Category Archives: Uncategorized

June 23, 2014 · 11:50 am

Does your earring collection need a fix?

There’s nothing like a new accessory to spruce up your wardrobe. I have many different styles at Winters Work on the Islesford Dock. The restaurant may be closed for lunch on Monday and Tuesday, but Sue Hill’s shop is open! Here is a sampling of what is available:

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Tagged as earrings, Islesford Dock, Winter's Work

June 20, 2014 · 9:48 am

Summer season at Winters Work

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

New year, new necklaces, old friends. Come to the Islesford Dock and check out Sue’s shop; Winters Work.

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Tagged as beach rock necklaces, Islesford, Islesford Dock, Winter's Work

June 13, 2014 · 12:22 am

960 sterling metal clay

(Yes, I’m still hopping to read all of the bead soup blogs. I have about 50 to go. If you’re still hopping too and are looking for my post about bead soup, click here.)

Way back in February, Celie Fago introduced a new alloy of sterling PMC. (Click link to read her blog post about it.) One reason I had never jumped on the PMC sterling bandwagon is that I really don’t like the mess of firing in carbon. (Sterling silver, by definition, is an alloy of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper or germanium in the case of Argentium™ sterling silver.) PMC sterling has just enough copper in it to require the carbon firing that one must use with other base metal clays like copper and bronze. I use carbon firing for those because I have to, not because I like it. When it comes to precious metal clay, my favorite version is PMC+, which is 99% fine silver. It can be fired on an open shelf, which means I can fire many more pieces at one time. The only drawback to fine silver is that it is soft. It can be work hardened, but it still won’t have the strength of sterling silver. For some components I make, it would be great to have the strength of sterling with the ease of firing without carbon.

When Tim McCreight wondered what would happen if PMC sterling were enriched with more fine silver, Celie decided to give it a try. The result was an enriched sterling clay that could be fired on an open shelf. Look Ma, no charcoal! Thank you Celie! The new sterling clay is creating quite a buzz in the metal clay community and I knew I wanted to give it a try too.

I started by making some simple toggle clasps using rolled “snakes” of clay, some washer shapes to use in multi-strand necklaces, some cone ends, and a bangle. I also wondered about firing synthetic stones in place. (The suggested temperature for using these in fine silver clay is lower than the 1500º needed to fire the enriched sterling clay.) And, I made a few of my usual “rock” beads to see if I noticed any difference in them with the 960 sterling clay. Results after firing:

The stones I tried withstood the temperature, and everything else seemed to have fired well. A few of the pieces have added details made from PMC sheet. There was no problem using that on top of the 960 clay.

I did run into a little trouble with cracking on the bangle and with the seam on one of my “rock” beads.

I have never made a bangle with fine silver clay, so I’m not sure if this was a design flaw on my part. I wanted to test the strength of the 960 clay by making this type of bracelet. I may have over supported it by dropping it into a pile of investment rather than putting it flat on a tile to fire it. (I use investment to support my pieces in the kiln rather than vermiculite.) I think the investment prevented some of the shrinkage as the piece fired, causing cracks and stress spots.

The bead is a different story, and something I learned while trying the 960. When I put two pieces of unfired PMC together, I do not use slip. I use water on each edge and squidge them together. This technique has worked well for me. However, the 960 does not seem quite as able to make enough of its own slip on the surface to work like this when putting two pieces together. I would definitely try using slip instead of water, next time, or I would go over the seams with another smudge of clay and then sand it down when dry. Below, one of the rings for the toggle that did not bond like I had hoped when using water along the seam.

Another indication that the bangle was affected by the investment is that it is slightly wider at the bottom.

I figured I had nothing to lose by trying to reshape this on a mandrel. The bracelet seemed to take the hammering okay. It had the sound of a work-hardened piece of silver. But, when I tried to squeeze it a little bit, to see just how hard it was, it cracked and broke. It became a good test piece at that point, and this is how many stress points there were:

I will have to try this again, firing flat on a tile, to see if it happens again. I really don’t think it’s the fault of the clay. The pieces were all sintered, and I could not snap the smaller pieces. Even the seam of the bracelet did not break, though it was starting to crack.

I hammered the heck out of this one piece just to see what it would do to the look of the PMC sheet triangles on the surface. I kind of like the effect.

PMC+ (on the left) and 960 PMC (on the right) look a little different when they come out of the kiln. Actually, these pieces have also been in the tumbler and you can still see the difference.

But, after applying liver of sulphur, tumbling and then buffing, I see no difference in their appearance.

All in all it felt like a good first experiment with 960. There are a lot of other things I would like to try with it, including carving before firing. Right now I’m giving the unused portion of the 960 a test to see how it well it stores in a plastic container while I am busy using the components I made in pieces I’m finishing up for galleries this summer. Stay tuned!

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Tagged as 960, enriched sterling silver clay, PMC, testing 960

May 10, 2014 · 1:00 am

It’s Bead Soup Blog Party time!

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in to hop around the internet and get your fill of creativity as you bounce from blog to blog to see just what people were able to make with beads that came as a surprise in the mail.

To review, the rules are that when you are paired with your partner, you get in touch and exchange beads. You must include a focal piece and a clasp along with whatever other beads you want to send. Participants create something with the beads they receive, adding from their own stock if they wish. The only requirement is that you use the clasp and the focal piece in your creations.

My partner, Barbara Mason, lives in Ashland, Oregon, where she divides her time between being a hospice nurse and making jewelry. Her website is called Adorningly Yours, and she makes some very cool things. Be sure to check it out! This is her second time participating in the BSBP and my third time.

Here are the beads she sent to me: (I apologize for the photo quality, I took the picture in haste!)

And now for the reveal. I don’t tend to use focal pieces much in my work so I have found this part of the Bead Soup to be a challenge in all 3 of the times I have participated. The large focal stone, mushroom jasper, is mesmerizing to look at and I love the green and red aspect of it. Here is the necklace I made with it. It is strung on silk ribbon which ended up being my least favorite part of the necklace.

I’m not satisfied with how this piece came out, but think the components have potential to be reworked into something I like better. For me that is what the Bead Soup project is all about. Trying something new and learning from it.

The second necklace uses one of the two handmade sterling silver clasps from Barbara. Isn’t it interesting that we each sent the other a clasp of silver, featuring dots, that we had made ourselves? This necklace also includes the Moss Agate pieces Barbara sent, to which I added a variety of quartz from my own stash of beads.

Last is a necklace I made when we had the extra week added to the BSBP deadline. (Thank you Lori! Hope you’re feeling better!) I used the striped quartz as a focal for this one and explored going from a double strand to a single strand using hammered silver rings. Those tiny glass beads in the connecting loops are actually from my first bead soup partner3 years ago. Kind of fun to find a way to use them in this future BSBP piece!

Now it’s time for you to hop on over to the other blogs. Take your time. There were 500 of us who signed up for this! It’s going to take me all week, at least, to see what everyone has made. Inspiring and fun. The names and links are below. Make sure you check out my partner Barbara Mason’s blog FIRST. Here’s a photo of the eclectic soup I sent to her. I can’t wait to see what she chose to use from it!

The every long list of participants and their links:

Lori Anderson, Hostess www.PrettyThingsBlog.com

Tina Bosh http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/

Kristina Hahn Eleniak www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com

Kari Asbury www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Kris Binsfield www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Cheryl Gangle www.RockCandyJewelryDesign.blogspot.com

Amber Dawn www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com

Michelle Wigginton http://adornedonadelaide.weebly.com/

Kayla Potega http://teejewelry.blogspot.com/

Becky Pancake www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Debbie Rogers http://debbiestreasuresandgems.wordpress.com/

Jenny Kyrlach www.anafiassa.blogspot.com

Genea Crivello-Knable www.geneabeads.blogspot.com

Deborah Read www.deborahreadcom.blogspot.com

Julianna Cannon http://julsbeads.blogspot.com/

Lisa Liddy www.lisaliddy.wordpress.com

Debbie Rasmussen www.Kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca

Iveth Caruso www.creativeatelier.net/blog

Rana Wilson http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/

Corrie Williams http://thecedarbeader.blogspot.com.au

Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com

Miranda Ackerley http://blog.mirandack.com/

Andra Weber www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com

Loretta Carstensen http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/

Penny Houghton www.smellynelly.blogspot.com.au

Tania Hagen http://pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz/

Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com

Laurie Vyselaar www.Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com

Rachel Baron www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com

Erin Guest www.renlish.com

Emma Todd www.apolymerpenchant.com

Kelly Schermerhorn http://meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com/

Dana Hickey http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com

Rebecca Ednie http://eclecticendeavours.blogspot.com

Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/

Sherri Levinton www.cuttergazette.blogspot.com

RaMona Woolson www.jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com

Jo-Ann Woolverton www.Itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca

Audrey Belanger http://esperianterra.blogspot.ca/

Candida Castleberry http://spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano https://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Chenault www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com

Toltec Jewels www.JewelSchoolFriends.com

Diana Welte http://lilyweeds.blogspot.com

Jean A. Wells www.jeanawells.blogspot.com

Bev Breisinger http://countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com/

Autumn Adams www.autumndawns.blogspot.com

DiYana Alcalde www.agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com

Patty Gasparino www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com

Karen Mitchell www.overthemoon-design.com

Regina Santerre http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/

Dhea Powers http://javabead.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Keri Lee Sereika www.pinklemonade.typepad.com

Melissa Trudinger www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Elsie Deliz-Fonseca http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com/

Jeanne Steck www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com

Carolyn Lawson http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Kay Thomerson http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com

Maybeline Tay http://thejewelrylarder.blogspot.sg/

Jackie Locantore http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStarSanctuaryStudio

D’Arsie Manzella http://thisherenowmamacita.blogspot.com

Jacqueline Marchant http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/

Beccy Peterson www.yanasmom.blogspot.com

Katie Nielson-Nunez www.Vikingcraft.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Rose Johnson http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com/

Nicole Demore http://healingbeading.blogspot.com/

Marti Conrad http://marticsclay.blogspot.com

Marianna Boylan www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com

Mitzie Crider www.needfulluxuries.com

Christa Murphy www.adventuresofwonbeadywoman.blogspot.com

Alisa Siceloff www.armoredmermaid.blogspot.com

Maria Rios http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com/

Tracy Martin www.nutkittensjewelry.blogspot.com

Nan Emmett www.spiritrattles.blogspot.com
Jelveh Jafarian http://jelvehdesigns.blogspot.com/

Ali McCarthy www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Jennifer LaVite www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com

Dolores Raml www.craftydscreations.wordpress.com

Valerie Kravette http://gettingabeadon.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty www.beadsong.blogspot.com

Kathleen Breeding http://99bobotw.blogspot.com

Kristi Brokaw www.Kristibrokawdesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Suver http://fanceethat.blogspot.com/

Natalie Moten http://runningoutofthread.blogspot.com/

Jami Shipp http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com/

Diana Shiraishi www.JasmineTeaDesigns.blogspot.com

Heather Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com

Ghislaine Kruse-van Erp www.kruseartllc.com

Lisa Knappenberger www.liraysadesigns.blogspot.com

Charlene Jacka http://clay-space.com/blog

Patty Miller http://pattymillerbeads.blogspot.com/

Sandi James www.dobedobeaddo.blogspot.com

Marianne Hurley www.Readsandbeads.wordpress.com

Cris Peacock http://crispart.blogspot.com/

Andrea Rivers http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com/

Gloria Allen http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com/

Kandice Seeber http://coloraddictionblog.blogspot.com

Janine Lucas http://www.esfera.me/travel/

Sandy Richardson www.SandyscoloringBox.blogspot.com

Hajer Waheed www.mybeadedworld.wordpress.com

Cynthia Abner http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com/

Peggy Johnson http://charmbarn.blogspot.com/

Tina Holden www.beadcomber.ca

Julie Bowen http://blog.autochthonous-evolved.com

Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Sarah Strover www.beaupepys.blogspot.com

Kimberly Idalski www.kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com

Sandi Volpe www.sandivolpe.com

Tandra Boyer http://alittleinkalicious.blogspot.com/

Klaudete Koon http://www.klaudetekoon.blogspot.com

Michaela Pabeschitz http://der-lamardebonita.blogspot.co.at/

Mea-B. Uebler http://schmuck-der-gut-tut.blogspot.de

Mandi Effron www.craft-o-licious.blogspot.com

Evelyn Shelby http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/

Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com

Evelyn Duberry www.Shebamakeda.com

Eszter Czibulyas http://bigyogyar.blogspot.com

Sylvia Lupberger http://www.lusyls-kreativseite.blogspot.de/

Divya N www.jewelsofsayuri.com

Blanca Medina www.peru-medesigns.com

Ginger Davis Allman http://thebluebottletree.com

Chris Eisenberg http://www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Katja Benevol Gabrrijelcic http://slovoni.blogspot.com

Jodie Marshall www.marshalljodie.blogspot.com

Margareta Saari http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.fi/

Menka Gupta http://menkag.blogspot.com/

Dian Hierschel www.mydias.de

Kashmira Patel http://sadafulee.blogspot.com

Christina Miles http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Inge von Roos www.ingetraud.wordpress.com

Sam Siegel http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Linda Newnham http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Enikö Fabian www.perleni.blogspot.com

Dorota Żerańska http://gdymamczas.blogspot.com

Shalini Austin http://jewellery-by-shalini.blogspot.co.uk

Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens www.glassbeadart.blogspot.com

Silke Groeber http://just-beads.blogspot.com

Birgit Klughardt www.gitesbeads-gite.blogspot.com

Rebecca Anderson www.songbeads.blogspot.com

Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk

Stefanie Teufel http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com

Rosantia Petkova http://bairozan.blogspot.com/

Alenka Obid www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Jacqueline Keller www.creartelier.blogspot.com

Sam Waghorn http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Jackie Ryan http://kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk/

Kumi Fisher www.kumifisher.blogspot.com

Joan Williams www.lilrubyjewelry.com

Stephanie Weiss http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/

Elsbeth Fuchs www.acrimbolda.blogspot.com

Johanna Nash http://http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.co.uk

Natascha Marty http://www.sommerlicht.ch

Sarah Goode www.pookledo.blogspot.com

Agata Grygiel http://www.inaurem.pl/

Jeannine Vetsch-Bokstaller www.jevebo-art.blogspot.com

Rebecca Sirevaag www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Magdalena Sikora http://www.porannagazeta.blogspot.com/

Ana Krepel http://catspajamas-dogstuxedos.blogspot.com/

Saskia Letta www.puenktliundanton.blogspot.com

Beth Emery www.storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com

Lizzie Clarke www.theneedtobead.blogspot.com

Evie and Beth McCord http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/

Marcia Dunne www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.co.uk

Agi Kiss http://moonsafaribeads.blogspot.com

Esterina Jagiella http://ekleijar.blogspot.com/

Judith Johnston http://www.judith-johnston.com/blog/

Jenny Vidberg http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/

Klaudia Toth http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu

Merja Sundström http://suntsan.blogspot.fi/

Colleen Vinthagen http://www.thewireworkshop.com/blog

Leah Curtis http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk/

Giorgia Rossini http://joyblonde.blogspot.it/

Sandra Wollberg www.city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.com/‎

Annica Larsson http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/

Johana Nunez www.artincendi.com

Krafty Max http://kraftymax.blogspot.com/

Lori Schneider www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com

Mary Govaars www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com

Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Maddison Langford www.maddy-moo.blogspot.com

Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/

Birgitta Lejonklou www.lejonklou.blogspot.se

Lesley Watt www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Doris Stumpf www.glaszwerg.blogspot.com

Marjolein Trewavas http://roomforchangemeuk.blogspot.co.uk/

Silvia Sernicola http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/

Roxanne Blanc http://strikesmyfancy-2013.blogspot.com/

Wendy Chamberlain http://wendy-essentialbears.blogspot.co.uk/

Siobhán Keogh www.vovsjewellery.blogspot.ie

Claire Fabian www.saraccino.blogspot.com

Katrin Fenzke http://perlhuehner-schokojunkie.blogspot.de/

Eva Wills http://quiltingpug.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Bridget Torres www.shears58.net

Marina Passarella http://annodarte2013.blogspot.it

Christina Hickman http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/

Tammie Everly http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com/

Ana Cravidao http://acbeads.blogspot.com

Keren Panthaki www.vasdea.wordpress.com

Jennifer VaBenschoten http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com

Solange Collin http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com

Marina Kosović http://machoopko-design.blogspot.com/

Michelle Tucker www.michelleannstudio.com

Sue Rennie http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/

Claire Lockwood www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com

Barb Solem www.ViviMagooPresents.com

Caroline Dewison http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk

Noemi Baena Roman http://blog.noemibaena.com/

Marsela Schroth www.marselita.de

Amy Severino http://www.amybeads.blogspot.com/

Vonna Maslanka http://justvonna.blogspot.com/

Andra Marasteanu http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com

Cherrie Warzocha www.colorsofshae.blogspot.com

Amanda Wacasey www.Mandyinmystic.blogspot.com

Marcy Lamberson www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Lisa Johnson http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com/

Gail Vanderster-Zwang www.Angelmoose.blogspot.com

Laurie Keefe-Cecere http://cecerelyyours.blogspot.com

Asri Wahyuningsih http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/

ChristineMurrow www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com

Laurie Ament http://isinglassdesign.blogspot.com/

Lilik Kristiani http://pcbylik.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Haussler www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com

Deb Fortin www.studiok24.blogspot.ca

Kelly Hosford Patterson www.travelingsideshow.blogspot.com

Katy Heider www.onthepondcreations.blogspot.com

Christine Stonefield www.sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com

Dagmar Liebisch http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.de

Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca

Sheila Daniels http://www.cheekymagpie.com

Rossana De Gaspari www.Rdegas.blogspot.com

Cory Tompkins Www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com

Sonya Stille www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Judy Riggs www.rigglettes.blogspot.com

Lora Bright www.labweorc.wordpress.com

Tina Noonan www.wingedimp.blogspot.com

Shawn Price http://silkyshaven.blogspot.com

April Grinaway http://brooklynbeadgoddess.blogspot.com

Cheryl Roe www.beadroe.blogspot.com

Pam Hurst http://pamhurst.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

Emmanuelle Roué www.ashentara.blogspot.fr

Tammy Adams http://paisleylizard.com/blog.html

Kristin Oppold http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Catie Doman http://drcatie.blogspot.com/

Sheila Prosterman www.catswithbeads.blogspot.com

Cheryl Foiles http://cherylsartisticendeavors.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Perry www.mustardbeadbystephanieperry.blogspot.com

Barbara Fernald www.BarbaraSFernald.com

Debi Dufrene http://debideauxdesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathy Stemke http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com/

Anne Betenson www.crystalriverbeads.blogspot.com

Chris Haussler http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com

Catherine King www.Catherines-Musings.blogspot.com

Andria Poole www.jewelleryartiste.blogspot.co.uk

Sherri Stokey www.knotjustmacrame.com

Sharyl King http://catchenthesun.wordpress.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Gayle Dyck www.dragonflydreamweaver.wordpress.com

Gen Smith http://www.gennysworld.blogspot.com

Deanna Cox http://deannaaki.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath www.stringingfool.blogspot.com

Rose Rushbrooke www.roserushbrooke.com/blog/

Arlene Dean http://aglassbash.blogspot.com

Maria Rosa Sharrow www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com

Deborah Apodaca www.deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com

Veralynne Malone www.veradesigns.blogspot.com

Stacy Alderson http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk

Eva Sherman http://evashermandesigns.blogspot.com/

Cassi Paslick http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/

Cindy Boissonneault www.dziar.com

Linda Sadler www.idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com

Louise Glazier http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/

Susan McClelland http://mistheword12.wordpress.com/

Kathrin Lembke http://allesperle.blogspot.de/

Susanne Stelljes www.Pearlify.blogspot.com

Terry Jeanette Carter www.tappingflamingo.blogspot.com

Susan Kelly http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com

Kim Paige http://www.redtree-studio.com/blog/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com

Annita Wilson http://awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com/

Tracey Leeder http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Bunn http://elizabethbeads.blogspot.com

Allison Fitzpatrick alspolkadotsandpaisley.blogspot.com

Tania Spivey www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com

Ilenia Ruzza http://ile1974.blogspot.it/

Lauren Potts www.lpsjewelry.blogspot.com

Lynn Jobber http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/

Lee Koopman http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Carol Wilson http://jetadorn.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Woodford www.Elizabethcreates.blogspot.com

Deb McKinnis www.willowbridgebeads.wordpress.com

Rochelle Brisson http://www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com

Shari Replogle www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com

Janeen Sorensen www.wildvanilladesigns.com

Kat Barron Miller http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com/

Elaine Robitaille http:/www.tooaquarius.com

Darlene Fortier www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com

Leslie Schenkel http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/

Kym Hunter http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/

Leslie Wayment http://www.aabeadsonline.com/blog/

Beckie Robison http://spiralfirestudios.blogspot.com

Hannah Trost www.pzdesigns.blogspot.com

Kim Hutchinson www.jumbledhutch.wordpress.com

Liz Engriser www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com

Diah Anggreni https://mymaniks.wordpress.com

Monique Urquhart http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/

Kim Williams www.kimmwilliams.blogspot.com

Theresa Buchle http://www.bead-mused.blogspot.com

Susan Bowie http://susanbowie.wordpress.com

Pam DeBoer http://pamelas-studio.blogspot.com/

Skylar Bre’z http://brisingbeads.blogspot.com/

Janet Loomis www.anvilartifacts.blogspot.com

Tari Kahrs http://brush.typepad.com/my-blog/

Nancy Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.ca

Erin Grant www.ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com

Barbara Mason www.Adorninglyyours.com

Karin King www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca

Mary K. McGraw www.mkaymac.blogspot.com

Mandi Ainsworth www.beadcircle.com

Jasvanti Patel http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Donna Conklin www.PrimaDonnaBeads.com

Karen Jones http://offthetopcreations.blogspot.ca/

Lori Finney www.lori-finney.blogspot.ca

Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com/

Sabine Dittrich www.perlendschungel.blogspot.com

Nicole Valentine Rimmer www.nvalentine.blogspot.com

Marge Beebe www.rockcreekcreations.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy Www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Chandra Merod www.Junipergoods.blogspot.com

Nancy Olliver http://nancyolliver.com/blog/

Alison Sachs http://beadsbyearthtones.blogspot.com/

Kay Mallery www.kaymreflections.blogspot.com

Beth Petricoin http://createmyworlddesigns.blogspot.com/

Marta Grabalowska http://galeriakota.blogspot.com/

Clare Etheridge http://www.catseatdogs.com

Heather Marston http://cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com

Ann Rishell Http://mycriticaleye.com

Cece Cormier http://www.thebeadingyogini.com/

Shannon German www.Missficklemediacom.blogspot.com

Mary Ellen Merrigan http://www.maryellenbeads.com

Cheryl Brown www.dragonflybeads.ca

Mary Hicks http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Judy Robinson http://judyrobinsondesigns.com

Danielle Kelley http://imbuethemuse.blogspot.com/

Cate van Alphen http://fulgorine.wordpress.com/

Patricia Buchanan www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Billi R.S. Rothove http://www.billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com

Laura Blanck www.laurablanck.blogspot.com

Pam Traub http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com

Fay Wolfenden www.torchfairy.blogspot.com

Kristi Harrison http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com/

Karen Martinez http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Sarah Singer http://singingsongsofsixpence.blogspot.co.uk

Megan Tillery http://cherryonion.wordpress.com/

Dana James www.danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com

Rachel Stewart www.bluefinchjewelry.blogspot.com

Valerie Cook www.kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com

Debra Gibson http://debrasheart.blogspot.com/

Pat Haight http://wigglebuttblog.blogspot.com/

Rachel Stanley www.2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com

Sandra Pendragon www.SandraPendragon.blogspot.com

Anja Schultz www.Anjas-perlenwelt.blogspot.de

Sharon Driscoll www.sharondriscoll.blogspot.com

Lecia Woessner https://www.copperroses.blogspot.com

Kitty Durmaj www.perlesandlife.blogspot.com

Donetta Farrington http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com/

Bonnie Coursolle http://jaspersgems.blogspot.ca/

Laurie Wirth www.mermaidtreasuresart.blogspot.com

Lori Callahan http://dancingwireandbeads.blogspot.com/

B.R. Kuhlman www.mixedmayhemstudios.com

Karin Grosset Grange http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Rebekah Payne http://www.treewingsstudio.com/

Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Jael Thorp http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/

Patty Woodland http://brokenteepee.com

Eleanor Burian-Mohr http://cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com/

Susanna Lehto www.othellehto.blogspot.fi

June Butt http://www.onewhiteswan.blogspot.co.nz/

Melissa Muir www.Melissamuir.com/blog

Laney Mead http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/

Tamera Norris http://bytameraleah.com/

Andrea Trank www.heavenlanecreations.com

Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/

Valerie Tilghman www.Artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com

Jean Baldridge Yates http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/

Sierra Barrett www.Giraffecanhas.wordpress.com

Patricia Robitaille http://www.banglesandbrew.blogspot.com/

Leanne Loftus www.firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com

Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com

Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/

Dini Bruinsma www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl

Marde Lowe www.fancimar.com

Hannah Annear www.quirkyhannah.wordpress.com

Patty Johnson http://patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com/

Valerie Norton www.hot-fused-glass.com

Ann Sherwood http://ann-sherwood.blogspot.com/

Staci Smith www.stacilouiseoriginals.com

Jen Purple www.purplefishstudio.blogspot.com

Ruth Szapa www.trulytrudi.blogspot.com

CJ Bauschka www.Fool4Jewels.blogspot.com

Karla Morgan www.texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Suz Hamel http://cardandjewelrycorner.blogspot.com/

Laura Guenther www.Blueantiquities.blogspot.com

Elisabeth Auld www.beadsforbusygals.com

Martha Aleo www.ornamento.wordpress.com

Shiraz Biggie www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com

Brendalee Astells www.silverbee.ca

Heather d’Entremont http://frugalmacdougall.wordpress.com

Kelly Morgan www.silverparrotdesigns.blogspot.com

Lori Blanchard www.alainnjewelry.wordpress.com

Susan Kennedy www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Rain Hannah http://honeyandollie.com

Janice Warden Bergeron http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca/

Melissa Packer www.melissascheapfrills.com

Jana Haverty http://handlcreations.blogspot.com/

Cindy Ritchie http://mooseriverglass.blogspot.com/

Marianne Baxter www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Denise McCabe www.cabewoman.blogspot.com

Sharon Palac www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Cathy Buckley www.cathybuckleycatsmeow.blogspot.com

Jennifer Van Horn http://jennifersjewelsandjunk.blogspot.com/

Crystal Rector Www.autumnskyadornments.com/blog

Susan Walls http://susansartcircus.com/blog

Penny Neville http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Cone http://inspiredadornments.blogspot.com/

Heather Davis www.heatherdavisdesigns.com

Michelle Escano www.cabbycaft.blogspot.com

Carmen Lau http://littlemake.blogspot.com

Janet Borzecki www.jaybeejewelry.blogspot.com

Rhonda Hagerman http://mustardseedbeads.blogspot.com/

Katrina Taylor www.iwannagoout.wordpress.com

Molly Alexander http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com

Nicole Rennell www.nicolerennell.com/blog

Chris McGilvery www.mmmomentos.blogspot.com

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

Dawn Williams www.sadiejewelrydesign.blogspot.com

Kate Dufour https://mixfolios.wordpress.com/

Robin Lynne Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Hodges www.thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com

Adlinah Kamsir http://dreamstruckdesigns.blogspot.sg/

Carol Dillman http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Christine Hansen http://intuitivesparks.blogspot.com/

Andrea Frank http://andreajewelry.blogspot.com

Tracy Stillman www.beadtrilogy.com

Denise Petersen www.reinventedobjects.blogspot.com

Veronica Campos-Hallstrom www.clubcreativestudio.com/blog

Madonna Liza Cruz-Comia http://crazy-notions.blogspot.com

Suzann Sladcik Wilson www.Beadphoria.wordpress.com

Terri Gauthier http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca

Barbara Bechtel http://secondsurf.com

Hannah Rosner http://goodrivergallery.blogspot.com

Keren von Hoeren www.creativeideen.de

Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/

Maire Dodd http://mairedodd.blogspot.com/

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April 7, 2014 · 9:54 am

Time to set some traps

Bruce is out on the water as I am sitting in the library in N.E. Harbor, waiting for an appointment. Yesterday he asked if I’d take a photo of his lobster traps, ready to hit the water, to send to a fellow fisherman in Nova Scotia. Why not add them here as well, I thought. This is the first batch of what will eventually be 800 traps in the water. C’mon you hungry lobsters, start crawling!

What a relief to have a sunny warm (40’s) day with no wind. Finally feels like spring.

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March 23, 2014 · 2:12 pm

Work in progress

Necklace sections, soon to be assembled.

Islesford beach rocks, English sea glass (Seaham Beach), handmade fine silver beads, 3mm sterling silver round beads, polymer clay, lampworked glass beads…

Holly, I couldn’t reply to your comment with a photo, so I’ll edit the post. I’ll use these groupings to make some necklaces similar to this one:

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Tagged as English sea glass, hand made fine silver beads, Islesford beach rocks, necklace sections, PMC, work in progress

March 21, 2014 · 9:40 am

The beads have arrived!

I signed up to participate in the 8th annual Bead Soup Blog Party. My partner, Barbara Mason lives in Ashland, Oregon, where she divides her time between being a hospice nurse and making jewelry. her website is called Adorningly Yours, and she makes some very cool things. Be sure to check it out! This is her second time participating in the BSBP and my third time.

The rules are that when you are paired with your partner, you get in touch and exchange beads. You must include a focal piece and a clasp along with whatever other beads you want to send. Participants create something with the beads they receive, adding from their own stock if they wish. The only requirement is that you use the clasp and the focal piece in your creations. But you will likely use most, if not all, of the beads you received.

We take photos of the pieces we have made and May 3 is the big reveal date. On that day, everyone posts their photos on their own blog and you can hop from blog to blog to see what others have made. It’s a lot of fun, really gets the creative juices going, and you meet people from all over the world.

This is what I received:

It feels like a birthday having all these little packages to unwrap!

I’m not sure what this focal stone is, but it looks like it might be rhyolite. Also, this quick photo I took does not do justice to how pretty these beads are. In the top are 5 beads that are translucent green with dark stripy inclusions. Rutilated quartz? They really have me inspired today!

The two striped beads below look like some kind of agate. The silver toggle claps are great. I’m wondering if Barbara made them herself?

And, because she knows I work a lot with beach rocks from the east coast where I live, Barbara sent me a few rocks from the west coast!

I’m off to the studio right now!

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March 19, 2014 · 2:21 pm

One of the best things about going away…

…is coming home. Especially yesterday when I had four packages waiting for me. (4! And I had only been away for 2 days!) All of them were jewelry-related which made it even better since I plan to spend the next week locked in my studio, creating.

In my excitement, I took photos late in the day, some with a flash and some without, but I wanted to show you what will inspire me this week. These cool little blue/green sea urchin beads made by Kathi Mohlman, purchased on Etsy. I know they will find their way onto some future necklace that combines beach rocks, pearls and sea glass. Or maybe they will be set apart with just silver beads…

Next was a package from Sue Kennedy. You already know I am a big fan of her work. I love how well her etched glass beads combine with the colors of the beach rocks I use. I really appreciate that she posts on FaceBook when she adds to her Etsy shop. It reminds me that I need more of her glass beads!

The late day photography does not do these beads justice. They are gorgeous. (Thanks Sue for the gift of the two little swirly guys!)

The third box was from my Bead Soup Blog Party partner, Barbara Mason. Here’s the box, and what was inside. But, I’ll wait until tomorrow to post the pictures because I think the Bead Soup stuff should have a post of its own.

Last AND least exciting was the 4th box, from Amazon. I couldn’t remember what I had ordered which amazed my husband. I opened it today and now I know why it was so forgettable. A huge box of hot glue sticks. Necessary for all of the rock drilling I do. Woo hoo. Good times!

Quick trip to Boston

On Sunday, the day after Town Meeting, we got a windy ride off the island with Ted Spurling and a group of hardy souls who were headed off to church and for various other reasons. (There is no morning ferry on Sundays.) Thanks Ted!

We had time enough on the way to the Bangor bus station for Bruce to check on his boat. Soon it will go inside to be cleaned and have the bottom painted and then another season of lobstering starts for Bruce.

We stayed with our friends Miklos and Clare who have a big apartment that is a 10 minute walk from where the seafood show is. How handy! But first, we went out for a great dinner at Spiedo on Sunday night.

The Seafood Expo North America is a pretty huge event set up at the Boston Convention Center.

Everyone wants to talk to you about their product. There were seafood business from all over the world. (Including people who market Maine lobster.) You pretty much walk around and eat samples of all kinds of things and there are plenty of photo ops!

Miklos is good at photo bombing!

The favorite booth for all of us was a brand new product from Israel. Pasta made from pollack. There is almost no flour in it, so very little carbohydrates, lots of protein, and an incredible flavor. We had several samples and hope that there were many interested U.S. buyers so that we might see it in the grocery stores before too long.

Bruce chatted with a babe who worked for a web based advertising group.

I met a few interesting characters myself.

There was so much to see it was all a bit overwhelming. We kind of wondered what this was for. Even when it was explained to us I’m still not sure. But I don’t think I’ll need one any time soon.

When we’d had out fill of salmon and shrimp, we snuck into the Boston Food show next door and sampled plenty of prosciutto, parmesan, and all manner of other foods. No need for lunch. Bruce heads back for an industry cocktail party at 5:30, but I’ll just put my feet up. Tomorrow afternoon we’ll be back on the island and I’ll get back to work in the studio.

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March 15, 2014 · 7:32 am

It’s Town Meeting day in the town of Cranberry Isles

I’m ready to head out the door soon with a Maine Moderator’s Manual in hand in case I am nominated to run the meeting. We alternate between the two islands as to who holds the meeting. This year it is our turn, so I have a few extra minutes at home.

It is also Bead Soup season. Once again the amazing Lori Anderson has paired up almost 500 participants to exchange beads with each other for the annual Bead Soup Blog Party. My partner this year is Barbara Mason from Adorningly Yours. I’ll be telling you more about her and the beads we exchange this week. I can’t show you what I sent off yesterday because I want her to be surprised when she receives them. But here is a clue:

Cool kaleidoscope filter eh? Now I’m off, with hopes of a peacefully progressive meeting….

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Summer season at Winters Work

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It’s Bead Soup Blog Party time!

Time to set some traps

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The beads have arrived!

One of the best things about going away…

Quick trip to Boston

It’s Town Meeting day in the town of Cranberry Isles

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