Monday, November 21, 2011

Exploring Handmade ~ Holiday Shopping Event ~ Day 6



Hello and Welcome to Day 6 of the
Exploring Handmade Online Holiday Shopping Event!!

Today I'm going to introduce you to a few more Jewelry Designers showing you even more of the creative range in the art of jewelry design. Enjoy!

First let's meet Jan of Jan Tanis Designs...
You saw Jan's crochet work on Day 2. Well, she's a Jewelry Designer, too!

I am a Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD), Member #2972, and I LOVE Designing and Making my own HandMade Jewelry and Rosaries. As an Interior Designer, I have had the opportunity to work with Colors and Design, so when I retired from my day job, it was an easy switch to designing and creating Jewelry and Rosaries. My Jewelry is a blend of Old-Fashioned, Romantic and some even say Victorian Styles and my Rosaries would be in that same style. I've always found things to keep me busy and I like that. I've also had a desire to be creative...so why not share some of my God-given talent with others and use my developed talents in another manner. While shopping for beads to make all of my Jewelry and Rosaries, I decided I'd order extras and have them for sale in my Bead Shop, too!

I am a Textile Artist also, working in crochet. I like making my warm, snuggly and gorgeous Hats, Scarves, Fingerless Gloves, Shawls (even Prayer Shawls) and Afghans with Acrylic and Polyester yarns. I've recently added a new yarn that is an Acrylic-Polyester Blend with Mohair and Sequins.

I've also been a seamstress, for the better part of my life and while having my own Bridal Business for several years, I have sewn everything from Wedding Gowns to Window Treatments…so it only figures that there would be patterns and fabric in my Shop, as well!



Here are some of the places you can find Jan and her work...


Now let's meet Beth Rintala of Gemworks by Beth...
I am a Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer. SRAJD Member #3324. I personally create each beautiful 'one-of-a-kind' (OOAK) necklace or other jewelry item paying great attention to detail and color. I use only quality Gemstone Beads, Crystals, Pearls, Silver, Copper and Gold, among other high grade beads and materials. I shop for the best quality gemstones, etc. at the best prices.
*I like doing custom work...making your dream piece come true.*



Here are some of the places you can find Beth and her work...


And we have Vickie Barber-Ellis of Sunshine Jewels...
My passion for design and wearable art began at a young age and has been one of the driving forces in my life. It all started in my junior high school shop class, learning to play with fire and hot metal - learning the tools and techniques to make cool jewelry.

I started my first design business in 1982 and while time and life has changed with various jobs and careers, my creativity has been the common thread running throughout. Each jewelry piece you find on my site is a one of a kind creation. I select each element, from the type of metal, chain and gemstones often incorporating elements hand made by other artists. May you find something that brings you as much joy to wear as it brought me in creating it.



Here are some of the places you can find Vickie and her work...


And we have Linda of Bead Bracelets by Linda Gill-Jones...
I started making bead bracelets in 2009 after taking a class at a local craft store to fill some time while I was laid off from my job. I built up and inventory and decided to start up a little business using Etsy.com. Even though I work full time now, it is still a passion of mine to have my small business and be successful at it. I make handmade beaded bracelets, guitar string bracelets, and button & bead brooches. I am from Central New York State, have a wonderful husband who is very supportive and 2 adorable cats, Dallas and Casey.



Here are some of the places you can find Linda and her work...


We also have Felicia of Fish Princess Designs...
I love collecting and making sea glass jewelry. I think every woman should have a jewelry wardrobe that reflects all facets of her life. My jewelry is inspired by nature. I love the outdoors, and in my spare time I'm an avid fly fisherwoman!


Here are some of the places you can find Felicia and her work...
Blog: http://www.fishprincessdesigns.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fishprincess
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fishprincessdesigns


And, last but not least, me ~ Debi of Designs by Debi!
I started designing jewelry in 2006 and am self-taught. It all began because I like bangle-style bracelets and wanted beaded bangles. I couldn’t find what I wanted so I decided to see if I could make them myself.

I was on a medical leave of absence from work and found that working with the beads was good therapy. In an effort to expedite my return to my job, I began working with beads and wire every day. A bead obsession quickly developed, along with a whole lot of jewelry!

My Mom loved what I was doing and began wearing my creations to work. The women she works with and patients that go to that office also liked my designs and were inquiring about them. Having learned that I would be unable to return to my career (I was a Radiologic Technologist specialized in Interventional Angiography and CAT Scan), I was delighted with the interest people were showing in my jewelry and the concept for Designs by Debi was born.

I am a Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD), Member #2978. My jewelry is a mix of precious and non-precious materials including glass beads,Swarovski® Crystals and Pearls, freshwater pearls, shell, cat’s eye, gemstones and fine silver handcrafted in Bali and Thailand. In order by favorites... I design in silver, copper, gunmetal and gold.

I’m fascinated with glass, especially handmade glass. I love using glass artists’ handmade beads in my designs because it makes them unique. And I sometimes make beads using polymer clay. It allows me to produce the colors and patterns that I have in mind for particular pieces, experiment more with my creative side and offer another unique aspect to my jewelry.

I specialize in custom design work. I love to create meaningful jewelry for people and do alot of memorial jewelry.


I have a Signature Collection made with Swarovski® Crystals; anAloha Collection that allows me to celebrate my love for Hawaii, hibiscus, and creating “beachy” designs; and a Hearts Collection made with a variety of Swarovski® Crystal hearts that made its debut at Boston Fashion Week in September 2011.

My jewelry has no particular style. True to my Gemini nature, I love variety and get bored easily. I make lots of different things using many different techniques because I just follow my artistic vision...and there are endless beautiful possibilities. I make all types of jewelry and an ever-growing selection of other beaded items.

I want to be a Philanthropist. That's my ultimate goal in life. So I’m very proud of my Jewelry for Charity Program for which I design a one-of-a-kind piece or set of jewelry every month to benefit a charity selected by me or one of my customers.

I appreciate my customers and the opportunities I have to create beautiful, meaningful jewelry that will be treasured by those lucky enough to receive it. My appreciation is subtly but prominently reflected in my logo...the Designs by Debi™ rose is magenta because dark pink roses symbolize appreciation... Thank You!!



Here are some of the places you can find me and my work...

Enjoy your day and I'll see you right back here tomorrow :)





Did you miss a day? It's easy to get caught up... we wouldn't want you to miss any goodies!!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Exploring Handmade ~ Holiday Shopping Event ~ Day 5



Hello and Welcome to Day 5 of the
Exploring Handmade Online Holiday Shopping Event!!

Today I'd like to introduce you to some mixed media and personalized gift artisans and show you a wonderful, eclectic collection of gift possibilities! These ladies are seriously multi-talented and can make you great gifts for any occasion and anyone on your gift list!

First let's meet Carolyn Gebert of Kooky Kardinal...
I love to explore all art mediums, I make jewelry (wirewrapped and hammered) and other wirewrapped "kooky" items like ceiling fan pulls and window adornments. I love mixed media art and have been working on upcycling countertop samples in to OOAK keepsake gift tags. I am also using paper/upcycled to make religious themed wall hangings. I make memory boards/earring holders out of canvas and paper as well. I changed the name of my shop from Stitching Stuff to Kooky Kardinal recently to better reflect all the different things I do now.






Here are some of the places you can find Carolyn and her work...
(Previously Stitching Stuff... http://www.facebook.com/StitchingStuff)


Now let's meet Christy Carroll of Taylor June Gifts...
I'm a graphic designer and a photographer, and I own a little gift shop / preservation service store (photo digitizing, movie & audio transfers) in Orem, Utah. My shop is named after my little girls who are the inspiration for many of my designs. I love making personalized products and working with customers to help their ideas come to life. Items with sentimental sayings, names, and special dates make such meaningful gifts. I also make a lot of products using my original designs and photography to create unique home decor and gift ideas. Our items are perfect for baby showers, weddings, and housewarming gifts.





LIVE - LAUGH - LOVE Ceramic Tile with Stand

Here are some of the places you can find Christy and her work...
Her "official" website is still under construction, but you can find her on...


We also have Kae of Kae Artworks & Crafts...
Yesterday you met Kae's daughter, Yasuko. Yasuko originally started her online shops to promote her mother's work. Kae, born and raised in Japan, has been a Japanese Calligrapher for over 40 years. She creates beautiful calligraphy artworks, Shodo and Sumi-e paintings.






Here are some of the places you can find Kae and her work...


And last but not least, Ami and Pam Potts of 
Flutterby's Creations...
Flutterby's Creations is family owned. Pam and Ami met when Ami began dating Pam's son. We have become very good friends over the many years we have known each other. Early on, we found that we had a passion for arts and crafts in common. We have learned new methods together and have taught each other techniques as we learn them.
Ami and Pam have varied interests. We love to create with paper, wood, canvas, clays and any other medium that attracts our interest. We continually look for inspiration in magazines, online, in nature and our surroundings. Both are skilled in the use of all paper products, bookmaking, metal embossing and the use of both wet and dry embossing techniques. We both use paint and paint additives to create faux finishs on wood and canvas as well as furniture and walls. We use many tools in our creations such as drill presses, saws, soldering irons, etc.

Pam was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has lived in the Phoenix area most of her life and currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona. She is a retired high school counselor, has two boys (one of whom is married to Ami) and has been married 36 years to a great man.

Ami was transplanted to Arizona from Ohio as a young girl and currently lives in Florence, Arizona. I am a stay at home mom and I have really been blessed with watching my son grow up. I've been married 12 years to my high school sweetheart .We have one Amazing son and four wacky dogs that I have rescued over the years.

Pam and I are in-laws but also best of friends and share the love of crafting together. We began Flutterby's Creations so that we can continue to create and have an outlet for the many things we love to make. We are happiest when our creative energies are flowing. We specialize in making one of a kind gift items or just specialty items for your home. We are open to anything creative and strive for the wow factor and quality of our products so our customers can feel confident in giving our crafts as gifts, putting on display in your home,or using for everyday needs.We hope you have fun with our store even if you are just stopping in!

Journal- Collaged Paper

Note Cards- Pink Flowers

Wood Sign- Gratitude

Wire, Shell and Glass Starfish

Teacher Birdhouse Ornament

Here are some of the places you can find Ami and Pam and their work...


How are your gift lists coming along? Done any shopping? I've seen quite a few things to put on my list ;) I'll see you back here tomorrow with more!





Did you miss a day? It's easy to get caught up... we wouldn't want you to miss any goodies!!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Exploring Handmade ~ Holiday Shopping Event ~ Day 4



Hello and Welcome to Day 4 of the
Exploring Handmade Online Holiday Shopping Event!!

Today I'd like to introduce you to some talented seamstresses and quilters. These ladies make handbags and purses, aprons, table setting items, quilts, wall hangings, judaica, soft baby toys and Brittany even has the perfect, fun solution to give new life to that favorite t-shirt that's just too special to let go of.

First let's meet Aviva Sieber of Sieber Designs...
Aviva Sieber is known for the color they use in their quilts, purses, home décor and accessories. Everything she sells is one of a kind and made in her studio, start to the finishing touches. All of the quilted items are machine pieced and machine quilted. However, each and every binding has been hand stitched to the reverse of the quilt, including all placemats and coasters. “It’s just the added touch of handmade that Aviva feels is important.” Aviva welcomes custom orders for any type of item you will find in their shop, as well as bed size quilts up to queen.



Here are some of the places you can find Aviva and her work...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SieberDesigns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/sieberdesigns



Now let's meet Yasuko of Kae Artworks & Crafts...
I originally started this business to promote my mom's Japanese calligraphy artworks online (Don't worry...we'll meet her Mom later ;) .). While I was doing that for my mom, I started feeling motivated to create something myself too. Then, I noticed that I was always fascinated about beautiful textiles and was good at sewing. After considering what kind of sewing products I should make, I decided to do bags/purses because I know most women love bags. Although I have not sold any products yet, I think I can keep up doing this just for my hobby (of course if somebody buys them, that would be so great!) I handpick all the fabric I use, those Hawaiian fabrics were picked up by myself in Hawaii and the kimono fabrics are directly imported from Japan by myself.



Here are some of the places you can find Yasuko and her work...


We also have Brittany of Pintuck Provisions...
Pintuck Provisions: Gifts from the Heart, Handmade from the Start
Why do I craft?
The beautiful thing about memories is they allow you to relive a moment over and over again. The sights, people, surroundings, feeling…the lessons learned. Do memories shape your future? Absolutely. No matter the distance between people, the memories you share live on and are available to draw upon when in need of inspiration, answers or a lift.

When I was a little girl, my mom was involved in a weekly craft group dubbed the “Tuesday Tootsies”. As my mommy’s “mini me”, I frequently tagged along. While it is difficult for me to recall the actual conversations, I can remember the feel. A group of women from all stages of life joined together, created community and bonded over the simplicity of crafting. Okay, so some of the projects weren’t that simple - flower jewelry made from white bread and glue for example. It was in those early stages of life that I witnessed and began to develop an appreciation for creating. Mom toted me around to Olde Time Pottery, craft shows, Sunshine Drapery, the hardware store and Ben Franklin, all to get supplies for her next DIY project. She even let me help - with only a few regrets like when my intention to “wallpaper” her bay window bench left her with a technicolor-stained mess! I watched and observed. I learned and attempted. I loved and enjoyed every moment. Today I continue to love and enjoy the memories of those special mother-daughter times.

I am a 23-year old young woman, but I will always be mommy’s little girl. Today, I am more thankful, more dependent and more enthused by our friendship than ever before. She has shaped me into who I am (in more ways than creativity) and continues to serve as an inspiration for who I hope to become. It is my hope to preserve the timeless art of sewing and continue the tradition. Just as it was passed down to me, I look forward to passing the lessons and experience onto future generations. In a world that becomes overrun with technology, deadlines and chaos, I have the dream to recreate an appreciation for the simple things that make life so beautiful. A handmade gift from the heart is the perfect start.



Brittany is just starting out online and has a shop on Etsy where you can see and buy her work...


And last but not least, we have Judy of 
Stitches in Time by Judy...
Yesterday I introduced you to Tonya from BeDazzled Jewelry by Tonya. Well, Judy is Tonya's sister. She's just starting to show her aprons online. She doesn't have a website, a shop or even her own facebook page yet. Tonya is hosting a photo album of Judy's work on her jewelry page to start her off. So I thought we could give her some publicity and a show of support, too. She does beautiful work.



Here is the link to Judy's photo album on Tonya's page:


I hope you enjoyed Day 4. I'll see you tomorrow with some more fun stuff :)



Did you miss a day? It's easy to get caught up... we wouldn't want you to miss any goodies!!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Exploring Handmade ~ Holiday Shopping Event ~ Day 3



Hello and Welcome to Day 3 of the 
Exploring Handmade Online Holiday Shopping Event!!

Today I'm going to introduce you to some Jewelry Designers. Did you know that you could give 10 jewelry designers the same pile of materials to work with and end up with 10 different designs? It's true. Everyone has their own style, techniques and artistic vision. During this event you're going to see the wonderful variety of jewelry available because I purposely selected designers that bring all the beautiful niches of handcrafted jewelry to life :) Enjoy!

First let's meet Debra Beach of String Bead Studio...
My love for art and all things creative dates all the way back to childhood. Through the years, I have dabbled in all areas of art. Many times, art was my escape, and secret place. I love how creating can take you away, far from the hustle and bustle of life, even if just for a moment. In 1999, I took a beginner beading class at my local bead shop. I remember the wonderful feeling of watching my ideas and inspirations come to life through beautiful gemstones, glass beads, and metals, in the form of jewelry. It was such an incredible feeling, and I was hooked! As a full-time graphic designer, there was very little spare time to allow for my creating. That would soon change.

At the end of 2009, my company decided to lay off the entire art department, and I found myself unemployed, and at a crossroads in my life. After much time in prayer, deep thought, and soul searching, I knew this was it. I had been given my big chance to pursue my dream of jewelry making and designing full-time.

I would call my jewelry designs eclectic and quirky, as my art style is naturally drawn to those areas, and comes out in my creations. I believe that jewelry should be fun, and not only look pretty, but bring a smile to your face, and a wonderful memory to your heart. There’s enough serious in the world, we all need to add a little spark of joy and smile to our lives, so whatever I can do in some small way through my jewelry, I will contribute. Please stop by my ArtFire Shop, String Bead Studio, anytime. You can also check out my Facebook business page, where I will list any shop updates, sales, and events. Do you tweet? I’m also on Twitter: @Stringbeadstdio (yup, no U) Thank you so much for buying handmade, and for your support!



Here are some of the places you can find Debra and her work...


Now let's meet Junie Duncan of Junie's Trinkets...
I concentrate on making handmade jewelry & trinkets that everyone can afford. Whether you need something made smaller than usual or larger, that is something that is no problem for me! I feel everyone deserves to have something special made JUST FOR THEM so prices are usually $5-$40.

Custom jewelry is not just for those with a lot to spend. I can make items from any materials wanted & some of those will cost more, but basic pieces are ALWAYS affordable. Whether you are looking for a pair of earrings to match an outfit, or maybe a mother's/grandmother's bracelet for yourself or a loved one, you've come to the right place.

I can make matching or complimentary sets. If you have something in mind, I will see if I can make it come to life for you ♥



Here are some of the places you can find Junie and her work...


And we have Tricia Hall Baucom of Endless Possibilities...
At Endless Possibilities you'll find handcrafted contemporary jewelry utilizing gemstones, Swarovski crystals and precious metals. I specialize in personalized polymer clay pendants including birthstone Footprint in the Sand pendants.



Here are some of the places you can find Tricia and her work...


And we have Tonya Parker of 
BeDazzled jewelry by Tonya...
My name is Tonya and I'm a jewelry designer. I design a little bit of everything. Including bookmarks, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and car rear view mirror dangles for a few. Check out my artisan made jewelry on facebook.



Here's where you can find Tonya and her work...


We also have Laura Staley of 
Creative Jewelry Designs by Laura Staley...
I was born and raised in South Carolina. My mom was a homemaker who always had a craft or a project going in some corner of the house, and her restless creativity wandered from sewing Easter dresses for us, making birthday cakes for us and as a business, beading Christmas "Christmon" ornaments for our church Christmas tree, and just about everything in between. Our artistic endeavors were encouraged and celebrated, and personal expression was the norm. We were a multi-generational artisan/crafting family. My great-grandfather was a painter, whose steady hand enabled him to hand pin-stripe cars in the 1920s and 30s. My grandfather was a lapidary and a jeweler, and my mom has taken up the craft as well. She works primarily with wire wrapping, Kumihimo and Swarovski crystals. I started making jewelry in middle school, wearing it myself and selling it to my friends. In college, I took a Jewelry 101 course, which was an introduction to metalworking, and I was fascinated! Having been a tomboy of sorts, I was comfortable using the blow torch, pliers, and power tools to create my projects. "Back then" it was too expensive for me to set up my own shop, so I closed the door on that possibility and continued artistic and business endeavors of different kinds. After starting a family, home-based business opportunities seemed like the best way to augment my income and make a little extra for the grocery store, so I explored several, with varying success.

Almost four years ago, my oldest daughter wanted to make a bracelet for my mom for Christmas. I thought this might be a fun craft for us to enjoy together, so I bought a beginner's set of tools, and the materials to make a three strand bracelet (I never do anything small!). Once we were done with it, and very pleased with the results, my mind began to wander, and I began to contemplate the possibilities. My daughter soon tired of making jewelry, but I was hooked. Really hooked. I started buying massive amounts of beads, and devoured every jewelry publication I could get my hands on. I spent hours combing Etsy and getting a feel for "what's out there" and started to develop my own sense and direction as far as styles of jewelry that appealed to me.

I started my Etsy shop in May 2008, the day after another artisan told me about the web site. It's been a love affair, a passion, an obsession, and a mania ever since. More recently a nice percentage of my sales have been custom orders, and I've enjoyed intense satisfaction in creating "the one" piece for my customers that they've needed for an outfit, an event, a gift, or for their wedding. I've worked with brides and beauty queens, and with fashion designers to capture that "look" they wanted. I'm having such a blast!! I've found my niche, and I absolutely love what I do!



Here are some of the places you can find Laura and her work...


And, last but not least, we have Kim Stewart of 
Natural Design Jewelry...
I try to keep things natural. I work with natural stone for the most part but have ventured into some kumihimo braided items as well because they are simple and fun pieces.



Here are some of the places you can find Kim and her work...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natural-Design-Jewelry/159032737523132



So are you excited about your gift potential yet? Good! I'm off to see what exciting things I can show you tomorrow :) See you then!


Did you miss a day? It's easy to get caught up... we wouldn't want you to miss any goodies!!