Mooaanysays

Trade Beads are Beautifully Handmade

2011-06-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just sharing with you some interesting pictures (hopefully) of trade beads from Africa.

From Tibetian to Venetian, these glass beads are lovely to behold and can be bought with minimal investment. I found some of mine at Bead and Gemstone shows- most of the ones shown here were purchased through a fair trade agreement that provides the tribal bead makers a fair payment for their wares. This is a grand reason to purchase them and another is that beautiful artisan jewelry can be made with your fair purchase!

The range of cost can run from $10.00 a strand to over hundreds for one ancient collectible bead. Some of my collection are ancient beads that have fascinating histories and many are simply beautiful handmade.

Here are a collection of African Krobo's and Venetian chevrons, gooseberries and white hearts that I photographed for fun:

Moags and Smeet - Jewellery and Jewellery Supplies: SUNDAY SHARE - Lemon Tree Lane

2010-10-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Moags and Smeet - Jewellery and Jewellery Supplies: SUNDAY SHARE - Lemon Tree Lane

Tattoos Vs Pretty Things of Adornment

2010-08-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever considered getting a Tattoo to feel pretty? Is it a viable choice?

Of course it is, but my choice would be jewelry, simply because I can take it off and put it in a little box when I am tired of looking at it. I would not be happy about being deprived of picking out something to wear based on my mood that day.

I suppose you could conceal your tattoo in some way if you were sick of looking at it. Even though the ones on feet would be difficult to hide! I must say every once in a while you have to say WOW at some Tattoos!

Fanciful Feet

Feet on Feet?

Anklet


Chesty Tat

Some Handmade Necklaces and Chains

2010-07-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Having been so busy making Pendants all summer to add to my "Hearts, Paws and Mandalas Series", I started to develop a nagging notion that perhaps people would like some different then standard chains for their Pendants.

I like to make my Pendants with bails that will accomodate different chains, sometimes I will string beads to go specifically with a Pendant or charm, if you will. That is part of my creative process in making jewelry, asking that question, now how would this look with some beautiful opals, or citrine, or carnelian which is a favorite of mine.

Sometimes I have to stop myself and think that perhaps those that like my work would like to choose for themselves, or even add a handmade chain that is adjustable to their collections.

So here is a sampling, some things already listed and some things to be listed in the near future.

Have a look at: http://baublezptoa.etsy.com or
http://www.zibbet.com/baublezptoa

If you send me an email or convo and mention my blog I will give you a 20 percent refund on any purchases of chains or necklaces!

Bracelets are Fun to wear, who loves Bracelets? I love Bracelets

2010-05-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love to make is a beaded bracelet. I love to wear beaded bracelets as well.
My very first one which started my interest in them, was made of Italian millefiori glass beads. I wore it every day, never and never took it off. It was my "signature" to me, and I felt naked without it.

After about 4 years, a link broke. I hadn't yet started making jewelry myself, so the pieces were sadly placed in a little box in my big jewelry box. It was like a funeral of sorts. And so my "signature" was forgotten for many years.

One of the first things that I taught myself when I decided to start making jewelry was to learn how to make sterling wire loops and voila, I could make my own bracelets!

My tastes in bracelets has run the gamut of millefiori, vintage beads, lampwork beads and gemstone beads and once again, I have gone back to my "signature" of wearing a beaded bracelet. Now I have many choices. I also wear every braclelet that I make to sell for at least one day, to be sure that it works, is comfortable, and does all the things I love about a bracelet on the wearer.

You wouldn't think there would be much to making a bracelet but to make a good bracelet certain considerations are needed. It must be soundly linked, and have a very good clasp. And it is really good to consider adjustability in sizing to sell them.

Some people like to wear a bracelet high on the wrist, or low on the wrist, or hanging on the hand, which is my choice! This is something I have incorporated into all my newer ones. Let alone choosing good colors for skin tone, interesting composition, extra dangles, charms handmade, and so on. Those last few things are probably particular to me because I like to make one of a kind jewelry.

After all that discussion I think it only fair to share a sampling of my favorites!

iKnitQuiltSew Featured Artist in Handmade Artists Forum for May 22 through May 29

2010-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

iKnitQuiltSew

Teddy Bears

Art all Sewn

Oh Teddy Bear

A Dolly

And many more things by this talented Artist. The best way to learn is at Grandmama's knee, surely all of these lovelies have a tough of her in them!

I truly hope that fine needlework, knitting and yarn work will not be a lost art, and I don't think it will. There so many of us out there that can't do it to admire those that do. There are some wonderful and diverse knit, quilt and sew available at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/iKnitQuiltSew and this is a shop well worth visiting.

I love a Teddy Bear

twiddletoes: tabi socks and luxury footwear featured Handmade Artists Forum May 15th through 22nd

2010-05-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

twiddletoes was created about six years ago after cringing over people shoving their flipflops on over their regular socks. I started off knitting them for the biggest offenders in my life -- my dad and my husband -- but quickly expanded when I realized that there was quite a bit of interest in my tabi. From there, I took my wares to craft shows and festivals.

This is the starting point of twiddletoes according to Twiddletoes' website at:
http://www.twiddletoes.com/about.html

How many times have you wished you had socks on when you were wearing flip flops? I am sure you have had cold feet in the wrong shoes a few times, I know I have! Trying to force a socked foot into a thong shoe is no great fun, I know.

This is a great idea and the workmanship in twiddletoes socks looks great, and she does use the best materials. Another great thing is that if you are a traditionalist and want to wear regular socks with your sandals, you can find beautiful handmade socks at this shop as well like perhaps:

but Ladies and Gents, these are the ones to seriously consider!

I am so tempted, maybe the mosquitoes here in Florida wont bite my toes if I wear these socks!

HANDMADE ARTIST FORUM Blogging for Haffina for May 8th through 15th LisianBlue Featured Artist for March 28th through April 3rd

2010-05-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Beads By Haffina
Is the topic of my blog on Haffina today, although Jennifer is talented in many arenas, I am a handmade bead lover and collector so I am enjoying looking at all the lovely beads that Jennifer has to offer in her Artfire store.
To quote Jennifer in from one of her profiles:

"Hi, my name is Jennifer.. but mostly I’m know as Haffina. Im a single mum of 5 kids – 4 boys and 1 girl. I make jewellery and beaded items. I do some beaded merchandise for a forum I admin on, which also includes a store which displays and sells my work. I love to create unique pieces and will pretty much try an medium at least once. This blog is about my creative pursuits, achievements, experiments and opportunities."

Now thats what I call having full hands! I picked some of my favorite beads, I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as me. Of course Jennifer has her own creations including her handmade beads, but I you are like me and want to part of the creative process, here is a good starting point.
Beads By Haffina on Artfire is the home of her handmade polymer clay beads, pendants and other components. Have a look:

Featured Artist Handmade Artists Forum May 1 8 Jewelry by NaLa

2010-05-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Jewelry by NaLa

"The creative side of my brain is definitely dominant"

Pastels and Pearly White at their very best

My favorite things that NaLa makes are her earrings, of course there is other fine jewelry that you can find in her Etsy store: http://jewelrybynala.etsy.com

But I would like to highlight her earrings on this blog.

Each pair are lovely and appealing to anyone who loves adornment of the prettiest kind.

It is well worth a visit to her shop.
Also be on the lookout for NaLa in Etsy's Treasuries, you will no doubt find her beautiful things there! You can see
samples of those gorgeous Treasuries at:http://jewelrybynala.blogspot.com/

Handmade Artists Forum Feature Artist for April 18th through the 24th ParadisePurls

2010-04-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Humphries of Paradise Purls said on her Etsy profile "a few years ago it seemed several of my new friends were knitters. At first I wasn't interested, but then my curiosity got the best of me. I taught myself to knit using a "how to" booklet, and a little help from some girlfriends and my MIL. I fell in love with all the yarn...the colors and textures. One of my favorite things to do is spend time in a yarn shop touching all the different yarns."

and if that is not talented enough she decided to explore jewelrymaking and is great at making beautiful earrings and adorable beaded bookmarks. I personally find these bracelets outstanding because Elizabeth has managed to knit jewelry, how cool is that! I love her knitted hats and scarves as well. You can see for yourself at
http://paradisepurls.estsy.com

Here are a some of my picks from her shop!

and this

to this

Lovely work!

Peruvian Opals and Hearts

2010-04-12T16:42:00.001-07:00

Peruvian Opals and Hearts, originally uploaded by mooaany.

Oh I am pleased with myself on this one, a simple heart and peruvian opals work!

HAF Featured Artist for April 11 through April 17 Linda Talbot Original Jewelry

2010-04-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Linda said in her profile on Etsy:

I love to combine seemingly disparate elements. For example, I love to pair semi-precious stones and glass; large chunky nuggets with tiny Swarovski crystals; coral and bone with sterling silver accents. It enchants me to combine these different elements, and I am always surprised at where my jewelry leads me. I never met a bead I didn’t like."

I think she has succeeded in that endeavor based on these lovely examples.

Dancing Squares Necklace

Aventurine and Sterling Silver Sweet Spring Necklace

A beautiful southwest flavor with a twist that I just love!

http://raedawn.etsy.com

DreamRiverDesigns, Featured HAF Artisan for April 4 through 11

2010-04-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Debbie Downs the creator and owner of Dream River Designs even though living on a small farm in Minnesota with husband and two children, still finds time to do something she loves, designing jewelry. Like many who work with metal, she realizes the beauty it has to offer and she revels in the fascination of working with it. Doing Chain Maille is her specialty. But she makes earrings and pendants and also heirloom Rosaries.

Being brought up Catholic myself, I am very familiar with Rosaries, and I have to tell you they can be absolutely beautiful, modes of prayer, and works of art. I have one that is an heirloom from my great great grandmother which I cherish, and so have a special appreciation for those pieces.

Quality, Individual Design, Love of the Art, Debbie shows them all in her jewelry. Here are just a few of her works that I found through her blog photos:

You can find more of her jewelry at http://handmadeartistsshop.com/DreamRiverDesigns

Three Brand New Additions

2010-03-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Blue Topaz Fine Silver and a touch of 24 kt. Gold

Fine Silver Mandala The Moon

PawPrint

Visit http://handmadeartistsshop.com/baublezptoa

New Postings coming soon!!

Chainmaille By MBOI HAFTEAM Featured Artist for March 28 through April 3rd

2010-03-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Now this is perfection probably simple for Kim and Andrew to create but not to be fathomed by me, I can just sit back and enjoy it!

and it can alway get complicated I see.

And then there is Oh My!

Well there is more but you will have to go to http://chainmaillebymboi.com to see them.

As a member of HAF I must take the time to say that my experiences as part of the HAF team have been wonderful. Every time I got in a jam and needed help sorting out a problem, Kim and Andrew were there to promptly offer help. I think they both have their heart in this venture, and really care about Handmade, keeping it interesting, alive and available, and I think they are succeeding!

I personally am proud to be in this group.

Thanks Kim and Andrew

HANDMADE ARTIST FORUM Blogging for LisianBlue Featured Artist for March 28th through April 3rd

2010-03-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I live on the wrong side of the world!

Kris of Lisianblue says this about herself. How wonderful to admit it! And she makes great use of her lopsided sleep schedule from being on the wrong side of the world by making beautiful handmade Heirloom Collectible Ornaments, Bunnies, and even Valentines.

Obviously with an eye and hand for the delicate and beautiful, It has been a pleasure looking at her work. Those bunnies would even please a grown up baby too!

Couldn't you just squeeze and squeeze?

Any of her ornaments would be a special addition to your collection.

http://lisianblue.artfire.com

HAF Featured Artist for March 21 through 28 LTDBeads

2010-03-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

"There's still a box out in my garage, labeled "Joan's Stones". I collected them as a child − and started beading not long after, making rosaries for the missions".

This is a quote of a lady after my own heart, beads and jewelry start out as a fascination for a lot of us from early on. And I think that making jewelry is an expression of your personality in a lot of ways, it certainly is an expression of talent. Joan has a boat load of talent and from what I hear from other HAF members a pleasant and helpful nature as well. She has a great knowledge base on beads and gemstone that she shares with us on her website http://www.ltdbeads.com and she has an Artfire Shop at http://LTDBeads.artfire.com and an Etsy shop as well LTDBeads

I am proud to be featuring Joan, even as a Jewelry Artisan myself, I find my self coveting some of her jewelry!

Earrings and Pups

2010-03-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

just a sampling

baublezptoa

mandarin garnets in a row

baublezptoa

T.Rusk4U Handcrafted Jewelry for Every Woman

2010-03-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Teresa the creator of T.Rusk4u have a bevy of great things for the gals. From totes to gift ideas to jewelry.

Teresa has that creative touch and from what I see, knows how to make those girly flattering things we ladies just love!

Like this one:

and

Such feminine and lovely things can be found at

http://www.etsy.com/shop/trusk4u

and

trusk4u at Winkelf

Violet has Shoes and Pretty Things that will make you Sing

2010-03-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

Every woman loves the shoe in it's many forms, may you be able to wear high heels for a long, long time.

The Artisan of the Week at Handmade Artists Forum for me is Violet, or if you must have the whole name, Artshus by Violet.

Just the name Violet and just visiting her blog at http://artshushus.blogspot.com says a lot to me about the wonderful things she does and here are a few dotted about.

now how sweet can it be!!!!

And dear Violet, you can not be married to the best man in the world, because I am married to him!

I just love your blog,

Sincerely Mrs. Trueheart

Interested in seeing handmade jewelry close up?

2010-02-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

I invite you to my website for a look and to comment

You can see puppy dog tails tooor just play games or scoot around on my social page!!!!

Anagram for Ink Artist of the Week at Handmade Artists Forum

2010-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

I would say that Niko has brought a lost art back to life with his hand bookbinding and letterpress printing.

She has a wonderful ability to make use of organic substances in such an artistic way, without losing the life of the material. Beautiful and made in Canada which also good!

You must see for yourself and visit http://www.whiteravenarts.com/

and visit her blog at http://nikosilvester.blogspot.com

Penguins

2010-02-10T07:36:00.001-08:00

Jordan (from Faces of the Mind Collection, 2009) by Véronique Pierre Stocco

2010-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

one of many lovely works of art from

SimplyNaif

Who also has a website at

imagesofhome

A painting mom she calls herself, and that she seems to be, one with a heart and a helping hand for those trying to survive in Haiti.

Visit her sites and look around, you will be very pleased!

An Amaryllis on Energy Drinks

2010-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Looking in on What JewelrybyNaLa is all about

2010-01-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

It is a good time to look at talent! I am blogging today about JewelrybyNaLa

as you can see, from this beautiful sample, This Jewelry Artisan has quite an eye for combinations, do visit her shop by clicking through the above link, you will be in for a treat!

Geez Louise

2010-01-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Spent two hours updating my website, I could have made this
in less then two hours and been happy about it.

Geez Louise
Good Grief
My Aching Arse

Too happy for words

2010-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

I AM SO PLEASED WITH MYSELF

check this out

2010-01-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.msmooaany.com

A Good Bad Picture

2010-01-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

this photo was taken through the mist in the ocean from another ship. I was going to trash it, but liked something about it any comments?

chilly as a titches witty

2010-01-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

And in Florida no less I feel for the rest of the country!!!!

bored and cold, go here and shop or laugh, or browse, or say pshawww! http://www.artfire.com/users/baublezptoa

Flickr

2010-01-02T13:44:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Plumstone and shell beaded pendant and earrings - Carmen Trueheart's Jewelry site

2009-12-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

Plumstone and shell beaded pendant and earrings - Carmen Trueheart's Jewelry site

Christmas Eve and Best Wishes to all

2009-12-24T15:08:00.001-08:00

I am sure all of us have been merry for the most part? Well for those that are joyous by all means continue to be so, and for those waiting for all the hubbub to be over, it won't be long.

I personally plan to sit with some eggnog and pecans and munch out til I have a belly ache (one of my holiday traditions!).

Then I will curl up someplace comfy, and my little dog will come running to join me and JT, my dear husband will be watching sports on TV if there is any.

Alas, now it is time to think about the true meaning of Christmas, for me, and I hope for all of you.

Life is Good

Come to Artfire

2009-12-21T13:56:00.001-08:00

baublezptoa

Sell Handmade

IFYOU DIDINT GET ENOUGH OF MY ON MY LAST POST

2009-12-18T14:08:00.001-08:00

Please check out these links

http://www.baublez.themooaany.com

http://blog.themooaany.com

http://bananamiranda.etsy.com

I am going to blog my beads off!

2009-12-18T13:48:00.001-08:00

Perhaps I should rephrase that. The initial thought was that I was going to blog my beads off to see what it gets me. That is no better.

Alright, what I am trying to do is market and sell some of my gorgeous handmade jewelry since it just ain't sellin.

I understand about the economy, and it is sad, and tough but some beautiful beads and a bizarre piece of silver! O.K. if selling doesn't do it perhaps I should list the things that are really important to me so the lack of attention my jewelry is getting wont be taken so personally.

here goes the list, mind you this is a rotating and revolving list, and not always the same joy is on top of the circle, or on it's front.

My wonderful husband

My wonderful brothers

My wonderful mother

My beloved pets

My not so lovable pets

Memories of my most beloved pets

My true friends

My memories of good times with those friends

All of my fun-had memories

The times I have succeeded

Not so much the times I have not succeeded

Goodness when I see it and when I feel it

Thankfulness and joy

Creating something in the quiet of my mind

Creating something with my own hands

Making beautiful jewelry

Knowing I have done a good job

Selling some of my beautiful jewelry

I am sure there are lots others, but that is it sitting on my head now.

Thanks for listening if you did!

I am meeting friends on Etsy

2009-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Fun can be had, in between the pouting! Chat room and see what I mean!

Baublez, pretty things of adornment

2009-11-13T15:29:00.000-08:00

I love adornments, I dont wear many, but I make lots and love to see them on others.

The joy in it is the usage of color, and natural semi-precious stones, and fine silver that I have molded, sanded, worked and reworked, with my own hands.

The next best thing about making artisan jewelry is seeing my pieces on other folks and having people enjoy my creations. I often gift my things for charity auctions, and as a gesture of friendship, and this I like best.

Unfortunately, everything costs something, and I have quite an inventory of silver, gemstones, vintage beads, handcrafted lampwork beads, and tribal silver. So I need to sell a few things every now and then so I can get even more supplies!

I have a storefront on Etsy: http;//bananamiranda.etsy.com

I also having a viewing and communicating site at www.baublez.themooaany.com

More earrings are coming for Christmas, and vintage bead angel pendants whose proceeds will go to my local breast cancer patient advocacy fund.

So if you have an interest please do visit, buy or just marvel at some of the oddities

Best Regards,

Mooaany

Mooaanysays

Trade Beads are Beautifully Handmade

Moags and Smeet - Jewellery and Jewellery Supplies: SUNDAY SHARE - Lemon Tree Lane

Tattoos Vs Pretty Things of Adornment

Some Handmade Necklaces and Chains

Bracelets are Fun to wear, who loves Bracelets? I love Bracelets

iKnitQuiltSew Featured Artist in Handmade Artists Forum for May 22 through May 29

iKnitQuiltSew

twiddletoes: tabi socks and luxury footwear featured Handmade Artists Forum May 15th through 22nd

HANDMADE ARTIST FORUM Blogging for Haffina for May 8th through 15th LisianBlue Featured Artist for March 28th through April 3rd

Featured Artist Handmade Artists Forum May 1 8 Jewelry by NaLa

Handmade Artists Forum Feature Artist for April 18th through the 24th ParadisePurls

Peruvian Opals and Hearts

HAF Featured Artist for April 11 through April 17 Linda Talbot Original Jewelry

Dancing Squares Necklace

Aventurine and Sterling Silver Sweet Spring NecklaceA beautiful southwest flavor with a twist that I just love!

Aventurine and Sterling Silver Sweet Spring Necklace

DreamRiverDesigns, Featured HAF Artisan for April 4 through 11

Three Brand New Additions

Chainmaille By MBOI HAFTEAM Featured Artist for March 28 through April 3rd

HANDMADE ARTIST FORUM Blogging for LisianBlue Featured Artist for March 28th through April 3rd

HAF Featured Artist for March 21 through 28 LTDBeads

Earrings and Pups

T.Rusk4U Handcrafted Jewelry for Every Woman

Violet has Shoes and Pretty Things that will make you Sing

Interested in seeing handmade jewelry close up?

Anagram for Ink Artist of the Week at Handmade Artists Forum

Penguins

Jordan (from Faces of the Mind Collection, 2009) by Véronique Pierre Stocco

An Amaryllis on Energy Drinks

Enjoying Looking in on What JewelrybyNaLa is all about

Geez Louise

Too happy for words

check this out

A Good Bad Picture

chilly as a titches witty

Flickr

Plumstone and shell beaded pendant and earrings - Carmen Trueheart's Jewelry site

Christmas Eve and Best Wishes to all

Come to Artfire

IFYOU DIDINT GET ENOUGH OF MY ON MY LAST POST

I am going to blog my beads off!

I am meeting friends on Etsy

Baublez, pretty things of adornment

Aventurine and Sterling Silver Sweet Spring Necklace

A beautiful southwest flavor with a twist that I just love!