Give Me an Idea or Two....

Kelli is one of my buyers whose style just meshes with mine.  I like to make rustic beads and she's incredibly talented at using them in her own unique designs.  She has taken many classes in metal smithing as, I'm sure, you can see is evident in her work.  Stop by my website (artisanbeadsplus.com) soon for some more examples of her work.....Did I mention that her work is sold in museums and gift shops in and around her area of Clarksville, IN and that she specializes in custom work?  Her prices are very reasonable.  Drop her a line if you are interested in that unique piece that has been customized just for you (McPeanuts@aol.com).

ETSY CONTEST...

CONTEST
Only 190 sales away from reaching 1000! Be one of those sales that helps to get me there and win all the beads pictured! I will enter names for a random drawing that will take place as soon as I reach my goal :O) Happy Beading!!!! MaryAnn

You Don't Get Customers Like This Every Day......

This gorgeous necklace was made by mcpeanuts (Kelli)(currently an Etsy buyer). Not only does this necklace show an unbelievable amount of craftsmanship, but what makes it super special is that it was given to me as a gift. Kelli is one of my biggest buyers who does many successful shows every year. One day when I got home from my day job, a yellow envelope was in my mail box. It was addressed to me. I cannot really express the feelings that I had when I opened the package to find this beautiful necklace that Kelli had made for me using my artisan beads along with beachstone (a wonderful combination choice) and brass (I think- I'm no expert). Also, inside the package was a card thanking me for the beads that I make. This is a gift that I will have for a lifetime.....I admire it everytime I pick it up to wear it. By the way....it goes with almost everything!

One of the great things about being a bead artist is that you can make yourself pretty much want you want in terms of jewelry. If there's a certain color or style that you like....well....just mold it out of clay. That's not to say that I still don't need the help of other artists and some commercial u too..... I do :O)

I decided that I needed some simple pearl like beads to wear with some tops that just don't work with lower hanging necklaces. Eventually, I'd like to have a collection of different simple necklaces in many colors. I'm a teacher so I'm up early every morning getting ready to get out the door by 7:00. Typically, I'm rushing at the last minute no matter how early I get up and I'm looking for a necklace at the last minute. I just made this so I hope it ends up working out like I want.

They're Glazed....

Here's a few pics of what it looks like once my beads are glazed and then put in the kiln. In this firing, I've added a couple of name signs that my nieces glazed when they were here this weekend. It's Thanksgiving and I'm passing the time away before we go out to eat. Tomorrow I should hopefully, be able to post how exciting it is to open the kiln. I LOVE it!!!