Chocolate Festival

Hooray, our annual Bear Lake Chocolate Festival is now over and I sold a few items that were in my Handmade Artists shop so it's time to make more and add more. I did get a few items made during the festival which was nice. In the meantime, here are a couple of my latest offerings. The top one is made from a Gaea clay frame pendant to which I added Vintaj natural brass goodies then covered them with resin so they appear to be floating in a pool. The chain is also Vintaj brass. The other necklace is made from polymer clay beads from Desert Wind Designs paired with ceramic and antiqued gold and brass beads. I call it Aztec.

Simply Irresistable

This sweet set was handcrafted from Swarovski crystal wavy pearls, (a crystal core layered with several luminous pearl coatings), paired with thin sterling silver wavy tubes that measure 3/4" in length. Dark fuschia seed beads accent the soft pink pearls. The necklace is 19 1/2" long including the sterling silver lobster clasp plus a 2" extension chain. The earrings hang 1 3/4" including the sterling silver earwires. Just what your sweetie needs to buy you for Valentine's Day.

Bounty

I bought some pieces from Desert Wind Designs on ArtFire and deconstructed them to use the handmade clay beads in my own design. This was done with the permission of Connie Massie, the clay bead master. I just love the organic, raw look of her creations. I added some wood, bone, and bamboo to the mix for this bold piece I call Bounty. I have it listed in my Handmade Artists shop: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/product-details/Jewelry/Necklaces/Bounty%20/?pid=20120122130841c509a

Well Connected

I have now given this piece a title and added earrings. I also have it listed at: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/product-details/Jewelry/Sets/Well%20Connected/?pid=20120115165042f7584

Untitled

Well, this is one of those pieces that just wouldn't cooperate so I put it together, took it apart, put it together, took it apart... you get the idea. I haven't named it as yet and I still have to make matching earrings but I did want to share it and I welcome your feedback. I designed it with Swarovski crystals and twisted Swarovski pearls. The branch link and toggle clasp are silverplate and the chain is gun metal. After I get earrings made I'll be putting it in my store. I'm trying some new things and just ordered some different supplies so stay tuned.

Grrrr!

The power went off today and my computer goes into a tailspin when that happens. Spent too much of the day getting back on line while trying to make some jewelry in between. So, I thought I'd post a picture of an item I made a few days ago. I call it Organic Ostentation. Enjoy!

Welcome

Born with the soul of an artist, in first grade when all the other girls brought their new Christmas dolls for show and tell, I brought my finger paints. After pursuing a career in health education my husband and I retired to the Bear Lake area in Idaho where we live with our 2 rescue dogs - Sam and Roscoe.

In 2002 my BFF, Phyllis, had a bout with cancer, recovered, and started making jewelry. Eureka! After taking a class in stained glass, learning (and loving) decorative painting, and fancying myself a writer and poet, I finally found the medium that really grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Jewelry making is now my passion (aka addiction).

Raggy Daggy Do is the nickname my Dad gave me as a child and which he called me until his final day. He was an exceptional artist and cabinet maker so, to honor him and the inspiration he was to me, I call my jewelry Raggy Daggy Do-Dads.

So, to kick off 2012 I am starting this blog and my resolution is to be more organized and, not only blog on a regular basis, but add items to my shop on a regular basis as well - www.handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/Sandi

I donate 10% of jewelry sales to Animals Need Help of Bear Lake where we got our sweet Sam (on the left) - www.anhbearlake.org.