thinking I had been so original with the license plate idea, I did a web search...of course this existed already and you could buy LUV 2 TRVL as a door mat for your RV. Oh well, I liked it anyway.

Sending mail or postcards is also associated with travel. Being an internet junkie, I did a web search for stamps. Traveling in a car is how my family goes on vacation, this stamp killed 2 birds with one stone, a car on a stamp. Besides, I thought it was a cool graphic.

You have to put your clothes in something, so of course we needed a suitcase. The old type with travel stickers on them worked out great. Putting details on the tiny stickers did not, so we opted for blocks of color.

This is the group I managed to get glazed and shipped. Not quite half of the order. I managed to not do so well with my deadline. I used to live and die by deadlines in the corporate world! But something happened on the way to the forum...I messed up when I poured the mold. Yes, I still use plaster, my mistake. If you pour plaster too wet over dry clay prototypes, let's just say it's bad. The shoulda, coulda, woulda's were abundant after this! I managed to clean up and salvage 3 of the design molds. Fixing molds isn't really that much fun and time consuming to boot. I had to carve another license prototype. It turned out better than the first one, so BONUS on that one.

I have 60 more buttons to finish glazing, fire and overnight by Monday. Guess what I'm doing this weekend? This is reeking havoc on my back, elbows and hands. Sitting for hours with my elbows bent holding and painting little pieces of clay is painful. I'm tense because of missing a deadline and knowing I have to have these finished. A personal masseuse would be nice right about now. Calgon take me away or is it Robert Mondavi take me away. Someone, anyone...relaxing in Michigan by a lake for a week will have to do in 8 days. But who's counting.

My question this week is:

What is the worst mistake you have made on a project?

This type of question is always fun because we have all made mistakes when we are working. Working on a deadline makes it even worse.

Leave a comment on Art Bead Scene and you could "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" with one of my Route 66 buttons. How cool would that be on your travel tote?!

Mothers Day-Ziplining!

2010-05-09T21:44:00.001-04:00

My Mothers Day gift from my daughter Kristen was to go Ziplining. It turned out to be a beautiful day. We had such a great time. What a fantastic Mothers Day gift!

I hope your Mothers Day was equally as fun as mine!

http://www.ozonezips.org/

Art Bead Scene May Monthly Challenge

2010-05-04T17:33:00.003-04:00

The Juggler (Le jongleur) 1943

Oil on canvas. 110.5 x 78.7 cm. The Art Institute of Chicago.

About the Artist

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was a Russian-Jewish painter of the 20th Century and one of the best known representatives of the Russian Avant-Garde in the West. Chagall painted in a style all his own, combining elements of Expressionism, Symbolism, Cubism and, to a lesser degree, other Modernist art movements. A prolific and multi-faceted artist, Chagall left behind him thousands of works in many different techniques and media that have established him as one of the foremost artists of the 20th Century.

About the Painting

"The Juggler is a major picture of American war years. A very serious and mystical painting in the full sense of the word, it is filled with a personal mythology which avoids any literary symbolism. The signs are esoteric and ambiguous; they seem to suggest something real and then shift to the unreal, yet they are readable as an allegory of a personal confession."

The Prizes:

Winners will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on June 1st.

Our sponsors this month are sponsors: ExpeditionD, Heather Wynn and Off Center Productions, please visit Art Bead Scene tomorrow to see the prizes!

Featured Designer of the Week:

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:

***Beads by themselves and beads simply strung on a chain or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a tutorial for sending your picture to the group.

Please add the tag or title MAYABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is May 31st. Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.

This Week

2010-05-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a week. My son tripped at our soccer game last Thursday and injured his wrist. We spent several hours at Children's Hospital waiting for the Radiologist to read the X-rays.

Thursday we went back to see the Orthopedist at Children's. A long wait just to get in a room, let alone get another X-ray. Several hours later we left to get an MRI.

The X-ray showed a fracture but he wasn't experiencing pain on the bone that had the supposed fracture. Pain was on the opposite side of the wrist. Getting an MRI would settle the debate as to whether he had a fracture. Hours later the result was there was no fracture. But where he was having pain on the opposite side there was a bone bruise. That shows up really well on an MRI. The tech let us look. My technical son had to see what the result of laying in an awkward position for very long time in a VERY loud MRI machine. Amazing what it shows. This was my entire day.

The beginning of my week consisted of carving 4 new prototypes of 4 new button designs for a wholesale client. Now I need to make a mold and samples.

Soccer practice this week also for this coach, who is happy that her main defensive player can play in the game today! Yeah for MRI's!

Art Bead Scene Sponsor Spotlight

2010-04-30T13:24:00.000-04:00

Mamacita Beadworks

D'Arsie Manzella of Mamacita Beadworks makes buttons and beads from lead-free pewter. All of her beads and buttons are sculpted and cast by hand. Buttons are versatile for so many different items.

Creative Impressions In Clay

The above buttons are from Tari Sasser's Graphic Collection of buttons. Most buttons can be glazed in any color you can imagine. Receiving yarn and fabric from all over the country, Tari matches buttons for her customers. Imagine...buttons.

D'Arsie and Tari both make other items. I like to take the opportunity to show buttons whenever I get a chance.

Studio Saturday-The Big 5-0

2010-04-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

You have won a woodland 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

This is my birthday weekend. I turn the big 5-0 on Sunday! Plus I am having a party tonight.

I am excited to entertain again and I have lived to see 50. If I live as long as my Great Grandmother, I've got another 49 years. I'm on my way to the second half of life.

Above is a design that has been hanging around my studio for a couple years. My original intention was to create a ceramic button that looked like resin. This is round 3 or so of testing glazes. I still don't have it right. So will continue testing. Or I may ditch the design all together. I'm not sure I like it anymore.

My question this week is:

What was the best or worst birthday for you?

Leave a comment at Art Bead Scene and you could win the necklace shown above.

I'm off to see the wizard about my birthday!

Prizes for Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge

2010-04-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

This month we'll have one lucky winner for the Art Bead Scene's Monthly Challenge.

Tari Sasser of Creative Impressions In Clay has donated a pendant (1 7/8" x 1 1/2") with 3 charms dangling from the bottom. Tari's Fun, Funky & Functional buttons are made with a low fire white clay and brightly colored underglazes.

Visit Tari at her website, blog, etsy, twitter and Facebook.

D'Arsie Manzella of Mamacita Beadworks has donated the beautiful Pewter pendants, button and beads for this months challenge. D'Arsie creates her wonderful components out of lead free pewter with much love and care.

Visit D'Arsie on her website, etsy and Facebook.

Get your Art Beads, Art Buttons, Art Charms or Art Pendants out, start creating and enter this months challenge!

Submit photos of your wonderful creations using one or more Art Beads.

"Insula Dulcamara" painting by Paul Klee has many different elements that can be used for inspiration, bold black lines, soft hues of brown, green and blue, red dots or leaves.

We can't wait to see where your creativity takes you with the painting for this months challenge!

April Monthly Challenge at Art Bead Scene

2010-04-05T10:52:00.002-04:00

Insula Dulcamara by Paul Klee, 1938

31 1/2 x 69 in

Oil on newsprint, mounted on burlap
Klee Foundation, Bern, Switzerland

About the Painting

"Insula Dulcamara is the largest of Klee’s finished paintings. Its original title was "Insel der Kalypso" [Isle of Calypso]. Delicate colours, reminiscent of blooming plants, contrast with hard black lines; open, dynamic shapes with closed, static ones. As a base, Klee used printed newspaper mounted on burlap; he painted it with oil paints and coloured paste.

The symbols are taken from an elementary vocabulary of form and can be read in different ways. A line running from left to right in the top half of the picture is reminiscent of a serpent, the shape to its right looks like a piece of Arabic calligraphy. In the middle, a sallow face may be seen, which Klee returned to in his painting "Tod und Feuer", 1940, 332 [Death and fire], in the last year of his life.

The original title of the painting refers to the initial image from Greek mythology – Odysseus’s sojourn on the isle of the nymph Calypso. While working on it, Klee broadened the subject to make a more open statement. The title "Insula dulcamara" awakens exotic associations, but at the same time it points out the opposites of sweet (Lat.: dulcis) and bitter (Lat.: amarus). He probably first refers to medicinal plants: "Solanum dulcamara" is the Latin name for the highly poisonous solanaceous herb »bittersweet«, which was used for healing due to its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties. It is used to treat rheumatism, and helped ease Klee’s scleroderma. The scarlet fruits and small brown leaves dispersed about the painting are direct references to ripe "Solanum dulcamara"."

About the Artist
"A Swiss-born painter and graphic artist whose personal, often gently humorous works are replete with allusions to dreams, music, and poetry, Paul Klee, b. Dec. 18, 1879, d. June 29, 1940, is difficult to classify.

Primitive art, surrealism, cubism, and children's art all seem blended into his small-scale, delicate paintings, watercolors, and drawings. Klee grew up in a musical family and was himself a violinist. After much hesitation he chose to study art, not music, and he attended the Munich Academy in 1900.

Klee often incorporated letters and numerals into his paintings. These, part of Klee's complex language of symbols and signs, are drawn from the unconscious and used to obtain a poetic amalgam of abstraction and reality. He wrote that "Art does not reproduce the visible, it makes visible," and he pursued this goal in a wide range of media using an amazingly inventive battery of techniques. Line and color predominate with Klee, but he also produced series of works that explore mosaic and other effects.

Klee taught at the BAUHAUS school after World War I, where his friend Kandinsky was also a faculty member. In Pedagogical Sketchbook (1925), one of his several important essays on art theory, Klee tried to define and analyze the primary visual elements and the ways in which they could be applied. In 1931 he began teaching at Dusseldorf Academy, but he was dismissed by the Nazis, who termed his work "degenerate." In 1933, Klee went to Switzerland. There he came down with the crippling collagen disease scleroderma, which forced him to develop a simpler style and eventually killed him. The late works, characterized by heavy black lines, are often reflections on death and war, but his last painting, Still Life (1940; Felix Klee collection, Bern), is a serene summation of his life's concerns as a creator."

Your entry this month can be influenced by the colors, pattern or whatever you choose to focus on for your creation. Just remember to include at least one art bead in your design.

The Prizes:

Winners will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on May 1st.

Our sponsors this month are sponsors: Creative Impressions In Clay and Mamacita Beadworks please visit us Monday to see the prizes!

Featured Designer of the Week:

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:

***Beads by themselves and beads simply strung on a chain or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a tutorial for sending your picture to the group.

Please add the tag or title APRILABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is April 30th. Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

***A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads.

Beaded beads, stamped metal pendants or wire-wrapped compoments are not considered art beads for our challenge.***

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.

Enter Art Bead Scene's Monthly Challenge

2010-03-11T08:26:00.002-05:00

Almond Branch by Vincent Van Gogh

Every month Art Bead Scene has a monthly challenge. A piece of artwork is provided as "inspiration." You create a beautiful piece using an Art Bead. This challenge is not just for jewelry maker. You can participate if you are a collage artist, fiber artist, creative type of person using different mediums to express yourself, just include an art bead.

ABS has great sponsors every month. For those who enter winners are randomly picked to win prizes our sponsors donate. How cool is that? You could win a prize just doing what you do being creative!

This is a branch from my Flora&Fauna Collection. It would look fantastic incorporated into something wonderful...necklace, collage, painting or felted object. Imagination and creativity are a wonderful thing.

Heather from Humblebeads creates these beautiful Lentil beads that reflect the color of the paintings background and movement of the branches.

Cindy Gimbrone makes these wonderful glass links in her torch. The color of the links represent the dark and light colors of the Almond Blossoms.

Jennifer of Jangles creates her new Flowers with Vine and Leaves which would represent flower and leaves in the painting.

Lynn Davis of Expedition D creates these lovely vintage inspired pendants, charms and findings. She has flower imagery in this piece that reflects the flowers in the painting.

Lorelei Eurto created this beautiful necklace with all the elements of the painting represented. Pink buds on the green ribbon, more green of the leaves represented in the glass links, the brown colors of the branches is in the bronze chain, and beads.
Lorelei's Post about this months challenge.

Your interpretation of the inspirational painting is just that, your interpretation. Take your inspiration from any or all elements. Then create, create, create.
Who knows you could win a prize or better yet be the featured designer on a Monday!

Studio Saturday at Artbeadscene

2010-03-06T12:59:00.001-05:00

You have won a pair of Toad Stool charms 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.

Well it used to look like a studio. Now it could be declared a disaster area.

I can get to my desk and my computer. There is a path, sorta. Yes, it's embarassing but I have to take on the attitude of my coffee mug above so I can get done what little is possible, when you have a mess like this. Blinders are on until you have time to deal with it.

The culprit for the standstill is the blue shelf on the left. I measured the shelf and the space and it still won't fit. I guess it helps if you measure the correct spot the includes the countertop. I am determined it will fit. You can see I took a hammer to it but the front lip still won't it fit. I am determined, I will win. The photo on the right is where my little photo booth lives. Now there is loads of stuff piled on it.

I had intended to show a new design today but, I can't find it. Wonder why?

The left side and right side of the studio with a path. You can't move forward till one thing is moved so the next item can be moved and so on. The first thing to be moved it the shelf and it's stuck. I have been living like this for about a month. The good thing or bad (whichever way you look at it) I don't have a lot of orders currently. The time is now available, until the next child needs something and I have to stop. Working at home is both a blessing and a curse. They all think because you are home you are available all the time.

My actual working space where I glaze has shrank significantly. It's the shift and the shuffle when you are working to complete a project.

Piles and stacks are everywhere. I think it's time to ditch the old computer so I can use the space.
Hope no one tries to fax, it's buried in the corner.
Now that I've aired my dirty laundry...studio, I should probably try to start moving, condensing, rearranging and cleaning my studio.
Give us dirty laundry, sing it Don!
When I am finished, I am going to have a studio sale.

My question this week is:

How bad is your clutter? Or working space.

Leave a comment at Art Bead Scenes blog and you could win the 4 buttons pictured. Because I could find them!

Studio Saturday at Artbeadscene

2010-01-23T11:27:00.001-05:00

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

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 Sharon Driscoll of Right Turn ArtWerks. Congratulations!

You have won one of Jangles Heart Pendants from the studio of Jennifer Heynen.

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

I can't believe it's almost the end of January! There are so many things I have wanted to do to start the beginning of the year. Mainly get organized and clean my studio. Instead I have been stuck working other things like taxes. Such an arduous task and one I dislike tremendously but the government wants their cut.
My goal since last year has been to start painting again. I miss taking the time and doing something I don't have to do, but want to do. Somehow doing the dishes, picking up the house, cleaning my studio and in general taking care of a family, doesn't quite fill that void. We artists are funny that way. I need to stretch myself creatively.
One of the good things about being a part of Art Bead Scene and Studio Saturday's is that I make myself do things I generally don't make time for in my schedule. I have had blank bags in my studio for quite a while. It was time to paint. Last night I painted this little bag. OK, scheduling is not my forte. Showing something new was important to me so I stayed up to work on the bag. I found myself remembering painting class in school. The technique I wanted to achieve was always something loose. Of course painting loose eluded me. Leslie, my prof, told me "it's harder to paint loose than tight." For me that was correct. My training was graphic arts the first time around art school. Painting realism was what was asked of us.
The bag is my beginning of the new year. I'm not quite happy with the results so far but it's a start.

I am going to paint this year. It could me furniture, bags maybe even a canvas but I'm going to paint.

I found myself last night as I was drifting off to sleep seeing paint strokes...nice.

My question this week is:

Where do you get your ideas or like to create/design?

I see ideas in my head as I am trying to sleep or sometimes in my dreams.

Life is short Create!

Leave me a comment at Art Bead Scene Blog and you could win a set of Bead Buttons shown above.
Winner will be chosen randomly.

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

2009-12-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

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!

Simple Silver Earrings

2009-12-17T10:56:00.001-05:00

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.

How to Make Decorative Ornament Hooks

2009-12-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

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.