This Week's Feature: Miss Pretty Perfect

Congratulation, Miss Pretty Perfect has found a 'brick & mortar' place to feature her fantastic handbags. From the outside the shop is extremely inviting. It is no wonder the shop decided to feature this talented designer. Her handbags are so nice and practical that every busy lady needs a bag. I suggest you stop over at her etsy shop so you can see the current inventory. MPP also has a great blog where you can find out the latest and the coolest things happening with her business venture. This bag is called "Dr Quinn Travel Bag" and you should know from the TV show that Dr. Quinn was independent lady for her time.

Great Diet Food - Nah?

I have seen some wonderful simulated polymer clay food. This art is really growing. I have seen some clay food on Etsy, YouTube, Claylessons and etc. places. At first I did not think about using these items in doll houses, but that is a perfect application for these items. I have seen some items turned into jewelry piece. Oh how cute! Now I do have a young and small niece in my life. She is an old spirit, so at 2 years old, she never puts inappropriate items into her month. But my mind does wonder ... if she saw a miniature polymer clay food item, would she try to eat it? I HOPE NOT. Those of who have these very realistic looking miniature food, will have to be very careful to make sure little ones, don't accidentally eat polymer clay. What do you think?

Weekly Feature: Fish Princess Designs

This week's shop is Fish Princess Designs and this artist hails from the crafters mecca of the mid-west "Metropolitan Detroit." This area is so packed with crafters events and shows. I use to live in Detroit and crafting in that area was wonderful, and I miss that. One of the best craft source is in Metro Detroit (Munro Crafts). Well Fish Princess makes hand crafted artisan jewelry using natural gemstones, pearls, beach stones, beach glass, fossils, Swarovski crystals,sterling silver, gold and copper. All her items are made by her, and inspired by nature! If you are in or near Michigan she has a list of shows on her blog telling where she'll be during the summer. She also has a nice looking Watermelon Salad.

In her "other" life she's an accountant who has a need to release her creative side! If she's not busy on her creations you might find her in the stream-she is also an avid fly fisherwoman!
she draw her inspirations from the great outdoors... a mountain stream, a walk in the woods, the beautiful Great Lakes, a fabulous sunset, a stormy sky...she hopes you will find something that inspires you also!
Be should to stop by her shop and blog I am sure you will find them delightful.

BESTeam - Sunny Sunshine

Do check out this bright Etsy shop, because the sun is really shining on "Your are my Sunshine, there are so many nice flowers blooming. Show owner Nina also has an extremely colorful blog worth checking out.
Here is what Nina says about her work. "My jewelry designs are a result of hours of imagining and daydreaming until I finally reach that "aha" moment that makes me smile.
They are my ideas, born of a desire to create a lovely thing for you that is truly one of its kind. You will receive a piece that as been created by my own hands, my heart, my imagination and my passion with loving care and attention that can be seen and touched by you. I use recycled and reclaimed fabrics as well as vintage and new components.
To me the "adaptation" of my work can only be a compliment." Nina also has a vintage shop worth visiting. Let me invite you to visit Nina's shops and blog to see more of her creative talent.

Alexander's Designs - BESTeam Feature

This week's featured shop is a talented couple who calls their shop Alexander's Designs. Thiw couple's jewelry is a unique blend of Swarovski Crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter, and gold. Some pieces are playful, bold with lots of color and some pieces are simple yet very beautiful.
They are a husband and wife team who love to create with their hands. They do everything from construction work to making danty jewelry. They are completely self-employed and are loving every minute of it!

You can wear this line of jewelry with confidence knowing that it is a unique piece of art, well-made and not mass produced. They hope everyone enjoys wearing their creations as much as they have enjoyed creating them."

Now you know what to do, visit, heart, read blog, and/or purchase something.

Pardo Clay

Pardo Clay is the newest clay to the polymer clay family. It has been on the market for about a year now but it is not carried by many craft suppliers. If you are interested in purchasing this clay I would suggested that you do a Yahoo/Google search to find a supplier.
As a member of the New York Polymer Clay Guild I was given a small batch of the Pardo Clay. My assignment is to report back my findings. I have had this batch for several months and I have not motivated myself to play with this new clay. So now I am doing so. I am considering writing a series of short blogs about this new product.
First impression – different marketing strategy from all the polymers in the past, is my first thought. Is there a special reason why the manufacturer packaged this clay as balls instead of blocks? If Pardo really wanted to step in to an existing artistic world, why would they change the way the polymer clay is measured. For years artists have sliced their blocks into fractional pieces for color mixing. (Halves, 1/16 and etc.) So when mixing Pardo to achieve new colors, an individual is going to attempt to cut the balls into 1/16’s and 1/8’s to mix colors. I think not. So with my first impression I would say it may have not been a good idea to market their product as balls of clay. I must say the balls are cute, though.

LotusMira This Week's Feature

Today's artist is a graduate student, earning both a law degree (JD) and a masters (MA). With this heavy academic load, I marvel at the fact that LotusMira is able to find time to be so creative. She has a blog you can visit and some how she finds time to twitter. Most of her current projects involve working with solder. She loves vintage imagery, found items, and ephemera. She also really enjoy the steampunk aesthetic. She thinks there is a lot of value both in the artistic chaos of collage, as well as in the simple beauty of something classic. Well her bracelets and earrings are a true statement of classic design. I really like these shard china earrings. The pink flower bead at the bottom, really draws me to these earrings.

So now that I have introduced you to LotusMira please do visit her shop, leave a heart or two, and consider purchasing her wonderful jewelry.

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