Elaine Ray Rambles about something new this year: 366 days of gratitude

2012-02-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for The Daily Show. If you go to the website you can see more than what is shown on the nightly show - have some fun!

What are you grateful for today?

Monocraft Initial display

2012-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for this beautiful old display box. The metal plate says Monocraft Initials. My dad gave me this in August, and it didn't occur to me until this evening to store my letter beads in it. A couple of the drawers have broken slats from years of use by my dad and probably others before him. You may be able to see in the picture that it has 2 sections for "M" and none for "X". I have no idea why, but all the drawers are that way. I'm looking forward to using this in my display at my next trunk show, March 16th and 17th at Ornamentea. Hope to see you there!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-31T19:20:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for all the chemists, biologists and whoever who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer. I know there are plenty of reasons to feel aggravated at the large pharmacy companies, but today I am super grateful for the medicines they have provided to help my sister combat colon cancer. Tumor smack down!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful that when listening to the news that most people understand the term "Whack-a-mole". I actually heard this used today during a serious news report.

What crazy thing are you grateful for today?

2012-01-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for Post-it notes. I just love them. I know they fall into the "wants" not "needs" category, but they are really wonderful! A bit silly - I know.

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for our local farmer's market.

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful that long distance is included with our cell phone contract. How else could I talk to my sister for an hour! Glazing beads while talking on the phone to Barb is a great way to spend the afternoon. Thanks Barb!

What are you grateful for today?

Last day of chemo cream

2012-01-25T20:19:00.001-08:00

Today I am grateful that this is the last day I need to apply Fluorouracil Cream 5% to my nose. This is a treatment I am doing to my nose to destroy sun damaged skin cells to hopefully prevent skin cancer from developing in the future. I have read that one positive side effect is that it can act similar to a cosmetic skin peel. So, if you see me all healed up in a couple of months and think: "There goes Elaine with her 50 year old face - why does her nose look only 45 years old?", you will know the back story.........

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for family conversations. It is good that we do not always agree on everything. It would be kind of boring just reiterating and agreeing with what someone else has said. Instead it is great to hear many different opinions and ideas. Thank you to my family for never being afraid to state their opinion!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for my new wireless mouse to use with my laptop. My success rate with the touch pad is poor - this will be great improvement.

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-22T17:37:00.001-08:00

Today (all days actually) I am grateful for the many talented jewelry designers that use my beads and pendants in their designs. You can see a list of some of them on the right hand side of this blog. Click on any name and be taken away to a world of beauty!

What are you grateful for today?

Today I am grateful for comic strips in the newspaper

2012-01-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for comic strips in the newspaper. We still get a daily paper, the Raleigh News and Observer. The paper has shrunk significantly in the past few years, but I'm so glad the "funny pages" have not - we have two whole pages of comics! The comics helped to motivate my kids to search out the paper as they were growing up. This often lead to them reading other articles that helped give them a sense of the world around them and to take an interest in it.

My favorite comic strips in our paper are Agnes and Frazz. Do you have a favorite?

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful that all 3 of my children (ages 22,21 and 19) are good, hard workers. They know how to set a goal, devise a plan, follow that plan - while making necessary adjustments to that plan, to achieve their goals. I must admit, when they were younger the "goals" and "plans" they had were not always ones a parent would approve of, but I like to think of those times as "learning curves". Anyway, they are really wonderful people and will do wonderful things in their lives and for the lives of the people they touch. Thank you Alex, Cora and Samuel for being part of our family!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for a free and open Internet.

Here are a Ted Talk that helps to explain it in terms you and I can understand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h2dF-IsH0I

Some info from Google: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let your Senator know how you feel.

What are you grateful for today?

Today I am grateful for cheese!

2012-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for cheese!

Fatty cheese, thin sliced cheese.

Cheese that comes in blocks.

Tough cheese, soft cheese,

even cheese with moldy spots.

What are you grateful for today?

New bead racks - day 4

2012-01-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for modern medicine. Today my neighbor is getting both of his knees replaced, my sister is having the last of her chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer, and my husband had routine blood work done for a yearly physical. All of these are very different types of medicine that not rare and touch the lives of many. Thank you to all you creative minds that work at health problems, preventative care and treatment.

Here are my new bead racks in action. They are very sturdy and don't wobble which is very helpful. One thing I didn't think about before is the fact that they are wider than my old bead racks. If I take a 12mm round as a standard measurement, each row of beads has about 1 less bead on it. That makes an average of 20 less beads per shelf, equaling about 80 beads less per kiln load. If I were to take 6mm rounds as the unit of measurement it would be about 200 less beads per kiln load. I think it is well worth the loss of space, but something to take into consideration when planing what will go into each firing. Yes, I'm a bit geeky about this.......

What are you grateful for today?

A garage full of tools

2012-01-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for a garage full of tools. Power tools, hand tools, glues, scrap lumber, hardware, paints, tapes etc., etc., etc. Normally, what you may hear me say sounds more like griping than saying thanks for all this stuff, but today reminds me why it is there. We are doing some minor home repairs and there is nothing like having the right tool for the job.

Often, as I'm working on beads, these same tools are what allows me to get the job done. Grinding high temp rods to points, drilling holes for bead holders, sawing bead supports, shaping cutters, building shelves, making drying racks etc., etc., etc....

What are you grateful for today?

Recipes on the web

2012-01-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for the ability to look up recipes so easily on the computer. Typically I just type in what I'm looking for (zucchini soup), but other times I use Google recipe search if there are specific ingredients I have on hand. Finding recipes on the web is especially good for me because there are always pictures. I pretty much refuse to cook something if there is not a picture. Somehow, having that visual image helps guide me in food prep, and I really need all the help I can get.

This evening I made making a recipe sent to me by a friend: Cheddar Bacon Pull Apart Bread except I used Jalapeno-cheddar bread instead of sourdough. To go with the bread I found this Zucchini Garlic soup on the web. Here is how my ended up:

Yes - it was as good as it looks. If you are local and invite me to your Superbowl party, I'll make it and bring it with me. Yes - I'm willing to use bribery to get invited to a Superbowl party. I don't pay much attention to football, but I love the food!

What are you grateful for today?

A bowl of bisque fired beads

2012-01-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

A bowl of beads that has been through a bisque firing. Typically, I do not bisque my beads and pendants preferring to glaze them in the greenware stage, then once fire to maturity. There is one glaze that I often have to re-fire to get smooth unless I bisque the beads first. So bisque I did.

The main reason I don't typically bisque fire my beads and pendants is the I really dislike the feel of bisqued clay. Even low fire clay when fired to maturity doesn't feel icky to me like medium fire clay only fired to a low temp. Also, it saves energy needed to fire the kiln and my time involved. So this picture is a rare site in my studio garage - enjoy!

Today I am grateful that my oldest son (who will graduate from North Carolina Sate University this spring) has his pick of job offers to choose. He has worked super hard to excel in his field and all his hard work is paying off. Congratulations Alex!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for my refrigerator. I know this must sound like a lame joke, but it is true for so many reasons: cold beer, left-overs, milk, ice, less trips to the grocery store, sauces of all sorts, cream cheese, a place to hang lists, a place to display photos, a spot to put wet shoes in front of to dry, ice cream, frozen mugs and maybe most importantly: bacon.

What are you grateful for today?

Ted Talks

2012-01-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for Ted Talks. These are some of the most inspiring people you will ever listen to. In addition to being great talks, I can just choose a talk to listen to and when that talk is done, it will then move onto another talk of the same general topic. Wonderful for listening to as I make beads!!!! If you have a favorite Ted Talk, please let me know - I'll give it a listen.

What are you grateful for today?

Cascade glazes fired. Some success, some fail....

2012-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Some of the pendants turned out beautiful and some just average. I only over loaded the one rod near the bottom of this picture, the rest held up great.

Here are two that got stuck together in the free fall.

Some sets that turned out great:

Restock ready for deliver to Ornamentea tomorrow.

Today I am grateful for the chance for all our family to get together for dinner this evening. What are you grateful for today?

New bead racks - day 3, Tile saw

2012-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, last week I again tried making new clay slabs for bead racks but they still had a bit too much warping for my liking. After much consideration, I decided to cut up a bunch of old, broken kiln shelves that I have and use those as my racks instead of trying to make racks out of clay slabs. There will be no warping, the sides will be perfectly straight and it is fast and easy.

Here I am with my new tile saw. It looks like the pictures were taken at different times of day, but they are really just without, then with, a flash.

Since everything gets all wet with a tile saw, here are the new racks drying on a hot kiln. Some long pieces, some short pieces. I'll have to lay them out on the shelves before I know how many more to cut to which size. (Yes, over the years I have collected that many broken shelf pieces. Not such a good thing...)

I think I'll easily make up the purchase money for the tile saw with time saved racking up the beads and not having to buy clay to make new racks. The broken shelves were all just sitting around doing nothing anyway.

Today I am two days worth of grateful for my husband, Mark. He listened to me over think and over analyze which tile saw to get, gave his input and went with me to pick it out. Thanks Mark!

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

I've decided to work with my cascade glazes again so I dug out this old shelf. You can see the puddles of glaze and yes, those kiln posts are glazed into place. When I first started to use these shelves dedicated to the cascade / drippy glazes I was upset when the kiln posts stuck, but the more I used them, but more I realized that stuck is a good thing. I fill the shelves, then carry them over to the kiln and gently lower them in. The stuck posts keep everything in place and there is very little shifting going on.

Here is the shelf filled up and ready to be loaded into the kiln:

This old post: http://elaineray.blogspot.com/2008/09/trunk-show.html shows examples of some pendants I made in the past with cascade glazes. Those shown above are much smaller versions. This full shelf will help me judge just how many of these small pendants I can load on the rods without too much slumping. I'll photo again after firing.

Today I am grateful for the NC Museum of Art. We went to see the Rembrandt exhibit this evening. It is inspiring and interesting - so get there if you can.

What are you grateful for today?

Amaco FC-766 kiln needs ring repair

2012-01-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

The top ring of this kiln is split in two all the way around (the inner two rings you see should be just one thick ring rather than two thin rings) and has many vertical breaks in it also. Right now it is patched together with pins to hold it to the outer ring and small chunks of kiln brick to hold it from slumping down over the heating coil. Yesterday I found out that Amaco no longer makes replacement parts for this kiln - bummer! So now I'm beginning my search for a "work around" fix. I have plenty of kiln brick around from an old dismantled kiln, so I will start with that. It is just a flat ring - the heating coil nestles in the ring below. If I can measure and cut the kiln brick precisely, it shouldn't be too hard. I'll keep you posted.

Today I am grateful for Dr. Dan Turnbull. This morning he worked on a molar that I broke a chunk off of last week. It needs a crown, so the dentist visit involved the use of a needle, drill and that yucky impression stuff - all of which he and his staff used with gentle touches and efficiency. Thanks Dr. Dan for making my appointment go as smooth as possible.

What are you grateful for today?

2012-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for online banking / bill paying. It is fast, easy and saves paper. What are you grateful for today?

Gotta run,

Elaine

Chilly in North Carolina

2012-01-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

It is cold here in North Carolina today and my studio / garage is very chilly so I have been sitting on a heating pad glazing beads all day. Today I need to express gratitude toward my friend Jane for long ago suggesting that I sit on a heating pad to keep warm. Thanks again Jane!

What are you grateful for today?

New bead racks - day 1

2012-01-02T13:22:00.001-08:00

I'm in need of new bead racks. Here is my typical set up:

Over the years I've made different / additional slats as needed resulting in a mismash of heights and lengths. Add to that periodic breakage and it has become a time consuming task to set up each shelf as I'm glazing beads. So, inspired by instructions provided by fellow ceramic bead artists over at Golem Studio , I'm starting out fresh and making all new slats. My first trial is firing today:

This trial slat is only about 6 inches long. It is sitting across two clay support slats to check for possible slumping.

Today, I am grateful for my small kiln. It was given to me by my late Aunt Betty and as far as I can guess, she purchased it in the 70's. Here it is finally given a permanent home in my garage studio. In the past I just moved it from place to place when firing it.

What are you grateful for today?

2012 = 366 Days of Gratitude

2012-01-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

After thinking about this for quite a while, I have decided to try to blog daily. To be completely honest with my readers, the reason for this is basically self promotion. I have more time now than ever to work in the clay and plan to again expand beyond beads and pendants. To help keep me on target with daily blogging, I have decided to include thoughts of gratitude along with clay happenings. Even if I don't have anything worth while to say about my clay works, I always have something to be grateful for. So here I go....

Today I am grateful for.... Hot Sauce! I'm not much of a cook, but there isn't much that can't be improved with a squirt of Sriracha, Frank's or Texas Pete.

What are you grateful for today?

New 12 mm rounds

2011-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Look for these new 12 mm rounds recently added or soon to be added to Ornamentea's web site.

My youngest child is getting ready to graduate from High School which means I am spending less and less time doing "mom" things and doing more and more "bead" things. I've expanded my work space and am experimenting with new glaze colors and color combinations. It is time to expand and expand! Keep your eyes open and I'll try to keep you posted of new things - Thanks for being here!

Shop by trunk show by phone!

2011-03-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow and Saturday are the days! Call this special beady hot line (919 210 7271) from a phone that can receive picture text messages and my good friend Julie (also known as Chelsea Girl Designs) will shop for you, texting pictures for your visual approval. Then your order will be passed on to one of the super helpful staff members at Ornamentea who will call you back to get payment and shipping particulars. Go to Ornmentea's web site for shipping information – keep in mind that they offer free shipping on all orders over $50.00!

Bead pictures for this weekend's trunk show are ready here: elaine ray beads spring 2011/ I still need to add pendants. Hope to here from you tomorrow!

Shop by trunk show by phone!

2011-03-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

Woot Woot! Exciting news: This spring you can shop my trunk show by phone! Specific details are to follow but the basic plan is that you will call a special beady hot line ( 919 210 7271 ) from a phone that can receive picture text messages, my good friend Julie (also known as Chelsea Girl Designs) will shop for you, texting pictures for your visual approval, then your order will be passed on to one of the super helpful staff members at Ornamentea who will call you back to get payment and shipping particulars. Go to Ornmentea's web site for shipping information – keep in mind that they offer free shipping on all orders over $50.00!

I gotta get cracking at taking and posting pictures!

This is nowhere near a complete "list" of the glazes I'll have with me this weekend at Ornamentea, but it is a good sampling. There will be strands and loose beads. Hope to see or hear from you then!

Getting ready Ornamentea on Friday and Saturday

2011-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Success on reproducing this glaze, none yet with the reddish glaze.

There is only this handful of these with the lace imprint. Pretty, I think. Good friend, Julie reminded me to make some.

A new small shape! I'm especially happy with these dainty dangles since they are glazed on both sides and the clay is highlighted!

A glimpse at a shelf as I unloaded the kiln this morning.

I'm gearing up for my trunk show at Ornamentea on Friday and Saturday. I'll be glazing all day today, then the last kiln load will fire tomorrow. Remember that Lorelei Eurto will be there Friday evening teaching a class called: Designing Without Limits I'm looking forward to excessively peeking in on the class to catch a peek at the beauty that is sure to be happening in there!

See you then,
Elaine

2011-03-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

When ever I end up with beads that turn out with yucky looking glazes, they go into a box where they eventually get reglazed (and sometime reglazed again) as I try to salvage the beads. Sometimes the beads just end up looking worse and worse, sometime they get so much glaze on them it all just runs to one side, but sometimes I end up with some lovely looking beads..... This picture doesn't really do justice to these glazes, but I'm liking these - even the red ones! Now the real trick is to see if I can recreate this color combination again in time for Friday!

See you at Ornamentea then,
Elaine

2011-03-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Not a new shape, but I'll have more than usual of these at the trunk show. Some day I'm going to make myself a jingly bracelet full of these! See you next week at Ornamentea!

- Elaine

Trunk Show time again at Ornamentea

2011-03-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of new shapes.

This one was well planned out and I am pleased with every aspect of it: small and dainty, easy to form and glaze, shows the bare clay on the sides and I get consistent results. This is a keeper.

This bead is another story. Many of you know how I work - think of a new bead shape, make just a couple and see how it is to glaze and fire them, then make a handful more to get a success / failure rate, and then decide if I want to make them in production. But not for this bead - I was so excited with the first flash vision in my head I didn't bother to think it through and just jumped in and made 100 in each color of clay I use (buff, brown and white). My plan was to glaze the flat side and leave the skinny edges of clay showing, sort of opposite of my washer beads. As soon as I attempt to glaze the first one of those 300 beads it hits me - this won't work! The glaze will run and stick to the wire in the kiln unless I'm super, super, super careful when applying the glaze and use only glazes that don't run. Well, I'm not capable of being that careful and most of my glazes run. Hmmmmm - I can't just toss out 300 beads so I figure I'll just glaze them same at the washer beads and say good bye to the shape forever.

BUT - now I'm loving the shape and edges so will most likely make more and more of them.

Hope you get to meet these new beads at my trunk show on March 25th and 26th at Ornamentea. Lorelei Eutro will be there on Friday teaching Designing Without Limits. Get in the class!

Small washer beads

2010-12-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

A gift for a friend that brings me the best homemade Christmas breads on this earth every year. Thanks Kathy!

2010-12-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Made by local Raleigh jewelry artist Alicia Coats, with Elaine Ray beads and pendant. This would make a great gift for anyone who enjoys handmade beauty! Visit Alicia's web site, do some shopping and get some beauty on........

Look at my new ring!

2010-12-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

Made by the very talented Susan - I'm in love! Susan, you made my spiral cabochon feel and look so lovely. Since my hands are in clay so much, they are showing a bit of wear and tear - this will liven them up a bit!

For all the rest of you out there - get shopping and visit her etsy shop here: bijousavvy .

Thank you Susan!!!!!!!!

Kiln shelf

2010-11-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

A sample of what a shelf looks like as I unload the kiln.

There are not always two layers on each shelf like this, but I try for two whenever possible as it really saves on energy to fire the kiln. The tricky part is to judge the weight of the beads so the wires don't sag. I don't always get this right and here is a couple of samples from sagging wires:

If you picked up any of the accidentally glazed together beads at my last trunk show and have made them into a finished product - let me know. I'm anxious to see how they turned out. These two pieces are the beginnings of my next pile......

Thanks for checking in on me,
Elaine

Another new shape......

2010-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

See you Friday and Saturday at Ornamentea!

Friday is the day...........

2010-09-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek at some new colors and shapes I'll have at Ornmentea on Friday and Saturday:

Hope to see you there!

Seasons change and so do I, you need not wonder why........

2010-09-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

When Ornamentea's current stock runs out, many Elaine Ray creations will no longer be available on line. Take a look here: http://www.ornamentea.com/ElaineRayRetiring.htm Get those items while you can and be ready for exciting ideas in the works. Some are cooking in the kiln right now -so opening my kiln tomorrow morning is what I'm looking forward to.

For you lucky people living in or near Raleigh, stop by Ornamentea. The selection in the store is way more diverse than what is possible on line, and...... it there will be even more to chose from at my trunk show September 24 and 25.

Hope to see you there!

PS - Take a look at this from Cynthia:

2010-09-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Time to say Good bye to a lovely friend ... last spring I started to use a new glaze that soon became one of my favorites: Leaf

Glazes and their components change over time and the magic seems to have slipped away from this one - so it I can no longer create beads of this beautiful color. If you want to snatch up any that are left, check here at Ornamentea.com to see what they have left in stock, because when it is gone, it is gone!

On a brighter note, keep tuned .... I have the kiln loaded with a new greenish color that also loves the buff clay. My plan is to fire the kiln tomorrow, so I may have pictures on Saturday.

Opps!

2010-07-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

What happens when you put a tray of beads out in the sun to dry and forget about them until after the rain storm?

Bummer!

2010-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

And now for something completely different...........

A couple of years ago I took a class with Chris Campbell, a local potter who is nationally know for her work with colored porcelain clay. The murrinis I made in class were intended to become plates, bowls and vases, though those items never quite materialized and the clay sat idle with all its lovely potential wrapped in damp cloths and plastic. I realized that if I was ever going to set that clay free for the world to see, it would have to be in bead form. Each bead is hand rolled with attention given to balance the colors of clay, which leads them to be nonuniform is size, but uniform in pretty. Visit Chris's web site for more information and a beautiful tour of color at ccpottery.com.

The beads are available for purchase at Ornamentea (the shop) and will soon be available on Ornamentea.com .

Thanks for helping me set this lovely clay free to go out and beautify the world!

2010-07-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Look at what Cynthia made - I am going to beg to wear this at my trunk show this fall! Many of these beads are available on Ornamentea's web site and there is even more variety at their store.

elaine ray's garden - featured the summer issue of Stringing

That is quite the bit of beads ..... I'd like a pair of earrings to match. I think a butterfly would come and sit on my shoulder. Thanks Cynthia - it is just beautiful!!!!

2010-06-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Look what I'll be getting in the mail soon!!!

Lorelei made this beauty just for me and I'm ready to swoon! Read all about it on her blog - Inside the Studio . If you'd like to see more, take a look here in Lorelei's etsy shop: Handmade Jewelry by Lorelei.

Lucky, lucky me........

2010-04-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a new shape I have been playing with:

By the way, that is the same glaze on all the beads. It just looks very different on the dark vs. white clay.

I'll see you next week at Ornamentea!

Thanks for stopping by.

2010-04-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Time for another Trunk Show!!!!!!

I will be at Ornamentea on April 30 and May 1st and would love to see you there!

This spring I will be focusing on items that are not available on Ornamentea's web site. This will include new shapes such as the tubes pictured below, as well as many familiar shapes that are in color combination not listed on their web site.

Stay tuned - I'll be posting new pictures as I get ready for the big day - Thanks!

2010-02-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Another shop to add to the list of designers featuring Elaine Ray beads and pendants:

See her here on Etsy: Hot House Posey

As always - a big Thank you to everyone for making me look so good!

A Beautiful Frayed Ribbon Necklace

2010-01-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Ornamentea has posted a new Tutorial using a variety of my beads. The multiple colors in this necklace would make it wearable with most everything I own, not to mention the many pairs of earrings I have with coordinating beads! - Lucky me!

Want to get some of the beads and make your own necklace? Click here: Elaine Ray Beads and Pendants

Looking to purchase lovely, handmade jewelry? Check the list along the right hand side of this blog for a list of designers who often feature my beads in their beautiful creations.

Thanks!

Cash for you silver scrapes

2010-01-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the Art Bead Scene blog post today: Silver Scraps For Cash. Jennifer Heynen of Jangels gives some great advice for saving all your silver scraps and sending them to Rio Grande for reuse. What a win, win, win situation! You get cash, Rio Grande gets a silver supply and Mother Nature gets a hug. Even though the land fill savings may be quite small from silver recycling, recycling of any kind helps save on the environmental mining and processing the original product. - Thanks Jennifer!

2010-01-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

For a friend:

2010-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Look what I made!!!

These are fashioned after samples posted on Ornamentea's web Tutorials and Project Ideas site. I made just one pair of ear wires so the 3 sets of ellipse beads can be interchanged easily. Pretty fancy for me since I'm really not much of a jewelry maker, but I try. Each set of beads uses jump rings in a slightly different way. Get your own ellipse beads here: Ornamentea.com. Scroll down to find the ellipse beads.

One goal I have this year is to do more to promote the wonderful designers who use my beads and pendants. If you have some pictures you'd like to show off, leave me a comment and we will get this organized. Thanks!

Happy New Year!!!
- Elaine

A new assortment of ceramic bezels

2009-09-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick picture of some new bezels I'll have at the show this weekend. You can see more here on Ornamentea's web site (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Looks like the weather will be beautiful for the Designers Downtown Market - make sure to stop by and support all these wonderfully talented local artists.
See you Friday or Saturday.

A whole new technique for me.

2009-09-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

These pendants are made with old crushed bottles. This technique has been done for years and years, but these are my first trial. The most difficult thing for me is how to crush the glass easily - any suggestions?

See you Friday or Saturday at Ornmanetea,

Elaine

Lovely Lacy Lentils

2009-09-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'll have a few of these lacy lentils in Old Penny glaze at my trunk show on September 11 and 12 at Ornamentea. This trunk show is focusing on items not available on Ornamentea's web site, so I'm more excited than ever to post pictures of my new ideas. Keep checking back, and I'll see you there!

- Elaine

More new twists on old ideas.

2009-08-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Cascade glazes on flat pendants.
So far I have been able to keep the glazes from flowing right off the edges, so I am thrilled!

I'll see you on September 11 and 12 at Ornamentea.....

It's Trunk Show time!

2009-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

It is Trunk Show Time!!!! I'll be at Ornamentea on September 11th and 12th with bells on. Drop by to see the new and the old. Shown here is a old idea with a new twist. I have made ring shaped beads for quite a while, but my production error rate was quite high as it was hard to place the middle hole right in the center. Then one day it hit me - just make them off center on purpose - Ta Da! A better looking bead that is also easier to make. A twofer!! Keep checking back as I post more pictures of new ideas.

I'll see you in September!

Free silk cord when you order a Goddess from Ornamentea!

2009-07-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

How great is that!!!! I really love these goddesses and what they stand for:

Thanks for taking a look and enjoy your free silks!

- Elaine

Bead Caps!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am loving these little beauties, but have yet to make any finished items with them. If you have send me a picture ASAP!!!

Here is one crop as they came out of the kiln.........

Pictured above is a close up shot of the Bead Caps available on line at Ornamentea.com. There may be a larger variety at Ornamentea so stop by if you are in the area. The color of the Bead Cap on the bottom of the picture is "Old Penny" and is a new color combination that we have some more plans for - yay!

Thanks!

A New Style of Bead

2009-06-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Take a look and see this new style of bead I have ventured to.........

They are a continuation of some beads I introduced during my trunk show at Ornamentea in March. It has been an interesting time of trial and error to test what designs work with what glaze, while at the same time finding color combinations that Cynthia and I can both agree on. You can find all the new stuff at Ornamentea.com.

Also available now: new colors in the small lentils, large lentils and pillow shape....

Be on the look out for more more new items - I'll let you know as they become available........

Two Bead shops re-stocked and ready to go!

2009-05-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

Great news! Bead Bin in Madison, Wisconsin and The Beadbox in Boone, North Carolina have both just restocked their supplies of Elaine Ray beads and pendants.

Both of these shops have so much to offer - I am thrilled to be included in with their wares. At the Bead Bin you will find a large assortment of Elaine Ray beads of all shapes and colors along with some coordinating pendants and toggles. Look for additional toggles and pendants next week as Chris restocks these items.

At the Beadbox Nikki has selected a huge variety of pendants and focal beads for you to choose from and has also stocked up on beads with the lager 4 mm holes that are great for use with hemp or other thicker fibers. Since my last visit to The Beadbox, they have rearranged the store layout and the amount of merchandise seems to have tripled. You can even sit and have a cuppa from a local roaster at their full service coffee bar, Grateful Grounds, right there in the shop.

Happy beading and be sure to leave a comment when you get to visit these great bead shops.

- Elaine

What eles is new for the Trunk Show?

2009-03-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

This may be my new favorite color.

Cute little bead caps.

Dots and Stripes going into the kiln.

Dots and Stripes out of the kiln.

Hope to see you Friday and Saturday at Ornamentea!

- Elaine

What's new?

2009-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Additional bright colors:

Some new shapes:

More buttons:

And variations with old friends:

Stop by my Trunk Show at Ornamentea to see it all! I'll be there March 13th from 1 - 9 p.m. and March 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Looking forward to seeing you then!

- Elaine

Featured Designer - Andrew Thornton

2009-01-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

On these cold days as I work in my cold garage studio (sitting on a heating pad) I am longing for warmer days. Since I can't skip winter and head right into summer, I'll instead feast my eyes and heart on this lovely necklace by Andrew Thornton.

Dreaming of Summer

While we are talking about feasting, not only can you find loads of inspiring jewelry and other art related info on Andrew's blog, but he regularly gives us peeks at some incredibly scrumptious looking food. Andrew must truly believe in nourishing all of the senses. It is all about what makes life worth living. Thanks Andrew!

Featured Designer - Me!

2008-12-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

Look at what I made!!!!

Never before have I had the courage to try my hand at seed beads, but at the Bead Parlor I just couldn't resist. While I was there for my Trunk Show, Carol Butler gave me an excellent private lesson and I am hooked. The bracelet is made using size 8/0 copper seed beads and one of my tree pendants - both available at the Bead Parlor. If you can't get to the Bead Parlor you can get the beads here, and the pendant here.

My next adventure into using metal seed beads will probably include some small crystals for texture and yet another one of my pendants with 4 holes. Stay tuned...............

Also, a quick note to show off new pendants available at Ornamentea.com:

Thanks for stopping by,

Elaine

Back Home in North Carolina

2008-11-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

As you may know I was at the Bead Parlor this last weekend in Bloomington Illinois. Wow, I had forgotten just how much colder it is in central Illinois than here in central NC. In beautiful downtown Bloomington you need to repark your car every 90 minutes to avoid a parking ticket. My first trip outside I figured I'd just dash about - not bothering to put my coat on - opps! I defiantly had my coat zipped up tightly on my next trip out.

It was a great trip - I had the opportunity to meet many people who shop at and teach classes at The Bead Parlor. Everyone is super friendly and has enough enthusiasm about beading that one can't help but catch the fever! If you have never been there, get your coat and get going!

Here are a couple of pictures of my Trunk Show set up using Shelley's wonderful wooden props:

And here is a picture of the display Shelley has of my beads at all times at the Bead Parlor. I just love the way the wood and clay beads go together - I'm in love with that look.

Early in the day on Friday the very talented Carol Butler whipped together these earrings, using my flat bead circles and Vintaj findings found right there at The Bead Parlor. It was fun for me to watch Carol's creation evolve. She experimented with different jump rings and crystals and the result is stunning!

Also, this necklace is on display. Once again, I am loving the mix of metal and clay.

Stay tuned - I'll soon post pictures of a bracelet I made while there featuring these metal seed beads. Thanks for stopping by and say Hi to everyone at The Bead Parlor on your next trip.

Featured Designer - Lorelei

2008-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

At Lorelei's blog Inside the Studio today you can get a glimpse of glory! Her new bracelet, One Tree Hill, features on of my tree pendants. It is lovely - Thank you Lorelei for giving that tree such a beautiful place to live.

If you'd like to see additional trees, peace pendants and more, stop by The Bead Parlor in Bloomington, IL this Friday and Saturday. This is my first out-of-state adventure for a trunk show and I am a bit nervous. In the landscape and on the soil of Illinois is where I grew up, the place where I learned to love clay. As a way to say thanks, I feel a need to present an extra beautiful spread of beads and pendants. Here is a sampling of what I have to offer:

Hope to see you there!

Featured Designer - Chelsea Girl Designs

2008-11-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

Julie, of Chelsea Girl Designs, sent me these lovely pictures that I really want to share with you. I love the way Julie compliments the shape of my beads and pendants with accents from other components. Soooooo, here is some morning eye candy for you:

If you are interested in purchasing any of these beauties, or would like to commission your own idea, please contact Julie at: ChelseaGirlUSA "at" aol.com Remember to use the @ symbol in place of the word "at". (Just trying to keep her spam level down.)

Thanks for looking!

- Elaine

A trunk show in Bloomington, IL !!!!!

2008-11-03T03:57:00.000-08:00

Hip Hip Hooray!!! It is finally going to happen!!!! I have dreamed of having a trunk show in this lovely bead store along the renovated streets of Bloomington, IL for quite a while now. Shelley Nybakke , owner of The Bead Parlor, offered this opportunity to me long ago, but I am only now able to work it into my schedule. As many of you may know, I was born and raised in rural Illinois not to far from Bloomington so this is really a special trip for me. To get to meet Shelley's customers, who have been long time supporters of Elaine Ray beads, will be great fun and I'll get to soak in the essence of another fine bead shop.

Date: Friday November 21st, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday November 22nd, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: The Bead Parlor
318 N Main St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 827 - 7708

Here is a sampling of what I'll bring with me - if you'd like more ideas, browse previous posts here on the blog. Feel free to post comments indicating what type of beads and pendants you'd like me to bring along with me to The Bead Parlor. Hope to see you there!

- Elaine Ray

Featured Designer - Monkeyshines

2008-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Woot Woot! Take a look at this steamy piece of jewelry by Jen of Monkeyshines.........

Jen has a complete line of Steampunk jewelry - so if you are doing some shopping for the techies or lovers of all things mechanical in your life, take a look here to get some fantastic pieces.

Jen also carries creates jewelry of many other themes - one that tugs at my heart is her Mother's Pendant. So true and so wonderful.........

If you would like to try your own hand at using an Elaine Ray bezel - here is your chance. They are now available in store at Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC, at the Bead Parlor in Bloomington, IL. and online with Ornamentea. Give one a try and send me a picture - I'd love to have you as my next Featured Designer!

Thanks again to Jen,
Elaine

Its a Dark and Stormy Night

2008-10-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

This month at the Art Bead Scene you have a chance to win big! This month's challenge is A Dark and Stormy Night and the prize is a beautiful tree pendant from Gabriel Studios, which is paired with theses beads by me! Take a look here at the rules and regs then be sure to enter by October 31st.

If you are looking for inspiration for some stormy designs visit one of the great bead shops listed on the right hand side of this blog or with complete self promotion I present you with these suggestions from my line offered by Ornamentea:

How about this Bronzy Old Heart to set the mood for that stormy ride?

Or this Textured Toggle - a good way to stay connected even if the power goes out!

If your looking for a bit more color, try these Hour Glass Drops. Time to get moving - go out there and get creative!

I've been checking the entries - there are some beauties! Hope to see you there!

- Elaine

Its a Meet Up!

2008-09-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Jen, from Monkeyshines, is organizing a Raleigh Jewelry Making Meetup for Saturday, October 4th. It will happen at Ornamentea (during my trunk show) at 11:00 a.m. They then plan to head across the street to check out the Purple Armchair, then go out to lunch. This is soooo exciting for me. I am honored that Jen organized this to give us all a chance to meet and say Hello - Thanks Jen!

Trunk Show October 3rd and 4th!

2008-09-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Good news: Ornamentea has added a class on Friday, October 3rd, the first night of my trunk show. Cynthia will be teaching Working with Waxed Linen. The class is just $10 and they will provide the waxed linen. Above you can see an example the Cynthia made in the past with a tree pendant and several assorted beads. You can learn a few knots, come shop at my trunk show, and then do a little "ta da" and show me your finished project!

Hope to see you there!

- Elaine

Featured Designer: Lorelei

2008-09-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Lorelei's blog Inside the Studio today. Lorelei treats us with new, beautiful pieces and as always - she makes me look sooooo good. Then click on to Lorelei's etsy shop and get a head start on your holiday shopping. I bet there is someone you love who needs a new piece of art to wear. They'd look great donning one of these with all the lovely fall colors.

Thanks Lorelei!

Bead Box

2008-09-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Now you can buy Elaine Ray beads and pendants at the Bead Box in Boone, North Carolina. The Bead Box sits right in the heart of historic downtown Boone at 585 W. King St. and has been a vital part of that area since 1995. In 2005 "Greatful Grounds" was added so now you can shop for beads and get a great cup of coffee to give you all the inspiration needed to create a personalized piece of art. What more could you ask for while visiting the beautiful mountains of eastern North Carolina?!?

A Trunk Show!

2008-09-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'd like to invite you to my Trunk Show at Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC on Friday October 3rd and Saturday October 4th. This is always a great time for me to get out of my garage and meet people. There is always so much creative energy bouncing around ... I enjoy trying to catch it all and bring that energy home to put into new projects.

Especially dear to my heart is when people wear or bring in finished pieces of jewelry to show me. There is soooo much talent out there, it just makes my heart go aflutter.

If you have any pictures of pieces you'd like to share with the on-line world, send me a picture to: Elaineraybeads at gmail with your name (and web link if you have one) and I'll post them all here as I move along to show day.

Thanks!

- Elaine Ray

I leave you with one of my favorite pictures. It demonstrates the beautiful difference that can be achieved by applying the same glaze to two different clays.

New item: Hourglass drops

2008-08-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by here in North Carolina and already it feels like we need to at least start to get ready for the next school year. I've been busy in the clay as you can see here on Cynthia's Shiny Little Things Blog.

Here is a peek at new items soon to be available at Ornamentea.com :

Can't you just see the sand flowing through the hourglass? Sometimes I wish I could stop the sand and make time stand still and sometimes I wish I could tap on the side of the glass and make that moment go on to the next a little bit faster.

Hope everyone is having a great summer. Get out there and get some sun - remember, the vitamin D is good for your bones!

- Elaine

Bead and Button show 2008

2008-06-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!!!!! Well, not me actually - but some of my beads and pendants will be there! Shelley Nybakke, owner of the Bead Parlor in Bloomington, Illinois, has a beautiful variety of beads, pendants and toggles in her booth, right along side of her lovely heavy metal seed beads. In my opinion, the organic look of the metal along with my clay and glazes would be a stunning combination. I can't wait to see pictures of her booth.....

Make sure and visit Shelley in booth # 938 - she is super friendly and a great beading resource. Have a great time in Milwaukee and good bead shopping to all of you!

- Elaine

Simply Beads

2008-05-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is a great month for me on the news stand - this time my beads are having a swimmingly good time on the cover of Simply Beads. Heather Powers of Humble Beads designed a lovely necklace named "Siren's Song" that is featured right here on the cover:

Can you see my beads? They are the rockish shaped cubes. You can see a close up of the beads and even purchase a few here: Rusty Blue Steel, 7 mm.

Thank you Heather for this great opportunity! I'm proud to be part of your beautiful project....

- Elaine

Beads 2008

2008-05-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm one the cover of Beads 2008! Yea!!!! - I am sooo excited. Ornamentea submitted the heart connectors - so I want to give them a big THANKS! Can you see them - right there above the word "events", which is appropriate since this is quite an event for me!

Check out page 17 for another view of the heart connectors along with a pair of ceramic cones. These are featured on the page for "organic" looks - couldn't fit me better! Then as an added surprise, on page 68 Elizabeth Murry's "Secrets Revealed" incorporates 3 almond beads and a charm made with my very own hands.

Can you tell I am thrilled! Thank you soooo much Elizabeth - if you find your way to this blog please leave me a comment or some way I can contact you to pass a personal thanks on to you!

Here are some ideas to try with the Heart Connectors:

Above and below: Linky Love as featured at the Art Bead Scene.

Earrings with made as a collaboration with Cindy Gimbrone and Beverly Herman:

A pair of Swinging Earrings as seen at the Art Bead Scene:

My first magazine submission as seen in Stringing:

You can find the Heart Connectors at Ornamentea.com or check with the bead stores listed at the upper right hand side of this blog for availability.

Thanks again to everyone out there that helps to make my creations look so good - I couldn't keep in the business without you.....

- Elaine

Featured Designer: Ishita Ghosh

2008-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ishita Ghosh was featured at The Art Bead Scene last month - take a look at these beautiful earring she has made. I love the way the accent beads highlight the color of the clay at the top of the cones. This is one of my favorite glazes - Golden Earth Cascade. What a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day!

Thanks for stopping by,

Elaine

Beads by Blanche

2008-04-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hi - Some great news:

Beads by Blanche in Bergenfield, NJ has just started to carry Elaine Ray beads and pendants. I'm excited to have moved into another state! They are located at 106 North Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. If you are in the area, make sure to stop by and take a look. Here is some of what you may see:

Thanks for stopping by,

Elaine

Collaboration Day!

2008-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ta Da! Finally, you get to take a look!

Here are the final results of my collaboration with The Lampwork Diva (aka Cindy Gimbrone) and Beverly Herman who creates "Accents for your Attire".

This was a great challenge for me.... because there were so many wonderful beads to work with, it was difficult for me to give each bead the spotlight it deserved. So after many, many design attempts I decided to create a set, spreading out the visual impact. Enjoy this bit of eye candy and remember to stop by Cindy's and Beverly's blogs to see their creations from this fun collaboration.

If you have a link to any collaborations you participated in, please leave a link with your comment. Thanks!

Beading Collaboration Sneak Peek....

2008-03-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a collaboration with lampwork bead artist Cindy Gimbrone and jewelry designer Beverly Herman. Today I give you a sneak peek - tomorrow the whole thing.

Make sure to stop back by tomorrow - I'll see you then!

- Elaine

Studio Saturdays at the Art Bead Scene

2008-03-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm on today for Studio Saturday at ABS. Come on over and take a look at some of my new collar pieces. Leave a comment on that post and be entered to win this:

You don't need your own blog to enter, just leave a comment with your name, then check back next Saturday at The Art Bead Scene to see if you have won. Good luck and Thanks for stopping by!

What's New

2008-02-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

I'm busy getting ready for my Trunk Show at Ornamentea on March 6th and 7th. Here is a sneak preview of some of the new items:

I'll have a variety of these type of collars, some with 3 pieces all the way up to ones with 7 pieces. This stunning bracelet made by Ndidi was my inspiration for the collars. Clicking on this picture will take you to another page. Then click on the same photo again for even more awe inspiring visuals.

Next, take a look at the pieces below, still in their greenware stage. They were made and designed by a great friend: Jane MacGregor Hamilton Mormino (I just call her Jane). Jane has been spending one afternoon a week with me in my chilly garage, playing in the clay. If has been great fun - and quite productive - to discuss design ideas. Look for these a variation of these steampunk looking portholes at the trunk show also. They will be dressed in dark brown clay with bright brass buttons.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Last minute Valentine's Day gifts

2008-02-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today at the Art Bead Scene I have some ideas for quick and simple gifts to make. Book Thongs with a feminine or masculine look:

How about this one - very Steampunk looking if I must say so myself!

Leave a comment about your handmade Valentine's Day gifts. - Thanks!

Bead Style Magazine

2008-02-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

Take a look at BeadStyle Magazine Newsletter today:

Yea! They are featuring some beads and pendants I made. Toot, toot goes my horn! Sign in and you can see even more examples. Thank you Ornamentea for facilitating this connection!

Studio Saturdays at the Art Bead Scene

2008-02-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Go take a look at the Art Bead Scene today - I'm on!

Ornament Thursday Links of Love

2008-01-31T04:49:00.000-08:00

On my first day of participating in Ornament Thursday I'd like to share Links of Love with you. This idea has been pacing about in my head for over a year and Ornament Thursday was just the boost I needed to set it free. As you can see the links do not hang perfectly, but as I moved around it didn't matter - only when I stood still and took the picture was it evident.

Supplies:
10 Heart Connectors
1 Diamond Slice bead (or other accent bead)
1 Round Disk bead (used as accent at end of chain - not shown in picture)
44 9mm jump rings
28 6mm jump rings
12 inches chain
1 lobster claw clasp
wire

Instructions:
After attempting several times to write out the pattern in a understandable manner - I gave up and instead give you this chart:

Large circles = 9mm jump rings
Small circles = 6mm jump rings
Triangles = Heart Connectors

After connecting all the jump rings and Heart Connectors in this pattern, add Diamond Slice bead to bottom 9mm jump ring using your favorite wire wrapping technique. Now add 5 inches of chain to the 6mm jump ring on the left of the top row and add 7 inches of chain to the 6mm jump ring on the right of the top row. Finish 5 inch piece of chain with lobster claw. Finish 7 inch piece of chain with Round Disk bead using your favorite wire wrapping technique. When wearing this necklace, the lobster claw can be clipped anywhere along the chain, providing for an adjustable necklace length.

This is another version of Links of Love - using just 6 Heart Connectors and 12mm jump rings in place of the 9mm jump rings.

Thanks for sharing Ornament Thursday with me. I'd like to make a short amendment to my post....You are welcome to reproduce Links of Love for resale or for your own use. Just keep in mind that other participants in Ornament Thursday have made a different request.

*** As posted on Ornament Thursday Blog:*****
Please note that all of these designs we've created are under copyright laws and none may be used directly or as derivative works for more than your personal enjoyment. You can not sell them as finished goods or to a magazine as a project. Be inspired by our ideas to make your own wonderfully unique creations, this is our gift to you.

Featured Designer: Sherri Mains

2008-01-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these beauties!!!

In her etsy shop, The Beaded Eye Fairy, Sherri states : "Original design appeared in Beadwork (Oct./Nov. 2007) by Jane McGregor of Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC. I used the basic design idea but changed the type of beads used, the ribbon and the colors."

I love the look and message of both of these necklaces - whether you were wearing one of these or watching your friend wear one, all around you would be inspired to follow your dreams. Take a visit in Sherri's shop to see more lovely and inspirational jewelry.

Thanks again Sherri for spreading such beauty with Elaine Ray Beads.

2008-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

"If it takes less that 30 seconds to do ... do it now."

That is my main resolution for 2008. Last couple of years I seem to have slipped into a rut of getting-to-it-later and it is starting to catch up to me in many ways. So this year I will, again, be setting many goals for the year, but that is my only "resolution". Here is the ugly truth: I wrote 23 bead related goals last year and only met 4! And one of those four was to "consider" starting a retail line of finished jewelry. Well I did quite of bit of "considering" - looks like I did 12 months of "considering". Yikes! Time to get going.......

New Challenge at Art Bead Scene

2007-12-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

Check out December's monthly challenge:

artbeadscene.blogspot.com

Here is just a sampling of the wonderfulness you could win:

Hope to see you there!

Embellish Yourself

2007-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

I recently did a post on Art Bead Scene encouraging everyone to "Embellish" themselves. You can see the article here: Embellish Yourself.

Shelley Nybakke, owner of "The Bead Parlor" in Bloomington, Illinois sent this picture along:

Yow! We should all looks so good!

Thanks Shelley!.

Collaboration: Artist Donna Sloma

2007-11-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

This beauty was created with my good friend Donna Sloma. Donna made the pendant from an actual domino game piece! The black ring beads are some I made - all combined with other beads and chain I picked up at Ornamentea. (You can get the ring beads there also.) I love this necklace, great for the fall season, but I'll wear it all year.

Donna is one of those people that can take a pile of stuff that looks roughly like the floor of a kindergarten classroom and make something wonderful out of it. She designs pendants, pins, altered books and a huge variety of other things. You can get in on this talent by attending a class taught by Donna at Artists' Oasis in Apex, NC. Click on this link: Artists' Oasis classes .

You can meet Donna and purchase your own pendants at:

Artists' Oasis Open House
1000 N. Salem Street
Apex, NC
(919) 367-9933
November 11th

Christmas Carousel
NC State Fairgrounds
November 23rd - 25th

St. Mary Magdalene
Santa's Village
Magdala Place
Apex, NC

If you have the opportunity to meet Donna tell her I said Hi!

Featured Designers: Monkeyshines

2007-10-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely new pair of earrings that Jen of Monkeyshines made. The faceted teardrop shapes are iolite stones, which Jen explains that in gem lore is said to have spiritual properties: opening the soul and enhancing psychic experiences. Wow! All that and they will make you look great too!

Thanks Jen for sharing your treasure with us.

- Elaine

Good News from Ornamentea

2007-10-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

I had a great trunk show at Ornamentea this last weekend. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. Since most of my time working is alone in my garage, it is a nice break to get to spend some time with such creative people. During these shows I get to chat with the staff and hear all kinds of wonderful ideas from the customers. To my heart's delight, many of the customers wore pieces of jewelry to the show that they had made from previously purchased items.

The good news is that even though the inventory at her two stores: Ornamentea and Panopolie, and on the web site are slightly different, Cynthia let me know that how easy it is for local beader to buy items from the website. When checking out on the web site, just click “pick up at the store” shipping option and let them know if you want to pick up your order at Ornamentea or Panopolie with an email to weborders@ornamentea.com. It’s that easy.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and to all the wonderful people at Ornamentea who continue to make me look so good!