Studio Saturday with Cindy Gimbrone

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.

The winner this week is Pips! - Congratulations, you have won a copy of Chain and Bead Jewelry! . Email Lynn with your address, and she will send the book out to you.

Welcome to the studio of Cindy Gimbrone!

In the studio, I've usually got several projects going on at the same time. This week is no different. I have categories of projects, learning, reviewing, planning, and in-progress.

The learning project this week is working with 26 gauge wire and a crochet hook. I want to crochet wire and not just chains but crochet wire beads. Learning is about practice, practice, practice but we often we don't mention the frustration, frustration, frustration that comes along with learning a new skill so I work on until I get frustrated. Each time I'm a little better than the last but it's still a messy tangle of wire!

Frustration usually leads me to re-reading or reading and reviewing a new book. This week, it's Hot Connections Jewelry by Jennifer Chin. Reviewing books refreshes me and inspires me to return to my projects.

Since I'm reading a book on metal techniques, it's put me back in the mood to do one of my planning projects. I've had some bracelet blanks sitting on my work table for awhile. They've been staring at me for a couple of weeks. I was struck with inspiration yesterday and started to plan out a necklace. Which means this project has moved into the "in-progress" stage and that's where you've found me today in my Studio. Take a look over my shoulder:

I've planned my design, measured the metal blanks and lined up my stamps. So I've given you a feel for the workflow in my studio. Before I get back to work, I'd like to  hear from you:

What is your workflow like in your studio?  Do you start a project and finish it to the end or do you have a couple of projects laid out and move from one to another?

Leave me a comment and you'll be entered to win one of the stamped metal pendants I'm working on. I look forward to reading your comments!

Studio Saturday with Humblebeads

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 ArtZHodgePodge. Congratulations!

You have won a healthy helping of Bead Soup from Lori Anderson! Send Lori an e-mail with your address and she'll send out your yummy collection of beads.

And now it's time to join me in the Humblebeads Studio:

I was away from my studio for awhile after the Bead & Button show, enjoying a much needed vacation.  These were the last things from my crazy bead making frenzy the week or so before the show - cuff bracelet connectors.  This is the Garden series.  I also created a Willow series and a few Sea cuffs that will be available next week. 

These whip up so quickly and wear so well. You can wire-wrap these or use large jump rings to attach them to a chain or beads.


To ease back into creating after the post-travel funk, I've joined in the Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge.  I've finished 4 pieces so far and then decided umm, let's try more pendants and chain so I can have 12 pieces done by Monday. 

12 pieces in a week may seem like a lot, but I see that some of you have risen to the challenge and finished already!  Even if you start today, if you make 4 pieces a day you could finish by Monday night. 

That's something I do when I set big goals for myself - like writing a book or preparing for a national Bead Show or creating 12 pieces in a week -  I break the goal down into actionable steps to complete each day or within an allotted time frame.  Grand goals can be completely overwhelming, Like getting ready for Bead & Button, I created over 800 beads in 8 weeks.  That seems crazy, but I broke it down to 100 beads a week - then down to 20 beads for 5 days a week - way more doable than creating 800 beads!

My tips for meeting your goals:

1. Create a goal, write it down and give yourself a deadline.

It's not a goal if it doesn't have a deadline and writing it down has all sorts of scary, life-affirming power when it comes to reaching for something you really want.

2. Break your goal down into it's smallest tasks - no matter how small a step, write it down and give it a deadline. 

Using a wall calendar or dry erase board, write down your steps on the dates you will work on them and then get rid excuses and fears and focus on that task for each day.  Even if you can only devote 15 minutes to your goals, you'll be surprised what working consistently on a project will result in over a weeks.

3. Plan a reward for when you meet your goal - maybe it's a day at the beach or a shopping trip. 

Whatever will motivate you, promise yourself that treat when you meet your goal.

4. Stay accountable.

Share your goal with someone who will keep you on track or if you don't have that support system share your journey on your blog.  Having your peers encourage you and not wanting to let them down can be a great motivator.
What is a goal you are currently working on or would like to start working toward? 
For me, it's my next book proposal.  No goal is too small or too big - we are all on our own path and have different needs for our jewelry businesses and hobbies.  Share it with me in the comments below and one random winner will be drawn to win one of my new cuff connectors. 

Studio Saturday with 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 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 answering the question and you could win the 2 Rose Buttons and Bird Button.

Feeling Sassy as usual!
Tari Sasser
Creative Impressions In Clay

The Studio of Cindy Gimbrone: Friends and Allies

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.

The winner this week is Cynthia - Congratulations, you have won one of Lynn's lovely flower baskets. Email Lynn with your address, and she will send those out to you.

Welcome to the studio of Cindy Gimbrone!

If you read Studio Saturday regularly, you'll remember I had a big home office/jewelry studio clean out a month or so ago that got my creative wheels turning. I work in a couple of different mediums creating beads because each medium allows me to do something different.

One of the things I wanted to do but couldn't achieve very well in glass is using printed words.  I love the idea of walking around with jewelry that shows the world what you think and who you are in printed words. There are lots of talented bead/jewelry artists out there putting words on pendants and beads. But since we're all individuals, I didn't see any of the words or phrases that expressed how I felt. So that sent me to the bead table to create beads with my own phrases.

One word resonating with me lately is, ally. By impressing parts of the definition of ally, I hit at the heart of the meaning for me....

...an ally supports and loves you. An ally is a friend, a partner, a spouse, a family member, those who love and support you. Unconditionally. We all need someone like that in our lives, don't we?

I kept humming this classic song from the Beatles, "A Little Help from My Friends"  when I was making this new series of Word Beads...

Who is your friend and ally? Share with me and you'll be entered to win one of my new Ally Beads!

Studio Saturday with Missficklemedia

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 Shirley! Congratulations! You have won a  Sassy pendant from Tari of Creative Impressions in Clay. 

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

This week we visit the studio of Shannon LeVart at 
Missficklemedia.com.

 So today is the 9th of April. I have been both dreading and looking forward to this day. Today we will be closing missficklemedia and placing the shop in vacation mode for up to 10 days. I have only closed the store twice since I first started my little shop in 2006 and both times were emergencies due to health issues. This time it is not an emergency, but it is necessary as we make our way down to Florida from Missouri for a 1,200 mile trek to our new shindig located in Satellite Beach!  This is a dream turned reality for my family and we are looking forward to a calmer, healthier way of life, living coastal.

 
 This move represents a major accomplishment and marks a period of overcoming in our lives. With so many obstacles to hurdle and uncertainties to bear, we are determined to move forward with our eyes fixed to the horizon, where sky meets sea.

While Mike fulfills his dream of diving and the kiddos enjoy their new pool, I will be constructing new items inspired by the sea, like these new Benthic Bowls;

  A tiny, copper ring dish, formed into the shape of a shell, treated with a combination of blue and green patinas for an ancient appearance. I would love to share one with one of you! In order to get your name in the drawing for one of these ring dishes next Saturday, please answer this question;

What would you do if you could not fail?

Robert H. Schuller

Robert is a big influence in my life. He tells us;

“High achievers spot rich opportunities swiftly, make big decisions quickly and move into action immediately. Follow these principles and you can make your dreams come true.”

 

I know, this is heavy. You just want an art bead for Pete's sake!  But just give it a few minutes and let me know in comments, what would you do if you could not fail?

Much Love & Respect,

Shannon LeVart

missficklemedia.com

Studio Saturday with 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 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 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 - Humblebeads

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 Staci Louise! You have won simple truths pendant from Erin Prais-Hintz! Email Erin to claim your prize.

Welcome to the Humblebeads Studio today!

Butterflies & Brambles

Today I'm going to share a little challenge I set up for myself.

I was at Hobby Lobby last week and heard the bead siren call coming from this purple artistic wire.  It was so pretty in the spool. It was singing of spring and blossoms and well that was a tune I wanted to hear.

At first I envisioned creating some kind of wire nests with it.  But after a few tries, they looked like something that belonged in an Easter basket and not my vibe.  So I went back to the drawing table.  Determined that I would transform it into something 'humble-ly'. 

As you can see from the two photos my first order of business was to change the focal beads.  Eggs and light purple wire - the only song they sing are "Here comes Peter Cotton Tail, hopping..." Well, you get the picture.  So  I traded the nest pendant for one of my earthy butterflies pendants.

I then decided to create purple wire links that were joined with Vintaj brass colored wire.  Now they are playing my song.  So while I loved the wire on the spool, it was not my aesthetic once I tried to work it.  Combining it with components and elements that were more my style helped transform it into something I could actually wear.

Some of my new beads - yes, it is spring here in Texas. 

I'm hoping to spread some of the sunshine to those with snow still on the ground.

So my question for your today is what material have you fought with in your jewelry design and either won or lost?  (I might mention I used almost the whole spool of wire on my failed - I mean learning - attempts!)  Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win one of my Butterfly Pendants.

Happy Creating!

Studio Saturday with Lori Anderson

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 Carol of Dillman's Dallies! You have won a pair of  that awesome earring tree from Miss Fickle Media.  Please email Shannon with your address so she can ship that off to you.

And now we'll join Lori Anderson in her studio...

Today I'm going to give you a bit of a tour through my studio.  This might take a little bit, because I don't have ONE studio, but a lampwork studio, a work space, and an office.  All three handle distinctly different things, and I love them all for distinctly different reasons.

So grab a drink and a snack and settle in, why don't you?  

We'll start first with my work space -- the kitchen table.


(Click all the photos for a larger look).

I found a desk organizer from TJMaxx that is perfect for my tool caddy.  The drawer holds beading wire, files, and tools I use every day (I have a tool box, a large cookie jar, and a tray for the random tools that I use on occasion but still MUST have).  I use a self-healing cutting  mat and cover it with a Vellux beading pad (secured with clips) for my work surface.  I LOVE the blue mat because it has a ruler at the bottom.  Very handy.

To the left of the beading area is a wooden tray (a silverware tray from IKEA).  I keep a bunch of beading supplies in it that I need at hand for the day in this nifty little gadget.

Behind my chair is my bead cabinet, made by Collectors Cabinets.  LOVE this cabinet.  It holds a million beads so I'm not sure why there are a million and a half scattered all over my table, but... you know what it's like.

The top drawers hold a plastic tackle box easily with room at the front and sides for overage, and the bottom can hold either two tackle boxes or, as you can see by my system, a heck-ton of baggies.

I like working at my kitchen table for many reasons.  I can look outside through the double sliding doors (my lampwork studio is right in view), and since we have an open plan first floor, I can enjoy my family while I'm working on jewelry.  

Now on to the work horse of the Lori Anderson Designs operation -- the office.

Running a jewelry business is my full-time job.  I'm a single-person company, getting help only when my husband sets up and takes down my booth and tent at craft shows.  Most of the time, I'm sitting at this desk, writing blog articles, updating my web site, PhotoShopping pictures, writing invoices, entering receipts, organizing marketing plans, applying to shows, wrapping packages, etc. And etc.  And.... etc.

A quick tour.  On the left side : the pink metal lunch box holds pretty greeting cards as I like to send customers and colleagues snail mail from time to time.  Underneath, I store jewelry boxes (I'm running low, I see). A rack of file folders takes up the rest of the left side of the desk.  On the right side, on the printer, is my stack of marketing postcards and my Zentangle box.  Above the desk is my collection of Swarovski crystal snowflakes.

Next to the desk is my credenza filled with boring files and receipts, but it's topped with some interesting inspiration -- two very vintage typewriters.  I learned to type on a manual typewriter when I was eight and have been tested out on typing at a speed of 90-120 wpm. I started writing stories when I was six.  So when I look over at those typewriters, I get inspired.  I think, YES, even beyond making jewelry, there are other things I can do.

Next comes my photo staging area, which is relatively new since I put away my light tent and professional lamps.

I love this darned table.  Sometimes when I'm stumped or tired out or even sad, I can twirl around in my desk chair and just stare at this table. It's so full of STUFF!  

The shelf above holds a mix of modern and vintage -- a handmade doll by Vanessa Valencia, a pottery fish by a friend of mine in the craft show biz, a bottle collection, and an old camera.  On the table are old ledgers, fabric boxes, pieces of wood, another vintage typewriter (and next to it, a vintage tin toy typewriter), vases, bits and bobs, all things that I have bought, found, or been gifted that either will make a cool photo prop or just makes my studio feel pretty.  

Barely out of the picture in the bottom right, you can see my metal work table, where I can pound rivets and punch metal.  Cool table, inexpensively purchased at Harbor Freight (click here) for $28.  Expect to curse a little when putting it together, though, unless you were a bit more clever than either me or my husband!

I have a lot of beading books in my office bookcase, too. 

Now let's go outside to the lampwork studio!

The lampwork studio is very new (built last year) and I only torch a few months out of the year because I don't have enough hours in the day to keep up with making jewelry for the various shows and projects I have going on.  One day, that may change, but for now, it's where I run to when I need a zen moment.  There's nothing else you can think about when you're melting glass BUT the glass.  Start worrying about bills, the kids, or the number of cookies you ate before dinner, and you're liable to either burn yourself or your beads will rebel and look at you with reproachful eyes. ("Dear.  I know you can do better than THAT.")

Here's my studio being built.

I found an L-shaped desk (again, at IKEA) and I covered the top with ceramic tile to create a fire-proof surface.  Then, before the torch was even lit, the interior designer in me went to work.

There had to be a mural in one corner...

...and as you can see, the walls and part of the ceiling are painted in three different colors.  I added a chill-out space to relax and read up on how-to books and tutorials that I store in pretty boxes by the chair.  (What?  Doesn't every studio have a fake tree?).

My glass storage on my actual work bench is heavy-bottomed square glass vases from Pottery Barn.  For mass-glass storage, though, I needed something bigger, and one day, in an antique barn in Pennsylvania, I found it -- an old postal sorting bin made out of oak.  I BARELY got it to fit in the van, but after three men sweat and swore and shoved, we got it in with only a few splinters to show for it.  And it's perfect.

Those pink and purple curtains you see to the top right swing down and cover the whole shebang for dust protection, and also to cover the storage-of-stuff shelves that AREN'T pretty above the sorting bin.  That sorting bin?  It's five feet (at least) wide and four feet-ish tall.  Cooooool beans.

I hope you enjoyed your tour -- it was a long one, wasn't it?  But since my job is pretty much a 24/7 deal, I surround myself with pretty, interesting things no matter what room I happen to work in. I think it's important to find a way to make your space your own, whether it's a corner of the basement or a full-fledged studio space.  After all, the first thing a visitor to your realm will see is how it's decorated, and it should be a reflection of yourself.

Whether your studio is on your kitchen table or spread across your home, how have you made that space feel more creative?  Leave a comment for a chance to win this ceramic bird pendant by Spirited Earth. 

Now go out, create, and decorate!

Lori Anderson is a full-time jewelry designer residing in Maryland.  She writes the blog Pretty Things, and you can see her work at Lori Anderson Designs.

Studio Saturday with Cindy Gimbrone: Sometimes there are no words...

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.


Last week's winner is EB Bead and Metal Works! Congratulations! You have won hand cast metal cross from Lynn. Send an email to Lynn and she will send it right out to you.


Welcome to the Studio of Cindy Gimbrone!

Readers of my blog know my word for this year is, "do." So instead of avoiding actually sitting down to make something by surfing the web or any other number of avoidance tactics, I'm making in a big way.

My work table is cluttered with various projects in different media. It feels good to get my hands into beads, chain, polymer clay, stamping, painting, sculpting and just do.

One of the reasons I create is to express something I don't have the words to express. Yet according to business advice, it's really important to name your handmade work to entice others to buy it.

How to name a piece you've made because you have no words to express what made you make it in the first place?

I made this necklace with great deliberation, I created the lotus pod, took a shell slice from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Beads and strung it together using Vintaj findings. The small beads inside the pod represent the lotus seeds deliberately saved and strung on the necklace. I love the look/feel of the necklace but I can't seem to come up with any words to explain or capture what I was feeling when I made it or what it represents to  me. I know it represents something but can't express it.

I need a copywriter!

How do you come up with names and titles for your creations?

Leave your thoughts below and you'll be entered to win one (1) Wired Red Lotus Pod.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Studio Saturday - Humblebeads' Crazy Dreams

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.

The winner for last weeks offering of Golden Peridot Ginkgo Bundle by Miss Fickle Media is Cynthia!

Congratulations! Please email Shannon your address so she can ship that off to you.

It's the start of the New Year and that has me thinking about goals and all sorts of business type stuff. I'm also thinking about my creative space and more importantly a reduction of said creative space.  We in a transition here at the Humble Home and that includes me switching my studio into a smaller room.  And this has me thinking about working from home and the future of my business.

It started with Jennifer sharing her new studio space and then Kerry was sharing her beautiful space and a little seed of an idea was born. I want a real studio space. 

Well, more specifically I want a studio space/gallery where I can create, sell beads and jewelry and teach classes.  Would a space that sells just my beads fly?  I don't know?  Are there other bead galleries out there that are making it? 

I would love one day to have a little shop that sell art beads from artists around the world, an Art Bead Scene store.  But that would be many years in the making.  And I'm talking about this year, right now.  Can I do this?  Is this a crazy dream?  I like dreaming.  I like making my dreams come true even more.

So universe please listen and put things into motion so that when the time is right this space will be ready for me.  Thank you.

On a side note I started a new Flickr group to share photos of our bead tables each Wednesday.  You can read the details here.  Make plans to join me this week!

So tell me, what crazy, outrageous, pie-in-the-sky type of a dream do you have for 2011.  Be brave and share it with me!  You never know.  One lucky commenter will receive a teal bird to sing in the new year.

Studio Saturday with Shannon LeVart

graphic by golhart

  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.
  The winner for last weeks offering of Helen Harle's Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry is Imaginative Jewelry!
Congratulations! Please email Tari your address so she can ship that off to you.

 Now it's my turn to share a bit of my studio(s) with you! Here in the chaotic, confused, bumbling world of missficklemedia, there is occasionally something of value to share. I am happy the Studio Saturday I get to do is on this special day. I LOVE New Years! Love it Love it Love it! To me, and probably many others, a new year is embraced with all the hopeful expectancy of a child at Christmas. What is coming in this new year? What changes will I experience? What will I learn? Who will I help?  What challenges will I overcome and how will I grow as a person? And really, most importantly, what will I make? :)
 I am already working on acquiring the tools and materials for my next big project for 2011. But I can't share that yet, it's a secret. I did however promise myself that in addition to eating better for the next year I will use the supplies I already have in my possession. All the little odds-n-ends that have accumulated and piled up will be designed into jewelry, given away or sold.
 
  Less than perfect fine silver pendants are layered with copper bits, crystals and chain for inexpensive but lovely charm necklaces.

  Left over beads will be used for bangles and tassel necklaces.

Ceramic face bead by Gaea.

 And complimenting color combination's of patina-ted components, ceramic beads, free form stones and silk will be photographed and listed as de-stash bundles for the online shop.

Golden Peridot Ginkgo paired with macarrolls Metallic Ceramic Beads.

  Which brings us to the give-away for this Studio Saturday! What are you looking forward to in this New Year? What fresh hope does 2011 bring you? Please share with us in the comment section of this post and next Saturday your name will entered into a drawing for a chance to win this Golden Peridot Ginkgo Bundle.

 So here's to sloughing off the old and embracing the new! Raise your glass and give a CHEER! 2011 is here!
Have a Happy New Year from all of us here at Art Bead Scene Blog.

Much Love & Respect,
Shannon

missficklemedia.com