Thursday 21 December 2017

tigers eye

tigers eye
 aids harmony and balance, and helps you to release fear and anxiety
 It stimulates taking action, and helps you to make decisions with discernment and understanding, and unclouded by your emotions.


Sunday 17 December 2017

last minute gifts

making some last minute gifts for christmas
everyone needs a little something sparkly for the holidays




Tuesday 21 November 2017

Tuesday 14 November 2017

chain reaction

combining chain with beads turned out to be a bit of a math problem
but luckily it was may favorite subject 
(next to art class)
i was a bit tricky at first 
 trying to hold the beads and chain in place 
once the middle three rows where done it got easier
-------
below , a simpler, just as effective project 


Tuesday 24 October 2017

making it big, necklace that is


not long ago,
john bead outlet had a sale on these wonderful bezels
buy 2 get 10 free
its always good to have a stash on hand 
for when an idea hits you
i also pick ups a variety of crosses at bead dynasty


going through my stash i also found some acrylic flowers
which look great with the necklace below




Friday 13 October 2017

more skull jewelry

as always, one thing leads to another and another
i enjoyed the last 2 necklaces so much and had some leftover
skulls and just had to make more
searching through my stash i found a fun skull cameo and lava beads
combined with red pearls and metal  
i like the look

(below)
i also found a cross which i filled with resin clay
 and added some howlite and turquoise



Wednesday 11 October 2017

chain reaction

it always starts with one little thing which sends me down a path to making a ton more
these little skulls i found at the john bead outlet
they matched perfectly with my leftover howllite
a bit of chain and some nylon coated wire



after wearing it out, a few friends wanted one of there own
which lead me to several more
i love this one below

Monday 2 October 2017

encaustic

working with the heat gun and blow torch
oil pastels and metallic oil paint
i had a bit of fun experimenting







Tuesday 26 September 2017

Friday 22 September 2017

encaustic, mirror image

back in the grove
my friend kirsten  took an amazing photo of this tree
i love trees in my art
so i asked it i could use it in one of my painting
 a bit of tweeking in photoshop so i could use it as a transfer

below, i added some shellac and then blow torched it


i decided to make 2 paintings and gave one to kirsten for her birthday

Sunday 20 August 2017

mixing it up!

going through my stash always inspires me
sometimes i wish i could have them all on display
just so i will be reminded to use them instead of hoarding
the other day while looking for something else
i found several containers with vintage crystals
i didn't realize i had so many
which lead me to a few bags of metal flowers, leaves and a few  pins
once i got out the wire it all came together
but some how i didn't even put a dent in my collection


Tuesday 15 August 2017

now that's a jig!!


what a wonderful birthday gift from my friend carmi
she signed us up for classes and a make and take
taught by cindy goldrick
using  brenda schweders  amazing jig





Tuesday 25 July 2017

what to do with a mixed bag of beads


on my last visit to the john bead outlet 
i found these mixed bags of beads for only $7.68
it didn't take long before i designed several necklaces
and have ideas for a few more,
just hope they have some left if stock 


Thursday 6 July 2017

encaustic

it's a new day , it's a new dawn , it's a new life!
"sunrise", 12x24 encaustic on wood panel
a special painting for a special friend who is battling cancer
i know how difficult this is 
and my hope is to inspire her to brave each new day
no matter what it brings because tomorrow will get a little bit easier


last year she purchased below
"eclipse" , 12x24 encaustic on wood panel
i think they make a great pair



Friday 30 June 2017

happy canada day, eh!

its been awhile since wanted to paint
not sure why, just busy making jewelry and working
a few times i heated up my plates and primed a few boards 
thinking something would spark 
i even painted several red 
with canada day in mind
i finally got a chance to complete one project
happy 150th canada

Monday 19 June 2017

driftwood jewelry, part 2

sometimes the wood was just the perfect size and shape!!
having fun creating with these unique puzzle pieces



Sunday 18 June 2017

driftwood jewelry

switching things up a bit
a few years ago i collected at ton of driftwood
and finally got a chance to set it all out and 
find just the right pieces to create some wonderful pieces
above, some red coral with pearls
below , using abalone shells, wire , beads and pearls



Tuesday 25 April 2017

pearl and howlite necklace

i've been enjoying working with howlite
i like the irregular shapes and the contrast with the pearls

Friday 7 April 2017

mixed bags of beads

 with so many beads in my stash its still nice to have some pick out a selection for you
Laura, at the John Bead Outlet has a great eye for this and makes some great mixed bags
and once in a while i get lucky enough to be there at the right time and score a few
above, a combo of pearls and wood beads
(i threw in the smaller ones)
and below, a combination i would have never have picked out
but something appealed to me when i saw it so .........
since they where both on sale for 50% off 
why not try them both