More Charms . . .

My Caribbean necklace is beginning to take shape!  I took this photo before leaving for work this morning and the lighting was not the greatest, but I wanted to share it.  I love the way some of the charms are turning out. I have been hording some of these shell beads for a special project--and I think this is where they belong.  The round bead with the turquoise dangle on the far right looks like sea glass.  More to come . . .

Thanks for stopping by.

Shirley

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Creative Exploration to the Caribbean with Tim Holtz

With just a little over 26 days to sail, I am getting excited about this fantastic journey to the Caribbean.  I have already met several of the cruisers on a Yahoo group for the Tim Holtz Cruise.  To get in on some of the pre-cruise fun, I signed up to do a charm swap and some trades.

The charm swap charms have to include something of Tim's products.  Here is a peek at some of the charms I have been working on for the swap:

For the 1st and last charm, I used the Idea-ology. Trinket Pins along with beads and shells to keep with the Caribbean theme. The 2nd and 4th charms I used  the  Sprocket Gears and added some shells and beads hung by the Jump Rings.   For the 3rd charm I created a paper bead, and then added a short strip from a Florida map for the outer edge of the bead.  You can't see it very well by this photo, but I then applied two coats of  Melt Art Ultra-Thick Embossing Enamel to give it a glass look. I used the Idea-ology Washers on each end of the map along with other findings to give it a finished look, then added a dangle with a piece of a shell and bead.

These are some charms I am working on for trades with the cruisers, and for a charm necklace I am making. I will add more photos when I get more made.  

Thanks for dropping by.  

Shirley

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Art Share . . .

Check out Tammy's Tuesday Tutorial:  Distress Stain on Metal.  Very cool.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

August 2011 Charm Swap with Roni

I recently participated in my first charm swap--and was it fun!  The hostess of the swap was Roni from Ink Stains. I've been following her blog for a long time and love reading all her tips and how-to's.  I would drool at the cool charms each time she had a swap, and all the awesome ones she creates as well.  This time I got to participate!

I was so excited when the package arrived with my charms.

Brenda Stringer made this fabulous charm from a guitar pick and
vintage jewelry.  I love it, Brenda.  Thank you.

I love steampunk and was delighted when I saw this charm made
by Lori Williams.  She made a cool, matching tag to display it. 
Thank you so much, Lori.

"Journey is best measured in Friends, rather than miles."
I love this!  You probably already know--this was made by
Roni herself.  I am so thrilled to get it!  She has a tutorial on her
blog for making it.  She shares so much and literally step-
by-step.  She has been my inspiration on so many projects.

This charm was made by Hecate Leigh.  This is so pretty with the
vintage image in a soldered frame.  Thank you so much. Check out
some of her other cool jewelry on Etsy.  

Last, but not least--Helen Cleary make this awesome beaded 

charm topped off with a bright orange eye bead.  Thank you,

Helen.  

  

reade more... Résuméabuiyad