Starving Artists Team

Hibernation

2011-11-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Today I stumbled upon this quote:
"It's weird ... you know the end of something great is coming, but you want to hold on, just for one more second ... just so it can hurt a little more."

I am writing this post with that bit of pain. This might not be the end, no one can know that for sure, but it certainly will be a break.
I'm standing here - well, actually I'm sitting in a rather comfy chair with a cat snoring behind me - to represent all of the wonderful people who were part of this blog as authors. This is not a speech at the Academy Awards, so I'll refrain from thanking everyone individually.
I bet you know yourself how it goes sometimes ... life gets in the way and there comes a point when you just have to take a time-out, go into hibernation, call it what you will.

We won't disappear from the surface of the Earth, though. How about coming over to our forum and meet us there?
And who knows, maybe some day when life has calmed down, we might be back here as well.

I don't just want to thank our authors of course, but also you, our readers. It was nice to have you here and we hope you'll keep us in good memory.
Okay, the sheets are on the furniture to keep it from getting dusty, the windows are closed, the oven and the coffee machine are plugged out for now. Time to turn off the light and lock the door.

Goodbye and have a great time ... wherever you are.

Picture from zorger.com

Favorite Tool - Borosilicate

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

My current favorite tool is more of a supply, it's boro glass *swoon*sigh*. I've been playing with it a lot this month and have fallen in love. It's got such etherial colors and something about it has just drawn me in. I stole the above photo from the Glass Alchemy website. I've been using their colors more than others, I like the consistency and I also like that's it's North American made. Plus the owners are just plain wonderful people!

How can you not love this glass? I adore the beads I'm getting with this glass. It reminds me of Double Helix but something bit different, I can't quite put my finger on it yet.

Make it happen

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance." - Bruce Barton

Winter Crafts

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

What is your favorite craft project you've tackled lately?

Care to share a link?

Winter is here and there will be some dark nights perfect for crafting.

Color Report: Quarry

2011-10-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

Today we wrap up our series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011 with the lovely Quarry. This light, slightly greenish sky blue is found in aquamarines, crystals, and many shades of glass as well:

Aqua Lily/Brass Filigree Earrings by mcstoneworks

Penny Charm Pendant - Adopt Teal by NicoleValentineStudio

Ice Blue Fish Lampwork Focal Bead by Melissabeads

Earrings Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Long Earwires by NorthernGirlJewelry

Handcrafted Aquamarine and Purple Crystal Beaded Earrings by beadorigami

All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Pumpkins and me

2011-10-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

The first time I met a pumpkin it was in a small glass bowl. It had been one of the Sunday lunches at my grandparents' place. My grandma was a good Swabian cook. I feel my mouth water thinking back on some of her dishes. My mouth goes dry however thinking of that pumpkin. It was a compote, something I'm not too fond of anyway, it was kind of sweetsour and I hated it. From then on I was sure those things and I would never become friends.

Hand felted pumpkin pin cushion by A Latvian

I was wrong and I found out about that on my first US trip. A first hesitant bite and yup, we were friends. It was pumpkin pie which did the trick. Unfortunately I don't bake, so if any Americans read this, don't let anything keep you from sending me pumpkin pie, thank you very much.
Years later I had to stay at home for a few months after surgery. I didn't quite know what to do with myself after a while and started some experiments one of which was a huge pot of pumpkin potato soup. For someone who is not just no baker, but also no cook, I was impressed with myself and it's still one of my favorite dishes.

Pumpkin bracelet by Melissa Vess

I never took a picture of the first (and only) pumpkins I carved for decoration at my workplace. I didn't have the right tools and the pumpkins were too small, but they shriveled up so fast that they did look pretty spooky after all.

Pumpkins watercolor ACEO by Tweeart

Do you like coconut? It goes pretty well with pumpkins, you know. I have a delicious recipe a friend gave me - pumpkin coconut cake. It doesn't even matter if the roasted coconut flakes get a little too dark. Not that that would ever happen to me *cough cough* Actually that's what I did after I burnt the first batch of flakes ... cough. Oh well. I have talents of my own even if they are rarely seen in the kitchen.

Ok, I gotta go, I have to prepare the pumpkin patch for Halloween. Will you be there to join Linus and me while we'll wait for the Great Pumpkin? ;-)

Studio Goodness

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

This set of ceramic bells is one of my favorite things in my metal studio. The wind almost always blows out here
in Metchosin and these are often making a pretty noise in the window.

My inspiration board is one of my favorite things in the glass studio. The clock would be a close second.
I have two large inspiration boards that need to go up in the metal studio. I'm always printing, clipping and glueing
things up to go on the boards. I have a large collection waiting for the metal studio.
Do you have a studio? If so what's your favorite bits of goodness in it?

Fall Colours

2011-10-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. It's one of my favorite weekends of the year. There are so many good things about it. Thanksgiving is the peak of the fall harvest. Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful and make for great eating. Many of us will get together with our families and enjoy a turkey dinner that could end with pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

This is also the prime time to see the gorgeous fall colours that we are so lucky to have in eastern Canada. Our maple, oak and poplar trees are showing off bright red, orange and yellow, so it's a feast for the eyes. It's the perfect time to go for a walk in the bush. The leaves crunch underfoot and release the aromatic smell of fall.

Photo by Pierre Bona

Today's jewelry picks are inspired by the season. With these handmade pieces, you can have a little bit of autumn with you at all times.

Autumn Leaves Handpainted Pendant Necklace by Jewelry Art by Dawn

Fall Harvest Pumpkin Lampwork Pendant by Melissa Beads

Embossed Copper Oxidized Cuff Bracelet by AM Designs by Angela

Autumn Honey Agate Leaf Necklace by BeadSire

Picasso Jasper Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings by Shiny Adornments

Color Report: Orchid Hush

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today in our series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we take a look at Orchid Hush. This near-neutral color has little in common with its often bold namesake; rather, it's similar to a light grayish lavender, sometimes found in fluorite, chalcedony, or very light amethyst.

Sterling Silver Earrings with Square Cut Purple Fluorite Beads by NorthernGirlJewelry

Handmade Gift Bow Necklace Argentium Sterling Silver Copper Pendant by popnicute

Fluorite and sterling silver circles pendant - Infinity by CatsWire

Mini Ionic Icosahedron and Dodecahedron Beaded Beads by gwenbeads

Lily Elegance - Purple Crazy Lace Agate/Thai Silver Necklace by mcstoneworks

Lampwork Focal Bead Set Pendant - Winterscape by NicoleValentineStudio

Color

2011-10-03T07:26:00.000-05:00

Color. As a glass artist I am blessed by color. The color palette to choose from in glass is endless. If you can find the exact color you want you can always mix it!

Purple has always been one of my favorite colors, I even painted the metal studio walls a rich violet.

What's your favorite color, why? Does it make you smile, sigh, laugh?

Saturday Style: Beachwear

2011-09-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

Is there anything as enjoyable as spending and ending a day at the beach?

Thinking of friends in the Southern hemisphere and an end of Summer vacation in Ocean City, Maryland have inspired me to celebrate Beachwear this week.
I am taking the flip-flops, tank tops, sundresses and crop pants on one more trip before putting them away for the Winter.
Beach fashion is fun.
It is comfortable.
It is colorful.
And yes it is stylish.

Why stroll the boardwalk in your shorts and a beach tee when you can throw on a beautiful yet comfortable sundress like this one created by etsy seller GoGothic from Toronto Ontario.

Own the boardwalk in this cornflower blue sundress.

Perfect for a day in the sand these handcrafted copper sea star earrings by etsy seller RedBirdJewellry of Dorking England will complement your bikini or your sundress.

Don't forget your jewelry like these textured starfish earrings.

Flip flops don't have to be boring shower shoes. Check out the colorful ribbons and flowers on these by etsy seller PetalnPearlBoutique of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Fun and funky these bright flip flops will make make your feet as happy as the rest of you.

Don't forget the bag to carry all your beach goodies in. I love this over sized, strong and beautifully styled tote by etsy seller MeilingSketchbook of Moorpark, California.

Pack up your towel, sunscreen and waterbottle. You are ready for a day at the beach.

This fantastic lampwork necklace by etsy seller MelissaBeads of Colorado reminds me of a day at the beach. Looking at these colors I picture beach umbrellas, kites and surfboards dancing in the waves.

Vibrant and fashionable beach ball necklace.

At the end of the day get ready for cocktails and a beautiful sunset by adding a cover to your swimsuit. Consider this powder blue wrap by etsy seller SLCSLC of Great Britain.

Cover your suit and find a deck, a Margarita and a view of the sunset.

Have you ever wondered?

2011-09-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I have been playing a lot with colors lately. As some people might know, I jumped on the bead looming wagon. There is this computer program you can use to make your patterns, Bead Tool. Boy, I tell you it's addicting. It takes me back to the times when I was sitting in school, listening to one or the other lesson, a piece of graph paper in front of me, doodling away or making colorful patterns by filling out the little squares. I found an interesting article from 2009 about the doodle phenomenon.
That's exactly what I'm doing now, only I'm using a computer for it. It makes it more difficult to chew on your writing tool, true, but then again that's an ugly habit anyway.

Oh wow. I wish I could doodle like that!

Rainbow doodle original watercolor painting by Delinquent Unicorn

You can approach the color question very scientifically. You can use a color wheel, our member Camilla wrote about that here. You can put colors next to each other to let your belly decide what he likes best together. You can go tone in tone or absolutely crazy. You can go by the trend or you can pick blind if you are brave. Playing with color is so much fun.
We had a challenge in our team before. Use a color you don't like (here are the results). We should do that more often, may it just be to push our brain off that one track we usually like to take.

Have you ever wondered what the first humanoid felt like when he mixed two colors together and got a new color? Did he stare in disbelief or did he gather all his friends to show them his or her new trick?
Oh my. I have been rambling, haven't I? Let me show you a few examples of splendid color.

Lampwork beads are always a great example. Look at the soft shimmering colors in these lentil beads. Can you see the subtle rainbow?

Golden Sun lampwork beads by Nicole Valentine Studio

What better to show color than an opal? I could drown in this stone and I'd do it happily (yeah, so I'm a nut for opal, sue me!).

Silver koroit opal ring with gold accents by Rio Rita

Red, orange and turquoise. I admit it that's a color combination I probably wouldn't have thought of. I'm glad someone did, it looks stunning.

Bright turquoise and lampwork necklace by Northern Girl Jewelry

Are you ready now to color up your life? If you are afraid, start with an easy experiment ... mix some cherry and banana juice. Nice, eh?

By Cat's Wire

Important SJA Forum Announcement.

2011-09-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Starving Jewelry Artist forum is temporarily down. We have outgrown our current hosting plan and without prior notification the hosting company took it down. We are unable to resume service with the current host without a significant increase in hosting fees...30 times more than we have been paying.

Please bear with us while we sort out this situation. We are looking for a reasonably priced host, which may take a little more time. We truly appreciate all the support our members have given us that has enabled our forum to become the "Largest Jewelry Forum" on the internet. Thank you all for your patience.

We have set up a temporary forum...http://sja-too.proboards.com/index...the url will be updated to starvingjewelryartists.com soon so that members checking in will land on the temporary home.

September 2011 Blog Carnival

2011-09-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Where has the time gone? It is already the end of September, which tends to be a busy time of year for many of us. September often signals a return to routines as students are back in school and summer holidays are over.

September is a busy time of year for many members of the Starving Artists Team too as many members are gearing up for holiday craft shows (yes, already!).

Some of our members are taking some time to participate in the team blog carnival this month. This month's topic is: What is on your mat/workspace?

To see what our team members are working on, please follow the links below to their personal blogs.

Bead Sophisticate

BeadSire

The FamiLee Jewels

Northern Girl Jewelry

Identifying Gems: Describing Color

2011-09-23T10:12:00.008-05:00

I may, or may not, have mentioned at some point that I am a Gemologist. What on earth does that mean? Along with a lot of other things, I learned how to put a gem through a series of tests to determine its identity. Because I earned my degree at the Gemological Institute of America, I will be using their terms and descriptions. Other gem labs may use different terms.

The gem identification process separates gemstones by a combination of eliminating options through positive test results. A gemstone needs, at minimum, three positive results. Some require additional testing.

To begin, I describe the color: hue, tone, and saturation. Pigeon's blood red, cornflower blue, and grass green may evoke pretty pictures, but they fail to describe the characteristics if a color in a scientific manner. For that, I turn to a special color wheel and two scales.

The color wheel provides a range of hues to compare my gem to:

Tone describes how light or dark a gem is.

Saturation describes how strong or weak the hue is.

The color description of this stone color can be parsed two ways: Medium dark, moderately strong, slightly yellowish green (tone, saturation, hue). Or, slyG 6/4 (hue tone/saturation).

Next time: transparency.

Color Report: Nougat

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Continuing in our series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we take a look at Nougat, a light, creamy tan-peach color. This neutral hue is a must for any wardrobe regardless of the season, and goes great with pearls and silver.

Real Orchid Necklace - Natural Preserved, Carnelian by mcstoneworks

Sand Nougat Scarf, Unique Hand Dyed Wrap, JOSSIANI BY artinsilk

Silver Foxtail Chain and Blush Swarovski Pearl Dangle Earrings by WickwireJewelry

Fabric Flower Brooch / Hair Pin Wedding Bridal Prom - Champagne White by alatvian

Autumn Honey agate leaf necklace by BeadSire

Neutral cream and nougat gadget caddy wristlet by RobinsFlight

Lampwork Focal Bead Pendant - Forever Hopefull by NicoleValentineStudio

Saturday Style: Scary Version

2011-09-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

Vampire Bat Necklace by MCStoneworks on Etsy

Crisp mornings, advertisements featuring cuddly sweaters, and yellow school buses herald the approaching change of seasons. This is a beautiful time of year in the Northeastern United States. Soon our trees will be bright with shades from gold to scarlet, asters will be blooming and the smell of wood fires will once again become part of our environment. All of these things signal to me that Halloween is near. Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays. It brings out the silly child in me. I love the decorations, the costumes and of course the treats!

Dia de los Muertos dress by ChaoticCouture

Consider this romantic Day of the Dead costume.by ChaoticCouture22 on Etsy. It's amazing pearl encrusted bodice gives it a sugar skull appearance that is enhanced by the designers use of burnt edges. You will be the most beautiful ghoul at the party.

It even comes with a burned red rose bouquet and black lace mantilla style veil decorated with more red roses of course.

Handmade leather mask by Ken Osborne

Take a look at this handcrafted leather mask in fabulous flame colors by Etsy seller kennosborne. Each of their masks is a unique work of wearable art and will make a most mysterious statement.

Kennosborne represents a husband (Ken) and wife (Becky) team of artists whose favorite materials include "anything we can get our hands on."

Skeleton arm warmers by LadyLotus

Wear "dem bones" on the outside with these funky arm warmers/fingerless gloves by LadyLotus. These arm warmers are made from recycled T shirt fabric, projects that didn't turn out the way the Lady wanted them to. What a great use of material!

Jewelry is a delightful way to add a little scary to your otherwise sedate work attire.
Vampire bats in black, antiqued brass and verdigris roost in the shop of MCStoneworks on etsy. Michelle offers an entire verdigris collection that has a dark and mysterious air.
Marvin the Marvelous mummy resides at Fireball Beads by Islandgirl on etsy. He has friends there too. I found tiny ghost beads and a beautiful black cat there too.

Scary or funky, sexy or bold costumes are a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Marvin the Marvelous Mummy

Who are you going to be for Halloween this year?

Peel me an orange

2011-09-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm one of "those" kids although I'm not even a kid anymore. I love fruit, but you'll have to prepare it for me, put little slices on a plate for me, cut it up like my Mom used to when I was a child. One fruit I pretty much gave up on totally is the orange. Wire crochet fingers don't go well with peeling oranges.
It's a shame really. Just thinking about it I can taste the sweetness on my tongue. An orange is an orange is an orange. Can you tell it's almost 2 am for me right now? Great, no way to get to a store and I'm craving oranges. I'm even wearing an orange t-shirt, that however is coincidence.

What could I do to take my mind off .... whoa, wait. You know what'll come next, don't you? Let's go shopping for oranges my way.

Lampwork earring beads by N Valentine Studio
Hold me back or I'll want to eat these like orange drops. What a gorgeous color!

Leukemia awareness bracelet by J 3 Jewelry
What a personal and lovely way of showing someone you support her in her fight.

#3 Orange cubic zirconia ring by TJR Jewellery
Isn't the contrast between the warm orange and the cool silver striking?

Hmm. My craving hasn't gone away, instead I now have a craving for all those beautiful pieces as well.
And now look what else I found. It's obvious, right? This little oriole (by Gill Gallery) got my orange!
If it weren't so cute .... ;-)

By Cat's Wire

All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

A Story of Diamonds: Cutting a Round Brilliant

2011-09-09T11:40:00.008-05:00

First, the planner starts with a diamond crystal. The planner decides what is going to happen with the crystal. One stone, two, three, what shape?

The marker then marks where the diamond needs to be sawn or cleaved.

If the diamond is to be cleaved, a kerf (small groove) is cut into the crystal with a laser. Then, some extremely skilled person gets to whack it with a mallet.

The crystal is more likely to be sawn, these days.

The next step is bruting which rounds out the stones and gives the initial cone shape to the pavilions. In this step, two diamonds are used to shape each other. This can be done by hand or machine.

Next, the diamond is blocked. The table plane is cut, and the pavilion mains and crown facets are placed. The brillianteers then add the remaining facets and do the final polishing.

This video shows most of the process:

Color Report: Coffee Liqueúr

2011-09-07T07:00:00.015-05:00

Today in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we take a look at Coffee Liqueúr, a nice neutral tone that will go with just about anything:

Olive wood disk pendant with wire crochet bezel - Victorian wood by CatsWire

Artisan dark wood sterling silver hoop earrings by ShinyAdornments

Felt clogs (slippers) for a coffee lover by Eidrasa

Handcrafted Brown and Silver Beaded Bead Pendant by beadorigami

Handmade Organic Sterling Silver Lampwork Necklace by galadryl

Coffee Puff Dress by La Costurera Boutique

Wire Wrapped Agate Slice Necklce with Dragonfly by TheFamiLeeJewels

Textile Cuff Bracelets Pair XXV Autumn Leaves Wet Felt with Merino Wool Silk and Metal Snaps by gwenbeads

Go for it!

2011-09-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

Blog Carnival - August 2011

2011-08-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Starving Artists Team (SATeam) continues its tradition of monthly blog carnivals.

This summer season, many members of the SATeam have been travellling during their vacation time, which has inspired this month's topic. This month, the topic is: When you travel, what jewelry related stuff do you take with you?

To find out what our team members do when they travel, please follow the links to their blogs.

Galadryl Designs

Bead Sophisticate

Dianne Karg Baron

BeadSire

J3 Jewelry

Jewelry Art by Dawn

SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

A Story of Diamonds: Marcel Tolkowsky and the Modern Brilliant

2011-08-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Modern Brilliant was born in 1919 from the mathematical calculations of Marcel Tolkowsky. As a member of a family of Belgian diamond cutters he had a certain interest in making beautiful diamonds. As an engineer, he studied the way light behaves within a diamond and determined the combinations of angles, facet sizes and shapes needed to maximize both the fire and brilliance that a diamond displays.

Fire is the term applied to the spectral colors reflected out of the heart of a diamond. Brilliance is the amount of light returned to the viewer. Sparkle, or scintillation, refers to the combination of these two factors.

He determined that if a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light will leak out and the diamond will not be as bright or fiery as it could be. Moreover, the shape and size of each facet is important to the amount of light returned to the viewer.

The Modern Brilliant cut consists of 58 facets, or 57 if the culet is excluded: 33 facets on the crown and 25 (or 24) on the pavilion. Contemporary diamonds are usually cut without a culet.

Tolkowsky's model is the basis of every new round brilliant cut. Over the years, advances in science have allowed us to refine these guidelines into spectacularly sparkly diamonds. Some, like the Hearts and Arrows cut, rely on exacting specifications regarding pavilion and crown angles, table size, girdle thickness, facet sizes, and alignment. Alignment refers to how well the crown and pavilion line up. Perfect alignment is when, at the girdle, the points of the kite and crown facets match up with the pavilion mains and lower girdle facets.

You can see in this next image that the precise cutting is somewhat visible in the finished stone without the special viewer. The red viewer images show that the cut is not exactly perfect, as the hearts are not uniform and the arrows are a little off.

This fancy vivid yellow is a stunning example of excellent cutting by Eight Star, the company that pioneered the Hearts and Arrows cut.

Next time, we see how a round brilliant diamond is made.

Color Report: Deep Teal

2011-08-24T07:00:00.067-05:00

Today in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we take a look at deep teal. I don't know about you, but I already have several outfits in this gorgeous color because it's just that beautiful. A perfect hue for the darkness of fall and winter, this color easily lends itself to a fashionable ensemble:

Teal Blue Lampwork Glass and Copper Swirl Necklace by NorthernGirlJewelry

Deep Teal Green Fringed Upcycled Angora Cardigan Jacket by darrylblack

Wire crochet deepwater octopus pendant with lampwork - Hanging on by CatsWire

Messenger Bag, Organic Linen Teal Ginko Leaf Print by Clothscape

Aqua Lily/Brass Filigree Earrings by mcstoneworks

Teal skirt, knee length, deep pleated with removable jeweled pin by BellaCucinaAprons

Silvered Teal Fish Lampwork Focal Bead by Melissabeads

Favorite Tools - Brass Tools

2011-08-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

While I was at MISSA a couple weeks ago I learnt how to do hot twisting (forging) and boy was I hooked! I was excited to be able to make some of my own tools! I’ve been wanting to work on some more functional pieces and this seems to be a good was to ease into it.

The tools are fabricated out of 360 bronze stock. They make wonderful tools for moving and poking hot glass. A nice feel in the hand makes them great burnishers as well. I hope to slowly add some different end shapes to them, and am always open to ideas.

British Isles

2011-08-16T12:56:00.001-05:00

I still got them on my mind, I guess. Not that I saw that much, we only visited Cambridge last week. We had grand weather and there was eye candy all around, I wouldn't even know where to start - in the Fitzwilliam Museum where we fell in love with this painting by Millais ...

... outside King's College Chapel where we fell in love with the majestic dragon and greyhound ...

... on the River Cam in a punt with a student ... ok, I'll stop here although I indeed have a picture ;-)

I got myself a small companion from Wales (for British diversity, so-to-speak) to help me show you a few items from members of our team. Hello, little penguin, are you ready? Good!

Snuggle penguin - buttercup by Eddy's Pressies

Colla is from Dublin, Ireland. Do you want to take an educated guess who chose this lovely fish brooch from her shop to show here? You don't have to look far ...

Erika Price Designs actually is located in Cambridge, does that mean I was so close to the beautiful Black Magic necklace and didn't know it? What a shame!

When rummaging around in Bead Up A Storm's shop, I found this. Do you think the dragon on King's College Chapel is looking a little annoyed because Vanessa took a tooth from him? I don't think so, but the question is - where did she find that beauty? ;-)

Gift Ideas for Wedding Anniversaries

2011-08-14T05:00:00.001-05:00

My in-laws recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. You may be familiar with the tradition of giving gold to those celebrating their 50th anniversary. The origin of this tradition resides in medieval Germany, where couples who attained this special milestone were given a wreath of gold by their family and friends.

Many people are also familiar with the tradition of giving silver for the 25th wedding anniversary.

Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings by Shiny Adornments

What you may not know is that the traditional gifts for many other anniversary years are also metals or stones. For example, the traditional gift for the seventh anniversary is copper and that for the eighth is bronze.

Copper Necklace - Magnolia Tree by Nicole Valentine Studio

If you reach your 24th anniversary, traditionally you would be given opals as a gift.

Australian Solid Opan & Mexican Fire Opal Pendant by TJR Jewellery

Pearls were reserved for the 30th anniversary and coral or jade for the 35th.

Coral Choker Necklace by BeadSire

Fortieth anniversaries are traditionally marked by rubies, while the 45th is marked by sapphires.

Silver Wire and Sapphire Crochet Spiral Earrings by Cat's Wire

Should you be fortunate enough to celebrate your 55th wedding anniversary, you could expect emeralds and if you make it to your 60th, diamonds have traditionally been the perfect gift.

Emerald Earrings by Colla

So will you surprise someone with a traditional anniversary gift to mark the big day?

All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

A Story of Diamonds: Cuts through the Ages - Old European

2011-08-12T11:38:00.006-05:00

The Old Mine cut revolutionized the way diamond cutters viewed brilliance in a diamond In the 19th century, the Old European cut improved on a few subtleties of cutting to produce an even brighter stone.

In this new cut, we see the squarish profile approach roundness. Pavilion depth is reduced slightly and many of the facets are elongated to direct more light back up through the table. Crown facets are re-proportioned and distributed evenly around the table.

The improved symmetry and revised facet proportions all work together to direct more of the light through the top of the stone where we observe the brilliance and fire we have come to expect from a well cut diamond. Much of the dispersion, or fire, is retained.

Old European is one of my personal favorites. To use wholly unscientific terms, no other diamond cut I have encountered spits so many rainbows. My own wedding ring is set with Old European cut diamonds. I like to gaze into them and get lost in the shimmering colors. Further innovations have improved the light return, but none break up light into spectral colors quite like this.

Next time, we meet Mr. Tolkowsky.

Color Report: Cedar

2011-08-09T07:00:00.006-05:00

Cedar is the color of the day in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011. A natural shade of green, cedar is represented by a diverse array of semiprecious stones such as tourmaline, jade, and peridot (which is also the birthstone for August!). This near-neutral color will go with just about any outfit, regardless of the season.

Sterling Silver Green Tourmalinated Quartz Bracelet by WickwireJewelry

Cedar Sage Scarf, Muted Pine Green, Unique Habotai Silk Scarf Olive, Hand Painted

by artinsilk

Green Amethyst Square Knot Sterling Silver Earrings by EleganceAndSparkles

Handspun Cabled Beanie - Mountain Meadow by JoyfulHandKnits

Flying Pig Necklace - Verdigris Brass by mcstoneworks

Custom cedar linen chipao collar straight dress/tunic, with black obi - Made to fit by annyschoo

Handcrafted Peridot Tube Set Ring by TJRJewellery

Favorite Tool - Sharpie

2011-08-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

One of the most often used tools in my studio is my Sharpie pen. I love the new colors! I probably have over 20 pens at the moment, and lust for several more.

I’ve been doing some copper etching and the fine tipped sharpies make a nice resist. I need to experiment with the different colors and see if any work better than others. The fatter tips makes a slightly better resist but are hard to get any kind of detail with.

A good pen in a happy color can bring a childlike grin to my face!

The dark side - we have cookies

2011-08-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

Never say never. I usually learn that the hard way - opening up my mouth far too wide for my own good and then, some time later, walk in with a paperbag over my head, having to admit that I did
- watch a movie I said I'd never watch
- read a book I said I'd never read
- try food and love it when I was so sure I would hate it (yes, I do love Brussels sprouts all of a sudden)
- pl.... play ... with ... with ... oh, this is so hard ... with seed beads (other than using them in my wire crochet, that is)

Actually I became so intrigued with bead looming that I almost forgot today's blog post. This is so embarrassing, where is my paperbag?
Of course you also have to know that it's not easy going up against a bunch of seedie people. Especially if they are bribing you with cookies. That's my story and I stick with it.

Let me introduce some to you.

Meet Cindy from Bead Origami. She likes geometric designs and this dark red and silver beaded pendant is one of my favorites as I am totally in love with the colors.

Do you remember Jurassic Park? I'm not quite sure if you could use the DNA in these earrings to make your own dinosaur, but I'm sure they'll look great on your ears.
You can find them in the shop of Gwenbeads.

Also designed with beadwoven beads, but in a totally different look is this adjustable suede necklace/bracelet by Alatvian. What a nice idea!

Ah, they are dangerous, those tiny beads ...

By Cat's Wire

All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Color Report: Phlox

2011-07-27T07:00:00.057-05:00

Today in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we look at Phlox. Like its flowery namesake, this rich shade of purple contains a great deal of magenta, tipping it close to the warm side of the color wheel. It's noticeably warmer than the deep purples of the amethyst gemstones, but both amethyst and purple glass will complement phlox-hued fashion accessories for a fun purple-splashed outfit.

Textile Cuff Bracelets Pair XVII Black Purple Cranberry Nuno Wet Felt with Merino Wool Silk and Metal Snaps by gwenbeads

Preserved Rose Necklace/Sterling Silver - Natural, Purple by mcstoneworks

VIOLET DREAM PHLOX Shoulder Bag by ikabags

Sterling Silver and Amethyst Wire Wrapped Bracelet by TheFamiLeeJewels

Nuno Felt Scarf Fall Preview Design by eneefabricdesign (Check out Nancy's blog on nuno felting tips and tricks, with tons of Pantone colors!)

Handcrafted Deep Purple and Peach Crystal Beaded Earrings by beadorigami

Silk Origami Butterfly Brooch Broach Corsage Vibrant Plum and Purple Mauve by SewSmashing

Wire Wrapped Purple Mohave Turquoise Pendant by AvaDesigns

Jump

2011-07-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

“Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along.”

Hugh Allen

July Blog Carnival - Names

2011-07-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's blog carnival time again here with the Starving Artists Team. This month, team members were asked if they name their pieces. To find out their responses, please follow the links below to the blogs of participating team members.

Bead Sophisticate

Galadryl Designs

BeadSire

Island Girl

Honoring...Carol Ladine Lagoski

2011-07-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our longtime SJA forum members...Carol Ladine Lagoski. Carol passed away in her sleep on July 10, 2011... just weeks after celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary on June 3, 2011.

Carol1350, as she was known on our forum, was an inspiration to many both on SJA and other places online that I have been connected to her. Always offering genuine encouragement and loyal support to fellow jewelry artists and forum members...we will miss her.

In Carol's memory is a small representation of her lovely creations.

Rest in peace, sweet lady!

Sorry

2011-07-19T07:00:00.005-05:00

I really am, but I just don't have time to write this blog post. The other day I read in a book the phrase "crazy as a bunch of neutered snakes". First it made me wonder if snakes are really ever neutered and it was hard to not take the time to google it (as mentioned already, I just don't have the time). Second it sounds much like the grade of craziness that I am going through at the moment. I decided to go through all of my pictures, edit them or retake them if necessary and I haven't come too far.
So I also decided to bring in a very savvy guest writer for today. Please give Ms. Classic Slouchy a warm welcome. Classic is from the Slouchy family - yeah, yeah, you already guessed that - an alien race who lives in the wardrobe of Cortney from Cleody Skye Creations and she - I quote - "likes to sit around and drink tea with the other fashionable Slouchies. She's also a fan of modeling pretty accessories. She has been known to steal the little jewels out of my craft supply box. I can't blame her. They are cute on her."
Well, I guess it's back to my pictures for me. Have fun, you guys, and don't do what I wouldn't do!

Hi, I'm Classic and I'm your guide to the wonderful world of jewelry today. As you can see, I'm a real fashionista. I had so much fun going through your shops to pick a few of my favorite items. Just a few because, oh, there were so many!

I'll start with this mind-boggling piece by Galadryl Design. Beautiful lampwork beads combined with silver, who could resist that combination? I love the wild animal print, too.

I'll stay with the lampwork for my next favorite. As you can see I like color and this beautiful bead by Bead Up A Storm is pure color. I have to be careful none of the other Slouchies will steal it because s/he thinks it's yummy candy. I'm very tempted to lick it myself, but of course I'm a lady, so don't tell anyone I said this.

My name wouldn't be Classic if I didn't choose one very classic and timeless creation. I adore tourmaline and I can see these earrings by Marie Cristine dangle from my ears now, ehm, even if you don't see them ... the ears. The perfect design to go with my beautiful bow, right?

You can see I like all kind of jewelry. I wish I could show you more, but the lady who brought me here, is looking at her watch. I think she's afraid I won't be able to stop talking ;-) Maybe we'll meet in one of the shops and then have a cup of tea together, who knows?

By Cat's Wire and Classic Slouchy

Summer is Here!

2011-07-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

My summer holidays start this week and it feels pretty good. I love summer! It’s sunny, it’s warm and most people are in a good mood. People are travelling, visiting friends and family and having a good time.

Summer is the time for outdoor concerts, festivals and picnics in the park. It’s a casual, relaxed season. It’s the time to wear shorts and sandals and pretty little sundresses.

As I won’t need to dress for the office during my time off, my choice of accessories will be different. Pieces with a casual, laid back vibe will be preferred. What do you look for in summertime jewelry?

How about these fabulous bangles? With all the short sleeves and tanks being worn this season, I think an arm full of these would be great.

Hammered Bronze Copper Bangles by Galadryl Designs

As sandals are the footwear of the season, it’s a perfect time to wear a toe ring. Feet need accessories too.

Oxidized Sterling Silver Curl Toe Ring by Shiny Adornments

I’ve found the perfect pendant for a day at the beach. Myrtle the Turtle would be the perfect companion.

Sea Turtle Necklace by Popnicute

I love bright, happy colours and these mint green earrings are fun, casual and cheerful. Perfect for summer, I think.

Mint Green Teardrop Earrings by MC Stoneworks

The perfect little sundress needs a nice, summery necklace. This daisy necklace could be the right one for the job.

Daisy Handpainted Necklace by Jewelry Art by Dawn

I apologize to those of you living in the southern hemisphere. I’m so happy that summer is finally here that I can’t even bear to think about winter. I’m sending warm, sunny thoughts your way.

A Story of Diamonds: Cuts through the Ages - Old Mine Cut

2011-07-15T09:06:00.013-05:00

The next metamorphosis in diamond cutting proved even more brilliant than the last. By tripling the number of facets, diamond cutters released more brilliance and fire from the depths of their diamonds than ever before. It also preserved a good deal of the weight of the original crystal.

The girdle profile still mimics the squared shape of the crystals these were fashioned from. You can see, also, the form of the single-cut before it was embellished with extra facets. In the diagram below, I have colored the new facets pink.

The proportions are different, but this cut possesses all of the facets of the modern round brilliant as shown in this diagram:

The Old Mine cut is deep with a small table and often squarish in shape. The depth allows light to leak out of the gem, so they are less bright than modern stones. The facet arrangement and small table, however, encourages a good deal of dispersion which is the breaking up of light into spectral colors. You might call this fire.

A couple more things worth noting about antique diamonds: because these were fashioned from well formed octahedrons, the clarity is often quite good. The Old Mine is also the precursor to modern cushion cuts.

For your Drooling Pleasure

SJA does not endorse the Three Graces website in any way, they just happen to have a lovely collection of fascinating specimens. You may click on the images to visit their website for more information on these antique jewels.

Edwardian earrings set with blue moonstone and old mine cut diamonds:

Edwardian pendant set with old mine and old European cut diamonds and a pearl:

A very unusual piece - portrait diamond surrounded by old mine cut diamonds and emeralds:

Next time we meet: Old European Cut

Color Report: Emberglow

2011-07-13T07:00:00.017-05:00

Continuing our series of the more summery colors of Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, today we look at emberglow, a warm, but not overly loud shade of orange. Perfect for the fall, this color speaks of changing leaves, rich sunsets, and tasty tangerines...

SALSA Cubic Zirconia and Sterling Silver Earrings by WickwireJewelr y

Diamond Ivy Times Echo Top in Vivid Sunset by dyedianadye

Lampwork Button - Lazy Days by NicoleValentineStudio

Real Rosebud Bird Earrings - Peach, Natural Preserved by mcstoneworks

Pressed Penny Carousel Horse Necklace by TheFamiLeeJewels

Mini Ruche Bag in Emberglow Leather by jennyndesign

Australian Solid Opal & Mexican Fire Opal Pendant by TJRJewellery

Explore

2011-07-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mark Twain [Samuel Clemens]

June Challenge: Designing with Pearls

2011-07-09T21:28:00.002-05:00

The Starving Jewelry Artists Monthly Team Challenge is a way of encouraging one another to grow as artists by stimulating our minds and our creativity to move in a new direction.

There is no voting.

There are no prizes.

There is fun, the joy of creating, and the pleasure of seeing how other jewelry artists interpret the theme.

June's traditional birthstone is the pearl. Pearls don't just come in ladylike strands anymore. They are sold in countless shapes and in every color of the rainbow. Is your style demure and understated or wild and bold? June's challenge was to show us what you can do with the gift of the oyster and mussel.

Pearls in a multi-strand bracelet by Galadryl.

Sylvia finished first with a beautiful multi-strand bracelet that combined soft gleaming pearls and sterling silver. There are some crystals in there for the perfect dose of bling.

Cat's use of texture makes this a stunning piece.

Cat gave us a feast for the eyes with a seven strand fine silver wire crochet (chain stitch) necklace with dark beads, lava stone in two shapes, peacock freshwater pearls, and hematite in different sizes and shapes.

Pearls are a perfect wedding adornment in these earrings by Beadsire.

Caron provided us a glimpse of these elegant pearl earrings made for a wedding party in England. Don't they make you wish you could see the pictures of the ceremony?

Bonnie added pearls to a vintage rhinestone shoe clip for this bracelet.

My contribution from The FamiLee Jewels mixed vintage rhinestone jewelry with the softness of freshwater pearls in a seamless combination of old and new.

Beaded bead earrings by Island Girl

Lynne made beaded beads using pearls. She suspended them from delicate ear wires with fine silver chain for a feminine fashion statement.

As you can see from our accomplishments artists love a challenge. Won't you consider joining us in July's Fly me to the Moon Challenge?

Getting out the last ones ....

2011-07-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

I know, it's not the 4th anymore, but if you think we already shot up all of our fireworks, you are wrong. I figured you'd like a little personal after-celebration firework, so I saved up some of the best colors for you. Take a seat and enjoy all the lovely bright colors in the night sky!

Red! Neat!

Lampwork button bead by Nicole Valentine Studio

Blue! Aaaaaah!

Amazonite dangle earrings by Shiny Adornments

Golden! Wow!!

Autumn amber lampwork earrings by Erika Price Designs

Green! Beautiful!

Lampwork tree bead by Fireballbeeds by Islandgirl

Orange! Amazing!

Real rose necklace by MC Stoneworks

Purple! Oooooh!

Amethyst stack ring by Madame Magpie's Shiny Things

Oops, we didn't wake up the neighbors with our yelling, did we? Oh, and the smoke of our fireworks ... cough, cough ... hm, what do you say, how about a cool drink for everyone now? As an uncle of mine used to say: "We'll never come together that young again."
I hope you enjoyed our little party, even if we were a day late ;-)

By Cat's Wire

July 4th!!!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy July 4th!!!

A Story of Diamonds: Cuts through the Ages - The Beginning of Brilliance

2011-07-01T09:25:00.009-05:00

In the mid-17th century cutting styles took a step toward what we are more familiar with in modern cuts. Up until now, the shape if the diamond crystal was apparent in the finished product. With the invention of better diamond finishing equipment, cutters could add more facets to the diamond, and add they did.

The old single cut has almost twice as many facets as the table cut. Removing the corners of the previously square cut produced an octagon shape that begins to take advantage of the dispersive qualities of Diamond. Dispersion is what you might call the fire, or rainbow colors, you see when gazing into a well cut diamond.

The eight facets on top are called the crown facets and the eight on the bottom are called pavillion facets. A culet may or may not be present. Because of these sets of eight facets, sometimes this is also called the Eight Cut.

Modern techniques have introduced a round girdle profile to this cut. Tiny accent diamonds are typically cut in this fashion.

Single cut diamonds can be found surrounding pearls, adorning watch faces, and carpeting vast swaths of pave.

Next time, the evolution of the Modern Brilliant continues with the Old Mine Cut.

Color Report: Bamboo

2011-06-29T07:00:00.020-05:00

Today we're kicking off our second color series of the year by looking at Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011. It's never too early to start thinking about the hot colors for the upcoming season, but since most of us are just starting to enjoy the summertime, we will start with the colors from this list that are easily adaptable to a summer outfit as well. Today we look at bamboo, a darker, but still quite rich shade of yellow.

Juicy Lemon Dangle Earrings, Lampwork & Sterling Silver by ErikaPrice

Juvenile Yellow Tang Handmade Lampwork Focal Fish Bead by Melissabeads

Real Rosebud Bird Earrings by mcstoneworks

Lampwork Focal Bead Pendant - Curry Spice by NicoleValentineStudio

Aquariums - Orange and Yellow Encased Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads by MyPrecious

So, are you ready to get a jump on your outfits for the fall? Future posts in this color series will include clothing and other fashion accessories so that you can create the perfect fall ensemble.

Who writes poems?

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

“It is the formidable character of the species to routinely seek the improbable, the difficult, even the impossible, as a source of pleasure and self-justification. Who would try to write poems, or novels, or paint pictures unless he is an optimist?”

Lionel Tiger

June Blog Carnival

2011-06-26T08:00:00.005-05:00

I can't belive it's already the end of June. Where did the month go?

Since it is the end of the month, it's time for the SATeam blog carnival. Our blog carnival is when members of the team blog about the same topic on their personal blogs. All the links are posted here so that you can easily find what different members have to say about the topic.

The topic for June is "Do you use other artists' work in your designs?"

To find out what our members have to say about this, please follow the links below.

Lynne from Island Girl

Caron from BeadSire

Sylvia from Galadryl Designs

Dawn from Jewelry Art by Dawn

Jeanne from J3 Jewelry

Angela from AMDesignsbyAngela

Bonnie from The FamiLee Jewels

The SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Saturday Style: 1970's Fashion Influence

2011-06-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Do you remember the maxi dress?
Was your closet full of flare leg jeans?
Did you own a jumpsuit?
Or does your only exposure to 70's fashion come from reruns of Charlie's Angels and Three's Company on Nick at Night?

Yes.
The 1970's are back.
Influencing fashion that is.

2011 fashion trends are feminine and ladylike featuring wider pants and flowing, silky fabrics. Floaty fluid silhouettes are paired with platform shoes and bold chunky jewelry in a girly style called boho chic.
This years wonderful color palette that includes honeysuckle pink, coral rose and beeswax are wonderful in vibrant prints, horizontal stripes and geometric designs.

Let a little retro chic into your life.
Still love your skinny jeans? Add a top with a asymmetric neckline and your big Foster Grants.
Can't let go of your favorite fitted top? Pair it with a pair of wide leg linen pants and some glam dangling earrings.
Maxi dress? Let it shine with heeled sandals and a long chain necklace.
Embrace fringe on your big purse and layer on those bangle bracelets.

Welcome back 70's.
I don't know if I am ready to wear pajama pants out in public, but if I have to see people wearing them in the grocery store I would rather they be satiny and luxe than flannel and covered with cartoon characters.

Sun Kissed

2011-06-23T00:01:00.007-05:00

Summer has officially arrived...the weather in some places may contradict that, while elsewhere you may think summer arrived weeks ago.

I really enjoy wearing color and in the summer I like my colors hot, bright and sunny...as well as cool, bright and aquaeous...but, today I'd like to focus on hot, bright sunny colors featured in the jewelry designs of the Starving Artists Team.

Any of these beautiful creations will look great with your favorite summer whites and a sun kissed tan!

Featured jewelry is handmade by members of the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

An Arabian night

2011-06-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Night had fallen on the palace like a thick black cloth, and once again Sheherazade entered the king's chambers, clad in a flowing blue skirt, the veil covering part of her long dark hair.

Blue and silver belly dance set by Out of the Mists

Every night he was waiting for her, not for her beauty, but eager to hear the tales she had started to tell him so many nights ago. "Where have you been? Quick, sit down! This night will not last forever."
Sheherazade set down the candle holder she had been carrying, smiling at her king almost mischievously.

One of a kind hand painted candle holder by Art on Porcelain by Dorisse

Then she sat down on the pillows, resting her head on her hand, the crystals in her earrings catching the soft light of the candle. She felt the king staring at her, could feel his impatience. She also felt however how his looks had begun to change in the course of all those nights when he was listening to her, how his voice had become softer when talking to her.

Verdigris hoop earrings by MC Stoneworks

"Last night we left off when the Princess Parizade asked the speaking bird what they should do to please the sultan. 'Good mistress,' replied the bird, 'you have excellent cooks, let them do the best they can; but, above all, let them prepare a dish of cucumbers stuffed with pearls, which must be set before the sultan in the first course.' 'Cucumbers with pearls!" cried Princess Parizade, in amazement."

Peacock pearl necklace by Bead Sire

Let's leave Sheherazade and her king alone now for him to hear the ending of "The Story of the Speaking Bird" and for the beginning of another story after that .... until the one thousand and first night arrives ....

Book key chain with exotic bird by Ignis Fatuus

By Cat's Wire

This little story has completely sprung from my imagination and doesn't have a relation to the real "Arabian nights". You can find the full story of the speaking bird here, though.

Featured jewelry is made by members of the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Favorite Tool - Opening Skylight

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

As the weather gets hotter I really do appreciate my opening skylight. I have it behind and above my glass work bench and it really helps with the air flow in my studio. My out take air is directly behind my torch and with the fresh air intake being behind me it really makes for a "clean air" studio. We are often windy here so there is usually a breeze too. Look into opening skylights if you are building a studio, or for that matter any home.

Stones with Personality

2011-06-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

Many people are familiar with diamonds and the "big three" coloured gemstones (rubies, sapphires and emeralds) that are very common and popular in traditional jewelry. While these stones are beautiful with their intense colours, brilliance and clarity, they only represent a small fraction of what the world of stones has to offer.

I have been drawn to polished stones since I was a young child and given the opportunity to pick out a couple of pieces for myself from a friend's stash. What fascinated me was the range of colours, the patterns and the shimmery effects some of the stones displayed.

These are those first two stones I selected as a child - an amazonite and a tiger's eye.

Now that I design and fabricate jewelry, I have found that fascination with stones has become even more intense. But it's not the typical coloured gemstones that make my heart go pitter-patter, but rather stones with multiple colours and interesting patterns. "Stones with personality" as I like to call them. And these "stones with personality" are often jaspers or agates.

a slice of agate from my personal stash

some jaspers cabochons from my stash

some orbicular jaspers, again from my personal stash

colourful jasper cabochons

Jaspers and agates are a group of quartzs in which the crystals are so tiny that they appear like a solid mass. There are many different varieties of agates and jaspers. Some of them are found in only one small location, while others are found in many different countries.

Agates and jaspers are available in a wide range of colours and have many different patterns, from bands, to orbs to patterns that appear like landscapes. They are also often available in large sizes and are frequently used as the focal of a piece of jewelry.

Jaspers and agates and not typically found in traditional jewelry that is mass-produced. If you want pieces that feature some of these beautiful stones, they are easier to find in the handmade market, like these pieces, created by members of the Starving Artists team.

Mookaite Jasper Pendant by BeadSire

California Poppy Jasper Wire Wrapped Pendant by Ava Designs

Sterling Silver and Dragon Skin Agate Pendant by Colla

Black Onyx and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace by Shiny Adornments

Silver Wire Crochet Leaf Pendant with Moss Agates by Cat's Wire

So what about you? Are there any particular stones that make your heart go pitter-patter?

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists Jewelry Team. The SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Swirls and Spirals

2011-06-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do you love spirals as much as I do? The SATeam makes loads of 'em in many different types of jewelry. You name it; cuffs, earrings, pendants, even tutorials! Click on the links below the images to learn more about the item.

Magic Copper Cuff by Danagonia

Copper Heart Earrings - Handmade Coiled / Blue Teardrops by mcstoneworks

Artisan Sterling Silver Wire-Wrapped Spiral Pendant by galadryl

JEWELRY TUTORIAL Wire Wrapped Curly Q Bezel Reversible Pendant by wickwirejewelry

Handcrafted Artisan Sterling Silver Copper Spirals Wire Hoop Earrings by AMDesignsbyAngela

Birthstone Tree of Life Pendant Necklace Artisan Copper Jewelry by popnicute

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry Team, the SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

We are all gifted

2011-06-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”

Mary Dunbar

Saturday Style: Biker Chicque

2011-06-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Biker Chique

2011 fashion trends are combining lovely feminine colors with boldly dramatic motorcycle related accents. The military style influences of the last few years have evolved. Enter Biker Chique.

I am seeing black leather in vests and bags, big chunky boots with fun accents, and belts with studs and rivets. Zippers are making a statement as fashion accents and quilted fabrics are new again.

This is not the grungy motorcycle look of a previous decade but a more sophisticated way to express your fashion. You don’t have to be a Biker Chick to be Biker Chique.

Your motorcycle jacket doesn’t have to be made of black leather. Be adventurous with style in a tan organic cotton twill motorcycle inspired jacket like this one designed by Reifhous.

Forget about the black leather pants. You can rock these handcrafted black leggings with your kitten heels.

The leggings are available at Duende74 . They are made to order so you can choose whether to have the detailing on the back or the side of the ankle.

On a recent visit to New York we saw an incongruous combination of girly dresses and chunky footwear. It worked! Try adding these upcycled boots to an ensemble that includes your favorite flirty skirt. They are available from WithoutBustles.

A great way to incorporate biker style into your wardrobe is through the use of accessories.

I fell in love with this rich chocolate brown holster bag. It is called the Peacemaker and is available from the designer, MadCapClothing.

Or warm your hands with biker style on those cool Summer evenings with these lacy fingerless gloves available from ZenandCoffee.

Don’t forget the jewelry. This hammered cuff by Colla could grace the arm of the fiercest biker fashion.

This silver chainmaille bracelet with black and red crystals by Galadryl will add some glam to your black leather.

So what do you think readers? Is Biker Chique in your future?

A Story of Diamonds: Cuts through the Ages - The Point Cut and the Table Cut

2011-06-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

From the ancient times to the 16th century, one would generally set a perfectly octohedral diamond crystal. Sometimes the faces might be polished slightly if the means were available. This is called the Point Cut. With the advent of glazed windows, these were called Scribble or Writing Rings, as the noble and rich would scribble all manner of things on these new glass windows.

With one such ring, the imprisoned Princess Elizabeth (later Queen), inscribed on a window at Woodstock:

Much suspected by me,
Nothing proved can be,
Quoth ELIZABETH prisoner.

Around that time, the next innovation came. Diamond cutters added a new table facet to the point cut. This yielded a squarish stone with a familiar looking table facet. Here are some typical variations:

One of the most famous table diamonds no longer exists. The Great Table Diamond described in 1642 by the French traveler and jeweler Tavernier was a huge, flat pink diamond from Golconda weighing 242 5/16 old carats.

In 1969, a team of gemologists went to Iran to inventory the crown jewels. Knowing of the Great Table Diamond, the existance of two smaller diamonds of identical color and clarity piqued their interest. Research revealed that somewhere between 1794 and 1834 the Great Table Diamond had broken. Further investigation strongly supports the theory that the Darya-i-Nur and the Nur-ul-Ain are what remains of that great gem.

A computer model of how these two smaller gems could have been fashioned from the larger:

Replicas of the Darya-i-Nur and Nur-ul-Ain next to a carefully estimated model of the Great Table Diamond:

The Darya-i-Nur resides in an elaborate setting surrounded by diamonds and rubies. The exact weight is not known, as it cannot be unset. The weight, estimated by the GIA, is somewhere between 175 and 195 carats.

The Nur-ul-Ain weighs about 60 carats and graces a tiara made by Harry Winston for the Empress Farah's wedding to the the last Shah of Iran.

Supplies: Focals and Pendants

2011-06-08T07:00:00.044-05:00

Looking for that perfect focal bead to define your next piece of jewelry? Check out these gorgeous pieces from the talented members of the SATeam. Click on the links below the images to learn more about the item.

Rescue - Handmade Glass Lampwork Focal Bead by Melissabeads

Ionic Cuboctahedron in Beads for the Math Nerd in You by gwenbeads

The Cat Came Back by islandgirl

Turquoise Donut Pendant - 45mm by alatsupplies

Big Heart Pendant Indian Agate Flat Back by popnicutesupplies

Lampwork Focal Bead Pendant - Libra Constellation by NValentineStudio

Red Handmade Lampwork Glass Bead - Candy Apple by MyPrecious

I'm a Swabian

2011-06-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

For those who don't know what that means - Swabia is a German region in the Southwest of Germany. There are lots of clichés about the Swabians and some of them are not that much of a cliché, but very true, especially in the older generations.
We are "Häuslebauer", meaning we like to build and own our own houses and we work hard to achieve that.
We are sometimes called the Scots of Germany who are stingy and do anything not to waste a penny. We don't like to throw stuff away, you never know when you can use it again (I'm not talking about me and my beads!).
We also are very clean. Our households are immaculate (I try to avoid that by pointing out I am in fact only half Swabian) and we have something called "Kehrwoche". People living in flats take turns with cleaning the shared hallway, cellars etc. and of course the pavement. I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand up and crack you up laughing at the same time. I think the obsessive cleaning got somewhat lost in younger generations - starting with me ;-)

Now where is this leading us? Today I want to talk about versatile designs, something a true Swabian would love. One design - different ways of wearing it? Perfect!

First there is the reversible piece, no matter if it is a pendant, earrings, a bracelet. Two pieces in one ... we are off to a good start. The two sides could be differently colored, differently stamped or like in this filigree cross necklace by MC Stoneworks have no patina on one, a verdigris one on the other side.

Earrings with interchangeable beads have always been a favorite of mine, even when I still wore clip-ons as a teenager. I used to wear hoops with the different beads, but I would also have loved this sleek design by Dianne Karg Baron. She recommends this piece with a pearl for a bride, but also offers beads in other colors, like green aventurin, orange carnelian or pink rhodonite.

Lampwork beads make me happy, but still I have a little problem with them sometimes. I never know which side to choose if there are different patterns. I guess the only way is to use them like Fireballbeeds did in her lampwork pendant - put it on a silver pin so you can still see all sides.

One of the most amazing pieces of jewelry when talking about versatile is the lariat. That however will be a story for another post, sorry people. No no, don't even try to beg. Swabians are also very stubborn you know ..... So don't forget to tune back in! ;-)

By Cat's Wire

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Favorite Tool - Rainbow Maker

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

While this isn't really a tool I adore it! I actually have two in my metal studio and need to get a couple for the glass studio. They are solar powered unit that spin when the sun hits them, spinning and sending rainbows all over the walls. Mine start to work at about 5 in the afternoon, the time of day I normally start to run out of steam. They always make me smile and I usually work for at least an extra hour or two once they start up. I've seen them on amazon!

Stormy Weather

2011-06-01T21:43:00.002-05:00

The past several weeks in the US have been beset by very unsettling storms...severe thunderstorms that have dumped inches of water in a matter of minutes, tornadoes that have ripped through large areas and devastated whole communities and some mini-tornadoes that have hit small pockets in places that have never been touched by a twister. We have seen hailstorms with ice the size of golf balls and larger...I can't recall a spring season that has been wrought with so much stormy weather.

All of this inspired me to find something that could be a beautiful representation of these scary dreaded storms...I think I've been successful in choosing items designed by the members of the SATeam that may have been inspired by brooding, stormy skies, but that also display the promise of a beautiful rainbow after the storms.

Color Report: Silver Cloud

2011-06-01T07:00:00.045-05:00

Just in time for the summer, we finish off our series of reports on Pantone's top 10 colors for Spring 2011 with Silver Cloud, a light grey which is appropriate for any season. Our talented SATeam members are experts in all things silver. Click on the links below the pictures to learn more about their many shiny items:

Domed Circle & Curving Wire Pendant by TJRJewellery

Argentium Silver Adjustable Ring Ribbon Scribble Wavy Wire Finger Ring by popnicute

White Artisan Sterling Silver and Lampwork Earrings by galadryl

Jade and sterling silver wire crochet cuff - Green dots by CatsWire

Hoops of Double Teardrops in Sterling Silver by AvaDesigns

Sterling silver HP 3 in 1 chainmaille bracelet by nicolehill

THE STICKY ONE. sterling silver and moonstone pendant by Colla

Geometry

2011-05-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I was pretty lousy in geometry. Actually I'm not a math hero at all. There is this embarrassing story ... 8th grade ... nope, it better stays untold. Just let me say that most of my math teachers were lovely men and it was not their fault that my interest was way below zero. Now if the Count von Count had been my math teacher - who knows? I'm sure however even the Count wouldn't have been able to teach me more than the very basic of geometry.

When I stumbled upon this beautiful quilted wall hanging by Evening in the Garden I thought that being so clueless is a real pity, but then again I'm lousy at sewing, too ...

A while ago while changing channels I ended up in an educational programme for kids, though. Wanna know what I've learned?

The circle is a simple closed curve. Not at all simple is this circle with content aka the beautiful Kaleidoscope pendant by Dianne Karg Baron.

The triangle is a polygon with three corners and three sides. MC Stoneworks doesn't stop at the triangle with these earrings, she also includes spirals. Spirals are curves which emanate from a central point, getting progressively farther away as they revolves around the point. Ok, I guess I'm not allowed to call them swirly thingies then. That's still not all, though. There are cubes, too. Or should I say three-dimensional solid objects bounded by six square sides?

When trying to explain basic geometry with team members' items, I can't leave out Bead Origami and Gwenbeads.
While Bead Origami brings you this beautiful octahedron - a beaded pendant ......

... Gwenbeads uses words like icosahedron and dodecahedron and makes it look so good! See for yourself. Hm, maybe she could teach me.

P.S. Ok, it's true that I was never brilliant at math, but I have to admit that I exaggerated about the shapes a bit. Actually I was very good in the early stages of set theory in elementary school. We had the little shapes in all colors and with different textures and it was fun. So call it artistic freedom and don't sue me. Thank you ;-)

By Cat's Wire

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Don't waste life

2011-05-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

“Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

May Blog Carnival

2011-05-29T08:00:00.005-05:00

It's that time again... It's the SATeam blog carnival! Each month the members of the Starving Artists team pick one topic that all participants write about on their blog on the same day.

This month, participants tell you about their current obsession... To find out what our members are obsessing about, follow the links below to their personal blogs.

Galadryl Design

AM Designs by Angela

Jewelry Art by Dawn

Bead Sophisticate

Studio DTQ

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

A Story of Diamonds: The Inside Scoop

2011-05-27T09:57:00.009-05:00

Carbon crystallizes in two forms: diamond and graphite. How can these very unlike things both be crystalline carbon? It's the way the atoms are arranged. In a diamond, each carbon atom is linked to four more creating a very strong crystal. The carbon in graphite link together and form sheets which is why graphite is so slippery.

Diamond forms in the cubic crystal system which manifests in a number of growth forms. The following rendering shows the typical arrangement of carbon in a diamond crystal. Each cube represents the basic carbon structure pictured above.

Octahedron: The most common form the diamond crystal assumes. This mimics the rendering above. Generally suitable for finishing.

Dodecahedron: Similar to the octahedron, but without the points. Look at the rendering and remove the corners. Also generally suitable for finishing.

Cube: Again, look at the rendering and you will see that if you clip off the points more severely than the dodecahedron, you are left with a cube. The vast majority of these are put to industrial use.

Sometimes a crystal gets turned around, so to speak, while forming. Have a look at that diamond octohedron above. Slice it in half along a diagonal and twist it 180 degrees. You now have a macle. Many of these wind up finished in triangular shapes.

Growth conditions can cause uneven crystal face development. Large diamond crystals are often strange shapes, like this 507 carat rough crystal:

It sold at auction in 2010 for $35 million.