CK Silver - BESTeam Member Feature

I am pleased to feature a talented jewelry artist this week. The attention to detail is awesome. Just look at the wrap work around these tiny pearls. CK Silver offers handcrafted sterling silver jewelry that is beautiful, timeless, and elegant. Each piece of jewelry is unique, and many are one of a kind. The primary inspiration is the beauty of nature, and the amazing richness of creation that is found all around us. Most pieces incorporate sterling silver, freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones, and swarovski crystal. Custom orders welcome, and all birthstones are available either in the stone itself or in swarovski crystal. CK also has an interesting blog; go check it out and learn more about color trends.

With that said you know what to do... (advice from LoloGlassEtching)
1. Click the links in this blog and make CK Silver a fan, heart her shop and don't forget follow the blog.
2. If you see something you like, buy it.
3. If you like my blog, don't forget to follow me too.
4. See ads that interest you, click through and explore.
5. By all means enjoy, have fun and live life to its fullest because tomorrow isn't promised.

Tiger Cane

I have a weekly addiction of watching the Clay Tutor Cindy Lietz' videos. Some weeks I try the lessons and others I don't. Well now I have decided to commit myself to attempting the lessons. So this Friday the lesson was a Zebra print cane. I modified the cane to a tiger print cane. I used Premo gold (with mica) and black to create the cane. The gold clay was somewhat of a scrap clay. I surmised that there was a bit of brown clay mixed in with the gold. It was probably a little bit of brown, added. I followed the video half way through. When I began to slice the black stripe pieces, I decided to immediately add them to the gold block. It definitely was not as neat as Cindy's block. When I reduced the cane, following her recommendations about shaping each piece, I was pleased with the results.

I have made a tiger cane before using Desiree's tutorial. In her tutorial I used a skinner blend to create the background. The background was a round log and the strips were added to it. There as in now I was pleased with the stripes, but my skinner blend did not turn out very well. I would say that the amount of blended color was too small. So the blend too quickly jumped from the liter color to the dark color.

Mystic Wynd this Week's Feature

Take a glance at who Mystic Wind is and her shop. This "Windy City" native really presents a diverse shop. One of the first things the entrepreneurial gurus tell you to do is to determine who you want your products to appeal to. In MysticWynd's case, it was obvious - everyone! The career woman looking for that bold and powerful jewelry ensemble.

The stay at home mom looking for something fun and trendy or simple and understated for day to day, or glamorous and exotic for those occasions she gets to break away and let her hair down. Students on a limited budget or who are still exploring a variety of styles. Fashionistas who love to start new trends. Grandmoms who prefer a little bit of nostalgia. Fashion designers and costume designers looking for that one-of-a kind piece that's perfect for a new dress or an old world character. Brides, their mothers and mothers-in-law to-be. Club members looking for a special "trademark" look. Men who are looking for something for the special person in their life. Women who are looking for something special for the special people in their lives. People who have hobbies. People who love life.

Whether your style is simple or bold, classic or trendy, elegant or glitzy, Mystic Wynd has something for you at a price you can afford from a craftsperson with a simple philosophy -



MysticWynd's creations are designed in the hopes of igniting that special spark of uniqueness that lies within us all. Some things are elegant, some are fun, some are outlandish, some are colorful, some are calming - but the great thing is that she know there is someone out there who will recognize something that just makes them feel good about themselves!

This Week's Feature: Miss Pretty Perfect

I am thrilled to present LaToya AKA "Miss Pretty Perfect". She has a wonderful passion for fashion. She also hails for the great state of North Caroline and is a graduate from N.C. A&T State University and Parsons School of Design in New York City. After graduating from Parsons, she worked as a sewer for a Private Label Handbag Designer in Union Square. Her bags were sold in department stores such as Henri Bendel, Bloomingdals and Fred Segal. LaToya learned handbag construction, pattern making and problem solving, just look at her bags. She relocated back to North Carolina, and began her own line of handbags. The Miss Pretty Perfect line of handbags is made of upholstery fabric, patchwork and leather combinations. Miss Pretty Perfect is a brand that will broaden with time. In the future LaToya hopes to create a line of women's and girl's clothing. I know just like me as you click on the bags at Miss Pretty Perfect, you will be awed by her craftsmanship, excuse me "craftwomanship". Awesome!



In addition to creating wonderful handbags LaToya coordinates the "BoostingEstyShopTeam" AKA "BESTeam". She keeps an energetic group of Esty shop keepers / bloggers - blogging weekly about their wonderful team mates. LaToya also finds way to link her team mates to items in her own shop. This is a dedicated and selfless individual likes helping and promoting others. Be sure to stop by her blog, Miss Pretty Perfect Handbags.

Swan Mountain Soaps - This week's featured BESTeam

Swan Mountain Soaps specializes in natural handmade cold-process artisan soaps and body products, all made completely from scratch - never from a pre-made base. Their products contain no detergents, fillers, or lather boosters, no formaldehyde, and no parabens - just naturally-good, skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter and olive oil. Let them pamper your skin with a little taste of luxury!

Six years ago, Christina and Mike were like most Alaskans - tough, rugged, self-reliant ... and itchy. Alaska can be a harsh place to live, especially in winter, when below-zero temperatures and frigid winds combat you on a daily basis. Their skin was dry and scaly. Their kids' skin was dry and scaly. It was not a pretty sight.

Then they discovered the joys of handmade soap. They were instantly addicted, and they learned to make their own soaps and body products. They also started learning about the plants and herbs that grew so abundantly around them in the summertime. . Their garden supplied them with plantain, horsetail, chickweed, chamomile and calendula for their herbal salves and balms. They have discovered the amazing bounty that could be found from wildcrafted herbs and foods. Make sure you stop to visit their Swan Mountains very informative blog.

Vintage Find

I visited Metalliferous Inc. - midtown Manhattan, yesterday. While there I saw a 'clearance' pile, where they were freeing up their clutter. So I decided to make some of it my clutter - at least until I get my creativity juices flowing.

I am considering making chunky rings with these vintage elements. Did you see the date in the bottom right hand corner? It stated 1974. What were you doing in 1974?

Tuesday May 25, I just posted two rings from this collection on my etsy shop Claycass

Sunshine

"You are my sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey..." Nina has a good flair for what is popular, and what is vintage. Her talent is so obvious when you look at her jewelry selections. Yes I like to sing and so does Nina - that's why her Etsy shop is called "You Are My Sunshine".

This grey fabric flower is so classic and current that one can imagine it worn with anything. You could desk it up with a classic cut dress and cardigan, or dress it down with jeans and a t-shirt. The versatile style of Nina's shop makes you drool at all the selections. Nina also has an up-beat blog called Nina's Day, and you should make a date to check it out.

Need Summer Jewelry

Scrap for color challenge
Originally uploaded by claycass

I made these pieces some time ago, but I have not turned them in to something wearable. Now summer is coming and I need to complete these pieces. Say a pair of earrings and a pendant for a necklace or a brooch. Hmmmm! I am not sure about the round object but the little tiles will make a nice pair of dangling earrings. I need to mix up some summer colors and create some more flowery delights. What do you think? Let me know you thoughts.

BESTeam Weekly Feature: Blue Forest Jewelry

Blue Forest Jewellery just loves jewelry! She has always had a passion for jewelry. She states how her grandmother must have been her muse for her love of making things. Her grandmother created most of her own clothes and knitted and crocheted. So now Blue Forest enjoys owning and wearing jewels. Everything she makes she wants to keep.

Only recently did she start making jewelry. Her handmade jewelry is about colors. Color combinations of semi precious stones, beads and pearls accented in silver making interesting and exciting pieces. She hopes you will enjoy her designs. Since her passion is to make jewelry she likes to wear, she hopes you will like to wear it, too.
Be sure to stop by Blue Forest Jewelry

This Week's Feature - Phili 313

I stopped by Ava's etsy shop only to find this wonderful Orange Blossom necklace.
Ava has such a good eye for nice jewelry pieces. Ava absolutely loves creating and making things pretty. She started beading about 3 years ago and has been hooked ever since. She also has a fairly new and growing blog called Phili 313 Designs Please do stop by and see Ava's shop. http://www.phili313.etsy.com

Meowkernaut - Featured Etsy Shop

Meowkernaut has a unique etsy shop with crocheted items. With the weather turning warmer Meowkernaut has a couple of crocheted bikinis. Please make sure you stop to visit this shop. This bright orange bikini has a waistband construsted of grannie squares. The squares certainly help add texture and color to this garment.
http://www.meowkernaut.etsy.com

Besteam Weekly Feature - Phili 313 Designs

Phili 313 real names is Ava and she absolutely loves creating and making things pretty. She started beading about 3 years ago and has been hooked ever since. She also has a fairly new and growing blog called Phili 313 Designs.
Phili 313 Designs Ava, Etsy shop is full of lite airy classic designs.



This Beulah necklace is classical and simple. It is a single strand white glass pearl necklace which would be a great addition to any dress, from a wedding dress to the simple black dress. The necklace is accented with pearls and a rhinestone encrusted focal pendant, plus a wonderful price point which makes it a steal for anyone.



Ava’s shop also has this beautiful woven bronze flower and brown nugget necklace with matching earring for a total fashionable look. If you haven’t been to Ava shop, please make sure you stop by to see her wonderful designs.
http://www.phili313.etsy.com

Featured Shop - Leo and Junie

If you have not had a chance to stop by Leo and Junie's etsy shop, please do so. This shop is full of light and air jewelry. This Moon Glow ring really caught my eye. It is made with a big vintage moonglow lucite bead. Wire wrapped and measuring 10mm. And to top off the professionalism of this shop all jewelry comes in a gift box or tin making it a perfect gift item. ❤
http://www.leoandjunie.etsy.com

Besteam Weekly Favorite - Lightkeeping

Lightkeeping has handmade jewelry inspired by all things beautiful. It is an expression of her fondness of color, clear form, simplicity and harmony. Each item is made with love and care and designed to bring you joy, lift your mood on dull days and complement your smile on bright ones. Knowing that this much care is put into each piece Lightkeeping's jewelry would be a nice addition to anyone's collection. Please check out these wonderful pieces at http://www.lightkeeping.etsy.com

New Clay Extruder

Thank you Walnut Hollow for my new clay extruder, but with a closer look I seem to know you. Well I had a Makin Clay extruder that I purchased from Michael’s Arts and Craft store. The clay extruder that I purchased came in a nice plastic box. After losing my extruder I looked to replace it, but I wanted a box with it. Michael’s had stopped stocking the extruder just about the time I decided to replace my extruder. I looked in stores from the Maryland Easter Shore to the New York Long Island – and I could not find the extruder with a nice neat plastic box to contain all the pieces. So after my store to store search turned up empty, I went to the internet. After searching for some time with no luck, I started to consider purchasing the extruder without the container. Without the container meant the price would need to be comparable.
Well there is a new Michael’s in town. So I trip over to the new Michael’s to see that it had new products, too. Among the new stuff was a new clay extruder by Walnut Hollow. Looking very nice I must say; in a plastic box, has a foldable handle, and lots of different shape discs. I had a nice coupon from the store so I decided to purchase the extruder. After purchasing the extruder, I rushed home to see if the extra discs, that I still had from the Makin Clay extruder, would fit the new one. Well, I dug out my old disk, and they FIT. Well, wait a minute the package for the new extruder say it was made by “Walnut Hollow”. So now Walnut Hollow is selling products at Michael’s under their original name.
The plunger still works with a cranking handle. The handle is designed to rotate continuously. With this extruder you don’t have to create a handle attachment for easy cranking. The handle folds in half for easy storage. The case stored 20 discs and three rubber o rings. If you have discs from a Makin’s Professional Ultimate Clay Extruder they will work with the Walnut Hollow Clay Extruder Set.

Creamsicles were the Best

Creamsicles were the best ice creams when I was a child. I loved them. I found this beautiful soap on etsy and I wondered would the soap give me the smells and experience as a soap, that I had as a child eating them. Please do check out this wonderful soap shop Lathery Confections.

Leo and Junie's Etsy Shop

I had the pleasure of joining the BESTeam last week, and this week I find myself sharing the shop of another BESTeam member. Leo and Junie design jewelry that is inspired by nature, flirty, and fun. They love using vintage beads, a mix of metals, and modern pieces in their jewelry designs. They are pretty excited about spring. They are sure to have bright colors and flowers in the shop. Please do take some time to visit their lovely shop.
http://www.LeoAndJunie.etsy.com

Sisterhood of Traveling Bead Giveaway

Humblebeads had this wonderful bead giveaway going on - right now! I love beads and a box of trinkets really excites me. When I was a little girl my church organist gave me a box of old jewelry and I have been mesmorized with jewelry over 50 years. So please do check out the give away on humblebeads.blogspot.com

NYC - Clayers

Polymer Clayers of the Greater Metropolitan NYC the New York Polymer Clay Guild is have a Clay Day. I decided to post the information so others would hear about it and come join us. The information is listed below. If you are interested email me at casswms@yahoo.com or our guild president Valerie Hall - Valerie.Hall@scafg.com

It’s time for Clay Day which is scheduled for this Saturday, March 20th, 2010 from 10am to 4pm at St. John’s University , 101 Murray Street , New York , NY . The fee is $10.00 for members; $15.00 for non-members (these fees cover the cost of the room).

As you know Clay Day is an open session where we learn techniques and just doing your own thing – a time to play!

What we planned for Clay Day is making rings and button earrings and other things ….and whatever you like!

The Guild will supply metal rings with flat surfaces for everyone to build their designs – samples will be shown on Saturday!

Thanks much!

Material List
Pasta machine
Blades
Board to work on
Plenty of clay – if you have any canes bring them and ALL your creative juices!!!!
Liquid polymer clay
Glue (Zap A Gap) or something comparable
Extruder
Cookie cutters
AND whatever else you’d like to bring!!!!

NYPCG Clay Date

 
This is my 'make n take' for today. Kudos to Valerie Hall, the president of the New York Polymer Clay Guild. We had a clay date today and I made this pendant.

I had fun today at our clay date. There were a number of members that ventured out today to make something from clay. I alway worked on a bangle bracelet. I was not so please with my bracelet - it is stell a work in process. My ban shrank so I have to figure out what I am going to do. Should I cut it or leave it un-wearable for me. That would mean that I should pass the bracelet to someone that could fit it. With cutting it, I would need to figure out how I would attach a clasp to the bracelet. I could use wire to fashion a one of a kind clasp for the bangle.