April Fool's Day Snow Storm is Sooo Not Funny!

As anyone in the Northeast can tell you, we have/had (since you're reading this on a Saturday) a real Nor'easter of a snow storm. And on April Fool's Day. So not funny. Really depressing. In fact it has me seeing red. The madder I got the topic for this post became obvious: red. Red anything as long as it's not snow white.
So, first off, here's an incredibly lovely shade of red, orange agate and sunstone, from 2 Belles and a Bead



Sparkly and warm earrings from Bead Origami



and from Shiny Adornments




More sparkly red from Bead Up a Storm



Not enough sparkles yet? How about this set of beads from N Valentine Studio



This piece reminds me of a warm log fire, from Jewelry Art by Dawn



That's it, I feel better now.

Have you heard about the SATeam Mother’s Day Giveaway Event?  You could win one of 3 gift certificates that can be used in the shops of participating team members.  To find out how to enter and for the complete list of participating shops, please see this post.

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.

Boxing Day

Many countries celebrate "Boxing Day" on Dec. 26. (Yes, I know the date has passed but I don't make New Year's resolutions until later in January.)

Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain, many European countries as well as Africa, Hong Kong, and even Canada. It has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. It has everything to do with actual boxes. The exact origin isn't known but the European tradition began in the Middle Ages when boxes were placed in front of churches for special offerings for the Feast of St. Stephen. In Victorian times wealthy landowners would give servants boxes containing gifts and bonus pay as well as giving them leave to visit their own homes. (Tradesmen were also given boxes with the same for good service and to help ensure good service in the following year, the same reason we tip mail and newspaper carriers.)

The Starving Artists Team has members from all corners of the world. So, I thought I might fill my box with this beautiful bead from England's
Beadupastorm

From Canada, in keeping with the season, this sweet little bird in Sterling Silver from 2BellesBeads



Also from Canada, a beautiful sterling silver and copper ring, from
TJRJewellery




And last but definitely not least, from Germany, this necklace with a wire crochet bezel from
Cat's Wire




The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the Etsy Starving Jewelry Artists team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current Etsy shop members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Supplies: Focus on the Basics

Today in the Supplies feature, we take a look at a variety of basic supplies useful to any jewelry artist. From simple earwires to detailed handmade beaded beads, the SATeam has got you covered! Click on any picture to learn more about the item.

The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current Etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com