More Bags

I hung this quilted hanging I made on a wall in our studio.  I had extra fabric left-over and decided they would make neat jewelry pouches as well -- so here they are... 

They go great with some of the men's jewelry pieces, don't you think?

Another Challenge -- Yellow

I'm in another challenge this week and this one is with the Polymer Clay Smooshers of Art Fire.  Our theme for this month is yellow and there are some really good entries in this challenge.  Yellow can be a difficult color to work with at times and especially in polymer clay as it is almost like working with white.  So hurry over to their blog (you can click on the avatar above) and vote -- you have until Sunday evening before the poll is closed.

Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

If you've visited our Art Fire Studio lately you will have noticed some changes.  They have upgraded the whole site with lots of added features and improvements.

I recently became a member of another guild since selling on Art Fire and that is the Artisan Jeweler Guild.  In order to join, one has to have an active Art Fire Studio with at least 40% of that containing artisan jewelry.  The guilds' definition of artisan jewelry is that it is made from mostly raw materials.  There are some very talented people in the group and it is nice to be able to share ideas and support each other in our craft.

Each month our guild has a challenge of some kind and for May the theme is Cinco de Mayo.  Here are some photos of the entries and you can go to the Artisan Jeweler blog and vote on your favorite piece.  The pole closes Sunday night.

Cyndie Smith Designs Fortuna Ring

Wickwire Jewelry Lemon Quartz and Multi gemstone Chandelier Earrings

2 Good Claymates Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Necklace

Our New Image

You might have noticed the new banner above on our blog and in our Etsy Shop and Art Fire Studio.  I decided it was time to update things a bit.  I was tired of the pink background but still wanted to keep the gecko theme.

The geckos in the new photos are some pieces I made for myself to wear and you can see them better in our flickr gallery.

Summer at the Beach

Summer is already here -- at least in our area and our summer markets are already starting and gearing up for the coming tourist season.  Since our town is on a beautiful lake with a nice relaxing beach I've been busy working on items that go along with that theme, like the flip flop sandal pendants and earrings.  Here are some new colors with more in the making.

These are fun to do as you can really get carried away with all the designs and colors but they are even more fun to wear!

It's in the Bag

I've been looking at various ways for packaging our jewelry that looks attractive but is also practical for shipping.  I found some nice organza bags but still wanted something a little different.   I decided it was time to dust off my sewing machine and make my own.  I use to sew a lot, until I discovered polymer clay.  I still enjoy sewing so it is nice to be able to utilize those skills again and combine it with my clay.  I fell in love with these fabrics and felt they were just perfect for little pouches.  Don't you love the colors? 

Our New Men's Line

We now have a line of men's necklaces in time for Father's Day.  Some of the necklaces feature beads that look like tortoiseshell and others are in copper and gold colors. 

You can see the collection in our Wearable Art Gallery or in the Art Fire Studio under the section "Something for Him".