Name the Category Contest

We are expanding our product line and would like our readers help in choosing a new catchy name for the category.  Our new line will have a distinctive "western" theme and as the name "Cowgirl Bling" has already been taken, we need to find another.  This is just the start of our new western and nature themed line and we will be posting more pics as we add to it. 

Boot Jewelry

   

Necklaces and Earrings

  

  

You can enter this contest by leaving your name suggestion as a comment here on this blog post, on our facebook page or in an e-mail.

The winner of the name we select will be awarded a $25 gift certificate to be used towards any of our art pieces of your choice.

More Bargello

I'm still experimenting with the Bargello in the same color combo of Honeysuckle, Beeswax and Peapod I showed you yesterday.  This time I used the color peapod as the background and below that shows one done on a black background and a different pattern.

I made a piece that has no background showing at all which gives it a totally new look again.  These are all done from the same blended cane.

What do you think?

Bargello

Bargello is a needlepoint embroidery technique originally used for pillows and upholstery.  The stitches are done in a pattern using many hues of each color resulting in intricate shading effects.     Laura Liska created this same look in polymer clay in the most beautiful colors and patterns.  She fortunately shared her technique with Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio which is in their book, Polymer Clay Color Inspirations.

I followed this technique to create some Bargello style pieces but with my own color combinations from the Pantone Spring 2011 colors of Honeysuckle, Beeswax and Peapod.  You will find the recipes for these colors in my last blog post here.

This technique requires concentration and a very steady hand to achieve straight lines and a consistent pattern.  The first one I did on the Honeysuckle color background and was my first crack at it.  I love the effect from the deep colored background.  The one below shows the same cane on the Beeswax background with a different pattern which has a totally different look.

And of course I had to make a lentil swirl from this gorgeous color combo!

My next stage is to make some beads from these Bargello clay sheets and will show you later when they are complete...

More Pantone Color Recipes - Beeswax and Peapod

I decided to start the new year with two more color recipes from the top ten spring 2011 Pantone collection - Beeswax and Peapod.  Both recipes use Kato clay for the mix and you will notice I've added a little pearl or metallic clay of some form to each color.  I find these give that little extra shimmer and added depth.

Beeswax

6 parts Yellow

2 parts Gold

1 part White

1 part Pearl

                                                         

Peapod

3 parts Green

3 parts Yellow

1 part Black

3 parts White

3 parts Pearl

This is a fun skinner blend cane I created with the Beeswax, Peapod and Honeysuckle.  You will find the Honesuckle recipe I shared with you earlier here.  I will show you tomorrow what I'm doing with these colors.

Out with the Old and In with the New

Year that is...

Dave and I have been reflecting on our work from the past year and decided to head off in a slightly different direction this year with some brand new looks and different styles.

We have some new things planned for 2011 like a fun contest with a cool give-a-way prize.  More Pantone color recipes and jewelry making techniques to share.  New tutorials coming with fresh ideas.

Thanks to all of our readers and followers for your support and nice comments.  Wishing you all health and happiness for the new year....

...  Dave and Carolyn Good

Switch Plate Covers - Custom Made to Order

Our home decor line has been expanding with new designs added regularly.  All of our switch plate covers are made to order so you can choose your color and design for any type of plate.  Our most popular design is the Brocade which is available in a wide range of colors.

A customer sent us a photograph of a Brocade switch plate in the light copper we did up special for her bathroom.  She told me I could share it with you.  It goes so well with the rest of her decor don't you think?

I will show you some of our latest designs with a country western theme soon ... 

More feather designs...

I'm still having fun experimenting with making feather canes and made these buttons from the Honeysuckle pink design I showed you yesterday.

And here are some new pieces and cane in a denim blue and gold.  I really like how this one turned out as well.

I will show you what I'm making with all these pieces as soon as they are all finished....