Fall Colours

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

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.

Have you ever wondered?

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

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.

Peel me an orange

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.

Sorry

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

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.

Getting out the last ones ....

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

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.

I'm a Swabian

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.

Sometimes I'm dreaming

We are collectors and call our place lovingly "The Museum". And I have vivid dreams that often follow me through the whole day, sometimes even through years. Yes, I also have a good memory.
One of my most unforgettable dreams was the one which took me back in time, to a toy store in the 30s, I'd say. I wonder if my eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas. They probably still do just thinking about it. I remember waking up being all excited, looking around me and there was nothing. Still that happy feeling didn't leave me that day.

Of course that feeling doesn't always come from material things. Sometimes I dream about meeting old friends or just having a fabulous day.
For today however I chose some pieces of jewelry which in my opinion would make up a very happy dream. Get on board and let's have a look.

 




I'm in love with these earrings by Gwenbeads. The color combination is just gorgeous.

The hammered bangles by Galadryl Design woke another memory in me - teenagers running to a certain store to buy just one more of their bangles. It was an affordable price then, but honestly, they were by far not as pretty as these!









I have no idea why, but when seeing this beautiful braid bangle by Dianne Karg Baron, I see Guinevere in a blue velvet dress. A dreamy design for sure.













Do you hear music in your dreams?
This lovely necklace by Colla would so make me hear 70s music. It reminds me of the belt a friend of mine had, only this necklace is so much more beautiful.












Of course these are not the only pieces that make me dream, but after all there is more than one night ahead of me ....
Want to share your jewelry dreams with me? ;-)

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.

It's May

Can you believe it? A third of the year has already gone by. I would swear I only noticed about half of it. Can't help it, though. May it is, so let's get ready for it.

This month's birthstone is the emerald. The original idea of birthstones is said to be an ancient one while the modern list was defined in 1912.
I wonder if May made them think spring green which then led to the emerald.
Oops, digressing. This post will not educate you about the emerald, we have our expert magpie for that.

What this post is supposed to do is paint a picture of May for you.
Imagine a lush spring meadow in green.

Lotus glass earrings by MC Stoneworks

Bright flowers are growing everywhere, primroses, violets and so many more. Can you feel how the color lifts your spirits?

Floral lampwork beads bracelet by Elegance and Sparkles

Young couples walk hand in hand, love is in the air.

 

Woven needle lace heart by AM Designs

Now get off your computer and go out there instead before it suddenly isn't May anymore. Don't miss spring, it's one you'll never get back! :-)

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.

Happy Easter! Last Week to Enter Giveaway

Happy Easter!  I hope the Easter Bunny brought you lovely chocolate goodies.  I love chocolate, spring and rabbits, so I think Easter is a fabulous holiday.  Plus it's a four day weekend here, and who doesn't love an extra long weekend? 

Today also marks the beginning of the last week to enter the SATeam Mother's Day Giveaway Event.  Three lucky winners will receive gift certificates to be used toward beautiful handmade jewelry from participating SATeam shops.  For all the details and to find out how to enter, go to this post. 

The members of the SATeam are a talented bunch that work with a wide variety of materials, techniques and styles.  Here are a few examples that caught my eye this week.

Copper and Light Amethyst Earrings by Tasha Chowner

Purple Rain Earrings by Red Bird Jewellery

Hammered Copper Triangle with Amethyst Necklace by Jewelry Art by Dawn

Amethyst Necklace - Delicate Woven Heart by Ava Designs

DNA Beaded Earrings by Gwen Beads

Mint and Black Floral Earrings by Alegria Designs

Emerald Earrings by Colla



Green Emerald Tube Set Ring by TJR Jewellery


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.

I've got the blues

We all know it's not a good thing if you've got the blues. You won't believe it, but I got pretty blue after finding a treasury doesn't fit on my screen anymore, not even if I click full image. I got even more blue after trying about ten times to post the picture here. I'm totally blue because we ran out of the milk just now when I am so craving a cup of chai. Now if only the book I finished today had a happy ending. Alas, it did not.

So, isn't it a good thing there are blues which are just perfect? Check them out and maybe they'll put a smile on your face just as on mine!

I've got the blues curated by MC Stoneworks

By Cat's Wire

The Starving Artists Mother’s Day Giveaway Event is on now! What are we giving away? Three gift certificates that can be used towards the purchase of jewelry from any of the participating team members! See this post for the complete list of participating shops, and to find out how to enter.

 

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists 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.

Something in the Air

There's something in the air.  Do you feel it?  The days are getting longer, the birds are singing in the morning, the frogs and performing their froggy concerts in the evenings, and the trees have buds that are bursting...  It's spring! 

Spring is quite possibly the favorite season of the majority of members of the Starving Artists Team and as a result, we like to offer something special at this time of year.  This year, it's the SATeam Mother's Day Giveaway Event.  We are offering you the opportunity to win one of 3 gift certificates that can be redeemed for beautiful, well crafted, original handmade jewelry.  There are 33 shops participating in the giveaway, and our winners will be able to select the jewelry of their choice from those shops. 

Entering the Mother's Day Giveaway Event is easy and free.  To find out everything you need to know to about the prizes and how to participate, see our giveaway announcement here. 

To celebrate spring, here are some light, happy, uplifting pieces available from participating shops. 

Sterling Silver Leaf Tourmaline and Chrysoprase Charm Necklace by Marie Cristine



Trembling Rose Cherry Blossom Earrings by Erika Price



Floating in the Wind Glass Bead by Island Girl

Ribbons Lampwork Glass Focal Bead by Bead Up a Storm

Purple, Teal and Sterling Silver Bracelet by Northern Girl Jewelry

Flower Brooch by A Latvian

Stack Rings - Set of Three by Mme Magpie

Sterling Earrings Cascade of Pearls by Azoho

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.