Trade Beads are Beautifully Handmade

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

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

Tattoos Vs Pretty Things of Adornment

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

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

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

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

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!