AJE Earring Challenge Catch-Up Part II: Weeks 39-42

So today I have the balance of my "catch-up" designs for the Art Jewelry Elements blog earring challenge. After making up the lot this week, I noticed I was leaning heavily on leaf beads, so that is the theme of today's post :)

Week 39: I transformed these spring green leaf lampwork headpins by Jane Perala Designs into instant earrings by adding pretty StudioJuls spacers and AB faceted glass. I guess it's never too early to think about NEXT spring :)

Week 40: Beginning with delicate fey glass crystal green leaf headpins, I added sweet little flower glass beads (commercial but very pretty). This design is strung on  Vintaj filigree earwires. *I previously shared another earring pair using Faye's lampwork leaves on week 28 of the challenge.

Week 41: My last two catch-ups feature Pottery girl 1 porcelain clay beads. Here the leaves are an earthy colour just like the natural result of falling temperatures here in Canada. On waxed linen cord, I have woven some Indonesian carved bone buttons, Yukidesigns, and Egyptian camel bone beads from Yakutum. Handmade earwires by WireForHire.

Week 42: Last but definitely not least, this creation is 100% artisan components, including Ingrid's porcelain leaves in a subtle cranberry glazing, red organic Marsha Neal Studio ceramic discs and Outwest etched lampwork rounds in a pretty riot of colours. Strung on silver-filled Adinkra earwires from Ghana (Soul of Somanya) and a bit of red linen cording.

Phew! Hope I never fall this far behind again! Unfortunately, sometimes health concerns get in the way of what we REALLY want to be doing with our time.

Here is the link for the AJE Pinterest board where you can ogle lots of wonderful earring designs.

AJE Earring Challenge Catch-Up Part I: Weeks 35-38

I have a lot of catching up to do, so I will try to be much less wordy than usual!

Week 35: Back in my stock of awesome Outwest lampwork for this mismatched disc and squared ring pair. I love the "dressed-up ear-wires" from Tori Sophia. Strung on waxed linen with some mixed glass bling.

 Week 36: Ceramic discs in light green, on silk cord, both from Marsha Neal Studio. The organic blue beads are by Potterygirl1. My own handmade earwires in green niobium. 

Week 37: I started with very fine (1.2 x 2 mm) purple and gold chain and mixed it up with more Tori Sophia ear-wires. Demure orange lampwork spacers by StudioJuls and Outwest, but mixed with the purple have a space-opera-Halloween vibe.

Week 38: Top and bottom handmade brass headpins from Ghana, with traditional Adinkra symbols, Soul of Somanya. The newt charms are by Round Rabbit, the earthy lampwork is StudioJuls. Finished with tiny red topaz and diagonal cube glass.

I notice my camera is acting up these days. It might be time to invest in a better toy :) Part II later today/tomorrow.

Please check over at the Art Jewelry Elements Pinterest board where new creations are added regularly. I noticed there are now just under 900 designs... Wow! That is a LOT of inspiration!

I'll post tomorrow the remainder of my catch-up earrings. See you then!

Pearl is Giving It Away Again!

Feeling lucky? Click over to the Beading Gem where Pearl is hosting a giveaway for a Modahahus TS320 Tabletop Studio!

It's the middle-sized one in the picture (camera and tripod not included... duh!)

This giveaway is international and will be drawn in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday,  October 28, 2013.

Good luck everyone!

Price Break on Seamless Cutters

Anyone looking for a great deal on awesome tools for polymer clay? These are on my Christmas wishlist: 

"Seamless cutters made from nylon and fiberglass; temperature resistant to 320°F; virtually unbreakable and hold their shape. All measurements are approximate. Packaged in clear acrylic storage container. Due to the manufacturing process, these cutters may have a small ridge on the inside edge. Use 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper to smooth out the roughness; this results in a smoother and sharper edge on your clay."... the description at Shades of Clay (my favorite online supplier).

**Please read Wendy Orlowski's blog post at this link: The Art Of My Clay: Cookie cutters. New lower price!!**

♪...It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...♫

Back to school? Almost Thanksgiving? Hallowe'en? Christmas?

Nope... I'm talking about the annual Charm Swap and Fundraising Auction for the Beads of Courage program, which helps seriously ill children in participating hospitals throughout many countries. The auction will be opening on November 15, accompanied by a blog hop of all the participating artisans to showcase the original art charms created especially for the event.

Yes, my charms are packed up and ready to hit the road. First, a stop at the home of Jen Cameron of Glass Addictions, who will patiently sort hundreds of charms and redistribute them to participants around the world. Save the date, November 15th and stay tuned for more on this fabulous event!