Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank - Inspirational Photo

Just discovered this meme on Kathleen Krucoff's fabulous Mystical Mythical Metalwork blog!  BTW - meme ( /ˈmiːm/ meem) is used to describe a concept that spreads via the Internet

March’s topic for the Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank covers the topic of what photo or image inspires you? 


Now I am not in the "Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank" but I was just recently inspired by a photo that was posted by a talented photographer, Scott Jarvie on Google+ - tell me if this doesn't inspire YOU!!!

Utah; Capitol Reef National Park 

or this one - found on the internet and Credited to Aya Law and called Waves of Utah...

So - I hope that Kathleen and the rest of her  "Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank" will forgive me for hijacking their meme...want to know what inspired the rest of the group?  Check them out on their blogs!


Kathleen Krucoff:  http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com
Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
pencilfox: http://www.pencilfox.com or www.astorynontheless.blogspot.com
Renée Dolling: http://www.floatinglightsphotography.com/blog
Shannon Bet You Forgot About Me Koochin:http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.com
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Kathryn Cole http://kathryncolejewelry.com/blog/ 



Thanks for the inspiration!   Follow AFlyOnTheWall:
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on Google +:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/105544551758131320763/posts
on Google + Pages: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/101490021595680692772/101490021595680692772/posts

Mara Friedland - Sponsor's Choice Winner

I am so excited to post this informal chat with the lovely and talented, Mara Friedland. 

Mara was my choice as the Sponsor Winner! I just received my necklace from Mara's shop and I must admit it is just as beautiful in hand as the photos...now my chat with Mara!

Mara's winning design was from her  Language of Flowers series:

"This necklace says : I Love You.  The central flower -a rose is a symbol of Love in the Victorian language of flowers." 

 1. Tell me a little about you and what drew you to Jewelry Design?
Mara:   Artist Statement:  Adornment and plant life fascinates me. Throughout the world plant life, especially medicinal plants are highly valued. Flowers, specifically, reflect universality because across countries floral displays and bouquets are integral symbols for major life events. In my work, I enjoy creating jewelry that references both flowers and medicinal plants of the garden. The individual healing plants are replicated in the design of the pieces, with the plant life’s cultural significance embedded within. 

In addition to the influence of plant life, I strive to clearly link my pieces to sculptural forms, making both the front and the back of the pieces equally important. Often the wearer has a treasure on the back, as well as what is shown to the viewer, providing the wearer a stronger connection to the piece.

Herbs, spices and medicinal plants are the talisman of cultures. The jewelry pieces referencing herbs have a strong connection to passions- for plants and for healing. Instead of simply serving as beautiful status symbols, the pieces serve as powerful external signs of personal expression. To best understand my pieces it is important to discover the historic and cultural roots of floral symbolism and healing plants.

I see my works as offering the viewer a close look into plants, focusing on the details of nature. When observing flowers and plants, the smallest features are some of the most fascinating and important to my work. For example the heart of the plant is its flower and reproductive organs are found in the small center of the flower. The ability to capture the essence of the plant is important to me and allows me to share a vital aspect with the wearer and the viewer of my jewelry.


2. OK this is the important part! Where can we find your goods online?
Mara:   My jewelry may viewed and purchased through www.MaraFriedland.com and my etsy website:    http://www.etsy.com/shop/MaraFriedland


3.  Are you using Social Media? do you think it is beneficial? ...and show us your Social links!
Mara:   I actually do not use Twitter, (I am sure it has its benefits, although I just have not gotten into it) but do have a facebook fan page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mara-Friedland-Jewelry-Designer-Metalsmith/206984256053444


4. I am personally loving the flash mob feel of CrowdJewels quickie Contests - what are your thoughts?
Mara:  This was my first experience with Crowd Jewels, and I thought it was an exciting and great way to expose people to artists creating jewelry throughout the world. I am looking forward to participating in other events, and love checking out the associated blogs. 

I can't resist - I am showing off another piece from this unique series...

"This necklace says : Trust In Your Good Fortune ( and the good to come) The central flowers,
Freesia is a symbol of Trust and Apple Blossom  is a symbol of Good Fortune and the
good to come in the Victorian language of flowers. The words of In and Your are represented
by faceted labradorite stones."

 5.  As the Sponsor's Favorite - I have to say I was enamored with the idea of using the "Language of Flowers" - what motivated you to choose this as a theme in your Jewelry?

Mara:   Thank you! I have always had a bit of a fascination and passion for flowering plants. My thesis, “The Curative Bloom”, focused on the medicinal qualities of plants for healing properties. In my new body of work, I am enjoying the discovery of the emotional relationships that plants invoke. I have studied mythologies of flora and the Victorian Language of Flowers (each flower has a specific meaning- a bouquet could relay one’s affections). I love how my jewelry is able to allow others to share their emotions and thoughts in a “hidden manner”, speaking through the flowers.

So head over to Mara's Website - Etsy Shop or Facebook page...and while you are there click "like"!

Review: Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance: 20 Beaded Jewelry Designs

Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance: 20 Beaded Jewelry Designs
by Maggie Meister


First let me start out by saying that this book is one of a series of best sellers books from Lark Jewelry & Beading call the Beadweaving Master Class.  Every book in the series is aimed at the Intermediate Beader and  filled with glorious color photography and easy to follow step by step tutorials.


With one foot in beading and the other discovering ancient civilizations and antiquities, Maggie Meister is the natural choice to author a book entitled "Classical Elegance".

We have established that this is an Intermediate series, in this case it is important that you are comfortable working with the "Basic" weaves.  Maggie's style is based on a technique of combining weaves so if you don't have a command of the basics you can take advantage of the "refresher" chapters.  Included at the beginning of the book is an Intro to "The Basics".


In "The Stitches" she runs the stitches you will need for the projects in this book...they are:

1. Ladder Stitch      
2. Brick Stitch     
3. Square Stitch       
4. Herringbone Stitch           
5. Right Angle Weave         
6. Peyote Stitch (in multiple variations)
7. Backstitch           
8. Nepal Chain      
9. St. Petersburg Chain

   ...and then she moves into the technique for "Combining Stitches".

The projects are organized by influence - with a chapter of pieces that were influenced by mosaics, one by textile patterns and one of my favorites is the chapter of architectural influences.  

"As far back as I can remember I’ve loved ancient history. Maybe it started when my parents would take us to museums when we were young. I don’t know, but the interest has always been there, and when we lived in Italy it really came alive for me. It opened doors for me while learning the history."From an interview with Maggie Meister

The beautifully written intros to each chapter are fabulous bits of historical fact interspersed with personal experience, and the project descriptions are every bit as inspiring.


Lark's Blog offered a couple projects in .pdf in their introduction for this book along with two projects that got cut.

This book is a winner and brilliant addition to the Beadweaving Master Class series which includes:

• Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery
• Laura McCabe's Embellished Beadweaving
• Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence
• Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork
• and Rachel Nelson-Smith's Bead Riffs

Luscious photography, easy to follow instructions, well drawn diagrams and projects that you really want to do!  ...and Maggie Meister is the ideal instructor.


Disclaimer: a review copy of this book was provided free of charge by the publisher.

Crowd Jewel - Michelle Valentin "Crowd" WINNER!!!

I recently Sponsored a contest at the hottest Jewelry site on line!!!   


CROWD Jewel!


Check out their latest Contest Theme!


The Theme for the Contest I Sponsored:  Valentine's Day

Michelle Valentin of Amodurn Vintage on Etsy was the "Crowd" WINNER!!!  

Her "Rose Gold Chic Leopard & Pearl Earrings" were a hit with the largest number of people voting for her (we will see if we can get her to tell us her secret for "getting the vote out")!


I recently had the opportunity to talk to her following her win - this is a Designer to keep your eyes on!!!

 

@aflyonthewall:  Tell me a little about who you are, and what drew you to Jewelry Design? 

Michelle:  My name is Michelle Valentin and I am 27 years old. Originally from Brooklyn, NY and I am a Navy Wife. I have always had a love Jewelry!

I would say my style is a little bit Modern and a little bit Vintage..thus my shop became,   "Amodurn Vintage"!.lol :). 

Although, when I started making Jewelry I was making it for myself and I would post my creations on Facebook till I started getting requests from friends that wanted me to make them stuff, Then it just clicked that I could make Jewelry and put it up for sale at an inexpensive price without compromising the quality.

@aflyonthewall: OK this is the important part!  Where can we find your goods online?  

Michelle:  All of my creations can be found on my Amodurn Vintage Store on Etsy at: www.etsy.com/shop/AmodurnVintage

@aflyonthewall: Are you using Social Media?  do you think it is beneficial? ...and show us your Social links! 

Michelle:   No I do not use anyother sources other than Facebook and my etsy link.

@aflyonthewall:  I am personally loving the flash mob feel of CrowdJewels quickie Contests - what are your thoughts? 

Michelle:  I think that CrowdJewel's competitions are pretty cool!  I like that you can compete and see what other ideas others all over the world have come up with and to have people I dont know vote for me. 

This was actually the second competition I have entered.  So, I don't have much experience to go off of but as of yet, I think it is pretty cool and I am just grateful for the opportunity to share my work alongside people who have been doing it for years.

@aflyonthewall:  As the "Crowd" Winner - what do you feel helps you get the contest out to the largest group of your followers? 

Michelle:  I feel that just spreading the word since I use no other source but Facebook and I appreciate all of my followers and love them for helping me get Amodurn Vintage out there.

I hope this helps to do the same! lol and again Thank You.

Again, Congratulations Michelle - and watch out folks if she discovers Twitter, there may be NO stopping this entrepreneur!!!

Enlightened Polymer: Artisan Jewelry Designs Inspired by Nature by Rie Nagumo

Enlightened Polymer: Artisan Jewelry Designs Inspired by Nature 

by Rie Nagumo

When the book, Enlightened Polymer: Artisan Jewelry Designs Inspired by Nature by Rie Nagumo arrived in my mail box I have to say I was a little worried about being able to give a review.  Polymer Clay is one area of the Craft/Jewelry market that I haven't explored...that is not to say I don't appreciate it 's value and contribution.

That being said, I showed this book to several people one, my mother, is a ceramic artist and loved the book and projects so much she made a couple of them and is a total Polymer convert! 

This book is nice because it is geared to an intermediate level or really industrious beginner. It does cover the basics Conditioning, Color Making, Heating and Finishing. Following that it goes into Forming, Layering and Pattern Making, even Combining with PMC.

The title is 100 % accurate and the projects are amazingly natural  - with 29 options it covers a   really beautiful wood graining, natural silver dollar leaf, a transulent capiz shell and my favorite porcupine quills.

Worth it? definitely!  at just around $20 for 29 really original projects this is money well spent.

Disclaimer:  Review written on book provided by Interweave for review purposes - I thank them for the opportunity and for stretching my view.

Crowd Jewel - Chandelier Challenge

Crowd Jewel

Chandelier Challenge

Givenchy's Spring Couture collection and Beyonce serve as our inspiration for our next competition, the Chandelier Challenge! Bust out your biggest, baddest, and blingiest shoulder-grazers. We wanna see what you've got! The best design will win a $50 Visa gift card! 

So bring it on, and don't forget, submissions close24 hours before the end of the competition! So submit early and spread the word!

Competition ends Monday, 27 February 2012 at 12 noon PST.


Submit your design here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crowd-Jewel/301907439861926?v=app_255558194495800&rest=1

Contemporary Copper Jewelry By Sharilyn Miller

Contemporary Copper Jewelry

Step - by - Step Techniques and Projects

By Sharilyn Miller

Skill Level:  Intermediate (or an ambitious beginner)

Ease to Follow:  Very easy to follow directions with an additional video

Number of Projects:  22

Price:  $26.95

As always Sharilyn provides easy to follow directions on several unique and fun new projects.   If you have her first book, Bead On A Wire, this is the next logic step.  Especially for those that really enjoy Miller's wire style.

Geared to an Intermediate level (or an ambitious beginner), Contemporary Copper Jewelry starts with a brief overview of the basics...with information on Work Hardening your metal, a quick tutorial on Wrapped Loops, French Wrapped Ear Wires, Patinas and Polishing.

What is really nice about the selection of projects in this book is that they are not all Sharilyn Miller's designs, which means that you get a wider range of styles.

The 22 projects include designs by Sharilyn Miller and contributing artists like Richard Salley, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong, Eugenia Chan and Rachel Nelson-Smith.

Interweave has proven to be the leaders in the Step- By - Step field, and this book solidifies their reputation with…

·         Easy to follow directions

·         Clear "Shopping Lists"

·         List of Tools required for the project

·         Beautiful full color photos

·         Well presented Video on an enclosed DVD

·         ...and a great "Cool Ideas" section at the end of the project that gives an idea of how to individualize designs and incorporate them into your collection.