Pearls, Pearls, Pearls Blog Hop

Back at the beginning of June I wrote about a pearls blog challenge I’m participating in.  I love pearls so it was great motivation to work with them

This weekend I am participating in a craft show and am away until Wednesday.  I haven’t had a chance to edit the photos and have given in to exhaustion.

I will try to get everything done and posted tonight, or mid-week if I don’t succeed.  So think of this as a coming soon message.

Update: The real blog for the hop is now up.

We’re All Ears – June Challenge

This month’s inspiration photo was another unusual one, the nautilus inspired spiral walkway at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.  The walkway is sloped and gently guides visitors from one level to the next, visiting exhibits on the way.  

Here’s the photo:

Guggenheim Museum

And here is what I made, available online – Hoop Earrings with wire wrapped seed beads

I was fascinated by how the colours seemed to spiral into each other, with the brown spiral appearing black sometimes, and a brown red for the rest of the spirals.  This colour variation makes the white dominate the overall look.

I used seed beads from my stash and resisted going out to get more.  My interpretation is an homage to the look instead of a faithful replication.

Though I wire wrap all the time, I had never actually tackled hoop earrings like this.  Once I got the knack of it, I was pleased with how quickly they came together.  My fingers are a little sore though.  Probably shouldn’t have made them all in one session.

Check out the other reveals here.

Summer Show Season – I love Goderich!

A new show last year, I am very happy to be returning to Goderich for the Festival of Arts & Crafts, July 4 through 6^th. 

Hours for the Festival of Arts & Crafts are from 12 – 8 Friday July 4^th, 9 – 5 Saturday July 5^th and 10 – 4 on Sunday July 6^th  

Goderich is a lovely town on the shore of Lake Huron with lots to see and do.  The Festival is being held at the Lions Harbour Park.  It’s a pleasant way to spend the weekend so come visit and do stop at my booth when you do.  I’m looking forward to seeing you

Great Blog, Great Giveaway

I started following a blog called Art Jewelry Elements a few months ago.  It is a group collaborative blog, with a goal of sharing; sharing techniques, sharing designs, sharing encouragement, and more.

The group also has a Facebook page.  I did not know that until recently when they announced a milestone, 1000 likes!  To celebrate the blog is holding a 7 day giveaway, starting today.  You can enter every day for a chance to win the prizes posted for that day.  All draws are done at the end of the 7 days.

Go here for details.  Here are the prizes for today.  Check back each day for new prizes!

Pair of porcelain seashell charms

by Suburban Girl Studio (Diana Ptaszynski)

Copper Clay component

from Kristi Bowman-Gruel

Whether you are a budding crafter, a small business or a full time entrepreneur, this is a great opportunity for everyone.  I’m certainly going to be putting my entry in daily.

Summer Show Season – Getting Ready for Cobourg

Summer shows are almost here.  I’m excited to be adding a new show to my summer stops – the Cobourg Rotary Arts & Crafts Festival, June 28 through July 1^st. 

Hours for the Arts & Crafts Festival are from 10 – 6 Saturday June 28 through Monday June 30, and 10 – 5 on Tuesday July 1^st

The arts & crafts show is part of the fun and festivities at the Cobourg Waterfront Festival.  In its 47^th year, the Waterfront Festival celebrates Canada Day in a big way!

Here’s a map of the festival grounds.  For more details, follow the links above

Come for the weekend or come for a day!  It will be fun.  I’m looking forward to it and hoping to see you

Do You Love Pearls?

Well I do!  Almost as much as I love gemstones.  Actually, I would say that on most days it’s almost a dead heat as to which is in the lead.

I bring this up because I have been playing with Pearls lately (see StinkyDog Beads Challenge post last week), and because it’s still technically spring, and spring is bridal season which is….Pearls season.

And, one more reason:  A very generous artisan by the name of Michelle Buettner, an artisan who is an expert on pearls.  She is hosting a pearls challenge – To summarize, use any type of pearl and make whatever you want with them, not limited to jewellery.  See all the details here and come back on June 29^th for the tour.

In the meantime, here are some pearly creations that will be posted to my store shortly (but won’t be part of the blog hop because they were done before the challenge started)

 

Ocean Dreams Earrings (Sold)

Natural White Freshwater Stick Pearls

With Coco Pukalet Beads

Golden Glow Bracelet

Swarovski Light Gold Pearls

Rose Kiss Earrings (Sold)

Freshwater Pearls dyed Light Rose