Enameled Flowers and Keys!

Now that the evil camera is cooperating somewhat, I took some photos of the flowers I enameled over the weekend. I really *L*O*V*E* them! Take a look, I think you'll agree!
This is all of them in my crystal dish.

 These are the larger flowers. They range in size, up to about 2 inches! I love that the results are, more often than not, unpredictable. The 2 orange flowers were enameled with the exact same enamels!! The lower one almost looks purple in the center.

 Here are the larger flowers with some smaller flowers, as I might layer them. I'm planning on layering them with a piece of Vintaj filigree as the bottom layer, to make pendants.

LOVE!!!

 And, maybe not as fantastic, but I still love them, are keys, and a heart, and a butterfly. The littlest keys are only 5/8" long. So tiny and cute!

So, that's it for now.
I took more pictures last night, but they are for Erin's Challenge of Music, reveal /blog hop on 2/29/12, so please come back then.

I have some pictures to prove it!

I continue to battle my camera. It has been winning lately. It just doesn't work right, most of the time. I really thought it was the batteries, but I think now, more specifically, it's a power issue. Maybe the batteries are not the cause? I have a few more things to try before I chuck it, and buy a new one (did you hear that, camera?? you better start behaving or you're history!)

Anyway, when it was having a good day, I did get some photos of some enameled beads! These pictures were taken a couple weeks ago, before I got my shipments of more enamel colors. So, orange, and green, and aqua, and blue. This bowl was about 4-5 hours of bead enameling - not bad!!

 A closer view of the beads....you can see I might have gotten too much enamel on the bottom orange bead. It's holes all filled in!

This photo is a little blurry, but the beads are still pretty!
pretty colors!!
You can stop licking the screen, they do not taste good, trust me ;-)

I've also been embossing!! I got the Vintaj Big Kick for Christmas and have been quietly embossing to my heart's content. I have not tried putting any paint, ink, or other color on them. I rather like the look of Vintaj brass, so, for now, they are naked.

 I split them up into groups, for your viewing pleasure!
These are already earrings!

 Just pendants - love that wide-eyed owl at the bottom!

 And more pendants!

And Vintaj has more designs of embossing folders coming out, so, as soon as they hit the Vintaj website I'll be adding them to my repertoire.

A Cautionary Tale

WARNING: yukky photo below

I've been having so much fun torch fire enameling. I've got a big mess of beads to show for it, and have started putting them into some jewelry designs. I will take pictures of them, but this post is not about the beads, or the jewelry.
Up until this weekend, I could proudly say that I had not burned myself yet! But, now I can't say that!

I am always very respectful of the torch, especially when it's lit. I always make sure that my hands stay well away from the flame. I hold the jar of enamel powder in my left hand to tilt it (coming from the left side of the torch), and hold the bead and mandrel in my right hand (on the right side of the torch). I always keep my hands low, to avoid the flame. Often, I turn off the torch between beads, to save the gas (especially since MAPP has been recalled, and you can't buy it right now).
But on Sunday, I was putting a lid on one of my jars. The torch was not lit, so I think my guard was down. I guess it is my habit to bring a jar closer to my body, to get the lid on tighter, and that is when I touched the hot torch. It was a half a second, but it burned me pretty good.

It doesn't hurt anymore, but, it's look is changing.
Yesterday, it looked like the Chesapeake Bay!!
Today, it looks more like a Chinese Dragon! Do you see it?
Overall, it reminds me of Zombie flesh! yuk :-(

Mercifully for you, I took this photo with my ipod, with one hand, so it's blurry.

Andrew's "Jonquil" challenge reveal and blog hop

You all know Andrew Thornton, don't you?

Well, this challenge was a long time in the making. I was thrilled when I was able to snag one of Andrew's kits (back on 11/25/11). Not only was there a "mystery component", but the entire kit was a mystery when I hit the "buy" button. Andrew offered the kits as a pre-sale, sight unseen. The "mystery component" is a beautiful pendant, which I used for my focal. I'm not sure if Andrew made it, or his sister Cynthia (love her name, BTW). But I really like it! I used just about all the major beads from the kit. There was a baggie of seed beads with some small to medium beads mixed in. I used some of those too. I'm not a "seed beader", so I don't use seed beads in my jewelry very often. I added the filigree ring, to create a toggle clasp at the front of the necklace. I used the chain from the kit, but I doubled it up, to give it a bit more weight.

Here's a close up of the beautiful "mystery component"....fabulous!!!

Here's the list of blog hop participants:

Kate Richbourg

Christina Porter

Kim Dworak

Tara Linda

Jessie Nelson

Dawn from Morning Glory Beading

Michelle Burnett

Pine Ridge Treasures

Rebecca Anderson

Karin Slaton

Cynthia Riggs

Therese Frank

Alice Bavaud will have pieces on Andrew Thornton's blog

Thanks to Andrew for the beautiful kit!! Enjoy the eye candy!

Beaded Humor!!

OK! If you are not reading this blog, you are really missing out on some really funny stuff. Some of the posts will make you laugh out loud. I swear!!
I was so inspired by Sylvie and her funny "Hey girl" posts, I've made one of my own, using a photo of my husband!
I had to change it to "Hey Honey", because my man would never call me "girl".
And the photo is my husband, from the neck up. I photoshopped this a couple years ago, as a joke. Now it's doubly funny!! I will leave the identity of "the body" a mystery, to protect the innocent.

 The file is big, but it's worth the wait!

Secret Snowflake Challenge

Michelle Mach is hosting the Secret Snowflake challenge. She secretly commissioned the ceramic focal and links from Mellisa at Chinook Jewelry. As soon as I saw the Chinook focal, I knew I wanted in. There were other beads in the kit, but the kits ran out, so I bought the focal and links directly from Chinook. (today's lesson: The early bird gets the........kit!)
So, with just the ceramic parts in hand, I dove into my stash. I found some lovely blue Czech crystal rondelles that matched beautifully. I made my earrings first. If you look closely, you will see, as with many handmade things, one of the holes in the one focal was a little farther away from the edge. (this is truly the beauty of handmade!) My small jumprings did not fit and I did not want to use large jumprings, so I wire wrapped the crystal rondelles, sort of like a briolette drop.

 On to the necklace.... When I received my package from Chinook, and I saw the focal, I thought, "where's the challenge?". With a focal so pretty, it was hardly a "challenge".
Looking further in my hoard of beads, I found some AB Crystal faceted rounds, and the Vintaj "sunflower" charm. I thought the sunflower charm rather looked like a snowflake, so I decided to use it. For the link along the necklace, I snipped off the little hole off the charm (and filed it smooth). I used another charm on the pendant, and added some crystals to the bottom of it.

 Seriously, look at the glaze on the focal!!!

 Up close and personal...

Please visit all the participants, and be sure to leave a comment!!
(the names without links can be found at Michelle Mach's blog)

• Alice (Alice Dreaming)
• Chris (beadjewelry.net)
• Christa (Adventures of One Beady Woman)
• Crystal (Here Bead Dragons)
• Cynthia (Cynth's Blog)**You are here**
• Dawn (Morning Glory Beading)
• Donetta (Simply Gorgeous)
• Erin A.
• Jennifer (JenniferJW)
• Jennifer (Jewelry, Art and Life)
  
• Kari W.
• Kate (We Can Make That at Home)
• Kay (Palm Coast Art)
• Linda (Lindy's Designs)
• Lisa C. (A Bead a Day)
  
• Lisa (Inspired Adornments)
• Mary (MLH Designs)
• Michelle (Beads & Books) 
• Michelle B.
• Millie (AMM Jewelry)
  
• Norma (Moonlit Fantasies)
• Pam (The Crazier Sister)
• Rebecca J.
• Renetha (Lamplight Crafts)
• Rosemarie (Gem Rose Designs)
  
• Shannon (Falling into the Sky)
• Susan (Bead Inspired)
• Therese (Therese's Treasures)
• Therese (DG Enterprises)

Many Thanks to Michelle for dreaming this up, and Mellisa for creating the beautiful components. I enjoyed this "challenge"!! Enjoy the hop!

Was it the batteries?

I finally remembered to buy new batteries for my camera. I loaded them in, and my camera had the same problem. (The lens was not seeing clearly - dark shadows and distorted image). Rats!! Now I need a new camera! I tried to go into the settings, like I know what I'm doing. Nothing!

But then, all of a sudden, the picture looked normal. Did I fix it? Was it the batteries? Did I change a setting? Or do I really need a new camera? Time will tell. In the meantime, here's what I've been dying to show you.

I have been hoarding these Diane Hawkey beads for probably 4 or 5 years. I bought them to make Christmas/ holiday necklaces, but never got around to it, until this year.

The first one, "Joy", has a pink and aqua color palette. I wanted to be able to wear it year round (in case I am feeling joyous). I used aqua blue Czech flower spacers, Mother of Pearl leaves, Strawberry Quartz "Beach Glass" rounds, and, of course, Vintaj brass.

 A closer look...

 An even closer look....

 The next focal bead, "Peace", is green, which would seem more Christmas-y. I tried to give it a "woodland" vibe, with tan and Vintaj. I used green Czech faceted rondelles, tan ceramic beads and some "speckled egg" seed beads (which are one of my favorite seed beads to use).

 This focal is really fabulous up close!!

 Peace to all - all year long!!

I've got a couple more photos to post. There's Michelle Mach's Snowflake challenge, which I'll post on Friday. The reveal date is over the weekend, but I can't post over the weekend. I'd rather be early than late.
And I was lucky enough to get in on Andrew Thorton's latest challenge kit - "Jonquil". I need to revisit the reveal date on that one - I'm not sure when it is. I might just go ahead and post my photos early next week.

In my excitement of the camera cooperating, I forgot to shoot photos of all my fabulous enameled beads I made. Hopefully the camera will be in a good mood this weekend!

I do not have a word for the year!

I'm catching up on all the blogs I enjoy reading and I must say...this year more than ever, everyone's picking a word for the year. I have seen folks do this in the past, but there are many people doing it this year. I'm racking my brain for a word that might be good for me. I got nothing. Maybe it was too much champagne this weekend, or not enough sleep, or too much sleep. I just can't think!!! Maybe my word can be "think". If you think of a word for me, let me know.

On a more exciting note, I finally tried "Painting with Fire" yesterday!! I pre-ordered Barbara Lewis' book this summer. I bought the PWF kit from Barbara at Beadfest Philly (and went to her demo!!!). I went to Home Depot and got the MAPP gas. I cleared (& cleaned) a section of a work bench in the basement. Saved up metal cat food cans (and washed them!!) (keep in mind, all these things we "done" over a 6-7 month period!)
Yesterday, I clamped the gas tank to the workbench, got a baking sheet and a jar of water. Screwed the torch into the tank. Emptied the vermiculite into the little pan. Took a big deep breath, and turned on the torch. I had a BLAST!! No, nothing exploded, except for the ideas in my head. I only screwed up one bead - pretty good for a beginner! And a couple had "unexpected" results. That's what learning and experimenting is all about.  I enameled about 20 beads in about 2 hours. Of course, there were many work play breaks, so I could show my husband my pretty new beads - "Look at this pretty orange bead"..."Look at this pretty blue color". I can't wait to do it again. I am totally hooked! I need more beads and more colors (of enamel). I bought a couple extra colors when I bought the kit, but I need more!!!! And I need more cat food cans (the kitties will eat well tonight!!).

The only disappointment is that I did not have charged batteries for my camera before the sun went down yesterday, so I don't have a photo of my fabulous new enameled beads. Damn camera! ....It's not the camera's fault....damn batteries!

Maybe my word of the year can be "batteries", like, keep them charged!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!!

Another Humble Post!!!

The ever creative and generous Heather Powers at Humblebeads and Art Bead Scene is sharing some Holiday fun. First, there is a Holiday Ornament Blog Hop on her blog and at ABS. I wish I'd been paying better attention, because I would have loved to participate, if I'd known about it sooner.

Next, check out her tutorial at ABS to make these adorable ornaments. This would be a great way to use up those mixed up, previously spilled, seed beads - we all have them! Or, you could buy a bead mix in a color theme. I love this idea and plan on making at least one of these. I'm picturing little mini ornaments, as earrings! Are you with me?

And if that were not generous enough, she is having a give away too!!!
Good Luck! (only, I really hope I win!!)

Some Humble Holiday Necklaces

I recently ordered the following pendants from Humblebeads. I will definitely order more Humblebeads, once the old credit card cools down! These necklaces practically made themselves!
I will apologize now for the photography. I have been having some camera issues. Maybe Santa will resolve the problem with a new camera(??)

OK, you're probably noticing that this first one is not really "Holiday". But it's a little owl from Humblebeads, and I borrowed the idea for the wire nest from Heather (at Humblebeads). I love her wonderful woodland sense of style! I paired this pendant with some czech glass and olive wood "acorns".

Look at this cute little owl!
Unrelated info:We had a BIG owl in our back yard recently, that was kinda exciting. He (or she) was perched at the very top of a tall dying tree. At dusk you could see it, and hear it calling: "Who, Who, Who-who, Who". Pretty neat!

Next is the snowflake pendant. I had the blue beads in my stash. They are Czech milk glass. I may have mentioned that I love peanut beads these days. It doesn't show in my photo, but the peanut beads glow, just like ice!

Another little cutie - this snowman is so cute. And I liked the different shades of blue and aqua. The beads are foil lined beads from Fire Mountain - blue, aqua and crystal with little blue flecks (snowflakes). I'm really sorry there's no close up shot - because he's even cuter closer up.

This one isn't really Holiday, except for the little dangles. This is a Midnight Willow pendant. The dangles are made with AB crystal teardrop beads. Actually, I meant to make the drops differently, like in the next necklace...you'll see.

Pretty close up shot!

I decorated this evergreen bough with Christmas lights! The dangles are multicolored crystal teardrops, strung upside down, to look like little light bulbs.

A closer look at the beautiful pendant!

Now, this is not Humblebeads, but it is Holiday!! It's a glass pendant I picked up at Beadfest a couple years ago. Red and green swirls! I just got the red and green cane glass from Fire Mountain. And the green recycled sari silk is from Barbara Lewis, Painting with Fire. I thought I needed a little more pop of color, so, I went with the green silk. Very festive!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Challenge of Color Blog Hop - reveal day!!

Well, the big day is here! It's the Challenge of Color Blog Hop reveal day. Erin Prais-Hintz at Tesori Trovati Jewelry is the hostess (with the mostest - check out ALL she made!!!) We (the participants) picked a color. The color could be your favorite, or most challenging, or whatever - up to you. Then Erin selected a palette for each participant from Design Seeds (check out the site - some really beautiful color palettes there!).

So, I chose "red", because I do not seem to use red in my designs very often, so I thought it would be a good stretch for me.

Erin chose "Autumn Comfort" for me. As you can see, the red in this palette is on the orange side, which I was happy about. I really didn't know what I was gonna do if I got candy apple red!

So, first, I looked through all my red beads. I sort my beads by color, for the most part. I keep my art beads separate, so I looked through the art beads next. I found lots of rusty reds in there. The first thing I made were these earrings. I was just trying to warm up a little, like with exercise - you don't want to over do it!  The beads and the rings are lampwork from Outwest.  They have the red and darker grey color from the palette. I love matte lampwork!

Next, I made this necklace. It's made of beige cane glass I've had forever, don't remember where I got it (maybe Fire Mountain?). And red ceramic rounds, I think from Fire Mountain. And matte grey pony beads, that are from Fire Mountain. And, Vintaj bead caps.

Much to my surprise, I found the yellow color the hardest to work into my designs. But then I found a string of very large stone nuggets in my "yellow beads". I swear I don't even remember buying them. I don't know what "stone" they are. But, I picked out the best one on the strand. I liked this one because it has a darker spot on it. Along with that, I used some red coral little donuts, some white-grey marble rounds, some faceted Czech beads (that match the mystery stone perfectly), and the same grey pony beads as in the first necklace. And, of course, Vintaj bead caps.
I have not done it very often, so I'm still never sure how it will turn out, but I wire wrapped some gold sari silk in three places. I actually like it. It adds just a bit more golden yellow to the necklace.

Thanks to Erin for creating this fun challenge!!
Here's the list of all the other participants. Enjoy all the colors!!!

1 Norma Turvey ~ Teal ~ Color Crave

2 Jeannie Dukic ~ Green ~ Mineral Tones

3 Mary McGraw ~ Teal ~ Embellished Hues

4 Jo Tinley ~ Red ~ Decadent Tones

5 Rebecca Anderson ~ Pink ~ Tulip Tones

6 Kristi Jaro ~ Red ~ Temple Entrance

7 Stephani Gorman ~ Green ~ Dew Tones

8 Melissa Meman ~ Green ~ Fruit Star

9 Kathleen Lange Klik ~ Teal ~ Silk Hues

10 Cynthia Riggs (you are here) ~ Red ~ Autumn Comfort

11 Heidi Post ~ Teal ~ Flora Bright

12 Cece Cormier ~ Teal ~ Merino Teal

13 Amy Freeland ~ Gray ~ Cultured Tones

14 Alice Peterson ~ Blue ~ Island Play

15 Rose Noble ~ Gray ~ Autumn Stacked

16 Kristina Johansson ~ Yellow ~ Sunny Flower

17 Kirsi Luostarinen ~ Teal ~ Dragon Hues

18 Tari Kahrs ~ Orange ~ Citrus Tones

19 Mallory Hoffman ~ Purple ~ Petaled Dark

20 Molly Alexander ~ Brown ~ Peppered Tones

21 Regina Santerre ~ Red ~ Frosted Berry

22 Emanda Johnson ~ Teal ~ Color Purl

23 Amy Severino ~ Orange ~ Winged Tones

24 Bobbie Rafferty ~ Teal ~ Lime Hues

25 Tanya Goodwin ~ Gray ~ Pecked Tones

26 Lisa Lodge ~ Blue ~ Nocturnal Tones

27 Hope Smitherman ~ Blue ~ Bloom Tones

28 Linda Landig ~ Green ~ Cacti Dark

29 Ambra Gostoli ~ Teal ~ Perched Autumn

30 Lori Bowring-Michaud ~ Blue ~ Sharpened Blue

31 Pippa Chandler ~ Teal ~ Hungarian Hues

32 Keirsten Giles ~ Purple ~ Mineral Brights

33 Jennifer Justman ~ Blue ~ Autumn Rays

34 Sandy Richardson ~ Purple ~ Moroccan Brights

35 CJ Bauschka ~ Teal ~ Teal Air

36 Shaiha Williams ~ Teal ~ Sushi Hues

37 Kay Thomerson ~ Purple ~ Autumn Spectrum

38 Sally Russick ~ Purple ~ Golden Gate Tones

39 Cilla Watkins ~ Purple ~ Autumn Infused

40 Shirley Moore ~ Purple ~ Frozen Heather

41 Jenni Connolly ~ Gray ~ Paw Tones

42 Tamara Soper ~ Green ~ Field Tones

43 Sharyl McMillian-Nelson ~ Blue ~ Nested Blues

44 Jen Velasquez ~ Pink ~ Sweetened Tints

45 Maria Grimes ~ Red ~ Bright Bloom

46 Elisabeth Auld ~ Gray ~ Petaled Tints

47 Susan Kennedy ~ Pink ~ Zinnia Tones

48 Shannon Chomanczuk ~ Gray ~ Autumn Leaf

49 Holly Westfall ~ Yellow ~ Sprinkled Tones

50 Patty Gasparino ~ Red ~ Color Carton

51 Angela Little ~ Pink ~ Singapore Brights

52 Lizzie Zawinski ~ Green ~ Budding Hues

53 Kristen Stevens ~ Pink ~ Scooped Tones

54 Dawn Doucette ~ Brown ~ Jarred Tones

Challenge of Color - getting started

I signed up for For Erin Prais-Hintz's Challenge of Color blog hop. Erin always thinks up the funnest things! She asked participants to pick a color. Once you pick a color, Erin picked a color palette from Design Seeds for each participant. The color I chose was "red", because I do not usually design with it. I like red, but I have way more green and brown beads in my stash. The palette Erin gave me is "autumn comfort". It's so yummy! Who doesn't love grilled cheese and tomato soup?

So, I've gone through my stash of red, yellow, gray, tan beads. I am excited to say that I was able to find beads to match the palette, without buying any more beads (always a plus). I've gotten started making some things. You'll have to come back on Nov 30th for the big reveal. See you then!

Let me take time here to say that if you have ever thought of participating in the many challenges like these - just do it. I get such a kick out of challenging myself to make something that otherwise would have never been made. I would have never gone through my bins of beads, looking for these very specific colors. And it builds a feeling of community. You get to interact with other, like-minded artists out there. And everyone brings their own unique style to the party. It is rewarding, challenging and above all else, just plain fun.

Artist Bio on FMG

I now have a Jewelry Artist's Bio on Fire Mountain Gem's website!

Here's the link:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/jewelryartists/jewelryartists_bio.asp?docid=RIGGSC

:-)

Some Golem Pendants, plus an all Vintaj design

A couple months ago, the Beads of Clay blog had a sale where all (or most all) of the artists participated. I picked up 2 Golem pendants. They are both of the same flower, but in different colors. I do the same thing with pants - buy the same thing in different colors. I know I'm not the only one who does this.

This is the blue one. The brown clay offers a nice contrast to the blue, and in real life, it is a bit darker, and more matte looking. I found some czech glass beads that matched the blue. Is it me, or are blues hard to match - "this one's too red, this one's too green, ahhh, this one is just right" - I feel like Goldilocks sometimes! The bumpy bead is an inexpensive "faux pearl" I picked up at Beadfest. The color matched Vintaj Natural Brass, so I knew it would work itself into something eventually.

This is a closer look at the blue Golem pendant.

This is the red one. Actually, it's somewhere between orange and red, and I had czech glass that matched it perfectly. The center of the flower is a darker purpler red so I added some dark red spacers. And years ago I got the larger red cathedral beads, 4 in a little baggie for $1.00. They were just right for this necklace. I love it when I use something from my stash that I've had for a long time. I made the bails on both of these necklaces with 20g wire.

This is a closer look at the red-orange Golem pendant.

This necklace is all Vintaj Natural Brass Butterflies. Sometimes it's nice to have an all metal necklace, with no "color". It goes with every outfit!

A Pay Pal question

I just found out that Pay Pal has a limit (for spending)! I am being told I have to link my bank account or apply for the Pay Pal credit card to continue to use Pay Pal. I'm not comfortable linking my checking account, but I also don't need/want another credit card to pay! Honestly, the limit is quite high, and I have to believe that it has taken me years to reach it. I've been a "good customer" for so long - they are basically giving me an ultimatum.

Do any of you have any advice, or experience with this? Should I trust Pay Pal, and give them my checking account number?? I don't really want them to take money directly out of my checking account. I only use Pay Pal for buying beads, I'm not using it as a seller. I really love the convenience and ease of use of Pay Pal, but I'm afraid of my checking account being wiped clean. Maybe I should be more trusting, but in this day & age, you can't be too careful. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

WOOT!

I just scored a kit for Andrew Thorton's November Reader's Challenge!! I've been too late the past couple month's (always SOLD OUT), so I'm excited to participate. Plus, the entire kit is a mystery, with the only clue being "jonquil". With just that one clue, I think it will be yellows and golds - I can't wait to see it!!

October Vintaj Design Challenge

I haven't entered the monthly Vintaj challenge in a long while. The theme this month is right up my alley: Flea Market Finds. There are only 7 entries this month, so maybe I have a chance of winning.
Here's what I entered. All the flea market stuff was actually my Mom's childhood treasures. The large piece was curved to fit her wrist, as an ID bracelet (I flattened it).
Back in the old days, in a small town, you would have been returned to your parents with just this info - no micro-chip needed ;-)

I'm # 7 on the Vintaj blog, if you'd like to vote for me.