Monday, December 22, 2008

Treasury Feature!

Fellow Etsian DesignFibers was nice enough to feature one of my circuit board pendants in her treasury. You can find it here. Happy Holidays!





Thursday, December 11, 2008

Calculator Anatomy 101


I’m kind of mad my calculator decided to die because now I have to go out and spend another $100 on one so I can pass my test Wednesday! But…my brother and I had a heck of a time dismantling the calculator to see what was inside. He’s a computer guy so he knew what he was looking at. As far as I was concerned, every piece was subject to being dunked in resin forever! Haha! I took a photo of what came out. I had fun with the button-pad-thingie because it was soft and popped back up after being pressed (duh). But it was fun anyway.

The calculator pieces will become jewelry eventually, but for now I have new additions to Etsy made of computer pieces. I love the one rectangular pendant because the arrangement of the circuitry looks like a little flower!


Etsy Artists Revealed: Series Two

Jewelry, bookmarks, and magnets made by Angela of Clock Rocks is a couple parts classy, a few parts intriguing, and a pinch of whimsy. Where else would you find Swiss cheese earrings made delicate with pearls? I am absolutely in love with the earrings she makes using circular drops. They are fun and colorful.

A bunch of pieces use Hill Tribe Silver and Thai silver which are not only high quality components, but are carefully handmade. She also uses Swarovski crystal, which is a big favorite. I’ve found jewelry made with jade, amethyst, tourmaline, dumortierite, mother of pearl, carnelian, jasper, tiger eye and more in her shop.

Her magnet sets are cute, but not overdone. Each set is different and the papers used behind the glass marbles range from pretty and delicate to bursts of color.

You can read about her Random Musings to find out more! Oh and if you needed another reason to check out her blog...she has the cutest dog!


Friday, December 05, 2008

Treasury on Etsy!

Check out my treasury! Of course, it's very colorful and tropical! Enjoy!





















Really Remarkable Resin



Etsy Artists Revealed: Series One



In an attempt to meet more people on Etsy and get to know their work, I will be "featuring" some sellers. I tend to look at jewelry more, even though I make it myself. I'm trying to look around more and see what's out there because lets face it, there is more than just jewelry!




Altered books, papercrafts, and jewelry made by Amanda of Tackled and Shackled is whimsical and original. I am a fan of the flower rings. They are just so cute! I think I'm in love with the simplicity of the glass beads and freashwater pearls.


She definately has an eye for repurposing old objects. There is a Vintage Notebook made almost completely made out of recycled materials. She also has a really neat clock made from a vintage lampshade in a very rich and warming shade of garnet.
This is definately a shop to check out if you like repurposed vintage items, classy and whimsical jewelry, or unique switchplate covers.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Palm Trees yay!




I made these a little while ago but finally posted them on Etsy. You can find them here. It's been awhile since I've been anywhere near a "real" palm tree. Its that time of year where I'm missing the colors of summer.

I also listed a whole bunch of new things that I just didn't have the time for before.
I'm trying to get more presents from Etsy because everything there is handmade and beautiful. I bought a really pretty plate for my mom from Indoor girl like this one.

My only class today is yoga. This could get interesting...

Friday, November 28, 2008

Lime Greeeeen


I absolutely love beaded cuffs. It's something about the way the glass beads are woven together to create a fabric. I haven't gotten around to making a really large cuff yet. I've found myself sticking to smaller projects with picot edges instead. I found one by Miamiamia Designs that I absolutely love. I love the combination of lime green (my favorite color!), stripes, and circles. Not to mention it looks retro. I seem to like retro things now. My mom complains that I wasn't even around when it was originally popular, but whatever!


This has nothing to do with beadwork...but I finally got a jeweler's saw and some blades. I've had a sheet of copper sitting around just waiting to get cut up! I can't wait! I have so many ideas. I've been really interested in working with resin lately and want to incorporate the two together. The only "tools" I'm missing now are a torch and a kiln. Both of which I don't think the landlord would appreciate me having...especially since I only have minimal experience with them!


Happy Belated Thanksgiving! If you purchase anything from my Etsy shop and mention this post, I will give you free shipping! (just notify me before checkout to avoid a tangle!)(good until Christmas)



Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The work of In My Head Studios

Sunday, I met Vickie of In My Head Studios at the Community Nursery School of Irondequoit Craft Show. It was really exciting to meet someone from Etsy in person! I love looking at jewelry wherever I go. The range of wearable art that can be created is really quite incredible.

The pendants that she creates are absolutely wonderful little pieces of art for your neck. I like this one in particular. Each one is a mini collage and there are images on both sides. She can also make custom pendants using anything, including photos of loved ones!

She also makes lovely little domino ornaments, just like the one in the photo.

I also got to see some of her original artwork. I took a class on collage at RIT and gained an appreciation for how images, ephemera, and found objects can be combined to form a cohesive image. Her work is very warm and begs attention since it is full of depth and interest. She has a great attention for detail and I love how other components like beads contribute to the overall look of each piece. Visit her blog to find out more about her jewelry and art!

I'm excited for the craft show at Irondequoit High School this weekend, where In My Heat Studios will also be set up!





Sunday, November 23, 2008

Quick thought

I just opened a shop on Artfire. Check it out: http://artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=11150

Awesome Crafter!

Today, I met Vickie of In My Head Studios. She featured me on her blog: http://inmyheadstudios.blogspot.com/2008/11/etsy-artist-feature-beadwork-by-amanda.html. I'll be back later to explain more and show you her wonderful art pieces and jewelry. It's back to the good old 9-5 for me tomorrow. At least until Thanksgiving, and then its back to classes the next week.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Quarter Break!!! Well, not just yet...

Final exams are next week! I should be stressed but I'm not (yet). The best part is all of the freedom from not having to go to class! I can't wait for a break and some time to make jewelry! I found this, made by SmadarsTreasure, who won the Etsy Beadweaver's October Challenge. (go here to see http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/) I just love the color!





Sunday, October 26, 2008

Etsy Beadweaving Street Team!

Hola! I have just become a member of the Etsy Beadweaving Street Team! Check out their blog at http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/. I'm realy excited that's its the holiday season and I will be doing a bunch of craft shows. Off to create!!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008


So...did I mention how much I loooooove blue and green and silver!?! This necklace from Groovy Glass Girl (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=341) is just too cool!
I need a more creative shop title. I was thinking something tropical since I'm the typical girl who loves the tropics. I loved it before I saw the tropics (Caribbean so far) and after visiting twice I'm even more addicted. Anyway, something about blues and greens just make my mind wander to a place much nicer than it is here, as the snow is taunting us.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Long time, no visit


So...I haven't been on here since I was in highschool. That probably sounds longer than it really is because I'm only in my third year of college. I must say, a lot has gone on since highschool. The whole college thing kind of took up a lot of time, especially since I decided that Chemistry was going to be my major-it doens't really leave much time for being creative when my mind is constantly full of equations and calculus and being quite analytical. In any event, a while ago (I think I was still in highschool!) a friend introduced me to Etsy. I thought I would give it a try. Unfortunately, I'm still in "the trying" stage. In any event, like most Etsians, I am addicted and check the treasuries and the awesome Storque articles at any spare moment (including when my mind wanders in the middle of trying to explain how the experimental heat of combustion is determined for naphthalene for a lab write-up). I'm in the spirit of sharing. My newest favorite is Designs With Attitude, because I have, and will always have, a fascination with glass. Check out this really cool pendant! I dabbled in glass fusing and enameling in highschool but I don't have access to a kiln anymore...someday....